(no subject)

[zestfive]

So I think that P might have fibromyalgia. My sister has it and because of all of her health issues, I'm begining to think she has is. She has the following issues and some more lately:

Really bad joint pain
excessive sleeping (think 12 hours a day)
sleep apnea
restless legs
IBS
jaw pain
migraines
brain fog
depression
weight gain
anxiety
ADHD

I'd normally ask my sister what the next step on dealing with this but she is in Uganda for the next few weeks. Anyone know how you would handle this? I understand it can take up to 10 years and 10 different doctors to finally get a diagnosis, What would you do? Do you know any good doctors in Minnesota? She has been going to a chiropractor (applied kinesiology) and is scheduled to check out an accupuncturist this week. I think we should also look at it from a traditional medical point of view. 

She's concerned that I'm going to get tired of her medical issues and leave her. She claims (I know it's her fears talking and is really not reality) that all her other gf's left her because of this).

Any one know any good doctors or what type we should see?

THANKS in advance!

Comments

[mplsindygirl.livejournal.com]

I found cranio-sacral massage and fascial release massage to be very helpful, but it's expensive to go every week, as I did for a year. I wish I had more to offer. I deal with some similar issues, and have a good family practice doc who actually listens when I make the time to go see her. Reminds me, I better make my annual appointment.
(I think you meant 'conventional' rather than 'traditional', if you are referring to western medicine). Hugs to you both.

[zestfive.livejournal.com]

Thanks, she had started getting the massages done by one of the women who works at the chiropractor (who is trained in massage and use to work on the Vikings) despite her preferance for deep tissue, she said she was sore for days.

yeah, conventional...

She's never been especially assertive in her medical care and now seems to be pretty apathetic about it all. She's tired of going to doctors and taking pills. She still does it but it's a push. I think she'd rather ignore it until it gets so bad. She's also anxious that it's something worse like cancer or something.

[howlsthunder.livejournal.com]

As far as my own experiences go, IBS is caused by what one eats. Try having her cut out all grains and cow dairy for a while and see how that goes. Those are the two biggest causes - after I stopped, my bowel movements were like clockwork and normal.

Does she clench her teeth in her sleep? I had some bad jaw pain for awhile. I had to wear a mouth guard for a bit but I found it annoying. Instead, as I was in bed ready to fall asleep, I would concentrate on relaxing my face and my jaw and 'order' myself to not clench. It seems to work. Also making myself stay on my back and not roll onto my stomach helps my jaw as well.

My grandmother had horrible joint pain and restless legs and her doctor/masseuse/osteopath guy was able to smooth them out so they quit bothering her - she'd had the problem for years. It was in combination with proper spine and hip alignment.

I would say to go with an applied kinesiologist - which you say you are. Is your chiro CERTIFIED in AK? A lot of people practice AK but are not certified. HUGE difference if they are actually certified - also no two AK practitioners are created equal. My doc in Oregon was fantastic - I never felt better in my life. The guy my family sees here in Alaska is good, too, but not near as fantastic and he has a different approach.

Lastly, and this is gonna sound really hokey, has she tried positive thinking about her pain? I used to get sick anytime ANYTHING went around - I was always down with something. One day I read somewhere something about how people heal better with positive thinking and thought I'd try it. I decided I just wouldn't get sick anymore. 4 years later and the worst I've had is a little bit if sniffles twice. Some doctors say that you can literally talk to your body and reassure it and let it know it is NOT under attack, that there is nothing to feel pain over, that it should feel fine - stuff like that. Of course when you start it sounds and feels like you're lying but oftentimes it eventually actually sinks in and your body relaxes and stops feeling pain. Again, may sound hokey but it's been proven to work with people, particularly with folks with fibromyalgia. And hey, it doesn't require pills and it's free. :D

[connielingus.livejournal.com]

I like your advice!

The emotional/physical connection is impossible to ignore. I sometimes think it is especially suspect when there are all sorts of general ailments that are connected, rather than an acute one in one area. And then comes the stress of thinking you're sick that only adds to the illnesses. I remember when I had awful jaw pain, and was diagnosed with TMJ, but then I went to a ear/throat doctor to see why I felt all this pain in the sinus area, and he told me I was perfectly fine. All the pain I had for months went away shortly after (I mean days!), including the jaw pain.

Positive thinking is the toughest method to try, but I do really do believe it can only help. I mean stress really is the major cause of illnesses.

I don't know P or anything, but I hope she gets well!

[zestfive.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[ignusfaatus.livejournal.com]

I think you are right. Thats where the lining of the muscles contract and cause pain?? I don't know squat but intuitively I would say stretching? yoga classes?

[zestfive.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much!

[cluelessinchi.livejournal.com]

Oh I must be so slow... I had already thought that P had a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction (CFIDS)I go to a chiropractor and she does wonders for me. As long as an MD has a working knowledge of pain and especially fibro related pain they can treat fibromyalgia. I also have heard/read many horror stories about people getting so many meds that they could not function. I was treated by a Rheumy and all they wanted to do is give me anti-depressants that actually caused depression becuase I was a zombie on the medication. Most people with fibro also have a diagnosis of depression but some have major neurological issues... I fall into the later group. I also have CFIDS. (over active and under active immune system at the same time is a sure indicator)

[zestfive.livejournal.com]

weird, this comment didn't show up for me until I looked into the post.

I think I'm most concerned with her passive way of dealing with doctors and the chance she might find a doctor who doesn't think that FM is a "real" disease.

[cluelessinchi.livejournal.com]

Some old school doctors who have done any research think that... my old MD did. He said that he did not "believe in" fibro. I thought that was crazy since there is so much new information out there. Also one can interview doctors to see if they have the qualifications necessary for treating people. I have seen the web sites for hospitals and they can give detailed information on a specific doctor and their fields of specialties. Some even put the doctors interests.. like they like to run. Too much information if you ask me... Take care and good luck!