Treating Fibromyalgia & CFS - The New, The Ancient & The Unconventional
Move over pain killers, SNRIs and conventional approaches to pain and fatigue. Medical science is looking in new directions, embracing ancient techniques and even delving into the realm of science fiction.
Three articles caught my eye this week. The first dealt with how a sinus surgery is relieving long-term fatigue. The second talked about how acupuncture is gaining more acceptance in mainstream medicine even though scientists haven't been able to pinpoint how it works. (No pun intended.) The third, from Mumbai, is about an electrical device implanted in the spine of people with chronic pain that replaces pain signals with a little tingly feeling. An odd collection, no doubt. But hey, we're dealing with odd collections of symptoms here, aren't we? Topics on the About.com fibromyalgia and CFS forum recently have ranged from skin problems to feeling cold all the time to needing different clothes for "puffy" days because of fluid retention.
So what does all this mean? It means that at least portions of the medical community recognize that the way they've been treating pain is inadequate. We've got a long way to go before addictive opioids, antidepressants with dozens of side effects, and "learn to live with it" approaches give way completely to the new, the ancient and the unconventional, but at least we're on the way.
Comments
I was diagnosed with fibro about fifteen years ago. It was a battle. At first, just the idea that I had a responsibility to a chronic illness was depressing. Amino Acid prescriptions were the effective treatment for me. Since then, I have gone into a trade that is physically demanding and became successful. Attitude was very important. I healthy living from food to exercise was the cure all with amino acid treatment. I am 51 yrs old and some of my aches and pains are normal old age setting. What do you think? Please reply.
I am 50 and was diagnosed about 15 years ago also. I’d like more detail on the amino acids you take and the changes that have helped you with your symptoms–always looking for answers.
Debbie
I have had fibromyalgia for the last two years and found all the pills did nothing for me. I did a colon cleansing and do Complex B follow a good diet and find I only have aches and pain if I over do and I am fity-six and feel better than I have in a long time. I would like to know a little more about the amio acids.
Linda
I was just recently diagnosed with this. I am in so much pain I cant bare it. I just started acupunture. I am on my 3rd visit today. I am drinking ginger and honey. I was not told about amino? How do I find out more? I take topomax, pain med’s, all of which don;t work. I don;t sleep. I have 3 kids. This is a terrible thing. I am depressed. I just started on cymbalta too. Which know I am reading about Heath Leadger, and I take unisom to sleep every night. I basically take exactly what he does.WOW! Why am I not dead?
Adrienne -
**The third, from Mumbai, is about an electrical device implanted in the spine of people with chronic pain that replaces pain signals with a little tingly feeling.**
The link sent me to an article about accupuncture. I’d like to find out more about the Mumbai article you read. Thank you.