Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Diet changes
I'm going to write more later about what changes I've made in my diet. But for right now I'll give you the short version. I started off by totally cutting out all caffeine and alcohol (although I didn't drink much anyways), and limiting sugars. Then I started using less and less gluten products, including wheat, oats, and corn. And cutting out dairy products, except cheese, which I have in moderation. And now I'm starting to add more and more raw fruits and vegetables. My goal is to be eating about 80% raw foods. They are life giving, not depleted of nutrients by cooking, and really good for a healing body. My energy has improved and I'm not having to wake up evey four hours to take pain medicine just to curb the pain. Sometimes I would wake up and it felt like every bone in my body was broken. Now, when I do get to sleep (I have insomnia) I sleep better and don't have to wake up to take Ibuprofen. So, that's where I'm at. More about eating RAW later.
Fibromyalgia and the vitamins I'm taking
I thought I would share with you all the vitamins I started on shortly after I self diagnosed myself, as it takes 3 months of unceasing pain before doctors will even think of diagnosing fibromyalgia. I'm not one to sit around and wait for doctors. But of course I am working with doctors, I just want to stay as natural as possible.
My reasoning is that the fibromyalgia effects the nerve and muscles. So I researched every vitamin I could find that has to do with nerves, muscle tissue, connective tissues, tendon and ligaments. And since your cells are constantly dieing and being replaced, I want the cells that are being remade to be as healthy as possible. And my flare ups have been more tolerable.
So here they are. I hope maybe it can help others who are suffering with fibromyalgia also.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin complex- provides the building blocks for healthy cartilage and joints
Chromium Picolinate-Metabolism support
Potassium- Heart and circulation
Vitamin C- essential for formation of body protein and for building sound bones, teeth, skin, cartilage, and capillaries
Vitamin B Complex- mostly B3, B6, B12, For energy and nerves
Magnesium with zinc- vital for healthy bone mass and by activating crucial enzymes
Acidophilus- to put friendly bacteria into the intestinal tract (I also now have IBS) so this helps
Malic Acid-bonds with calcium and magnesium to improve absorption
MSM-promotes collagen development for healthy joints
Calcium citrate plus vitamin D- helps build strong bones, also needed at the cellular level to build healthy muscles
L-Formula Lysine- helps in collagen and tissue renewal
5-HTP- wonderful supplement that helps boost serotonin levels (I felt a difference on the first day) It helps your mood by regulating neurotransmitters produced in the body
Phenocane (Curcumin and DLPA)- a natural product that enhances the bodies natural defense mechanisms against inflammation and pain. Helps me not have to take as much Ibuprofen.
Mucinex (guaifenesin) -supposedly helps reverse FM by working at the cellular level to make the trigger mechanism in the mitochondria listen better, instead of continually making ATP.
So.... there you go, that's my concoction.
Monday, September 29, 2008
A day to get away. Join me!
Yesterday was a beautiful day, the Olympic Mountains were clear and the sun shone on them, almost as if they were calling to me. I knew of course I wouldn't be able to just go hike up to a local peak, as I usually would do when the mountains called. In this season of my life things are different. I get tired after walking up the stairs from my back yard to my house. Just to get through the basic house keeping is demanding on my body. Ahhh! But I can't ignore the urge to go into the mountains when they call. To ignore would be like denying myself the right to freedom, beauty, and adventure.
So....today I take my time getting going in the morning then I think about the beautiful waterfall at Rocky Brook in Brinnon, WA. Oh, I'm excited just thinking about getting out!! The timing is perfect, I can walk today, Hallelujah!! I have the strength to drive the 50 minutes it takes to get there, and hopefully to get back. And my spirits are high. I pack a picnic lunch, water, journal, reading book, and camera, and set off for a day of relaxation and renewal. I've found that the best thing for a hurt heart or weary soul is to bask in God's creation and soak in His beautiful love. A cure I don't think many people can argue with.
After the drive north on 101, I pull off the road onto an unmarked pullout and a wide smile crosses my face. Rocky Brook has been a favorite spot of mine every sense my grandmother showed it to me about three years ago. Now every time I travel north on 101 I always stop for the short hike. And some days, such as today, I come here as the final destination, rather then a road stop along the way. I often bring friends to share this beautiful spot with, today I come for solitude. Having fibromyalgia has taken a toll on me physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
The hike up to the waterfall is only about 1/4 of a mile and it has a gentle slope, usually the kids and I run up it. Today I take my time and watch my step, every change of pitch on my feet sends shooting pains up into my legs. (And remember, this is a "good" day.) But the splendor is worth every pain and throb. I may even physically hurt tomorrow because of my "adventure" today, but I know it will be good for me spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, which I've come to learn are more important then your physical strength.
I get up to where the trail ends and maneuver myself slowly over and through the large boulders to get to the bottom of the waterfall. Every step hurts but I keep my gaze focused forward to a large flat rock where I intend to perch for the next few hours. I set up "base camp" on the large rock, laying out my crazy creek chair, sweater, and bag with lunch, water, book, journal etc. Then I go slowly and cautiously to explore the water's edge and dip my hands into the crisp cold mountain water. Ahhhh! I'm refreshed. The next few hours I spend lounging on the rock and other nearby rocks like a marmot basking in the sun, taking in the beauty of my surroundings and reflecting on life's most precious things.
While rambling through the rocks I almost forgot I was ill. The sound of the constant falling water filled my being to the point where I didn't even think about my stresses involved with having and dealing with fibromyalgia, or what my future has in store. Even the sloppiness of my handwriting, because of lack of hand grip, doesn't bother me.
I wish I could just rent a cabin for the next month. Live in the woods, focus on healing, and get better. I know it's not always realistic to run off for some solitude and escape the worlds demands. I do need to make more of an effort to slow down my normally busy life and seek times for renewal, refreshing and revival. It's so important for the soul.
So....today I take my time getting going in the morning then I think about the beautiful waterfall at Rocky Brook in Brinnon, WA. Oh, I'm excited just thinking about getting out!! The timing is perfect, I can walk today, Hallelujah!! I have the strength to drive the 50 minutes it takes to get there, and hopefully to get back. And my spirits are high. I pack a picnic lunch, water, journal, reading book, and camera, and set off for a day of relaxation and renewal. I've found that the best thing for a hurt heart or weary soul is to bask in God's creation and soak in His beautiful love. A cure I don't think many people can argue with.
After the drive north on 101, I pull off the road onto an unmarked pullout and a wide smile crosses my face. Rocky Brook has been a favorite spot of mine every sense my grandmother showed it to me about three years ago. Now every time I travel north on 101 I always stop for the short hike. And some days, such as today, I come here as the final destination, rather then a road stop along the way. I often bring friends to share this beautiful spot with, today I come for solitude. Having fibromyalgia has taken a toll on me physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
The hike up to the waterfall is only about 1/4 of a mile and it has a gentle slope, usually the kids and I run up it. Today I take my time and watch my step, every change of pitch on my feet sends shooting pains up into my legs. (And remember, this is a "good" day.) But the splendor is worth every pain and throb. I may even physically hurt tomorrow because of my "adventure" today, but I know it will be good for me spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, which I've come to learn are more important then your physical strength.
I get up to where the trail ends and maneuver myself slowly over and through the large boulders to get to the bottom of the waterfall. Every step hurts but I keep my gaze focused forward to a large flat rock where I intend to perch for the next few hours. I set up "base camp" on the large rock, laying out my crazy creek chair, sweater, and bag with lunch, water, book, journal etc. Then I go slowly and cautiously to explore the water's edge and dip my hands into the crisp cold mountain water. Ahhhh! I'm refreshed. The next few hours I spend lounging on the rock and other nearby rocks like a marmot basking in the sun, taking in the beauty of my surroundings and reflecting on life's most precious things.
While rambling through the rocks I almost forgot I was ill. The sound of the constant falling water filled my being to the point where I didn't even think about my stresses involved with having and dealing with fibromyalgia, or what my future has in store. Even the sloppiness of my handwriting, because of lack of hand grip, doesn't bother me.
I wish I could just rent a cabin for the next month. Live in the woods, focus on healing, and get better. I know it's not always realistic to run off for some solitude and escape the worlds demands. I do need to make more of an effort to slow down my normally busy life and seek times for renewal, refreshing and revival. It's so important for the soul.
I sometimes miss and reminisc about the days when I was able to spend in the woods. Time in the back country, places where civilization can't get to with their cars or boats. Only the true adventurers make it out there, the ones who have to make a recognizable effort to get out and away. But yet I realize that not everyone desires to have solitude time, or maybe they're just satisfied with getting lost in a book or spending an evening alone. Not me. My spirit yearns for more!!
Fibromyalgia Venting, written 9/25/08
Sufferings
I feel like I’m silently suffering, trying not to let others know how badly I’m hurting. But in my head I struggle to grasp the reality that there is so much I can’t do and can’t accomplish at this time. The pain boils over as tears when no one is watching.
The pain pierces through me like waves of electricity, shocking my being into submission. I have no choice but to submit to the pain, to the fears. I’m humiliated by my circumstance.
I cry out not because of the intense pain, nor the lack of muscle control and coordination. I cry because of the unknown outcome of my earthly life. I cry because I’m scared. Will I ever be the same again? Am I losing part of who I am?
I have never felt so alone, yet so cared for by others. A lesson to be learned. I yearn to feel truly and deeply loved, to feel supported and safe. Yet I fear I’ll become needy. I push my needs aside to focus on healing. Is there more then the physical that needs healing?
They ask, “What can I do?” There is nothing anyone can do; even the doctors seem useless and incapable of even compassion. It’s out of ALL of our hands, only our Heavenly Father holds the remedy to my ailment.
I don’t ask why this was brought to me. I only ask, “Abba, what do I need to learn from this circumstance, this bump in the road? What do I need to do to get through this anguish?” Am I to drop to my knees in total surrender? Remake my life, my goals, and my plans? It seems so much to ask from someone who has already endured so many hurts. I thought I was on the right path.
A thief came in the night and stole it from me! Robbing me of my dignity, pride, independence, and spark. I didn’t ask for this, I didn’t entice it with an open window!
I want my life back!
I feel like I’m silently suffering, trying not to let others know how badly I’m hurting. But in my head I struggle to grasp the reality that there is so much I can’t do and can’t accomplish at this time. The pain boils over as tears when no one is watching.
The pain pierces through me like waves of electricity, shocking my being into submission. I have no choice but to submit to the pain, to the fears. I’m humiliated by my circumstance.
I cry out not because of the intense pain, nor the lack of muscle control and coordination. I cry because of the unknown outcome of my earthly life. I cry because I’m scared. Will I ever be the same again? Am I losing part of who I am?
I have never felt so alone, yet so cared for by others. A lesson to be learned. I yearn to feel truly and deeply loved, to feel supported and safe. Yet I fear I’ll become needy. I push my needs aside to focus on healing. Is there more then the physical that needs healing?
They ask, “What can I do?” There is nothing anyone can do; even the doctors seem useless and incapable of even compassion. It’s out of ALL of our hands, only our Heavenly Father holds the remedy to my ailment.
I don’t ask why this was brought to me. I only ask, “Abba, what do I need to learn from this circumstance, this bump in the road? What do I need to do to get through this anguish?” Am I to drop to my knees in total surrender? Remake my life, my goals, and my plans? It seems so much to ask from someone who has already endured so many hurts. I thought I was on the right path.
A thief came in the night and stole it from me! Robbing me of my dignity, pride, independence, and spark. I didn’t ask for this, I didn’t entice it with an open window!
I want my life back!
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