DEE, I miss gardening and preserving everything too. My lease here isn't up until July (no room to garden), but we're already planning what we can plant in the fall. All we have to do is find the perfect house this summer. Weather is mild here this week, but that doesn't seem to make a difference to my body. I think I'm worse when work irritates the snot out of me!!! Thankfully, I have Wednesdays off. I can do anything 2 days at a time, right?? Finally got a microwave; heating rice bags helps a lot. I alternate with the ice. I sure miss my "bags" while I'm at work! (Wouldn't that look funny?!?) HUGS to you all.

I really am new at this and hope to be able to keep posting.
I seem to feel more and more tired with each passing day.
I have a list of things that need done, but am exhausted just writing the list.
I temporarily have braud band internet service with Com Cast,
I have been putting off calling them about my e-mail with them not working.
That is # 2 on my list after closing this post and making breakfast for my little girl.

I also have been putting off filling out the Representative Payee report from Social Security, it is required for my children to get there benefits continued.
It is so overwhelming, as is preparing our Income tax return.
I wonder how you all do it, I don't like the thought of getting everything ready for my Tax Preparer, it takes me for ever.
I really appreciate the support here take care , from Richard

I really am new at this and hope to be able to keep posting.
I seem to feel more and more tired with each passing day.
I have a list of things that need done, but am exhausted just writing the list.
I temporarily have braud band internet service with Com Cast,
I have been putting off calling them about my e-mail with them not working.
That is # 2 on my list after closing this post and making breakfast for my little girl.

I also have been putting off filling out the Representative Payee report from Social Security, it is required for my children to get there benefits continued.
It is so overwhelming, as is preparing our Income tax return.
I wonder how you all do it, I don't like the thought of getting everything ready for my Tax Preparer, it takes me for ever.
I really appreciate the support here take care , from Richard

I too try to prioritize, money matters are usually first because we have so many finacial demands,
I need to keep up with the checkbook register at least every other day or I'm lost.
I some times wish I had a secretary to help me keep it all striaght. Many days I regret putting finances first, I want to enjoy my children & my life but ,
I'm so overwhelmed and fatigued there is nothing left for the most important part of my life, my family.
Thanks for being here and listening.... Gentle Hugs.... Richard

Richard, it is really hard to get things done with this disease. One of the dr.'s I went to said to do 50% every day--if you feel good, only do 50%, if you feel bad, try your best to do 50%...Sometimes its not really 50%, it's just getting one particular thing done for the day...Also, I am a firm believer in the "nap". If I have to take a "nap" when I first get up in the morning, I do it. If I don't and push through the day, I usually have worse symptoms for the next couple of days. I usually try to nap in the afternoon. I've become much more efficient since doing this--I usually get a "second chance" to get things done later in the day. Fortunately, my son just turned 18, and I didn't get sick until a few years ago. The biggest adjustment was learning to think differently--no more type A personality!

For me my family is most important--I'd rather make everyone and everything else wait...sometimes I only get 5 or 10 minutes in with my son, but I try to be there for those few minutes. I've never understood what "quality" time is. Sounds like a lot of pressure to me! Better to be consistent.

Have a good one.

A comment to everyone, simplify, simplify, simplify - the local Goodwill or church rummage sale would love all those clothes and shoes you don't wear anymore because they aren't comfortable; all those knick knacks (I don't care if your mother in law did give them to you) that you don't want to dust; I have been "purging" my house for the past six or seven years (I can't work that fast) and it certainly has helped me both mentally and physically. If you want some good ideas about that, watch a show on TLC called CLEAN SWEEP. When the organizer starts helping people get rid of some of their stuff, some real psychological issues start coming up. It has been a very helpful show to me, plus you get some really good ideas.

Got to go. I'll try to tell you about my runing away from home yesterday. Everyone - be good to yourself today, you deserve it.

bonbon--I used to get accupunture once or twice every month. First I was treated for my asthma which actually went into remission for a time. He then moved to a different town. I found another accupunturist when I was exercising and healthy, and very much super woman (and had some $$). I went consistently for over a year. My accupunturist then moved to Washington. When I started getting sick, and especially when I couldn't work any more, I went to another accupunturist. She was good, but was very radical about taking medications. We would "argue" about amitryptoline (sp?) and prozac. Part of her practice involves drying "addicts" out, and getting people off medications, alcohol, drugs, etc. We just did not see eye to eye. Also, she wanted to see me a couple of times a week, indefinately. Just couldn't justify it OR afford it. There is another woman in the valley that has a great reputation, and I've been considering going to see her. I just do NOT want to go more than once a month! But I definately think accupunture works, especially for pain.

Hi July...I know what you mean about the treadmill. These days I don't seem to know where I am in "space"--not as stable on my feet. I always feel like the treadmill is going to toss me off, just like a cartoon character!

Later all

ROBBI....have a great time at the seminar. It's so exciting when there are
plans we get to keep and enjoy. Fill us in when you get back.

STARR IN WV.....I love that show CLEAN SWEEP. And you are right....SIMPLIFY!

So welcome to all the NEWBIES. I must go and finish whatever it was I
started before I sat down here at this computer. I get so side tracked, so
easily.
Gentle Hugs....Dee

DEB - I'm so sorry for what you and your friends and family are going through. I lost a very dear friend just about this time last year. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

BONBON - thank you so very much for that last article you just posted!!! I'm going through a rough time right now and it really spoke to me on several points. I'm trying to find a new doctor who will understand my need for the pain meds (my old doctor got sick and has not returned) but because of this fear of addiction it is very frustrating. Instead of listening to me and giving any credence to what I have to say, they want me to take seizure medication and antidepressants for the pain. I don't have a good history of those things working for me - I've always had a bad reaction. I lost a whole weekend in January from trying the seziure med. I haven't had enough nerve to take the Lexapro yet. I'm hurting today because I haven't taken any pain med. because I don't have much left. Yet I'm at work. Fortunately it is quiet here. then I see the Today Show today about the Zoloft defense where that young man killed his grandparents - the doctor on the show was saying that the drug companies and doctors don't know enough about the side effects, especially in children and teens, but even in adults. He said many people have talked about feeling like they were outside the body, watching a movie and watching themselves do things they would not normally do. I can see that happening to me and it scares me. The weekend I lost - I ordered a book online that I had been wanting but I have no memory of ordering it. I was just about to order it again when I got it in the mail!!!

I think each of us has to reach a point where we accept that we have this dragon and we are going to have to deal with it on a daily basis and then we have to figure out what will work best for each of us and strive to get that - and that means we have to stop pretending sometimes that we are "normal". At least I know I have to do that. And believe me, if I can't use my pain med - my normal is going change drastically and it's going to affect everything and everyone on my life.

I hope everyone gets some sunshine this weekend. Hang in there.

I am very fortunate to belong to a couple of great groups of women at my church and from time to time they ask me to do a program. I have taken advantage of that to educate them in fibromyalgia. Since many of them are older, I have started out by saying do you ever ache all over, do you have trouble remembering things, opening a jar, etc. etc. I ask if they have ever had the flu - most people have. If they have ever had a sore muscle - most people have. If they have any arthritis - most middle age and older people have - and then I ask them how they would like to have all that everyday without ceasing and be only 20 or 30 or 40 or even 50 years old? that really gets people's attention sometime.

i think we need to compaign more for the media and Hollywood and TV to feature more real people dealing with real problems instead of the Hilton sisters. I think we need to encourage Oprah and Dr. Phil and some others to keep these types of illnesses in the forefront. this dragon is crippling and we have a right to be heard. bless you.

Good luck ROBBI, Hope you can still utilize those other options. Sounds like it helped you, too!

STAR: So glad I can be of help to you, I have known about this site for a while, and I like it. I really thought it might be able to help some of our friends on this nice, friendly site. You have all been so wonderful in welcoming me. Thanks.....P.S. I saw another, new Pulmonary Doc, recently, & want to stick with him. Since I already had the sleep test taken, all they did, yesterday, was check my arms for allergies, he wanted to see what I was allergic to, and said that the Beta Blocker I was on was possibly making me get more headaches, & causing allergies, which is what made more migraines. He cut the dose in half....& said to continue with that for about 3 days....then I have to take another pill,(Carditen) which he said will help me, but won't cause any other side affects. He also gave me an allergy shot (Prednizone), which he also gave me an RX for also. The girl that gave me the allergy test, (blood pressure), and pulse, and heart ratel, finally came back in and said I was allergic to everything on the list. Wow.....I knew I had allergies, sinus, miafacial problems with it, TMJ syndrome, and exzema from my few allergies I thought I had, but this is ridiculous!! Anyway, the therapist they work with, (was actually a good friend of my Acupuncturist, whom gave me the referral), is very thorough, as well as this new Doc, and guess what? They both share the same last name, Dr. Gill, and the therapist is, Tim Gill, also a terrific person. Anyway.....I am finally off to a great start. Tim is order the CPAP, for those that don't know what that stands for, it means: continuous, positive, airway, pressure. The Dr. also stated to me that it should really help cut back my migraines, most or all. I should be able to finally lose some weight, and excersize with a bit more ease, since I won't be waking up all night. The company that Tim works for, ordered me a new lightweight one, that has a foam like piece that goes into the end of nostril, and the mask is set slightly apart from the nose, so it is less cumbersome on your face. I am really looking forward to this. Maybe it will help with a lot of my disorders. They also gave me a test, that checks how your blood oxygen is, (had to blow into a tube). I am coming back for 2 more tests, one I think is a heart dopler, the other is a stress/treadmill test. Well......I feel like I wrote a book here, must get dinner together right now, Gentle Hugs! and have a terrific weekend everyone. I may not get to post until next week. & Welcome all you newbies. Enjoy...this is a wonderful site.

Just reread messages from Jan.15 archives because I couldn't remember what I'd read--nor could I remember this website because of fibro fog. I, too, have creaky joints--my family joked about it when I was little. Also have the moons on my thumbnails, and they're very pronounced.

We finally got some snow in CO HURRAH!We are in the 7th year of drought and need all the moisture we can get. You people in the Northeast--send us some snow! or sleet! or rain! Anything! You'd think the moisture would set off a flare, but the dryness does me in because all the dust sets off my Sjogrens and have been battling sinus problems for months. No pain killer has helped my pain. Only massage helps

I will visit some of these sites this afteroon. Time to get "edjamacated," before I meet the new doc on Wednesay. I'm hopeful yet dreading it. It's so hard to convince someone in 10 minutes that you're in serious need of help and yet not come off as hyper and crazy! I call it "emergency room syndrome." STAT! I'm super not sleeping on just the melatonin, and I hope he'll give me something affordable.

Sorry to hear about the woes of our members on top of living with Fibro. It's not fair. And breast cancer too? I can't imagine, and I hope Nurse Linda is dancing in the clouds, pain free.

I've been meaning to ask about tinnitus. Is ringing in the ears common to fibro? It's getting louder, 2 constant and distinct tones, and I have trouble hearing on the phone. I'm too young to be this old! And creaky as heck to boot.

We've got sun today; doors and windows are open. Haven't heard from Linda/TX in a while; I think she's having fun with her new class. Isn't that great? HUGS to all.

DEB/TX - I am sorry to hear about your dear friend Renee as well. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Renee and her family also. I really hope she makes a full recovery soon. Also, I hope that your fibro doesn't flare going through this.

We're floating on air at my house! Darrell has been trying to find his 9 year old son for 2 and 1/2 years, and yesterday we got to spend several hours with him, just out of the blue! He's going to start coming every other weekend. I need quick advice on how to become a mom!! lol. Happy Monday, everybody. Wishing wellness for all of us. HUGS

1. Wellbutrin, (I was on this one), Celexa, (was on this), Zoloft, (was on this), Effexor XL, (was on this), Paxil, (was not on this). I think some of these, may be similar to Prozac, but you have to discuss with your doc. Everyone is different, and sometimes medications are changed for different reasons. My reasons were either, not helping, or putting excessive weight on, or now I am on a totally new medication. It is called Cymbalta, and was given to me for, depression, panic disorder, and (pain - Fibro), which so far hasn't given me any other unrelated problems. It is a fairly new one, so your doc, may not know about it. Richard, I think it is all a trial and error type of predisposition, we must put up with. Good luck.....& have a nice day with your family. BonBon

KATIE - you said you were taking Lexapro - may I ask why? My sleep specialist wants me to take it because he says it will make me jittery, help me to stay awake during the day - not for depressions. A PA told me they sometimes give it for pain?? My sleep doctor said it would also make me cranky for a few weeks before I adjusted to it (like I'm not cranky enough, right LOL) My past experience with any antidepressant med is that it makes me so sleep that I'm literally out of it for 2-3 days right after I take that first dose.

BONBON - can you let me know the manufacturer of your sleep mask. Mine is from RES MED but this sounds like something I might like - my complaint with mine is that it sometimes get too hot. Also, I have had the blood oxygen tests but instead of a treadmill stress test which they thought would be too hard for me they gave me a six minute walking test (the nurse and I walked up and down the hallway at the office) and they had a monitoring devise on me. I tried to take a treadmill stress test a few years ago and couldn't complete it so they offered to give me the "chemical" stress test and I said no. I still don't sleep all the way through the night (although the skelaxin is helping) but I sleep in longer blocks of time most of the time and I know my quality of sleep is much better. I think if it weren't for my sciatic pain I would sleep longer. I really do think you'll do better on the cpap. Once I trained myself to relax, I find myself now relaxing when I put it on because I know that I don't have to strain to breathe.

I think that article about the grown hormone sounds interesting. I'm going to send it to my neurologist.

Everyone have a good day. Wish me luck on my quest for a new GP.

It's been quite a while since I've been here but felt I needed to get
back. Read a few postings. The fibro has been bad the last while; it
has been so cold here, down to -30 a while back. So I stayed in for
about a week and got my office sort of straightened around to where
I can actually work in it. My doctor put me on a regimine of stretching
every morning and night. I also have gone back to using the weight
machines at the wellness center along with the walking. And I am
actually losing a few pounds, not quite as fast as I would like. I
hope by spring I will be feeling a lot better. Hubby is beginning to fail
more and getting out less. The little canary he got for me a year ago
Christmas is a lot of company for him and he loves that little bird
so much. We go along, enjoying each days as much as he can and do the
activities that we can handle.

Hugs to all, will get on here again and read more, right now my chair is
calling loudly.

Hello Star, also wanted to let you know about the sleep manufacturer. I haven't received the CPAP yet, but the therapist that sets this up, is coming to my house this thursday. For 2 hours.....he is supposed to show me exactly how to use this machine. The machine that is being offered to me is called a CPAP 7 W/Heated Humidifier-Fisher Paquel Comfort Lit Mask. He is also, apparently, bringing another one, one that was similar to the sleep study used on me. If for some reason this one doesn't suit me, he will let me take the other one, but I have to decide while he is here, because, once I decide......I have to stick with it for a while, until or unless there are any problems with it. Wow.....so much with this Fibro.....!! I hope this sleep apparatus helps me. It may make a big difference according to some of the medical community, here in New York.

Well......hope the sun picks out later, hugs......BonBon

I just wanted to share this wonderful message, that I found online, called (Father's Love Letter)
I hope you all get the same feeling as I did when you read it.
To me It says volumes of support and compassion.
Ideal for anyone in chronic pain both physical and mental.
I found it at the fallowing link.
http://www.fathersloveletter.com/flltextenglish.html
let me know if you have touble with opening it, there are two basic formats. Text Narated & poster.
There is also a format in which you see many beautiful pictures, with the message.
I only wish the best for you all. this is to me the best contribution I could share with you.
Thank you for being in my life...... Richard.......

My boss had full spectrum bulbs put in her overhead lights at the office last year - she bought them at Lowe's I think - to replace the florescent bulbs. Plus she has the lamp at home. I think she got it at JoAnn Fabrics for about $60 on sale but I saw one in Walmart this year for $30 - it is natural light instead of artifical light???? I didn't realize this could help with sleep so thank you, I'm going to investigate this more. I bought my husband a blub for his lamp but now I'm not sure what it is - he has SAD and is miserable in the winter.

I had a talk with a doctor last night about the Lexapro - he explained it a little better than the other guy, plus I had read some online so I decided to try it. He said if I was really nervous, start with just 5mg and move up to the 10 in a few days so I took the 5mg this morning and so far no extremely drowsiness, which i was very afraid of since that had been my past experience. Also, he said he hadn't heard anything from his other patients on it about being cranky. I did read online about it being an SSRI instead of tricyclic.

Don't you just love the way we all throw this medical terms around? Don't we sound impressive??

Hope everyone's having a good day.

C="sm-shout.gif" height=15 width=15 border=0>Caprio, Founder of the FMS/CFIDS MILLION LETTER CAMPAIGN at http://www.fms-help.com/letter.htm-- Can you help us during these last 12 weeks of the MILLION LETTER CAMPAIGN? We are working towards a goal of one million letters from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers to be mailed on May 1, 2005. We hope to gain national attention and awareness for these illnesses. We need help verifying addresses and phone numbers. We need people who have an "unlimited calling" plan. We also have jobs requiring computer skills. If you can help, please email Rebecca gunn11@charter.net for a job description! 30 volunteers have worked on the campaign thus far, but we need more helpers as we approach the 11th hour! This is not meant to be a pressure cooker. We work around flare-ups and family problems. We try to pair up partners to make the work load light. Any receipts you save and turn in for flyers, stamps etc. will be reimbursed. You can visit the Million Letter Campaign workers' site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/million_letter_campaign before making your decision. But please hurry!!! There is so much to be done and so little time left. We need "all hands on deck" to make this campaign a success for all of us! Pattie Caprio MLC Founder | | | | | Inbox Get the latest updates from MSN MSN Home | My MSN | Hotmail | Search | Shopping | Money | People & Chat Feedback | Help © 2005 Microsoft TERMS OF USE Advertise TRUSTe Approved Privacy Statement Anti-Spam Policy

Dear FMS/CFIDS Sufferers, Have you ever noticed the blank stares you get when you tell people you have Fibromyalgia? They always say, "What's that?!" or "You don't LOOK sick!" If you say you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, they say, "Well, I get tired too!!" If you say you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), few people would know what you are talking about! (M.E. is used in most parts of the world except the United States.) Would you say that "Fibromyalgia Awareness" is lacking in our society??! The GOOD NEWS is that we can have a MAJOR IMPACT on the media and the world BEFORE the next Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (also International ME/CFS Awareness Day) on May 12, 2005! However, we must get the word out NOW so we will be READY TO ROLL with our "plan" on MAY 1, 2005! I am VERY excited about an idea that a newsletter reader has come up with to increase awareness of FMS/CFIDS. I am giving my full support to this effort, because I can't think of a better idea--and I will be posting information on my website at http://www.fms-help.com to keep everyone informed! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Below is the email I received from Pattie: "I am trying to get national recognition for the pain sufferers of FMS/CFIDS. We need patients who are willing to write about their experience with this disorder. We plan on having a MASS mailing to go to the White House (First Lady), ABC News (20/20), Montel Williams (who has M.S.), 60 Minutes (Mike Wallace has had CFIDS), and FOX NEWS on MAY 1, 2005. We are hoping that a MILLION letters will be sent! Those who want to participate need to write only one letter and just change the address at the top to go to each of the recipients. The laws are way too tough for people to win their disability cases, because FMS/CFIDS is an invisible disease. In only 3 days I have received 400 emails from sufferers of the FMS/CFIDS disorder who are enthusiastic about this idea. It should not cost more than $1.85 (USA) to mail these letters for each patient. We may even get this aired on television! In order to win my SSD, I had to write letters to my Congressman, State Senator and State Representative, plus I had to get a lawyer to help me with my case. For most lawsuits, I am told, by many responders to my email, that there is no clinical proof that trauma can cause FMS! This is not so much about me. This is about millions of sick people forced to go through the barbed wire fence to get some help. Some people never get help from lazy lawyers who think these are nuisance cases! What I need from you is to post this message on newsgroup bulletin boards, write to fibromyalgia websites and talk to other FMS/CFIDS sufferers and doctors about this mass mailing. It would cost them just a little time for their story of how they became ill--or for a doctor to offer clinical evidence of this illness. Letters need to be ONE PAGE ONLY. We all need to send the letters out ON THE SAME DAY as everyone else so that this gets noticed. The date we are aiming for is MAY 1, 2005, so that the letters are received at the same time and just prior to Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (International ME/CFS Awareness Day) on May 12, 2005. The more letters that are sent, the better the chance will be for all of us." Best Regards, Pattie Caprio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is Dominie again.... If all victims of FMS/CFIDS/ME (and their family members and friends) will mail their letters on MAY 1, 2005, we will speak as ONE VOICE and hopefully capture national attention for this illness. This will be much more effective than anything else we can do as individuals! Your ONE PAGE letter should contain the following: 1. YOUR NAME 2. LOCATION (City, State and/or Country) 3. OCCUPATION or achievements prior to FMS/CFIDS 4. DATE OF ONSET of your FMS/CFIDS (and what you think caused it) 5. SYMPTOMS you suffer from 6. HOW this illness has affected your career, finances, relationships, family, etc. (be sure to mention any LOSSES you have experienced) 7. WHAT you are asking for: e.g., recognition of this illness, for doctors and lawyers to take FMS/CFIDS seriously for disability cases, for understanding from family and friends, for money to be spent on research for a cure, for media coverage, or whatever else comes to mind. (Most of us could write a book about our illness, but please limit your letter to one page.) 1. THE FIRST LADY, WHITE HOUSE 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20500 2. Story Editor 20/20, ABC NEWS 147 Columbus Ave., 10th Floor New York, NY 10023 3. FOX NEWS 5151 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20016 4. Story Editor 60 MINUTES, CBS NEWS 524 West 57th St. New York, NY 10019 5. Senior Supervising Producer MONTEL WILLIAMS 433 West 53rd St. New York, NY 10019 CANADIANS: Please use the following address instead of the White House (#1 above): CANADA PENSION PLANS, HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT CANADA, DISABILITY DEPARTMENT, P.O. Box 2710, MAIN STATION, EDMONTON, ALBERTA,CANADA,T5J 4C2 In ADDITION to the 5 MAIN recipients listed above, other suggested addresses are: Dr. Phil Show 5482 Wilshire Blvd., #1902 Los Angeles, CA 90036 Barbara Walters 23852 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 401 Malibu, CA 90265 Annie's Mailbox P.O. Box 118190 Chicago, IL 60611 The Tony Danza Show Attn: Human Interest Stories Ansonia Station P.O. Box 230767 New York, NY 10023-0013 Also, you can write your Congressman by visiting: http://www.arthritis.org/advocacy/priorities/priorities_contact.asp Oprah Winfrey is not included in this list, because she no longer accepts unsolicited input for her shows. We don't want to DILUTE the QUANTITY of our letters to the MAIN recipients, so if you can only send 5 letters, please send them to the 5 MAIN addresses only (numbered above). We are asking FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS of those with FMS/CFIDS/ME to write letters telling how this illness has affected that person's life--the difficulties this chronic invisible illness poses for normal living--how they have been treated by doctors, employers, media, insurance companies and disability attorneys--the misunderstanding of family, friends, etc. This will maximize the number of letters that go out on May 1, 2005. It is something that family and friends can do to HELP the person they care about. It just takes a little time, 5 stamps and 5 envelopes. (If you have a friend or loved one who wants to write a letter, consider providing them with the stamped, addressed envelopes, so they will be ready to mail on May 1.) Please use a return address on the envelope but do NOT put any indication of what the letter is about on the envelope, or it may be discarded. We want all the letters to be opened. We are aware that our target date of May 1 is a Sunday, but it was easier to remember than April 30 or May 2. We need to build enthusiasm and momentum in the fibromyalgia community between now and MAY 1, 2005! Please tell fibromyalgia support groups, friends with FMS/CFIDS, and even doctors who have experience with FMS/CFIDS patients and understand this condition. Forward this information to people in your email address book or post it on fibromyalgia newsgroups. We need to get the word out! I don't know of a better way to accomplish our goal of FMS/CFIDS Awareness! It will take just a little effort from each of us in telling our own unique FMS/CFIDS story in "one page" form and sending it to people who have power and influence in our society. Remember, we are doing this not just for ourselves, but for millions of sufferers worldwide. Dominie Bush dom@fms-help.com P.S. Million Letter Campaign T-Shirts and Sweatshirts are available! See http://www.fms-help.com/tshirts.htm. These are great for individuals or support groups! Pattie designed the logo which appears on the shirts and at the top of this page. [WEBSITE OWNERS: Feel free to put the MLC logo on your site with a link to http://www.fms-help.com/letter.htm. Thank you for helping!] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100 Tips for Coping with Fibromyalgia & Insomnia My Fibromyalgia Story My Chronic Fatigue Story Return to Dominie's FMS/CFIDS Home Page

If any of you read the PARADE magazine, there is one advertised in there called a "Balanced Spectrum" lamp that "simulates the full spectrum of daylight". It supposed to "bring the benefits of natural daylight indoors". It says it is made by "First Street", formerly TechnoScout. Is that the kind of lamp you are talking about - I think that is similar to what my boss purchased at home?

I apologize for causing some of the confusions. Thanks for setting us straight.

Richard......I just wanted to let you know, I checked out that site the other day, "Father Love Letter", it was very inspiring and beautiful. Thanks...for letting us know. BonBon Well.....hope everyone enjoys this day. Off to take my migraine medicine, think I need to slow down!!!

http://www.naturallighting.com/

In fact, it has lights that I didn't even know we needed...lol. Looking into
one for my fish now to keep them happy campers.

STARR...Never apologize for offering information that can be helpful.

Oh BonBon...sorry about the migraines. They are awful and my heart goes out
to anyone that suffers with them. And yes we tend to overdo when we feel good.
If we didn't, we wouldn't get anything done. You take care of yourself, and
yes, SLOW DOWN.

JULY (roflmao)....Well, I've never taken Trazadone but I loved the, FELLOW
GUINEA PIGS (which are very cute, by the way) comment you made. I needed
that little chuckle. Thanks my friend.

AUSSIE KAYE....Guess I'm not familiar with the therapies you speak of. But I
do wish you good luck, as I'm thinking, cutting your arm off would not be
the answer either. Let us know how things go.

Gentle Hugs Friends.....Dee

My neighbors tell me there's a real recreational abuse of muscle relaxers around here, which may be why a doc wouldn't prescribe them just because I say I have fibro. Why would you take a muscle relaxer at a party? Are they recreational sleepover parties??? I'm going to call and ask just the same. All yesterday I got a recording saying hours are 9 to 5 and the office is closed. Am in in the Twilight Zone? I'm wondering how it happens that so many of you get such good meds, and I can't even get one? I'm the common doc-neglect denominator here. I must be wearing a sign that says, "Don't Treat Me." Anyway, DEE, I'm laughing today too because I took a benadryl and finally slept. So this is what the world looks like! Now if only I didn't have to waste all this energy on work! Have a good Thursday, everyone. HUGS

I took Lexapro for a time and then found that it stopped working for me. It was good while it lasted. Now I am on Cymbalta. The doctors at the clinic I go to are giving it to all chronic pain patients. I understand it is fairly new to the U.S. but has been used in Europe for several years. Although an anti-depressant they found it also helped with pain. It seems to be working well for me.
I also have Trazadone for sleep, but don't take it regularly. I don't believe it's as strong as Ambien.

So sorry to hear about Linda/Ky. We are lucky to have known her if even for a short time.

The discussion on lighting is very interesting, I am also a SAD sufferer. Sun shining brightly today so I know I will feel better than usual. Take care everyone.

I did have to rest for a couple of days to recooperate. Went to an exercise class Tuesday pm, and have been sore ever since. Seems to relate to my menstrual cycle somehow--who knows???

The thyroid suppression is working, and I have been feeling less fatiqued. Two more months and then an ultrasound to see if the lumps on my thyroid have shrunk.

I get so angry when I go to a doctor and have to wait--15 minutes is okay, but an hour!?? Why don't they just reschedule you? Plus, when I drive 200 miles to see a Rheumy, I expect to talk to him for more than 5 minutes. It's hard to be your own advocate, but I'm finding I'm more outspoken these days. Kind of the squeaky wheel gets the grease...I'M paying them for THEIR time...

Well, lets all get lots of sunshine today!

This site has a very good article on the subject, and they are very helpful and knowledgeble on the phone. Not all of their lamps are therapy lamps, either. Remember: 55 W, 10,000 lumens. The lamp or box or visor must say that it is for Seasonable Affective Disorder and/or is a therapy lamp. I don't want to seem so bossy, but I would have to have anyone waste money on a lamp that is not a therapy lamp, and, also, give up on the idea because the non-therapy lamp doesn't work. I just want others to have the great improvement I have had. We even took the plunge and bought tickets to fly south for a week, next month, with the optimism that I will be able to make the trip.

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Judith February 10, 2005
The site I listed didn't come up on the message I just sent. I wonder why? It is www.fullspectrumsolutions.com I hope this makes it, because I don't have time to read my message. DH is standing by, waiting for me to help with something.

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Richard in Tucson........2/10/05
Good Morning All: I wish that I could stay and chat but I wasted too much time trying to get my computer working, looks like one of those days.
BonBon: I am glad you could see the Fathers Love Letter, your welcome.
July:Since you couldn't read it I thought I would copy what it says here bellow, the link is (http://www.fathersloveletter.com/flltextenglish.html )
This is how it reads.
My Child &
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. & Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up . & Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways . & Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. & Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image . & Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being . & Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring . & Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived . & Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation . & Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. & Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live & Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made . & Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb . & Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born . & Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me & John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love & 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you & 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father & 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could & Matthew 7:11 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand & James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs & Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope & Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love & Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ...Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing & Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you & Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession & Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul & Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things & Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me & Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart & Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires & Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine & Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager & 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles & 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you & Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart & Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes & Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth & Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus & John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed & John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being & Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you & Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins & 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled & 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you & 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love & Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me & 1 John 2:23
and nothing will ever separate you from my love again & Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen & Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father & Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is & Will you be my child? & John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you & Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad. Almighty God
Download a one page poster of Father's Love Letter.
PERMISSION TO COPY:
The printed version of Father's Love Letter can be copied and used
for free distribution providing the following copyright information is
displayed...
'Father's Love Letter used by permission Father
Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2005 www.FathersLoveLetter.com'
I was not sure if it is OK to post this on this wall I felt compeled because its such a strong message Thank you all ....Richard....

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Starr in WV 2/10/05
Hi, what a busy place. BONBOn - I think the other lamps and light bulbs just say they are the same as natural light as opposed to the flurescent light and the "white light" that I use for cross stitching and they probably might be easier on your eyes. I do have a friend that purchased a lamp like you are talking of specifically for his SAD.

JULY - SSRI's must be the latest "fashion" for us because that is what Lexapro is, rather than a tricylic like Elavil. I have been on a muscle relaxer for about a month now - I think it is helpimg some. It's the skelaxin, which is a different type of med than the old Flexeril which I could not take.

Anyone had any experience with sciatic nerve pain - that seems to be what is bothering me most at night now. Because it is in the lower part of my back it affects my left leg and some nights I just cannot get comfortable. My daughter said try B-6 vitamin.

Wish me luck - I "interview" a new doctor tomorrow morning. He treats a lot of older patients (I guess I'm in that category now) and I specifically asked and he has patients with fibro. I also asked and he does write pain meds. I've had an interesting week trying not to take mine!!!It's snowoing here. Stay warm everyone.

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Bonnie - Feb 10
Starr, your post mentioning vitamin B-6 reminded me that it is also good for symptoms of carpal tunnel. 100 mg daily was recommened by the hand surgeon who operated on my thumb. It's sure worth a try for anyone having wrist and hand pain. Not too expensive either.
Why aren't you taking pain meds? I might have missed the answer earlier, sorry if that is so. If we are among the lucky whose doctors will write a script then I do not want to be in any more pain than necessary. I take methadone faithfully. Mornings are terrible until it starts working. Since it is a narcotic, it's a real pain (pardon the pun) having to get a new script each time, but it certainly works for me, expecially with back pain.
Did you ever have Flexeril cause mood swings? Make you really mean and nasty? That happened to my hubby and the neighbor man. Completely opposite of what they usually are.
Two posts in one day is a record for me. Will shut up and read now. Hugs to all.

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Katielady 2/10/05
Good Evening FM'ily- Starr- I have problems with my sciatic nerve. You may want to try laying on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow inbetween your knees. I can't sleep at all unless I do that. Gosh, and even then it doesn't seem like I sleep! What I wouldn't do for a good nights rest! I am in physical therapy right now, my spinal column ligaments are inflammed. I think I am going to have to find a different therapist. He thinks he can "fix" me if he can fix the gait of my walk! Plus he has me on my tummy (ouch!) and then pushes all the trigger points until it's downright painful. He told me it's supposed to hurt. No, it isn't! He's young and doesn't have a clue what fibro is all about. I am seeing my doctor tomorrow before I see him (they are all in the same practice) Hopefully, the doctor can explain the problem to the therapist. Wishing all a peaceful evening.

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Starr in WV 2/1105
Thanks for the info on the B6 - I was just diagnosed last week with carpel tunnel in both arms (worse in the left) so I'll try the B6. I also used the pillow. My daughter in law had trouble with hers when she was pregnant and she slept with a little basketball pushed up against the small of her back so last night I tried that with a pillow and once I got settled it did seem to help.

The reason I'm not taking my pain medication is because I'm almost out. My doctor of 25 years got sick last summer and it looks like he may not come back. The clinics around here are very reluctant to write scripts for pain meds. My sleep specialist and my neurologist will not right any scripts for pain meds at all - which really irritates me - so this morning I'm seeing a new doctor. I have an acquaintance who is his office manager and I asked her specifically if he treated people with fibro and she said he had other patients with it. She said he does write scripts for pain meds, usually on a monthly basis, which is fine with me, he isn't far from my office. I've been taking hydrocodone now for several years and have gotten along quite nicely with it.

I think it's really a shame that because other people have abused the system and obtained pain meds. under false pretenses - that those of us who really need it have to suffer for their actions. I printed off some articles from the pain management site that tell you how to contact your state government to have the laws changed, etc., and explains about addition, etc.

I've started taking the Lexapro but only .5 mg a day (I was given 10). It's hard to judge how it is affecting me because since I'm not taking much pain med. I'm not feeling very good anyway.

It's cold here. I hope everyone stays warm.

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July, on Feb. 11
Ooo! BONNIE! Darrell offered me a flexeril last night. I took 1/4 of it. Maybe that's why I feel like whapping my doctor for not calling me back YET?? No, wait. Maybe that IS the way I usually am! I think on Monday I'll go back to the doc who made me cry (of frustration, is all) and tell him I solved the side-effects problem, now could we please get back to treating my fibro?? Frightening, isn't it, that you have to trust your physical well-being to someone who can't conduct civil conversations or return phone calls??? Too bad grocery clerks can't write prescriptions. The ones around here are really sweet.

Friday! Yea! It's pretty bad when you look forward all week to the day you can get a NAP. Saturday! My sister looks forward to spring all year because she gets an extra hour's sleep when daylight savings time kicks in. HATES that loss in the fall, though . . .

Thanks, Richard, for the reprint. Wow! And thanks, all, for your info. I enjoy reading. HUGS

(I just realized, maybe the reason doctors aren't nice to me is because they read this Wall and see the mean things I say about them??)

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Richard in Tucson....
Good morning to you,Good morning to you,
Were all in our places with bright shinning faces, this is the way to start agood day.(Not)
It's Just a feeling, I wish I could have.
July: I am glad your liked the reprint. I wish we all could be pain free today.
Bonnie: Flexeril cause mood swings,
I thought that the mood swings were only a symptom of the Fibromyalgia. I have mood swings all the time.
I have been taking Flexeril for over a year. The mood swings are hard on my relations with my wife and children.
Maybe I should ask my Dr. for something else for sleep.
Starr: Good Luck with the "interview" with the new doctor this morning.
Today I go to a Cardiologist for a stress test on the tred-mill.
I told my Primary Care Doctor, that I was having tightness in my chest, that I was not sure if It was from Anxiety or what, he said at my age we should check it out and make sure.
better safe than sorry, I had to agree.
Have a wonderful day and weekend.
GENTLE HUGS......Richard..

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BonBonshortnsweetFriday, February 11, 2005
Good Morning To All:

Not feeling terrible well this morning. Had to take my Imitrex (for migraines), as I felt like I was hit with a baseball bat this morning. Still feeling very lightheaded and groggy!! I hate when I am confined to the to the house like this, as I can't do much. Sun is out but, I need to stay in semi-darkness. Ouch!! I can also attribute this migrain to not taking part of my new heart medication. I forgot to take one pill yesterday, I think because, I had the therapist over, and he set me up with the CPAP (for Sleep Apnea). I used the machine and it seemed o.k. last night, a little hard to get used to though, but, never did I think I would be feeling this bad this mornin