It's been nearly a month since I posted last! Oops, I had no idea until I checked the date on the last post. Oh my goodness, what a roller coaster we've been on!
R has been in the hospital for over a week now, with Thing 1 and Thing 2 trying to come out much too early. They stopped her labor 3 times and she has had contractions off and on the whole time since then. They monitor her and the babies multiple times a day. If she can make it to 32 weeks they might let her go home.
Her friends had a baby shower for her today. She wheeled down to a special occasion room where her friends had decorated. It wore her out but she had a great time wearing real clothes and just doing something "normal". She also got to go to a chat session on Tues with the other "ladies in waiting" who are at the hospital trying not to have their babies too. R was one of two having twins and one of three military wives and one of three in the same week of gestation. It's always nice to know you're not alone in a situation and can help each other cope. She is at 30 weeks and 2 days. Prayers are appreciated.
JT has been able to spend a lot of time with R and for that we are grateful. He's done a great job taking care of his wife and babies. He even brushed and braided R's hair one day. How sweet is that?
J is brushing my hair as I type this. He's still loving high school and especially basketball. They are having homecoming week this week and he's thrilled. I remember R's first homecoming week and how excited she was about it. J told me everything they were going to do and how short his classes were going to be and I just smiled and said, "You're my third child to have homecoming week. I know how it goes. But I'm glad you're so excited about it." J had a birthday since I posted last. He's 16! He continues to do well in school and at home. He's a bottomless pit and will eat just about anything. He's a bit lazy and has an attitude prob now and then, but he's a 16yo boy! We love him dearly.
We (the 4 of us) sat around last night and played games and sang Veggie Tales songs. What a hoot! We are all looking forward to fall break and the beach. Bring it on!
A got an 85 on her stats test the other day and was thrilled with it. Woot! She likes her classes this semester for the most part. She also likes her job and continues to do well there. A and P are going to join us for part of our time at the beach, Lord willing and the creek don't rise. We are all looking forward to it. I hope it works out and doesn't disappoint.
My dad got approved by the doctors for the cochlear implant. Now he just has to get approved by the ins. We are hopeful that this would open up his world again.
I'm officially a junior in college now. I'm only 2 months behind where I wanted to be. I've done well after surgery and am pleased with it all so far. I was even going to play keys and lead music in church tomorrow but a major water leak at the church this evening has cancelled services. I did play the ukulele a bit this morning so that's good. I'm doing therapy twice a week for my wrist and it's going well. Fibro is ok too but I've had sleep issues and hip pain a lot the last couple months.
I'm trying to go through things and get ready for a yard sale. I cleaned out the game cabinet today. Well, I got all the games out. Trying to decide what to keep is hard. I came across my 20 Questions thingy. Have you ever played with one? It's creepy good at guessing what you're thinking of.
The "Ladies in Wheeling" episode of 4x4 Nation is coming out this week. Check it out if you can at www.4x4nation.com .
So, I think I will end this with a thankful list. I'm thankful that Thing 1 and 2 are still tucked safely inside their mommy. I'm thankful for medical care. I'm thankful for God, family and friends. I'm thankful for a chance to take a vacation. I'm thankful for the chance to "go to college" online.
Showing posts with label fibromyalgia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fibromyalgia. Show all posts
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Living with fibromyalgia
I hate fibro, yes I do. I hate fibro, how 'bout you? I was going through my favorites list on my computer and came across this site. http://members.tripod.com/~ms_stix/fibro.htm Wow! What great info! Have you ever wondered what it's like to live with fibro? Read this. Do you have it and want to be armed with good info? Read this.
I'm continuing to do pretty well. If I was on a deserted island and could only take one thing with me I would want my malic acid/magnesium supplement. It literally changed my life. I understand that it may not work for everyone but if you or someone you know has fibromyalgia, try it! I'm currently getting mine at a health food store.
I still struggle with occasional "fibro flu" where it feels like I'm coming down with something. Sore throat, aches and low-grade fever. I also have some sleep disturbances and difficulty finding the right word. My shoulder muscles are always hard as rocks and burn a lot. The outside of my upper arms and upper legs feel like they are bruised if they are barely touched.
But overall things are so much better since doxycycline and with using the malic acid/magnesium supplement. Look under "labels" and click on "fibromyalgia" to read about using those. Any posts where I wrote about fibro should come up. I need to exercise more but the wrist and foot continue to be problematic. That and time and probably laziness if I'm being honest. I need to get back on the exercise bike and work on building up my walking time again.
I hope whoever needed to see this post, sees it. I just was floored when I came across that site and read it again. I don't even remember reading it the first time. Ha! Fibro fog! Nearly every symptom I experience can be traced back to fibro. Heck, before I even had kids I had fatigue and sore throats and my bloodwork would look like my body was fighting a virus. That was 22+ years ago! Crazy. I read this info and say, that's me, that's me. So many of those things are true for me.
And now, I must go stretch and then write a paper for school.
I'm continuing to do pretty well. If I was on a deserted island and could only take one thing with me I would want my malic acid/magnesium supplement. It literally changed my life. I understand that it may not work for everyone but if you or someone you know has fibromyalgia, try it! I'm currently getting mine at a health food store.
I still struggle with occasional "fibro flu" where it feels like I'm coming down with something. Sore throat, aches and low-grade fever. I also have some sleep disturbances and difficulty finding the right word. My shoulder muscles are always hard as rocks and burn a lot. The outside of my upper arms and upper legs feel like they are bruised if they are barely touched.
But overall things are so much better since doxycycline and with using the malic acid/magnesium supplement. Look under "labels" and click on "fibromyalgia" to read about using those. Any posts where I wrote about fibro should come up. I need to exercise more but the wrist and foot continue to be problematic. That and time and probably laziness if I'm being honest. I need to get back on the exercise bike and work on building up my walking time again.
I hope whoever needed to see this post, sees it. I just was floored when I came across that site and read it again. I don't even remember reading it the first time. Ha! Fibro fog! Nearly every symptom I experience can be traced back to fibro. Heck, before I even had kids I had fatigue and sore throats and my bloodwork would look like my body was fighting a virus. That was 22+ years ago! Crazy. I read this info and say, that's me, that's me. So many of those things are true for me.
And now, I must go stretch and then write a paper for school.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Happy Mother's Day!
Hmm. I have a lot of thoughts chasing each other around in my head. I don't really know how to get them all down on this blog. I think the best thing is to try and take it one thought at a time but I know I will loose track of some of the thoughts. Oh well. Welcome to life with fibromyalgia.
Happy Mother's Day to my mom. More than giving me birth, she gave me life. She taught me how to live. I love you, Mom, more than words can say. And to my mother-in-law who helped make my husband the man he is today. And to Mrs. H, my mother-figure/mentor/friend. Love you lots!
And I'm thinking of four people in this world who made me a mom. R, my first born. There is a special bond between moms and their first borns. You were always independent but our brains seem to be wired in a very similar way. We have an understanding of each other even when we don't understand each other. And now you are making me a Mimi! To twins! Oh bebe, the roller coaster has just begun for you (and us!).
A, my exciting second born. You make life incredibly interesting, my dear. You love deeply and fiercely and I love the person you are becoming. You amaze me with your zest for life and the way you keep our world vibrantly colored. I struggled to get you into the world but you are so worth it. Love you so much!
J! My youngest! Four years of waiting to bring you home. You told me once that you cried every day in Haiti waiting to come home. Break my heart! But you finally made it and we are so glad. I honor your first mother today too. She chose life for you and gave you birth. She broke her heart and turned you over to people she didn't know for the hope of a better life. Her attachment to you made you able to attach to us and we are thankful. We are so glad that God chose you to be our son.
JT, my son-in-law. You love our daughter fiercely and are the father to our grandbabies. We are proud of your accomplishments in your work and life.
To all my kids, walk after God. Seek Him in everything you do. Live well, love deeply.
Happy Mother's Day to my mom. More than giving me birth, she gave me life. She taught me how to live. I love you, Mom, more than words can say. And to my mother-in-law who helped make my husband the man he is today. And to Mrs. H, my mother-figure/mentor/friend. Love you lots!
And I'm thinking of four people in this world who made me a mom. R, my first born. There is a special bond between moms and their first borns. You were always independent but our brains seem to be wired in a very similar way. We have an understanding of each other even when we don't understand each other. And now you are making me a Mimi! To twins! Oh bebe, the roller coaster has just begun for you (and us!).
A, my exciting second born. You make life incredibly interesting, my dear. You love deeply and fiercely and I love the person you are becoming. You amaze me with your zest for life and the way you keep our world vibrantly colored. I struggled to get you into the world but you are so worth it. Love you so much!
J! My youngest! Four years of waiting to bring you home. You told me once that you cried every day in Haiti waiting to come home. Break my heart! But you finally made it and we are so glad. I honor your first mother today too. She chose life for you and gave you birth. She broke her heart and turned you over to people she didn't know for the hope of a better life. Her attachment to you made you able to attach to us and we are thankful. We are so glad that God chose you to be our son.
JT, my son-in-law. You love our daughter fiercely and are the father to our grandbabies. We are proud of your accomplishments in your work and life.
To all my kids, walk after God. Seek Him in everything you do. Live well, love deeply.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Life!
Ah. A moment to sit down and post a quick update. I've been working a lot this week. Will surely appreciate it on the check and fibro has sort of been not bothered by it. In other words, I'm not experiencing fibro flu. After a few weeks of some relief the hip pain is back. I've not slept well the last couple of nights. I guess the steroid shot has worn off. Sigh... but I haven't had fibro flu this week.
We had a bump in the road with J at school this week. He just doesn't want to do the work. Who does? But a lesson we all have to learn is, we have to do the lessons. That's a tough one sometimes. He's so smart and so not motivated.
We haven't seen much of A this week as she's been at work, school or P's. P is having spring break this week so they are spending every eve together.
T got some trees that had fallen or were taken down on the side of the house cut up last night. We have had some cooler but gorgeous days.
So many thoughts in my head about future, adoption, school, income. I can't sort them all out.
We are considering locking J's hair. He says he's ready. I will give it an honest try.
And I will leave you with a little snippet of words to live by. Just because it enters your head does not mean it should come out your mouth.
We had a bump in the road with J at school this week. He just doesn't want to do the work. Who does? But a lesson we all have to learn is, we have to do the lessons. That's a tough one sometimes. He's so smart and so not motivated.
We haven't seen much of A this week as she's been at work, school or P's. P is having spring break this week so they are spending every eve together.
T got some trees that had fallen or were taken down on the side of the house cut up last night. We have had some cooler but gorgeous days.
So many thoughts in my head about future, adoption, school, income. I can't sort them all out.
We are considering locking J's hair. He says he's ready. I will give it an honest try.
Look at this guy! I haven't posted any new pics of him in a while. Love my Diesel cat!! He looks like he's saying, "Can I help you?"
And I will leave you with a little snippet of words to live by. Just because it enters your head does not mean it should come out your mouth.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Storm pics, Camelot, fibro
We had some bad storms come through here last week. Thankfully the really bad stuff went around us as it often does. It was unusually warm and the jet stream was dipping low and it set us up for some bad weather. Here are some pics that I think I took last Wed. Wed and Fri were the worse days for the storms. This is looking west and you can tell the storms were to the north.
This is looking north.
Northwest.
Here is a not very great pic of one of the banners that A made for Camelot. That bottom crown really is straight it's just that the material of the banner is folded a little.
And here is J helping out on the scaffolding at the Arts Center. He has worked so hard and done so much and he's been very good with watching the younger children.
I have a dr appointment today to hopefully get a steroid injection in my SI joint. I'm hoping that it will improve my hip pain, which will improve my sleep, which will improve my life.
"Camelot" opens in a couple of days. T knows his lines pretty well and we both have our songs memorized to the best of our ability. This has been a rough week but for the most part it's still fun. We had a rough evening with parenting last night too but seem to be working it out. That didn't help the play stuff much but we are pressing through.
R hears from JT some and so far he is safe and they are settling in to the routine of deployment. Please keep us all in your prayers.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Li'l update
Yikes! We've been so busy with the play. This is "tech week" so it's going to get worse before it gets better but it's coming along finally. It took us 5 hours to get through the play yesterday though. Sigh...
T is feeling much better and learning his lines and his "song and dance routine". After 5 hours of play practice yesterday he came home and helped P work on his car. The water pump went on it on his way home Friday night and he and A pulled it back here yesterday evening.
R is ok and JT is deployed right now. He's been gone for up to a month recently so I think the reality of it will hit a little later. Please keep them in your prayers for safety and peace. They are thankful for skype.
A is on spring break this week and is looking forward to "sleeping in" a couple of days. She really doesn't get to do that with her schedule so it's a big deal for her.
J is doing well and so far has kept his attitude in check very well. Even through 5 hours of play practice he never complained and helps out with whatever he can, which is mostly watching the younger kids at this point.
I'm doing fine too. Other than the fibro and crazy hip pain. I'm going to call tomorrow and see if I can get a steroid injection for my SI joint/hip pain. I'm trying to get some laundry done today and would love to take a nap but don't know if that's going to happen. We shall see.
T is feeling much better and learning his lines and his "song and dance routine". After 5 hours of play practice yesterday he came home and helped P work on his car. The water pump went on it on his way home Friday night and he and A pulled it back here yesterday evening.
R is ok and JT is deployed right now. He's been gone for up to a month recently so I think the reality of it will hit a little later. Please keep them in your prayers for safety and peace. They are thankful for skype.
A is on spring break this week and is looking forward to "sleeping in" a couple of days. She really doesn't get to do that with her schedule so it's a big deal for her.
J is doing well and so far has kept his attitude in check very well. Even through 5 hours of play practice he never complained and helps out with whatever he can, which is mostly watching the younger kids at this point.
I'm doing fine too. Other than the fibro and crazy hip pain. I'm going to call tomorrow and see if I can get a steroid injection for my SI joint/hip pain. I'm trying to get some laundry done today and would love to take a nap but don't know if that's going to happen. We shall see.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The sky this morning
Here are a couple pics I took of the sky this morning on the way to school with J. The two hills in the forefront were in shadow and the one behind them was in brilliant light. So pretty.
And yes, it's down the driveway and you can see shadows of things on my dash. And yes, I have a crummy phone.
Camelot opens in 2 1/2 weeks. We are very busy but doing ok. Last night instead of saying "The spear has run him through" we all decided to say, "The spear done runt him through" in our best southern country redneck accents just to play a joke on the music director. She said, "Peeeooopppplllleeee!!" and someone had to explain it was a joke.
J seems to be getting over his latest cold.
A is working, going to school, working out and working on banners for the play.
T is going understudy the part of Sagramore.
I have a mountain of laundry to do today and also a bed to clean out underneath. We're hoping that will help us with some possible allergy type issues we are having. I'm washing all of our bedding today too. Yup, lots of laundry. Fibromyalgia seems to be getting to me again too. Wish I could figure that one out but it just is what it is.
The other night J said he wanted to watch "one of dose 'Frankie' shows". We finally figured out he wanted to watch Deep Space Nine 'cause he likes the Ferengis on it. Frankie/Ferengi. So close. We'll make a trekkie out of him yet.
Please look at this post. http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/2012/02/seeing-is-believing.html Unicef would have us believe that children are better off in orphanages in their own countries and that adoption should rarely happen. Look at those children. How is not knowing the love of a family better? Why is it better to remain in an orphanage in their own country? Even J, without special physical needs, was considered special needs in the world of adoption because of his age. He was 6, about to turn 7 when he entered the O. He spent 5 years there while we spent 4 of those years working through a broken system to bring him home. Haitian adoptions are about to get more difficult again, as if they weren't hard enough already. Please pray. Please advocate for the 147,000,000 orphans in the world. What can you do?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
phone pics and updates
Well, we have been busy as always. I had diagnostic mammogram number 3 yesterday and I'm happy to say that all was well. Nothing new to worry about and I can go back to once a year screenings instead of every 6 months diagnostic. That's good news. I was going to go to my GP this morning too because of the 2 1/2 weeks of sore throat. I cancelled it because my throat feels a bit better and I'm too cheap to waste the money and I don't want to take any unnecessary meds. Might be my fibro?
We have been eating, sleeping and breathing "Camelot" when we're not at work. I got T's knight costume done finally. What do you think? And yes, he's wearing not tights but long underwear under his tunic.
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And this is my lady in waiting costume. They (whoever "they" is) are also making a "May dress" for me for "The Lusty Month of May" (or as T refers to it "The Musty Lump of Hay") dance. Oh, J has been going with us to most practices and the other night on the way home he was singing "Guenevere" only he was saying "Gueneveal". Guenevere/Gueneveal. So close.
I snapped this the other morning for R after dropping J off at school. Bridget!
We went to a hibachi grill for A's birthday the other day. They threw rice balls at us that we were supposed to try to catch in our mouths. Ha! Mine hit my upper lip and exploded all over me and T. J actually caught a bit of his. A's whipped by her face so fast that I'm glad it didn't hit her. Too funny. Then we came home and had cake and ice cream. Sorry I don't have a better pic.
Then we played wii dance. This is my mom and aunt playing. I think it's too cute!
Diesel loves to play in the bathroom sink. He likes the bathtub too. Here he is just laying in the sink.
With his little mouth that doesn't close completely.
I found Misty on the couch this morning.
And a little while later. That's her, don't bother me look.
And that's what's going on in our neck of the woods.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Much ado about nothing
I know, it's been nearly a week. Life is crazy.
A has a cold, or something. And she has some weird red splotches in the back of the roof of her mouth. Sigh...she's suppose to get her tonsils out in 10 days. We are going to have her gargle with warm salt water and see how it is in the morning. Any ideas?
My parents are back from FL. Woot! They had a good time and are now trying to settle back into life here.
J did not earn his gum on the first day of his testing. The reading part threw him for a loop. He did ok the rest of the week though. He's trying to decide what to do with his hair. If you pull it out straight it's about 2 1/2-3 inches long. We could lock it. We could have it braided. Or if he would just brush/pick it out he could have big hair. That's what I'd prefer but he doesn't like to pick it.
I had a better week last week with fibromyalgia. Thankful for that. The doxycycline doesn't seem like it helped much this time as I really struggled last week. Sigh...
I recently used Loreal Healthy Look semi-permanent hair color. It's suppose to last through 28 washings and doesn't contain ammonia. Loved it! Recommend it! It's lasted at least 28 washings and covered the gray well. The time before that I used a "mousse-like" color that was fairly easy to apply but just didn't color like Excellence cream or Healthy Look and it didn't last well either. Go figure. That's my product review for the day.
Oh wait, I have another one. I've been using my homemade laundry soap for over a month now. I have a hard time with the lack of sudsing (it's "between the ears") but the clothes come out clean and it's so economical that I will keep using it. The recipe is; 1 bar of Fels Naptha soap, 1 cup washing soda (NOT baking soda, but it is made by Arm and Hammer) and 1/2-1 cup of borax. My cousin started out with 1/2 cup but had upped it to 1 cup by the time I made mine. I've only made the 1 cup version. You cut the Fels naptha soap up into small pieces and then process in a blender or food processor. I used a blender because I don't have a food processor. Add the borax and washing soda and process a bit more. Or that's how I did it. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load, adjusting to load size and how dirty the clothes are. I'm also using vinegar in place of liquid fabric softener. Actually, I got some Dollar General brand liquid softener and use it with the vinegar so it's about 1/4 softener and the rest vinegar. Clothes are clean and soft and don't smell like vinegar. So economical! Love it! Recommend it! Oh, and the washing soda, borax and fels naptha can be found in a very small section of the laundry section in your local walmart or whatever. If I had blinked I never would have found it.
Thank God all the vehicles are running right now. They all have weird tire issues, but they are all running.
R, JT and Skylar will be here sometime on Sat. Woot!! We are all looking forward to that.
Ok, must go change out the laundry, paint some Christmas gifts and get on with the day.
A has a cold, or something. And she has some weird red splotches in the back of the roof of her mouth. Sigh...she's suppose to get her tonsils out in 10 days. We are going to have her gargle with warm salt water and see how it is in the morning. Any ideas?
My parents are back from FL. Woot! They had a good time and are now trying to settle back into life here.
J did not earn his gum on the first day of his testing. The reading part threw him for a loop. He did ok the rest of the week though. He's trying to decide what to do with his hair. If you pull it out straight it's about 2 1/2-3 inches long. We could lock it. We could have it braided. Or if he would just brush/pick it out he could have big hair. That's what I'd prefer but he doesn't like to pick it.
I had a better week last week with fibromyalgia. Thankful for that. The doxycycline doesn't seem like it helped much this time as I really struggled last week. Sigh...
I recently used Loreal Healthy Look semi-permanent hair color. It's suppose to last through 28 washings and doesn't contain ammonia. Loved it! Recommend it! It's lasted at least 28 washings and covered the gray well. The time before that I used a "mousse-like" color that was fairly easy to apply but just didn't color like Excellence cream or Healthy Look and it didn't last well either. Go figure. That's my product review for the day.
Oh wait, I have another one. I've been using my homemade laundry soap for over a month now. I have a hard time with the lack of sudsing (it's "between the ears") but the clothes come out clean and it's so economical that I will keep using it. The recipe is; 1 bar of Fels Naptha soap, 1 cup washing soda (NOT baking soda, but it is made by Arm and Hammer) and 1/2-1 cup of borax. My cousin started out with 1/2 cup but had upped it to 1 cup by the time I made mine. I've only made the 1 cup version. You cut the Fels naptha soap up into small pieces and then process in a blender or food processor. I used a blender because I don't have a food processor. Add the borax and washing soda and process a bit more. Or that's how I did it. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load, adjusting to load size and how dirty the clothes are. I'm also using vinegar in place of liquid fabric softener. Actually, I got some Dollar General brand liquid softener and use it with the vinegar so it's about 1/4 softener and the rest vinegar. Clothes are clean and soft and don't smell like vinegar. So economical! Love it! Recommend it! Oh, and the washing soda, borax and fels naptha can be found in a very small section of the laundry section in your local walmart or whatever. If I had blinked I never would have found it.
Thank God all the vehicles are running right now. They all have weird tire issues, but they are all running.
R, JT and Skylar will be here sometime on Sat. Woot!! We are all looking forward to that.
Ok, must go change out the laundry, paint some Christmas gifts and get on with the day.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Busy, busy, busy
Busy, busy, busy. That's our lives right now. A is getting ready for finals and working and doing whatever she can before she gets her tonsils removed.
J seems back on track at school. At least for now. He's doing some state mandated tests right now and has a chance to "earn" a pack of gum a day with a good attitude. Hope he makes it. He cut his finger the other day with a pocket knife. I have hidden it from him as this is the 3rd time he's cut himself with it.
I failed to bring milk home yesterday. And whoever emptied the jug failed to throw it away. Oddest thing, none of the people I live with can throw empty jugs away. Why is that? My parents are in FL right now so I'm helping out with their household, business and ministry. And fibromyalgia is still whooping me right now. Yesterday was good though, and so far today. Yay for that! I'm excited about playing keys for a friend tonight for special music at a meeting. Should be fun.
T has been working on computers for people, besides what he does for his job. Thank God, all the cars are running right now. They all have wonky things going on with their tires, but they are all running at the moment.
Check out this link; http://livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-history-year-three.html This was one of the Livesays' Christmas productions. I loved this one.
I'm happy to report that our tree is standing up straight now and has been for the last 3 days. Woot!
In the crazy "busyness" that is the Christmas season, remember to stop and think about the reason for the season and to spend time with loved ones.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Odds and ends
We have been busy as usual. J's birthday had a whole 5 days of celebrating, about every other day or so. This is one of the cakes I made for him. We had it on Friday at some friends' house while we were also saying good-bye to a young man who is going to marine boot camp next week.
Then we took J and a friend roller-skating on Sun. That was interesting. J didn't fall much. He kept using his rubber toe stopper to push off with until we got him swaying a pushing off from one foot to the other. He mostly uses his right foot to push off and then kicks it up and out in a funny way. We have no idea where that came from but it's funny to watch.
Then last night we were celebrating my aunt's engagement. Congrats S and L! We also sang to J again and had another cake.
Fibro is still kicking my butt, but I'm a bit better each day. We (doc and I) decided to go back on the doxycycline for a while and see if it will help the "fibro flu" any. It takes time for it to have an effect. I'm still taking the magnesium and malic acid supplement and wouldn't want to be without it.
A is always up early either heading to school or work. I managed to make the kids pancakes this morning. I haven't done that in a while. T got her car going again. It was so funny because he changed the transmission in it and then he was able to get it to go forward and reverse but somehow the steering wheel got unhooked so it turned freely. He had to pull something out and reattach the wheel. That's what happens when a dyslexic computer geek fixes the car. You can get where you're going as long as where you're going is straight ahead!
A's boyfriend saw some flowers when they came into the store where he works. He thought they were pretty so he bought her some. When he unwrapped them he decided that maybe it was the wrapping that made them look so pretty. He's so funny. Well, sometimes he's a pain-like when he updates your FB status with untrue and unbecoming things. But back to the flowers. A likes them and we all think they're pretty even without the wrapping.
Diesel still loves outside. He didn't get real big but he may still grow some more. He's only about 7 months old. He wears himself out outside every day and then he comes in the house after dark and passes out after cuddling up under my chin and drooling on my neck. Here he is sleeping on the back of the chair.
I'm fairly short. I have some pretty tall friends. One friend says I'm not short, that I'm fun sized. Thanks K! So I got some fun size m&m's.
Oh, back to Diesel asleep in my arms. Don't you wish you could sleep like that?
And this is my better pic of the spider web on the fence. That's a leaf in the upper left, not a spider. I thought it looked pretty and this was one of many that morning.
We have a meeting at school today to try to figure out how to encourage J to do his schoolwork on his own and pay attention in class. He understands threats but we don't want to do that. His work needs to be ESL modified but he thinks he has to have one on one to be able to do the work. The most frequent words out of his mouth regarding school work are, I need help. I forgot. and I don't understand. He doesn't even try before he says one of those things. Maybe we've helped him too much and made him dependent on it. Just trying to figure out what might motivate him.
We've had some gorgeous days and cool nights here lately. Def feels like fall.
I'm leading music this Sunday and then I'm planning on taking a break for about a month. We shall see.
My house looks pretty good after cleaning it up for our little party last night. We tried another Door County Fish Boil. One of these days we're going to perfect that thing. If we could only get all the right ingredients at one time.
Those are my odds and ends for today.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Celebrating J!
Fibro kicked my butt yesterday, like it hasn't in a long time. So I didn't even get up with my birthday boy this morning. I did leave him a birthday card and T reported that J loved what was in the card. He claims he's saving for a go cart but his money "burns a hole in his pants" and he usually spends it. Plus, we expect you to, gasp, work for your money around here and he's not overly inclined to work. So he was thrilled to find a birthday card full of money.
According to his birth certificate, J is 14 today. Of course, Haiti's book keeping system being what it is, who really knows how old he is. He acts like 10, on a good day.
He's come so far. He has been doing basketball conditioning twice a week for the last 3 weeks or so. He's doing grade level math, ESL modified science, English, and social studies. And he's reading at grade level 3.2. We didn't have time to read Tuesday evening so I made him read his book twice on Wed. and when he got done he said, "Dis is my worse life ever. My worse life." Instead of engaging him on how good he has it or how having to read the book twice is not the worse thing ever I decided to ask him how many lives he's had, since that was the way he worded it. He looked at me like, duh. And he said, "I had my life in Haiti, which was way worse den any odder life and my life here. Dat's two lives." Isn't it something that he divides his life up like that? Maybe it's a coping mechanism, dividing it like that. Maybe that's why he wants nothing to do with Haiti or anything Haitian. I don't know.
He still continually cracks us up. All the time. He watched the movie "Baby's Day Out" the other day. The girls went through a period of time where they watched that movie all. the. time. It was so funny to listen to J watch it and know what part he was at. There is one part where one of the bad guys sets his crotch on fire and T thought J was going to fall off the couch. J said, "Roasted bratwurst. Hahahaha!" Think about that. A kid from Haiti, watching an American movie and making a joke about German sausage. How funny is that? And he still doesn't say his "r's" that well so it sounded more like, "Woasted bwatwust." Too funny.
He wants to do well and make good decisions but he doesn't want to work very hard at it. He still shows a lot of empathy for other people. He still loves, loves, loves to eat and is willing to try just about anything, especially meat of any kind. He still wants to babied occasionally and definitely wants to be prayed with before he goes to bed. He has recently started sleeping with his bedroom door open. We can't figure out what that's about because he was always adamant that his door be closed until about a month ago.
He's still not good about "changing gears". If something doesn't go the way he thinks it should or if a curve ball gets thrown his way he can easily come unglued. He definitely prefers a schedule and sticking to it. I tell people if you told him that you were going to bite his head off at 4:00 on Sunday he'd be okay with it because he'd know it was coming and when, but don't tell him he can't wear the red shirt he planned on wearing or that we have to leave 5 minutes early or someone is going to be 15 minutes late. He can't handle it. And for heaven's sake, don't give him a homework assignment right before the bell rings. His world has come to an end.
J, you really are an awesome little character and it's been mostly joyful to be your parents and watch you experience new things. For you, it's all about the experience. Work hard, be good and have some fun. We hope and pray that 14 is an awesome year for you. We love you.
According to his birth certificate, J is 14 today. Of course, Haiti's book keeping system being what it is, who really knows how old he is. He acts like 10, on a good day.
He's come so far. He has been doing basketball conditioning twice a week for the last 3 weeks or so. He's doing grade level math, ESL modified science, English, and social studies. And he's reading at grade level 3.2. We didn't have time to read Tuesday evening so I made him read his book twice on Wed. and when he got done he said, "Dis is my worse life ever. My worse life." Instead of engaging him on how good he has it or how having to read the book twice is not the worse thing ever I decided to ask him how many lives he's had, since that was the way he worded it. He looked at me like, duh. And he said, "I had my life in Haiti, which was way worse den any odder life and my life here. Dat's two lives." Isn't it something that he divides his life up like that? Maybe it's a coping mechanism, dividing it like that. Maybe that's why he wants nothing to do with Haiti or anything Haitian. I don't know.
He still continually cracks us up. All the time. He watched the movie "Baby's Day Out" the other day. The girls went through a period of time where they watched that movie all. the. time. It was so funny to listen to J watch it and know what part he was at. There is one part where one of the bad guys sets his crotch on fire and T thought J was going to fall off the couch. J said, "Roasted bratwurst. Hahahaha!" Think about that. A kid from Haiti, watching an American movie and making a joke about German sausage. How funny is that? And he still doesn't say his "r's" that well so it sounded more like, "Woasted bwatwust." Too funny.
He wants to do well and make good decisions but he doesn't want to work very hard at it. He still shows a lot of empathy for other people. He still loves, loves, loves to eat and is willing to try just about anything, especially meat of any kind. He still wants to babied occasionally and definitely wants to be prayed with before he goes to bed. He has recently started sleeping with his bedroom door open. We can't figure out what that's about because he was always adamant that his door be closed until about a month ago.
He's still not good about "changing gears". If something doesn't go the way he thinks it should or if a curve ball gets thrown his way he can easily come unglued. He definitely prefers a schedule and sticking to it. I tell people if you told him that you were going to bite his head off at 4:00 on Sunday he'd be okay with it because he'd know it was coming and when, but don't tell him he can't wear the red shirt he planned on wearing or that we have to leave 5 minutes early or someone is going to be 15 minutes late. He can't handle it. And for heaven's sake, don't give him a homework assignment right before the bell rings. His world has come to an end.
J, you really are an awesome little character and it's been mostly joyful to be your parents and watch you experience new things. For you, it's all about the experience. Work hard, be good and have some fun. We hope and pray that 14 is an awesome year for you. We love you.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
It's Tuesday!! (and fibro info)
Hallelujah! They all went back to school/work today. T works for the school system and that's why he was off. J forgot his agenda and reading books. And so it begins.
I've had someone ask about my fibromyalgia and what I've done for it. In summer of '09 I took 2 months of doxycycline. After reading about fibro and infections I presented what I had read to my GP and thankfully he was willing to consider it, think outside the box and prescribe 200mg. once a day. The result was that the "fibro flu" (achy, tired, sore throat, low-grade fevers) I had been experiencing for years was greatly reduced. It was happening weekly and sometimes multiple times per week and now, post doxy, it has happened about 5 times. 5 times, people, in a year and a half.
I was still low energy, still had the tender points, "fibro fog" (feeling foggy headed-can't come up with the correct word, etc.) was bad, and several of the 100 symptoms of fibro- www.fms-help.com/signs.htm . I have muscle relaxers as needed, which I take one once or twice a week. And recently I discovered, through a massage therapist, ATP Energy Dietary Supplement made by progressive laboratories. I love these things! I get them at my chiro/massage therapist office. I did a google search on malic acid and magnesium for fibromyalgia and was surprised at what I found. I am convinced that these things help and I had no idea about it. My energy levels are up, fibro fog is down (not gone, but noticeably improved) and people say I look better. Hmmm. I'd recommend them to anyone with fibro. Not everyone is the same but it sure can't hurt to try. I would recommend the doxy too, if you can get your doc to go along with it.
I know I'll have good days and bad days and that I'm not "healed" but for right now, I'm feeling pretty good most of the time.
I've had someone ask about my fibromyalgia and what I've done for it. In summer of '09 I took 2 months of doxycycline. After reading about fibro and infections I presented what I had read to my GP and thankfully he was willing to consider it, think outside the box and prescribe 200mg. once a day. The result was that the "fibro flu" (achy, tired, sore throat, low-grade fevers) I had been experiencing for years was greatly reduced. It was happening weekly and sometimes multiple times per week and now, post doxy, it has happened about 5 times. 5 times, people, in a year and a half.
I was still low energy, still had the tender points, "fibro fog" (feeling foggy headed-can't come up with the correct word, etc.) was bad, and several of the 100 symptoms of fibro- www.fms-help.com/signs.htm . I have muscle relaxers as needed, which I take one once or twice a week. And recently I discovered, through a massage therapist, ATP Energy Dietary Supplement made by progressive laboratories. I love these things! I get them at my chiro/massage therapist office. I did a google search on malic acid and magnesium for fibromyalgia and was surprised at what I found. I am convinced that these things help and I had no idea about it. My energy levels are up, fibro fog is down (not gone, but noticeably improved) and people say I look better. Hmmm. I'd recommend them to anyone with fibro. Not everyone is the same but it sure can't hurt to try. I would recommend the doxy too, if you can get your doc to go along with it.
I know I'll have good days and bad days and that I'm not "healed" but for right now, I'm feeling pretty good most of the time.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Fibro= boo-hiss
Okay, remember that recent post where I said I hadn't had "fibro flu" in like 5 weeks. I had it last Monday but just chalked it up to working, leading music and getting ready for VBS. I had it today. Fibro kicked my butt today. I had given up the doxycycline earlier this week or maybe over last weekend, I can't remember for sure, as I had seen no further results other than the missing fibro flu and I was tired of the stomach stuff that goes along with antibiotics. I worked two days in a row (I usually only work two or three days a week) and we were really busy today besides some other stresses going on in life so maybe that's what it was. We'll see.
In other news, they did not get the medical certificate for J yet because he "has to do X-ray" and the results should be available on Monday and then on to Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS). Sigh...I'm assuming that the x-ray is a chest x-ray to check for TB as a lot of the kids are given a vaccination that makes them test positive for TB. I don't know for sure though. Keep praying.
In other news, they did not get the medical certificate for J yet because he "has to do X-ray" and the results should be available on Monday and then on to Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS). Sigh...I'm assuming that the x-ray is a chest x-ray to check for TB as a lot of the kids are given a vaccination that makes them test positive for TB. I don't know for sure though. Keep praying.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
fibromyalgia
Update; Dominie's website has been invaluable to me for fibromyalgia info. She also has info on Chronic Fatigue and a few other things. If you have fibro or suspect fibro, check it out. http://www.fms-help.com/homepage.htm
I've been doing an experiment of sorts with my fibro. I was dx'd about 5 years ago and it took about 5 1/2 years to get dx'd. My general symptoms are tired; sleep disturbances; tight, weak muscles; a bruised feeling in several places in my body; hips, shoulders and knees are often achy, my hips being the worst; I have heart palpitations and chest pain, particularly in the heat; not being able to come up with the right word, particularly nouns (known as fibro fog); along with several other things but the ones I listed are the worse for me. On top of that I got what I call "fibro flu" where I feel achy all over, have a sore throat and sometimes a low grade fever and just feel like I'm coming down with the flu, sometimes multiple times in a week. That seems like it is triggered by too much activity and stress but once I sleep through the night I'm okay the next day.
After reading this; The data suggest that many infections may trigger CFIDS/FMS or that CFIDS and FMS may cause immune suppression--which then sets you up to catch a whole bunch of different infections which the body has trouble clearing. This is why it is important to treat all of the underlying processes simultaneously.
Testing for These Infections
Do not even bother checking IgG or IgM testing for these. PCR testing can be helpful, but be aware that even with the best laboratories, it is not uncommon to have a false-negative report--where you have the infection but it does not show up on the test. There are good arguments for not doing the tests and simply going ahead and treating the patients empirically if they have fevers, lung congestion or pustular scalp lesions. If they feel better after 2-4 months on the treatment, then you know you are hitting an infection and you can always intermittently stop the treatment to see how long they will need it. Also, there are many infections that are not tested for with these tests that would be effectively treated with the regimens that we are discussing. Many of these are likely to be infections that we don't even know exist. Because of this, if resources are limit* Doxycycline or minocycline, usually at dosages of 100 milligrams 2 times a day. These two antibiotics are in the tetracycline family. They are very effective against a number of unusual organisms (including, at times, Lyme disease). They should not be given to children under eight years old because they can cause permanent staining of the teeth.
Although all of these antibiotics can be effective, it is not uncommon for infections that are sensitive to the erythromycin antibiotics (Zithromax or Biaxin) to be resistant to tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) and Cipro, and vice-versa. Therefore, it is best to try either doxycycline or Cipro first. If they are not effective, then try the Zithromax or Biaxin. The antibiotic should be taken for at least six months. If there is no improvement in ~2-4 months, switch to or add the other antibiotic or simply stop the treatment. It is helpful to check for low-grade fevers. As mentioned earlier, I am more likely to use antibiotics for CFIDS patients who have temperatures over 98.6[degrees]F, even if it is only 98.8[degrees]F (I consider 98.8[degrees]F a fever because CFIDS/FMS patients usually have low body temperatures). If the fever decreases with the antibiotic, it suggests that the patient does have one of these nonviral infections and that the antibiotic is helping. This would encourage me to continue the antibiotic trial--even if it takes up to 18 months to see an improvement in their symptoms.
And this; Fibromyalgia means that a previously healthy person develops unexplained exhaustion, fatigue and muscle aches and pains that last for more that six months; all blood tests are normal and doctors can’t find a cause. One recent report shows that a large number of people who were diagnosed with having fibromyalgia really had polymyalgia rheumatica, which does have abnormal blood tests. A recent report shows that many sufferers have low spinal fluid levels of vitamin B12 can be treated with 1000mcg of B12 each day. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia should be made only after all other causes have been ruled out. Many infections can cause fatigue and muscle pain. The evaluation should include tests for infectious diseases; such as Lyme disease and Hepatitis B or C, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis or the helicobacter that causes stomach ulcers; autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis; hidden cancers such as those of the breast and prostate; hormonal diseases such as low thyroid; or side effects from a medication or illicit drug. Around 20 percent will be depressed. Most people miss work and complain of illness long before their diagnosis, but the majority will not have a known cause. Chronic fatigue means that the primary symptom is exhaustion, but most also have constipation and diarrhea. Fibromyalgia usually means that muscle and joint pains are major symptoms, but muscle biopsies are normal, pressure points are not reproducible and ultra sound is normal. Multiple chemical sensitivities mean that patients think that their symptoms are caused by factors in their environment or they consult doctors who think the same thing. Untreated, the symptoms that that lead to any of these diagnoses will usually continue in adults for the rest of their lives. I have prescribed doxycycline 100-mg twice a day for several months, and sometimes azithromycin 500-mg twice a week, and some of my patients get better. However, this treatment is not accepted by most doctors. Please check with your doctor.
And this; Multiple mycoplasmal infections detected in blood of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia syndrome.Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 1999 Dec;18(12):859-65"The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of different mycoplasmal species in blood samples from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia syndrome. Previously, more than 60% of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia syndrome were found to have mycoplasmal blood infections, such as Mycoplasma fermentans infection. In this study, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia syndrome were examined for multiple mycoplasmal infections in their blood. A total of 91 patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia syndrome and with a positive test for any mycoplasmal infection were investigated for the presence of Mycoplasma fermentans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma penetrans in blood using forensic polymerase chain reaction. Among these mycoplasma-positive patients, infections were detected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (54/91), Mycoplasma fermentans (44/91), Mycoplasma hominis (28/91) and Mycoplasma penetrans (18/91). Multiple mycoplasmal infections were found in 48 of 91 patients, with double infections being detected in 30.8% and triple infections in 22%, but only when one of the species was Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Mycoplasma fermentans. Patients infected with more than one mycoplasmal species generally had a longer history of illness, suggesting that they may have contracted additional mycoplasmal infections with time."
Mycoplasma blood infection in chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes.Rheumatol Int. 2003 Sep; 23(5): 211-5. Epub 2003 Jul 16."Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are characterised by a lack of consistent laboratory and clinical abnormalities. Although they are distinguishable as separate syndromes based on established criteria, a great number of patients are diagnosed with both. In studies using polymerase chain reaction methods, mycoplasma blood infection has been detected in about 50% of patients with CFS and/or FMS, including patients with Gulf War illnesses and symptoms that overlap with one or both syndromes. Such infection is detected in only about 10% of healthy individuals, significantly less than in patients. Most patients with CFS/FMS who have mycoplasma infection appear to recover and reach their pre-illness state after long-term antibiotic therapy with doxycycline, and the infection can not be detected after recovery. By means of causation and therapy, mycoplasma blood infection may permit a further subclassification of CFS and FMS. It is not clear whether mycoplasmas are associated with CFS/FMS as causal agents, cofactors, or opportunistic infections in patients with immune disturbances. Whether mycoplasma infection can be detected in about 50% of all patient populations with CFS and/or FMS is yet to be determined
I asked my GP to read these and a few more similar articles and he did. Together we made the decision to try the doxycycline. I'm taking 200mg once a day. He's letting me try it for 3 months and see what happens and then we'll go from there. I've been on it for almost 2 months and now and the thing that's different is I haven't had "fibro flu" in almost 5 weeks. I've not had any low grade fevers either. I don't expect it to cure my fibro but I wouldn't have guessed that it would do something to the fibro flu and unexplained fevers. I'm not saying this would help everyone with fibromyalgia and I'm certainly not saying all those with fibro should try it, I'm just telling my experience with doxy so far. Thankfully I have an understanding doc who is willing to think outside the box with me. Like I said, I never would have guessed that it would affect the fibro flu and fevers but after about 3 weeks or so of being on doxy I was thinking, hey, I haven't had fibro flu this week and I've had plenty of activity and stress to trigger it. Then I started paying attention and I didn't have it any more after that either. Weird. You take the doxy on an empty stomach and it makes me feel a little puny or have stomach pain until I eat something. I'm also taking acidophilis to help put "good bacteria" back where it belongs. And that's my fibromyalgia and doxycycline story so far.
I've been doing an experiment of sorts with my fibro. I was dx'd about 5 years ago and it took about 5 1/2 years to get dx'd. My general symptoms are tired; sleep disturbances; tight, weak muscles; a bruised feeling in several places in my body; hips, shoulders and knees are often achy, my hips being the worst; I have heart palpitations and chest pain, particularly in the heat; not being able to come up with the right word, particularly nouns (known as fibro fog); along with several other things but the ones I listed are the worse for me. On top of that I got what I call "fibro flu" where I feel achy all over, have a sore throat and sometimes a low grade fever and just feel like I'm coming down with the flu, sometimes multiple times in a week. That seems like it is triggered by too much activity and stress but once I sleep through the night I'm okay the next day.
After reading this; The data suggest that many infections may trigger CFIDS/FMS or that CFIDS and FMS may cause immune suppression--which then sets you up to catch a whole bunch of different infections which the body has trouble clearing. This is why it is important to treat all of the underlying processes simultaneously.
Testing for These Infections
Do not even bother checking IgG or IgM testing for these. PCR testing can be helpful, but be aware that even with the best laboratories, it is not uncommon to have a false-negative report--where you have the infection but it does not show up on the test. There are good arguments for not doing the tests and simply going ahead and treating the patients empirically if they have fevers, lung congestion or pustular scalp lesions. If they feel better after 2-4 months on the treatment, then you know you are hitting an infection and you can always intermittently stop the treatment to see how long they will need it. Also, there are many infections that are not tested for with these tests that would be effectively treated with the regimens that we are discussing. Many of these are likely to be infections that we don't even know exist. Because of this, if resources are limit* Doxycycline or minocycline, usually at dosages of 100 milligrams 2 times a day. These two antibiotics are in the tetracycline family. They are very effective against a number of unusual organisms (including, at times, Lyme disease). They should not be given to children under eight years old because they can cause permanent staining of the teeth.
Although all of these antibiotics can be effective, it is not uncommon for infections that are sensitive to the erythromycin antibiotics (Zithromax or Biaxin) to be resistant to tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) and Cipro, and vice-versa. Therefore, it is best to try either doxycycline or Cipro first. If they are not effective, then try the Zithromax or Biaxin. The antibiotic should be taken for at least six months. If there is no improvement in ~2-4 months, switch to or add the other antibiotic or simply stop the treatment. It is helpful to check for low-grade fevers. As mentioned earlier, I am more likely to use antibiotics for CFIDS patients who have temperatures over 98.6[degrees]F, even if it is only 98.8[degrees]F (I consider 98.8[degrees]F a fever because CFIDS/FMS patients usually have low body temperatures). If the fever decreases with the antibiotic, it suggests that the patient does have one of these nonviral infections and that the antibiotic is helping. This would encourage me to continue the antibiotic trial--even if it takes up to 18 months to see an improvement in their symptoms.
And this; Fibromyalgia means that a previously healthy person develops unexplained exhaustion, fatigue and muscle aches and pains that last for more that six months; all blood tests are normal and doctors can’t find a cause. One recent report shows that a large number of people who were diagnosed with having fibromyalgia really had polymyalgia rheumatica, which does have abnormal blood tests. A recent report shows that many sufferers have low spinal fluid levels of vitamin B12 can be treated with 1000mcg of B12 each day. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia should be made only after all other causes have been ruled out. Many infections can cause fatigue and muscle pain. The evaluation should include tests for infectious diseases; such as Lyme disease and Hepatitis B or C, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis or the helicobacter that causes stomach ulcers; autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis; hidden cancers such as those of the breast and prostate; hormonal diseases such as low thyroid; or side effects from a medication or illicit drug. Around 20 percent will be depressed. Most people miss work and complain of illness long before their diagnosis, but the majority will not have a known cause. Chronic fatigue means that the primary symptom is exhaustion, but most also have constipation and diarrhea. Fibromyalgia usually means that muscle and joint pains are major symptoms, but muscle biopsies are normal, pressure points are not reproducible and ultra sound is normal. Multiple chemical sensitivities mean that patients think that their symptoms are caused by factors in their environment or they consult doctors who think the same thing. Untreated, the symptoms that that lead to any of these diagnoses will usually continue in adults for the rest of their lives. I have prescribed doxycycline 100-mg twice a day for several months, and sometimes azithromycin 500-mg twice a week, and some of my patients get better. However, this treatment is not accepted by most doctors. Please check with your doctor.
And this; Multiple mycoplasmal infections detected in blood of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia syndrome.Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 1999 Dec;18(12):859-65"The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of different mycoplasmal species in blood samples from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia syndrome. Previously, more than 60% of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia syndrome were found to have mycoplasmal blood infections, such as Mycoplasma fermentans infection. In this study, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia syndrome were examined for multiple mycoplasmal infections in their blood. A total of 91 patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia syndrome and with a positive test for any mycoplasmal infection were investigated for the presence of Mycoplasma fermentans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma penetrans in blood using forensic polymerase chain reaction. Among these mycoplasma-positive patients, infections were detected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (54/91), Mycoplasma fermentans (44/91), Mycoplasma hominis (28/91) and Mycoplasma penetrans (18/91). Multiple mycoplasmal infections were found in 48 of 91 patients, with double infections being detected in 30.8% and triple infections in 22%, but only when one of the species was Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Mycoplasma fermentans. Patients infected with more than one mycoplasmal species generally had a longer history of illness, suggesting that they may have contracted additional mycoplasmal infections with time."
Mycoplasma blood infection in chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes.Rheumatol Int. 2003 Sep; 23(5): 211-5. Epub 2003 Jul 16."Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are characterised by a lack of consistent laboratory and clinical abnormalities. Although they are distinguishable as separate syndromes based on established criteria, a great number of patients are diagnosed with both. In studies using polymerase chain reaction methods, mycoplasma blood infection has been detected in about 50% of patients with CFS and/or FMS, including patients with Gulf War illnesses and symptoms that overlap with one or both syndromes. Such infection is detected in only about 10% of healthy individuals, significantly less than in patients. Most patients with CFS/FMS who have mycoplasma infection appear to recover and reach their pre-illness state after long-term antibiotic therapy with doxycycline, and the infection can not be detected after recovery. By means of causation and therapy, mycoplasma blood infection may permit a further subclassification of CFS and FMS. It is not clear whether mycoplasmas are associated with CFS/FMS as causal agents, cofactors, or opportunistic infections in patients with immune disturbances. Whether mycoplasma infection can be detected in about 50% of all patient populations with CFS and/or FMS is yet to be determined
I asked my GP to read these and a few more similar articles and he did. Together we made the decision to try the doxycycline. I'm taking 200mg once a day. He's letting me try it for 3 months and see what happens and then we'll go from there. I've been on it for almost 2 months and now and the thing that's different is I haven't had "fibro flu" in almost 5 weeks. I've not had any low grade fevers either. I don't expect it to cure my fibro but I wouldn't have guessed that it would do something to the fibro flu and unexplained fevers. I'm not saying this would help everyone with fibromyalgia and I'm certainly not saying all those with fibro should try it, I'm just telling my experience with doxy so far. Thankfully I have an understanding doc who is willing to think outside the box with me. Like I said, I never would have guessed that it would affect the fibro flu and fevers but after about 3 weeks or so of being on doxy I was thinking, hey, I haven't had fibro flu this week and I've had plenty of activity and stress to trigger it. Then I started paying attention and I didn't have it any more after that either. Weird. You take the doxy on an empty stomach and it makes me feel a little puny or have stomach pain until I eat something. I'm also taking acidophilis to help put "good bacteria" back where it belongs. And that's my fibromyalgia and doxycycline story so far.
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