FMSSAS eNewsletters

Saturday, 24 March 2012

FMSSAS eNews 12.03.24

Hello to you all

I know we desperately need rain, but I must say I have been enjoying the sunshine of late. Quite a heat wave for March! Approaching Crawley from Horsham the roadsides are banked with daffodils and they are a truly wonderful sight. Today I noticed trees and hedges were showing embryonic leaves. It makes one feel ALIVE!

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WORDz FOR THE WEEK

63. Life is about change; sometimes it’s painful, sometimes it’s beautiful, most of the time . . . . it’s both.

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Kelly’s Kontributions

CFS, FM, ME 'Seasons of Hope' Awareness Postcards

https://listserv.nodak.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind1203a&L=co-cure&F=&S=&P=6725

"Fighting Fatigue"

Fatigue can have multiple causes. Learn how to fight back using a combination of strategies.

http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/library/fighting-fatigue

"Using CBT: A Success Story"

How one person used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/library/using-cbt-a-success-story

Clinical dimensions of fibromyalgia symptoms and development of a combined index of severity: The CODI index.

https://listserv.nodak.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=co-cure;45539708.1203a

Predictors of Clinical Pain in Fibromyalgia: Examining the Role of Sleep

https://listserv.nodak.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind1203a&L=co-cure&F=&S=&P=15779

Prevalence of Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Patients Referred to a Tertiary Pain Clinic

https://listserv.nodak.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind1203a&L=co-cure&F=&S=&P=19907

Restrictions in participation in women with fibromyalgia syndrome : An explorative pilot study

https://listserv.nodak.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind1203a&L=co-cure&F=&S=&P=19108

A mind-body technique for symptoms related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue

https://listserv.nodak.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind1203b&L=co-cure&F=&S=&P=6360

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The New Normal: Moving Beyond Illness

Find out how one woman found peace after a debilitating diagnosis – fibromyalgia.

http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/conditions-diseases/moving-beyond-illness

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Skin Creams, Soaps and Lotions Marketed as Skin Lighteners and Anti-aging Treatments: May Contain the Toxic Metal, Mercury

Just in case!

A warning has been issued not to use skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps, or lotions that might contain mercury. The products are marketed as skin lighteners and anti-aging treatments that remove age spots, freckles, blemishes and wrinkles. Adolescents also may use these products as acne treatments. Products with this toxic metal have been found in at least seven states.

http://www.drugs.com/fda/skin-creams-soaps-lotions-marketed-skin-lighteners-anti-aging-treatments-may-contain-toxic-metal-13102.html

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Fibro Treatment

The most effective treatment approaches for fibromyalgia symptoms use a combination of medications, non-drug therapies, and self-help strategies when you hurt all over. Three medications are FDA-approved for relieving fibromyalgia pain (Lyrica, Cymbalta and Savella). Others may be prescribed in place of or together with one of these drugs to ease your many symptoms. Non-drug treatment approaches usually reduce achy muscles with trigger point therapies and enhance your ability to function. Some are viewed as mainstream, while others may be considered alternative therapies. Due to the significant impact fibromyalgia may have on your daily activities, simple lifestyle changes or self-help strategies can build upon your treatment success.

http://www.fmnetnews.com/fibro-basics/treatment

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A Pain Management Tool for People With Fibromyalgia

An interactive tool to help you create a detailed picture of your pain providing a lot of important information fast, so you and your health care provider can move on to addressing your issues more quickly.

This Tool Recommended for:

Patients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia

Printing a detailed snapshot of Fibromyalgia pain

http://theacpa.org/fibroapp/default.aspx

Move on to the Fibro Log. Keep a record of how you feel each day

Your pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms can fluctuate day to day, so it is important to communicate regularly with your health care provider and make the most of each appointment.

http://theacpa.org/fibroLog/default.aspx

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Mayo trial finds strength & aerobic exercise help fibromyalgia pain equally

Strength training and aerobic exercise have beneficial effects on pain in adults with fibromyalgia. However, the equivalence of strengthening and aerobic exercise has not been reported.

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=16843

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Pain Monitor - March 2012

‘Welcome to a new version of Pain Monitor – here you’ll find articles on living with chronic pain, the latest pain news, events, and much more. We hope you or a loved one finds this information helpful in living a better life with pain. Please help us improve this publication by completing the survey highlighted in every issue.’

http://www.painfoundation.org/learn/publications/pain-monitor/pain-monitor-201203.html

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Offer for Pet Owners over 65

Thanks to a grant made by The Body Shop Foundation, Wadars have launched a new free scheme to help keep pets safe. The scheme offers a completely free pet micro chipping service for anyone over the age of 65 who live in the Littlehampton, Arundel, Pulborough, Worthing, Lancing and Shoreham areas.

http://www.worthingcvs.org.uk/news/new-free-scheme-help-keep-pets-safe

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10 Ways to Tell if You Have Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

A lighthearted look at the symptoms!

http://www.facebook.com/notes/fibromyalgia-network/10-ways-to-tell-if-you-have-fibromyalgia-or-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/167990669891637

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Invisible Illnesses

http://earthbalance-taichi.com/2012/03/invisible-illnesses/

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Personality & Physiology in Fibromyalgia: A New Discovery

Fibromyalgia has long been tied to certain personality traits, both by the medical community and by some in the patient community. However, this observation has always been controversial, with many objecting that such stereotyping was erroneous and blamed non-physiological traits for a physiological illness.

Now, new research may resolve the controversy by tying both fibromyalgia AND a personality trait to a physiological root.

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2012/03/19/personality-physiology-in-fibromyalgia-a-new-discovery.htm

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PatientsLikeMe Newsletter Issue 15 - March 2012 - MONTHLY MUSINGS

Flare. Exacerbation. Attack. Acute episode. These are a few of the different terms used to describe a multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse—which can last anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks to even months.

MS isn’t the only condition that has exacerbations, however. This pattern is also common with fibromyalgia (FM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, IBS, depression and more. Just check out all the threads tagged with either “flares” or “relapses” across the forum.

http://www.patientslikeme.com/newsletters/272--Mar-2012

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Some courses that might be helpful

Sussex - Time to Talk service for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ( Positive thinking) http://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/index.cfm?request=b1003022&action=showServiceDetail&service=331&skin=

If you are on the Time to Talk program you will also be eligible for courses for adults dealing with mental health issues, with West Sussex adult education

http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/default.aspx

Expert Patient Program, various venues

http://www.expertpatients.co.uk/

St Thomas Hospital, London INPUT Program for people dealing with long term chronic pain

http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/services/perioperative/pain/input/inputpain.aspx

Get self help, useful fact sheets

http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/

Centre for clinical Interventions (CBT)

http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/

Living Life to the Full, an online course in cognitive behavioural therapy

http://www.llttf.com/

MOODJUICE, self help guides for coping strategies

http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/

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Alternative Approaches to Chronic Pain Management and Freedom from Suffering

Dr. Stephen Grinstead discusses the importance of using alternative nonpharmacological (non-medication) based ways to manage chronic pain; especially for pain flare ups. He also talks about the importance of setting realistic goals for pain management. Some of the alternatives mentioned are humour, music, art and gratitude to name a few.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab2nVpIvudk&feature=player_embedded#!

Saturday, 17 March 2012

FMSSAS eNews 12.03.17

Hi everyone

I would like to wish all Mothers a happy Mothering Sunday. Wherever you spend it I hope you have a happy time, in fact an enjoyable weekend.

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WORDz FOR THE WEEK

62. Everything I’m not, made me everything that I am.

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Last Chance to book for the FMS Easter Weekend Conference

‘This is your last chance to book for the memorable 3rd annual Fibromyalgia Conference & Pamper Weekend, unless you arrive on our doorstep and we find you somewhere to hang out...’

Message from Jeanne the organiser

www.fms-sas.co.uk/Conf12/Last_Chance.doc

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Managing Fibromyalgia #21

“As you may know by now, my "Thing" is natural help for symptoms of Fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions. I believe that the more natural treatments and help that you apply and use, the fewer and less amount of Rx one will need. In other words, when you have a good natural foundation - proper nutrition, natural help for specific issues, stretching and movement to get the blood and oxygen flowing, pacing, stress-relieving routines and so on, you'll find that any Rx, or supplements, you may take will not only work better, but you may even need less of them. After all, these are the foundation for everything else you do to help your symptoms.”

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/790349/48e62b0bd2/1470670689/c4d29ef80f/

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How Back Pain Affects Fibromyalgia

‘Although people might have trouble understanding your all-over fibromyalgia symptoms, they may be able to relate to chronic low back pain. Most everyone at some time or another has experienced back pain, even if not on a chronic basis.’

http://www.fmnetnews.com/latest-news/how-back-pain-affects-fibromyalgia

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"The 7 Reasons Why Chronic Pain Suffering Makes You Feel Like A Prisoner In Your Own Body"

And How it's Costing You in Happiness, Financially and in Your Relationships!

FREE REPORT – Grab Your Copy Today

http://www.fusionsystemcounselling.com/

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TOP NINE REASONS FOR A FIBRO FLARE

“I just read a chat room thread yesterday that surprised me. I know it shouldn’t, but it did.

The person writing the question said that she’d tripped over a rug in her son’s room and fell. Later she was achy and sore and then a few days later, went into a full-blown fibro flare. She wondered if the flare was related to the fall.” Read more . . . .

http://www.rebuildingwellness.com/top-nine-reasons-for-a-fibro-flare/

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Pain Index Plus Symptoms, Not Tender Points, Equals Fibromyalgia, New Study Says

“A new way of diagnosing fibromyalgia, by using a pain index and a measure of key symptoms and severity, may lead to more diagnoses and treatment, a new study says. The findings appear in the May issue of Arthritis Care & Research.” Not so new now but if you didn’t know this it’s worth reading.

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/news/20100526/a-new-way-of-diagnosing-fibromyalgia

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Even small overdoses of paracetamol quickly add up to serious harm

“Repeatedly taking slightly too much paracetamol can lead to liver damage and possible death, say researchers. These overdoses, which are difficult to detect, may even be more dangerous than when someone takes a single very large dose.” Be aware and take care not to exceed the recommended dose.

http://www.webmd.boots.com/pain-management/news/20111123/even-small-overdoses-of-paracetamol-quickly-add-up-to-serious-harm

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Overview of Fibromyalgia And Its Treatments (January 2012)

‘The Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is one of the diseases that were reputed to be all in your head. Not any more, at least not in the “imaginary” sense. This was particularly, aggravating because it could be so painful. It is called a syndrome because it manifests itself in a similar way to patients, but could have multiple causes. Actually, even though the pain is primarily at the sensitive points of the figure below (uploaded from Wikipedia Commons), it does have something to do with your brain.’

http://www.medinewsdigest.com/?p=3639

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Are Fruit Juices Good for You or Not? The Opposing Views

Most experts agree that whole fruit is better for you than fruit juice.

http://articles.healthrealizations.com/FoodsForFibromyalgia/2012/01/09/Are-Fruit-Juices-Good-for-You-or-Not.aspx

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Wait six months before treating fatigue, GPs told

By Rhiannon Smith | 08 Mar 2012

GPs should advise patients with chronic fatigue to wait and see if their tiredness resolves itself within six months, recommend UK researchers who looked at the time course of symptoms.

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/newsarticle-content/-/article_display_list/13586276/wait-six-months-before-treating-fatigue-gps-told

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Aquatic Exercises May Ease Fibromyalgia

‘Regular exercise in a heated swimming pool can benefit people with the common, painful condition fibromyalgia, a new study suggests.’ The study may be 4 years old but still relevant.

http://www.drugs.com/news/aquatic-exercises-may-ease-fibromyalgia-11119.html

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What is the Cause of Fibromyalgia?

‘The more I try to learn about the cause of fibromyalgia, the more I just get confused. Some sources say it's caused by autoimmune diseases, some say it's hereditary, some say it's because of a virus or a neck injury or diet or chronic stress, and recently someone told me it's caused by depression. What really is the cause of fibromyalgia?’

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/causesriskfactor1/f/What-Is-The-Cause-Of-Fibromyalgia.htm

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Milnacipran Beneficial for Fibromyalgia in Patients With Inadequate Response to Duloxetine

Patients with fibromyalgia who have an inadequate response to duloxetine may gain additional benefit in global status and pain improvement when switched to milnacipran, according to research presented at the 2012 American Academy of Pain Medicine Annual Meeting.

http://www.empr.com/milnacipran-beneficial-for-fibromyalgia-in-patients-with-inadequate-response-to-duloxetine/article/229483/

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Here ends today’s epistle. I hope there have been some useful lessons for you.

Stella

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Wordz for the Week are from ‘Wordz for the Day’ by Donnie Kuhn, Sr.

Past issues of FMSSAS eNews can be found at www.fms-sas.co.uk/fmseNews.html and on a blog at http://fmssas-enews.blogspot.com/

Saturday, 10 March 2012

FMSSAS eNews 12.03.10

Hi there

Greetings to you all. This week has seemed to major on the benefits issue which as you probably know is undergoing a great shake-up and reorganisation. I hope you are not too badly affected by it all. Perhaps some of the information will help you through the quagmire.

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WORDz FOR THE WEEK

61. You can hear a song and learn the words, but, if you’re lucky, you can listen to a song and learn the story,

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FMSSAS Message Board

Don’t forget we have a message board where we can post our ideas, ask questions and answer others’ and make friends. It has been underused of late, so why not visit, register and participate?

www.fms-sas.proboards.com

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Worthing Support Group’s March Newsletter

www.fms-sas.co.uk/PDF/WorthingFibroNews1203.pdf

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Benefit Changes for 2012

The attachment referred to in the Worthing Newsletter.

www.fms-sas.co.uk/eNews/2012/Benefit_changes_2012.doc

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Benefit Changes Timetable

A calendar of the main changes to benefits, tax credits and the benefits system.

Please note that detailed information about many of these changes is limited at present. Although some changes will happen quickly, others may take several years to put into practice. Some may also be subject to further revision at a later date.

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/news_and_changes/benefit_changes.aspx

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Benefits and Work 8 March Newsletter

Update on all the latest happenings.

http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/latest-news/1544-8-march-newsleter?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Benefits%20and%20Work&utm_content=8+March+2012

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Personal Independence Payment

From 2013 the Government is proposing to introduce a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment for eligible working age people aged 16 to 64 to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/disability/personal-independence-payment/

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Back & Neck Pain - March 2012

Back and neck pain are the most common chronic pain conditions. In fact, more than 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 64 have frequent back pain. It is leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 years old and the second most common reason why people in the United States seek medical care from their primary care providers. Included in this issue are articles on the basics of back pain and neck and shoulder pain, news, tips for managing back pain or preventing pain, and more!

http://www.painfoundation.org/learn/publications/target-pain/target-pain-201203.html

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How to do a Therapeutic Self Massage : Self Massage Techniques for the Neck

Learn self massage techniques for the neck and shoulders with expert self massage tips in this free relaxation video clip.

Massage techniques for other parts of the body available from list on right of the webpage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg2IR9XnT-w

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Reducing Feelings of Resentment in Your Relationship

Having fibromyalgia in a partnership or marriage can dramatically change the relationship. Simple tasks that you both took for granted—mobility, housework, finances, social activities, and even making plans for the future—may be sidetracked.

http://www.fmnetnews.com/coping-resources/coping-advice/easing-resentment

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Create a Social Life

Supportive social contact is a huge buffer against a chronic illness like fibromyalgia, says Connie O’Reilly, Ph.D., of Beaverton, OR. But couples may have to rethink and recreate a social life based on new realities. On an individual basis, patients may need to consider new pastimes that are fun but don’t drain their energy bank or overwork sore muscles (see the article on New Hobbies).

http://www.fmnetnews.com/coping-resources/coping-advice/socializing

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That’s it for now. Have a nice weekend and a good week to follow. See you next week!

Stella

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Wordz for the Week are from ‘Wordz for the Day’ by Donnie Kuhn, Sr.

Past issues of FMSSAS eNews can be found at www.fms-sas.co.uk/fmseNews.html and on a blog at http://fmssas-enews.blogspot.com/