FAVORITE
EXERCISE THERAPIES
links I LIKE
(This goes with the Self Help book listed in the book section)
National Fibromyalgia Association: Welcome to the national fibromyalgia association
Chronic Pain-Treatment Overview
Chronic Pain Relief: New Treatments
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
http://www.restministries.org/
http://www.strongatthebrokenplaces.com
Insomnia? 41 Simple Tips to Help You Get to Sleep - Insomnia treatment, cures
For the record
I used to be a bilingual elementary school teacher, a job I loved passionately. Then in 1999, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis (Endo) followed very quickly by Dermatomyositis. (DM) a semi-rare autoimmune disease that effects muscles and skin. I was very fortunate to have the Endo resolved or at least put under control quite quickly by two surgeries. My DM is not as bad as it is for many. I am fully ambulatory, I can swallow without problems and I have no lung involvement. But I’ve had my share of skin rashes which flare with any exposure to the sun, some muscle weakness and lots of fatigue and low grade fevers. I also get a lot of migraines! At the time I was diagnosed with DM, I was also diagnosed with Raynaud’s Syndrome, which for me has not been a big deal--I just wear gloves in cool weather or when getting things in and out of the freezer. Somewhere around 2002, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, which only makes the fatigue that much worse and makes you flinch in pain at times when your little children or husband snuggle up next to you. Irritated Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also a part of my landscape which is a non-issue when it is under control, but when its not, it can make life quite miserable! I’ve had dozens of basal cell skin cancers and one Melanoma, that thankfully was caught in the earliest of stages! I also have Sjögren’s Syndrome, which means that all of my mucus membranes are extremely dried out, ie., the mouth, the eyes, the sinuses, etc. In 2010, I was diagnosed with Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis of the colon, which is still unresolved.
The bright spots in my life are my wonderfully supportive husband and two little girls that fill my life with laughter and love. I am also blessed with a terribly supportive extended family, a warm circle of friends and a patchwork quilt like faith in a God who exudes compassion and justice.
Helpful links
Meds WITH WHICH I’ve had some experience:
OF COURSE I AM NOT A DOCTOR, AND THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO BE MEDICAL ADVICE, but I am happy to share what my personal experiences have been using any of the meds listed below: Prednisone, Methotrexate, IVIG, Plaquenil, Cellcept, Prevacid, Nortriptyline, Celexa, Cymbalta, Topamax, Relpax, Protonics, Oxycodone, Lidocaine Patches, Voltaren and Trazodone
BOOKS I HAVE FOUND HELPFUL ON MY JOURNEY
Charts to help track/communicate symptoms
Humor
Blog Summary Widget
twitter me! http://twitter.com/mind_e_scape
MASSAGE THERAPY
I have found massage therapy to be extremely helpful for migraines and fibromyalgia. A cross between Swedish massage and deep tissue has been most beneficial for me, as is hot rock therapy. If you need an excellent therapist and live in the Bay Area, call Rachel Elizondo at (408) 608-4427 or e-mail her at areserene@
