So what is Fibromyalgia?

12 months ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Sitting in the Rhemutologist office, I had never even heard of this condition, but I was thankful to finally have an answer to what felt like years (but really only months) of fatigue, pain and suffering. With a short explanation from the specialist, I left the office with a pamphlet, some tears and my mums love by my side. We went to a nearby cafe to process the little information we were given. Like many definitions it was described as "a rheumatic condition characterized by musculoskeletal pain with stiffness and localized tenderness at specific points on the body, often accompanied by fatigue, cognitive disturbance and emotional distress." Well it made sense. But still this was not enough. I was given medication (anti-depressants & anti-epileptic), told to eat well, and exericse and be on my way. I was already a fairly fit and healthy 24 year old, and I really didn't want to have to rely on medication for the rest of my life, so I made a choice to do my own research.

I came across a book writen by Dr Jacob Teitelbaum, an expert in the fields of chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, sleep and pain. The book was titled " The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution". This book was the first that I had come across, in my many months of study, that had some real scientific answers. Here is what I learnt.

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic disorder of the muscokletal system charactised by widespread pain and fatigue. It is commonly found as a secondary disorder to autoimmune diseases (a cousin if you will). While not fatal, Fibro

is still an extremely debilitating illness and can have major effects on sufferers quality of life.

Lack of Research

Fibro was actually recognised in ancient Ayurvedic texts, thousands of years ago, but only recently classified as a syndrome in western medicine.

Causes

Many practioners believe the cause is unknown. However Dr Teitelbaum suggests it is caused by lack of eenrgy in the muscles that lead to muscle sortening, stiffness and pain. Other believe the root of Fibro is a disturbance in nerves that block the erngy which is caused by sensntivies from certain chemicals/vaccines. Many external factors including lifestyle, diet, stress and infection maginfy the symptoms of Fibro, hence why it is critical sufferers do everything that is within their control to manage their health accordingly.

Energy Crisis

Fibromyalgia sufferers have less than 20% energy in their muscles than normal and have toruble using oxygen efficently to make energy (mitochondrial dysfunction). Symptoms linked to this include hypothalmic suppression, brain fog, senstivities to food and allergies, post exertion fatigue, poor digestion and heart dysfunction.

Treatment

There are many optiojns to managing Fibro other than a pill. Sufferers must put into place a health plan to incorporate strategies to reduce stress, improve sleep, stretch and restore symmerry to muscles that have been shortened by spasm and raiuse overall conditioning through exercise. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be used to identify stress that may magnify synmptoms. Supplements to help sufferences sleep, balance hormones, boost immunity, imrpove nutrition and regularly exercisee (SHINE method).

Sleep

Instead of reaching the state of deep sleep we need to restore our bodies, Fibro patients have a waking brain activity that does not allow them to fully rest and restore. They may also experience other associated sleep disorders including sleep apena, restless leg syndrome, teeth grinding and muscle spasms (tick tick tick tick).

Hormone Balance

Infections

Fibro patients are more prone to infections than normal. Which is why we can often feel like something is dragging us down. Nutrition is essential to boost your immune system, as well as adequate sleep, opitimise adrenal function, imrpove digestion with plant based diet. Acne medications can lead to yeast overgrowth and trigger Fibro, as well as other overuse of antibiotics. Anyone, fibro patients or not, who take antibiotics should always accompany it with a antifungal or probitioic.

Nutrition

A health diet is important for everyone, especially Fibro patients, who need more nutritional support than the average person. It's really all the basics though... cut back on sugar, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrains and unprocessed foods. Our body tells us what is good for it, and especially fibro patients who are more sensitive to food allergies and toxins.

The problem with Sugar

1. Too much sugar can supress the immune function. The amount of sugar in one can of coke can suppress the immune function by up to 30% for 3 hours. Added sugar can cause people to lose 18% of their vitamins and minerals.

2. Sugar stimulates yeast overgrowth, which grows by fermenting sugar. Overproduction of yeast or candida in the body is associated with worsening fibro symptoms of pain and fatigue.

3. Sugar amplifies symptoms of hypglycemia- irritability when hungry.

Fibro patients seem to crave sugar more than most because of low adrenal, candida and increased thirst.

Increased bowel infections cause decreased nutrient absorption.

Weight Gain

Weight gain can be result for Fibro patients. This can be caused by:

- poor sleep (deep sleep is a major trigger for grwoth hormone production which stimulates muscle production and imrpvoes insulin sensitivty while decreasing fibro symptoms)

- hormonal issues- thyropid- increased corisol causes weight from stress and depression

- infections- fungal overgrowth causes sugar cravings

- insulin resistance

Exercise

Yoga

Meditation

Pain

Naturally- tumeric, massage, acupuncture, yoga, gentle exercise, tiger balm,

others: chiropractic, trigger point therapy, thai chai,

Mind Body Connection

Most people with Fibro are mega type A- over acheivers and approval seekers. Takes care of everyone else but themselves. Start sating No. if it doesnt feel good say no.

3 steps to happiness

1. be authentic with your feelings- feel them without needing to udneratdng or justify

2. make life a "no fault" system. No blame, no guilty, no judgement, no comparing, no expections of yourself or anyone else.

3. learn to keep your attention on what feels good

Fibro is a physical condition with physical causes. However, like most illnesses they also have a psychologiical compoent that must be treated. Follow your bliss. Do what makes you happy and you will get yourself on the write track. Your body will let you know when your doing too much. Your illness has became a valuable teacher. Rememebr your body is having an energy crisis and you need 2 things to heal:

1. Optimise energy production through SHINE

2. Plug the leak in your tank that has been draining your energy. Treat infections and only focus on things that make you feel good.

Write your own prescription. Find your inner pilot light. Remove yourself from the chronic repitiive stress respond to decrease the load.

See my next post on my top tips to fit fibro and live the healthiest happiest life!