MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'fatigue?'. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:51:39 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879324&cid=t_255412_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Falways-tired-chronic-fatigue.html A new study identified DNA from a virus in 67 percent of people with chronic fatigue syndrome.The “XMRV” virus was found in the blood of 68 out of 101 CFS patients; it was found in only eight of 218 healthy controls. The same virus has been linked to prostate cancer, Reuters reports.“I think this establishes what had always been considered a psychiatric disease as an infectious disease,” study co-author Dr. Judy Mikovits told the New York Times.The CDC reports that CFS involves an “all-encompassing” fatigue that is severe and incapacitating. The fatigue fails to improve with bed rest; it persists for six months or more.Another common symptom is unrefreshing sleep. This can make it hard to distinguish CFS from a group of sleep disorders known as “hypersomnias.”These sleep di... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879324 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:55:00 +0100 2879324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865817&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fa-closer-look-at-a-notorious-ms-symptom-numbness%2F When you read about MS symptoms you always find the words: fatigue and tingling.  Not far behind those symptoms you will find the word: numbness. For those who endure neuropathic pain or beyond annoying “bumble bees” in your extremities, the idea of numbness may seem the lesser of evils but perhaps the grass just appears to be greener? One of my best pals in the multiple sclerosis world lives with some pretty aggressive numbness (and simply putting those two words together seems odd).  My own issues with numb sensations seem to see-saw between areas that go from numb to painfully hypersensitive in a flash. When this friend and I were at a program for men with MS, sponsored by the National MS Society, we both found out something very interesting, and a bit disheartening. There are “... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865817 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:44:52 +0100 2865817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2836336&cid=t_255412_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2Fz6GC-4leY3s%2F I recently receive e-mails or read posts at Suboxone Forum that go something like this: I used all kinds of pain pills over the past ten years—Vicodin, then oxycodone, methadone, and even fentanyl patches. Then I got into heroin for a year and finally hit my rock bottom. I went to a Suboxone doctor and he put me on 16 mg per day. At first everything was great, but I don’t like the side effects. I get so tired every day. I’m not happy like I used to be. I wake up in the morning and don’t have any energy or excitement for life. I really don’t like what the Suboxone is doing to me and want to stop. Sometimes it is a little different—the first part is the same, but then the person writes: I really wanted to stop taking it so that my body is free of chemicals so I stopped. I was rea... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2836336 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:37:12 +0100 2836336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2858877&cid=t_255412_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fpaths-to-exhaustion.html Stress is one way to lose energy: I've been bleeding resources to that quite a bit of late. Daily life, fraught with small needs and simple consumption of time and motivation, exhausts resources in a different way. Children with the flu, laundry that is consequently out of control once again, and a Mama with no immunity left to fight the flu off. The latest cancer scare is over for the time being, and I've reached a stalemate in the battle to diagnose and treat my fainting episodes. For now, I am clenching my jaw and putting shoulder to harness in an everyday, work-at-home world. And praising God for every minute of work I have left in this body of mine.A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2858877 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:37:00 +0100 2858877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778131&cid=t_255412_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fwork-sleep-hard-days-night.html A new study shows that your job may be affecting how you sleep.The Dutch study involved 1,163 employees. Sleep quality and fatigue were measured across a one-year time lag.Results show that exposure to a high-strain work environment was associated with elevated levels of sleep complaints. In contrast, people with a low-strain job had the highest sleep quality; they also had the lowest level of fatigue.The study supports the Demand/Control Model proposed by Karasek and Theorell. This model suggests that high-strain jobs can have a negative effect on both mental and physical health; job strain can cause fatigue, anxiety, depression and physical illness.A high-strain job is psychologically demanding. It also restricts your “decision latitude;” this refers to the authority you have to make... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778131 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:58:00 +0100 2778131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2752070&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fan-interview-with-trevis-gleason-about-his-multiple-sclerosis%2F My multiple sclerosis interview: it seems ages ago now that we offered you an opportunity to interview me, doesn’t it?   The summer has slipped away and my schedule has compressed as I move closer to my wedding (October 10, Rusty).  For those of you just joining us I posted a blog topic that allowed you (the MS community) to post any questions you might wish to ask me about my multiple sclerosis via the comment section.  The questions below are the result of that post.  You put great thought into your questions and I wanted to do the same for my answers. So, at long last, here it is your interview with me.  I hope you enjoy. –Trevis! Did you undertake a new diet upon learning you got MS? I had been on a special diet for a liver condition when I was diagnosed.  I had been sta... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2752070 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:37:32 +0100 2752070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741521&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fyou-know-you-have-chronic-fatigue-when%2F If you’ve read this blog frequently, that means you have seen certain expressions used to reflect a symptom called “rheumatoid fatigue,” “fibro fatigue,” etc. For those who live with chronic pain from a disease or from an injury, living with chronic pain brings days of chronic fatigue. Sometimes it’s a symptoms or a side effect of the disease or a medication. Other times it’s just life piling on top of the individual and expecting too much of us mere mortals. It can be caused by stress or physically overdoing. Sometimes, and although it pains me to admit it, it is caused by not exercising. It’s that nasty little side effect that can’t be seen but is gravely felt, all too often. I’ve learned over the years that we always feel better when we can bring ourselves to laugh a... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741521 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:20:08 +0100 2741521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2724913&cid=t_255412_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2F21%2Fdubious-blue-light-iphone-app%2F Recently a press release crossed my desk advertising a blue light application for your iPhone (now) and for the Blackberry and Palm soon. I was amazed at the brash medical claims this software maker was claiming — claims that one might think might need to evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration because they relate to the claimed treatment of seasonal depression. What’s so special about blue light? In recent years, there’s been a growing body of research that suggests light in the 460 - 470 nm wavelength spectrum can be particularly effective in helping people with seasonal affective disorder (also called seasonal depression or SAD). It’s also been theorized to help fight fatigue and drowsy driving. But here’s the rub. When you examine those studies, you... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2724913 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:15:35 +0100 2724913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699738&cid=t_255412_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day_13.html Conclusion We conclude that self-reported fatigue, while correlated with self-reported depression, is not significantly related to cognitive capacity in MS.PMID: 19667024 [PubMed - in process] (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699738 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:12:00 +0100 2699738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2583964&cid=t_255412_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fdrowsy-sailing-sleep-deprivation-us.html The Honolulu Advertiser reports that sleep loss and fatigue may have been factors in the Feb. 5 grounding of the USS Port Royal, a guided-missile cruiser.The ship’s captain told the Navy Safety Investigation Board that he was tired when the ship got under way. He got less than five hours of sleep in the previous 24 hours; in the three days leading up to the incident he slept for a total of only 15 hours.The ship ran aground in shallow waters off the coast of Honolulu. The 9,600-ton cruiser remained stuck for days before efforts to free the ship were successful. The AP reports that the accident caused an estimated $25 million to $40 million in damage to the $1 billion Port Royal.In April the Sleep Education Blog reported that the U.S. Navy has been paying attention to sleep. There is conc... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2583964 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:22:00 +0100 2583964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576778&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fa-better-analogy-to-describe-an-ms-symptom%2F In the first few months of blogging on Life with MS, I made an analogy between baseball and multiple sclerosis.  I was new to blogging and, well, it probably wasn’t my best work… The other day, however, baseball and multiple sclerosis made their way into my head once again and this time…it makes perfect sense! First, let it be said that baseball is the greatest invention/sport/game/call-it-what-you-will in the history of mankind (ok, save for the printing press).  Now that we have that out of the way, I’ll explain. An early summer’s evening and I’m out in the back garden doing whatever one does on such evenings: flipping chicken on the barbecue, watering the plants, picking peas, brushing the dogs; doesn’t matter.  I’m likely to have the l... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576778 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:20:00 +0100 2576778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2572978&cid=t_255412_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fd4L-0ljAPxA%2F Reaction to illness depends on how severe the illness is, how long it lasts, and a variety of other things. Usually, if a good friend is diagnosed with an illness like cancer or has an unexpected surgery, friends come up with plans like helping with meals, transporting kids, and so on. Even the shorter-term illnesses, like pneumonia, are taken care of by people sending chicken soup or bringing you a book to read. But what happens when someone has a chronic illness, like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome? When they’re not always in-your-face ill, but they have times when they feel desperately ill or just too ill to face the world? Since it’s a chronic illness that can literally last a lifetime, what is a well-meaning friend to do? There’s a great post over at But Yo... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2572978 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:15:57 +0100 2572978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523269&cid=t_255412_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Fgeneral-health%2Fallergies-can-be-related-to-chronic-stress Adrenal Fatigue and Cortisol Levels Can Be The Cause Doesn’t it seem like your allergies get worse and worse every year? Some of us who never experienced them before suddenly find ourselves suffering. Chronic stress may result in adrenal fatigue with low cortisol level. The result – constant allergies, because cortisol is needed to suppress inflammation. No enough cortisol and allergies flare up. One way to deal with it is to check your cortisol levels and get them corrected if necessary. (Source: Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog) Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523269 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:36:23 +0100 2523269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512252&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fvacations-and-multiple-sclerosis%2F Greetings!  I offer my apologies for not being around much last week.  It wasn’t for lack of trying, rather due to lack of Internet access. I spent last week in the beautiful land of Yellowstone National Park!  I was not vacationing, rather spending the week consulting and training chefs at various lodges in the park. It was grueling and I certainly wish that I had refilled my prescription for anti-fatigue meds prior to the trip!  It is also absolutely stunning in its beauty. As I mentioned before, there was no Internet access in the park, save for a faint Wi-Fi signal outside the employee dorms which just wasn’t strong enough to saddle with any postings for our blog. Since I was in the world’s first national park, a place families from across the globe visit year-round, and due ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512252 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:01:51 +0100 2512252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2507267&cid=t_255412_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fsurprised-by-sleep-apnea-women-weight.html Earlier this week Washington Post staff writer Valerie Strauss shared how she discovered that she has obstructive sleep apnea.The sleep disorder was undetected by some doctors she had seen. And the discovery was a surprise to her. She didn’t fit the description of the typical sleep apnea patient.Often it is overweight men who have sleep apnea. But as the AASM has reported, women can have sleep apnea too.And sleep apnea may occur in people who maintain a healthy weight. A study presented last week at SLEEP 2009 found a high rate of sleep apnea in non-obese adults.What were the warning signs that Strauss had noticed? She often felt tired after waking up. She also was having memory problems. And her husband complained about her loud snoring.These are common symptoms of sleep apnea. Another ... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2507267 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:11:00 +0100 2507267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2507269&cid=t_255412_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Ftired-fatigued-cpap-improves-daytime.html Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. But a new study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine shows that many people with sleep apnea have other complaints: fatigue, tiredness or a lack of energy. The study also shows that treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy can help reduce all of these symptoms. The study involved 313 people with sleep apnea. They had an average age of 55 years. Before treatment more than half of participants complained of a lack of energy or tiredness. About 46 percent complained of fatigue; a little less than 40 percent complained of sleepiness. Women were more likely than men to report having a lack of energy.Results show that these daytime symptoms improved in participants who reported using CPAP for five or more hours per n... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2507269 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:02:00 +0100 2507269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458187&cid=t_255412_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FDedSv3aWBdc%2F If you have had a heart attack (a myocardial infarction ), chances are you’ve been living with exhaustion and fatiuge - sometimes extreme exhaustion - since your heart attack. If it helps, you’re not the only one. It seems that exhaustion is common after having a heart attack and it often makes people think that their whole situation is chronic. Researchers say that around half of the patients in their study of 200 patients said that they felt quite fatigued still 4 months after their heart attack. Interestingly, what the patients reported was that the fatigue was new and different, not like what they had experienced before. The exhaustion wasn’t connected to anything particular, such as increased activity or staying up late, but that it could strike at any time at all. Y... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458187 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 11:00:11 +0100 2458187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441301&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fdiagnostic-test-for-myalgic.html Professor Kenny de MeirleirThe Daily Mail announced today that:Today, at a conference in London, Professor Kenny de Meirleir, from the University of Brussels, revealed a team have developed a simple urine test to test for [myalgic encephalomyelitis]. The scientists say the kit identifies high levels of the chemical hydrogen sulphate, which builds up after antibiotic use or exposure to salmonella infection, and can occur when there is too much exposure to mercury. Prof de Meirleir's research has shown that around 90% of patients with ME also have an excess of the bacteria enterococcus and streptococcus, which he believes interact with exposure to metals to produce hydrogen sulphate. The scientist, who treats between 3,000 and 4,000 ME patients a year, said his patients had been shown to exc... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441301 Thu, 28 May 2009 21:42:00 +0100 2441301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442528&cid=t_255412_135_f&fid=35262&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsurvivinghiv.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fdealing-with-fatigue-from-thebodycom.html (Source: Nelson Vergel's HIV Blog) Nelson Vergel's HIV Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442528 Sat, 23 May 2009 19:12:00 +0100 2442528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416975&cid=t_255412_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_a_twoyear_followup_study_of_chronic_fatigue_synd_1.htm Conclusions: Chronic fatigue syndrome patients have a relatively high prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders, especially major depressive disorders. The outcomes of chronic fatigue syndrome and psychiatric disorders are independent. Therefore treatment of comorbid psychiatric disorders is necessary in addition to the medical treatment given for chronic fatigue syndrome. Source... © 2009 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416975 Tue, 19 May 2009 08:00:00 +0100 2416975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415600&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fwhat-is-the-worst-ms-symptom-you-have%2F Earlier this week, we posted a blog about a new drug that appears to help people with multiple sclerosis walk “better.”  Once again, in the comment section you have spurred another idea for a blog posting. Jane D wrote: “It would be lovely to walk better, but there are other MS symptoms that are, personally, more urgent to address.” Hmmmm, I thought.  Which of our symptoms, the “more urgent” ones would we like to see pharma address? The list of symptoms we all experience are as varied as we are as people.  Sure, over 85 percent of us likely experience fatigue from our MS.  Nearly that many have some of the other “majors” including: tingling, numbness and optical issues.  If we could choose only one of the symptoms (and remember we’re talking about symptoms here, not ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415600 Fri, 15 May 2009 16:53:24 +0100 2415600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405568&cid=t_255412_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2009%2F05%2F10%2Falert-fatigue-and-clinical-decision-support%2F Clinical Decision Support has been called out as an important part of an EMR system. You’ll get no argument from me on this. What I have been thinking a lot about is what people call “Alert Fatigue.” For those unfamiliar with the term, it basically means that a doctor gets so many alerts that they grow numb to the alerts and stop looking at them. For those that are married, it’s like your wife’s nagging. It happens so much that you stop listening (ok, that was a joke. I hope none of us do that or have reached that point. I’m just lucky to have a wife who doesn’t nag). I think this concept of “alert fatigue” is really important and I think it will be impossible to create an EMR that strikes the perfect balance. Some EMR offer too many al... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405568 Sun, 10 May 2009 16:45:53 +0100 2405568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398860&cid=t_255412_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FK9_CwoLKMlo%2F Sleep apnea is more than an inconvenience that makes us feel tired the next day - it can make us dangerously sleepy, affecting judgment and causing accidents because of our fatigue. Before trying treatments that could be expensive (like a machine called a CPAP that helps you breathe at night), researchers have found that a simple tongue exercise may help reduce the incidence of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. They often occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour. Typically, normal breathing then starts again, sometimes with a loud snort or choking sound. Sleep apnea usually is a chronic (ongoing) condition that disrupts your sleep... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398860 Thu, 07 May 2009 10:27:05 +0100 2398860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390246&cid=t_255412_135_f&fid=35262&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsurvivinghiv.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fnelson-vergel-going-beyond-survival.html (Source: Nelson Vergel's HIV Blog) Nelson Vergel's HIV Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390246 Wed, 06 May 2009 19:21:00 +0100 2390246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2329678&cid=t_255412_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fus-navy-paying-attention-to-sleep.html The dramatic rescue of Capt. Richard Phillips from Somali pirates has focused the world’s attention on the U.S. Navy and the Navy SEALs. The mission exemplified the Navy ethos of being “disciplined and well-prepared.”Does sleep play a role in this preparation of Navy sailors and pilots?An article in the Virginian-Pilot takes a look. It finds that within the Naval ranks awareness of the importance of sleep is growing.One major issue of concern is the effect that rotating work shifts and missions can have on performance and alertness. The article reports that a squadron in Iraq is experimenting to find the best way to rotate its pilots' flight schedules.But it’s not just the pilots who need sleep. Crew members often get by on short naps during carrier operations.There also is concern... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2329678 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:37:00 +0100 2329678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313421&cid=t_255412_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fprobiotic_may_ease_fatigue_syndrome_anxiety.htm CTV.ca News Staff Taking a daily probiotic supplement appears to improve anxiety in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, new Canadian research suggests, a finding that might one day impact how depression and other mental disorders are treated. More...     © 2009 CTVglobemedia All Rights Reserved. Abstract:Gut Pathogens 2009, 1:6 A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of a probiotic in emotional symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome Rao AV, Bested AC, Beaulne TM, Katzman MA, Iorio C, Berardi JM, Logan AC. Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, 50 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E2, Canada; Environmental Health Clinic, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2, Canada; Integrative Care Centre of Tor... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313421 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:55:00 +0100 2313421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2259900&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fcaffeine-and-ms-more-than-a-cup-of-coffee%2F Sitting with my morning cup of Joe, looking ahead to a busy day got me thinking of my use of caffeine, specifically coffee, to battle multiple sclerosis fatigue. I know that in the months prior to my MS diagnosis I would fade each and every day around 2:00-2:30pm.  My 3 o’clock mocha was as much a part of my business daily routine as were at least one plane flight and an uncomfortable hotel bed.  If I didn’t get my mid-afternoon jolt of caffeine and sugar, I was a dead man walking. I never bought into that whole Prokarin thing, the patch of histamine and caffeine touting itself as new multiple sclerosis therapy.  I prefer my buzz to come in a flavorful cup rather than a dermal plaster. I’m wondering, as I seem to recall more than a few comments about the topic of how much coffee/t... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2259900 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:07:05 +0100 2259900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2259910&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fsleep-deprivation-and-chronic-pain%2F Before our current move to our amazing and very informative new site, I promised all of you a final installment in our discussion on sleep deprivation as it relates to living with chronic pain. I think there are a few items we need to throw in, examine and generally shuffle around in our minds. You never know when something is going to be a fit for you and your problems and fill a need. There’s a great deal of information out there regarding sleep problems so I have chosen three areas of particular interest…at least I hope they will be of interest and help to you. We’re going to take a look at the stages of sleep, internal and external “noise” in the sleeping state and finally, lessons learned from athletes. SECONDARY INSOMNIA: Those of us who suffer chronic pain are often awaken... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2259910 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:30:21 +0100 2259910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2113670&cid=t_255412_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fchildhood_trauma_linked_to_later_chronic_fatigue_syndrome.htm Individuals who experience trauma during childhood appear more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome as adults, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. In addition, neuroendocrine dysfunction - or abnormalities in the interaction between the nervous system and endocrine system - appears to be associated with childhood trauma in those with chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting a biological pathway by which early experiences influence adult vulnerability to illness. Chronic fatigue syndrome affects as many as 2.5 percent of U.S. adults, according to background information in the article. Little is known about the causes and development of the condition. Risk factors include female sex, genetic predisposition, certain personality traits and physical a... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2113670 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 04:35:00 +0100 2113670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2026893&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fmyalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic.html Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is once again in the news following the tragic case of 31 year old Lynn Gilderdale who had allegedly suffered from ME for the last sixteen years.“Prior to her illness, which left her paralysed, unable to speak, eat or drink and, until recently, no memory, she was an active healthy teenager full of life's dreams.”The Times Kay Gilderdale, her mother, has now been charged with her murder.* Whatever the truth may be, this is without doubt a tragedy.I have written about ME on many occasions in the past and, following the voluminous correspondence I received, I have somewhat changed my views. I used to think that anyone claiming to have ME was mad. I now believe that there is a group of people who genuinely suffer from a serious and as yet undiagnosed physical... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2026893 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:48:00 +0100 2026893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1977484&cid=t_255412_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2008%2F11%2F21%2Fcancer-is-a-killer-not-a-lifestyle%2F Does cancer make you uncomfortable? Of course it does! Disfiguring surgery. Treatments that make a patient bald, pale and weak. Teeth turned brown. Missing fingernails. A large elastic bandage worn on the arm forever. Chronic pain. And on top of all that—for way too many—a death sentence. Hey, what’s not to like? Protects against cancer It’s human nature to try to put aside what makes us uncomfortable. One way to do that is to assign blame. Won’t happen to me because I did not perform in smoky nightclubs. Won’t happen to me because I have a four-leaf clover. Or—worse—won’t happen to me because I am [stage whisper] a good person, unlike him. People may not even be aware they are having such thoughts, but behavior provides a clue. Cancer patients usual... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1977484 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:59:30 +0100 1977484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1969452&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-and-the-art-of-getting-dressed%2F Fashions change; hems go up and down, ties get thick and thin, lapels point and round. The simple fact of fashion and MS is that sometimes it’s just hard to get into them! As I’ve mentioned, I’m using my recovery as prep for “the big one.” One of the biggest, fundamental issues I’ve faced over the past 7 weeks is dressing myself. The first problem I discovered post-op was bathing myself (there’s something about the side of a tub and hip surgery that don’t go so well together but I eventually got that one figured out). Most of the dressing issues I’ve faced in the past couple of months have had to do with what goes on or below the legs. Lifting my right leg is much easier now, but raising it even enough to slide on a pair of sweat pants ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1969452 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:10:54 +0100 1969452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1940947&cid=t_255412_88_f&fid=38153&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ozemedicine.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D218 Yes, we have all been hit by this one… After my 5th evening shift in 7 days - 4 of them without a second consultant on the floor, it was 11.30pm Friday night, and I was packing up…. half way out the door after another mentally draining night…. and that dreaded request….. oh, are you going home, I was just wondering if you can help us out? yep, the paeds team was having trouble with acupuncture of a chubby dehydrated 9 month old who had 2-3 days of 40deg fevers and was still lethargic despite nasogastric rehydration and now had developed a rash. the last thing they needed was some obstructive postponing device usually used by some inpatient registrars as an avoidance mechanism… (you know the one…. why don’t you get the CT scan then I’ll come d... Oz E Medicine - emergency medicine in Australia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1940947 Sat, 25 Oct 2008 08:03:17 +0100 1940947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1875995&cid=t_255412_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day-patient.html CONCLUSIONS: CI was useful in developing the PROMIS fatigue items and the methods used to judge CI for the present item set may be useful for future investigations.PMID: 18850327 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]===Additional information about "cognitive interviewing" may be found here: link (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1875995 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:40:00 +0100 1875995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1856117&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=35062&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffibroresearch.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fstudy-reveals-subgroups-of-fibromyalgia.html This study is particularly relevance to the debate within both medical and patient communities as to the relationship between fibromyalgia and anxiety/depression. Some patients experience depression and/or anxiety before developing fibromyalgia. Some develop these symptoms long after the onset of pain and other fibromyalgia symptomsm. Still others never experience depression and anxiety at all, even as they struggle with the stress of chronic widespread pain. It also brings up questions about whether those fibromyalgia patients who do have depression or anxiety experience more severity of their pain and fatigue symptoms. (Source: The Fibromyalgia Research Blog) The Fibromyalgia Research Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1856117 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:41:00 +0100 1856117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1791970&cid=t_255412_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F09%2F15%2Fthe-importance-of-doing-nothing%2F While recovering from my postconcussion syndrome, I learned a lot about saying no and letting go. I’m not usually prone to doing this, so it was a surprise to me to find out that not only could I do it, but I have carried on doing it and enjoying it! I don’t have any literature to support today’s post, but my own personal experience (an N of 1 study!). I wonder how often in rehabilitation or pain management, we even think about scheduling time for the people we work with to just do nothing. I think sometimes we might under-estimate the amount of energy that goes into following a programme of therapy. Here’s just a little from my experience. Every day I was going to work for half a day, returning home to sleep for an hour and a half. Then I would do my speech languag... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1791970 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:19:05 +0100 1791970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739450&cid=t_255412_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F376248115%2Fb1_workplace_fatigue_and_memor.html  Sleep apnea can cause serious memory loss a new study suggests. According to the University of California, tissue loss is detected in areas of the brain that store memories, and relate to sleep apnea. Does it happen to you? We're already aware that people who awaken multiple times nightly because of breathing difficulties, tend to suffer more from chronic workplace fatigue. But we had less research to affirm the strong connections between that sleep apnea and memory problems.Interestingly, vitamin B1 or thiamine may be able to help restore memory loss from sleep difficulties.  It’s a commonly held belief that B1 helps dying brain cells to recover, and if that's the case, it's also true that brain cells for memory storage may be ena... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739450 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:38:05 +0100 1739450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709028&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F08%2F15%2Fare-you-tired-of-being-tired%2F Feel you are wandering around like a zombie, totally zapped of energy? Well, you are not alone. According to WebMD, every day, over 2 million Americans complain about being tired. We blame the tiredness on too much work and not enough sleep, but in reality it’s our poor everyday habits that are really making us tired. Break these habits with WebMD’s ‘Guide to Never Feeling Tired Again’ and you might never be a zombie again. Here’s the abbreviated version… Step One: Energize the Diet. Have breakfast. Eat every three to four hours. Fill up on more fiber. Fuel your brain with omega-3s. Stay hydrated. Watch caffeine intake after noon. Step Two: Energize Your Spirit. Splash some water on your face or take a shower when you’re feeling burned-out. Suit... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709028 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:43:37 +0100 1709028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1625581&cid=t_255412_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F07%2F15%2Fcognitive-behavior-therapy-helps-chronic-fatigue%2F Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a chronic, complex illness characterized by overwhelming fatigue that can cause considerable distress and disability. According to the CDC, people with CFS most often function at a substantially lower level of activity than they were capable of before the onset of illness. People with chronic fatigue syndrome report various nonspecific symptoms, including weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory and/or mental concentration, insomnia, and post-exertional fatigue lasting more than 24 hours. In some cases, CFS can persist for years. Some estimates suggest it may affect as many as 1 in 100 of the population globally. There is no widely accepted explanation for the disease and patients are currently offered a variety of different treatments. Chronic fatigue s... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1625581 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:50:33 +0100 1625581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1616542&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-and-a-clean-house%2F If there is one thing I hear more than any other, when people are being real about the day-to-day challenges of living with MS, it’s keeping the house clean. It seems to be one of the hardest things to “let go.” It may be one of the hardest to let go, but once we do (and correct me if I’m wrong here) it’s one of the biggest burdens lifted. I used to have a housekeeper come to my houses three or four times per month. That’s no longer an economic reality anymore (and I don’t think I’m alone on that one). If we do work, a lot of times it’s to keep the insurance coming in. Even when I was at the top of my game, when things got a little tight around the purse strings, the housekeeper visits were the first to be cut back or stopped. It’s kind of funny because we a... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1616542 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:55:22 +0100 1616542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1577518&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Four-july-check-in-how-is-your-ms-today%2F It’s time for our monthly posting where we all check in. This is the post where we discuss our multiple sclerosis symptoms, our coping solutions and just about any other thing that pops into your minds. I think that this community (at least the vocal couple of hundred of you) is pretty accepting of where you are with your disease. I’ve read some pretty personal information in these pages (many in this particular monthly posting). I must, as the “leader” of this group, tell you how very proud I am of all of us for that. Now on to how my MS is today? Honestly, other than a new sense of fatigue (I’m back to daily naps and waking in the mornings is an hour-long ordeal) my symptoms are stable. My legs are a bit thick and slow, but the recent heat likely has a lot to do with that. I’... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1577518 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:16:10 +0100 1577518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1543856&cid=t_255412_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fsmoldering_viral_infection_linked_to_chronic_fatigue_syndr.htm A study suggests that a "smoldering" central nervous system (CNS) infection may play a role in conditions that plague millions of Americans. Kazuhiro Kondo, MD, PhD, of the Jikei University Medical School in Tokyo identified a novel human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) protein present in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients but not healthy controls that may contribute to psychological symptoms often associated with that and other disorders. "Causes of many chronic diseases are unknown and chronic viral infection is one of the most suspected candidates," said Dr Kondo, who spent 20 years trying to identify the latent protein responsible for chronic CNS disease and mood disorders. Support for Dr Kondo's claim came from Stanford University's Jose Montoya who announced at the same conference that th... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1543856 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:16:00 +0100 1543856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1509262&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fwhat-do-you-do-about-your-anger%2F We all want to “put our best foot forward,” don’t we? Sometimes that foot hurts, is swollen and hot, or is causing some other form of irritation or discomfort. What if someone comes along and steps on that aching foot? Do you smile and say, “Gee, thanks for giving me more pain?” I don’t think so. A most common response is anger. We get angry at life, our bodies, other’s attitudes and our own limitations. There’s not enough room on this page to list all the reasons we can become angry. What do you do about your anger? Do you just cruise around all day ticked off and livid? Do you seethe, fume, rage and boil both inside and out? Do you recognize that particular emotion when it stares back at you in the mirror? Those of us who live with chronic pain have our metaphorical “fe... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1509262 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:00:44 +0100 1509262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653737&cid=t_255412_90_f&fid=37832&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdyer.edublogs.org%2F2008%2F05%2F25%2Fday-25-gone-hiking%2F The task for the day is to Take a Break. I saw this before today and decided to set something up in advance to take the day off (which is nice because it’s in the middle of a three day weekend). This image of sitting on top of a mountain is perfect for my Take a [...] (Source: Ruminations of an Online Instructor MD) Ruminations of an Online Instructor MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653737 Sun, 25 May 2008 15:03:18 +0100 2653737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1715298&cid=t_255412_90_f&fid=37832&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdyer.edublogs.org%2F2008%2F05%2F25%2Fday-25-gone-hiking%2F The task for the day is to Take a Break. I saw this before today and decided to set something up in advance to take the day off (which is nice because it’s in the middle of a three day weekend). This image of sitting on top of a mountain is perfect for my Take a [...] (Source: Ruminations of an Online Instructor MD) Ruminations of an Online Instructor MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1715298 Sun, 25 May 2008 15:03:18 +0100 1715298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1426896&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fits-may-hows-your-ms-today-2%2F “It’s May. It’s May; the lusty month of May” -Guinevere Guinevere’s quote above from Lerner & Loewe’s musical “Camelot” will not be the only song quote in this posting…but I do like that one! The first week of every new month (since December of 2006!), has a blog post dedicated to general comment about our multiple sclerosis. We like to check in with one another and it helps us keep track of our own life with this disease. I’ll not take up too much space with my own story (I feel like this past week was “all about me” with my diagnosis trilogy), instead I’d like to make a quick comment on one thing that I’m not alone in suffering these past weeks/months and then open the floor. Caryn and I (along with our dogs, Sadie and Stella) are moving this weekend. I’... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1426896 Wed, 07 May 2008 19:54:07 +0100 1426896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1426505&cid=t_255412_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F285248002%2F (Image source:  www.livingwithcfs.wordpress.com)  Researchers from St George’s Hospital, University of London have identified a biological basis for 7 different genetic types of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The St George’s study looked at 55 patients from the US and UK with the condition, and carried out a genetic analysis of them and 75 healthy blood donors. It identified the seven distinct subtypes of CFS/ME identified by a specific genetic pattern.  These were linked to specific symptoms. 1. Type one had the worst anxiety and depression levels, along with poor sleep and high pain levels, 2. Type two was characterised by significant post-exercise fatigue and joint and muscle pains, 3. Type three was the mildest form of the disease, 3. Type four is linked to moderate l... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1426505 Wed, 07 May 2008 09:36:10 +0100 1426505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1417850&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F05%2F02%2Feggs-actly-the-breakfast-you-need-for-a-cheerful-weekend%2F Image details: Eggs served by picapp.com In a lot of homes, eggs are those things you buy because you feel like you’re supposed to, but then after weeks of neglect, find themselves in the bottom of your trash barrel. You may have meant well, but meaning well doesn’t cook those puppies into omelets, now does it? Well today, we’re here to encourage you to buy that carton of eggs, crack those babies open and scramble, fry, poach or boil away. And why? Eggs are packed with a B vitamin called folic acid. Many people recognize folic acid as the pre-conception wonder supplement which helps prevent neural tube abnormalities in a developing fetus. But folic acid is also a mood-elevating nutrient. In fact, adding folic acid to your diet can diminish bad moods, depression, anger, an... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1417850 Sat, 03 May 2008 03:32:25 +0100 1417850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1417940&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fmy-ms-diagnosis-the-conclusion%2F For the past couple of posts I’ve been recounting the week of my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis back in 2001. I appreciate your kind comments, and I hope that even those of you that were diagnosed a long time ago still find this recollection at very least entertaining, if not helpful. When I stopped on Wednesday, I was making my way out of my first MRI… At that time, I didn’t know a whole lot about the protocol of the medical world (that’s an education I would have gladly gone without). I peeked into the NASA-like control room of the MRI and saw what I assumed were green/white images of my head and neck on a large, flat computer screen. I know I searched to the fullness of my capacity in the mere glance or two I could steal while flirting with the MRI tech (yes, I was still Trevis... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1417940 Sat, 03 May 2008 02:39:56 +0100 1417940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1338041&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E5%2F261085727%2Fviewcontent.cgi My adopted home town of Lubbock, Texas was in the news this week—no we haven’t arrested the Chippendale Dancers again... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1338041 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:14:15 +0100 1338041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1307938&cid=t_255412_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-fatigue-a-symptom-of-something-more%2F Fatigue has been overtaking me by about 4:00 p.m. each day regardless of the sleep I have managed to accrue the night before. I would like to write it off as the effects of the long cold winter that we have been having in Michigan, but I don’t have that luxury. I am a breast cancer survivor that had cancer spread to my lymph nodes. Although I have taken preventative measures like having a mastectomy of the affected breast and a prophylactic mastectomy of the other breast in addition to having my ovaries removed and taking a hormonal drug, I have to be concerned about anything in my health that is askew. It is like knowing that someone is out there that wants you dead, only this enemy has already infiltrated your life once. Cancer is that same enemy that I have to continue to be vigilant ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1307938 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:19:21 +0100 1307938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1280717&cid=t_255412_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F03%2F05%2Ftoo-tired-for-words%2F Fatigue is an ongoing concern that affects millions, and yet there are few reliable treatments for it, and worse yet, no agreed-upon way of diagnosing it. Where does plain tiredness end and fatigue begin? An article in yesterday’s Washington Post examined the issue of fatigue: In this era of burning candles at both ends (whoever works the longest hours wins), with stops only for caregiving and a few stolen winks, most everyone gets tired now and then. Sometimes all you need to recover is a solid night’s sleep or an actual vacation, sans BlackBerry. But in some instances, tiredness moves to the next realm and becomes the soul-sucking, energy-draining condition called fatigue. […] DeLuca notes doctors have no concrete way to assess a patient’s fatigue. “It&... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1280717 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:41:01 +0100 1280717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1281059&cid=t_255412_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Freduces-fatigue-by-65%2F   People in early recovery will often experience low levels of energy. This research shows that a leisurely walk can increase energy over a period of time. But, once one gets the momentum going – try to keep it up – one day at a time. People who regularly complain of fatigue can increase their energy levels by 20% and decrease their fatigue by 65 percent by engaging in regular, low intensity exercise, according to a new University of Georgia study. “Too often we believe that a quick workout will leave us worn out – especially when we are already feeling fatigued,” said researcher Tim Puetz. “However, we have shown that regular exercise can actually go a long way in increasing feelings of energy – particularly in inactive individuals.” Professor O’Connor, co-dir... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1281059 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:36:00 +0100 1281059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1226876&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fdoes-cold-weather-cause-the-flu%2F That is one question for which there are many responses. All of us grew up hearing, “Take your galoshes (boots, overshoes, rubbers). Grab your umbrella; where are your mittens?” God love us mothers of the world. We do our best to keep our charges safe, as did our mothers, but it isn’t always easy. Now, my mother-in-law, who is a sensible and delightful human being, doesn’t believe getting a chill has anything to do with one’s health. Personally, I think she learned to have that opinion from watching her son grow big and strong. Every fall, she bought him a new jacket. He took it to school and put it in his locker where it stayed until summer rolled around when he took the dusty yet new jacket out and carried it home. Fast forward many years and here I sit, or more accurately, rec... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1226876 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:33:22 +0100 1226876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1208236&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fnever-apologize-for-being-human%2F I’ve been at this chronic illness business for many years now. I’m still here, obviously, so I must have received some good care along the way. It hasn’t hurt, on my behalf to be an R.N. Little did I know when I went to nursing school that much of my knowledge would be used on “moi.” Life is full of strange little ironic “gotchas.” Somebody in the great, heavenly upstairs definitely has a sense of humor, although I don’t think much of their judgment. As many of you who tune in here frequently already know, it’s been a rough couple of months for me. I can’t remember the last time my life, particularly my health, was a “cake walk.” When our bodies betray us more than usual, with another load to carry, along with the usual daily pain, most of us also experience many em... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1208236 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:57:19 +0100 1208236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1176279&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fwhy-do-i-write-a-blog-on-living-with-chronic-pain%2F I’ve been writing this blog since August 2006. Week in and week out I share with all of you what I am experiencing. Some days, when I’m feeling worse than usual, I ask myself, “Why do you do this?” First of all, let me remind you of the medical reasons I have daily pain. I live with relapsing polychrondritis, which is a disease of inflammation and destruction of cartilage throughout my body. For many years it was simply labeled lupus like syndrome because it is very difficult to diagnose. I also suffer from mixed connective tissue disease which sort of encompasses many of my problems. I have had pain in my sacroiliac joints for many years, pain in hips and knees as well as destruction of my ankles with accompanying pain. I have arthritis in several joints although I do not test pos... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1176279 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:44:02 +0100 1176279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1170272&cid=t_255412_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fmorgellons-disease-to-be-studied-in-california%2F In October of 2006, I wrote a story about the unusual, if not completely bizarre, illness known as Morgellons disease. At the time I said that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) was initiating a study, but since government-related things often take longer than expected, it’s just now been announced that the study is finally getting underway. According to the CDC, “Persons who suffer from this condition report a range of symptoms including non-healing skin lesions associated with the emergence of fibers or solid material from the skin, abnormal skin sensations (such as stinging and biting or pins and needles) and non-cutaneous symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and short-term memory loss.” The CDC is studying Morgellons in conjunction with Kaiser Permanente’s Northern Cali... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1170272 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:18:07 +0100 1170272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1158494&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fis-there-a-gluten-and-arthritis-connection%2F We know celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, as well as the less serious gluten sensitivity, are both due to an autoimmune reaction. The reactions vary in intensity from producing acute anaphylactic shock for some, to skin rashes and digestive upset in others. It is also beginning to be revealed by various studies throughout the country that undiagnosed reactions can lead to the development of other autoimmune diseases. Certainly, many autoimmune diseases are passed down on our DNA but others may develop from years of eating foods which are not working for you. It can be a form of “eating starvation.” Some of these diseases could include MS, rheumatoid arthritis or achy joints in general, osteoporosis, lupus and even cancer. Many individuals, including me, have had years of digestive... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1158494 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 21:04:59 +0100 1158494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1137293&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fhigh-maintenance-me-i-get-so-tired-of-it-sometimes-dont-you%2F I’ve never been one for window shopping, regretting that which I can do nothing about or pining for the road not taken. I’m more a “forward march” kind of person. I will, however, on the occasion of the New Year, take a moment to reflect on a year that I am very happy to see end. Let’s see. We had a giant windstorm they’re calling the storm of the century around here; a power outage which caused me, with my miserable immunity, to be ill for two months. I had the flu on Christmas and on the last day of the year we had to have our beloved old cat “put down.” Life can be exhausting sometimes and for those of us who are running around in a constant state of compromise, it sometimes calls for a special degree of effort. I won’t presume to speak for any of you, my friends, but ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1137293 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 22:27:46 +0100 1137293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1126515&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fbrand-new-year-same-old-me%2F Ring the bells, bang the drums, In New York, they drop the ball It’s the time for introspection For me, for you, for all. What keeps you going, When a day becomes days, Is it your family, Is it your stubborn ways? You don’t hear “gumption” Used much anymore Which is a shame When I need it galore. Is it grit or is it faith? What does it for you? Is it love, is it hate? How often are you blue? There are days I can’t face life Other days filled with joy Sometimes I’m certain I’m just God’s little toy. As celestial jokes go This one can really suck Like lightning it’s not funny If you’re the one who’s struck. No one ever tells you Life can be this hard. They just let you grow-up Unaware you will be scarred. Sometimes it comes at you With storm and wind and rain At other t... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1126515 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:37:51 +0100 1126515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1126517&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fhappy-new-year-how-is-your-ms-today%2F Pop the corks, blow the horns, give us a kiss because it’s a New Year! I hope that your end of year festivities (and the holiday season in general) was satisfactory. I hope that we didn’t overdo. I hope we stayed calm. I hope we all enjoyed the special time of year. I hope your MS is under total control. I know, however that that’s not usually the case. Post-holiday exacerbations (or MS attacks) are almost as common as post-partum attacks. If you are battling such a condition, I wish you peace as you recover. I have to say that my MS is busy this morning. In fact, I had to take a kip after sitting down and writing the first paragraph and a half of this post. It was “lie down or fall down,” as I’ve described it before. My legs are jelly and my whole body seems a little bit off ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1126517 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:23:37 +0100 1126517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1119390&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fchristmas-on-the-island-of-misfit-toys%2F We were making quite merry yesterday. In fact, we all exclaimed at some point last night that it was “The best Christmas…ever!” I learned something about living with MS during yesterday’s festivities as well. I say learned but I likely knew about it before; putting it into practice has been my problem. The lesson learned: I don’t have to do everything for a party to be successful. How very un-Leo, un-Type A, un-control freak, un-Trevis to make such a remark; but it seems to be true. In fact, I think we all had a better time because I shared the responsibilities of the day. Let me backtrack. Most of you know I was classically trained as a chef. I was taught by wonderful chefs at New England Culinary Institute and mentored by one of the best chefs alive today, Michel Leborgne. I LO... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1119390 Thu, 27 Dec 2007 23:35:44 +0100 1119390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1119388&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fa-less-than-perfect-christmas%2F I was going to title this, “When Christmas Sucks,” but thought that sounded a bit too caustic and Scrooge-like. I love Christmas. It really goes against the grain for me to speak of it in negative tones but here goes. I plan for it, shop for it and look forward to that particular holiday all year long. This year the gods seemed to be against me. It’s one thing to be against me but “Geesh!;” I personally think they overdid it a bit. It all started with the epic windstorm we had in the early part of the month. With my lousy immune system due to my chronic illnesses, I developed a bad gut in the form of diverticulitis at that time and it never got better. I finally gave in and went to the doctor and she put me on two antibiotics, gave me a little lecture about coming in sooner and s... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1119388 Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:01:21 +0100 1119388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1100384&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fthe-perfect-ms-mode-of-transportation%2F A few weeks back, Rusty (a regular here on the Life with MS blog), made mention of the search for a new vehicle. I posted something about a ‘new’ 1982 VW Bus back in the spring when I made that purchase. Since many of us still drive I started thinking that perhaps we should be responsibly mindful of our MS when purchasing a vehicle just like we are thoughtful of MS when we make other choices in our life. Granted, buying a manual transmission / manual steering behemoth was not the best MS decision for me. If I were to sift out the reasons for that purchase, the new addition of a 13 year old dog to the household played as much a part as anything else. Stella does not need the low entry clearance today as she acts far younger than her years. But there will come a time when she wal... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1100384 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:39:02 +0100 1100384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1096333&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fthe-race-to-an-oral-ms-drug-will-you-be-first-in-line%2F I know, I know…I wrote, earlier this week, that we’d start using the day after a HealthTalk MS webcast to further discuss the previous evening’s topic. But after our show, I have to leave the studio and head to the airport to catch a redeye to Florida. By the time my flight lands and I drive to my parents’ place on the Gulf Coast, I’m pretty sure that writing a blog isn’t going to be in the cards. I’m writing this on Thursday morning, unspeakably early, as my day is full and my night will be spent so comfortably snuggled in seat 11D. We’ve talked here and there about oral drug therapies for multiple sclerosis. We’re all hoping for a safe and effective pill we can pop rather than continue our human pin cushion impressions. We all know that there are trials underway; I ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1096333 Fri, 14 Dec 2007 23:44:39 +0100 1096333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1079921&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fthe-secret-gift-my-ms-is-giving-me-for-christmas%2F It’s (expletive) dark in this (further expletive) town!!! That’s the standard greeting I give each morning in Seattle from the return of Standard Time to the Winter Solstice. Something about that sudden hour shift coupled with the steady drain of sunlight from my every day seems to bring on the darker facet of Trevis’ humor. This Friday morning, as I finally see some daylight, I have to say I’m feeling a bit of a mood shift. I’ve raised the roman blinds in front of my desk and am looking out on a cold, gray morning - a morning that could easily depress - but I’m feeling pretty good about it. My feet are bare, but toasty, as I wiggle my toes near the baseboard heater under my desk. That I can feel the warmth and that I can move those little guys is something I no longer take for... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1079921 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 21:20:29 +0100 1079921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1072512&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fdecember-check-how-is-your-ms-today%2F “On the first Wednesday in December, my blogger gave to me…The chance to write about my-y M.S.” OK, so a lyricist I am not! Time to check in, everyone. How’s your MS today? How did you survive the Thanksgiving holiday? How are your end of year holidays (be they religious or secular) taking shape? How is your MS affecting how you are planning? Loads of questions, but there’s a lot to talk about. There has been anecdotal evidence that this is a exacerbating (as well as exhilarating) time of the year. Many report that the stresses of whom to buy what for and how we are getting where and who’s cooking what can not only tap our limited energy, but bring on a holiday attack. None of us want to be flat out in bed or worse yet, finding our way to a hospital for steroid treatments in th... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1072512 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:26:07 +0100 1072512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1063078&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fms-and-your-feelings-book-club-blog-chapter-10%2F Each month here at the Life with MS blog, we take our final posting to discuss our book club book. Since the beginning of the year, we’ve been taking apart one chapter of Allison Shadday’s book: “MS and Your Feelings.” This month, Chapter 10 deals with communications. I’ll admit my faults right up front here. As a writer, teacher and public speaker (particularly on the topic of multiple sclerosis), you might think that my communication about MS would be pretty good. Ask anyone in my life (family, friends, colleagues, dogs) and you’d likely get a lukewarm response. Ask me and I’ll give it to you pretty straight; I’m NOT a good communicator about my MS. Several of the things in this section were like my own personal to-do list. I’m the guy who says he doesn’t want... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1063078 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:44:24 +0100 1063078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1060166&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fthe-ripple-effect-of-a-life-with-chronic-pain%2F If I drive down to the Columbia River, which is eight blocks from here, get out of my car, find an aged old pier and jump in the river, there are going to be ripples. Circles of water will go on for a while, how far I do not know. My life has had the same effect on my family and sometimes, my friends. I realize it is rather hackneyed, but it is true that “no man is an island;” a woman isn’t either. I think that’s been one of the most horrible things about this whole daily pain nonsense, and that is the effect it’s had on the people I love. Concentric circles of change, alteration and adjustment never seem to end. There have been times I longed for a life of isolation just so no one else would have to put up with me, but I have come to realize the company of others is nourishing.... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1060166 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:41:47 +0100 1060166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1057559&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fcontrast-vision-and-ms%2F I thought this topic might be appropriate as many will be traveling for the holidays. Last week I was doing A LOT of driving for work (over 1100 miles). To say I was tired by the end of all that driving may be my biggest understatement in a very long time. On my trip, I noted something in myself which I had not prior, but remembered it had been talked about here. This past spring, I reported on research having to do with contrast vision. In that study, it was reported that, even though we may not have suffered bouts of optical neuritis, most of us with MS have some amount of vision deficit due to multiple sclerosis. The damage shows itself, mostly, in our ability to see the gray scale; this is the subtle differences in black and white tones as they blend together. As I was driving over a m... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1057559 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:03:04 +0100 1057559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1054997&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fthe-angry-patient%2F When I became a nurse, I remember being surprised by the amount and tone of anger in the hospital setting. Human nature is not always at its best when confronted with illness. Angry patients and their irate relatives often take it out on nurses, clerks and others because they don’t want to upset the doctor, although doctors can also get their own dose of anger from time to time. I once had a patient’s husband threaten to take me “outback” and “teach me a thing or two” just because I told the patient she couldn’t eat or have water just before surgery. The spouse was a truck driver and was obviously high on speed after driving all night. The surgeon, who happened to think highly of me, as well as my husband, who also worked in that hospital were a formidable force when they “... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1054997 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:31:18 +0100 1054997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1037100&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fwhat-would-you-want-your-ms-healthcare-team-to-know%2F If there’s one thing we are on this Life with MS blog community, it’s opinionated. If I take a look at the comment section of nearly every one of our postings, I see your thoughts and feelings pouring onto the pages. Take the Tysabri blog from over a year ago; there are over 800 comments posted there. Have a look to the post about being tired of multiple sclerosis, that one is pushing 100 comments in just one month! I think we can all count upon one another to let it all out when it comes to our perception of living with MS. Today, we have an opportunity to make our thoughts known to our healthcare teams. A small group of us living with this disease have been asked to present to an all-staff meeting at one of my local MS Clinics. This center is renowned, not only in the Pacific Northwe... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1037100 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:27:58 +0100 1037100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1030324&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Froutine-may-keep-us-safe-in-a-life-with-chronic-pain%2F Last week, we shared some thoughts about memory loss, which caused me to remember some of my less than brilliant moments in the last few years which I guess we could call “doozies from Suzy.” Doozies, indeed they were. I’ve had numerous occurrences when I’ve lost my car, paid the wrong bill, etc., but two years ago I came very close to burning down our house. I’d like to share this hideous tale about my own forgetfulness because it does tie in to the whole area of routine, patterns and habits as we live this somewhat bent life of ours. I am convinced I need to have some discipline and planning in my life because if I didn’t, I would be “flying” without a safety net. As most of us have discovered, this pain-filled existence is very distracting, exhausting and frustrating. Ch... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1030324 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:47:27 +0100 1030324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1027302&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fnovember-recipe-for-success-ode-to-the-humble-yam%2F It’s neigh a week until the great American festival of gluttony and family dysfunctions: The Thanksgiving holiday. For many this time of year is the only time the nutritious, delicious and oh-so-easy-to-cook yam gets consumed. Packed with more vitamins and minerals than its fluffy white cousins, a single ounce of raw yam contains 43% of the Daily Recommended Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C and is a good source of fiber as well. Each month, we take this second Wednesday’s blog and talk about a food that is good for us, easy to prepare and might help control some of our MS (or non-MS) weight issues. Far too many of my generation don’t know a yam (or sweet potato for that matter) without gobs (and globs) of brown sugar and don’t forget those marshmallows! If the holiday table is the only... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1027302 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:57:08 +0100 1027302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1024447&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Ffor-some-families-the-pain-of-loss-can-be-chronic-pain%2F In honor of Veteran’s Day I would like to offer this tribute to the many widows and widowers and their families who have sacrificed so much over the years in this great country of ours. FALLEN They said you fell On the field of battle As if you simply tripped While hiking through the woods. Felled by a sniper’s bullet Your battlefield was far from home On soil strange to us. To say I will miss you Is too small Too mundane. You have been amputated from me. More vital to me than air You fill my thoughts Both night and day. I forget to eat To bathe To breathe. When I remember And inhale you are there The fragrance of your skin On the pillow next to mine. I long for the everyday Inconsequential acts which loom large In my memory. Socks on the floor The toilet seat left up The memory of you... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1024447 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:15:57 +0100 1024447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1017958&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fi-need-to-ask-a-taboo-question-about-ms%2F Today, I’m going to inch my way, precariously, onto a thin arboreal tendril. I’m reaching for an intellectual fruit dangling so far out to the edge that, if I’m not careful, my support from behind (that’s you) may completely falter and send me, unceremoniously, to the ground with all the other discarded bloggers of the web. Today I intend to shed the cloak which has kept me safe and warm these past six plus years. Today, I’m not going to write about hope, nor dreams, nor desires, nor faith. Today, I’m posing a question that I’m not sure I want to answer and one whose answers many of you will not want to read. Today, as I look back a century and a half to French Doctor Jean Martin Charcot, the man who first correlated post-mortem observation of brain lesions to clinical signs ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1017958 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:38:23 +0100 1017958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1015938&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Ffinal-words-on-memory-loss-and-a-life-of-chronic-pain%2F Many chronic diseases can cause memory loss: One of the biggest culprits for this is diabetes. If glucose levels get out of control, blood vessels can be damaged and this can lead to brain damage, deterioration of the eyes as well as poor circulation in the extremities, especially the toes and feet. Diabetes has to be taken seriously. It’s so much easier to monitor now than it used to be; there is really no excuse for not taking care and monitoring your blood sugar if you are diabetic. I know it’s a drag, but it’s a drag that isn’t going away and should be at the top of your list. According to a recent article in “Arthritis Today,” hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, affects approximately 10 percent of American women. This is especially true among those with RA and ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1015938 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:25:31 +0100 1015938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1012550&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fits-november-how-is-your-ms-today%2F Month in and month out, the only thing which is constant is change. It’s an old adage, but, particularly for those of us living with multiple sclerosis, I can think of none more true. Your comments to our postings wax and wane depending on our topic of the day. Something to which I can always look forward are your comments to the monthly, “How is your MS today?” blog. I review your comments daily (when I can) and enjoy your take on my topics. I am always touched by how honest we all are when it comes to the bad and the good we encounter each day of our life with multiple sclerosis. I also enjoy the way that this monthly forum is used to converse off topic, if you will. If there is something on your mind, you use this space to mention it to the community and solicit advice or share ex... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1012550 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 20:38:39 +0100 1012550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1009648&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fchronic-pain%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fmemory-loss-and-a-life-with-chronic-pain-part-two%2F In the last blog we shared the problems of fatigue and its contribution to memory loss. Today I’d like to hit upon a few other areas of our lives with chronic pain which may lead to memory loss. Losing your health is one thing, but giving it away is something else. It has been proven that we all need stimulation to keep our brains active and sharp. Far too many individuals who are living with chronic pain give up and give in. I know it’s hard to climb up that hill everyday but you have no choice. It’s a slide straight down if you do not climb. Let’s face it. We live on a slippery slope both physically and mentally. I had an elderly relative who gave up her lovely double-wide mobile home. She sold her antiques and gave away the rest of her things except some bare essentials and move... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1009648 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:17:23 +0100 1009648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1005436&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fits-too-soon-for-candy-canes-ms-holiday-stress%2F I miss Ireland! You’ve likely read my longings for an ancestral homeland, so dear to me. After spending several months in County Kerry, I thought my wanderlust would be quelled; quite the contrary. I miss Ireland but, today, it’s not for the most obvious reasons. There is a feast day in the Catholic calendar which falls, this year, on the 8th of December: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Not until that day will you see Christmas decorations about the streets, homes or shops in Ireland. It’s like an unwritten rule that one cannot be too “Christmasy” until that date. Obviously, religious Advent festivities take place prior. My point is, Halloween candy is just into the 50% off bin and the candy canes are stocked upon shelves! The holidays are upon us. I heard a report that m... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1005436 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:07:19 +0100 1005436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=995186&cid=t_255412_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fms-and-your-feelings-book-club-blog-chapter-9%2F Call me ahead of my time, call me clairvoyant, call me acutely aware…I’ll call me lucky! A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a posting (and you responded, heartily) about being tired. Today, as we look to our book club blog, we’re talking about being sick and tired of being sick and tired. For those of you just joining the conversation (and I’m seeing a lot of new names out there and that is GREAT), we take the last blog of each month and review a chapter of Allison Shadday’s recently published book “MS and Your Feelings: Handling the Ups and Downs of Multiple Sclerosis.” This month, we’re on to chapter 9. I devoured this book when the first of several copies made their way to me. I’ll admit that I’ve been re-scanning the past couple of chapters as I write my monthly blog en... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=995186 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:24:46 +0100 995186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1186500&cid=t_255412_165_f&fid=36770&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetaot.com%2Fblogs%2F%255Buser%255D-1 1. Introduction: As a basic grade occupational therapist, I frequently encounter people for whom exercise tolerance is the limiting factor of occupational performance. Usually, this is due to physical de-conditioning secondary to inactivity, but occasionally it is due to pathology. This can often be obvious in people with pulmonary or cardiovascular impairments, but less obvious for those with neurological or renal pathology. Reflecting on my undergraduate occupational therapy training, it has not informed me of how best to manage these people as patients. If I knew no better, I might be hesitant to stress people with cardio-pulmonary pathology for fear of straining their already compromised organs. I might just issue loads of equipment and re-organise tasks to reduce occupational stress. ... meta-ot blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1186500 Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:38:47 +0100 1186500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=918019&cid=t_255412_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F163842137%2Fsmall_study_shows_promise_for.html A small study of 10 people by The Hull York Medical School found that patients had less fatigue when eating dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.Researchers were surprised but believe that it is possible that dark chocolate may have an effect on the brain chemical serotonin.Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition with a variety of symptoms but the most common is chronic fatigue.Study leader Professor Steve Atkin, an expert in endocrinology, said "Dark chocolate is high in polyphenols, which have been associated with health benefits such as a reduction in blood pressure. Also high polyphenols appear to improve levels of serotonin in the brain, which has been linked with chronic fatigue syndrome and that may be a mechanism." More research is needed to confirm the res... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=918019 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:38:52 +0100 918019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510416&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F09%2F12%2Ffatigue-still-around-long-after-cancer-battle-starts%2F Filed under: All CancersIt what seems like an obvious result, a recent U.S. study found that breast cancer survivors who received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy were the most apt to have severe fatigue. In addition, that fatigue lasted for prolonged periods of time.Over 221 women in the early stages of breast cancer were looked at in this study, with the expectation of the greatest amount of fatigue just after initial treatment. But, when chemo was combined with radiotherapy, fatigue was pronounced for longer periods of time. No wonder depression is often a side effect of traditional cancer treatment.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cancer Blog) The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510416 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:00:00 +0100 2510416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=856850&cid=t_255412_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F154548326%2F Today kicks off National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. It runs September 10th through the 16th. What is an invisible chronic illness? If you have an illness and it can’t be seen from the outside, you have it. That would include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, autism, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic back pain, eating disorders, multiple sclerosis and mental illness, just to name a few.Actually over 95% of chronic illness is invisible. Laura from CFS Squared sent me a link to a great website that is officially hosting an area to come together and “feel that there is someone else that gets it”. Go check out all that it offers including… articles, things to buy, chat rooms and a very funny “10 things not to say to a chronically ill person”... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=856850 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:35:54 +0100 856850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=856865&cid=t_255412_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F154546412%2F Today kicks off National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. It runs September 10th through the 16th. What is an invisible chronic illness? If you have an illness and it can’t be seen from the outside, you have it. That would include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, autism, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic back pain, eating disorders, multiple sclerosis and mental illness, just to name a few. Actually over 95% of chronic illness is invisible. Laura from CFS Squared sent me a link to a great website that is officially hosting an area to come together and “feel that there is someone else that gets it”. Go check out all that it offers including… articles, things to buy, chat rooms and a very funny “10 things not to say to a chr... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=856865 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:32:54 +0100 856865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=818759&cid=t_255412_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day-adhd.html Conclusions. The results suggest that drivers with ADHD became fatigued more quickly than controls. Such drivers thus face greater risk of involvement in accidents on highways or open roadways where the visual and task monotony of the environment contribute to greater driver fatigue.PMID: 17710720 [PubMed - in process] (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=818759 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 23:51:00 +0100 818759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=802282&cid=t_255412_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fmothers-little-helper.html The new campaign got off to a faulty start, [translation = dry at night and pull up free] but since then we have regrouped with the master plan. [translation = guaranteed success] No expense has been spared. [translation = gross extravagance] The new game for the Wii [translation = computery thing] has been bound in many inextricable layers of see through tape and been strapped to the wall above his pillow. It is stuck there in what we hope is a tantalizing manner. [translation = constant source of torture] The ladder chart accompanies it. [translation = visual tracking system] All parties present have been debriefed on the de-pull-up plan. [translation = to provide moral reinforcement] Seven consecutive dry nights and the game will be up and the prize will be his.We note that all youthf... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=802282 Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:55:00 +0100 802282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=750219&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F23%2Fthought-for-the-day-lemonade-fights-fatigue%2F Filed under: Thought for the DayCancer made me tired. It's a common side effect of the disease and its accompanying treatments, and it's been known to linger long after therapy stops. In order to combat my own drowsiness, I get plenty of sleep at night, I exercise just about every day -- physical activity, even when you feel too pooped to lift a finger, can increase energy levels -- and I try to eat only the healthiest foods, nothing that might make me feel sluggish. I'll take a stab at anything that might give me a boost. Maybe even lemonade, if I can find one low in sugar.Research indicates that the taste of lemons can fight fatigue by stimulating a nerve in the nose, which then sets off "wake-up" sensors in the brain. So next time you need some extra pep in the morning or a lift during ... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=750219 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 750219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=729826&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F12%2Flive-learn-pass-it-on-cancer-style%2F Filed under: Throat Cancer, Diets, NutritionI recently received an e-mail from a friend, about a friend of hers who has just been diagnosed with throat cancer. After a little thought about the content of her message, I sat down and typed a response. I share our back-and-forth communication with you today because it may help you, a friend, a family member, someone. And it may motivate some of you to contribute your own wisdom on the topic. If it does, by all means -- please share by leaving a comment. Jacki, Hope all is well with you. Nick and I have a close friend that has recently been diagnosed with cancer. It's in his throat and neck area. He had his tonsils removed and showed they are the source of the cancer but he will still be undergoing chemo and radiation. The reason I am reachin... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=729826 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 729826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=682725&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F20%2Fknow-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-myeloma%2F Filed under: Blood Cancer, Bone CancerThe American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 16,600 new cases of myeloma are diagnosed each year in the United States. Bone pain is the most common early symptom of myeloma. Most patients feel pain in their back or ribs, but it can occur in any bone. The pain is usually made worse by movement.Patients fatigue more easily and often feel weak. They may also have a pale complexion from anemia which is a common medical problem for patients with myeloma and may contribute to the fatigue. If the disease progresses, the concentration of normal cells in the blood may also decrease. Headaches, bruising, nose bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and tingling or numbness in extremities are all symptoms of myeloma. Patients may have repeated infections... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=682725 Wed, 20 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 682725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=658716&cid=t_255412_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day.html CONCLUSIONS: Open-label trials indicate that modafinil may be effective in ameliorating fatigue associated with depression; however, this effect has not been reproduced in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Therefore, the use of modafinil for the treatment of residual fatigue is not recommended due to the lack of reproducible data of its efficacy. Long-term, adequately powered clinical trials should be conducted to determine its place in therapy.PMID: 17519297 [PubMed - in process] (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=658716 Tue, 05 Jun 2007 14:06:00 +0100 658716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=651199&cid=t_255412_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F121038300%2F My fellow b5media blogger Laura at CFS Squared has a series of posts about brain fog. In Brain Fog Episode 1.6 she describes a brain fog story of Erik Eggerston (who blogs at Common Sense PR). His brain fog is brought on by ADD; something like brain fog could be said (I think) to occur in my son Charlie from the moment when some verbal instruction (”Where’s the word ‘dog’?”) and his responding. Writes Laura: Here is what Eric had to say, when asked if he suffers from brain fog: My ADD kicks in some days, and I do things like head down to the basement, but once I get there I can’t remember what I was supposed to do. So I go back upstairs, remember what it was, and head back downstairs again. Can you spot a recurring theme? As I stand in the basement the seco... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=651199 Thu, 31 May 2007 10:17:12 +0100 651199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=629102&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F21%2Fcancer-patients-and-fatigue%2F Filed under: Chemotherapy, All Cancers, Research, RadiationCancer patients will inevitably develop some sort of fatigue while going through chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The problem is that it is difficult for health care professionals to accurately assess its severity. There is a new method being studied to help nurses and physicians provide an instant measurement of a patient's fatigue. The method is called ecological momentary assessment, also known as real-time assessment. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network defines fatigue as "an unusual, persistent, subjective sense of tiredness related to cancer or cancer treatment that interferes with usual functioning". This new method to gauge fatigue in the patient works by using a device that is worn like a wristwatch. It reminds ... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=629102 Mon, 21 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 629102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=612006&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F16%2Fthought-for-the-day-can-cancer-patients-fight-fatigue-with-acti%2F Filed under: Thought for the DayExhausted, weary, tired, lethargic -- cancer patients are all this and more when undergoing treatment, and it's a problem that may be fixed with some light activity. While rest is encouraged, it's now thought that the overwhelming fatigue experienced by those with cancer can be alleviated with activity, at least according to this video. Don't get me wrong .... you don't need to run an Ironman marathon or anything, but how about going for a walk, or doing a few light resistance moves? Think about this: A few gentle activities can help boost your energy, and can have positive systemic benefits in your body that hopefully will help your body fight the disease. Dick, the prostate cancer patient in the video, is part of a study to prove the benefits of exercise ... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=612006 Wed, 16 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 612006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=571109&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F26%2Fthought-for-the-day-chinese-herbs-to-the-rescue%2F Filed under: Chemotherapy, All Cancers, Research, Non-toxic alternatives, Daily news, Thought for the DayI've always heard the use of herbs and supplements and alternative therapies can be a potentially dangerous pursuit when combined with cancer treatment. But this may not be entirely true.Think about this:Using Chinese herbs alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy may help protect a breast cancer patient's bone marrow and immune system. It may also improve the overall quality of life for women, say researchers at the Chinese Cochrane Centre in Chengdu, China. It is well known that women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer experience significant short term side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, inflammation of the gut lining, decreased numbers of red and white blood cells,... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=571109 Thu, 26 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 571109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552126&cid=t_255412_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fthinking-blogger-award-5-more-blogs-to.html Jon, author of the blog, Living With A Purple Dog was kind enough to add me to his 5 choices for Thinking Blogger Award. Thank you.I am continually inspired by bloggers and their stories. The more I read, the more I learn, and the blogosphere just keeps expanding my understanding of real people, out there somewhere, constantly amazing me with personal stories and life happenings. From mental health to disability, brain malformations and feminism--well I could spend hours reading and learning, and most of all really thinking quite a bit as a result. I am happy to be chosen again, not for myself--but so I can highlight a few more blogs I have come across the last month or so and share them here. Thanks for enriching my life with your stories everyone, I am honored to be a part of this world.... soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552126 Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:07:00 +0100 552126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=548569&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F17%2Fyoga-good-for-the-soul-and-breast-cancer-too%2F This study offers the first, small-scale evidence for yoga's potential benefits for women with limited life expectancy.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cancer Blog) The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=548569 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 548569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552138&cid=t_255412_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fgratitude.html I have so many nice comments, and I have been mentally challenged of late to figure out my sidebar thing to add a rolling comment thing. I am actually one of those people who look at copy machines and they break and need toner or something dramatic. Slowly, I am evolving here. The more I think, the more I remember and the more I write, the more friends show up here and remind me I am not alone in this big atmosphere; called the blogosphere. I find it humorous, that I even can type, and just for the record, the little bit of HTML shit I know was taught to me by Lindsay when she was 12! I had saved a cheat sheet she typed me, and seriously, this is why I know how to "live link."! haha. God, Lindsay is so smart.I need to thank everyone and I'm starting with a new blogger who left me kind comm... soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552138 Sat, 14 Apr 2007 23:25:00 +0100 552138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552139&cid=t_255412_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fseroquel-withdrawal-update-part-12-no.html I have still not returned to using Seroquel. The most significant things that are now out of my life since removing Seroquel are no more nightmares. I am talking torture nightmares, the kind that keep you from sleeping. Insomnia was worse on the Seroquel, though it was prescribed for a mania run of insomnia. I sleep well, and if I am awake during the night, or awake early, it is because that's just how I always have been. I can wake up now without that train wreck fog, which I still think needs a better description. It slammed me down hard, and my hands always seemed detached from my body, it was hard to focus to see and drive the car in the morning, and I was lucky if I felt awake at all by noon. The weight loss leveled off, so that's a bummer.I am alert, I wake up without an alarm clock ... soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552139 Sat, 14 Apr 2007 18:00:00 +0100 552139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552143&cid=t_255412_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fstress-and-health-especially.html I will be adding to this post in the next few days with some links to other blogs that talk about coping, stress and maintaining bipolar stability during stressful times.I am so tired today, that my head is dizzy. I was thinking about how yesterday was stressful. I was really worried about Lindsay, and afraid she wouldn't listen to the doctor advice of drinking liquids, etc. I appeared calm to them, was able to give all of her information, and the only thing noticeable to them was I was all flushed, and asked me if I was alright. Well I'm basically a person who gets rosy cheeked quickly, and in a panic mode, it went straight to red faced freak time.This is the same ER I had my Thanksgiving meltdown at, and the things that went through my mind in 5 seconds flat:1. Oh my God, what if Lindsay... soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552143 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 19:21:00 +0100 552143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552141&cid=t_255412_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fchronic-fatigue-syndrome-and-bipolar-my.html I've been feeling sick. I know what it is; and when it hits, it wipes me out.I can usually feel it coming on with fever, sore throat, joint aches and fatigue that can be described by me as "a can of soup weighs 50 lbs." meaning, it's heavy, when it really isn't. Sleep is the only thing that helps me, and this is why I drink a B complex powdered vitamin drink every day.I was first diagnosed with CFS in May of 1989. I was 29 years old.I was a young mother of 3 kids; Lindsay was just about 1.5 years old. I went to the PCP and he could see nothing physically wrong. My throat hurt like hell, and yet it didn't present to a doctor as a sore throat in appearance. I was beyond tired.Most interesting; I was puffy. I had read an article in the newspaper about Epstein Barr-Virus and "The Yuppie Flu". ... soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552141 Mon, 09 Apr 2007 21:25:00 +0100 552141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=490867&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=35062&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffibroresearch.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Flow-hypocretin-1-levels-in.html In Sleep Medicine (2007 Mar 16) researchers at the University of Minnesota's Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences evaluated the levels of the hypothalamic neuropeptide hypocretin (orexin) in the cerebrospinal fluid if fibromyalgia patients. Hypocretin (orexin) "modulates sleep-wake, feeding and endocrine functions. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypocretin-1 (Hcrt-1) concentrations are low in patients with narcolepsy-cataplexy, a sleep disorder characterized by hypersomnolence and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep abnormalities." They found that the base cerebrispinal fluid levels of hypocretin-1 in fibromyalgia patients did not differ from the levels of healthy controls, which suggests that abnormally low Hypocretin-1 levels is not a likely cause of fatigue in fibromyalgia. (Source: T... The Fibromyalgia Research Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=490867 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:16:00 +0100 490867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=486795&cid=t_255412_87_f&fid=35062&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffibroresearch.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Ffibromyalgia-and-concept-of-central.html March's issue of Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2007 Mar 10) includes an article summarizing the results of recent research conducted by Dr. M.B. Yunus, a prominent fibromyalgia expert and professor of medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (Peoria, IL). The format of this research is a critical overview of existing literature combined with the author's own views, aimed at discussing fibromyalgia and overlapping conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome, within the concept of "central sensitivity syndromes" (CSS).According to the researcher, the theory of these conditions belong to a category of central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) is viable, based on associations between the conditions as well as the available ... The Fibromyalgia Research Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=486795 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 21:38:00 +0100 486795