Fibro Friends

Chronic Fatigue & Fibromaylgia Syndromes - Strategies for Healing Strategies for Healing

 Every person with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and/or fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) has a unique presentation of these conditions with various complications and sets of symptoms. There is no one treatment that can “cure” these syndromes or that is helpful to everyone however a combined approach of therapies can lead to an improved quality of life. Listed below are strategies and therapies that have been beneficial for myself and others.

1.   Diet and Chemical Exposure 

Impaired detoxification is common to chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia sufferers. Avoidance of stimulants, depressants, pharmaceutical drugs and toxic chemicals can make a big difference in feeling better. This includes alcohol, caffeine, sugar, pain relievers and additives in processed food. Unfortunately many physicians prescribe drugs for pain, depression and sleep, which become less effective with time and in the long run make a patient worse. Some people have a particular sensitivity to fluoride, which is discussed in the post "Fluoride Poisoning" fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2008/07/fluoride-poison.html. The optimal diet is one that is high in protein and minimally processed: organic meats, fish, eggs and dairy products, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and fruit. It is also important to consume salt and to drink plenty of water.

2.   Breathing and Oxygen

Breathing is the underlying force of life and many people with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia have impaired or restricted breathing contributing to poor health and pain. People with CFS/FMS are often unaware that they are surviving on less air, which does not show up in an oxygen saturation test because their bodies compensate for this with low blood pressure. This is a cause of neurally mediated hypotension, a blood pressure abnormality common in Chronic Fatigue patients. Oral Systemic Balance is a treatment developed by a TMJ dentist named Farrand Robson that employs oral appliances to help patients breathe better and restore balance to the nervous system. It resulted in significant improvement in my own health and provided the foundation for my recovery which I discuss in my post “Oral Systemic Balance” fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/02/oral-systemic-b.html .The treatment is time consuming and expensive however I believe that it addresses a key sources of stress for those suffering from Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Syndromes. For more information call TMJ Diagnostics at (800)977-1945.

Dr. Majid Ali, a leader in the field of Integrative Medicine with an impressive list of credentials believes that all the symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndromes are caused by cellular oxygen deprivation and dysfunctional oxygen metabolism. His website that discusses this theory is: www.majidali.com/oygenand.htm. 

The website www.breathing.com  has information on holistic breathing development research, education and self-help programs developed by “The Optimal Breathing Coach” Mike White. I recommend ordering the Fundamentals of Breathing Development Video and Breathing Kit, which offers an effective program of breathing exercises. The site also contains information on EWOT (see below) and is a good source for purchasing oxygen generators/concentrators. 

Improving breathing alone may not increase oxygen levels in the mitochondria, tissues and cells to healthy levels. Stress, physical trauma, aging and unresolved breathing issues gradually impair enzymatic functions and the body's ability to transfer oxygen to the cells. This can be reversed with a therapy called Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT). The therapy is relatively simple and inexpensive and can be done at home. It involves exercising for 15-30 minutes a day while breathing high flow oxygen produced by an oxygen generator. To learn more about this read my post "Exercise With Oxygen Therapy" at fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/09/exercise-with-oxygen-therapy.html.                                                                                        

3. Neurofeedback

Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Syndromes are conditions of neurological exhaustion and physical stress that result in dysregulation of the Central Nervous System. Dr. Len Ochs, a pioneer in the biofeedback field developed a unique form of EEG feedback or neurofeedback called Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS)  that has helped many people with CFS/FMS. The system operates entirely different from traditional EEG or neurofeedback training. Treatment involves very short (a few seconds per session) feedback of the dominant frequency the brain is producing at an offset. This results in the brain jumping out of its existing patterns and breaking up dysfunction. The therapy works best for those who have resolved underlying physical stressors that led to their condition i.e. obstructive breathing and infections. For more information read the book "The Healing Power of Neurofeedback" by Stephen Larsen and go to www.ochslabs.com/. For more information on LENS and my experience with this go to: fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/05/biofeedback-therapies-for-cfs-fms.html.

Some people who have sustained severe physical trauma and stress benefit from the addition of NeuroField,  a pulsed electromagnetic fields therapy to their LENS treatments. The therapy was developed by Dr. Nicholas Dogris and is practiced primarily by LENS providers. For more information go to: www.neurofield.org.  and read my post "Energy Medicine of the Future". http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/03/energy-medicine-of-the-future.html 

4. Frequency Specific Microcurrent

Frequency Specific Microcurrent is a system of treatment using microamperage current and the resonance effects of frequencies on tissues and conditions to create beneficial changes in symptoms and health. FSM is effective at treating nerve and muscle pain, inflammation and scar tissue. There is one frequency combination that has been observed to eliminate pain in fibromyalgia associated with spine trauma. Another frequency combination eliminates pain that manifests itself as chronic Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. For more information go to: www.frequencyspecific.com and read the post "Frequency Specific Microcurent" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2012/01/freq.html.

5. Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy or HRT involves the supplementation of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone for the relief of menopausal symptoms. Fibromyalgia Syndrome occurs most often in women who are perimenopausal or postmenopausal which suggests that decreasing female reproductive hormone levels may be involved in the development of this condition.  HRT is helpful as an adjunct therapy for many women suffering from fibromyalgia. For more on this go to: http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2012/02/hormone-replacement-therapy-an-effective-adjunct-treatment-for-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-fatigue-synd.html 

 6. Thyroid Function

Most chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients suffer from symptoms of hypothyroidism, which include low body temperature (below 98 degrees), fatigue and constipation, even though their thyroid blood tests are normal and/or they are taking thyroid replacement. Dr. Denis Wilson discovered that this condition which is called  “Wilson’s Thyroid Syndrome”, "Wilson's Low Body Temperature Syndrome" or “Wilson’s Syndrome” can be reversed by taking for a period of time the active thyroid hormone T3. Returning my body’s temperature and thyroid function to normal was one of the big breakthroughs of my healing and I think it is an issue for many CFS/FMS patients. You can read more about this at www.wilsonssyndrome.com and in my post “Thyroid Function" fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2009/03/thyroid-function.html.

7. Biofeedback Self-Regulation Skills

Biofeedback is the process of becoming aware of various physiological functions using instruments that provide information on these systems and through practice learning to manipulate them at will. I have found two biofeedback modalities: Surface EMG and Hand-Warming to be particularly beneficial in reducing the symptoms of an agitated sympathetic nervous system. Although I have personally not been successful in using HeartMath as a biofeedback tool it has helped many other people. All modalities use instruments that are inexpensive and can be practiced on ones own. 

An electromyograph (EMG) is an instrument that uses surface electrodes to detect muscle contraction. EMG biofeedback employs this instrument to measure the surface electromyogram (SEMG) using one or more active electrodes that are placed over a target muscle and actively record the muscle tone in microvolts. Paying attention to this feedback one can manipulate and decrease agitated muscle contractions. The therapy is particular helpful for fibromyalgia, which often manifests itself as a condition of hypertoned muscles that over contract. By placing electrodes on the tender or trigger points one can learn to retrain the muscles to relax. Surface EMG is also helpful for tension headaches, repetitive strain injuries and general calming of the nervous system. An inexpensive home unit can be purchased from Win Health www.win-health.com/neurotrac_simplex.html.

Hand-Warming or temperature biofeedback is a self-regulation skill that employs a feedback thermometer that detects skin temperature with a sensor that is attached to a finger. Paying attention to this feedback one can manipulate circulation to the extremities of the body which is often shunted in response to stress. The skill is helpful for preventing migraine headaches, arresting night sweats and general calming of the nervous system. An inexpensive Indoor/Outdoor thermometer can be purchased at a hardware or electronics store such as Radio Shack for this purpose using First Aid tape to afix the "outdoor" temperature sensor to one's finger.

HeartMath is a company that has developed a heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback technology called emWave which analyzes the beat to beat changes in the time intervals between heart beats, a measure of physiological stress. The program teaches the user to create positive heart rhythms that have a calming and balancing effect on the brain and entire body. Mastering this "coherence" technique through a three step process and the visual and auditory feedback from the emWave can improve health, energy, mental clarity and emotional balance and is particularly helpful for improving sleep. The emWave Coherence System is available as a computer application or a hand held device. For more information go to: www.heartmath.com. 

To read more about biofeedback treatments for CFS and my personal experience exploring them go to: fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/05/biofeedback-therapies-for-cfs-fms.html. 

8. Adrenal Exhaustion

Adrenal exhaustion is common to all CFS/FMS due to the enormous stress of living with these conditions. Mainstream endocrinologists do not diagnose or treat adrenal fatigue because there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the adrenal glands i.e. cancer or autoimmune disease. Holistic and naturopathic physicians diagnose this condition through saliva tests and treat with small amount of hydrocortisol, adrenal cortical extracts or live cell therapy for a few months to give the adrenal glands a chance to recover. Taking hydrocortisol has been helpful for those suffering from severe gastrointestinal issues as well. I have benefited from this therapy for short periods of time however my symptoms of adrenal exhaustion both experientially and as measured by cortisol levels did not completely resolve until I did LENS neurofeedback training. By healing the adaptive patterns that my brain acquired over years of living with chronic physical stress, my body was finally able to repair itself. To read more on this go to my post "Adrenal Exhaustion" fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2008/10/adrenal-fatigue.html  

9. Allergies

Identifying "hidden" food and chemical allergens and eliminating them can make a significant difference in the health of persons with chronic illness including chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. The enzyme-linksed immunosorbant assay/activated lymphocyte cytotoxicity test or ELISA/ACT is a valuable diagnostic test as well as the exclusion diet. Some persons have reported a relief from fibromyalgia-like symptoms by avoiding night shade vegetables.  

10. The Energetic Fitness System

The Energetic Fitness System is a unique energy technology that provides energy to the body to help it heal. Based on the work of the scientist Nikola Tesla, the technology creates analog harmonic frequency patterns that are different for each person. The user sits in a non-metal chair with bare feet on an energized glass plate while holding a 5-inch diameter energized glass bulb in the hands while high voltage with no current at a broad spectrum of random wavelengths is maintained between the hands and the feet. The system has helped many individuals with CFS and FMS. For more information go to: http://energeticfitness.com/ and read my post "Energetic Fitness System".  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/07/energetic-fitness-system.html.

11. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

The drug Naltrexone was originally approved in a high dose for the purpose of helping heroin or opium addicts by blocking opioid receptors. When taken at a much smaller dose it has the effect of boosting a body's immune system by causing an increase in endorphin and enkephalin production. LDN is helpful for a variety of conditions that are triggered by a deficiency of endorphins including cancer, HIV/AIDS and autoimmune diseases as well as persons with CFS and FMS. LDN is safe, inexpensive and has no reported side-effects. For more information go to: http://lowdosenaltrexone.org/ and read my post http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/10/low-dose-naltrexone.html

12. Earthing/Grounding 

Earthing is the practice of connecting with the energy emanating from the surface of the earth by standing or walking barefoot on the ground; or through the use of floor pads and conductive bed sheets linked by a wire to a ground rod outside or plugged into a wall outlet with a ground system. Reported benefits of Earthing on a regular basis include improved sleep, increased energy, improvement or elimination of symptoms of auto immune and inflammatory disorders, accelerated recovery from intense physical activity, normalization of the body's biological rhythms, reduction of jet lag, relief from hormonal and menstrual symptoms, and protection against environmental electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Some persons with CFS and FMS have reported dramatic improvements in their conditions especially in the area of sleep from Earthing. Others including myself appear to be hyper senstive to Earthing products which aggravate symptoms. To learn more about this read my post on Earthing at: fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/01/earthing-healing-from-the-ground-up.html . For more information and to order Earthing products go to: www.earthing.com. A source for handcrafted leather moccasins which provide non-insulating natural earthing footwear is:  http://www.wassookeagmoccasins.com

13. Electromagnetic Pollution

Many chronically ill persons including those with CFS & FSM are sensitive to environmental stresses from man-made radio frequencies (RFs) and electromagnetic fields (EMFs). They may be sick due to living in close proximity to a cellular tower; and may be particularly sensitive to the radiation coming from wireless devices, computers and microwave transmissions including microwave ovens and cell phones. Safe Living Technologies Inc. is a company that provides a lot of good information on the subject as well as technology and products to evaluate and protect your home from electromagnetic radiation. http://safelivingtechnologies.ca/  There are a number of other companies that sell products that claim to provide protection from the adverse effects of "electrosmog" including www.earthing.com (see strategy #6), http://earthcalm.com/ and http://mystressblocker.com however their effectiveness varies with with each individual and the science behind them is controversial. The MRS2000 is a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) device designed for personal use that simulates earth based frequencies using more sophisticated and expensive technology. A good site for information on this is: http://gaiaresonance.com. I discuss electromagnetic pollution and PEMF therapies in my post:   http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/03/energy-medicine-of-the-future.html  .

14. Low Intensity Laser Therapy

Low Intensity Laser Therapy also known as Cold Laser Therapy and Phototherapy is a noninvasive therapy that utilizes light emissions from a laser diode or super luminous diodes to help facilitate healing and relieve pain in injured or damaged tissues. It has proven to be effective in a variety of conditions including tendinitis, musculoskeletal injuries, wounds, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic neuropathy.  I used a system facilitated by a chiropractor called BioFlex Professional System manufactured by Meditech International Inc. www.bioflexlaser.com which was moderately helpful for my fibromyalgia muscle pain and plantar fasciitis. To read more about laser therapy go to: fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/07/phototherapy-healing-with-light.html 

15. Glutathione

Glutathione is the master antioxidant found in every cell of the body. It is responsible for transporting proteins between cells, detoxifying chemicals and environmental pollutants, activating the immune system and regenerating a variety of other antioxidants. Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia patients have low levels of glutathione and this causes some of the symptoms associated with the disorder including brain fog. Taking glutathione orally is ineffective because it is destroyed by stomach acid. Some physicians treat chronically ill patients with glutathione injections or include glutathione in a intravenous solution with vitamins and minerals. These therapies are expensive and their effects immediate and short term. There are supplements that can increase the production of glutathione including vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, milk thistle and N-acetyl cysteine. Dr. Robert Keller, a doctor who treated many chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients developed after 10 years of research a glutathione optimizer, which is a patented formula of supplements called MAXGXL. To order his original formula go to: http://robkellermd.com/link.php?go=glutathione.html&affid=67246. A more recently developed product produced by Max International Corporation called MaxONE contains RiboCeine, a patented combination of D-Ribose and L-Cysteine developed after 25 years of research by the Japanese scientist Dr. Nagasawa. RiboCeine has also shown to be effective in raising glutathione levels. For more information go to: www.maxgxl.com.

An alternative method is using a nonotechnology homeopathic patch that stimulates acupuncture points to increase the production of glutathione. For more information go to: www.lifewave.com. 

 To learn about my experience exploring the detoxification issue go to fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2009/05/detoxification.html.

To download interesting articles written by Rich Van Konynenburg, Ph.D.,an independent researcher about the role of glutathione depletion in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" go to: www.aboutmecfs.org/Trt/TrtGSHIntro.aspxaboutmecfs.org/Trt/TrtGSHIntro.aspx.

16. Protein Deficiency 

Fibromyalgia patients have chronically low levels of amino acids and are deficient in systemic protein, which provide the materials to maintain, protect and repair body functions. This is most likely due to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract that makes it difficult to completely digest protein, carbohydrates and fats. A chiropractor named Dr. Brice Vickery has studied this area extensively and developed a patented formula of amino acids called “Platinum Plus Essential Amino Acids” that is beneficial in addressing protein deficiency and improves many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. To learn more about this read my post “Protein Deficiency” fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2009/01/protein-deficiency-fibromyalgia.html.You can order the amino acids at: www.supernutrient.com. Some persons with fibromyalgia have reported an improvement in sleep and pain by taking collagen hydrolysat, a food supplement made from an animal collagen protein formula, manufactured by Nutr-Diem, Inc. under the brand name "Colorad".

17. Infections & Complicating Conditions 

CFS/FMS patients are prone to a variety of infections and conditions including yeast overgrowth or candida, intestinal parasites, heavy metal toxicity and mercury poisoning, viral, retroviral and mycoplasma infections, helicobacter pylori, and Lyme disease. This is due to lack of oxygen, inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, depletion of glutathione and stress. These conditions can be treated by a good holistic physician using herbs, short term courses of antibiotics and probiotics. An interesting website that discusses research on chronic infections is www.immed.org. 

18. Atlas Profilax

Atlas Profilax is a physical therapy developed in Switzerland by Rene-Claudius Shumperli, which employs a vibrating instrument that massages the sub-occipital muscles of the neck. This results in a freeing and relocating the first cervical vertebra or atlas. The treatment is gentle, safe and usually permanent typically requiring only one session. Cost for the treatment and follow-ups is $250. Although the treatment was not helpful for me, I know of a few people who got significant improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms from it. To read about their experiences check out the post "Atlas Profilax" fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2008/10/atlas-profilax.html . For more information on the procedure and to find a practitioner go to: www.atlasprofilax.ch/.

19. Lymphatic Dysfunction 

The lymphatic system is a specialized component of the circulatory system which functions to remove excess fluids from body tissues, absorb fatty acids and produce immune cells. FMS patients have a sluggish or restricted flow of lymph resulting in mild edema. This is due to chronically tense or contracted muscles that block blood and lymph flow. Some people have experienced a decrease of symptoms by taking decongestants and expectorants such as guaifenesin. An alternative treatment is using an electronic vibrational massage instrument called Lymph Star Pro that facilitates lymph drainage. The device is manufactured by Arcturus Star Products www.arcturusstar.com.  Low Intensity Laser Therapy (see strategy #6) and EMG biofeedback (strategy #5) are also therapeutic for lymph function.

20. Gastrointestinal Problems

Many people with CFS/FMS suffer from gastrointestinal problems including constipation, loose stools, bloating, and flatulence. There are multiple causes of these symptoms including intestinal parasites that can be treated with appropriate antibiotics, low production of stomach acid which can improve by taking hydrochloric acid capsules after meals and low production of digestive enzymes by the pancreas which can be treated by taking digestive enzymes. An excellent laboratory used primarily by naturopathic or holistic physicians for diagnosing these disorders is Diagnos-Techs, Inc in Tukwila, WA.  Some including myself have experienced good results in resolving gastrointestional problems from taking Mila, a proprietary blend of chia seeds that is high in fiber, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. For more information read my post http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/11/mila-the-healthiest-raw-food-in-the-world.html. 

21. Physical Therapies

I have explored a variety of physical modalities extensively in my search for better health including many kinds of acupuncture, massage, Rolfing, cranial sacral work, Tragger, chiropractic, Reiki, etc. I have found two forms of physical therapy to be particularly beneficial: Feldenkrais and Bowen Work.  Both these therapies are very gentle and noninvasive which is important for CFS/FMS patients who can overreact to more aggressive treatments. Feldenkrais addresses patterns of movement and posture that can cause pain. Its practitioners are well educated and can help individuals attain the most efficient and stress free way to move, stand and sit as well as an overall awareness of one’s body. For more information and to locate a practitioner go to: www.feldenkrais.com. Bowen Work stimulates healing through subtle moves that release tension in specific areas of the body and restore physical balance. For more information and to locate a practitioner go to: usbr@bowtech.com. Both therapies activate the sympathetic nervous system and are excellent adjuncts to healing.

Exercise is a tricky and sometimes impossible activity for persons with CFS/FMS depending on the severity of the condition. Overdoing it can result in a flare-up of symptoms and compound the exhaustive state. Mild exercise and movement such as walking, yoga and Tai Chi well within the limits of one's capacity for exertion however are beneficial.

22.  Stress Management

The challenge of living with conditions that cause ongoing fatigue, pain and insomnia is huge. Persons with CFS/FMS are under incredible stress physically and therefore have a low tolerance for additional stress in their personal lives. They need to learn to pace their activities and to make good decisions whenever possible about relationships, work and lifestyle that minimize personal stress. I have been very fortunate to have people in my life who are supportive and understanding and to not have to solely support myself financially. I have benefited from learning meditation, relaxation and biofeedback self regulation skills.  I also have built into my schedule a half hour “nap” after lunch that has been a lifesaver.

Fibromyalgia - A Syndrome of Variations

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a complex debilitating health disorder which is characterized primarily by widespread musculoskeletal pain and is often accompanied by a range of other symptoms including fatigue, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, thyroid dysfunction, headaches, and brain fog. There is historical evidence that this condition has been in existence for hundreds of years but only in the last 25 years has fibromyalgia achieved recognition from the medical community as a distinct disorder.

In 1990 the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) came up with a definition of fibromyalgia which stated that widespread pain should occur on both sides of the body, above and below the waist, and include axial pain (along the spin); and they identified 18 trigger or tender points, of which at least 11 should be painful to pressure. This definition was a good starting point but is not universally accepted today as the understanding of this complex disorder keeps evolving. After a study completed in 2010 the ACR changed their definition of fibromyalgia to identify non-tender point diagnostic criteria including fatigue, waking unrefreshed, and cognitive symptoms, as well as and other somatic symptoms; and it developed a severity scale of symptoms. 

Adding to the confusion over the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is its similarity to other overlapping conditions particularly Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but also Irritable Bowel Syndrome, chronic Lyme disease, allergies, and food and chemical sensitivities. The reality is that each individual with fibromyalgia presents a unique presentation of symptoms based on their particular history. What these individuals have in common is a system that has downregulated in response to a combination of physical stressors for which it can no longer accommodate. These stressors may include impaired breathing, toxic overload, emotional stress, physical trauma, menopause, and infections. For more on this read my post "What Causes Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Syndromes". http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/08/what-causes-chronic-fatigue-and-fibromyalgia-syndromes.html

In the vast number of books and articles on fibromyalgia there are as many theories and recommended treatments as there are variations in the disorder itself. My personal favorite book is Leon Chaitow's "Fibromyalgia Syndrome - A Practitioner's Guide To Treatment" because it presents a comprehensive overview of research, theories and treatments with chapters by different clinicians and therapists. Chaitow maintains a global perspective on the syndrome that is rare. He writes:

"Any attempt to reduce the complexity of FMS is laudable. However, there is a risk that such an attempt at reductionist reclassification may lead to the bigger picture being overlooked. ...many apparent 'causes' are in fact symptoms, evidence of a breakdown in homeostasis or of homeostasis in action."  "Treatment strategies will be based on any unique, idiosyncratic combination of inherited and acquired features that can be identified. Whatever is identified, the bottom line in therapeutic endeavours which aim to enhance health has to be to work with the self-regulating mechanisms of the body, in order to 'lighten' the adaptive load and enhance functional ability to cope with the load, to allow healing and regeneration". [1]

It appears that there are four distinct variations or forms of musculoskeletal pain in persons with fibromyalgia although they are seldom delineated by medical "experts" most likely because many patients have more than one of these forms concurrently. Understanding the particular type of fibromyalgia pain one is suffering from is important if one is to find appropriate treatments.

The first form of fibromyalgia pain is the severe full body pain caused by spine trauma. The pain is described as burning, sharp and aching, is not alleviated by narcotic or opioid medication, and is emotionally very distressing. This type of fibromyalgia is typically triggered by some kind of physical trauma such as an accident or surgery. Dr. Carolyn McMaken has developed an effective treatment protocol using Frequency Specific Microcurrent that has successfully resolved this condition for many individuals. For more information go to: www.frequencyspecific.com. Chiropractors employing a technique involving frequent neck adjustments called Neuro-Resetting Technique or Neurological Relief Center Technique have also accomplished similar results. 

The second form of fibromyalgia pain occurs when muscles are unable to recover or adequately repair themselves from daily activity resulting in chronic inflammation and pain in the connective tissue or fascia. The pain is described as dull and improves with rest and applications of cold. It is similar to post exercise muscle soreness or "Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness" that occurs in healthy individuals that are strained by over use but in fibromyalgia any repetitive movement is essentially damaging. This is the type of fibromyalgia which I refer to as "fibromyalgia muscle dysfunction" and write about in my post "Fibromyalgia - A perspective on Muscle Dysfunction and Effective Treatments.  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/10/f.html   An excellent analysis of this muscle pain is written by Ginevra Liptan, MD in the chapter entitled "Fascia is the Source of Muscle Pain" in her book Figuring Out Fibromyalgia.[2]  Effective therapies are limiting and rotating physical activities, cryotherapy, EMG biofeedback training, female hormone replacement, and various forms of physical therapies including Bowen work and myofascial release. 

The third form of fibromyalgia pain is an all over body achiness accompanied by extreme fatigue. The pain is reminiscent of having the flu, is often episodic, and improves with applications of heat. This is a caused by a supressed immune system that is overtaxed by food and chemical allergies, and/or  chronic infections such as Lyme disease and parasites. Effective treatments include identifying and treating chronic infections; identifying and eliminating allergens; and improving the immune system with therapies such as Human Probiotics and the Marshall Protocol. 

The fourth and final form of fibromyalgia pain is referred to as central sensitization or spinal cord hyper-reactivity and is the result of a system that has gotten so stressed and exhausted by any of the previous forms or combinations of forms of fibromyalgia that the entire nervous system goes into a state of chronic sympathetic arousal. People with fibromyalgia can become hyper-reactive to any number of things including noise, light, physical touch, temperature changes, and they develop a chronic agitation of the nerves and corresponding trigger points up and down the entire spine. Effective treatments include using some of the previously discussed therapies appropriate to the individual's condition; and retraining the nervous system  through biofeedback self-regulating skills and neurofeedback which I describe in my post "Biofeedback Therapies for CFS and FMS". http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/05/biofeedback-therapies-for-cfs-fms.html ; 

I suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome for 28 years but was able to live a fairly functional life due to stress management, diet, moderate exercise, meditation, yoga and years of biofeedback and neurofeedback training. At the onset of menopause however my health took a turn for the worse and I developed fibromyalgia muscle dysfunction that made it impossible to continue being active physically. At this lowest point of my life physically I was unable to sleep for more than 20 minutes at a stretch, felt light headed when I stood up, was injuring my muscles doing very low level tasks, had a chronically dry mouth, alternated between feeling hot and cold, had poor digestion, and extreme fatigue. I never developed brain fog or central sensitization which I attribute to years of biofeedback and neurofeedback training and my continuous involvement in music.

One of the big misnomers about fibromyalgia is that exercise is beneficial. Although a certain amount of movement is always good for well being, increasing the demands of the muscles with weight bearing and repetitive activity beyond a person's recovery threshold will result in muscle injury and pain. In every survey I have seen of patients with fibromyalgia the number one helpful thing was rest, not exercise. Another misnomer is that fibromyalgia is caused by not getting adequate sleep particularly in the deep REM stage. It is true that most if not all fibromyalgia patients suffer from insomnia but disordered sleep in my opinion is a symptom of the syndrome not a cause. Unfortunately there are no effective medicines that alleviate the inflammation in the muscle fascia that contributes to disturbed sleep, and pharmaceutical sleep aids become less effective over time and worsen the condition as they further suppress the system. 

Healing from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndromes requires identifying and treating the underlying stressors that lead to the condition; and restoring normal levels of functioning that have down regulated in response those stressors.  My personal recovery thus far is a result of number of cutting edge therapies that are not included in Chaitow's book and most of the literature on these syndromes. Of primary importance to my recovery was Oral Systemic Balance (OSB) which successfully corrected a breathing problem using custom designed oral appliances. (Chaitow attributes breathing problems in fibromyalgia to hyperventilation and bad breathing habits when in fact these problems are primarily structural having to do with the anatomy of the tongue, teeth and mouth).

Improving my breathing with OSB took a huge layer of stress off of my body but was not enough to allow me to fully heal. This is because after 35 years of struggling with chronic fatigue my body was stuck in some significant maladaptive stress patterns. Addressing Wilson's Low Body Temperature Syndrome, a condition of thyroid dysfunction triggered by long term stress, by taking for a period of time incremental amounts of T3 allowed my body temperature to return to normal and resolved a particular kind of fatigue that I struggled with for over 30 years. LENS neurofeedback helped heal post traumatic brain damage and emotional trauma from living with chronic illness. My health has also benefited significantly from taking female hormone replacement therapy. These and other effective therapies are outlined  with links to more in depth posts and websites in my opening post "Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia Syndromes -Strategies for Healing"  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/05/chro.html 

Although I no longer suffer from fatigue or any of the other extreme symptoms I described as occurring at the lowest point in my health history, I still have fibromyalgia muscle dysfunction. The threshold of activities I can "get away with" has increased so that I live a productive life, but I still cannot exercise, practice the piano or garden on a daily basis. I also still have disturbed sleep which corresponds to the amount of activity I do and inflammation in my muscle fascia; impaired digestion; and reactions to stimulants of all kinds. I suspect this is because parts of my physiology are still stuck in low gear and are not producing adequate amounts of enzymes, hormones and amino acids to function normally. I have learned through trial by error that supplementing with these things does not improve my situation because after a short period of time they become ineffective. This is most likely due to my body readjusting to the supplements in order to maintain the low levels it has adapted to. At present I am exploring a couple of new therapies that may reverse my remaining issues. Look forward to upcoming posts to see if I'm successful!

 ^{____________________________________________________________________}

^{[1] Chaitow, Leon. Fibromyalgia Syndrome A Practitioners Guide. Churchill Livingston Elsevier. 2010.}      

^{[2] Liptan, Ginevra. Figuring Out Fibromyalgia. Visceral Books, LLC. 2011.}

Be kind for everyone you meet is carrying a great burden. - Philo

Personal Update

Dear Fibro Friends,

Over the past year and a half I have continued my search for effective therapies to help persons with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes. You can trace this search by reading my blog posts on specific therapies and subjects, however I feel that now is a good time to write a summary of my recent health "adventures".

I spent the majority of last year exploring various forms of energy medicine that employ electricity to stimulate healing. The science behind these therapies is based on the principle that all living beings are primarily energetic and governed by electrical impulses. Specific frequencies and amplitudes of electricity have been found to promote healing at the cellular level and provide the catalyst for restoring balance in damaged molecular systems of the body. The field of modern energy medicine, which includes low level laser, microcurrent, pulsed electromagnetic field, and static electric field therapies is developing rapidly and provides effective nonpharmalogical treatments for many chronic conditions.

After reaching a plateau in my improvements with LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) I started using NeuroField, a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy developed by Dr. Nicholas Dogris, which is used in conjunction with LENS treatments. This therapy involved commuting once a week for five months to Orinda, California to work with a wonderful therapist named Dr. Candia Smith. I made progress in my sense of well being, emotional stability and energy, however these combined treatments failed to improve my sleep or muscle condition. For more information on this and on energy medicine in general read my post "Energy Medicine of the Future". http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/03/energy-medicine-of-the-future.html 

In the spring of 2011 I was contacted  by Justin Brost who manufactures a static electrical field technology called the Energetic Fitness System. The unique aspect about this form of energy medicine is that rather than employing specific digital frequencies determined by a therapist to treat different conditions, the energy field creates analog harmonic frequency patterns that are rapidly changing and different for each person, theoretically providing the frequencies each person needs to heal and balance their body. Brost's business is located in Bellingham, Washington about and hour and a half drive north of Seattle. I traveled to Bellingham, Washington ten times to try this technology out and then purchased my own unit. Although I initially had a very good response to EFS over time I became reactive to it and it was no longer therapeutic. For more information on this read my post "The Energetic Fitness System" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/07/energetic-fitness-system.html 

Then during the summer of 2011 I traveled twice to Portland, Oregon to try Frequency Specific Microcurrent with its developer Dr. Carolyn McMaken. McMaken uses specific frequencies that treat people with fibromaylgia caused by cervical spinal trauma. She insisted that I did not have any kind of fibromyalgia since my muscle pain is triggered almost entirely by physical exertion. McMaken treated me for a number of other conditions including concussion, liver toxicity, parasympathetic nervous system toxicity, and DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). Although I initially had a good response to FSM the effects were not long lasting. McMaken referred me to a neurogist in Durango, Colorado named Dr. Catherine Willner who uses FSM in her practice. Willner tried some additional FSM frequencies on me that were not helpful. For more on this read my post "Frequency Specific Microcurrent" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2012/01/freq.html.

Although none of the forms of energy medicine that I explored resolved my remaining symptoms, I feel that my overall health is better than before I used them. There are many anecdotal accounts of healing in persons with chronic illness using these technologies and they are all safe so I encourage others to give them a try. My personal opinion is that these therapies are excellent for treating acute inflammation and muscular and skeletal injuries, however they are not as effective in resolving long term systemic conditions such as chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes.

In October of 2011 I discovered by chance how beneficial female hormone replacement therapy is for my particular situation. After eight years of taking Activella, a combination of a plant based estradial and progestin, I decided to decrease my dose by one half. One week later my muscle condition and sleep became dramatically worse and this persisted for two weeks until I figured out the connection. A week after I went back on my regular dose, my symptoms improved to the point where they were before the decrease in hormone replacement. I spent several months researching the possible connection between female hormone levels and fibromyagia. To read about this and the conclusions I reached read my post "Hormone Replacement Therapy - An Effective Adjunct Therapy forFibromyalgia".  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2012/02/hormone-replacement-therapy-an-effective-adjunct-treatment-for-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-fatigue-synd.html  

At the recommendation of Dr. Willner I went through a series of tests at Swedish Neuro Sciences in Seattle, Washington to assess my muscle condition. About half the doctors I have consulted think that my muscle pain is a form of fibromyalgia while the other half insist that I don't have fibromyalgia. My personal opinion is that I do have fibromyalgia but because of all the improvements in other areas of my health due to the therapies I have pursued, specifically Oral Systemic Balance and LENS neurofeedback, I do not present myself as the typical fibromyalgia patient (no fatigue, brain fog or all body pain). I was willing to undergo this rather lengthy process of testing which involved blood tests, EMG muscle and nerve testing, and MRI and muscle biopsy to see if anything would turn up. Laboratory tests showed no sign of muscle disease however there was evidence of an old injury and nerve reinnervation. To read more about my personal understanding of the muscle dysfunction that I have and which I think is common to many people with FMS read my post: "Fibromyalgia - a Perspective on Muscle Dysfunction and Effective Treatments".  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/10/f.html 

Most recently I embarked on a new therapy which appears at least in this early stage to be the missing piece of the puzzle for resolving my remaining health issues. I am working with a scientist who has developed a technology called Human Probiotics which reinstates beneficial human sourced probiotics or "vitamins" that are no longer produced by a person's microflora. The reintroduction of these microbes into a person's gastrointestional tract or gut repairs the immune system and "turns the genes back on" correcting methylation problems and restoring serotonin levels. The therapy involves monthly trips to the Boston area. So far my response has been excellent with consistently better sleep, muscle function and less reactivity to foods. I am optimistic that I am on the last stretch of recovery for which I  am extremely grateful. The therapy is a process and only time will tell how successful it will be for me as well as a few others I know who are also pursuing this. Stay tuned for a future post on this subject. The best way to do this is to subscribe to my blog which you can do by clicking "Subscribe to this blog's feed" which appears at the bottom of the "Categories" column on the left hand side of my blog: http://www.fibrofriends.typepad.com.  

Everyday I think about those suffering with chronic illness and how much courage and faith this takes. The support and friendship I recieve from my "fibro friends" is immeasurable and inspires me to move forward in my search for solutions to difficult health issues. It is my firm belief that chronic fatigue and fibromyagia syndromes are totally reversible conditions and that the treatments to do that have already been discovered, we just have to find them! To that end I continue to dedicate my personal search and this blog.

Sincerely yours, Darden

Hormone Replacement Therapy - An effective adjunct treatment for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia Syndrome occurs most often in women who are perimenopausal or postmenopausal. This suggests that decreasing female reproductive hormone levels may be involved in the development of fibromaylgia. Hormone replacement therapy or HRT involves the supplementation of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone for the relief of menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. There are few studies on the effectiveness of HRT taken by persons with fibromyalgia however many women including myself have experienced an improvement in symptoms when taking female hormones.

Both Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Syndromes are stress response related disorders that produce abnormalities and disruptions in the endocrine system and specifically to what is referred to as the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. This results in decreased cortisol production and adrenal exhaustion. For more on this read my post "Adrenal Exhaustion" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2008/10/adrenal-fatigue.html . I suspect that these abnormalities also result in a deficiency of estrogen that is a major contributor to many symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. 

One reason why hormone replacement therapy may help with fibromyalgia symptoms is that magnesium utilization is increased by the presence of estrogen. Magnesium is critical for hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the human body. Adequate amounts of it are necessary for proper ATP synthesis and muscle functioning and a deficiency of magnesium can result in muscle soreness and tension, poor sleep, tension and migraine headaches, anxiety, hyperactivity, and constipation - all symptoms common to fibromyalgia syndrome. Scientific studies also support that estrogens are good for skeletal muscle function and strength and that female hormonal decrease is associated with a greater incidence of muscle injury and a delay in recovering from these injuries. 

There are a variety of female hormonal supplements and methods of applications including pill form, patch, cream and vaginal preparations. Estrogen is usually prescribed along with progesterone unless a woman no longer has a uterus because supplementing with estrogen alone can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Sources of estrogen include conjugated equine estrogens obtained from pregnant mares' urine, synthetic estradiol, or plant based estradiol obtained from soy or yams. Sources for progesterone include some type of synthetic progesterone or progestin, or micronized progestrone from plant sources. Standard HRT contains various combinations of these hormones.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a term referring to the use of un-patentable plant derived hormones that have the same molecular structure as the hormones in the human body. Supplements often contains the three forms of estrogen that naturally occur in the body - estriol, estrone and estradiol plus micronized or "natural" progesterone. They are typically prescribed by naturopathic and "alternative" physicians who use saliva tests to measure hormone levels and then customize formulas prepared by a compounding pharmacy for individual patients. Hormones are often prepared in transdermal creams that are applied to the skin and labia thus go directly into the bloodstream and bypassing the liver. BHRT is considered by some to be a safer alternative to standard HRT however there have been no clinical trials comparing the effectiveness or relative safety of bioidentical versus nonbioidentical compounds. 

In 2002 the use of HRT declined after a study initiated by The Women's Health Initiative was discontinued because researchers found that women taking HRT in the form of Premarin (conjugated equine strogen plus progestin) had a greater incidence of coronary heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, and pulmonary embolism along with a decreased risk of colorectol cancer and fewer fractures. The study which began in 1991 was part of a 15-year project sponsored by the National Institutes of Health on health issues for older women. Later data suggested that the risk of menopause hormones was considerably less for younger women and that certain women who used only estrogen had a reduced risk for breast cancer and heart attacks. As a result of the study long term use of HRT is no longer recommended for post menopausal women and HRT is typically only prescribed for short term relief of menopausal symptoms at low doses. 

During the ten years leading up to menopause when I had chronic fatigue I suffered from severe night sweats. Several alternative health practitioners prescribed "natural" or bioidentical progesterone for me but this only intensified my symptoms. At the onset of menopause my health deteriorated dramatically and I started having fibromyalgia like symptoms in my muscles. Working with a naturopathic physician and results from a saliva female hormone test I tried Biodentical Hormone Replacement Therapies but this failed to relieve my menopausal symptoms and increased my night sweats. I was recommended a form of HRT by my nurse practitioner called Activella, which is a combination of 1 mg. plant based estrodial and .5 mg. progestin. I tolerated this formula quite well with no adverse effects and my hot flashes and vaginal dryness went away within a week. 

When I began taking Activella my health condition was at an all time low. I was happy to not have to deal with menopausal symptoms on top of everything else and I did not notice any improvement in any other symptoms. Several years later I began to make breakthroughs in my health with therapies that I have discussed in this blog, specifically Oral Systemic Balance, Wilson's Syndrome protocol, and LENS neurofeedback. After eight years of taking Activella I thought that it might be a good idea to decrease my HRT since I was well past the menopausal period for which HRT is currently recommended. My naturopathic physician was concerned by the results of a saliva hormonal test that showed very elevated levels of estradial. At the recommendation of my nurse practitioner I started to skip taking Activella one day a week. During that time I had flares in my fibromyalgia around once a week but I did not suspect this had anything to do with skipping one day of my HRT. Then I decreased my dose in half, taking a half tablet of Activella each day. I did not experience a return of hot flashes which I interpreted as a good sign however after a week I experienced a flare in my fibromyalgia that lasted not just for a few days but continued for two weeks and was the worst setback in muscle pain and disturbed sleep with heat at night in many years. After two disabling weeks I suspected that the decrease in HRT might have something to do with my relapse. I went back on my regular dose of Activella and a week later my intense symptoms went away. 

The experience of decreasing the amount of HRT I take made me realize how important female hormones are to my health situation. As an experiment I tried increasing the Activella by one-half each day to see if this could provide any further benefits but I experienced symptoms of taking too much estrogen - sore breasts. I also experimented with taking additional progesterone both synthetic progestin which was not helpful and bioidentical progesterone which once again produced heat at night. Curious about the efficacy of various laboratory tests I did blood tests for estradiol and progesterone which were low when I was on the half dose of Activella. I also did a 24 hour urine hormone profile considered by some to be the gold standard of hormone testing which measured extremely high levels of estrogens, which is normal for persons taking oral estrogen. The laboratory also measured other forms of estrogens, which according to the laboratory physician did not indicate a potential risk for cancer. 

I have come to the conclusion for myself that taking HRT in the form of Activella is very helpful for my health. Since my "experiment" I have stayed regular with my dose and my fibromyalgia symptoms are better. Unfortunately because of the current reluctance in the medical community to prescribe HRT because of risk factors found in the Women's Health Initiative, many women with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia may be discouraged to try a therapy that may benefit their condition. I personally think that the testing of hormones using saliva, blood or urine should not be the determining factor in deciding the correct dose of hormones, rather HRT should be adjusted to the symptoms of the patient. In regards to large studies, it is important to remember that all postmenopausal women like all people are medically not the same. Individual women will respond differently to various forms of HRT and need to find out for themselves which type is beneficial for their health. I have many friends who continue to take HRT well into their 60's and 70's and would not consider stopping because of how it contributes to their quality of life. I suspect that for many women with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome this is also true. 

Frequency Specific Microcurrent

Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is a system of energy medicine that employs low levels of electrical current in millionths of an ampere to stimulate the healing of specific health conditions. The frequencies used in FSM are square wave electromagnetic pulses created by a battery operated device that supplies electricity on two channels firing at the same time. Specific frequencies address specific conditions with the frequency thought to address or neutralize the condition on one channel and the frequency thought to address the tissue on the other. 

The history of electromagnetic therapy devices started in the early 1900's when many medical and osteopathic physicians were exploring the use of frequencies to treat patients. In 1934 Maurice Fishbein of the American Medical Association clamped down on electromagnetic therapies by declaring them "unscientific" and threatened to revoke the medical licenses of physicians who used them. Electromagnetic research and treatments declined and their equipment was removed from the market by the FDA in the mid-1950's. In the 1980's microcurrent began to be used by physicians in Europe and the United States for stimulating healing in wounds and fractures. Units delivering micro amperage current were approved in the category of TENS by the FDA for pain management. (TENS or Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a device that blocks pain using higher levels of current than FSM measured in milliamps, which was patented in 1974).

In 1994 Dr. Carolyn McMakin, a chiropractor practicing in Portland, Oregon began using microcurrent frequencies obtained from the clinical notes of Dr. Harry Van Gelder, a retired osteopath with additional frequencies obtained from the writings of Dr. Albert Abrams and Dr. McWilliams. She discovered that the frequencies appeared to do exactly what they were purported to do with no other effects, in other words the frequency listed to decrease inflammation reduced redness and swelling and the one to stop bleeding reduced bleeding. After successfully treating patients with frequencies and observing their effects McMakin began teaching the technique in 1997 to other health practitioners who were able to reproduce the same results. FSM is currently taught in seminars throughout the United States and in Ireland to medical and naturopatic physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists and acupuncturists. There are frequencies to address over 200 conditions including inflammation, scar tissue, herpes virus/shingles, nerve pain, brain fog, wound healing, and acute PTSD. One frequency combination or protocol has been found to eliminate the full body pain associated with fibromyalgia caused by spine trauma. 

In July of 2011 I traveled to Portland, Oregon to see Dr. Carolyn McMaken to found out if FSM would be beneficial for me. After a lengthy intake of my medical history, McMaken declared that I did not have fibromyalgia since my pain was not random and triggered almost entirely by physical exertion. In my opinion fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are syndromes that encompass a wide variety of overlapping disorders and McMaken was simply stating that I did not have the kind of full body fibromyalgia pain caused by cervical trauma that responds to FSM. McMaken treated me with for a number of other conditions that she thought might be beneficial including concussion, liver toxicity, parasympathetic nervous system toxicity, and pituitary. She diagnosed the potential benefit of a frequency by my symptoms and also by feeling the muscle tension in my arm which softened in response to some frequencies during treatment. After my treatment session I felt positively intoxicated for about a half hour, a response according to McMaken that typically happens the first several times a person does FSM . 

McMaken thought that the pain I experience after using my muscles was similar to a condition called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness which FSM has shown to help and has a published study on these results. Although McMaken had never encountered anyone like myself who had this condition in a chronic way, I personally know many people with fibromyalgia who have this condition which I describe in my post "Fibromyalgia Muscle Dysfunction". Delayed Onest Muscle Soreness or DOMS is the pain and stiffness felt in muscles several hours to days after unaccustomed or strenuous exercies resulting from muscle damage caused by eccentric exercise. DOMS is a universal symptom experience by most people who take a break from exercising or do an unfamiliar eccentric exercise. This symptom typically goes away once a person becomes accustomed to the exercise. In my case I am not able to tolerate exercise no matter how gradually I build up to it and damage my soft tissue with a very small amount of demand and stretching. The only remedies I have found is to limit my activities, practice EMG biofeedback on my muscles and rest.  A month after my initial visit I returned to Portland to see if FSM frequencies for DOMS would help my muscle condition. Prior to my first treatment I took a strenuous walk and did some yoga stretching. The next day I challenged myself further with a longer walk and more exercise followed by another FSM treatment. I felt intoxicated after both treatments and did not developed symptoms of muscle soreness. Dr. McMaken felt that the treatment was successul and sold me for $2,000 a Custom Care microcurrent unit distributed by Precision Distributing Precision, a company operated out of her residence in Longview, Washington. The unit was loaded with a number of frequency protocols for conditions that might be helpful for me including DOMS which I was instructed to run whenever I experienced muscle soreness. After I returned home I experienced another several days of respite from my muscle condition and continued with moderate activity followed by running the DOMS protocol on my Custom Care unit. Gradually over the period of a week my muscle condition returned and the frequencies appeared to become ineffective and then provoked an agitation of my nervous system. 

Unable to help me any further Dr. McMaken referred me to Dr. Catherine Willner, a neurologist and close colleague of McMaken's who resides in Durango, Colorado and practices FSM. Dr. Willner is an intellectual with impressive knowledge of both conventional and alternative medicine who practiced for ten years at the Mayo Clinic. She spent seven hours with me discussing my health history and did one session of FSM. Dr. Willner was puzzled by my unique set of symptoms and recommended that I do further testing at Swedish NeuroScience in Seattle to diagnose possible muscle pathology. She recommended that I experiment with additional FSM protocols at home. In order to add these protocols to my Custom Care Unit, it needed to be shipped back to Dr. McMakin, a process that took ten days. Further experimentation with these FSM frequencies on my own produced no positive results. When I requested to return my unit for a refund Dr. McMakin said that this was not possible. Since my unit includes many other frequencies that I did not use including wound healing, sinus cold and shingles, it may prove helpful to me or others I know in the future. 

Although I did not experience a resolution in any of my remaining health issues with FSM I feel overall a bit healthier than before I did the treatments. I know from personal reports that FSM has benefited many people with specific conditions particularly in the area of pain relief. I also know that FSM is very safe and low risk so in this way it is worth investigating for those suffering from chronic illness, however the success of the therapy is dependent on the proper diagnosis of the practitioner and whether there is a protocol for the patient's conditon. For more information and to find a FSM practitioner go to: www.frequencyspecific.com. For information on other forms in the emerging field of energy medicine read the post "Energy Medicine of the Future" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/03/energy-medicine-of-the-future.html 

Custom Care microcurrent unit. Black graphite gloves are inserted between a wet towel and placed between treated area, usually the back and abdomen. 

Mila - The Healthiest Raw Food in the World?

Like many people with chronic health issues I have experimented with taking a variety of nutritional supplement in my quest for better health. Over the years I spent a small fortune trying various vitamins, minerals, herbs, digestive enzymes, and supplement formulas recommended by naturopathic and medical physicians, chiropractors, articles on the Internet, friends, and network marketing sales people. The big breakthroughs in my health however did not come from consuming any of these products and over time I became increasingly intolerant of supplements altogether. I have come to the conclusion for myself that the best way to obtain good nutrition is through eating  a variety of whole foods. 

The journalist Michael Pollan is one of my heroes on the subject of healthy eating. Through his articles in the New York Times magazine and books including "The Omnivore's Dilema" and "In Defense of Food" he has raised public awareness about the industrialization of agriculture and the flaws of nutritional science. In the case of my family he is preaching to the choir as we've been eating primarily whole foods for years, growing our own vegetables, raising chickens for eggs, and having the good fortune to have access to Alaskan seafood and pasture raised beef. I think that human beings can utilize the nutrition in whole foods better than vitamins and minerals that have been synthesized into supplement form. 

There are some foods that are particularly dense in beneficial nutrients. These so called "super foods" provide a great source of nutrition in a natural way and provide a good alternative to nutritional supplements. Some common super foods include salmon, eggs, garlic, green leafy vegetables, quinoa and yogurt. Other more obscure super foods from around the globe that are marketed specifically for their health benefits include chlorella, spirulina, goji and acai berries, raw cacao, maca and noni. 

Mila is proprietary selection of the whole raw chia seed or Salvia hispanica L. - a super food originally cultivated by the Aztecs who referred to it as "running food". When the Spanish conquered the Aztecs they burned the chia fields as a means of suppressing the native culture. In recent times chia has been "rediscovered" as a remarkable super food and source of dietary fiber, protein, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytonutrients. After years of careful scientific study Mila was developed using specially selected chia strains grown at specific altitudes and latitudes with specific soils and growing seasons to produce the highest nutritional value. The raw seeds are opened and reduced to a powder with a proprietary "cold fracture" technology that keeps all the omega ols intact and maximizes this food's bio-availability. Mila can be mixed with water or any beverage or combined with a variety of foods and does not require refrigeration. 

I found out about Mila from a friend of mine who suffers from fibromyalgia. She told me that Mila had made a big difference in her irritable bowel symptoms and energy. I was reluctant to try Mila considering my hypersensitivity to many foods and supplements but I found that I tolerate Mila quite well. My bowel movements improved within a few days and are now are more regular and normal looking. For best results I let the Mila soak in liquid for at least six minutes before drinking.  After over ten years of chronic constipation, bloating and occasional loose stools this is a welcome change. I had previously tried probiotics, digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid to address this issue with little success. If this is all Mila can do for me I will be pleased. Although I personally do not think that diet alone can provide the catalyist for systemic changes required to reverse serious conditions such as chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, a healthy diet is nonetheless an important requirement which is why I list it as my number one "Strategy for Healing" in the opening post of this blog. I think that Mila which contains exceptionally high levels of omega fatty acids, protein and fiber as well as calcium, magnesium, iron and selenium is a positive addition to my diet. 

Mila is sold by independent distributors of the network marketing company Lifemax. If you want to order some Mila go to http://www.lifemax.net/Lisahemmeter. There is a lot of good information on the website. 

Low Dose Naltrexone

The drug Naltrexone was originally approved in 1984 at the 50mg. dose for helping heroin and opium addicts. It works by blocking the reception of the opioid hormones beta-endorphin and metenkephalin in the cells of the the immune system. In 1985 Dr. Bernard Bihari, MD discovered that a much smaller does (3 mg.) when taken at bedtime produced a brief blockage of opioid receptors between 2 and 4 AM. This results in an increase in endorphin and enkephalin production which is beneficial to the immune system. Low Dose Naltrexone or LDN has shown to be effective in helping persons with HIV/AIDS, cancer, autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis, and central nervous system disorders including Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Syndromes. 

Because Naltrexone is a generic drug that is without patent protection, no pharmaceutical company will bear the expense of large clinical trials necessary for FDA approval of LDN however over the last few years there have been a growth in small studies of LDN for conditions including  one for fibromyalgia by Stanford Medical School in 2009. In the study six out of ten participants felt significantly better than placebo reducing their symptoms of pain, fatigue, stress, sleep problems gastrointestinal complaints, and headaches. For more information on the study go to: http://snapl.stanford.edu/research/ldn.html. Similar results were replicated by surveys on treatment effectiveness by both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients by the advocacy group "CureTogether" http://curetogether.com. 

Low levels endorphins are generally present in diseases associated with immune deficiencies. In this way this relatively safe drug can be helpful for a variety of conditions. The therapeutic dose of LDN is 1.5-4.5 mg. taken nightly. Larger doses block opoid receptors for too long a period of time to be effective. LDN needs to prescribed by a physician and prepared by a reliable compounding pharmacy. The drug is inexpensive - approximately $38 for one month's supply and has no known side effects except more vivid dreams. 

Although I am generally opposed to the treatment of CFS and FMS with pharmaceutical drugs, LDN falls into a different category. It is relatively safe, inexpensive and appears to have no bad effects. I personally know several persons who have benefited from taking LDN on a regular basis. Although not a cure it gives these individuals an important "edge" in their quality of life. This is a treatment that definitely is worth investigating. For more information go to: http://lowdosenaltrexone.org/

 

Fibromyalgia - A Perspective on Muscle Dysfunction and Effective Treatments

Fibromyalgia Syndrome remains a mysterious conglomeration of symptoms for which there is no definitive cause or treatment. The muscle condition characteristic of fibromyalgia is particularly poorly understood. To add to the confusion fibromyalgia patients are often referred to rheumatologists for diagnosis and treatment despite the fact that fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease. So what exactly is fibromyalgia?

“Fibro” refers to the fibers of the muscle tissue. “Myalgia” means pain in the soft or connective tissue of the muscles; tendons, which attach the muscles to the bones; and ligaments, which attach the bones to other bones. Myalgia is also referred to as “Soft Tissue Rheumatism”.  It is most commonly caused by the overuse or stretching of a specific muscle or group of muscles that occur in conditions such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel.  In the case of fibromyalgia syndrome the condition is systemic occurring on both sides of the body above and below the waist. The muscles in fibromyalgia patients are not able to recover adequately from everyday exertion. This results in pain, adhesion, and injury in the muscle tissue or fascia. When a person with fibromyalgia forces their muscles to work they develop sore spots called trigger or tender points. These points are felt as painful lumps or nodules that can be palpated by an experienced physical therapist or physician. A number of doctors who specialize in fibromyalgia believe that the cause of painful trigger points is metastatic calcium produced by chronically contracted muscles which cannot receive proper blood flow. The tissues become hypoxic (less than normal amounts of oxygen in the tissues) and contract further setting the calcium more permanently within the soft tissues.  Severely impaired fibromyalgia patients have large lumps of calcium deposits sometimes referred to as scar tissue at their trigger points. Rhematologists have identified 18 specific trigger or tender points that they use to diagnose fibromyalgia. According to The American College of Rheumatology a person should have pain in a least 11 of 18 tender points to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia while other doctors think one can have fewer points. The truth is that there is a lot of variation in the symptoms of fibromyalgia patients and in one patient from time to time as the severity of the condition fluctuates.

One thing that all fibromyalgia patients have in common is that when they push their muscles beyond a certain threshold their condition worsens. The threshold varies from patient to patient and day to day in an individual patient. A severely ill patient will aggravate their condition by trying to perform simple tasks such as walking, climbing stairs or doing light housework. A less severe patient may lead a relatively functional life but their condition is aggravated by more rigorous activities such as exercise or gardening. One of the major misnomers of fibromyalgia is that exercise is beneficial. A certain amount of movement helps with the condition because it increases blood flow to the damaged tissue however increasing the demands of muscles beyond a person’s threshold with weight bearing and repetitive activity will result in a relapse in muscle injury and pain. Persons with fibromyalgia refer to a relapse as a “flare” which can aggravate into full body pain lasting several days or weeks. Severely ill fibromyalgia patients are in a flare all the time or as they say “24/7”.

The pain caused by the muscle condition of fibromyalgia ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain depending on the individual. The pain does not respond to anti-inflammatory drugs and is only marginally treatable with narcotic painkillers. Unfortunately many fibromyalgia patients end up on an illusive course of taking increasing amounts of drugs for pain relief which have horrible side effects. The only sure way to limit the pain is to limit one’s activities and to give the muscles plenty of rest after exertion. Other palliative measures include cold and heat therapy and very gentle bodywork such as Feldenkrais, Myofascial Release and Bowen Work. When my fibromyalgia is bad I put ice packs on the muscles I use each day. I also take lots of alternating hot and cold showers. The relief is temporary but is a useful coping tool to manage my pain.  I also have adopted a lifestyle where I constantly rotate my activities, never using any one set of muscles for more than 15 minutes.

Some fibromyalgia patients respond to large doses of magnesium, which relax the muscles and counters their tendency to over contract. I have a friend who manages her condition quite well simply taking magnesium supplements. Trans dermal application of magnesium are thought to be even more effective. A good source for magnesium oil, gel, lotion and flakes that are absorbed through the skin is http://www.ancient-minerals.com. Fibromyalgia patients have also reported a benefit from taking vitamin D and amino acids (see my post "Protein Deficiency" fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2009/01/protein-deficiency-fibromyalgia.html ), which many people are deficient in and can contribute to muscle pain and weakness.

Dr. R. Paul St. Amand promotes the treatment of fibromyalgia with the expectorant guaifenesin commonly found in over the counter cold remedies. St. Amand  believes that the retention of calcium in the cells of fibromyalgia is a result of an inability to produce energy or ATP (adenosine triphospate - a biochemical term for cellular energy) and an abnormality in phosphate excretion. His protocol, which involves taking regular doses of guaifenesin and avoiding products that contain salicylates has been helpful for some fibromyalgia patients. For more information go to: www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com. An interesting article by Mark London that thoroughly researches the use of guaifenesin for fibromyalgia can by found at http://web.mit.edu/london/www/guai.html.  According to London’s research guaifenesin acts as a muscle relaxant by depressing transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system.

Dr. Samuel Yue, a medical doctor in Minnesota believes that fibromyalgia is caused by a systemic deficit of relaxin hormone or the inability of the body to utilize this hormone. This hormone, which is associated with pregnancy when it is produced in large amounts is necessary to maintain the integrity of collagen and connective tissues of the body. He prescribes the hormone relaxin, which has been helpful for some fibromyalgia patients in releasing sustained muscle contractions and the resolution of their tender points. The hormone is available in a supplement form called “Vitalaxin” developed by Dr. Yue and is available from numerous supplement supply companies.

I have personally tried taking large doses of magnesium and vitamin D, did the guaifenesin protocol for four months and took relaxin hormone both orally and by injection under Dr. Yue’s supervision. Unfortunately I did not experience any change or improvement with these treatments however I do not dismiss testimonials by others who have found them helpful.

There are several flawed theories on the cause of fibromyalgia. One is that fibromyalgia is caused by not getting adequate sleep particularly in the deep REM stage. It is true that most if not all fibromyalgia patients suffer from insomnia but disordered sleep in my opinion is just another symptom of a syndrome that affects many systems of the body. Many individuals suffer from insomnia but do not have fibromyalgia and those fibromyalgia patients who take medications to improve their sleep still suffer from the disorder. Other theories suggest that fibromyalgia is caused by toxins or gastrointestinal inflammation. It is also true that many fibromyalgia patients have gastrointestinal issues and an impaired ability to eliminate toxins (read my post "Detoxification" fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2009/05/detoxification.html). While this is an important component in fibromyalgia syndrome, it is unlikely that toxins directly cause the muscle dysfunction experienced in fibromyalgia. Another theory is that fibromyalgia sufferers have some kind of impaired or altered perception of pain as if somehow their pain is not real or that bad, they just perceive it to be so. This theory should be soundly debunked and is an insult to anyone suffering from fibromyalgia and skilled physical therapists that can observe the abnormal muscle tissue in painful areas of the disorder.

In 1994 researchers at the University of Texas discovered an elevation in the level of the neurotransmitter Substance P in the spinal fluid of patients suffering from FMS. Substance P is a 11-amnio acid neuropeptide that is distributed throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems and is localized in the primary sensory neurons and the neurons intrinsic to the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers at Viral Immune Pathology (www.vipdx.com) have developed a test for cerebral spinal fluid which measures the amount of Substance P in patients and is a reliable diagnostic marker to differentiate between CFS and FMS. 

A 2002 study by a team of researchers at Oregon Health and Science University led by Robert Bennett, MD found that persons with fibromyalgia have an inability to secrete growth hormone during exercise. They surmised that another hypothalamic hormone – somatostatin – was probably blocking the release of growth hormone. This is a manifestation of a disordered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis found in persons with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Syndromes. Treatment with daily Human Growth Hormone injections is expensive but has been reported to improve quality of life and energy level, reduce pain, and improve exercise capacity and muscle strength. An inexpensive, safe alternative to HGH injections is a homeopathic HGH spray reported by some to have positive results. Go to: www.drmaxpowers.com.

A couple of interesting scientific studies were conducted on the muscle; and collagen and muscle pathology in fibromyalgia patients by the Parker Institue, Department of Rheumatolgy and the Danish National Library of Science and Medicine in Copenhagen, Denmark. They found that fibromyalgia patients had a significantly lower amount of intramuscular collagen that may lower the threshold for muscle micro-injury and thereby result in nonspecific signs of muscle pathology. Studies on muscle metabolism in fibromyalgia patients showed that there is a defect that is not seen at rest and when the patient is working at a submaximal load, but is seen under maximal loading and under static contraction. Blood flow did not increase as the load increased indicating a disturbed local regulation of microcirculation; lower levels of ATP and phosphocreatine were found in muscle biopsies of fibromyalgia patients; and fibromyalgia patients had EMG activity between muscle contractions indicating a prolonged relaxation or recovery time in patients withfibromyalgia.  http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/43/1/27

It is my personal opinion that the muscle condition of fibromyalgia is a symptom of dysfunction in the Central Nervous System resulting from a protective response of the brain to physical stress and trauma. In my case this was due to the prolonged stress of living with an obstructive breathing disorder that became increasingly difficult to compensate for and eventually lead to a state of neurological exhaustion. The actual tipping point for me was rehearsing a very difficult piano piece on a poor instrument which set in motion some sort of trauma to my neuromuscular system. This incident occurred after I had struggled with chronic fatigue for 28 years, was functionally hypothyroid and had just entered menopause. Others develop fibromyalgia after some traumatic event such as a car accident, surgery, childbirth, toxic exposure or physical abuse. When confronted with severe trauma the brain “shuts down” and becomes less flexible and more reactive. It is important to note that the mechanisms and triggers for pain are not the same in all patients with fibromyalgia however all share in common a state of central sensitization. 

Dr. Paul Whitcomb whom I have written extensively about in my blog was able to help many fibromyalgia patients at his clinic by doing frequent adjustments to the top vertebrae of the spine, which resulted in dampening the agitated nervous system. For a fortunate few the results were long lasting. For others including myself the relief was temporary. Check my post “Paul Whitcomb – Friend or Foe” http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2008/08/paul-whitcomb---friend-or-foe-1.html.  I have since discovered a gentle movement employed by Bowen Work and cranial sacral therapists at the base of the head that calms the nerves to the peripheral muscles, basically accomplishing the same thing that Whitcomb did with a lot less force and without hurting the neck. However as with Whitcomb's technique the effects are temporary. 

In 2007 I was diagnosed with an obstructive breathing problem by Dr. Farrand Robson and began treatment for that with Oral Systemic Balance a therapy that uses oral appliances or mouth pieces to facilitate ease of breathing. To read more about that go to my post http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/02/oral-systemic-b.html. At the time my fibromyalgia was quite severe causing me to be in pain most of the time and making it difficult for me to drive a car, carry grocery bags or walk more than one block.  Although I experienced dramatic improvements in my health with OSB and a resolution of the underlying stressor that led me to develop chronic fatigue syndrome, many symptoms including my fibromyalgia muscle condition did not go away. This I believed was the result of traumatic injury to my nervous system after years of living with profound physical. Recovery required me to find additional therapies to reverse these dysfunctions.  

The field of neurofeedback specifically addresses dysfunction of the Central Nervous System and offers a lot of promise for those suffering from fibromyalgia as well as many other chronic disorders. Some people have reported good results from doing programs of EEG biofeedback or neurofeedback training. The patient sits in a comfortable chair with sensors placed on either side of the scalp, which are attached to a computer that picks up brain wave activity. Feedback is produced through visualization on a computer monitor and sound and is monitored by a neurofeedback technician. The patient receives positive feedback when it moves towards a more balanced and flexible pattern. I did over 50 sessions of Zengar neurofeedback training and although I made progress in each session, they did not results in improvements in my health. I think this was because my dysfunctional brain patterns were very entrenched.

I then learned about an entirely different form of neurofeedback called “Low Energy Neurofeedback Systems or LENS, which has been helpful for people who do not respond to neurofeedback training and achieves results in less time.  A LENS session lasts only seconds as opposed to a neurofeedback training session, which typically lasts around 45 minutes. During a LENS a person receives feedback of its own dominant brain wave frequency at a slight offset. The brain recognizes its own pattern and shifts away from it. What is unique about LENS is that the shifts are permanent and the brain reintegrates healing on its own. I experienced moderate improvements in many symptoms with LENS but my muscle condition did not improve. For more information go to: www.ochslabs.com. 

In the book "The Healing Power of Neurofeedback" by Stephen Larsen there are references to the additional benefits of surface EMG biofeedback training for fibromyalgia patients doing LENS. An electromyograph (EMG) is an instrument that uses surface electrodes to detect muscle contraction using one or more active electrodes that are placed over a target muscle and actively record the muscle tone in microvolts. Paying attention to this feedback one can manipulate and decrease agitated muscle contractions. I found an inexpensive home unit on the Internet manufactured in England by Verity Medical Let and distributed by Win Health at www.win-health.com/neurotrac_simplex.html. I began practicing for a half hour once or twice a day, training my muscles tone to decrease. Within several weeks I noticed an improvement in my muscle tone resulting in an increase in the amount of physical activity I could "get away with". Doing daily biofeedback training provides a valuable tool to help my muscles recover more quickly after exertion but it does not prevent injury from reoccuring. To read more about various forms of biofeedback and neurofeedback and my experience with them read my post "Biofeedback Therapies for CFS & FMS"  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/05/biofeedback-therapies-for-cfs-fms.html 

Low Intenstiy/Level or "Cold" Laser Therapy is a treatment that is helpful for treating pain in some people with fibromyalgia. It involves the application of red to near infrared light produced by Low Level Lasers Diodes (LLLD) and/or Superluminous Diodes (SLD) over the skin which results in a healing response of the tissues. This healing response includes increased production of ATP, RNA and DNA synthesis, serotonin and endorphins, collagen synthesis, growth hormone and improved lymphatic drainage. I explored a form of Low Intensity Laser Therapy manufactured by a company called MediTech used by my chiropractor. The pain relief was moderate and not long lasting. For more information on light therapies and my personal experience read my post "Phototherapy - Healing with Light".  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/07/phototherapy-healing-with-light.html 

The developing fields of energy medicine which employ various forms of electrical current to help the body heal are also helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia. These therapies employ non-invasive devices that generate low levels of electrical energy to stimulate cellular repair. Cell membranes vibrate at specific frequencies and diseased cells have weaker amplitudes and unbalanced electronic charges in the molecules often referred to as free radical damage. The therapies work by re-charging the damaged molecular systems and thus restoring balance and increased energy into body systems. Studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in healing soft tissue wounds, aiding in bone growth and repair, suppressing inflammatory responses at the cell membrane level and alleviating pain.

Dr. Carol McMakin is a chiropractor in Portland, Oregon who specializes in a treatment called Frequency Specific Microcurrent, which employs microamperage current and the resonance effects of specific frequencies on tissues and conditions to create beneficial changes in symptoms and health. FSM is effective at treating nerve and muscle pain, inflammation and scar tissue. McMakin has developed one frequency combination that has been observed to eliminate severe all body pain in fibromyalgia associated with spine trauma.  She reports success treating hundreds of fibromyalgia patients with this protocol. For more information go to: frequencyspecific.com.

Another form of energy medicine employed mainly by LENS practitioners as an adjunct therapy to neurofeedback is NeuroField, a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy developed by Dr. Nicholas Dogris which treats the energy field around a person with specific frequencies shown to be beneficial for various conditions. I spent seven months doing NeuroField treatments in conjunction with LENS treatments with a therapist in California with modest improvements in my overall health. To read more about my experience and the entire field of energy medicine read my post "Energy Medicine of the Future"http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/03/energy-medicine-of-the-future.html.

"The Energetic Fitness System" is a static electrical energy field therapy based on the science of Nicola Tesla. This therapy differs from other forms of energy medicine because the electrical frequencies are not set by a computer program determined by a practitioner. Rather the energy field produces analog harmonic frequency patterns that are rapidly changing and different for each person; the theory being that the individual using EFS "tunes" to the energetic field and gets the frequencies he or she needs to heal and balance their body. I have personally found EFS to be the most beneficial form of energy medicine that I have used. For more information on EFS and my personal experience with it read my post "Energetic Fitness System"  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/07/energetic-fitness-system.html. 

In conclusion the condition of fibromyalgia varies from person to person, however most have in common an agitated nervous system that results in dysfunctional muscle function and pain in the connective tissues. Recovery requires a combination of therapies that can address underlying causes of stress on the body, calm the nervous system and provide the body with energy to heal. Just as there is no one cause of fibromyalgia, there is no one "cure" or treatment that works for everyone. Each person must find through trial and error what works for them. Considering the fact that most of the effective therapies are not covered by health insurance or even known about in the medical community, this makes the task of getting better difficult. I am hopeful that effective therapies will eventually become more available and contribute to an improved quality of life for those suffering from fibromyalgia. 

Courage

Courage doesn't always roar.

Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day singing

"I will try again tomorrow".  -  Mary Anne Radamacher 

Energetic Fitness Systems

The Energetic Fitness System is a unique energy medicine technology that infuses energy into the human body via a high static electrical field.  The origins of the technology are attributed to the scientific work of Nikola Tesla in the late 1800's. Tesla, an inventor and visionary genius in the field of electricity pioneered the science that forms the basis of alternating current (AC) electric power systems, X-rays, and wireless energy transmissions. Tesla believed that it was possible to use electricity to provide energy for the human body to function optimally. He wrote the following about a particularly stressful time in his life:

"I was so blue and discouraged in those days that I do not believe I could have borne up but for the regular treatments of electricity that I applied to myself. It puts into the entire body what it needs most - Life Force."

Because of Tesla's eccentric personality and unbelievable claims about many possible scientific developments, he was regarded as a "mad scientist" and never received a patent on his energy medicine technology. Replicas of his original machine and theories about its use survived quietly over the past 100 years. Justin Brost stumbled upon a person who had a crude version of this technology, which resulted in the relief of severe neck pain he suffered from after one session. His curiosity was piqued, Brost spent the past eleven years developing a product that incorporates modern materials and components and with the help of other researchers designed a new technology that provides maximum benefits. EFS has an impressive list of scientific advisers including James Oschman, Ph.D. the famous authority on energy medicine and author of "Energy Medicine: the scientific basis", and "Energy Medicine: in therapeutics and human performance". Brost is careful to make no medical claims on the Energetic Fitness System saying only that the technology gives the body the energy to heal itself. However he has witnessed remarkable improvements in those using EFS with many health conditions including muscular skeletal injuries, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, spinal cord injuries, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia as well as optimal performance for athletes.

The EFS user sits in a non-metal chair with bare feet on an energized glass plate while holding a 5-inch diameter energized glass bulb called the Plasma Containment System (PCS) in the hands while high voltage with no current at a broad spectrum of random wavelengths is maintained between the hands and the feet. The user feels a static vibration in the hands that gradually moves further up into the wrists and arms. The PCS creates an orange/pink glow and emits an ozone odor. The intensity of the energy can be regulated by how much contact there is in the feet on the glass plate. Over time and the user "equalizes" with the energy to a comfortable level. The energy field creates analog harmonic frequency patterns that are rapidly changing and different for each person. This is in contrast to other energy technologies where the frequencies are digital and predetermined by a computer program. The theory is that that the individual using EFS "tunes" to the energetic field and gets the frequencies he or she needs to heal and balance their body.

In May 2011 I traveled to Bellingham, Washington to meet Justin Brost and try out the Energetic Fitness System technology. Justin and his wife Shannon operate their business out a of small light industrial space where they do the final assembly of EFS units and ship them to customers. It is clear that the Brosts are passionate about this technology and dedicated to making it available to the public. At this point they have sold around 250 units mostly to individuals. Their goal however is to have EFS units in doctors' offices, sports centers, spas massage and physical therapy clinics. Since the units do not require any complicated programming and are easy to operate these "charging" sessions would be affordable to the everyday client. 

Given my highly reactive and sensitive nature I was afraid I might have a bad response to the EFS but fortunately that was not the case. Initially I had an positive emotional response to the energy that felt like a release. My first session lasted around 50 minutes. Afterwards I felt tired but relaxed and I slept well that night - a good sign for me. Encouraged by this response I commuted to Bellingham twice a week for the next month to pursue this therapy. Over that time I noticed a gradual increase in my energy, resolution of low back pain, and resolution of chronic sore feet and buttocks. I did not however experience any improvement in my muscle condition which is triggered by exercise and exertion. At the end of the month I purchased my own EFS unit to use at home. I was optimistic that by doing the EFS at home on a daily basis I might experience further improvements. I did 25 minute sessions daily for five days. This is the recommended amount that corresponds to the Chinese medical perspective that the human energy system cycles at 20-25 minute intervals. Feeling quite good I challenged my muscle condition by gardening two days in a row for an hour and a half each day. The third day my muscles were very painful and I "flared" into a fibromyalgia episode. I was hopeful that the EFS would help me recover more quickly from this flare so I increased my sessions to 50 minutes two days in a row. On the second day I had a severe agitation of my nervous system. I consulted with Justin who recommended that I take off one day and return to 25 minute daily sessions. I took off two days and then tried another session but had a bad reaction to that as well. It was obvious to me that I had overdone the therapy and I needed to take a break. After two weeks I was able to tolerate another EFS session but reacted again after four times of using the unit every other day so I decided to take a break from the therapy.

I definitely gained benefits from EFS that were cumulative and have stayed with me but EFS alone was not able to resolve my fibromyalgia muscle condition.  My personal recovery involves two important components: increasing the energy in my body and decreasing the agitation in my central nervous system that I developed over the years of living with profound physical stress and exhaustion. The EFS was helpful for increasing my energy but after a period of time it agitated my nervous system. After two long breaks from using EFS for several months I tried using the EFS again. I had adverse reactions to the technology after a couple of sessions each time. I had a friend with chronic fatigue syndrome use the unit six times and another with fibromyalgia who used it four times. Neither person observed any benefits from the therapy.

It is important to keep in mind that each person with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia as well as all other chronic illnesses has a unique presentation of these conditions with various complications and sets of symptoms.  Although there are commonalities and overlapping issues, each person can only find through trial and error what works for them. I believe that recovery is possible but there is no "silver bullet" treatment that can cure these conditions just as there is no one cause for them. (For more on this read my post "What Causes CFS & FMS"  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/08/what-causes-chronic-fatigue-and-fibromyalgia-syndromes.html). I think that the Energetic Fitness System is an important therapeutic tool that may be helpful for some individuals with CFS and FSM. Caution needs to be exercised for highly sensitive individuals like myself who can "overdose" on the treatment. To learn more about it go to:http://energeticfitness.com/

 Here I am using the EFS at home. 

   Notice the orange glow created by the PCS bulb which emits an ozone smell.