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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Fibromyalgia

Posted on July 30th, 2009

“It just hurts all over…”

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and multiple tender points. These “tender points” refer to sensitivity that occurs in precise localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and other symptoms.

Tender/trigger points are specific sites on the body that cause pain when pressed.

The pain may spread when a tender point is pressed and trigger pain in a larger area.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, though men, children, and the elderly may also be affected.

Currently, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases, it is very difficult to diagnose.

The current criteria for a fibromyalgia diagnosis includes:

• Widespread joint and muscle pain that has been present for at least three months.

• Pain at 11 or more of the 18 specific tender/trigger points when the areas are pressed.

Other symptoms that are less common but can occur are constipation or diarrhea, headache, difficulty concentrating, tingling sensation in the hands and severe or excessive fatigue.

Though the cause and cure for fibromyalgia is not yet known, studies suggest that chiropractic care can help provide relief.

A recent study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics stated that more than 60% of the participants who underwent thirty chiropractic treatments showed significant reductions in pain intensity and improvement in their overall fatigue and quality of sleep.

Your chiropractor will take a comprehensive approach in evaluating and designing a specific care plan for those who suffer from fibromyalgia. Nutrition, exercise and regular chiropractic adjustments have all shown to play a role in reducing pain and other symptoms, while improving whole body health.

Schedule an appointment today to discuss fibromyalgia care options with Dr. Mike Trudeau at 909-648-3551.

Options for relief.

A study published in the British Medical Journal reports that patients who participated in aerobic exercises twice per week for one hour over a 12 week period, were twice as likely to report feeling “much better” or “very much better” than those who did not participate.

THE CHIROPRACTIC LIFESTYLE
Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All of the joints in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its optimal function is necessary for overall good health. Ask your Doctor of chiropractic for more information about a care program that may include specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations, nutritional advice or other conservative methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.

Call Dr. Mike Trudeau at 909-648-3551.
Advanced Injury Center-a Wellness Clinic
4695 Hallmark Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407

Tags: Anti Inflammatories, Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Foot Pain, Headaches, Invisible Illnesses, Leg problems, Neck Pain, Nutrition, Oxygen Therapy, Reflexology, Standard Process, Treatment, Vitamins, Whole Food Supplements
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Anti-inflammatory Diet Tips

Posted on July 30th, 2009

Can the Foods You Eat Make a Difference in Chronic Pain?
You may be familiar with the anti-inflammatory medications, but have you heart of anti-inflammatory foods? The foods you eat really do have an affect on how you feel.

What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is defined as a localized reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection.
Symptoms of inflammation include pain, swelling, red coloration to the area, and sometimes loss of movement or function. We commonly think of inflammation as the painful component of arthritis. Inflammation is also a component of chronic diseases such as heart disease and strokes.

Medical Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Common medical anti-inflammatory treatments include rest, light exercise, weight maintenance, stretching, and medications designed to reduce the inflammation and control the pain.

These medications include Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), steroid medications, and perhaps ultimately joint replacement surgery.

Avoid Pro-Inflammatory Foods
Pro-inflammatory foods will increase inflammation, increase your pain from the inflammation and may also raise your risk for chronic disease. Loading up on junk foods, high-fat meats, sugar and fast foods will increase inflammation in your body.

This is partially due to the unhealthy fats used in preparing and processing these foods, especially trans fats and saturated fats. Processed meats such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages contain chemicals such as nitrites that are associated with increased inflammation and chronic disease.

Saturated fats are also found in meats, dairy products and eggs. While all of these foods are important source of minerals and vitamins, you don’t need the extra saturated fat. These foods also contain fatty acids called arachidonic acid.

While some arachidonic acid is essential for your health, too much arachidonic acid in the diet may make your inflammation worse.

Be sure to choose low fat milk and cheese and lean cuts of meat, which will not promote inflammation.

Diets high in sugar have also been associated with inflammation, obesity and chronic disease such as diabetes. Eliminate high sugar foods such as sodas, soft drinks, pastries, presweetened cereals and candy.

Another possible source of irritation comes from the nightshade family of plants.

What Are Nightshades?
Tomatoes, white potatoes, red and green bell peppers, the “hot” peppers such as chili and paprika, as well as eggplant belong to the Nightshade Family, a botanical genus called Solanaceae species.
This species also includes tobacco, poisonous belladonna, and the toxic plants herbane, mandrake, and jimson weeds.

Whole fruits and vegetables are important to eat for their vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants, however some vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant may actually make pain from inflammation worse.

These vegetables are part of the nightshade family of plants and contain a chemical alkaloid called solanine. Solanine can trigger pain in some people.

Choose Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Adding foods that reduce inflammation will improve how you feel and help to decrease your risk for chronic diseases. Here are some suggestions.

Fats and Oils
The right types of fats in your diet will impact pain and inflammation in a positive way. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents.

They are found in cold water oily fish, walnuts, flax seeds, canola oil and pumpkin seeds.

Adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements from Nordic Naturals fish oil may also help reduce inflammation, pain and promote healing.

Healthy oils include Coconut, Macadamia oil, rice bran oil, grape seed oil, walnut oil and Olive oil.

It is very important to avoid any saturated fats and oils such as: hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils. These oils will increase inflammation in the body and can contribute to several different health disorders,

Protein
Your body needs protein to build healthy body tissues. Good protein sources include lean poultry, fish and seafood, nuts, legumes and seeds.

Red meats may trigger inflammation, so cut back on fatty red meats. When you do eat red meat, choose lean cuts of bison, venison and other game meats, or the lowest-fat cuts of beef, preferably grass-fed beef.

Carbohydrates and Fiber
Most of your carbohydrates should come from vegetables and fruits. These are excellent sources of fiber, and a high fiber diet will reduce your inflammation.

Choose green leafy vegetables, green and brightly colored vegetables and lots of fresh whole fruits.
You should eat at least five and preferably more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Green vegetables and whole fruits are also important as sources of dietary fiber.

Berries are also a great food choice, especially blueberries and strawberries which are packed with anti-inflammatory phytochemical’s and anti-oxidants.

The pigments in brightly colored fruits, vegetables and berries contain many phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory properties. One example is quercetin, which is found in apple and red onion skins and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Ask Dr. Trudeau about New Greens or Greens First products. These 2 products contain several fruits, vegetables and additional compounds that can reduce inflammation, promote good health and reduce the acidity in the body which also contributes to inflammation in the body.

Healthy Beverages
Your body needs water day. The simplest and best form of water is distilled water (make sure you are also taking a good multi mineral supplement) or purified drinking water. The best water in Washington county can be purchased at Water 2 Go.

“Food Allergies and/or Food Sensitivities
Some people believe that allergy-like reactions to foods may increase inflammation and pain. These type of “food allergies” may make pain and inflammation worse. The underlying problem may be due to faulty digestion or excessive consumption of any particular food. Most any food that is consumed more than four days a week can be suspected as a possible allergen, but some of the more common allergic foods are milk and dairy, wheat, corn, eggs, beef, yeast and soy.

Even healthy foods can cause problems if you are sensitive to them. There are certain types of tests that can be performed, or elimination diets that can be undertaken to determine the problem foods.

Anti-inflammatory Diet Tips
Over all, when you are choosing anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce your inflammation and pain, choose fresh foods instead of heavily processed foods.

Here are some tips:

 Breakfast could be oatmeal served with fresh berries and walnuts, with a cup of almond or rice milk.

 Snack on whole fruits, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables throughout the day instead of cookies and candy.

 Eat more fish and less fatty red meat.

 Stay away from deep fried foods and bake or stir fry your meals instead.

 Choose green, orange, and yellow vegetables for your side dishes.

 Drink plenty of water, fresh 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas and green tea.

Advanced Injury Center / Dr. Mike Trudeau
4695 Hallmark Pkwy
San Bernardino, Ca 92407
909-648-3551
advancedinjurycenter.com

Tags: Anti Inflammatories, Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Foot Pain, Headaches, Invisible Illnesses, Leg problems, Neck Pain, Nutrition, Oxygen Therapy, Sports Injury, Standard Process, Treatment, Vitamins, Whole Food Supplements
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Chiropractic: Alternative Medicine

Posted on October 3rd, 2006

Skeptics: The Simple Truth about Today’s Chiropractic

Chiropractic is different.

This difference, because it avoids drugs and surgery, has delighted millions for over a century. And like anything different it has produced misunderstandings and a few skeptics.

Here’s the simple truth about today’s chiropractic…

While chiropractic is different, it certainly isn’t something that you have to “believe in” for it to work.

Instead, chiropractic results are produced by adhering to scientifically confirmed facts:

The nervous system controls every cell of your body. Nerve impulses flow from the brain, down the spinal cord, and to every organ and tissue. Impulses sent back to the brain confirm that the body is working as it should.

The moving bones of the spine can interfere with this exchange by irritating adjacent nerves. Ill health can result from distorted or compromised nervous system control of the body. Chiropractic care helps restore the integrity of the nervous system by reducing interferences caused by the spine.

How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

Since many spinal problems get started from traumatic births, accidents, or other long-standing problems, permanent correction can be difficult. Years of muscle damage, scar tissue, and ligamental instability can set the stage for a relapse. Some patients find a program of supportive care (like regularly brushing your teeth) to be helpful.

After enjoying initial relief, many patients choose to continue with periodic checkups.

“IF YOU START, do you have to go for the rest of your life?”

Decide for yourself whether you want Initial Intensive Care for temporary relief, Rehabilitative Care to stabilize and strengthen the spine, or Wellness Care for non-symptomatic elective care.

“Aren’t chiropractic results just a ‘Placebo Effect’?”

This is a convenient claim made by critics who have chosen to overlook convincing proof to the contrary.

The placebo effect depends on the power of suggestion. Yet chiropractic results have been enjoyed by newborns, infants, pets that have been hit by cars, and others for whom the power of suggestion isn’t possible!

Plus, there are alterations to a patient’s spine from chiropractic care. Many see dramatic changes when they compare X-ray views taken before and after a period of care. Other tests show improved range of motion and flexibility.

There’s no question that the power of suggestion can be an important ally in the healing process. However, it can’t begin to explain the millions of patients who have been held with chiropractic care.

“I’ve heard chiropractic wears out your joints.”

Chiropractic care can help prevent joints from wearing out!

Bones don’t “rub” on each other. Instead, each joint is enclosed in a “capsule” of fluid that should offer a lifetime of friction-free movement. When there is a loss of proper motion or position of spinal bones, this movement can be restricted. Spinal joints, above or below, attempt to make up the difference by moving too much.

Obviously, areas of too much movement are left to stabilize during that healing process. Instead, chiropractic spinal adjustments are directed only to those areas that are “stuck” and not moving enough.

“Is chiropractic care safe?”

Critics mislead by suggesting that adjustments to the neck can subject patience to unnatural stress or compromise blood supply to the brain. But if the spine were that fragile, people would fear bending over to tie their shoes laces or looking up to enjoy an evening sunset!

Thousands will die this year from anesthesia or needless back surgeries. Thousands more will perish from common aspirin or destroy their kidneys from so-called “safe” pain medicines. Adverse reactions to prescription medication are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
Meanwhile, the rare complications from chiropractic care can be counted on one hand.

Chiropractic is Different

Chiropractic doesn’t add anything. And chiropractic doesn’t take anything away. It honors the wisdom of your body and your inborn potential to be healthy. It is the difference that has helped millions and produced high levels of patient satisfaction.

Ask questions. Discover the simple truth about today’s contemporary chiropractic care. And then make the natural choice.

“For Skeptics: The Simple Truth about Today’s Chiropractic”
Back Talk Systems, Inc. Copyright 1999

Tags: Anti Inflammatories, Back Injury, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Foot Pain, Headaches, Invisible Illnesses, Leg problems, Neck Pain, Nutrition, Orthotics, Oxygen Therapy, Reflexology, Spinal Decompression, Sports Injury, Standard Process, Treatment, vision, Vitamins, Whole Food Supplements
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