Week two of the Pain Coping Skills research study. Following up on the Progressive Relaxation guided technique of week one, in week two we learned a simple and useful technique called Mini-Practices. Mini-Practices For relaxation to benefit you the most, you need to learn how to relax and calm yourself upon your command. This skill can be very helpful when you are feeling increased tension or pain, but are unable to go to a secluded area to do progressive relaxation. To Do a Mini-Practice: Stop yourself in whatever you are doing Take a deep breath Say the word "relax" to … [Read more...]
Cognitive Coping Skills for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia
Did you miss me? This time of transition in my life has been trying to say the least. An emotional roller coaster would be a better way to describe it. One second I am excited by possibilities and the next second I am crushed with defeat. Sounds a lot like life doesn't it? It just so happens that a research study I was slated to participate in months ago started up last week. It is a local study on yoga and cognitive coping skills for the treatment of Fibromyalgia. I was hoping to end up in the cognitive group since I already have a good handle on the yoga, and since the trials of this … [Read more...]
Happy First Anniversary FibroHaven
FibroHaven is One Today! One year ago today I sat down at FibroHaven for the first time and wrote this - Welcome! In my very first post I shared what I hoped and intended to accomplish with my blog: I have found the blogs I like best are the ones whose authors are aware they have an audience, yet they speak with a realness and simplicity. They are authentic. I image if I met the author they would be exactly as they sound on their blog. That is the approach I hope to take in my writing. I want to be real. One year later I think my blog is exactly as real as I was hoping it would … [Read more...]
Fibromyalgia Wellness Project is Looking for Participants
In June I shared with you the announcement of The Fibromyalgia Wellness Project, a study to see if Fibromyalgia sufferers can easily discover simple modifications in their patterns of daily living to markedly reduced their symptoms. It was delayed due to scheduling and resource issues, but on Friday I received the announcement that it is up and looking for participants. Dear Friends, I am pleased to announce that the Fibromyalgia Wellness Project is now up and running and ready to receive participants. This is a research project sponsored by the National Institute of Arthritis, … [Read more...]
Focusing on Fibromyalgia with the NFA
Last month I had the honor of hosting the first Fibro Focus event organized by the National Fibromyalgia Association and their sponsor Pfizer Inc. The event was open to the local North San Diego community, and was attended by more than 50 people, including members of FibroHaven support group. I was thrilled to get the opportunity to meet Lynne Matallana, founder of the NFA. We share a passion to support, educate, and raise Fibromyalgia awareness. I have looked to her example many times over the course of the last several months since beginning my blog and support group. Meeting her in person … [Read more...]