Advice about Fibromyalgia
Berkeley Parents Network >
Advice >
Advice about Health >
Advice about Fibromyalgia
May 2005
I am seeking a health care professional who can help me
manage painful and fatiguing condition of fibromyalgia, be it
a primary care physician, rheumatologist, or otherwise. I
am looking for someone focused in either western or
alternative medicine, but knowledgeable of and open to
both. I have had the condition for 12+ years and have tried
many therapies and medications, but have no one here in
the Bay Area (we moved her 3.5 yrs ago) that is truly
managing or helping me with this condition. If anyone has
specific nutritionists, practitioners, types of treatment, etc.
that have truly helped them, recommendations for these
would be very welcome as well. I have been to the Fibro
Support Group at Alta Bates as well but wasn't very happy
with it. Know of any others? Want to start one, with child
care? Thanks very much.
Hi:
One suggestion that I have is that you really read up on thyroid
imbalance, particularly if you have any other autoimmune
disorders. (The diagnosis & treatment of thyroid disorders is
really much more complex than most doctors are willing to
admit.) My doctor has written a book: ''The Riddle of Illness
Solved'' by Dr. Stephen Langer which is really useful. There is
another book, that was given to me by my Aunt who also
suffers: ''From fatigued to fantastic: A manual for moving
beyond chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia'' by Jacob Teitelbaum.
It has complete lists of diagnostic tests, local resources, and
mail-order organizations, and details related problems... I was
also able to check on the recommended doses of supplements (Vit
D, Mag, Calcium...).
Best wishes for a speedy trip to vitality,
D
March 2005
Does anyone have any insight into the possible connection
between the Candida fungus and Fibromyalgia symptoms (specified
joint pain, constant fatigue, unrestful sleep)? I have a friend
who has experienced constant and insurmountable fatique and flu
symptoms for a while, and I happen to know she is susceptible to
yeast infections. I've read about this connection in different
contexts, and it seems to me this may be the kind of thing
doctors overlook. However, most of the reading out there is
from questionable sources online (often touting some kind of
miracle herbal remedy they just happen to sell). Has anyone had
a medically confirmed case of Candida with Fibromyalgia, found a
workable treatment, whether through alternative medicine or
otherwise? Any doctors, homeopaths or other care givers you
recommend?
desperate to help my desperate friend
I would encourage your friend to get tested for other autoimmune
diseases - specifically Celiac's disease. This is a disease where the
digestive system is destroyed by gluten containing foods such as wheat,
oats, barley etc..
The reason that I recommend this, while it may be a small possibility
that your friend has it, is that I too had been sent to a rumatologist
for possible fibromyalgia due to constant fatigue, pain, tingling
sensations, overall flu like symptoms. I also encountered yeast
infections more than I had ever had before. After a long period of
misdiagnosis, I finally found the real cause- celiacs, and after
becoming gluten-free I can say that I am so grateful!
If your friend does not have 'celiacs' they may still benefit from a low
gluten/wheat and low sugar diet (for the candida). It is a diet
recommended to improve the body's overall function and ability to cope
with autoimmune responses.
anon
I don't know much about the connection between Candida and Fibromyalgia,
but I had many fibromyalgia symptoms post-partum and found that there
seemed to be a connection with two things. The first one, nursing (!)
might not be applicable to your friend, but I was also found to have
high levels of mercury in my body (possibly due to dental fillings
improperly removed, possibly due to high fish consumption). I had
levels of mercury tested in both hair samples and in a kind of chelation
challenge test. When I went through the detox (after having the rest of
my fillings removed properly) my fibromyalgia symptoms disappeared
completely! It also did coincide with weaning my child, which might
suggest a connection there, but I think there is supposedly a connection
between high mercury levels and candida in the body, which is why I'm
posting this...
Formerly too heavy metal
Yes, I think candida is often one of the problems behind fibromyalgia.
Many people consider Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia to be
essentially the same disease, with symptoms varying in different people.
I recommend the book ''The Alternative Medicine Guide to Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome and Fibromyalgia''. Also, you could try :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BerkeleyCFIDSSupportGroup/
Jenny
April 2004
After much discomfort and frustration, my sister has been diagnosed with
fibromyalgia. Does anyone have recommendations for remedies or lifestyle
changes? Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Susan
There is some overlap between Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and
Fibromyalgia. It may help to reduce your exposure to toxins such
as perfume, air fresheners, ammonia, bleach, etc.
http://www.mcsrr.org/factsheets/mcsdisorders.html
sunsolsal
this page was last updated: Jun 15, 2011
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.
Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network