tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26082749338660380802024-02-07T09:19:06.359-08:00SEEKING EQUILIBRIUMHow I deal with life from the world of
Fibromyalgia and chronic pain.Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.comBlogger570125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-51418735609769613862024-01-13T17:03:00.000-08:002024-01-13T17:03:32.166-08:00DON'T MESS WITH MY FRIENDS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcAysA7irs39R0MiIiz8gDG8FzZC0qiLIdSR2jc1qGJ4V720Y0F5Y225_ly7Lk_HGkRT74Riygm-V9qEcPka3aRKMYkHIqZN4wXW7impFiXQHPjIjTifAx5oimRyaDDcd-pgiNGoXGxMceb-fPSGzdK4G-ATeVvU9PXLU8ElL1oS6bztrXoVxMpYlfaQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="290" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcAysA7irs39R0MiIiz8gDG8FzZC0qiLIdSR2jc1qGJ4V720Y0F5Y225_ly7Lk_HGkRT74Riygm-V9qEcPka3aRKMYkHIqZN4wXW7impFiXQHPjIjTifAx5oimRyaDDcd-pgiNGoXGxMceb-fPSGzdK4G-ATeVvU9PXLU8ElL1oS6bztrXoVxMpYlfaQ=w409-h228" width="409" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span> <span style="color: #741b47;">I believe in Karma.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I started blogging in 2009 after I got a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. At that time it helped me turn what I considered a horrible life event into something positive. I learned I could deal with the pain and life events that this disease heaped on me.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then I started looking and found other bloggers that had the same issues. I found people that became my friends. Even though I'd never met them face to face, we knew each other.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span><span><span><span> Soul to soul.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>That's not something I have ever taken lightly. These people bared their souls on their blogs and I found people that had my back. Some, sadly, are no longer with us. Laurie Fessler of Hibernations Now and Lynn Marie of A Journey of a Fibromyalgia Fighter and two friends that we lost. Some I still know and have remained friends with through Facebook and Instagram. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>One of these is Jolene Kari Llewellyn. She started a blog called Graceful Agony. Her blog particularly struck home with me. I love her writing style and how she supported all of us who needed support. Her followers could always depend on something that would help them through a tough day. We are still friends and I want you to remember something: I've never met this woman face to face. No matter what I will <u>always</u> have her back. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>If she reaches out? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">I'll be there.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span>She reached out to me and let me know that there is a book out there named Graceful Agony. Yes, there's a colon and then some addition in the title. Ok, so Jolene never wrote a book, but she put her heart and soul into the Graceful Agony Blog. She still has the X(Twitter) and Instagram and Facebook handles. We have a support group on Facebook with that name.</p><p><br />Why am I irritated?<br />First: she's hurt.<br />Second: Too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence.</p><p><br />If I was writing a book the last thing I'd do was take part of the title of one of the blogs I follow. If it was something I felt passionately about, I'd contact the owner and get her blessing or have her write a forward. </p><p><br />Or something.</p><p><br />I wrote this on the Facebook post of the author and got a snippy response back. I'm paraphrasing here... Yeah, she knew about it but since she's in Canada it was not a big deal plus Amazon ok'd the title so ......basically she told me to take a hike and then blocked me.</p><p><br />Real mature.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Needless to say my friend is beyond heartbroken to see her life's work get taken from her. I hate to see her hurt so I'm letting people know my opinion about this book.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you </span>look<span style="font-family: inherit;"> up Graceful Agony you'll know what I'm talking about. Since her blog was followed is it too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I think not</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: left;">. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(Just as a disclaimer the opinions stated here are my own and are not intended to malign to disparage.)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></p><p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h4><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-42444138256432064362022-04-13T19:57:00.002-07:002022-04-13T19:58:27.171-07:00ESREBOXETINE........GOING OUT ON A LIMB HERE<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc5DbSxNPo3XEum7J1Lc1Rk2dHU18kb0ya6aP6M2xrL9ODuQ3vLA39fRu6LJHwRVqkPSTxr5pBYdcWh54O9cy8-q-pMw3krlJ2fQBMCm-FO8i6qDsziyf9sr-5TSp8snz5CCS7DeMUTY/s1600/GO+OUT+ON+A+LIMB+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc5DbSxNPo3XEum7J1Lc1Rk2dHU18kb0ya6aP6M2xrL9ODuQ3vLA39fRu6LJHwRVqkPSTxr5pBYdcWh54O9cy8-q-pMw3krlJ2fQBMCm-FO8i6qDsziyf9sr-5TSp8snz5CCS7DeMUTY/s200/GO+OUT+ON+A+LIMB+2.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial;">In 2009 Pfizer was in stage 3 of clinical trials.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The results were promising.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They dropped it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2009????</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I've always believed that Fibromyalgia was not on anyone's top ten list. It's been either a garbage can diagnosis or just totally dismissed as an illness. I guess there's just not enough money to be made in treating patients that live in pain. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please forgive my cynicism. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I used to say that if doctors got the crap beat out of them with a baseball bat and had to live with that pain for weeks, months and years maybe then they would understand what living with chronic pain is like. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Esreboxetine.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ever heard of it?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Neither had I.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Researchers published that it linked this drug to reductions in pain and improved patients scores on the Fibromyalgia questionnaire. Even though this drug was thought to be promising and was through phase 3 of clinical trials neither Pfizer or any other company went forward with it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Until now.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Axsome Theraputics plans to submit a new drug application for AXS-14 later this year for a potential treatment of Fibromyalgia. It will include the phase 2 and 3 data that show a significant improvement compared to the placebo. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The best part?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Not the fact that it will help patients.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">That would be too easy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Try Axsome had to pay Pfizer 3 million bucks.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Plus, Pfizer gets 8 million of Axsome stock.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But wait!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There's more!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pfizer gets first right of negotiation in future transactions regarding AXS-14 and an antidepressant medication they castoff now called AXS-12.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Not bad for a castoff drug they didn't want.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have questions though. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Reboxetine is for treating major depression. So....where does esreboxetine fall in this category?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Reboxetine is not available in the US but it is in Europe and from what I read there are a ton of icky side effects. Pfizer successfully used animal models but human one were not as successful. I'll list the link below to show why it is so controversial in Europe.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But back to esreboxetine....</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Will it work?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't think the votes are in yet.......</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Back to square one.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Psycom.net/reboxetine</span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-72832391356798497972018-03-05T19:04:00.004-08:002018-03-05T19:04:59.715-08:00I FEEL BAD FOR LADY GAGA<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_Qt84qI3zQbpxatFife0_hU4YBXyPazMjrBLRiYQzjHOxaP1xmcfN4n-yH58CP289b79XY2uEi1smLt49CgRalS8wgJa8_Oi7Cxc1oVRo0UsYR1bEJ2IKd5j_oe9tYBf4e3PjNjnAqU/s1600/092617-lady-gaga-lead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_Qt84qI3zQbpxatFife0_hU4YBXyPazMjrBLRiYQzjHOxaP1xmcfN4n-yH58CP289b79XY2uEi1smLt49CgRalS8wgJa8_Oi7Cxc1oVRo0UsYR1bEJ2IKd5j_oe9tYBf4e3PjNjnAqU/s320/092617-lady-gaga-lead.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">When someone famous</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">is diagnosed with Fibromyalgia</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">we jump on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Why?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">If someone famous has it we will be able to validate our own problems with Fibromyalgia. Most people think this is a garbage can diagnosis so if someone like Lady Gaga has to cancel tour dates due to the pain people will have the light bulb moment and think to themselves, "maybe they aren't crazy." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Me?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I just feel bad that she has to go through this.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We're still smiling through the tears. When people ask how we are we still say, "fine." We still get irritated at the Lyrica commercial and we still are disbelieved by doctors. We hesitate to talk about the tons of symptoms that pick and choose which day they will decide to appear. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We even doubt ourselves and each other at times.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No matter what I still hate feeling out of control in my own skin. I hate waking up in pain and I hate to go to bed in pain. What I hate even more is appearing weak. I hate the fact that I have to say that I have Fibromyalgia. When people ask what it is, I hate telling them. I hate having to explain what the pain has done to my life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We now have limitations and before there were none. We now look at life in a totally different way. Even when the pain levels subside there is a place within us that knows it's only a matter of time before it will rear its ugly head again. The pain and fatigue makes you retreat and the feeling of uselessness comes over you like a wave crashing on the shore.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can we ever be the same again?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes and no.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am back at a place where the pain is strong and intense. It threatened to place me back in the black hole; a place I don't ever want to be again. I escaped the dark but it was close.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What was different this time?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right now I'm in a place that I haven't been in many years. I'm feeling strong; definitely not physically strong but mentally strong. I'm feeling a strength of purpose and it keeps me from going down in depression. I'm walking every day and it's helped more than I can say. It takes oxycodone to do it but whatever it takes is what I'll do. I wake up in the morning in pain...that hasn't changed but I have realized that the pain isn't going to go away so I need something to overcome it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let me make this clear. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't believe that the walking will overcome the pain but what it does is overcome what the pain can do to me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not going to stand on a soapbox and say this is the avenue for everyone. What I will say is that there's a place in all of us where we can go and be strong. I know this because we have the strength to endure the kind of pain that we do on a daily basis. We all have a very high pain threshold and people don't understand that.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But we do.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what I'll say is that I pray for all of us to look deep inside and find that place where pain cannot touch us.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's there.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-11279324829227979392017-11-14T19:49:00.001-08:002017-11-14T19:52:44.118-08:00KRATOM UPDATE<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkQQOP8Zn2ep1M1up6nGvouJ78CmampMcHHecAXXIN5iaucocMxyj8YYdiTCUZp255xnA71vnIn2tlvWOLDENwR6y5KHUCok5mVY-dw_DbFfBnOWSnpJ0nzkuBMLtUGnEFf3vcni_Two/s1600/Unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkQQOP8Zn2ep1M1up6nGvouJ78CmampMcHHecAXXIN5iaucocMxyj8YYdiTCUZp255xnA71vnIn2tlvWOLDENwR6y5KHUCok5mVY-dw_DbFfBnOWSnpJ0nzkuBMLtUGnEFf3vcni_Two/s320/Unknown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What is it?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How is it used?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is it safe?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't know.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wrote this about Kratom a couple of years ago and it seemed that it's a good time to bring it up again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was reading about the latest thing to pop up about painkillers. People on forums and Facebook have been talking about it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And they've been trying it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ok....first things first. What is it? Kratom is from a tree or, more specifically, the leaves from the mitragyna speciosa tree. The trees are indigenous to Southeast Asia and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Thailand has banned its use and there are several states where Kratom is also banned. It's been used in the management of chronic pain and it behaves like morphine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The DEA lists Kratom as a drug of concern.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One thing they did find was that Kratom helped the withdrawal symptoms of opioid dependence. When Kratom was quit suddenly the side effect was diarrhea and a runny nose. Considering what the withdrawal symptoms of narcotics can be I would think that Kratom would be studied. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The other thing is that Kratom doesn't have the respiratory depression that opioid have. When you have a medication that helps pain without the risk of overdose it sounds like it should be studied. Why haven't the pharmaceutical companies looked at it?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or have they? </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">GlaxoSmithKline looked at it in the 60's but nothing came of it. Let's face it, something must be off either in the delivery or the drug itself. They could make a ton considering the opioid problem in this country. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It can cause drowsiness, fatigue, nausea and stomach discomfort and constipation. It has the potential for abuse when you exceed the recommended dosage. If you decide to use this be very sure that it won't interact with medications that you are taking or have taken. Be very careful. Just make sure you research it very carefully before you make your decision. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is it addictive?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't think anyone knows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are animal studies that show that a tolerance can be built up over time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the directions state it can be habit forming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That kind of signals addictive to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But what do I know?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/kratom.pdf">DEA INFORMATION ON KRATOM</a></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-30502551354326219362017-02-20T20:00:00.001-08:002017-02-20T20:09:08.229-08:00MOVING DAY? TRY MOVING MONTHS.<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJLc17Dk3S5F-0i5hrxQ-DepZJBF6YmV2egg6z1G0jDdbS1oI9jfZdeZD59YTJJEy3DCZEIu4ey1RgdEqSqzSlru8_E3AoajEMp1DHo-H3yu2WZrw7HdKUwk-RSujvlgjVf5VrSpI8dI/s1600/EXHAUSTION.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJLc17Dk3S5F-0i5hrxQ-DepZJBF6YmV2egg6z1G0jDdbS1oI9jfZdeZD59YTJJEy3DCZEIu4ey1RgdEqSqzSlru8_E3AoajEMp1DHo-H3yu2WZrw7HdKUwk-RSujvlgjVf5VrSpI8dI/s400/EXHAUSTION.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes it's not smooth sailing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes the waves are huge.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes the waves just slam you on the shore.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">It's been quite some time since I've written anything. I've been exhausted; mentally and physically. In the last seven months our home was put on the market, sold, fell out of escrow, sold again, fell out of escrow again and then sold. Really sold. This is a process that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I still haven't recovered and the move was completed over a month ago. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The process started last June, 2016 when we listed the home. The home sold pretty fast so the packing started. I figured that I'd pack up some of the things that I didn't use that often. After all, I'd be unpacking in a couple of months. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right?</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not so fast.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then we had a buyer who was perfect. He was a contractor and had all sorts of plans for the home. He had his house in escrow and he wanted to close quickly so we went crazy packing up everything only leaving the things we'd absolutely need for a few weeks. After all, we'd be unpacking in a few weeks. We were assured that his buyer was solid.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or so we thought.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The NIGHT before the buyers documents were to be signed we found out that his loan had been denied. Un-fricking-believable. It took a week to process that bubble being burst. We decided to unpack and put the home back on the market in the spring. I didn't unpack everything. I figured that some of it I really didn't need and it would save time later.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In December that buyer came back. He had sold his home and still wanted </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ours. The little sticking point? Now we had to RE-PACK the house and find another home that we could close on quickly. Like in a month. At this point I'm ready to fall over but there is no time for that. We found a place that we actually loved and all the dominoes fell perfectly.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What wasn't perfect was me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But, at least it was over.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">January 17, 2017.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a LONG 7 months.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I couldn't do one more thing. I've pushed my body to its limit and it was too much. There is something about stress and how it affects your body. When Fibromyalgia is involved, however, all bets are off. You cannot do this without stopping to decompress. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The problem is that I have very high standards for myself. My personality has really shown through during this move. I've become very pissy and I wanted things done. Did I also mention that I wanted it done yesterday and preferably in alphabetical order? Oh, come on.....who the hell puts moving boxes in alphabetical order? I ordered labels from Amazon and printed out the contents of each box. Try doing that for over 200 boxes.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The other thing I can't do is tell everyone how bad I feel. It becomes a broken record. I'm sure they get tired of hearing it and I really get tired of saying it. There is something to be said about smiling through the pain. Just because I sound fine doesn't mean that I don't spend most of my day in pain and exhaustion. What I have is variable. The symptoms vary from day to day and sometimes from minute to minute. Since the move we can just add second to second. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'd like to get out and do things. I'd like to start working out again. There are a lot of things that I'd like to do. I just don't have the inclination or the energy to do them. A lot of times, since the move, getting out and doing things can reduce me to tears before the end of the day. There isn't a place on my body that can be touched that doesn't cause pain. It makes me want to hide away. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Once the muscle spasms hit it's time to take the medication otherwise sleep will be impossible and, of course, that exacerbates the pain. It's a roller coaster and you wish to God you could get off. It becomes your prayer late in the night. Please let me get off this roller coaster. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Please.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just when I thought there would be a break in all this the humidity hit with a </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">vengeance. I don't do well when the rain rolls in and an increase in the humidity and barometric pressure causes havoc. So, it's back to feeling like crapola.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I tried going back to work for a couple days a week. I really do miss new home sales. I started with a temp service that staffs sales offices with people that have new home experience for the agents days off or vacation days. I loved it but my body didn't. I used to pride myself on my intelligence. I could look at proformas and spreadsheets and loved to read the fine print. Contracts were my special love. I could rip them apart and put together something to behold. Now it seems like someone smeared oil over my lenses. Everything looks fuzzy. I no longer have the patience or intelligence to read and retain what I've read. I read and re-read. I stare at what I've read and get the deer-in-the-headlight look and frantically search for a remnant of the former woman with the near photographic memory. What is this insidious disease that robs you of your intelligence and leaves a fairly intelligent woman searching for the right words, forgetting where she put her keys, sitting in the car and wondering where I'm going.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I found out that I need to make lists.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a reason that that there are lists.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Three most stressful things in life?</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Death.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Divorce.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Moving.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've found that moving may cause the other two on the list.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I never want to do it again.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oops......</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I said never.........</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-90184370190197613012016-05-30T15:57:00.001-07:002016-05-30T15:57:20.004-07:00WHICH MASK TO WEAR TODAY?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2r5PH-qyjB442DOIbzcp0CHvs1GUQ9LOuUrKs3o8lhPE5Ypsmyahyphenhyphen_GPfVh2HhbcEtNP48WNsWAEvaZtU30I2ZnoZOscZG7j0exVC6W5oIgXzzKnzJJPys-7sAA07cNTOq4BEvLvAC4/s1600/dea27046010192480333715295ad7a07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2r5PH-qyjB442DOIbzcp0CHvs1GUQ9LOuUrKs3o8lhPE5Ypsmyahyphenhyphen_GPfVh2HhbcEtNP48WNsWAEvaZtU30I2ZnoZOscZG7j0exVC6W5oIgXzzKnzJJPys-7sAA07cNTOq4BEvLvAC4/s320/dea27046010192480333715295ad7a07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"We are so accustomed to disguising ourselves that in the end we become disguised to ourselves."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Francois de la Rochefaucauld</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This quote speaks to me so much. Maybe it spoke to me because I've been Type A squared since birth. Maybe it spoke to me because I've been in sales with home builders for many years. Maybe it spoke to me because as a by-product of new home sales, I've been a chameleon for so long that I don't even recognize myself anymore. Maybe.......maybe.........maybe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe, just maybe, it spoke to me because of the pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's so true that we disguise ourselves. Whether we have a chronic illness or not we usually never tell the truth when someone asks how we are. I mean, who really answers the question when someone asks how you are? It's really bad when you have chronic pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>"How are you doing today?"</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not good.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I feel like crapola.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All I want to do is sleep.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This sucks.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My life is falling apart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm in huge, big time, pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My hands hurt.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My head hurts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My back hurts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not sleeping real well.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My whole body hurts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every bone in my body hurts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I ache.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm tired.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This disease is destroying my life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I feel horrible.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't seem to get out of bed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't concentrate real well today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What did you say?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>After a while no one wants to hear it anymore.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Let me clue you in on a little fact.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>After a while we don't want to say it anymore either.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>So we say:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm okay.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or we fake a smile.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm just a little tired.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or we fake a smile.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It could be worse.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or we fake a smile.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today's not a real good day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or we fake a smile.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or we burst into tears.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And we still try to fake a smile.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or better yet....we just don't say anything.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>We sugarcoat it.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway, we disguise how we feel. We disguise the pain that we feel. We disguise the guilt that we feel. We disguise the depression. We disguise the lack of sleep. We disguise the embarrassment over feeling sick yet again. We disguise the forgetfulness. We disguise everything.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is it any wonder that we don't know who we are anymore? Let me see, I want a ticket to La-La land and I want to take up permanent residency there. I'm also incognito. What else?? Is it really so hard to believe that someone can feel so unbelievably awful all the time? Maybe that is why this disease is so misunderstood. I think it might possibly help for people to understand how we feel if they can relate to the worst possible flu that they've ever had. The flu that made every bone in their bodies ache with an intensity that was staggering. The kind of flu that made it impossible for them to leave their bed for a few days. Now try having that same feeling not for a day, or a week or a month but have that feeling year after year after year. Do you think they'd understand Fibromyalgia then? How about those doctors that think this is all in our heads? Let's take that old baseball bat and beat the crap out of them and continue to beat them every day for a few years. Do you think they'd think we were crazy then? Do you think people would finally get it?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, what other words can I come up with?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd like to say my favorite word but this is a G-rated post.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm just sayin........</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-26333006376563976212016-04-27T12:03:00.000-07:002016-05-08T18:45:22.481-07:00A CATAGORY 5 HURRICANE<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz7G1sh_NHE-ukPvswdxlXnOaVgEyAolfxqObKemoRVniS32KwLljP5RcO3LuWV-s1R_kd38DQ27pEPWw3du8tT-f_VEjuN6ARbHwb_KAFlq_O5VSiRm8W3ln5Xrvrv81Qav5RFt0zHg/s1600/EYE+OF+THE+STORM+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz7G1sh_NHE-ukPvswdxlXnOaVgEyAolfxqObKemoRVniS32KwLljP5RcO3LuWV-s1R_kd38DQ27pEPWw3du8tT-f_VEjuN6ARbHwb_KAFlq_O5VSiRm8W3ln5Xrvrv81Qav5RFt0zHg/s320/EYE+OF+THE+STORM+2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't know if what I've been through,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">can be called a flare.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A flare?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's more like a bomb went off.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This has been a difficult post. I want to convey how bad this flare actually was and balanced so that the people I care about don't worry. The worst has passed but I've never, since my diagnosis, been through a time as bad as this one. Fibromyalgia is sneaky. You can be fine one day and crash the next. Heck, you can be fine one minute and crash the next and that is just what happened to me. I've had bad days and fair days and semi-ok days. So what's the big deal about this time? What happened? I was blindsided. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went into denial. OK...It will be better in a few days. Then I went into a soul sucking vortex of pain and the inevitable depression that kind of pain brings with it. In other words, the twins visited with a vengeance. Maybe I should have gone to the doctor looking like I felt; something the cat just dragged in the house, something that would scare babies and small children. Maybe I shouldn't have tried to suck it up and put on my big girl panties. Maybe, maybe, maybe. I think I'm conditioned not to admit this kind of pain. The pain that makes me feel weak.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what did I do?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went off the grid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I didn't want to go anywhere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I didn't want to see anyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I tried the doctor. His answer? Just up the opioid. I didn't want to go there. They truly scare me. I respect the power of these medications and I don't want to go down that slippery slope. If I can't deal with it on 5 miligrams then I will just have to try something else. Binge watching Two and a half Men, Big Bang Theory, Criminal Minds and Blue Bloods? Nope. Didn't work but it's a pretty good distraction. Let's try something else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's start with balneotherapy. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ha! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I got in the bath with Epsom salts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Usually I can stay in the tub and get through the aches. This, however, was not the icky ache. This was the voodoo pain that was stabbing me in every joint that it could find. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And it didn't let up.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When a flare like this hits it just doesn't go away. From the moment we open our eyes to the moment we close our eyes we're engaged in battle. We all think we're wimps but nothing is farther from the truth. We battle depression that springs from pain. We battle constant pain that ranges from throbbing to gut wrenching. We battle ourselves because we constantly think that we're inadequate</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Being in jail handcuffed and bound is so tough to take. There will be limitations on body and psyche. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Limitations?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Throbbing?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gut wrenching?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I flew by that about day 5.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to put the covers over my head and just give in. There is a time when it's appropriate to surrender and though that truly goes against my nature, I did it. I really understood how people can just give up. Now, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I do believe that attitude can help or hinder just about everything in your life. It can push us beyond "the can't." I understand that. But, there are times it's hard to find no matter how much we try. I was in one of those times. I threw myself every pity party there was and it still didn't help. I tried to tell myself that if I would just improve my attitude then my symptoms would go away. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They didn't.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It made me think that I was the master of my own demise. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think the problem is that there is no middle ground. We are not </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">allowed to be tired or have pain. We're supposed to just suck it up and multi-task our little stressful lives to the fullest. We're supposed to be tough and push through pain and fatigue. It's not too much to ask is it? Life is supposed to be lived and if we can't do that it's because we don't have the emotional strength to deal with pain. People think we have more of a defective mindset rather than a real illness. If you are ill and you give in to it....you are weak. Now, even if the pain is severe you are expected to just take a Tylenol and deal with it. Well, that's fine for the short term but evidently the powers that be figure that, for the long term, liver damage is better than addiction. They can't even find a middle ground.</span><br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I read about how to cope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I use it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But sometimes it just doesn't work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes you just have to bow your head...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Say a prayer....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And weather the storm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-54260472279495265102016-04-07T14:06:00.001-07:002016-04-11T13:07:59.128-07:00KETAMINE FOR FIBROMYALGIA? NOT YET.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYsGG5S-Iq1szhr2FfK2ms4GpEb9NjJqRU1Qza0obD8CQxK3FqpKg0lbEIUPnjJ8FEXaKPHdXxiN6u2YOIX5imZH9iS6QXSZL-xu18iEDDUdAq9Czdqa6Y6ZuXh3F_0o9IQIvV0ge3fk/s1600/END+OF+MY+ROPE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYsGG5S-Iq1szhr2FfK2ms4GpEb9NjJqRU1Qza0obD8CQxK3FqpKg0lbEIUPnjJ8FEXaKPHdXxiN6u2YOIX5imZH9iS6QXSZL-xu18iEDDUdAq9Czdqa6Y6ZuXh3F_0o9IQIvV0ge3fk/s1600/END+OF+MY+ROPE.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the street it's called Special K.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a horse tranquilizer in veterinary medicine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a money maker for chronic pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I get it. Sometimes the pain gets too much and we're at the end of our rope. We want to reach for something, anything that can promise relief from the pain. We just need to be careful that we are not reaching for something that can do more harm than good.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ketamine infusion therapy is big business in the chronic pain world. A single infusion can cost $2000 a treatment and, believe me, the recommended course is definitely NOT a single treatment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ketamine is used to produce a loss of conscienceness. It's used as a general anesthetic but because of the hallucinations that it can cause it's not the primary choice. It is used by compounding pharmacies as a cream with lidocaine and ketoprophan as a topical pain reliever.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This drug is no joke.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It increases your heart rate and blood pressure. It can cause hallucinations, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, nightmares, memory problems and if used long term liver abnormalities. It induces a state of disassociative anesthesia. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scary.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Years ago a study was done with 34 Fibromyalgia patients. They got a low dose Ketamine infusion followed by a dextromethorphan treatment. 19 responded to neither drug, 10 were favorable to both, 3 were helped by the ketamine but not the dextromathorphan and 2 were helped by the dextromethorphan but not the ketamine.<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16750795"> Link to study</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are sites offering Ketamine therapy. Everything about Ketamine states you should be monitored closely due to adverse effects but there are places giving you this therapy on an outpatient basis. Now they do tell you to stay with someone so if you have any ill effects they can get you to a doctor. Gee, that's comforting. I may have someone watching me who hasn't got a medical license and they are the ones to watch for adverse effects? They also tell you that it may not work and this is a totally elective therapy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It gets even better. There is a Ketamine Coma Therapy being offered in other countries. It is given in extremely high doses so that a coma is induced. This, obviously, is not approved by the FDA. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back to the infusions......they tell you that if you want it YOU NEED TO SATISFY YOURSELF by the research YOU DO through search engines. In other words, we just give it to you and if there's a problem you should have done better research. To me, that borders on negligence. We need qualified people that will tell us the realities of medicine and what it can do. We shouldn't be the ones doing the search and then telling the doctor it's ok. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It also tells you tough noogies because you may elect to proceed knowing it may have no benefit. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They also tell you the greater number of infusions you have the greater the benefit. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At 2 grand a pop that sounds like double speak to me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just keep paying and pray it helps.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not saying it may not help some people. It might. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything in me shouts NO.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything I read about this drug screams "dangerous in the wrong hands."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a street drug that packs a wallop.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It can kill you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please be very careful if you are going through with this therapy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You need to be watched carefully.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Personally?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wouldn't do it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*** This post was written about a specific place and person which shall remain nameless. There are legitimate uses by doctors and hospitals. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-7123942176843306422016-03-24T10:59:00.000-07:002016-03-24T10:59:19.309-07:00THE JESUS SHOT. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxzmRuoV7ToyxTe1G2fWJ6rl7HLAW6dPIiovhVEYxN7RflW0oRG84w9lPXHTBn8DOv86d-rOn6wLG2cGnjvZcNmryvCbWhO6zDuZe1VKiYk2KgNgB5D5JFGkYmO3Yx0ydqr9-5ISYDPY/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxzmRuoV7ToyxTe1G2fWJ6rl7HLAW6dPIiovhVEYxN7RflW0oRG84w9lPXHTBn8DOv86d-rOn6wLG2cGnjvZcNmryvCbWhO6zDuZe1VKiYk2KgNgB5D5JFGkYmO3Yx0ydqr9-5ISYDPY/s320/download.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If it sounds too good to be true.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It usually is.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And now, they add Jesus to the mix.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'll never understand people who, for their own benefit and marketing purposes, throw the name of Jesus into the mix so people will (excuse the word) flock to their practice and get the shot.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are millions of people in pain and, if you are Christian, he's marketing right to you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First of all, let's do a little background on the doctor. His name is John Michael Lonergan. He is approximately 67 years old and spent part of those years is prison for mail fraud, tax evasion and health care fraud in Ohio. His medical license was permanently revoked in Ohio and Oklahoma gave him a provisional license which requires supervision. Now, it seems he's practicing without supervision.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hmmm.....sounds legit already.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, he's in Oklahoma peddling a lovely little shot that will cure you from chronic pain. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh, and that will be 300.00 .....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr. Mike...doesn't that sound so friendly and helpful?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No one seems to know what is in the injection. Why, in heavens name, would you <b>EVER </b>inject yourself with something when you don't know what's in it. This injection will cure all ailments, not just chronic pain. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People in chronic pain are usually desperate and will try anything for relief. This is a predator that is injecting people with God knows what. He's misrepresented himself as part of the military and misrepresented EVERYTHING ELSE. He claims he was in the special forces but no one can seem to find anything about him and he was investigated about stolen valor.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It can't be substantiated but a Dr. Schrick told reporters that is a mixture of Kenelog, Vitamin B12 and dexamethasone. Oh, and it had another less exciting name: inflamation prototcol. It is very frightening to me that people will try anything without thoroughly investigating it first. If the doctor won't tell you what's in it you shouldn't be letting him inject it into your body. Look up the side effects and decide what is best for you and discuss it with your doctor. Speaking of doctors; look up yours and make sure he has an active license and is in good standing with the state medical board.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's very sad that some people will use the name of God just to enrich themselves.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr. Lonergan? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He works at the Priceless Beauty Spa.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh yeah....he can cure chronic pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I want to be an astronaut when I grow up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If it looks like a duck,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sounds like a duck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Quack.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-32638712293817200512016-02-08T11:20:00.001-08:002016-02-08T11:20:33.561-08:00CYMBALTA, SAVELLA AND LYRICA. THE TERRIBLE TRIO<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPwQWB6c3yD2s789TtvPTHGKusIl1mlLfHpOruybgd3gREmpw4LFCDv2uur2Ivf6XHPh1ye3_uosvcqMtFnHjBUASVkVIJvD7ppIgctwRXvOph8if6RZDGO4Dj4mfrumt42DTL617_Hg/s1600/iceberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPwQWB6c3yD2s789TtvPTHGKusIl1mlLfHpOruybgd3gREmpw4LFCDv2uur2Ivf6XHPh1ye3_uosvcqMtFnHjBUASVkVIJvD7ppIgctwRXvOph8if6RZDGO4Dj4mfrumt42DTL617_Hg/s320/iceberg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've always said....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">it's not what they tell you....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">it's what they don't tell you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm as guilty as the next person. When a doctor prescribes a medicine I usually take it, however, there are a few of them that I haven't. Cymbalta and Savella were two of them. I know myself and I know that if the side effects are icky.....well, I'll quit. The problem is that we've become anesthetized to prescription medication. Again, I'm as guilty as the next person. We need to remember some of these medications are POWERFUL.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I started looking.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've included the sources at the bottom of this post. I was pretty amazed at what I'd found. What amazed me the most is that the FDA seemed to chide Eli Lilly (the maker of Cymbalta) about the fact that they had not designed a safe protocol for the discontinuation of the medication. They also don't tell the doctors how severe the symptoms of that discontinuation can be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Now, the class
action lawsuits are coming out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">What? You mean you
didn’t read the fine print?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Ok…we’ll settle.
My bad.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can't quit either drug cold turkey, hence my reason for not taking them. The problem as far as Cymbalta goes is that it only comes in three dosages; 20mg, 30mg and 60 mg. Plus, it is a capsule so you can't cut it in half. You are advised against opening the capsule so how do you know that you supposed to wean off slowly? Who would think to do that?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am not coming against anyone who chooses to take Cymbalta or Savella. These medications are approved for Fibromyalgia and for anyone who has a depressive disorder. All I am saying is that people should be aware of side effects and what happens if you stop taking it. Stopping doesn't necessarily mean after weeks or months either. It can be after one dose but the longer you take it the worse the symptoms could be. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What are the symptoms of withdrawal?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Actually it's called Cymbalta Discontinuation Syndrome.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Brain zaps that feel like an electric shock, suicidal thoughts, nausea and vomiting, headache, nightmares, diarrhea, excessive sweating, involuntary laughing or crying, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), extreme mood swings, paranoia, confusion, limb pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, hypomania and seizures.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Discontinuation can be severe and extend for weeks and even months.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With Savella, there were adverse reactions during the clinical trials.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Again, I'm not coming against anyone who chooses to use these medications. Your doctor thought their use would be in your best interest. I just think all the information should be on the table. Some people may have no trouble with discontinuing these medications....others may be blindsided.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the sources below, I also added all the information on Lyrica. Commercials make everyone think that you can take a pill and everything will work out and you'll be happy. Just for the record: I hate that commercial. I'm not one of those people that are suspicious of doctors and conventional medicine. Medications are necessary but just have all the information so you can make an informed choice.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After all....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If Eli Lilly won't tell you.......</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The FDA will.......</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In some archived obscure document......</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Somewhere........</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I found it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sad part is?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The only one who will win will be the attorneys.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sources: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Advisor.../UCM172866.pdf">http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Advisor.../UCM172866.pdf</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://medlibrary.org/lib/rx/meds/savella-7/">http://medlibrary.org/lib/rx/meds/savella-7/</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/021446s013s014lbl.pdf">http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/021446s013s014lbl.pdf</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-39450794460925846552016-02-04T11:24:00.000-08:002016-02-04T11:24:19.568-08:00TONMYA AND FIBROMYALGIA....MY OPINION<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkix85O4cU_22WXoEBHYIXrRbP_I2EzZXkY_rb0nSCafqagX5BSMdv_e5luMFQJwUeQNAPn5nUEJV4m67RUSSLGwcN0acv0liqfrZr2l_rH6zJDwzINIeS7TgFq3AtueE-RlSjhQ3MiM/s1600/GRIEVING+ANGEL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkix85O4cU_22WXoEBHYIXrRbP_I2EzZXkY_rb0nSCafqagX5BSMdv_e5luMFQJwUeQNAPn5nUEJV4m67RUSSLGwcN0acv0liqfrZr2l_rH6zJDwzINIeS7TgFq3AtueE-RlSjhQ3MiM/s320/GRIEVING+ANGEL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been awhile.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But now, it has a name.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tonmya.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A year or so ago I got approached by a woman named Laura Colontrelle-Radocaj of Dian Griesel, Int'l. She asked if I'd be open speaking with Dr. Lederman who is the CEO of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. I was aware of the clinical trial of TNX102 (Tonmya) that was taking place so I was thrilled that I had been given the opportunity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I really believe there are subgroups of Fibromyalgia. I also think that is why Lyrica, Savella and Cymbalta (which are all FDA approved treatment for Fibromyalgia) don't work for everyone. For me, Lyrica was worse than the Fibromyalgia. I gained weight, which is death for me, and my thoughts went to a very dark place. I can't take it. There aren't a lot medications out there that are approved so something new on the horizon was good news. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a nutshell Tonix Pharmaceuticals is using cyclobenzaprine in new doses and formulations for treatment of Fibromyalgia and Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD) which are chronic central nervous system disorders. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At first I wondered why Fibromyalgia and PTSD? To me, they were on opposite ends of the spectrum until Dr. Lederman gently reminded me how many cases of Fibromyalgia start with trauma. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mine included.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is an FDA approved drug that treats the muscle spasms that is associated with musculoskeletal conditions.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Pain</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> managers use it quite frequently but it's difficult to take because it makes you groggy and sleepy the next day. Well, it seems that it takes two hours to get into the bloodstream so if you take it before you go to bed it won't take effect for two hours. No wonder people are groggy in the morning! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been prescribed off label as a sleep aid. What I didn't know is that there isn't any benefit with this drug after two to three weeks. Actually, what is said was "the evidence of effectiveness for prolonged use is not available," and everything I've read says that this drug should not be used long term.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So why is this different? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flexeril is still </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flexeril.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blech.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The BESTFIT protocol (<b>BE</b>dtime, <b>S</b>ublingual, <b>T</b>NX102SL, as <b>F</b>ibromyalgia <b>I</b>ntervention <b>T</b>herapy.) uses a very low dose cyclobenzaprine. The great part of using it sublingually is that it enters and leaves the bloodstream quickly. It's 2.8 mg of cyclobenzaprine in this formulation. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tonmya is currently being evaluated in the 500 person AFFIRM trial for fibromyalgia. Patients have to report a reduction in pain from the baseline after 12 weeks. It is also being evaluated for safety as well as the effectiveness of the drug. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So far approximately 42% of the patients experienced some kind of tongue or sublingual numbness. More studies will need to be done to evaluate long term effectiveness. Also they need to study if it will interact with any of the medications currently approved for Fibromyalgia. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This isn't some ripoff company trying to float and old drug into a new "big fix" for Fibromyalgia. This doctor had a thriving practice and then committed what he said was, "professional suicide" by going into research on a central nervous system problem like Fibromyalgia. In his opinion, non restorative sleep changes the central pain pathways and if part of that can be fixed then patients should see a reduction in pain. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We really do need the sleep. I don't know about anyone else but it's not very often that I get refreshing sleep and I can tell a big difference on the rare occasion that I do. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another thing I found interesting was alpha wave intrusion. The new term for alpha waves is cyclic alternating pattern (CAP), type A2 and type A3. It seems that we all have alpha waves but with Fibromyalgia we have too many alpha waves and they are too frequent. This is what interrupts our sleep. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, it's </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flexeril.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But, it's not the same old dosage.....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and it's used in another formulation.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think it should be given a chance to prove itself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's not jump on the bandwagon and trash it until we know.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just sayin'..................</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It could be an important piece of the puzzle.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2608274933866038080%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3945079446092584655%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rnW9mM6cIXw%2FVosMH-Mkh_I%2FAAAAAAAADsA%2FrcHhAlJ5x5E%2Fs320%2FGRIEVING%252BANGEL.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=UFFdks988d14&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 54px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2608274933866038080%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3945079446092584655%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rnW9mM6cIXw%2FVosMH-Mkh_I%2FAAAAAAAADsA%2FrcHhAlJ5x5E%2Fs320%2FGRIEVING%252BANGEL.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=UFFdks988d14&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 54px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2608274933866038080%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3945079446092584655%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rnW9mM6cIXw%2FVosMH-Mkh_I%2FAAAAAAAADsA%2FrcHhAlJ5x5E%2Fs320%2FGRIEVING%252BANGEL.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=UFFdks988d14&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 54px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2608274933866038080%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3945079446092584655%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rnW9mM6cIXw%2FVosMH-Mkh_I%2FAAAAAAAADsA%2FrcHhAlJ5x5E%2Fs320%2FGRIEVING%252BANGEL.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=UFFdks988d14&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 54px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-74703308714615974852016-01-21T13:05:00.000-08:002016-01-21T13:05:17.819-08:00BRAIN STIMULATION? NOT SO FAST.....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKh7ZvUofcp24NjUDq5eOGUa7BaF2DAkgNixleWqyojFS8iIzjgvWyKZadGtjuD6vlbi4j8x-T_-1-o-E0cmzJUFlrbCAQb2S5th-HCIBDQvnTggFSbG3HMNz2lsig_-LdaAS1u8PUOo/s1600/big_1440003112_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKh7ZvUofcp24NjUDq5eOGUa7BaF2DAkgNixleWqyojFS8iIzjgvWyKZadGtjuD6vlbi4j8x-T_-1-o-E0cmzJUFlrbCAQb2S5th-HCIBDQvnTggFSbG3HMNz2lsig_-LdaAS1u8PUOo/s320/big_1440003112_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sorry in advance.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is simply shocking!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wrote about this protocol before and in my typical tongue-in-cheek response I conjured up visions of Frankenstein and melting brains. This actually has been researched for centuries and there is real validation. For me? Call me old fashioned but I really believe there are things you shouldn't mess with and randomly shocking your brain is one of them. I know there are times for this protocol; actually they call it brain stimulation, and it can be used for major depression and seizure therapy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How would you like to be in that clinical trial?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just imagine......you can stimulate your brain and have no pain. Whoa.....I should be in advertising.....stimulate your brain and have no pain. What a campaign.....there I go again.... it just never ends......anyway......</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's actually called High Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation or HD-tDCS. You put a few electrodes on your scalp and voila! A few electric shocks later.....your brain releases opioid like painkillers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sounds simple......</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wait...it's a 20 minutes session and it said it reduces the pain perception and it is safe using established safety protocols. Hmmmm.....I may be one of those people that are sensitive to wording. Must be from years of reading the fine print in contracts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There can be some side effects. A phosphene (a brief flash of light) at the start of stimulation, headache, dizziness and nausea. Ok, I'm gone at the mere mention of nausea. The one to two milliamps that are used isn't enough to make neurons start firing but the therapeutic value hasn't totally been established either. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Granted the dose of electricity is very small compared to the doses used for clinical depression or seizures. Studies have indicated that it is safe for a single use stimulation but results aren't in for long term stimulation. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My problem with all of this is people get on the bandwagon and some person will figure out a way to have a DIY (do it yourself) way to assemble this and start opening clinics. Once that happens all legitimate research is tainted. It will absolutely fall under the category "that some is good, more is better and too much is just enough." Laboratories and universities have protocols in order and once you get outside of that arena all those safety protocols go out the window. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I just want to know is how they figured all this out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How many brains did they have to melt?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway.....the kicker?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The researchers don't know why this works. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That sentence speaks for itself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Again, with <b><i>proper safety protocols...........</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-20593764389212452042016-01-01T15:18:00.000-08:002016-01-01T15:18:58.556-08:00IT'S 2016 ALREADY?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3BKL9Dkfgg83DmONqd_FkvGoZl54BjEoWuhtE39z_qhRzcpSpWc30wB_TGcsY0e7a2KeVj6wBpoy-aJRRCTwvQQIgd_7aL5BK5adhSoABdnoc32130v9I84OtvIe0JEabrVICN_towE/s1600/2015-2016budgetsigns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3BKL9Dkfgg83DmONqd_FkvGoZl54BjEoWuhtE39z_qhRzcpSpWc30wB_TGcsY0e7a2KeVj6wBpoy-aJRRCTwvQQIgd_7aL5BK5adhSoABdnoc32130v9I84OtvIe0JEabrVICN_towE/s320/2015-2016budgetsigns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year has gone by so fast.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've turned around and it's gone.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But hey.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't believe how fast life has gone.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I look back at all the resolutions I've tried to keep. The operative word is "tried." Looking back at it, I don't think I even tried to keep them. I know it sounds good but it just doesn't happen. I think I had it right when I said, "I'm the idea man. Follow up isn't my strong suit."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what do I do?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm going to list the "resolutions" that I think everyone should adopt. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you can't tell the last sentence was dripping with sarcasm.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few years ago I wrote that I resolved to be more accepting of me. I knew that I'd have bad days and good days but this is a chronic illness that has no cure. Ok....I get that. Time took care of part of that. Accepting of me? Has or will that ever happen? Probably not. I'm not very accepting when the voodoo pain hits. I'm not real accepting when the pain drags out for days on end. I'm not real accepting when I see commercials for the lousy drugs that haven't done much for fibromyalgia pain but have side effects like weight gain. For me, that is a side effect that <b>negates any benefit</b> <b>whatsoever.</b> So am I accepting? Not when I look in a mirror....yeah, I really do miss my neck.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know....that's not a fibro thing. That's an age thing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Golden years my fanny.........</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The one that really makes me laugh is the resolution that I would check my attitude at the door when the pain gets overwhelming. Oh yeah.....that WILL NEVER happen. What was I thinking??? Attitude in the toilet is the only outlet I have when the pain doesn't stop. If I didn't have sarcasm I wouldn't know what to do! Has anyone EVER been sweet and nice when pain is stabbing at your body like the little voodoo doll it's named after? Me either.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I always resolve to be kinder to my body. You know...if you push you will pay. Well, I always push because I never know what the day will bring. If I didn't push I wouldn't do anything. So I guess I will have to learn to pay.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The one thing I can do is remember that it could be a whole lot worse. I know that doesn't mean much to people who feel like they're at the end of their rope. It's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you're really deep in that tunnel. I am not trying to minimize what chronic pain can do. It can bring a truly strong spirit down to their knees. What I'm trying to say is to hold on with both hands and know that it will get better. Pain does change you but we need to stay strong and fight those changes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I've realized is that I never really appreciated all the good days before Fibromyalgia became a constant in my life. Maybe that's why I push on my good days. I do appreciate them and since they are few and far between I tend to make the most of them. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's interesting that people think we have a low tolerance for pain. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I can tolerate pain and I tolerate it on a daily basis. The levels make all the difference but the pain is never truly gone. Most of the people I've talked to feel the same way. We're not wimps. So it comes down to the difference between pain tolerance and pain thresholds. I have a very low pain threshold but my tolerance is </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">very</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> high. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pain tolerance is about the levels of pain that a person can take before breaking down physically or emotionally. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pain threshold is the point that the stimulus is perceived as pain. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, am I making resolutions this year?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never keep them anyway. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's too bad I can't write Dear Abby.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then there would be more advice....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could ignore.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for you all.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy 2016!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rosemary</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-27465704503580259722015-12-30T11:59:00.000-08:002015-12-30T11:59:08.654-08:00I JUST LOVE THE HOLIDAYS<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistu-fIhWbtaf2Y5rsVWlZTm9GYG9W5zcWh9rq8W0x5_EQMvdqBt0p30oXptjit5cbVuCTiLu4kvycyabufWh6tTtu1rhcMmnA8X-j2zxSZgexjZECw10tJPAU1gEM6B2clD48vxyz4LA/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistu-fIhWbtaf2Y5rsVWlZTm9GYG9W5zcWh9rq8W0x5_EQMvdqBt0p30oXptjit5cbVuCTiLu4kvycyabufWh6tTtu1rhcMmnA8X-j2zxSZgexjZECw10tJPAU1gEM6B2clD48vxyz4LA/s400/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's that time of year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holidays and parties.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you are just exhausted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than exhausted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trashed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I read somewhere that it's a good idea when you have a chronic illness to lower your standards for holiday shopping and baking. Lower my standards? How much lower can they go before I just put the covers over my head? It's bad enough that I feel pain on a daily basis, I really don't want to inflict anyone else with that on the holidays.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then again, I don't think anyone holds the standard that I hold to myself. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When my daughter was little we had to run from home to home to celebrate. By the time the year was over I was glad that it would be a whole year before I had to do THAT again. Then as time went on and pain entered my life I began to resent it even more. I had to stop and remember, that for me, the reason of the season was not rushing around for the perfect gift and baking until I dropped. I had to remember that I had the perfect gift and I had a wonderful family that it was a joy to be around. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, how do I get through the holidays?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All I can say is thank goodness for Amazon. Well, I'm going to expand that to the whole internet. What was it like before? It's hard to remember life before one-click buying. I just don't have it in me to brave the crowds anymore. What would I want for myself and others that have illness as a part of their lives? I would want a magic wand to conjure up a cure for myself and others.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, now the craziness of Christmas is over and in just a few days it's the New Year. I've never liked going out New Years Eve. It's just not something I like to do. We usually go to dinner early and we're home before nine. Let everyone else party in the new year. I will watch the ball drop from my nice warm bed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really need to start thinking about my resolutions....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That I never keep........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, we're on to 2016......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh my gosh.........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2016???</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where did this year go???</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-29515144813519339492015-12-18T11:08:00.000-08:002015-12-18T11:08:25.081-08:00WE'RE ON HYPERDRIVE<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxN_S96zYbLp_STSkymEIBUYJTKK-kJxvtJC4lN6dzwyFdqfA-MlwJXdZ4D3-8IgAgbKrigMoORKykhlBzuyqv838CCDxsqxpZQVY3I9CrJhV3yhjmlJWw5qCZ2SxwKlmQZaKzohx6g4/s1600/warp_speed_4_by_welshdragon-d6nx99d.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxN_S96zYbLp_STSkymEIBUYJTKK-kJxvtJC4lN6dzwyFdqfA-MlwJXdZ4D3-8IgAgbKrigMoORKykhlBzuyqv838CCDxsqxpZQVY3I9CrJhV3yhjmlJWw5qCZ2SxwKlmQZaKzohx6g4/s320/warp_speed_4_by_welshdragon-d6nx99d.jpg" width="320" /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I keep reading the study.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over and over again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is it that simple?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can it be that simple?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have questions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a study that was recently published that shows altered MRI responses in patients with Fibromyalgia to, what should be, non painful sensory stimulation. Basically, the study showed that we are hypersensitive to everyday sensory stimulation. Our brains don't process the stimulation correctly. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When it should be stored in the background we keep it front and center.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plus, we don't initially recognize it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This falls in line with the study by Dr. Frank Rice and the AV shunts in our hands. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It seems that the nerve endings in the AV shunts in the palms of our hands hold the secret of Fibromyalgia. The AV stands for arteriole-venule which, up until now, just regulated blood flow. Now it seems that an over abundance of these nerve fibers are the source of our pain.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's possible.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anything is possible.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But this brings questions. Does that mean that these excess nerve fibers were a genetic anomaly? If that is the case then are they able to remain dormant and then be triggered by an illness or trauma?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of us can pinpoint when the pain started. For me, it was trauma. I don't understand....did the trauma cause my palms to grow excess nerve fibers or were they there and dormant. Can this be genetics?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the other side.....I can always feel a flare coming on because it starts with my hands. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They summarize that the blood flow is responsible for the muscular achiness and pain. The fatigue is from a build up of lactic acid and inflammation. It sounds like that triggers the brain going a little haywire. These shunts could be keeping blood flow from reaching deep into the muscles. As far as the brain going haywire....we all know what happens then.....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We can't sleep.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The interesting thing, to me, is that these shunts are critical for thermal regulation and our metabolism. It's that why some of us have heat or cold intolerance?? As far as our metabolism goes......could it be why this is so closely intertwined with our thyroid?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If this is the case why do some medications work for some people and not others? What about all the symptoms. Can it all be due to excess sensory fibers in our hands??</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm thinking about this.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I still have questions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think this bears watching.....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">but now, when I feel a flare coming on......</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I'm rubbing my hands.......</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'll take notice.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-15934750070467841042015-12-14T19:18:00.000-08:002015-12-14T19:18:20.361-08:00PRODUCT REVIEW: MASSAGE PRO BY UTOPIA GEAR<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrCt3GdwixWp8-qe7fzwpU-iA4OeRZ788xuGOFhRDcLg5mo9Ct7Eyn5TmUgP2dC7vSCI8rFiLuAAPhuDlryNiaBI_WX5c-r7UMOrQGOWNM9eziRAyPVPuRjhS99RvJbIliyyW8FlBh30/s1600/_DSC0135__31860.1433449678.133.122.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrCt3GdwixWp8-qe7fzwpU-iA4OeRZ788xuGOFhRDcLg5mo9Ct7Eyn5TmUgP2dC7vSCI8rFiLuAAPhuDlryNiaBI_WX5c-r7UMOrQGOWNM9eziRAyPVPuRjhS99RvJbIliyyW8FlBh30/s400/_DSC0135__31860.1433449678.133.122.jpg" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes it's true.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good things do come in small packages.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This one works.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">About a month ago I got an email from Brandon Molnar. He owns Utopia Gear and sells a product called <a href="http://www.utopiagear.com/product/tens-massagers/massage-pro-3-0/">Massage Pro</a>. He asked if I'd review his product and, since I've got issues with my back along with Fibromyalgia, I told him I'd be glad to do so. He shipped the box and I wanted to give it some time so I'd know if it really would work for my back as well as the Fibromyalgia.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I got the box and got familiar with the <a href="http://www.utopiagear.com/product/tens-massagers/massage-pro-3-0/">Massage Pro</a>. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, what is it? I could tell you but the website tells it best.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"The <a href="http://www.utopiagear.com/product/tens-massagers/massage-pro-3-0/">Massage Pro</a> 3.0 is a dual channel TENS/EMS unit used by physical therapists and chiropractors worldwide. This portable tens unit sends an electronic pulse to the nerve endings, which in turn makes the muscles contract, increasing circulation. Most pain is due to inflammation and research shows that increasing circulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce inflammation. </span></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.utopiagear.com/product/tens-massagers/massage-pro-3-0/">Massage Pro</a> 3.0 has two inputs, allowing 4 tens unit pads to run at one time and at different intensities; this is huge because you can essentially save time by having two different body parts being worked simultaneously at separate power levels. With 12 different modes to choose from, this is the world's best TENS unit." </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have a TENS unit but find it cumbersome to wear around. This fits easily in my pants pocket and very lightweight. That is a huge plus and makes it so I can "plug in" anywhere.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6s2WGkAe_7OJW6u7DpGh0zc7Pcx4vnOnKrrqx1IbGuH9tPg0RF2iL9SmWnx5kTH3EBBa8m8QBvG9MWpBy-apY_Ov-TNCyZOrlXtGLLpgD3SYC0I1OlUC4wAKdGQn1qT9yBIkRakyud8/s1600/img-7569__70459.1435173699.133.122.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6s2WGkAe_7OJW6u7DpGh0zc7Pcx4vnOnKrrqx1IbGuH9tPg0RF2iL9SmWnx5kTH3EBBa8m8QBvG9MWpBy-apY_Ov-TNCyZOrlXtGLLpgD3SYC0I1OlUC4wAKdGQn1qT9yBIkRakyud8/s400/img-7569__70459.1435173699.133.122.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He sent me information and let me know that Fibromyalgia patients usually find modes 2 and 3 irritating but I actually didn't mind any of them. I liked the first mode the best. You can set it up to an hour which was great for my back. I set it for 10 minutes to start but I found I could have it set for much longer. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everyone may not be like me and may like or not like all of the modes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What I do think is that it could be a useful tool in our belts to have. Our muscles need movement and this brings much needed circulation to help alleviate the pain. It helped me a great deal and I'm thankful they approached me to review it. As I write this post, I've got it on. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The company has generously offered a discount to readers if you want to purchase one of these units. If you use the code <b style="color: red;">SEEKING60 </b>the price of the 3.0 unit will drop to $149.99. If you want an easy way to the site click on any <a href="http://www.utopiagear.com/product/tens-massagers/massage-pro-3-0/">Massage Pro</a> on this post and it will take you directly there.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the features of the unit are: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">TENS/EMS Combo Unit</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LCD Display with backlight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ability to set the intensity independently for each channel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12 massage modes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10-60 minute adjustable timer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">20 levels of intensity</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 large and 1 small set of electrode pads</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">USB and wall adapter included</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Extremely portable, fits in your pocket, the ultimate mini massager</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rechargeable internal Lithium Ion battery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two year warranty</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't do many product reviews and the ones I have reviewed I truly do believe in. I'm not saying that it will work for everyone. We all have different levels of pain and, for some, it may be too much. To be fair, I waited until I had a real bad day and used it. Even though the pain was pretty intense I still found it helpful. During that time I was only able to use the first mode. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are looking for something like this please visit their site and support the company.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank You!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, because I must......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">between my headphones.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">my wires from the TENS unit...........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I might look a little suspicious ......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">if I try to board a plane....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I better unplug for that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah or Happy Holidays!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My best to you all!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Rosemary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-3298083194329373362015-12-07T20:16:00.001-08:002015-12-07T20:16:42.250-08:00AN APP FOR CHRONICS...ARE YOU KIDDING ME???<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMc2T9fJGtQwXARRMJD4sGoLJUCACK8C_y0NAjEsX-NuQA7OBGIn9pGgbuO3JR1614CLuZiKWOqfiVBf9tfht2_sh9dCfVP1GQX65Ee2d0aBOQdQ_IXGBAFaaeuKUF8vmWNqMz25xHW6g/s1600/il_fullxfull.382876059_g0w8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMc2T9fJGtQwXARRMJD4sGoLJUCACK8C_y0NAjEsX-NuQA7OBGIn9pGgbuO3JR1614CLuZiKWOqfiVBf9tfht2_sh9dCfVP1GQX65Ee2d0aBOQdQ_IXGBAFaaeuKUF8vmWNqMz25xHW6g/s320/il_fullxfull.382876059_g0w8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a reason....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that an acorn....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is a profile picture.....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's nuts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a new app for people with chronic illness coming out. Long story short? They are gambling with the idea that chronic patients will put up money to reach their health goals. If they reach their goals? </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They win. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If they don't?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They lose.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kinda sorta sounds like a Vegas kind of deal. Except we are up front about the fact that casinos were not built on winners. The other thing about Vegas? We tell people where to find help if they have a problem with gambling.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This startup sounds like it's banking on the fact that you won't reach your goals.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the article they even state it's not gambling because the patient has all the control. Never mind that there is a pot of money up for grabs. Never mind that they are using money as behavioral incentives and motivation.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Never mind that it sounds like a crock.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you leave or don't reach your goal the others will get a cut of the money that's leftover.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tell me that isn't gambling.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They want people to wager an amount of money that will motivate them. Ok....people who are ill usually have spent a great deal trying to find out what is wrong with them or trying to get better. Now, let's have an app that takes even more money from them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyone from Vegas will tell you it's foolish to bet against the house.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is no different.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't wait to see how they get around the money issue.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This sounds like the chronic community is going to get screwed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I just think most of them would like to be kissed first.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-69694190395440351992015-11-30T15:33:00.002-08:002015-11-30T15:33:35.670-08:00LET'S GET ADEQUATE PAIN RELIEF<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_9lUrg_TaMJtYjdemScY8WG8G70sl6nU3eq3szJVrT-Q8tyP2o9c8nOs04HdjMC3kkJ9KE9KKjRXc4RJru-4u7gI6gGnSYL_MPvw40w3E8vIjgNHJgtYlC8bQ0VV1E2L_UP99D4Q7bo/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_9lUrg_TaMJtYjdemScY8WG8G70sl6nU3eq3szJVrT-Q8tyP2o9c8nOs04HdjMC3kkJ9KE9KKjRXc4RJru-4u7gI6gGnSYL_MPvw40w3E8vIjgNHJgtYlC8bQ0VV1E2L_UP99D4Q7bo/s320/images.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The war on drugs. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It sounds good. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Countless lives have been ruined because of them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But, as usual, things go awry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's very irritating to me when I hear that in order to get a prescription at some of the chain pharmacies you have to go through some song and dance and convince the pharmacist that you actually need them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh, and I'm not talking about the patient.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm talking about the doctor.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's ridiculous when the pharmacists puts your doctor through an interrogation. They want to know if they've tried every other remedy before prescribing opiates. This is absolutely unbelievable to me. When can a pharmacist override the doctor? Who went to medical school??</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why isn't more research being done to bring about pain relief than can block the addictive properties of the drug? Heroin and morphine bind to a specific immune receptor TLR4. This receptor then becomes an amplifier for addiction. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why isn't naloxone being used more? Naloxone reverses the effects of the opioid and could save thousands of lives due to accidental overdose. Naloxone alters brain chemistry to stop the production of dopamine. So, if it blocks the production of Mr. Feelgood (dopamine) doesn't it stand to reason it would block the craving for the drugs?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can't tell me that the research isn't there.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was one published in 2012. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22895704">Opioid activation of toll-like receptor 4 contributes to drug reinforcement.</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They talk about Naloxone in emergency rooms and taking it off prescription and being available to anyone to be used to prevent death from opioid overdose. If it can be used as a stand alone why can't it be used to create pain relief that won't be addictive. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In October of 2013 the FDA drew huge praises from the addiction community by moving hydrocodone with acetominaphen to a Schedule 2 narcotic. The doctor cannot call in your refills. You must hand the prescription to the pharmacist personally. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They have made it harder to get Lortab, Vicodin and other addictive painkillers. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They are supposed to make painkillers harder to abuse. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For example, they inject Oxycontin with a gel that makes it harder to crushed and snorted. This kind of abuse deterrent is supposed to be a public health priority. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what did they do?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They approved Zohydro. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Zohydro is a long acting opioid. This drug is not intended for as-needed use. This is for patients who need long term, around the clock treatment. </span>This drug is not messing around. You can't drink alcohol. Let's face it, you're not supposed to drink with any pain medication but alcohol with this medication can result in fatal hydrocodone plasma levels in the blood. You even have to be careful taking anything that contains alcohol. This can even mean cough syrup.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love the insert on this drug. When addressing who should be prescribed this drug they talk about the opioid "naive." Excuse me??? </span>Zohydro is five to ten times more powerful than the currently available hydrocodone that's on the market. What the heck does opioid naive mean? To my mind? These pills shouldn't be available to everyone. It should be for terminal pain patients. If you're walking around, you shouldn't need Zohydro. It's that simple. The Attorney Generals of 28 states sent a letter to the F.D.A. protesting the approval of this drug. To be </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fair, the makers of Zohydro have contracted with a Canadian company to come up with an abuse deterrent formula but who knows how long that will take.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> This drug was meant for cancer patients but everyone knows it will be on the street soon enough. Pill mills will push these babies out and they can be crushed, snorted and will kill people.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So we are back to the problem.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why can't we have pain relief that helps moderate to severe pain without the addictive properties? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not out of the question.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">When you look at all the commercials ....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">And the outrageous side effects.........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">And it still is approved........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">You're telling me it's impossible to get adequate pain relief.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Without the additictive properties......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't believe it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-90615526409139263732015-11-26T20:05:00.001-08:002015-11-26T20:05:37.906-08:00HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXQnyY3KGd5ti3Am2OrZiM_poMvR8PuLKRCQ6VS10UT4BQUOAL3UGbEbh5clMR3nWNmwHr-O0-ewP2tD6YgDBI-JmbWpDzebbTO-mvH3QuS64ZMpSorI2Wvey9yjufvfUa27hW7Mx5V4/s1600/635824682870814945-138514658_post-what-are-you-thankful-for-thanksgiving-contest1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXQnyY3KGd5ti3Am2OrZiM_poMvR8PuLKRCQ6VS10UT4BQUOAL3UGbEbh5clMR3nWNmwHr-O0-ewP2tD6YgDBI-JmbWpDzebbTO-mvH3QuS64ZMpSorI2Wvey9yjufvfUa27hW7Mx5V4/s320/635824682870814945-138514658_post-what-are-you-thankful-for-thanksgiving-contest1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes we forget.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes we just lose sight,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of what is important.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm thankful for the pain so when it ends I know the feeling of relief. I'm thankful for hunger so I know what it feels like to be full. I'm thankful for the tough times so I'll be grateful for the times of plenty. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm thankful that I have a wonderful, beautiful daughter. She's the light of my life. I'm so proud of the woman that she's become. She's a accomplished woman who stands tall. I look at her and marvel that I had a hand in all of this. She's got a tender heart and loves with her whole heart. Her smile lights up the world. To top it all off I have a grandson. He calls me Meemaw and, yes, we are Big Bang Theory nuts. He is my moon pie because he is so num-num-nummy that I could just eat him up. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm thankful for a wonderful extended family that are my daughter and son-in-laws friends who have welcomed me into their homes and their hearts. They love laughter and friends and dogs. It's so nice that their group of friends are all so wonderful. I'm thankful that my daughter has her best friend that is right beside her with children of her own and they can go on this magical ride of motherhood together.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm thankful for my best friend of 20+ years. It's the friend that we all need. It's a friend that will laugh and cry with you. A friend who'll have your back and cover your ass as well. (I know where all the bones are buried!) It's a friend that will tell you the truth knowing that the truth may be painful. A friend that accepts your flaws, applauds your triumphs and cries with you when you're hurt. He's my friend that will always be there through thick and thin. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We were brought together by a lingering ex-boyfriend and have stayed friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm thankful for Facebook. Before you laugh it's been the vehicle that has brought classmates from years past back into my life. We are all friends for life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm thankful that my many annoyances with my health can be managed. I've had friends fighting for their lives with cancer. Some of them lost the fight. Nothing can compare to chemo and radiation. You see the pain and the suffering. You see hair falling out in clumps. You see realization that even though their desire to fight is strong, they know they may lose the battle. I'm not minimizing Fibromyalgia but if this is the worst that I have to deal with in this life.....well, I'm fortunate. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm thankful for my dog who continually reminds me how to be content. He greets me with enthusiasm that goes through his whole body. He knows he has everything he needs and sleeps contentedly with thoughts of snackers and babies running through his head. I'm thankful for Costco because without Costco chicken he wouldn't eat. (Well, we all know he would but I've spoiled him rotten.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm thankful for a wonderful and loving God who doesn't give me all I pray for and yet gives me more than I need. I'm thankful that there is enough food and I'm mindful of those who are not as fortunate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, on this Thanksgiving 2015,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">find time to sit back and reflect,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and be thankful,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">because no matter how bad it is,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">it could always be worse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">God Bless you and your families.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Thanksgiving!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, if I don't gain 10 lbs. by morning....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would not be grateful for that!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-30521344132395548072015-11-13T09:53:00.000-08:002015-11-13T09:53:11.001-08:00THE DAMAGE DONE BY 60 MINUTES<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TEZ6re7a1rj_CEid-lnATrarFhxKtF73K5c70SXuTJ22WC77cFabqO7hIeC8-kzGCFz_scKBXaYAJm7LDq6xBJKKmYDCGsOyCePmfauDuZxjlRoEXhXEC98bSZpRCakrkkK-KrbA2BM/s1600/PRESCRIPTION+BOTTLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TEZ6re7a1rj_CEid-lnATrarFhxKtF73K5c70SXuTJ22WC77cFabqO7hIeC8-kzGCFz_scKBXaYAJm7LDq6xBJKKmYDCGsOyCePmfauDuZxjlRoEXhXEC98bSZpRCakrkkK-KrbA2BM/s1600/PRESCRIPTION+BOTTLE.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I watched 60 minutes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And my heart sank.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pain patients don't matter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know those people are hurting. They lost someone they loved to addiction and the problem all started with opioids. I basically heard them tell me that I don't know what it's like to lose someone and that it could have been different if they hadn't gotten hooked on opioids.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They wrong.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know very well what it's like and it makes me angry. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Very angry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not angry at the system and I'm not angry at the drugs. I'm angry because the typical reaction is, when any tragedy happens, is to blame the object and outlaw it. It doesn't matter that there are many law abiding people that depend on these medications to live a functional life. The only thing that matters is that some people have died and that they are somehow not to blame; the pills are to blame.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Funny, it doesn't work that way with alcohol related deaths.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We don't blame the car.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's put this under a microscope and have people spend more than 30 seconds in pain management. Instead of throwing hydrocodone or oxycodone at patients who have a tooth pulled let's try using some common sense. Instead of spending less than ten minutes with a patient in pain management and leaving with narcotics wouldn't it make sense to have some counseling go along with it? Let's also do some genetic testing so we know what the dosage should be and how it will be metabolized by the individuals system. Instead of throwing prescriptions at people could they just talk to you first and find out what is going on? Would that be too difficult?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And while I'm on the subject.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All this so-called "shaming." There's fat shaming, body shaming, skinny shaming, illness shaming and now pill shaming..... all this garbage. When is just being mean "shaming." Puts a sweet spin on someone who just wants to be cruel. Everyone has an opinion behind a keyboard. Social Media is wonderful in some respects but, I'll tell you, I'm REAL glad it wasn't around when I was in school. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you don't agree with someone it is now ok to be cruel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No. It isn't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So we are now going to pill shame. It's not like I've got a boo-boo on my finger and prescribed pain medication. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Voodoo pain is the pain that I live with. I know that at any point in time someone is going to stab that little voodoo doll with a pin and I will feel a stabbing pain somewhere. If they hug and squeeze that little voodoo doll I'm going to have a dull ache all over my body. Again, this pain I've learned to handle. It's when the pain increases to whole other level; my whole body feels likes it's being compressed like a junk car that is being compressed to the size of a box of cornflakes. That voodoo doll? It's being stabbed all over....over and over again with a ferocious intensity. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is that pain that makes have to take pain medication to make it tolerable.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are a lot of people like me. Maybe I don't have an addictive personality. I heard that one from my doctor. Maybe it's because I metabolize opioids slowly. I can't take very much because it stays with me. People that metabolize it quickly may have to have a different dosage or maybe that's where the trouble comes in. I don't know. I just think we have to do things differently.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The knee jerk reaction of taking it all away will not work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It didn't work with Prohibition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It didn't work with the war on drugs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All it serves is to push it underground.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Which is precisely what is happening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-86320279470169107072015-11-08T10:30:00.000-08:002015-11-08T10:30:51.941-08:00WOW! THERE'S A NEWSFLASH<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlXecEvl3k5QQVstqD0h5WVKYqHtoYUDgdysti87kE8m3VPiqUNB1-X6orKjum3gsTNz6KGOW49dWZi6PlApUSALERvb6sh4sc4LTRej39UUKC4Uygv52cIuWxuUCGT2HuYnAz5xMk4w/s1600/CHRONIC+PAIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlXecEvl3k5QQVstqD0h5WVKYqHtoYUDgdysti87kE8m3VPiqUNB1-X6orKjum3gsTNz6KGOW49dWZi6PlApUSALERvb6sh4sc4LTRej39UUKC4Uygv52cIuWxuUCGT2HuYnAz5xMk4w/s320/CHRONIC+PAIN.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Really?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I never would have thought.....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">According to the National Institute of Health people in pain use more health resources than people who are not in pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ya think?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Approximately 23 million people catagorized their pain as a level 3 or 4. For the basis of this survey a one was the least severe and least bothersome and the highest was a level for for the most severe and most persistent. It was interesting that women were the most likely to report pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what does this do?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't think the sheer volume of people reporting severe pain was expected and maybe, just maybe, they will want to evaluate what can be done for chronic, severe pain patients. The research also wants to look at complementary procedures, such as yoga and massage, that may help pain as well. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's clear that shoving strong pain medication to patients isn't an answer. Neither is denying pain medication. It's clear that a different approach is needed. Personally, I think that finding out how a person processes medications is key. Everyone metabolizes medications differently so how can you know how a medication will affect your body unless you test for it? Part of the problem is </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think part of the problem is that most of these people live their lives in an educational bubble. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes I wonder if the people who research chronic pain and Fibromyalgia have ever been in chronic pain. I love reading articles by Ph.D's that feel if chronic pain sufferers would stop thinking about their pain, then they might not experience as much of it.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's called pain catastrophizing.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It means just what it sounds like and what it implies is also just what it sounds like.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm back to central sensitization. People with Fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain because of increased sensitivity in the brain to it's pain signals. It's not what happens, it seems to be how it happens. Why they're stuck on cognitive behavioral therapy and trying to blame pain amplification on "catastrophizing" is beyond me. It's almost as if they can't find the on/off switch in our brains so they don't bother. I really want one of these guys to experience chronic pain and then tell me that if we think good thoughts it will get better.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've always said that attitude helps us get through very tough and painful times. It helps for a lot of things but it doesn't take away the pain. It is purely a coping strategy. That's all it is. There are affective dysfunctions, central nervous system abnormalities and cognitive dysfunctions. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even after all the research the treatments for Fibromyalgia include: Reduce stress, get sleep, exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Boy, I can't tell you how much that advice helps me. Isn't that what we should be doing in the first place?</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I don't buy any of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what to do?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think they need to recognize the legitimacy of pain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">23 million people are not catastrophizing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They are in pain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And something needs to be done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-30105143783761982982015-10-27T09:59:00.000-07:002015-10-27T09:59:04.111-07:00EVEN THE CAFFEINE DOESN'T WORK<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCn7ygI_Iw1EFbuXGiuYsWUHbA5RvkSu7NschtJ3Zq5ii2TYOL59GuUrS_XCIW03eTZ4er9NEmA6xOIRGSW8iDYN9PHijW9pG91itzCnDkmAUHR71VQ3nKGt257lWwgKWZ0BNcyDldWU/s1600/IMG_7642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCn7ygI_Iw1EFbuXGiuYsWUHbA5RvkSu7NschtJ3Zq5ii2TYOL59GuUrS_XCIW03eTZ4er9NEmA6xOIRGSW8iDYN9PHijW9pG91itzCnDkmAUHR71VQ3nKGt257lWwgKWZ0BNcyDldWU/s320/IMG_7642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel like crap.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need caffeine.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It started out bad.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It didn't get better as the day went on.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The prognosis isn't good for the rest of the evening.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me give you a little overview of the day. I don't know why I'm constantly surprised when I put my feet on the floor in the morning and my body feels like I've been beaten with a baseball bat. I'm used to the stiffness that doesn't go away until mid-morning; I can deal with that. What's difficult to deal with is the pain that has velcroed itself to my body and refuses to let up. So, as I hobble to the kitchen to make a concoction that kind of resembles coffee, I remember that I left my thyroid medication by the bed. I try to take it first thing in the morning because if I don't, I'll forget. So I hobble back to get the medication. Unfortunately, my dog has gotten up and he wants to be outdoors. So I turn around and as I walk on the lead weights that are my legs mouthing "ow" with every other breath, I put Buster outside and then start my trek back to the kitchen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crap.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I forgot the fricking medication <b>AGAIN</b>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Screw it. I'll take it later.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll live to regret those words.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I start my coffee (and I use the term loosely) and get the non-fat creamer, three Sweet and Low and sugar free chocolate syrup so that it will resemble light brown milk. My daughter visibly shudders when she watches me make coffee! Even the people at Starbucks can't believe what they hear when I order. Did I mention that my hands also hurt? As I get the cream out of the refrigerator it slips out of my hands and suddenly, splat! Yep, I've got cream all over the floor. Fortunately, Buster comes in the kitchen looking like he hit the lottery and at this point I let him lick the mess up off the floor. Then I remember that he doesn't digest milk well, so I know I'll pay for this later if I let him continue. I give up and throw the whole roll of paper towels on the floor and wipe up the cream. At this point, I don't even want the coffee anymore. I head back to the fridge and get a diet coke. I need the caffeine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I figure I'll go to the gym. I don't know why I do it. Everything I read says I need the movement and that it will help with the pain. If anyone says that to me today my answer will be, "bite me." I'm wiped out after I walk and I come home and go to sleep. Now let me explain the trip to the gym.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get in the car and pull out of the garage. Then I look down and I pull back into the garage. I go inside and get my phone and the gym bag. I can't remember anything today! Okay, I'm ready to go now. I get ready to pull the car out of the garage again and ........no, I'm not. I have to take my pain medication otherwise I won't be able to walk. If I don't take it before I get there it won't kick in. Great. So I pull back in the garage, nearly forget to put the car in park, go inside and take the pain medication. I hobble back to the garage......</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>NOW</b> I'm ready to go.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the time I get to the gym I'm exhausted. I just want to go home and put the covers over my head. Maybe I just should have stayed in bed today. It isn't looking good so far but, I keep going and make to to the gym and walk. By the time I hit 3 miles I'm crying. Maybe I should just go home. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hate looking at women older than I am who are practically running. I am so envious of people that can walk without pain. As I walk I realize how much I took for granted. I took my health for granted, my body and my work for granted. I just wish I could go back a couple of years before the accident. It's very sobering and depressing to realize that you can <b>NEVER</b> go back. But, I hobble on......</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get home and get back into bed and put the pillows around my head and that is where I have been all day and night. It's just one of those days where my mood has gotten worse with every passing hour. It's so frustrating to forget everything. I tried using the weekly pill dispenser but I forget to fill it and even when I do remember to fill it, I forget to use it. I even put it in my calendar on my phone but I forget to look at it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I should take a bath.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of hours in the tub should shake off this mood.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nope.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I could sleep I'd say tomorrow will be a better day.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I probably won't sleep either.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the way, I forgot to take my thyroid medication today.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did anyone get the license plate of that truck that hit me?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-23113168204761631872015-10-17T19:08:00.000-07:002015-10-17T19:08:34.709-07:00HOW NOT TO TRAVEL TIPS<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5BSBtJzKJGfTwHABjUy43EHVSdoybDnOGA3cNJalwcyMprCWjd2Y8kyT01ZCUfPtmSngPlc7AS0qjjEqAlA-ppLcTVwe6by8FA8udPtAl24euKZMJHjNEnyXXqPyvbr9w9oAPQhpPxc/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5BSBtJzKJGfTwHABjUy43EHVSdoybDnOGA3cNJalwcyMprCWjd2Y8kyT01ZCUfPtmSngPlc7AS0qjjEqAlA-ppLcTVwe6by8FA8udPtAl24euKZMJHjNEnyXXqPyvbr9w9oAPQhpPxc/s320/download.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is worse?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Traveling?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or the thought of it?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it's a tie.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you live in some level of pain on a daily basis even the thought of going to the grocery store is sometimes a bit overwhelming. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now try taking a long trip. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I read through travel tips online and read books. I know in my head what to do and what not to do. Did I listen to any of it?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to admit that I started to hyperventilate at the thought of being on an airplane for 13 hours. I take that back. I nearly passed out. The thought of being cooped up in a cigar tube for that long just does not appeal to me whatsoever. I will talk myself out of having a good time just thinking about a plane flight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went to see my doctor and asked for a prescription of Valium. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I truly needed it. I don't often ask my doctor for prescriptions like this. He knows me well and if I ask, well, he knows I've got a good reason for it. Years ago my former husband and I were coming back home and it was a real bad flight. I wasn't nervous....air turbulence happens all the time. It was when the pilot opened the cockpit door (many years ago wasn't it?) pointed and told the flight attendants to get down. He shouted that command. Then the plane nearly flipped on its side and people started screaming.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I got scared.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since then I haven't loved flying. I know in my head that it is safer than a car but it's that darn control thing that continually pops up. People always say that "if it's your time there's nothing you can do," but my comeback is, "what if it's the other guys time?" I'm almost positive that if I was in the cockpit I'd be fine but, well....ok.....I'm a control freak and it isn't going to happen. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most travel tips tell you to get the aisle seat. If that's where you feel the most comfortable by all means follow that advice. For me the aisle seat is next to death. I feel surrounded. I, personally, like the window seat. I look out and see endless sky and that makes me feel less encumbered. I know it's a pain when I have to crawl over anyone to get to the bathroom but I love looking out of the window. The other thing that is necessary for those in pain is to get a bulkhead seat. You can stretch your legs out and it makes flying economy bearable. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's also very important to stay hydrated. Dehydration makes your tissues more sensitive and since you can't take liquids past security I got a S'well bottle. They are a little costly but they are worth every penny. They do keep liquids ICE COLD for 24 hours. After I passed through security I went to the bar and had them give me some ice and fill it with water. It's nice to have water handy so you don't have to wait for the attendants and the beverage cart. I've heard that iced drinks aren't real popular in Europe so I figured this bottle would keep me sane and I wouldn't have to be always searching for ice.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found a travel purse on Amazon. It was made by a company called Daymakers and it was their BeSafeBag. I has separate compartments for phones, tablets, documents and even RFID security. This purse was WONDERFUL and it feels comfortable over your shoulder. It wasn't heavy or cumbersome at all and I really had it filled. I had a small issue arise and the company sent me another. It is rare that you find a company that stands behind their products; no questions asked. I would recommend them just like I do Costco and Nordstrom. Not many companies do this and they deserve a huge shout out. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also found out that under no circumstances do you try to anticipate the amount of pain you will be in and bring everything under the sun to combat it. I have several tens units. That in itself is fine but I brought all three of them so I wouldn't have to continually charge them. In the event the converter didn't work I wanted to be prepared. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also decided to put a ton of makeup in the carry on, you know, just in case my bags got lost. I didn't want to be without that! Then there were the prescriptions of antibiotics, muscle relaxers, converters and adapters that also went into the carry on. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter the carry on bag that weighed 20 pounds.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, lets talk luggage. Just because you can take up to 50 lbs. doesn't mean you should. I don't care if it has 2 or 4 rollers, when you have to roll those bags into the airport, combined with the carry on and let's not forget the purse that you've crammed your ipad, wallet, iPhone, documents and more makeup and prescriptions into you look like a pack horse. Also, you hurt like hell even before you get on the plane.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the time I got to the gate I was in full snarl mode.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried to pack smart. I really did. I'm comfortably monochromatic so every black t-shirt I owned went in there along with some sandals, flats and tennis shoes. Also, I didn't need three pairs of jeans, shorts, sweaters and jackets in case it got cold and dress clothes complete with heels. Am I nuts? I also didn't account for the gifts I'd be bringing back. So, there was the purchase of another small bag to hold the things I brought home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's face it. I totally screwed up. As I wheeled that bag through train stations and airports I was ready to throw it over a cliff. If I hadn't packed clothes I really loved, I probably would have. I didn't need most of the things that I packed. I didn't use most of the things that I packed. All I did was carry it around and cursed myself for doing it. I also didn't account for the fact that on a train it goes in the overhead compartments. I should have had my head examined. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the time I left I had made myself crazy and that wasn't necessary either. I was so concerned about what I might need that I totally buried the reason for the vacation. Did I need something to wear for every single day? No, there are laundry services. The only thing I did was make myself more work there and more work when I got home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I've been on hypervigilance for so long that I forgot how to have fun. I have realized that it doesn't do any good to overthink the process. Days will come and go and worrying about what might happen or how I might feel doesn't do any good. I don't need to take anything more than I absolutely need because it's a trip not a change in geography. I don't need to take everything I own....just in case. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always remember that you will have to lug around everything you pack. Even if it's from the car to the curb it will be too heavy for you. I still had pain and had to pace myself just like I do at home and it wasn't the end of the world if I had to stop and rest. There are long lines everywhere and it's imperative to take it easy. Just getting through customs can be daunting. The lines were VERY long. The best thing I did was to get the TSA PreCheck done. We sailed through and it was worth it. No taking off shoes and coming back into the country was a visit to a kiosk and then handing the receipt to the agent. Again, worth it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have I learned anything about traveling? Some things yes and others no. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Type A squared and I just don't seem to get it. I need to commit to small suitcases and realize that the world won't end if I don't take a ton of clothing...you know....for every occasion and every weather condition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What didn't change?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was always in some level of pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Same as home.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I over-thought the process.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Same as home.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was overly concerned about what "could" happen. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Same as home.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what did I accomplish?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-90771278305141471512015-10-03T11:19:00.002-07:002015-10-03T11:19:37.350-07:00WILL THE FIBROMYALGIA CODE FIX STUPID?<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion2lod3Hb1W0nWRslslgxWYJSjt3rVJkcXsAlmMzCPgJpeljmCdr9qXNXBV1B0giRNKiq69ObqOJNxoS_mp0EDCtpNJhyphenhyphendm9S-LGbfk6wNga9aByOiOXlVG9CL1aiRVP8XnsQWE4a69Q/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion2lod3Hb1W0nWRslslgxWYJSjt3rVJkcXsAlmMzCPgJpeljmCdr9qXNXBV1B0giRNKiq69ObqOJNxoS_mp0EDCtpNJhyphenhyphendm9S-LGbfk6wNga9aByOiOXlVG9CL1aiRVP8XnsQWE4a69Q/s320/IMG_0255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so excited!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We could have an accurate diagnosis.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I thought about it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've gone to doctors that absolutely refused to write about Fibromyalgia in my charts. He looked right at me and said, "well, I'm not writing THAT down." I've been to doctors that have given me the "oh-suck-it-up" look and shrugged their shoulders. I went to a dermatologist because the skin was peeling off my fingers and, I kid you not, he walked out of the room and looked back at me and said, "you know, you do live in the desert."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will one little code fix that kind of attitude?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You just can't fix stupid.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Health care has gone beyond terrible. T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hose who belittle and dismiss your symptoms as, "all in your head." The ones that tell you Fibromyalgia isn't real and they certainly won't write that down in your chart. The ones that have you crying when you leave the office. They are also the physicians that have you doubting yourself and you start thinking about what you did to deserve this or, worse, what you did to yourself that brought this on. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then there are the doctors and clinics that will take thousands from you, knowing there is no cure, give you false hope and when things don't work tell you that you're on the right track.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will a simple code fix all this?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, there's the other end of the spectrum. I've almost become embarrassed to say the word Fibromyalgia. People look at you like it's the garbage can diagnosis that some doctors have made it out to be. If they can't tell what's wrong with you....well then......it must be Fibromyalgia. It may very well be just that......but it's the look that goes along with it that gets to you. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's the look of disdain or the just plain patronizing that gets to me. It's the almost pitying look that says, "well.....if you believe it....." I'm really tired of doctors pulling that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me get this straight. There is a code for being sucked into a jet engine (V97.33). There is a code for other contact with a pig (W55.49X???). There is a code for being struck with a turkey (W61.62X). It took this long to get a code for Fibromyalgia??????</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, back to the question.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will the code fix it?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether they like it or not, Fibromyalgia is real and recognized. I just don't think that years of thinking that it's a problem of neurotic, middle aged women will go away quickly. There will always be doctors that are more interested in getting you out of the office than finding out what's really wrong. Having said that.......</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm convinced that my dog gets better care than I do.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vet comes in the room and bends down and pets him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calls him by his name and lets him know that she cares.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At that point my dogs tail is wagging a mile a minute.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there's medication she explains how to use it and what it's for.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She really wants to get to the bottom of the problem.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus, she wants to know in a FEW DAYS if the medication is working.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AND,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SHE REALLY LOVE PETS.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I should go to a veterinarian.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dog doesn't know how lucky he is.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2608274933866038080.post-88277397284107981272015-10-01T13:49:00.002-07:002015-10-01T15:06:30.518-07:00REMEMBER THIS DAY 10/1/15<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As of today,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">October 1, 2015,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fibromyalgia </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">has it's own ICD-10 code.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">M79.7.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No longer can a doctor look at you</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and say Fibromyalgia doesn't exist.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can finally have a real diagnosis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Rosemary Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18413577350795054949noreply@blogger.com0