Daily Posts From Fighting Fatigue 

CFS, Fibromyalgia & Interstitial Cystitis

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Posts From Chronic Health Blog 

My daily posts on chronic illness and the latest in health news.

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Conditions With Similar Symptoms to Interstitial Cystitis 

Interstitial Cystitis has been an illness that has been misdiagnosed and undiagnosed in many people over the years. Times are changing in the medical community and more urologists are recognizing IC as a real chronic illness. But there are still other conditions that Interstitial Cystitis can be misdiagnosed for.

Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder occurs when abnormal nerves send signals to the bladder at the wrong time. This makes the muscles squeeze without warning, and can cause patients to lose control of their bladder.

Symptoms of overactive bladder can include the need to urinate suddenly, which are common symptoms in IC Disease. The website All About IC reports that in a small study of less than 100 people who were diagnosed with overactive bladder over half actually had evidence that they had Interstitial Cystitis.

Recurrent UTIs
Urinary Tract Infections affect millions of people each year with most of them being women. A woman has a 1 in 5 chance of getting a UTI at some point in her life.

UTIs are caused by bacterial infections in the urinary tract, typically E.Coli. Common symptoms of UTIs include the urge to urinate frequently, pain or burning during urination, and an uncomfortable pressure or pain in the pelvic area. These are all symptoms of IC Disease. The difference with IC Disease is that no bacteria is present upon urine testing.

For years I was diagnosed (at least twice a year) with UTIs. Now I know that it was the IC. If you are treated for a UTI but you find your symptoms return frequently, check with a urologist to see if you possibly have IC Disease.

Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue from the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus. Patients with unresolved, chronic or persistent endometriosis often report chronic pain, usually in the pelvic area or lower back. They may experience painful urination, especially during their periods, and pain during or after sex. Other common symptoms of unresolved endometriosis may include painful or heavy periods, painful bowel movements during menstruation, and fatigue. Most of these symptoms are similar to the symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis.

Some women with endometriosis will have their entire uterus removed in order to have relief. If she is still not getting any relief or the symptoms do not go away, IC may be suspected. That would be awful for a woman to go through a surgery like that just to have the same symptoms returned, but it happens with IC. Women who have symptoms after the surgery have what is called unresolved endometriosis.

In a study of 60 patients at a regional pelvic pain center, 80% of women had both endometriosis and IC at the same time, which is why treating the endometriosis alone often may not relieve the pain.

Cervicitis
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix. It is a very common condition that will affect more than half of adult women during their life. Cervicitis is typically caused by infection, sexually-transmitted diseases or strep. If the cervix is irritated by a cervical cap or diaphragm, even normal vaginal bacteria can cause cervicitis.

Some symptoms of cervicitis can mimic IC, such as vaginal pain, pain during or after sex, and a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis.

Cervicitis can be treated and healed by treating whatever originally caused the problem (infection, STD, etc.) If you are being treated for chronic cervicitis, have your doctor check to see if you might possibly have IC Disease.

Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition of the vaginal area that affects the external female genitalia, including the vagina, the labia, and the clitoris. The pain in Vulvodynia may be described as stabbing, burning, stinging, irritating, a dull and sharp ache around the vaginal opening. There is no infection found in women with Vulvodynia as a cause.

Symptoms of Vulvodynia that mimic that of IC Disease include chronic pain in the pelvic area, including the lower belly, the vagina, the perineum, and even the inner thighs. The pain may be continuous or intermittent. It may become more intense during a woman's period, during sex, or after sex. For some women, the pain is sharp and localized, while for others, it feels more like an ache or a burning sensation.

It is possible that IC may be a cause of Vulvodynia for some women. The causes of Vulvodynia are unknown and this condition too can be difficult to diagnose.

What Is Chronic Illness 

When someone says they have a chronic illness, what do you think? Do we really grasp what the word "chronic" means?

I found a great definition for "chronic illness" on the endoflifecare.com website:

A chronic illness isn't the name of just one illness. It's a word used to describe a group of health conditions that last a long time.
When we have a cold or the flu, we feel crappy for a short time but recover. When someone has a chronic illness, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, diabetes, and Multiple Sclerosis, the person will be sick for the rest of their lives unless a cure is found. Imagine that - never getting well, being sick until you die. For someone who is healthy, that is a hard reality to fathom.

Chronic illnesses are not contagious and the person with the chronic illness may not always be symptomatic or even look sick. So it can be easy for people to assume that because the person may look well, or may not be experiencing symptoms at that moment, that there is nothing wrong with them.

Chronically ill patients spend a lot of time at the doctors, and some have many doctors. For example, with the illnesses I have I need to see different doctors: family doctor, urologist, CFS specialist and a Fibromyalgia specialist. Chronically ill patients also have to be more vigilant about their healthcare in general because their weak bodies can become susceptible to other illnesses and worsening of symptoms.

If you live with a loved one who has a chronic illness, whether it be you child or your spouse, life can be very difficult at times. Patients can be bedridden for weeks or even months depending on the type of chronic illness they have and the severity of it. For children, it can be hard for them to understand why mommy or daddy is always sick and can't play with them. For the spouse, anger and resentment can result because he or she feels as though they have to sacrifice a lot of their own time to do things that the sick spouse can't.

From personal experience, I have found that talking to my husband and sharing my feelings and what I need from him has made our marriage strong through all of this. You also need to listen and take their feelings into consideration as well. Your chronic illness affects them, too. Explain to your spouse that there are times when you just need someone to talk to. Men want to fix things and when you are pouring your heart out, they are trying to find a solution. You can't fix chronic illness, you just have to learn how to live with it. Tell your spouse, "I just need you to listen to me right now - no advice, no solutions - just listen and let me get these feelings off of my chest."

Realizing that you are chronically ill and learning how to deal with it will benefit your health in the long run. The emotional stress of being sick will just make you worse. If you find that you can't talk to someone in your home or your family, seek counseling.

Believing In Chronic Illness 

Top Five Chronic Illnesses 

More than 90 million Americans suffer from some form of chronic illness. The top five chronic illnesses are:

• Heart disease


• Cancer


• Stroke


• COPD


• Diabetes

These five chronic illnesses together cause more than two-thirds of all deaths.

Heart Disease
There are many reasons why someone can develop heart disease: coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, heredity, heart attack, cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary heart disease. Poor dieting, smoking and other lifestyle issues have caused an increase in heart disease over the years.

My husband has congestive heart failure due to heredity. At the age of 50 he had triple-bypass surgery. He had his first heart attack at 40 and has had a total of seven heart attacks.

Cancer
Cancer is caused by an overgrowth of abnormal cells. There are many, many types of cancer. Although the prognosis for people with different forms of cancer has improved over the years, there are still too many people who die each year.

Stroke
A person will have a stroke when a blood vessel bursts in the brain or when there is a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain. Hypertension, heart attack, and cerebral hemorrhage are just a few of the things that can cause stroke.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is actually two related illnesses of the respiratory system: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people diagnosed with COPD will have both of these illnesses. The cause of COPD is years of heavy cigarette smoking.

Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the body is no longer able to handle sugar, or when the ability is greatly reduced. Approximately 8 million people have diabetes and those numbers are increasing, especially among the youth. It is believed that there are still another 8 million people who have diabetes but have yet to be diagnosed.

Most people have Type II Diabetes, which is what usually afflicts adults and is heredity. Type I Diabetes is what mostly affects children and that number is growing.

CDC Criteria for Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 

Plus My Own Notes!

The current criteria for CFS is as follows:

Clinically evaluated, unexplained, persistent, or relapsing fatigue that is:

• Of new or definite onset


• Not a result of ongoing exertion


• Not alleviated by rest


• Results in a substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, social, or personal activity

Four or more of the following symptoms that persist or recur during 6 or more consecutive months of illness & that do not predate the fatigue:

• Self-reported impairment of short-term memory or concentration


• Sore throat


• Tender lymph nodes


• Muscle pain


• Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness


• Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity


• Unrefreshing and/or interrupted sleep


• Post-exertion malaise (this is a feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness) lasting more than 24 hours.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active, unresolved or suspected disease that is likely to cause fatigue


• Psychotic, melancholic, or bipolar depression (but not uncomplicated major depression)


• Psychotic disorders


• Dementia


• Anorexia or bulimia nervosa


• Alcohol or other substance misuse


• Severe obesity

Additional symptoms that are not listed with the official diagnostic CDC criteria:

• Pain


• Allergies


• Chemical sensitivities


• Secondary infections, including Candida and viral infections


• Cognitive impairment, including short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating and doing word searches and math problems


• Digestive disturbances, such as chronic constipation or diarrhea, usually alternating


• Night sweats or spontaneous daytime sweats, unaccompanied by fever


• Weakness, muscle fatigue, and pain


• PMS that worsens


• Sleep disorders, including excessive sleep (hypersomnia), light sleep, or an inability to sleep for more than an hour


• A period of 1 - 3 hours after awakening during which sufferers are too exhausted to get out of bed


• Cystitis, particularly Interstitial Cystitis in which urine cultures are negative


• Vision and eye problems including sensitivity to light, dry eyes, tunnel vision, night blindness, and difficulty focusing


• Dizziness

An initial office exam by a physician may also find the following signs:

• Low blood pressure, particularly on standing


• Slightly elevated oral temperatures, but less than 100 degrees F which are part of persistent flu-like symptoms


• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)


• A positive Romberg test (unsteadiness when standing with eyes closed)

Other symptoms that I have found that are common:

• Low Cortisol levels


• Low Pregnenalone levels


• Hypothyroidism


• Chronic active levels of Epstein Barr Virus


• HV6 (Human Herpes Virus 6) - active levels


• Low functioning levels of NK (Natural Killer) Cell Activity

As you can see from this huge list, CFIDS is a very complex disease - can you see why I so want the name officially changed? It is so much more than just "Chronic Fatigue".

Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria 

The American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia

History of widespread pain has been present for at least three months
Definition: Pain is considered widespread when all of the following are present:

• Pain in both sides of the body


• Pain above and below the waist In addition, axial skeletal pain (cervical spine, anterior chest, thoracic spine or low back pain) must be present. Low back pain is considered lower segment pain.

Pain in 11 of 18 tender point sites on digital palpation
Definition: Pain, on digital palpation, must be present in at least 11 of the following 18 tender point sites:

Occiput (2) - at the suboccipital muscle insertions.

Low cervical (2) - at the anterior aspects of the intertransverse spaces at C5-C7.

Trapezius (2) - at the midpoint of the upper border.

Supraspinatus (2) - at origins, above the scapula spine near the medial border.

Second rib (2) - upper lateral to the second costochondral junction.

Lateral epicondyle (2) - 2 cm distal to the epicondyles.

Gluteal (2) - in upper outer quadrants of buttocks in anterior fold of muscle.

Greater trochanter (2) - posterior to the trochanteric prominence.

Knee (2) - at the medial fat pad proximal to the joint line.
Digital palpation should be performed with an approximate force of 4 kg.

A tender point has to be painful at palpation, not just "tender."

Illustration of Tender Points



Fibromyalgia Syndrome Symptoms

Condition
% of FMS Symptoms

Muscular Pain
100

Fatigue
96

Insomnia
86

Joint Pains
72

Headaches
60

Restless Legs
56

Numbness and Tingling
52

Impaired Memory
46

Leg Cramps
42

Impaired Concentration
41

Nervousness
32

Depression (Major Depression)
20

Your Sex Life & Chronic Illness 

I know what you're thinking when you read that title - "Who in the heck feels like having sex when I feel this bad?" Well, I'm sure you don't but chances are your spouse does. No matter how supportive a spouse is, having your sex life go down the tubes is not good for any marriage.

Those with chronic illnesses lose their physical desire to have sex because they are either always in pain, always too fatigued, too depressed or a combination of all three. Medications can also affect the person's sex drive. The one thing I always remembered from my doctor when I talked to her about not having a sex drive at my lowest point with CFS. She said,
"Do you WANT to have your desire back? If so, I can help you. It's when you don't care that you don't have a sex drive that I can no longer help you. If you are at that point there is more than just health issues going on."
I will never forget that conversation with her for as long as I live because that let me know that what was happening wasn't my fault - and that I did still want to have a sex drive. That took away a lot of the guilt.

People with chronic illness may also feel less desirable because of lack of confidence. Chronic illness can do a lot to a person emotionally and not feeling attractive can be a big issue.

Want help but don't know where to start? Read on!

Talk to Your Spouse
Communication is the key to making any relationship work and talking to your spouse about why you have lost your desire or why you don't feel up to having sex is important. Your spouse may be blaming himself and may think that you don't find him desirable anymore. If you don't talk about why you are not wanting to have sex, the whole situation can blow out of proportion.

Talk to Your Doctor
If you have a great family doctor as I do, don't be afraid to talk to him or her about what's going on. Maybe an anti-depressant or pain medication you're taking is causing your sex drive to dwindle and the doctor can't help you if they don't know what's going on. Your doctor will probably have some great tips or suggestions to help. Don't be afraid to open up and get help.

Here are some other great suggestions for helping your sex life while chroncially ill (Source: Familydoctor.org):

• Plan sexual activity for the time of day when you have the most energy and your health problem bothers you the least.


• Be sure that you are rested and relaxed.


• Wait at least 2 hours after you eat to have sex.


• If you need pain medicine to feel better, take the medicine 30 minutes before sexual activity.


• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink, and avoid using tobacco in any form. Alcohol and tobacco can affect sexual function.

The following might help you maintain your sex life:

• Hold hands, hug and touch your partner, even when you do not plan to have sex.


• Use your senses to make sexual activity more enjoyable. For example, have satin sheets on the bed, light scented candles or play music.


• Tell your partner what you like and do not like. Listen to your partner's likes and dislikes.


• Try different sexual positions to find positions that are comfortable for you and your partner or use pillows for comfort.


• Try personal lubricants (one brand name: K-Y Jelly) to help reduce discomfort with sexual intercourse.

A Chronic Illness Revelation: You're Not Lazy, You're Sick 

You know those days or hours when you have those little pity parties for yourself because you are sick? Well during those times is when I write articles. I was feeling sorry for myself one afternoon because I was starting to doubt myself and was thinking that I am just lazy. But I know that's not true. Here is an excerpt from the article I wrote and the link to read the entire article is down below the excerpt.
Those of us who are chronically ill need to remember what we were like before we were sick. If you were a hard worker, and if you still are when you are feeling well, you know that you are not lazy. I don't always recommend looking back to the past when you are chronically ill because we need to focus on what we have to deal with now and move on from there. But in this instance I think looking back is important because it does show us a pattern of living that can help ease the guilt. Guilt just makes chronic illness worse and the emotional stress we often place upon ourselves is damaging as well.

I know that when I am feeling well I am ready to take on the world and I am extremely motivated. I am told that even with as sick as I am, I still get more done in a day than a lot of healthy people. I don't feel that is true, but it does feel good to hear it from others!

To those of you who are chronically ill, I think by stopping and reflecting over your life and your work ethic gives a total picture that can ease your mind with knowing that you are not lazy and never were. You are sick and you (and I) have to realize that this is the hand that we have been dealt and we have to make the most of it. Let's stop beating ourselves up over what we can't control. Love your life even if it is limited.
Read the rest of A Chronic Illness Revelation: You're Not Lazy, You're Sick

Health Awareness Campaigns in March 

March is a busy month for health awareness campaigns. Here is a list of what's happening this month nationally in the health world. On Chronic Health Blog this month I will be focusing on a few of these campaigns below!

National Brain Injury Awareness Month
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Endometriosis Awareness Month
National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month
National Nutrition Month®
Save Your Vision Month
Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month

National Health Awareness Weeks in March:

National Patient Safety Awareness Week
National Sleep Awareness Week®
National Problem Gambling Awareness Week
National School Breakfast Week
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week
Brain Awareness Week
National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week
National Poison Prevention Week
Root Canal Awareness Week
American Diabetes Alert Day
World Kidney Day

See My Interview: Podcast Spotlight - FM and Weight Loss 

Recently I was interviewed by Jay Becker at the Weight Watchers Blogger website to talk about Fibromyalgia and the effects it has on weight issues for patients.

Jay was great to talk to and I think the overall interview went well! I hope you enjoy it! The first four minutes Jay talks about her current weigh-in at Weight Watchers but after that is the interview. Enjoy! Below is the link!

Podcast Spotlight - Fibromyalgia and Weight Loss

Poll: Getting The Diagnosis Is The Hardest Part 

Books & DVDs on CFS & Fibromyalgia 

Below are books and DVDs available on CFS & Fibromyalgia. This information will be included as part of the Resources here on Fighting Fatigue. It is a work in progress, as there are many books out there on these illnesses. If you know of a good book or DVD resource that I do not have on this list, please leave a comment below with the name and author so I can add it!

America Exhausted: Breakthrough Treatments of Fatigue and Fibromyalgia by Dr Edward J Conley (Author)

Betrayal by the Brain: The Neurologic Basis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, and Related Neural Network Disorders By Jay A. Goldstein

Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend by Lisa J. Copen

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses by Katrina Berne (Author), Robert M. Bennett (Author), Daniel L. Peterson (Author)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: You Don't Have to Live with It - An Eight Step Protocol by Martha E Kilcoyne (Author)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment: A Treatment Guide (Quality Medical Home Health Library) by Erica F. Verrillo (Author), Lauren M. Gellman (Author)

Defeat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: You Don't Have to Live with It -- An Eight Step Protocol by Martha E Kilcoyne (Author)

DVD: Fibromyalgia: Show Me Where It Hurts

DVD: I Remember Me

Encounters With the Invisible: Unseen Illness, Controversy, And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Dorothy Wall (Author), Nancy, M.D. Klimas (Foreword)

Explaining 'Unexplained Illnesses': Disease Paradigm for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Fibromyalgia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Gulf War Syndrome by Martin L. Pall (Author)

Facing and Fighting Fatigue: A Practical Approach by Benjamin Natelson (Author)

Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Approach What You Can Do About Chronic Pain and Fatigue by Miryam Ehrlich Williamson (Author), David A. Nye (Foreword)

Fibromyalgia: The Complete Guide From Medical Experts and Patients by Sharon Ostalecki

Fibromyalgia: Up Close & Personal by Mark J. Pellegrino (Author)

Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Seven Proven Steps to Less Pain And More Energy by Fred Friedberg (Author)

From Fatigued To Fantastic by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum

Healing: A Life with Chronic Illness by Marguerite Bouvard (Author)

Hope and Help for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia by Alison C. Bested (Author), Alan C. Logan (Author), Russell Howe (Author)

If You Would Just Get Out of Bed by Stephanie Kelley (Author)

Just Fine: Unmasking Concealed Chronic Illness And Pain by Carol Sveilich (Author)

Living Well with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You%u2026That You Need to Know By Mary J. Shomon

Living with Chronic Pain One Day At A Time by Mark Allen Zabawa

Parting the Fog: The Personal Side of Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome By Sue Jones

Secrets of Getting A Diagnosis Unmasked by Jacqueline Jones

Strategies: A Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Journey
by Tami Brady (Author)

Stricken: Voices from the Hidden Epidemic of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Peggy Munson (Editor)

The Doctor's Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Understanding, Treating, and Living with Cfids By David S. Bell

The Feel-Good Guide to Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Comprehensive Resource for Recovery by Lynette, Ph.D. Bassman (Author)

The Fibromyalgia Help Book: Practical Guide to Living Better with Fibromyalgia by Jenny Fransen (Author)

The Fibromyalgia Nutrition Guide by Mary Moeller, Joe M. Elrod

The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough By William G. Crook

Books on Sleep Disorders & Sleep Health 

Below are books and DVDs available on sleep health & sleep disorders. This information will be included as part of the Resources on Fighting Fatigue. It is a work in progress, as there are many books out there on sleep health.

If you know of a good book or DVD resource that I do not have on this list, please leave a comment below with the name and author so I can add it!

A Woman's Guide to Sleep Disorders (Paperback) by Meir Kryger (Author)

Be the Boss of Your Sleep: Self-care for Kids (Be the Boss of Your Body) (Paperback) by Timothy, M.D. Culbert (Author), Rebecca Kajander (Author)

Deep Sleep (Diviniti) [AUDIOBOOK] (Audio CD) by Glenn Harrold (Author)

Fundamentals of Sleep Technology: Endorsed by the American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) (Hardcover) by Nic Butkov (Editor), Teofilo Lee-Chiong (Editor)

Good Night: The Sleep Doctor's 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health (Hardcover) by Dr. Michael Breus (Author)

Healing Night: The Science and Spirit of Sleeping, Dreaming, and Awakening (Paperback) by Rubin R. Naiman (Author)

Healthy Sleep [AUDIOBOOK] (Audio CD) by Andrew Weil (Author), Rubin, Ph.D. Naiman (Author)

Insomnia: A Clinician's Guide to Assessment and Treatment (Hardcover) by Charles M. Morin (Author), Colin A. Espie (Editor)

Insomniac (Hardcover) by Gayle Greene (Author)

No More Sleepless Nights (Paperback) by Peter Hauri (Author), Shirley Linde (Author)

No More Sleepless Nights Workbook (Paperback) by Peter Hauri (Author), Shirley Linde (Author)

Power Sleep : The Revolutionary Program That Prepares Your Mind for Peak Performance (Paperback) by James B. Maas (Author), Megan L. Wherry (Contributor), David J. Axelrod (Author), Barbara R. Hogan (Contributor), Jennifer Bloomin (Contributor)

Review of Sleep Medicine (Paperback) by Teri J. Barkoukis (Author),

Fighting For Social Security Disability 

Poll: Favorite Type of Chronic Illness Book 

Chronic Pain Affect On the Brain 

U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday that they found on brain scans of people with chronic pain that their brains show a state of constant activity in areas that should be at rest. Researchers say that this could explain why these patients have higher rates of depression, anxiety and other disorders. Researchers state that the disruptions in the brain could explain why these patients have trouble with sleep disturbances and attention also.

The researchers wrote in the Journal of Neuroscience:
"It seems that enduring pain for a long time affects brain function in response to even minimally demanding attention tasks completely unrelated to pain."
Dante Chialvo, a researcher at Northwestern University in Chicago who worked on the study, said:
"People with chronic pain - meaning pain that lasts more than six months after their injury - have many other issues that affect their quality of life as much as pain. It is not known where they come from."
Researchers are saying that a front region of the cortex that is mostly associated with emotion is constantly active and this disrupts the normal equillibrium.

The brain scan was done on 15 people with chronic back pain and 15 healthy people. Each volunteer had an easy attention task to do: they were instructed to track a moving bar on a screen. This way the researchers could observe the brain shifting out of default mode to do the task. They said that both groups performed well, but the differences showed when they measured the activated areas of the brain.

They continued to comment:
"Where we were surprised is the difference in how much brain they used to do the task compared with the healthy group. It was 50 times larger. These findings suggest that the brain of a chronic pain patient is not simply a healthy brain processing pain information but rather it is altered by the persistent pain in a manner reminiscent of other neurological conditions associated with cognitive impairments."
So pain sufferers, isn't some of this what we've been trying to tell doctors for years? Maybe we didn't know all the technical terms and stuff, but haven't we been saying for years with our illnesses that the brain is affected? When you stop and think about it, isn't it kind of funny that when you read "latest reports" like this you can say to yourself, "Well duh! I already knew that!"?

Source: MSNBC.com

CFS & Fibromyalgia Websites & Blogs 

Below are links to many blogs and websites that focus on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. I have these listed as part of my Resources page on my Fighting Fatigue website.

Websites & Blogs

Abide

About.com: Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Blog

Beat Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Brain Foggles

CDC

CFIDS Association

CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help

CFS Squared

Chronic Babe

Chronic Fatigue Treatments

Chronic Pain Connection

Chronically Me

Co-Cure ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia

Disability Happens

Disability Secrets

Disabled Online Useres Association

Fibro Hugs

Fibro Fighters

Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers

Fibromyalgia Experiment

Fibromyalgia Journal

Fibromyalgia Network

Fibromyalgia Research Blog

Fighting Fatigue

FMS Global News

Give Me Energy

Healing Well CFS

How to Cope With Pain

Immune Support

International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (IACFS/ME)

Invisible Disabilities Advocate

Invisible Illness CFIDS/FMS

Jacqueline Jones

Life, Not Just Existence

Liverpool Leftovers

Living With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

ME Free For All

Mothering From Day to Day

My Disability Blog

National CFIDS Foundation

National Fibromyalgia Association

National Fibromyalgia Research Association

Nice Guidelines Blog

Ponderings & Pawprints

Rest Ministries

Seats for Landing

Sleepydust

Social Security Disability

SPARK! CFS Awareness

We R Living Free

Web MD Fibromyalgia Health Center

• Diagnosis & Other Helpful Tools:

CDC Criteria for Diagnosing CFS

CFS Assessment

Glossary! CFS & Fibromyalgia Terms and Lingo Defined

Criteria for Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

104 Great Resources for CFS, Fibromyalgia and Interstitial Cystitis

104 Great Resources for CFS, Fibromyalgia & Interstitial Cystitis 

From articles, to quizzes, to videos, to support group listings, I've got these illnesses covered!

1. Foods to Fight Fatigue. Exhaustion can be a constant problem for some people. Beat fatigue with five energy boosters and power up for a healthier you!
2. Massage Benefits & Massage Therapy. Massage is the systematic placing of the hands on a body and applying techniques to treat the body and the person to relieve ailments and stress.
3. Take A Break To Achieve Better Success At Work. Too much thought and too many hours invested in only one place lead to stress and fatigue.
4. Fatigue Fighting Tips. People who are fatigued feel chronically tired in both body and mind. Low energy levels can be caused by a number of factors working in combination, such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, workplace problems and stress.
5. Gene Therapy for Chronic Pain. A new kind of gene therapy could bring relief to patients suffering from chronic pain while bypassing many of the debilitating side effects associated with traditional painkillers.
6. Could Dolphins Ease Chronic Pain? Dolphins tend to approach Rose when she is in severe pain, she said, and after these swims, she feels no pain for 10-12 days.
7. Video Games Possibly More Analgetic Than Drugs. Patients who suffer from chronic pain may reach for the mouse and keyboard instead of the medicine cabinet.
8. Using Laughter to Treat Pain. We've all heard the expression, Laughter is the best medicine, and although it may not cure, it sure as heck can help relieve some tension and make life more bearable sometimes.
9. Do You Know NO? We often lose our voice, when we are tired and not feeling good - and instead let other people take control. I know how easy it is to let that happen. I also know how hard it is to get back some independence, when we have let others take on what we should be able to do for ourselves.
10. Maintaining Relationships While Managing Chronic Illness and Pain. One of the things that seems desperately unfair to those of us who live with a chronic illness and ongoing symptoms is the impact it can have on friendships or romantic relationships.
11. Coping With Lonliness When You Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia. The two major reasons people with CFS feel alone are: 1) physically not being able to get out and be around people due to symptoms of this condition, and 2) feeling like no one in their life understands what they are going through.
12. To Exercise or Not to Exercise: The Effects on Chronic Pain. Patients with chronic pain should not ignore the effects exercise has on the sensory experience of pain and the emotional experience of pain. Exercise can lessen both, and make life worth living.
13. Ten Signs It's Time to Find a New Doctor. Are you less than satisfied with your doctor but uncertain as to whether you should look for another? Because the doctor-patient relationship is a very personal one, the decision as to whether or not to switch doctors can be a difficult one to make.
14. My Name is Chronic Fatigue. My name is Chronic Fatigue although some call me ME, I like that. I'm your constant companion. I'm always with you and want your full attention.
15. Personnel Pain Hurts Business. People who come to work with chronic pain problems %u2026 show difficulty in making even simple decisions.
16. Charting A Course For Healing. There are plenty of guides on medical therapies for interstitial cystitis but very few on learning how to live with it -- until now.
17. Living With Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are considered separate but related disorders. They share a common symptom -- severe fatigue that greatly interferes with people's lives.
18. Health Beat CFS Video. Dr. Ramo describes the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and what it can disguise itself as.
19. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome CFS Video. Patient details on her video what CFS is and how it has impacted her life.
20. Daily Living. Advice on coping tips, relationships, diet, exercise and supplements for CFS & Fibromyalgia.
21. Living, Coping & Blogging With Chronic Illness. Millions of women suffer from chronic illness, and many of them courageously blog on how they are living and coping with their disease.
22. Shopping On a Budget When You're Always Sick & Tired. A Fibromyalgia patient wants to shop without blowing her budget even though she doesn't feel like being at the store.
23. Video: Healthy Body Healthy Mind. The video depicts the personal stories of several FM patients throughout the country.
24. Quiz: CFS Risk Assessment. Tired and fatigued all the time and don't know why? Take the quiz to find out!
25. Fatigue Fighting Vitamins and Herbs. A health professional's suggestions for fighting fatigue with vitamins and herbs.
26. A Fibromyalgia Guide to Clothes Shopping & Dressing. An article I wrote on how to dress and what to buy for Fibromyalgia sufferers.
27. Depression or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? The difference between the two explained by a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist.
28. Discovering Your Purpose In Life. We all have a purpose in life. I found mine through my child.
29. Things to Watch Out For When Using A Disability Lawyer. You deserve your disability benefits, so choose a lawyer who can help you win.
30. Invisible Disabilities and Disability Adjudication. How Social Security and society view invisible illnesses and disabilities.
31. 12 + Gift Ideas for Gals With Chronic Illness. What to buy for someone who has a chronic illness.
32. The Pain Quiz: Acute vs. Chronic Pain. How much do you know about pain? Take the quiz to find out!
33. Video: What Is Pain? ABC Video that looks at the challenge of living with chronic pain and the treatments and techniques available.
34. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Dealing Day to Day. Advice from a MD on how to live with CFS, what to avoid, and what to do.
35. Pregnancy & Fibromyalgia: Lessons Learned & Other Random Thoughts. Dealing with the sensitivities involved with having Fibromyalgia and how it can affect pregnancy.
36. When the Illness Is Invisible. Living with an invisible chronic illness can mean constantly trying to redefine your condition.
37. Video: All About IC. Watch this 30-minute video to learn about Interstitial Cystitis.
38. Social Security Disabilty How To's. This website explains everything you need to know about applying for Social Security Disability, what to do and most common mistakes that are made.
39. A Letter To Caregivers of Chronic Pain. How chronic pain affects the caregiver and the effects of the guilt and burden the sufferer feels.
40. CFIDS: The Mind/Body Connection. How CFS affects the mind and body.
41. Herbal Cures for Fatigue. Some herbal remedies to help combat fatigue.
42. Fibromyalgia Quiz: Fact or Myth? Take the quiz to see how much you know about Fibromyalgia.
43. Take & Print the IC Self Test. Are you having Interstitial Cystitis symptoms? Not sure? Take this test, print it out and take it to your doctor to find out.
44. Interstitial Cystitis Friendly Recipes. This site has many recipes for Interstitial Cystitis patients to make that won't irritate their bladder.
45. 125 IC Friendly Past Times. Hobbies and what to do in your leisure time for IC Patients.
46. CFS & Fibromyalgia Book Store. Shop my Amazon Fighting Fatigue Store for the best books on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.
47. Mental & Emotional Distress of Chronic Illness. The diagnosis of a chronic illness has a huge emotional impact on patients and their loved ones.
48. Teaching CFS & Fibromyalgia Patients to Thrive Not Just Survive. Want to know how to live have a happy life with CFS & FM and not just feel that you are putting in the time?
49. The Secret to Managing IC Flares. The earlier you treat the Interstitial Cystitis symptoms as they return the better you can manage them.
50. My Cause. Create your own web page through the CFIDS Association and raise donations for CFS at the same time.
51. Parenting: When Life Gets Rough. Parenting a child who has CFS.
52. CFS In Youth. With the right information, youths with CFS can still achieve their dreams and goals.
53. Recognizing & Coping with Pediatric CFS & Fibromyalgia. CFS & Fibromyalgia are poorly diagnosed in the young.
54. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children. More on pediatric CFS by a doctor.
55. I Just Want Some Sleep. A look at how Interstitial Cystitis can impede your sleeping habits and ways to help make nights more tolerable.
56. CFS, Fibromyalgia, & Interstitial Cystitis Message Board & Forum. This is my "baby" I started last year! For those who are looking for others to discuss their chronic illnesses with, we have a great group of supporters there and it's free to be a member!
57. Quiz: Can You Identify Migraines from Headaches? Take the quiz to see if you know the difference!
58. Reviews of Top Items & Supplements for CFS & Fibromyalgia. Sleepydust reviews the best items for the symptoms of CFS & Fibromyalgia.
59. Chronic Fatigue Media Coverage Dos and Dont's. Of all the women's health issues that get belittled and distorted in their coverage, perhaps none is subjected to more egregious treatment than chronic fatigue syndrome.
60. Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers. Tired of being sick and tired? These centers that specialize only in Fibromylagia and CFS can help.
61. Fibromyalgia Disability & Work Issues Resources. Links to where you can search for SS Disability information and related work issues if you have Fibromyalgia.
62. Seven Steps to Finding a Doctor Who Is Right For You. Finding a doctor to treat Fibromyalgia can be a grueling process. Read this article for more information.
63. Elimination Diet for CFS Patients. Food sensitivities have been found in approximately half of CFS patients. Here is an article on an elimination diet to weed out the foods that are causing you problems.
64. Depression in Chronic Illness. Dealing with depression in chronic illness and what to do.
65. Energy Index Score for CFS Patients. Look over this page to determine how severe your energy deficit is and how severe your CFS is.
66. Understanding the Four Types of Clinics that Treat Interstitial Cystitis. Regular urologists often cannot offer any more than the basic treatments for IC. Check out these clinics to find more treatment options.
67. False Cures for Interstitial Cystitis on the Internet. Internet scams to watch out for.
68. Video: Link between Depression & Anxiety. Watch the video to learn more about depression and anxiety.
69. Supplements & Natural Alternatives Used to Treat CFS & Fibromyalgia. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia patients will go through what seems like a never-ending cycle of insomnia, unrestful sleep followed by debilitating fatigue.
70. Reclaim Your Sexuality. Maybe you hurt too much even to think about sex. Maybe your medications seem to have reduced your libido. Read this to find out how to reclaim your sexuality.
71. Sex & CFS. The effects CFS has on your sex life and how to get it back.
72. How Can Cognitive Behavior Therapy Help Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia? Learn about CBT and how it can help with chronic illness.
73. Medications Used to Treat Fibromyalgia. The most common medications used to treat this misunderstood illness.
74. How to Cope with Interstitial Cystitis Flares. Knowing what to do when a flare hits and how to avoid them.
75. Video: Why CFS Is A Wastbasket Diagnosis. People are being diagnosed with ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia as a wastebasket diagnosis.
76. Video: Caring For Someone With Severe ME/CFS. A video diary from a caregiver's point of view on CFS.
77. IBS Tied to Abnormal Brain Function. A common symptom in CFS & Fibromyalgia, IBS has been linked to abnormal brain functioning.
78. Treating Fibromyalgia & CFS: The New, The Ancient & The Unconventional. Summary of different treatment methods used to treat CFS & Fibromyalgia.
79. Video: Interstitial Cystitis: The Smith Institute of Urology. Evolution, treatments, possible causes, and the importance of Interstitial Cystitis to the medical community.
80. Relax, Breathe Deeply, Now Yoga. Yoga tips for CFS & Fibromyalgia patients.
81. CFS Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals: Managing Activity. Informational PDF provided by the CDC for healthcare professionals to properly treat exercise and other symptoms in CFS patients.
82. Disabled Online Users Association. The DOUA is a nonprofit organization that brings the world of online business to the disabled.
83. A CFS Personal Story: Making Music. CFS patient Tamara Lewis tells her story dealing with CFS and how music has helped her cope.
84. Video: Living With Fibromyalgia Documentary. A patient and caregiver discuss Fibromyalgia.
85. E-Book: Faces of CFS. Case histories of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
86. Fibro Fog Follies. Some humor surrounding Fibro fog.
87. Fibro Fog. A detailed article on Fibro Fog and what it does to the sufferer.
88. Postexertional Malaise Testing Can Help With Disability Claims. How an exercise test and retest can help prove disability to Social Security.
89. Video: How Does CFS Affect My Life? One patient's story about what she is able to do daily with CFS.
90. CFS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help Course. A 3-part course on CFS & Fibromyalgia that you can sign up to take.
91. Stress Management. Tips on how to deal with stress and specific choices you can choose to de-stress.
92. Getting Down With What Gets In Your Way. Resources to help chronic illness sufferers overcome the "stuff" that gets in their way.
93. Should You Take This Job or Shove It? Working and job advice/tips for the chronically ill.
94. Video: Living With Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia stories on a You Tube video.
95. Responses to Various Comments About CFS & Fibromyalgia. The author takes on those who do not believe CFS & Fibromyalgia are real.
96. Chronic Illness: Finding Emotional Support. Emotional support is just as important when dealing with chronic illness as the physical support.
97. Men With Fibro. A website dedicated to Fibromyalgia in men.
98. Avoiding & Treating Infections Without Antibiotics. Leading CFS/FM specialist and best-selling author, Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, explains how to treat infections in CFS & Fibromyalgia.
99. Video: CFS - Missing My Life. Video created about CFS by the CDC.
100. The Fibromyalgia Spectrum. Physician who believes Fibromyalgia is a broader spectrum with various subsets.
101. Ten Things You Should Know About Fibromyalgia. Fast facts about Fibromyalgia.
102. Fibromyalgia Support Groups. Local Fibromyalgia Support Group listings by state.
103. CFS Support Groups. Local Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group listings by state.
104. Why Doesn't My Doctor Know This? Why many physicians are not up on the latest CFS and Fibromyalgia findings.

CFS & Fibromyalgia Articles 

Read My Articles on Associated Content!

I have written several articles that are published online regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Just click the links below to read them!

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Articles

• Infections Common in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome


• Pain Medications Used to Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome


• Pediatric CFS: Sick Children Are Going Undiagnosed


• The Psychological Component of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome


• Insomnia: When Sleeping Is Hard Work


• Hobbies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients


• CFIDS: The Mind & Body Connection


• CFIDS: Our Children Suffer Also

Fibromyalgia Articles

• Medications Used to Treat Fibromyalgia


• A Fibromylagia Guide to Shopping & Dressing

CFS & Fibromyalgia Articles Combined

• Supplement and Natural Alternatives to Treat CFS & Fibromyalgia Sleep Disorders


• Medications for Sleep Disturbances in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia


• Online Support for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia


• More Online Resources for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia


• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Weight Gain


• Income Opportunities for CFS & Fibromyalgia Patients


• Sleep Needed for Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia Patients to Get Well

Great Stuff on eBay 

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Interstitial Cystitis Articles 

Online Articles I've Written for Associated Content

I have written some articles on Interstitial Cystitis that have been published online. You can click on the links below to see read these articles in detail:

IC Disease: Bladder Instillation and Distention
Oral Medications Used to Treat Interstitial Cystitis
Foods to Avoid With Interstitial Cystitis
Online Resources and Support for Interstitial Cystitis
Sex & Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Women
How to Cope With Interstitial Cystitis Flares
Up Close & Personal with Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis Websites & Blogs 

Below are links to blogs and websites that focus on Interstitial Cystitis. I have included these as part of my Resources page at Fighting Fatigue will have plenty of resources to pull from.

Websites & Blogs:

An Angry Bladder - Life with Interstitial Cystitis

Fighting Fatigue

IC Network

IC Underground

Interstitial Cystitis Association

The Body Chronic

The Vagina Dialogues

• Diagnosis & Other Helpful Tools:

Diagnostic Criteria for Interstitial Cystitis

How to Cope with Interstitial Cystitis Flares

IC Cookbook

IC Fact Sheet

IC Patient Handbook

IC Sexuality Guide

Men With IC

Self Help Strategies for IC Patients

Stories From Patients: Living With Interstitial Cystitis

Pacing & Handling Daily Activities With Chronic Illness 

Tips From My Fighting Fatigue Site

A major problem many people with chronic illness seem to have is trying to find a balance and learn how to pace themselves with chores and daily activities.

I'm guilty of this too because when I feel good, I want to go, go, go! A lot of us are Type A personalities and before we became sick, the two words "slow down" did not exist in our vocabulary.

I have tried many things over the years to try and be more efficient while sick, but with these illnesses you just can't create a schedule that you will always be able to stick to, no matter how flexible you make the schedule.

When there are days when just getting dressed or getting a shower sends us back to bed for the day, getting a lot accomplished at work or around the house is not going to happen.

I still think it is important to have some sort of plan and to make "to do" lists. To me the "to do" list has a lot more to do with having a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day more than anything else. When I make a "to do" list of four or five things, I feel so good about myself as I cross a task off of the list. That may sound silly, but when you can't do a lot, you take satisfaction in the small things!

Creating Lists
When I create my lists for what I need to do daily, I first write down everything that I "think" needs done. Then out of this list, I will pick the five most important tasks and put them on a separate sheet of paper. I don't like to keep the list of everything I feel needs to be done out because then I try to do everything on the list. Having a list with just five or maybe six items doesn't seem so overwhelming to accomplish.

As I complete each task on the list, I will cross it off and there goes that tingling feeling I get of accomplishment!

The next day, I will go back to my "master list" and see what I can pull off to include in my top five or six priorities for the day and I add anything new that may come up.

Take Breaks
Take breaks between each task and try not to spend more than 15 - 20 minutes on each task at one time. I have a timer that I use whenever I'm writing on my websites, paying bills, working around the house, etc. that I set so that I remember to stop and take a break. It's hard a lot of times to get going and then stop but it's important to do so that you don't wear yourself out.

We really need to take regular breaks anyway due to the cognitive dysfunction problems we have. Trying to concentrate too long on any one task will just result in errors.

Cleaning House
If you can't afford to have someone clean your house for you, take cleaning one day at a time. Clean one room a day until your house is done. If you are trying to be the perfect housekeeper while chronically ill, you are facing a losing battle. It's not worth it to have a showroom clean home if you are too sick to enjoy the people who live in it.

Assign cleaning chores to your children and spouse. My son is responsible for keeping his room picked up and his bed made daily. My husband is responsible for his "guy room" in the basement. We all have our assigned areas of "duty" and we all do our part.

Pacing Yourself
Keep all family events, school volunteer events, sporting events, etc. on one calendar. I know if I have to go to school to volunteer on Thursday, and that my son has a baseball game on Saturday, I will not schedule anything else for that week that involves being outside the home.

One mistake that is commonly made is that when we feel good we tend to overbook ourselves. Then when the day or event actually arrives, we are too sick to go. I used to volunteer for all kinds of stuff and then I couldn't go. My intentions were always good, but CFS doesn't follow the rules and I would have to cancel.

If you are making dinner plans with friends or family, let them know that because of your illness, your plans can change from minute to minute and to not take it personally if something happens you have to cancel at the last minute.

If you know that there is a big event coming up that is going to require a lot of your energy, keep your activity level to a minimum the week before.

Volunteering
I volunteer for very little anymore and that's just how it has to be and I've accepted that. I do try to volunteer one hour a week in my son's kindergarten class but there have been times I've had to back out on that. If you plan to volunteer, let the person in charge know upfront that you have health issues and that there will probably be times when you cannot make it. I let my son's teacher know this from the beginning so she always has two of us scheduled for the days I am scheduled to go in. This way, if I can't make it there is still a back up.

Cooking
I am the queen of casseroles and the queen of using a crockpot! You can prepare a lot of healthy, great meals that are easy to prepare and taste good too.

I always have a few pre-packaged foods available too in case I'm too bad I can't do anything at all.

What if I work outside the home?
If you are chronically ill working outside the home and trying to run everything at home, you really need to get help. It got to the point when I was still working that even though we really couldn't afford it, we had to have someone come in and take care of the house.

It's a small price to pay to get some rest when you get home. If you are working all day, you will want that time in the evening to spend with your family.

It is more important than ever if you are working outside the home to assign laundry, dishes, and other chores to your kids and spouse.

Great Stuff on Amazon 

Health And Wellness

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Health & Wellness

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Philips Sonicare Essence 5300 Power Toothbrush

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Health & Wellness Among Older Adults: Challenges and Strategies

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Wellness Indoor Health Dry Cat Food (5-lb bag)

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Living Inside the Energy Envelope 

Part of the process of learning to live with CFS and Fibromyalgia is that we have to realize that for every physical or mental action we engage in, there can be extreme consequences due to the post-exertional malais