My Chiropractor is helping more than my regular Doctor
Posted on December 23rd, 2009
Chiropractic treatment is working! I just know that in my case, it will take a lot of time.
I guess you can say that I have been frustrated because some of my friends and doctors do not think that Chiropractors are “real doctors” or “good doctors,” yet the chiropractic treatment that I have had, has helped. I know I do have these migraine-like headaches still, yet they are not as frequent as before I started this treatment a year ago. I do have fibromyalgia flare-ups often and other intense pain, but I look to the future of it lessening.
I tend to visit my regular physician every now and then for the usual checkups, referrals, or questions that I have. In the past, my regular doctor has done everything he knows how to do for my illnesses and pains and nothing has worked. He has ordered many tests and has treated me with Trigger Point Injections, wellness shots, numerous medications, etc… He has even referred me to numerous specialists for: Fibromyalgia, Rheumatology, Gastroenterolology, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, and even a Chronic Pain Clinic… and yet nothing has worked. He has done everything he knows how to do and now he basically tells me to just deal with the chronic conditions. I can honestly say that I am doing that better now, than I have in the past.
Several years ago, the Fibromyalgia and Nutritionist specialists had helped me get on track on how to handle different things, and change my way of eating, which I did, yet nothing else had worked. So I was sent to a specialist at the Chronic Pain Clinic; he said that I was in too much pain and had too many problems and to come back when I am in less pain and have less chronic illnesses. I remember crying back then, but now I can actually laugh.
It figures!!! All of my specialists and doctors say that I am their most difficult patient (meaning, I have many chronic illnesses that are difficult to treat and many medicines do not work on me like they do on most of their patients). Most of my doctors are frustrated because anti-inflammatory medicines make me sick. And now I can’t even get treated at the Chronic Pain Clinic. Wow!!! It is funny; now I can laugh at all of this, when in the past I just wanted to crawl in a cave and cry. Not that I live near a cave or anything, but if I was to have found one, I would have crawled in it and cried, in the past.
Well, this month, I went to my regular physician and he tells me that I look a lot better than I did a year ago. I tell him that for over a year now, I have been going to a chiropractor for treatment and that he even specializes in Fibromyalgia.
He was actually holding his laugh; and looked at me with a condescending look that made me feel like he was belittling me. Yet, I stood my ground and told him that the chiropractic treatment has been helping, yet it will take a while to get well because I have so many things wrong with me. I could tell that he was still holding his laugh, and he smiles this smile that almost seems evil. He says that the Chiropractor can’t help me, yet he just told me I look like I am doing better than a year ago. I tell him that I don’t have as many migraines as I used to because of the chiropractic treatment.
He asked me if I have been taking my Fibromyalgia medicine. I told him that I have not and my friend tried it and she had some really bad side effects. He said, “Well, that’s her, not you.” I told him that I am tired of being medicated, I never started the Fibro meds, and that I got off of two other medications with his approval and another specialists approval. I am on so many different medications that I think some of the medications are causing side effects that I have to get on another med to help with that side effect.
When I left the doctor’s office that day, I thought of what I should have said. I should have asked what he has done to make me well in these last couple of years. He probably would have said that he has already done everything he knows how to treat me, and then I would have replied, “And I appreciate all that you have helped me do, and now it’s my turn to find other options, which happens to be chiropractic treatment.”
Advanced Injury Center: Dr. Mike’s office
Tags: Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, Invisible Illnesses, Neck Pain, Sports Injury, Tanya's Blog, Treatment
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A Glimpse of an Invisible Illness
Posted on September 10th, 2009
I completed some statements that I received from one of Facebook.com’s group called “Understanding Invisible Illnesses.”
30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know
1. The illness (and chronic problems) I live with are: Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain Syndrome, Bilateral Anterior Displaced Menisci, Anterior dislocation of the Anterior (right) disc and Articular disc (left)/ Allergies/ Myofascial Pain Syndrome/ Arthritis in Jaw and Neck/ Visual Migraines/ High ear sensitivity/ subject to regular Migraines, yet have Headaches 24 hours a day/7 days a week/ IBS / Cervical Vertigo/ stomach problems which make it hard to eat many foods/ severe TMJ, etc… There is a lot more, but I don’t want to overwhelm you. ha-ha lol.
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2001
3. But I had symptoms since: 1995, symptoms started after a head injury and increased through the years.
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: (this one is a hard one because there are so many) Wearing ear plugs all the time/ Not being able to go places or do things that my friends are able to do. / The first time I said I am going to go to college and make something of myself; after I went for a couple of months, I had the head injury which has made it to where I have a hard time comprehending. I had to drop out for a little bit, and then only was able to take 2 classes at a time, and now, I am lucky if I finish one at a time. / Also not being able to go to church all the time, is really hard.
5. Most people assume: if I say that I am okay or fine, then they think I am doing great and not in pain.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: Getting up…I have a hard time moving in the morning, like hard to walk / I have ‘fibro fog’/ colon is messed up/ painful joints/ try to wake up from a horrible night sleep of tossing and turning. (Before my injury and illness, I was a morning person and would be the first one up and ready to go)
7. My favorite medical TV show is: House and Dr. Oz
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my earplugs (everyday sounds are like a trumpet blowing in my ear) and also my sunglasses (have sensitivity to brightness). I have a new love for foot orthotics.
9. The hardest part about nights is: Getting to sleep/staying asleep and tossing and turning.
10. Each day I take (how many) pills & vitamins: a bunch
11. Regarding alternative treatments: I am having success with chiropractic although, I did try acupuncture and it caused severe muscle spasms throughout my body. (They say that doesn’t usually happen)
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: (that’s hard to answer because I know that when I do have a brace on my arm, people sympathize with me, yet that brace I wear only at different times and that pain is no way near the pain I have daily. Also when I use my handicap card people kind of look at me different because they see me as someone who doesn’t look like I have pain.) So yes I guess sometimes it would be nice that I would have a visible illness instead of an invisible one.
13. Regarding working and career: let’s see, in 1995 had to stop working for several months due to a head injury, then I did many years of part-time work because the pain was so bad, and had to stop working in 2001 because symptoms increased.
14. People would be surprised to know: that there are times that I just need a hug and for people to actually be there for me when I really need it. (I have a couple of my friends who do, but a lot of people say they would do anything for me, but they disappear).
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: not being able to go to church all the time. I need that network or contact of friendly hugs. Facebook is great, but I so miss the physical contact.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: hmm, I don’t know. Maybe keep on going no matter what.
17. The commercials about my illness: within the last couple of years there are a few that has popped up about Fibromyalgia: like Lyrica and then there are those IBS commercials which I dislike. They always show ladies with flat tummies who have IBS, and that is so not true.
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: singing in the church choir, just hanging out with my friends at any time of day, and driving whenever I want to.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: singing and eating foods I like. I kept trying several times to sing again, but with severe TMJ and headaches which lead to migraines, it’s kind of hard to do that. I tried throughout the years, but it just led to migraines and major muscle spasms in jaw. Not so much fun.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: drawing, and painting,
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: go to church, hang out with my friends, maybe go to a Christian concert, and eat ice cream. Oh, buy a car and drive forever, I haven’t been able to drive on a regular basis because of all the health and visual problems I have.
22. My illness has taught me: live minute to minute, trust in God, be my own advocate; keep standing up for what I believe in- if it’s medical rights or God. I have also learned that when someone says that they are doing okay, I know they are usually hurting or in pain.
23. Want to know a secret? I like encouraging cards and phone calls, just to say hi or being there for me, is so important.
24. But I love it when people: I do appreciate the ones who contact me on Facebook.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: “Jesus wept.” Jesus had compassion for Lazarus; even though he knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead, he still wept. That shows compassion and it shows me that He has compassion for me.
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: I know what you are going through; if you need to talk or need prayer, contact me; stand up for yourself; set boundaries, and lean on God.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: I am learning that I can handle anything that comes my way and that God has brought me through so much.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: brought me dinner and sent me a card.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I know what people are going through.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: that you do care or you or someone you know has some sort of chronic illness or pain.
Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at www.invisibleillness.com
Tags: Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, Invisible Illnesses, Tanya's Blog, Treatment
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Have Leg Cramps…This Really Works
Posted on October 30th, 2008
My close friend died last month; that night I had major leg cramps that lasted 24 hours. The next day I just happened to have an appt with Dr. Mike for my neck. He said that when someone is under a lot of stress, their body will use up all the calcium in their body (and I think he said there are three different kinds of calcium. I had no clue).
He suggested I take Calcium Lactate (Standard Process Inc.) to help. I hesitantly bought a bottle from his office and started taking the calcium lactate. I noticed an improvement right away. I do have to continue taking the supplements, but it is worth it because it takes the leg cramps away.
I also started taking those supplements for other cramps; such as, cramps in foot and neck.
Thanks Dr. Mike
Tags: Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Leg problems, Neck Pain, Tanya's Blog, Treatment, Whole Food Supplements
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Improvements already
Posted on September 27th, 2008
I have been in Chiropractic treatment with Dr. Mike for less than a month and I am already seeing results. If only I had known about him many years ago.
In the past thirteen years, I have been in Chronic Pain due to a head injury. 
Yes, a lovely 20 lb box fell on my head. It has caused anywhere from back pain, neck pain, muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, TMJ jaw disorder, ongoing chronic pain etc… I guess you can say that every part of my body hurts; oh wait, my big toe doesn’t hurt, so I’m good.
For many years, my second home has been doctors offices or medical clinics. I have seen more doctors and specialists than I care to admit.
I have been through every kind of treatment out there: from trigger point injections, ultrasounds, TMJ realignment with braces and mouth splints, have had cortisone shots, wellness shots, physical therapy many times, jaw procedures, medications, and Electric stimulation (which I call the Electric shock treatment). I have had some kind of trigger point injections in my head. There is nothing like having injections in the head. It feels like I can hear my skull crushing as the needle invades my head. Last year, I even tried the acupuncture. It did not work for me; it caused more muscle spasms that shot throughout my body and lasted for three days. So yes, I have had every kind of treatment out there without surgery.
Everything I have tried, did not work or was temporary. One of my doctors is going to schedule me for another arthrocentesis (jaw procedure) but I am going to have to decline. Dr. Mike has been working on my jaw for a few weeks and I already see improvements. So bye bye other doctors. I also am seeing improvements on my neck and back. I have even noticed that I am able to move my neck easier and it feels so much better. After every adjustment, I feel so much free-er (if that’s a word.)
I also appreciate the hospitality of Dr. Mike and his staff. Okay I am done for now. Maybe more to come later.
Tags: Chronic Pain, Headaches, Neck Pain, Sports Injury, Tanya's Blog, Treatment
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