What is a healthy healing in reflection?

Published at July 24, 2008 in How to Help Yourself, Coping and Stress Management and My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Hello Everyone,

Today I found an interesting question on one of my community sites. Here is what was asked: In your opinion or basing from your experiences, what is healthy healing in reflection? I found myself thinking about the question and decided to share my answer on my site as well as on blogcatalog.com.

In my point of view, the following technique is a good way to reflect in a healthy way:


- an individual must first decide to choose a specific time to reflect,
- be specific about what you want to focus on,
- think about one challenge (issue) at a time,
- determine what you want and decide if it is realistic,
- be open and non-judgmental,
- realize the answer to your questions or issues may require sharing your feelings with another individual,
- if you have a difficult time expressing your feelings with another individual, write them down on paper,
- if you shared your feelings with someone, reaffirm your respect for their opinion and end on a positive tone.

This technique or strategies enables an individual to establish an atmosphere of cooperative problem-solving and/or reflection.

I hope and pray this post has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv

 


Dropping a Note to Say Hello

Published at June 24, 2008 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Hello My Dear Readers,

I have been very busy with my dear husband chronically ill with COPD. He has been in and out of the hospital and this last visit was from May 30, 2008, then transferring to another extended care hospital until yesterday. Thank you for your prayers and notes. It has been very touching and more importantly helpful. As I have always said, “People need some type of support, even if it is from strangers.” Thank you and God Bless You All!:) He is doing good for now and I pray he will continue to do so.

On another note, I have not been practicing my own tips…such as “PACING”, it is so important to pace and take time out for yourself. If you do not take care of yourself, you cannot help others. Please remember that. I have already slapped myself on the hand for not slowing down. I am going back to therapy.

One thing I always do is stay positive because that helps me survive every new challenge in my life. I feel stronger and better as a person each time I take time to pray, meditate, and most importantly forgiving myself for not being able to do everything perfectly. Small reminders from my youngest sister on saying no, plus not placing so much pressure on myself has helped me. I thank my God for my family, friends, other people that suffer from chronic illness, doctor’s, etc.

Take care and know that I want to continue posting, I have just been slowed down for awhile. Do not give up on me and please continue to read old tips, notes, etc.

I pray and hope you have a pain free day,

Fibro Viv

 


Just a note -found a site on “Disability”

Published at May 5, 2008 in Disability Information. 0 Comments

Hello Everyone,

I am sorry I have not written anything lately. However, I was notified about a blog site that offers information on disability and the site includes questions and answers on Social Security SSI Questions and Answers. I hope this site helps you!  Just click check out my blogroll list.

Soft hugs and God Bless!

Fibro Viv

Are you Credible?

Published at February 28, 2008 in General Tips. 0 Comments

Hello Everyone,

I have not posted for awhile. I thought I would just write a few words about credibility. I started off with my title: Are you Credible?

Credibility makes or breaks an individual. You must be honest and upfront about everything in your life. I have tried to be honest with my viewers to help them understand how difficult it is to deal with a chronic illness. This is why I share my own experience, tools, and information.

In order to start feeling good about yourself you have to learn to be honest and upfront about your illness. I know some people have had to deal with criticism, judgment and sometime even loose their jobs. In the end those that are judging them will have to deal with their actions.

It is difficult to accept we are ill, but we cannot start the healing process until we are honest about how we feel. Yes, I have heard many woman state their spouse is not listening or yells at them. Try the following:

1. Go get brochures about your illness and place it in front of them, tell them to read them.

2. Ask them, why were we married? I am suffering from an illness that many people do not understand, please take the time to try and understand what I am dealing with. If my own family does not support me, what am I to do?

3. Do not get angry, sincerity and openness while informing them lays out a solid foundation of credibility.
If your own family does not believe you, seek out friends, doctors, etc.

4. Do not make any promises you cannot keep. If you cannot do the laundry, clean the house, etc., then just let them know. Eventually they will understand and hopefully they will start helping you out.

I just want people to understand that the healing process starts with you acknowledging your illness and sharing that information with your loved ones.

I hope and pray this post has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv


Hello Everyone!

Published at February 8, 2008 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Sorry I’ve been away, I have been dealing with the flu and when you have fms/cfs, the symptoms are a million times worse! You know what I mean. My husband had to find a ride home from the hospital, just to find me at home curled up in pain, running a fever, etc. Poor baby. He was still having difficulty breathing and he had to deal with taking care of me. I just came back to life today! Mind you, I am still in pain, dealing with fever, aches, you know the rest.

The fact is I have been running on adrenalin! I had just finished babysitting my nephew, then my twin grandchildren, then I took my youngest son to Best Buy and before you knew it, I had to run home and change. You can imagine why??? Then, I took a bath, got dressed and went back to pick him up and returned home just on time to hit that ladies room. That was close!! Then my oldest son came home sick, poor baby.

The good news is, I continue to loose weight! You see….something positive always happens.:) I guess I am not posting anything helpful today…just updating you and letting you know I am not giving up. However, I may have to quit this blogging for a few months:(

Please continue to review old tips and my experience. I honestly believe it will help you gals and guys that suffer from chronic illnesses. You are not alone. Keep the faith and know that things can only get better. Really:)

Let’s see…good news is I no longer have high blood pressure, I have lost weight, I am more active (exception, this week), and we have a new member in our family. Her name is Nadia. My oldest son had to have his own dog, so we gave in. I will have to take a picture of her, she is truly sweet and potty trained!:) So, you see, I have a reason to smile:)

I wish you no pain, send you soft hugs, a smile and God’s Blessings:)

Fibro Viv


Seven Random Things Meme

Published at January 22, 2008 in Meme. 0 Comments

Hello Everyone!

I have been so busy with family and my poor sick hubby, I have not had a chance to catch up.  I hope to catch up on emails, reading and posting soon.  Along with dealing with my own aches and pains, plus fatigue.  I have been a busy woman.

I was tagged and I now am going to list seven random things about me:

1.  I love people and spending time with my family and friends.

2.  I love to read blog sites, newspapers, magazines, journals, and some books.

3.  I love to sing and dance to all kinds of music.

4.  I love watching movies with my youngest son, he is into art and film.  He has taught me so much.

5.  I became a Grandmother on October 31, 2007 (twin girls).

6.  I used to be a Project Manager working for a software company and a work-a-holic.

7.  I use prayer and meditation to help me and others.

I hope I do not sound too boring!  Here’s where I tag 7 other people to do the Seven Random Things Meme: (They all happen to be people I met on the Internet and are my friends)

The ICI Experience:

She shares her personal experience with fibromyalgia,  endometriosis and osteoarthritis, to name a few. What happened, what’s happening, and how she deals with everything.

What Do YOU Believe: 

Much energy is put into telling people what to believe. This is not the purpose of this place. The purpose is to ask you what you believe.

 Fighting Fatigue:

A resource and support site for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and IC Disease.

Fossforous 

Fossforous is my art-blog, a place for my paintings, digital work and Illustration Friday entries.

2 Tired 2 Talk 

2 Tired 2 Talk is a site dedicated to sufferers of M.E. or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Dancing with the Sandman

A personal blog dedicated to helping sufferers of ME/CFS.

How reflexology can improve your health 

Reflexology, foot reflexology, foot pain ,stress ,foot massage, free foot chart,Right and left foot reflex area,foot,natural treatment,natural healing.

 THE RULES:

1) Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.

2) Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.

3) Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.

4) Let each person know that they have been tagged by sending an email and/or leaving a comment on their blog.

The Consequence of Chronic Stress

Published at January 9, 2008 in Coping and Stress Management and My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Hello Everyone,

I feel the need to take the time to post something today because I believe it is very important to keep this information on hand and remind yourself at least twice a month. Place it where you know you will see it and remind yourself about the consequence of chronic stress.

The Consequence of Chronic Stress


Chronic stress weakens our immune system and increases the risk of coming down with a range of illnesses. This could be heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, among other illnesses. If you are already dealing with a chronic illness, you must try not to stress out. I know it is easier said than done, based on my own experience. Stress can be toxic, if you let it take over.

What can stress drive people to do? A person can eat too much or too little, sleep too much or too little, stop exercise or stretching routines, and can also cause an individual to not have any fun in their lives.

Some stress is necessary to survive because just a little stress can help an individual get focused, improve memory and heighten their emotions. Stress responses within an individual causes them to swing into action or better yet, react in a way that can help. The key is to find the balance and understand the need, but not to make it toxic.

As I think about my life within the past few months, I have had family illnesses, hospital trips, doctor and pharmacy visits that were necessary and I had stress. I was dealing with trying to keep my family healthy, laundry, housekeeping, cooking and not to mention the cost of all the medical requirements within my own home. Yes, this has caused me to stress.

How have I dealt with it? I accepted what was happening without question, and just tried to complete each task as it came up. If I allowed my emotions to get out of control, my stress could become toxic and my pain would increase. Somehow, God gave me the strength I needed to deal with everything I needed to do.

I could start feeling guilty about not posting on my sites, but then I practiced self-talk and told myself everything would work out. I have come to the conclusion that I cannot be everything to everyone, and be there for everyone. I am in control of my own feelings and thoughts and I must only allow good thoughts to take over my emotions.

I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, grandmother, and friend. However, I know I cannot be there for all of them. I have my limitations and I must understand them and accept them.

I pray this post and my own personal experience has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv


Give the Gift of Health

Published at December 11, 2007 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Hello Everyone!

I am sorry I have not posted anything lately. I have been very busy taking care of my husband who is in the hospital right now. He suffers from C.O.P.D. and diabetes. I have also been visiting my beautiful grandchildren, Lorena and Alessandra and helping my sister with her son R.J. I have been a bit busy. The only way I can accomplish all of these things is with the help of taking LiquiVida and other supplements. So, I am sending you this message below because this is what has helped me.

HERE IS THE INFORMATION AND SOME TESTIMONIES:

This Christmas

Give the Gift of Health.

Liquidity’s patented products have helped many who suffer needlessly from

Acid Reflux , Arthritis, Allergies, Asthma, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, Cancer, or Hiv.

LiquiVida™ Patent # 6,149,947 is a power-packed liquid with a high content of organically grown Aloe Vera and a combination of rich antioxidants, such as Noni, Mangosteen, Goji and Blueberry. Liquidity has brought together all of these powerful antioxidants and added them with Aloe Vera, which is scientifically recognized to be the best delivery system for quicker results. LiquiVida™, is a literal fountain of youth.

The world of science has well-documented studies revealing highly oxygenated cells can better resist disease. Oxygen is essential to good health and is proven to increase energy, help the body prevent disease and better repair itself when injured.

MVM™ Patent #6,482,942 Dr. Vittori discovered a process to isolate specific polysaccharides from the Aloe Plant that would produce peroxidase, which is a nearly identical footprint of the catalase that occurs naturally in your body.

This process, found in the MVM™ provides the body with water and oxygen.

MVM™ Patent #6,482,942 has a special process that dictates the natural extraction of MVM™ from Aloe Vera without using heat or ethanol. This ability to naturally process Aloe Vera is hailed as one of the greatest supplement breakthroughs in the last hundred years. Thanks to Dr. Vittori, we now have a natural substitute known as MVM™. This provides consumers with the “O-Factor” in an easy to swallow cap


Universal Wellness DUO Retail $190 Wholesale autoship $125 (If you decide to become a Distributor)
2 Mega Vitto-Mannan
2 LiquiVida 1 Liter

TESTIMONIES:

Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, cancer

I had chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia , and a multitude of other problems including a bout with intestinal cancer. My organic produce lady talked about me trying LiquiVida. I felt it couldn’t hurt and might help. All the ingredients in one bottle were impressive. Even more so was how much better I felt and looked. My family was amazed by my energy level. I added Complete and MVM and really noticed the improvement. When I became lax with the products I started having symptoms return. With major cardiac problems I resumed my liquidity products and my doctors couldn’t believe the improvements. I am now symptom free again, on no Rx’s, and again feeling great. I will never forget to take my products again. Thank you for auto ship.

Susanne; Desert Hot Springs

Fibromyalgia

I don’t believe in doctors or medicine, never the less because of age, my body and my muscles were hurting a lot where I pressed on them. At the time I was 66 years young the doctor told me those symptoms were fibromyalgia and there is no cure for it, you just have to live with it. In March 10, 2005 I attended a meeting at a company named Liquidity Int, when I heard testimonies result from others. A week later I started taking LiquiVida, Plus, and later MVM. 3 months later somebody mentioned Fibromyalgia. I started pressing all over my body with amazement I discovered I did not have pain any more. Great thanks to Liquidity.

Luzi; Rancho Mirage

Digestion, numbness, cramping

As time went by my body started to complain about pain in my arms, numbness in my leg and they started hurting and cramping. My constant escort was a bottle of alka seltzer because my big problem of digestion. My wife attended a meeting and was introduced to Liquidity. I have been taking it now approximately for a year. The average sleep at night was about 2 hours at a time and now all this has changed. I have been taking LiquiVida, Plus, & MVM daily. Now there are no more problems with digestion, numbness, or cramping in my limbs. I sleep all night! I feel different being well and I have regular blood pressure again. My doctor even asked what it is I’m doing. Thanks to LiquiVida I’m having a great life and feeling healthy.

Franz;Rancho Mirage

Autoimmune diseases rheumatory arthritis MS, Parkinson,& tremors

My history of illness included autoimmune diseases. Early on I was diagnosed with rheumatory arthritis and managed through alternative means to ease. Later I was diagnosed with MS, Parkinson, and tremors. I felt exhaustion at times so severe I had to rest for many hours. In 2004 I was introduced to LiquiVida, MVM and Complete and my energy took leaps, mental clarity is optimal, I suffer from zero pain, no medication, and live the life I missed from the age of 30 to the 60’s. Now in my later sixties I am full of vigor, health, and energy. I hope to share my enthusiasm for these products with as many people that are willing. Hooray Liquidity!

Sandy; Palm Springs

Hypoglycemic, low energy, pain, adrenal glands, fatigue

I have been diagnosed as a sub clinical hypoglycemic in the 1980’s. My symptoms were low energy, pain on my adrenal glands, fatigue and needing to sleep after some meals. I began drinking LiquiVida in April 2005 and all the above were replaced by more energy, less sleep, with a 99% improvement on having to take naps following meals. My lips had always been pale and now look as if I have lipstick on! I do great at sleeping just 6 hours and going all day. My skin also doesn’t feel as thin as it did and looks rosy. I spent my life working in the sun and it had a “leathery” look to it with many deep wrinkles. I started using the skin care system and I can’t believe the improvement on my face. The wrinkles have dramatically lessened and my skin looks soft and supple. Many of my friends and family are amazed by my younger looking self. The lifting mask absolutely works and why wouldn’t the awesome Aloe Vera in the skin care set make a 100% improvement to my skin.

I am 62 years old and since passing through menopause in the early 90’s I began an uncomfortable and slightly debilitating episode of chafing and burning with scares from doctors that the only remedy was hormonal suppositories with their accompanying scary side effects. Summertime with the heat and dryness always made my condition more serious and painful. I began taking LiquiVida (Juice of Life as we affectionately labeled it) in April 2005 and during the summer (in August) I suddenly remembered the symptoms and they were no longer there. Here I am writing in Sept, 2006, living in 120 degree weather and now this new me, is unencumbered by this former disability. Thanks to LiquiVida and MVM, I am now 62 years and free of these former problems.

Regina;  Desert Hot Springs


If you are interested go check out my site: http://liquidity.myvoffice.com/vivwalters/

Fibro Viv
Viviana Walters

Please remember to stay positive and practice self-talk. Here are some thought to repeat to yourself:

1). Things are getting better.
2). I am making progress in helping myself feel better.
3). I am seeking help and trying different alternatives and therapies.
4). I am confident of my ability to deal with my health and live a good life.
5). Today I can do what I need to do for my recovery.
6). I can treat myself gently and ignore negative people and their negative thoughts, words cannot hurt me.

Lastly, I look forward to today and all the positive things in my life. I thank my Lord for everything he has blessed me with and I will meet today’s challenges positively.

I hope and pray I have helped someone today.

Fibro Viv

How I Deal

Published at November 23, 2007 in My Own Experience. 3 Comments

Everyday we face challenges and have the opportunity to embrace them with a negative or positive attitude.  I deal with my pain and fatigue by thinking about how this illness has changed my life and why I try to continue to invest myself in other peoples’ life.

It makes me feel better to share information and answer questions.  I am being selfish by doing this.  Why do I say that?  Because it feels good to have people write and tell me they like reading my blog, it helps my self-esteem.

People with chronic illnesses have to find a way to make themselves feel better.  I guess this is my way of feeling better about myself and in the process I pray I am helping others.

My goal now is to share how to view our illness in a positive way.  God has chosen us to take on this challenge and it is up to us to make peace with it and then transcend all our emotions and feelings with a full understanding of what his plan is.  I believe he wanted me to share my own experience, share tools and information.  I wanted to go into social work my first year in college.  As soon as I was given cases to work on, my empathy was too strong and I could not help anyone without crying.  That was the end of that dream.

While I enjoyed my career and found it to be a great learning experience, I wasn’t doing what I originally wanted to do.  So, maybe this is God’s way of granting me the opportunity to help others.  Here are some questions to ask yourself and I would like others to give me feedback.

1).   Has this illness changed my personality?

2).   I know I had to make lifestyle changes?  Would they have happened for another reason? Perhaps due to age, wisdom or life experiences?

3).   Am I accepting my path in life?

4).   The choice is mine, am I embracing this illness and learning to think about all the other great miracles in my life?  I do have many things to be grateful for, so am I focusing on those things?  If not? Why not?

I hope and pray that my babbling today has helped someone today.  Please respond and give me feedback.

Fibro Viv

Thankgiving, what is it about?

Published at November 22, 2007 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

Thanksgiving day is a day to share your thoughts and love with everyone you know.  A day to give thanks to our Lord for every miracle he has sent our way.  Challenges in our lives only make us stronger.  I believe we are given those challenges because we can handle them.  Hopefully we learn from them and share our experience with others to help them when they are experiencing a challenge in their life.

I pray and hope that I have been able to share my own experience and thoughts in a way that touches someones life.  I know I have read many sites that share their experience and it has helped me.

I am grateful to have met many wonderful talented people on the Internet.  I am grateful for my family and friends and the many memories I have from the past and I am looking forward to the future.

May God Bless everyone and may we meet again.

Viviana

Sorry Everyone

Published at November 16, 2007 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

I will not be able to post anything today because I am still feeling fatigue.  I am sorry I could not post everyday in November.  I gave it my best.

I will say a special prayer for everyone experiencing pain and fatigue.

God Bless

Fibro Viv

What is happening today?

Published at November 15, 2007 in My Own Experience. 2 Comments

Hello My Friends,

I am writing to let you know I have come down with some type of virus that causes an upset stomach, diarrhea and headaches. Not fun. The pain has been extreme for the past few days and today I am just worn out. I slept for a long time and I am still tired. Does that sound familiar? Yes indeed.

I have been following my own advice on pacing and taking good care of myself. Drinking lots of water, taking my supplements and resting. This is what keeps me going. My husband cannot believe I am set on posting everyday in November. Well, today’s post is about me. Sorry.

I have not been able to visit my new Grandchildren since who knows when, I cannot keep up with the dates and I gave up trying a long time ago. As long as I stay positive and take care of myself, the dates do not really matter. I keep a daily journal and I still have to ask about one hundred times a day, what day is it today? Since my husband has a brain injury he also forgets the date. We make a great couple:) Two half brains surviving in this world and trying to teach our children right from wrong. I believe we are succeeding because our young men are all very considerate and loving.

So my niece goes in for surgery early tomorrow morning and I will try very hard to go see her. It may not be before surgery, but I will make it, I am determined. She is very loving and considerate of others. She never forgets a birthday, keeps up with all family illnesses, news, etc. You might call her the family monitor. Bless her heart, she is in so much pain and this surgery is suppose to help.  The doctor is placing some type of apparatus in her spine for a period of time to see if it helps her. If it does, then they will implant it forever. She is so brave to undergo this procedure and she is always saying “Auntie, if this helps my pain, maybe you will try it for your pain.” She tends to worry about everybody, she has a big heart and a very brave soul.

I am just afraid to loose total control of feeling pain. Does that sound weird? You see our body has its own natural mechanism alerting us of our pain. I am not against her having this surgery, it is a personal decision. I know how to manage my pain and if I continue sticking to my own pain strategies, I don’t believe I will require surgery. I am much older than she is and I guess I am also afraid of not being in control of my own body. As I said, she is much braver than I am. Plus I truly do not have time to be in a hospital and I need to conserve my energy for my family.

So, I have a favor to ask. Please pray for my niece, Esperanza. Pray that everything goes well and this new technology helps her pain. Pray for a fast recovery.

I thank you and I pray and hope you are not experiencing pain or fatigue.

Fibro Viv

Pain Management Treatments and Attitude

Published at November 14, 2007 in My Own Experience and Viv's Tips. 0 Comments

I have mentioned in the past my PCP referred me to a Pain Management Doctor. This doctor referred me to a Pain Management Facility called St. David’s Rehabilitation Center. What I liked about this particular center was that they set forth principles and standards to meet individual needs. I was working and decided to take medical leave. Thank goodness I had saved my vacation time and had some sick time available.

The center set up an initial interview to find out what my particular needs and to set goals. You might think this would be overwhelming. It was not because I wanted to get on with my life and I wanted to learn how to manage my pain. The whole idea on their part was to help me become independent with management of recurrent symptoms, develop strategies and habits that maximize my ability to function and decrease the frequency and intensity of symptoms.

These were my goals:

1). Continue working or in my case return to work.

2). Increase my current functional abilities and endurance level.

4). Learn how to self-manage my pain without having to always rely or be dependent on my doctors or medication.

They offered Individual and Group Treatments as follows:

1). Physical Therapy

2). Psychological Therapy

3). Occupational Therapy

4). Biofeedback evaluation and treatment

Unfortunately, my insurance did not see the need for Psychological or Biofeedback. My doctor wrote a letter and they still denied it. St. David’s was nice enough to let me in on one session of Individual and two of Group Psych sessions. At that time I was not depressed, I was eager to move forward and had a great attitude. That was because I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue and all of my close friends and co-workers were very supportive. Hence, when I was evaluated for Psych issues, I was fine at that point in time.

My program included Physical and Occupational Individual and Group sessions. There were days I did not think I could get out of bed, get dressed and go to the facility. The support of my loving husband was magnificent. I would not have made it without his help and guidance. God Bless him.

I was feeling so good I wanted to go back to work before it was time, plus I was running out of vacation and sick time. A dear friend came over to visit me and could not believe the difference in me. I was smiling, feeling and looking good. So I talked my PCP into signing a form releasing me and allowing me to go back to work. That was a mistake because I tried to continue my therapy part-time and my new boss was not as supportive as he said he would be. I was already working for a great Director and new Senior Manager. I let this other Director talk me into transferring to his team prior to returning to work. All he wanted was for me to join his team and he knew my past team members would follow. He ended up with an excellent team combined with some of his own excellent members. Unfortunately he never made it clear to his prior team members that I was there as a mentor and guru, so to speak. I was not there to become their Team Manager or take over. This caused me a lot of stress which caused my symptoms to increase beyond my own control. I just wanted to continue working, I did not want to continue working at the pace I was accustomed to and had no desire to move up the ladder. I knew what my limitations were and just wanted to support my family. That whole experience is still difficult for me to believe it even happened. I did make some new friends and will never forget the people that were not competitive. It also opened my eyes up about certain individuals and their characteristics. All in all, I did gain insight and learned from this whole experience. I am sorry to fall off track here….jeez, let it go, Viv, let it go! You see, we have to do a lot of self-talk.

I want people to be open to treatment centers. I know it is hard to get motivated enough to get up and get dressed. Trust me, it was worth it to me in the end. I still use the treatment strategies I learned.

When you are referred to a treatment center you should look for the following:

* What type of patients do they serve?

* Are the health professionals trained in teaching and treating acute or chronic pain?

* Is the program supervised by a licensed director or manager?

* Will they stay in communication with your doctor?

* Try to meet each therapist that will be working with you.

* The center must be able to assess and treat physical and psychological treatments.

* Do they offer brochures, pamphlets, etc. you can keep?

* Do they have someone that takes care of all the paperwork required to start and continue the program?

* What type of insurance is required? Do they offer any discounts or sliding scales, if necessary?

* What type of complaints have they had or encountered?

* What is their exact method of evaluating an individual and do they offer treatments that meet your goals and expectations?

* Try to talk to people that have already experienced treatment at that particular center.

I know it seems like a lot to do, hopefully your doctor has already sent other patients to that particular Pain Management Center. If you have to find one on your own, keep a list of what I have listed to help you find the right place. There were some patients that had no desire to get better and all they wanted to do was complain. They felt the effort to get up and actually follow the program was too much. Attitude has a lot to do with the success of any program you join. In the beginning it is not easy, but it gets easier and the knowledge you gain is long lasting and beneficial to you and your family.

I hope and pray this information has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv





Stressed Out? Who me? Yes You!:)

Published at November 13, 2007 in Viv's Tips. 0 Comments

Did you know that the more stress you are under, the more you have to take better care of yourself? Lets think about the signs and symptoms associated with stress and what stress is controllable or uncontrollable.

PHYSICAL SIGNS:

  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Faintness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Clumsiness
  • Stomach aches, knots, nausea and cramps
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Short and shallow breathing
  • Sleeping too much/too little
  • Lump in the throat
  • Sweating, clammy hands
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain, muscle spasms or a feeling of a tight chest

EMOTIONAL SIGNS:

  • Excessive nervousness or anxiety
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Nightmares
  • Chronic irritability
  • Constant feelings of resentment
  • Anti-social
  • Feeling down and alone

THOUGHT  RELATED SIGNS:

  • Difficulty making everyday decisions
  • Memory problems
  • Worrying everyday
  • Expecting the worst

NOTE:  Identify your stress symptom, then think about how you might be able to change the situation or if it is uncontrollable.

Here I go again, write it down and ask yourself these questions:

1).   Can I control this event or situation?  Can I change it?

Go with the flow and do something different.  Save energy for something you can impact and change.

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

2).    How important is it?

Think about it, will you or anyone remember what has happened or what was said?

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

3).   Has this happened before?  If so, how did I handle it?

Don’t spend so much time worrying and take time out for yourself. 

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

4).   What is the worst possible outcome?

Breathe deeply, relax, practice positive imagery and meditation.

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

So, how do I cope?  Humor and laughter goes a long way.  Sure I have brain fog, so what if  I forget what to call a cup, plate or a name.  It isn’t the end of the world.  I am still alive and typing away, it may not make sense…..but I am trying.  That is all I can ask of myself, is to try and keep things in perspective.  Live life and enjoy the good moments we have.  There is always someone down the road with greater challenges.  We just have to learn to accept ourselves and believe God is with us every step of the way.

I hope and pray this information has helped someone today.

Viv Fibro ( Have you every done that?  I always write things the wrong way!:))

Fibro Viv

 

Setting Goals and Pacing Worksheet

Published at November 12, 2007 in Viv's Tips. 0 Comments

Set daily goals first, then weekly, monthly and three month goals:

Make sure you set small and realistic goals.

1). Today I would like to:

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2). What factors (within my control) make it hard for me to reach this goal?

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3). What can help me reach this goal? Who can help me reach this goal?

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4). To improve my pacing and get enough rest, I will do what?

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Note: Use this worksheet or log to set goals to rest and pace yourself.

I hope and pray this log/worksheet will help someone today.

Fibro Viv

Can You Improve Your Pacing?

Published at November 11, 2007 in Viv's Tips. 0 Comments

As you read this post you will think I am repeating myself. Well, I am. Why? Because I know I struggle with pacing myself and I believe you do too.

The experience and management of chronic fatigue caused by fibromyalgia is different from the more commonly experienced acute fatigue with regard to specific relief measures and its causes. Management strategies we must utilize to reduce energy consumption and consequently delay the disabling effects of fatigue include the following:

Try doing less and please accept help from others to conserve energy. There are also recharging efforts such as, rest and medications. We can also enhance resistance to fatigue with the proper nutritional strategies, proper physical activities and stretching or exercising at our own pace.

I am always trying to think of ways that I can pace some of my activities. Sleeping well and resting. Persistent lack of sleep can produce emotional upheavals such as irritability, mood swings, and feelings of depression. So if you need help in this area, talk to your doctor.

Try getting into a routine of regular activities and sleep schedules. Go to sleep and get up at approximately the same time everyday, including week-ends. While they say naps can interfere with your sleep cycle, personally I have to take a nap during the day to survive. If you find it does not help you, stop napping.

Remember that just moving around will help to release tension and promote sleep. I am working on a worksheet for you to use that should be helpful. Please keep checking my site out for those worksheets.

I hope and pray someone listens to me and makes an effort to improve pacing.

Fibro Viv

Balancing Life and Our Priorities

Published at November 10, 2007 in Viv's Tips. 0 Comments

Lifestyle adjustments are the decisions and actions we take to enable us to manage and take control of our health challenges.

I have found that I have had to simplify my life. I was forced to quit working, and mourned that part of my life for a long time. I tried to understand why I missed the deadlines, stress and work in general. I realized that what I missed was the people. My family is important to me, but work was also important and I enjoyed it. I may have lost my job, but I did not loose who I was or who I am. It is difficult to come to that conclusion immediately. I hope that anyone that has experienced what I have will also learn to understand the different aspects of our lives. Sometimes we need to talk to someone about how we feel or write it down to help us sort out these feelings.

The most critical part of learning to live well with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue is making those lifestyle adjustments. We cannot change the past or our genetic makeup. However, there may be aspects of our lives that we can change or ‘adjust’ in order to improve our health and quality of life. These critical adjustments involve the following:

1). Setting Priorities - We have to decide what is truly important.

2). Pacing and Scheduling Rest - It is vital to our health that we take time out of each day to rest and relax.

3). Self Monitoring - Monitor yourself and your activities. Keep a journal. I know that I repeat myself a lot. Keeping a journal is very important. It will enable you to figure out what works best for you.

4). Sleeping Well - I either have to sleep a lot or cannot sleep. I listen to my body and just sleep anytime of the day. I know it can be difficult, especially when you have small children to care for. Ask someone to help you, so you can take time to rest.

5). Priority Adjustment - Decide what is important, pick your battles, save energy, simplify, carefully evaluate your “To Do List.”

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I have created a worksheet for you to complete. I think you find it interesting. Here goes:

What activities are the most important for me to accomplish on a regular basis? List it by importance.

1).______________________________________________________

2).______________________________________________________

3).______________________________________________________

4).______________________________________________________

What are some things that I would like to do but am currently unable to accomplish?

1).______________________________________________________

2).______________________________________________________

3).______________________________________________________

What prevents me from accomplishing the list in question number 2?

1).______________________________________________________

2).______________________________________________________

3).______________________________________________________

What resources might help me accomplish the list in question number 2?

1).______________________________________________________

2).______________________________________________________

3).______________________________________________________

Now…..review your answer to question number one (1).  You might not realize this, but we have already established priorities in our lives.  Some of these may be family and social expectations.   You have to think of them as “What might be best for you as an individual with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue”?

How do the priorities of others in your life compare to your values and priorities? We all have demands and desires on how we can improve our situation.

Please remember what is important and try simplifying your life for your sake as well as your family.

I hope and pray this information has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv

Relaxation and Inducing a Sense of Well-Being

Published at November 9, 2007 in Viv's Tips. 0 Comments

Try finding a quiet place and sit on a comfortable chair with arms. Rest your arms on the arms of the chair. Sit erect with your feet flat on the floor. Do not cross your arms or ankles. You might try turning on some relaxing music.

1). Breathe in deeply through your nostrils and allow the air to fill your lungs.

2). Exhale slowly though your mouth, letting the air flow out.

3). Pause at the end of the breath, neither breathing in nor out. This pause lets your mind come to quietness.

4). Repeat breathing in and out. Watch the breath as it goes in and comes out each time. You will start getting more and more relaxed.

Now that you are feeling relaxed, mentally think about what part of your body might still feel tense or tight. Let this tension go. Try relaxing your forehead and jaw.

It is time to use visual imaging. Think about a time that you enjoyed and you will find yourself feeling better as you think about those wonderful memories.  Plan for the future and visualize yourself looking and feeling better and healthier.

I hope and pray this tip will help someone today.

Fibro Viv

Lord I Feel So Alone

Published at November 8, 2007 in My Own Experience. 0 Comments

I am sharing another song/poem I wrote when I was feeling down and alone. This will be the first time I share this with anyone. I hope and pray it helps someone today.

Lord I Feel So Alone

Lord I feel so alone,
Trapped in this body of pain,
I try to keep my faith in you,
But yes I do have a day where I feel so alone.

Lord I feel so alone,
Trapped in this body of pain,
I try to feel normal and smile each day,
Feeling so helpless within myself,
Yes, I do have a day where I feel so alone,
Yes, I do have support and love all around,
Yet, they do not feel the pain as I do.

Lord I feel so alone,
Trapped in this body of pain,
You send your Shepard’s my way to help,
This is what keeps me sane.

Lord I feel so alone,
Trapped in this body of pain,
My family and friends are there sometimes,
Yet they do not feel my pain,
They say I look great and I smile at them,
I wish I could tell them I felt that great.

Lord I feel so alone,
Trapped in this body of pain,
Like a clown hiding behind a happy face,
I feel like I am deceiving everyone,
Trying to keep my faith in you,
I feel I am deceiving you too,
Asking my family and friends to keep their faith,
Yet sometimes I feel so alone.

Lord I feel so alone,
Trapped in this body of pain,
Please help me feel my faith again,
Please help me practice what I preach each day,
Yet I feel so alone.

Lord I feel so alone,
Trapped in this body of pain,
You send small miracles down my way,
That is what keeps me sane.

I want to feel normal again someday,
I want to help people who feel my pain,
So I ask, is this what you had in mind?
Will I reach my goal to help others too?

Lord I feel so alone,
Trapped in this body of pain,
Please help me push myself each day,
Helping others feel no pain,
Most of all help me stop feeling this way,
Lord I feel so alone.

Viviana

Copyright Viviana Walters @http://fibroviv.com/

My Answer to Someone’s Questions

Published at November 7, 2007 in Viv's Tips. 0 Comments

I know how you feel right now and I want to help you and everyone else that suffers from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue.

I am doing fine these days. I became a Grandmother on October 31, 2007. I thought I would never be able to hold my Grandchildren because of my fatigue and pain. I believe my faith and prayers made a difference and made it possible for me to find the strength I needed to stay positive, try new products, medications to help me feel better. This is why I started my mission to help others too.

Yes, I noticed you have not been on any forums or boards. In fact, I felt you pulling away from me. I know it is hard to trust someone over the Internet. Especially since you experienced such negative responses and attitudes from your own friends and co-workers.

People do not want to hear or be around sick people. They only want to experience good things. Well, the only way I can feel good about myself is to reach out to someone like you, my friend. It is hard to accept help or even ask for help. I was fortunate enough to have good friends, co-workers and family members willing to reach out and try to help. I know not everyone is that fortunate.

I am sorry to hear you are experiencing a deep depression. These are your words:

Right now I am in a deep depression. I have prayed and prayed for God to take me. But here I am.

Do you ever get really depressed? I just lay in bed and cry. I hate it. Is it part of fibro?

When an individual is experiencing extreme pain and fatigue it is normal to feel depressed. Seek medical help and don’t let anyone blame you for feeling blue. I still remember the morning I woke up and suddenly I felt extreme pain, fatigue and everything else that goes with this disorder. I was fighting it and struggling to find out what was going on. I continued working and I deceived myself, believing that it was just the flu, my gall bladder, anything the doctor tried to rule out. I just knew things would get better. The truth of the matter is I hit rock bottom and felt useless, worthless, stupid, and much more. The depression is caused by the fatigue and pain you are experiencing.
Im hurting so badly. the medicine I take only at night don’t take during day or Id get nothing done. But it makes me bolder, I find myself saying and doing things that I would never have nerve and be brave enough to do. Is that normal with meds?

Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking. Everyone reacts differently to medications. What types of things are you doing and saying? How do you feel when you say something you normally would not have said before? I suggest you write down how you feel and think about what might have caused those reactions you are talking about. It will help you sort out those thoughts and emotions.

When I talk to a doctor or individual that does not believe in fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue, I feel sad and alone. I have to take back control of my emotions and just forget about them. I know what I feel everyday of my life. They are not experiencing my pain and fatigue, yet they make judgments and mean remarks. The way I deal with this is to just pray and ask God to give me the strength to forget about them. God knows what we are feeling. Don’t let them hurt you.

Im sorry to ask all these questions. I just feel lost. I wish Id die right now. Its not just the pain its everything. I feel like I am holding on to a thread. The least thing upsets me and makes me feel like Im having a nervous breakdown. Do you ever feel like that?

My friend, never feel badly about asking questions. I am here for you and anyone else that seeks encouragement and help. I too felt lost and wanted to give up. I have cried myself to sleep because of my pain and fatigue. I did not want to complain to my family and friends. I found that crying, praying and resting helped me. However, you need additional support and help. Talk to your doctor, you may need to change your depression medication. In the beginning I had to try several different types of medications to help me deal with the pain and fatigue. I also suffer from panic/anxiety attacks. I have to take medication for those attacks. They are hard to deal with, you feel closed in, lost and unable to breathe. Do not try to handle these emotions on your own. Seek medical help and try to join a support group.

You have to seek help, be open to expressing your feelings, write them down, keep a journal and please try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Positive self-talk helps me out tremendously. I promise.

I better go. Take care. I hope everything is well with you and your family.

I am worried about you and want you to call me. I know you find it hard to trust, please let me help you. Thank you for asking about my family. They are hanging in there. Please remember you are not alone.

The only reason I am answering you on my site is because I know you are not the only person feeling this way. Just know you are helping others too. I know you have a big heart and want to help people too. Together we can help each other and spread the word about this horrific disorder.

Love your friend,

Viviana