Fibromyalgia ** I’m tired all the time**

Fibromyalgia ** I’m tired all the time**

Yawning? I’m drinking a coke to wake up lol

I’m usually full of energy running around with far too much to do.  The past week I’ve been a zombie.  When I stand up I get dizzy and head rushes.  It’s taken me a few days to put 2 & 2 together, it is lack of vitamins that is making me so tired.  

I usually order tons of vitamins twice a year.  I get tons, I have my regulars and than others I try.  I’m open-minded and always like to try new things that could help improve my fibro. 

So here I am a bit over due for ordering my vitamins and suffering the effect’s. 

I am not sleeping properly, I’m having funny dreams, head rushes, dizzy spells, fatigue etc  I am happy to say I don’t have any pain though, but I am guessing this is temporary.  It obviously takes a while for vitamins to clear your system and my previous ones have taken the last train out of town leaving me behind in la la land.. 

I am still taking a quite a few but clearly not enough to be stable. 

So here is my advice to you, over take what you need.  I usually take 6-7 different anti inflammatory, different vitamins e,d,c, immune system builders, forms of sea weed and so much more.  I tend to stay away from B12 because I don’t wake up early lol

Check out what I take

http://livewithfibromyalgia.blogspot.ca/p/vitamin-regeime.html

I will update my list when my new shipment comes in. 

A regular person with inflammatory problems would take Omega 3’s and that’s it.  Sadly that won’t touch us, the more the better.  Think of it as over filling a salt shaker, we need to do the same to our bodies to be stable. 

Do what works for you but I prefer not to poison my system with pop or be taking naps during the day after a 12 hours of sleep .  

Depression/Fibromyalgia

Depression & Fibro

A lot of people who have fibro suffer from depression.  Each person handles their depression differently.  Some suppress, some get eaten alive by it. 

With depression I do think some aspects of it are mind over matter. There is lots of medication available as well & it’s a personal choice if you take it or not. 

I do not suffer from depression. Like everyone I do have my moment but I refuse to give in and keep going. 

The prime reason I am writing this article is to share my experience with a dog I babysat for a week. 

Dana is a Great Dane, 110 pounds and sweet as can be.  Her owners were off to Jamaica for a week so I had the pleasure of her company. 

For 7 days Dana was a part of my life.  At times it was difficult due to her washroom schedule but we figured it out & worked as a team.  Everywhere I went in my home Dana followed.  If someone came to my door Dana protected me.  If we were out for a walk Dana made sure we were safe.  Such an amazing experience, I was so sad she left.  I felt lonely or like I was missing something. 

Growing up we always had dogs but as an adult I steered towards cats.  A dog is an amazing companion.  You are not alone EVER. 

Owning a dog gives you a purpose.  You MUST take the dog out multiple times a day for pee/poop breaks.  The dog must go on multiple walks daily, great for those who won’t leave the house.  Having a dog truly does open you up socially. 

9-11 million animals each year are killed in shelters due to over crowding.  If you are looking to adopt please adopt from a shelter.  The animals are spayed/neutered/vaccinated and the adoption fee is very affordable.  There is no such thing as “ free to good home”. 

Make sure you can afford to have a pet as well!!!  Factor in food/vet visits.

You could always volunteer for your local shelter, offer dog walking in the area etc

The point is something so simple as giving a pet a home can really change your life. 

Push yourself each day.  Life is too short to be worried about nothing. 

Weight Gain & Fibromyalgia

Weight Gain And Fibro

Over a summer I somehow gained 30 pounds.  Which is far from normal.  At this time I had no idea what Fibro was.  My life was a wee bit stressful due to re-location but within two months time I had myself back on track.  I thought oh its stress, lack of schedule and 2-eggs/white bread I eat for breakfast every morning. 

Nope, I was wrong……

Speeding things up a bit, I stopped working and needed to do something with my time. So I started volunteering with a cat rescue, before  I knew it I was running my own.  This FORCED me to move and be selfless.  There was absolutely NO CHOICE.

My average day was busier than anyone’s.  It wasn’t about me, it was about these innocent lives I brought into my home.  

Speeding up again….after 4 years of this I was exhausted and needed to regain my life.  Towards the end of the of my cat rescue career I thought, “ I’m sick of looking like this”.  I can shop anywhere, takes forever to find an outfit to cover the fat, I’m DONE!!

I slowly went back to my roots of Salsa.  I slowly started dancing and it was hard.  I remember laughing in the rheumatologists face when she told me to do yoga or swim. I thought “ Bitch I can’t move” you want me to do Yoga? 

I also watched everything that went in my mouth.  Anything I was going to eat would be healthy.  I also take tons of vitamins which help.  Since Fibro is such an ugly disease ( can we call it a disease?)  I figure it doesn’t hurt to take extra vitamins with anti inflammatory properties. 

Check out my meal plans

http://livewithfibromyalgia.blogspot.ca/p/healthy-eating.html

Check out my vitamin routine

http://livewithfibromyalgia.blogspot.ca/p/vitamin-regeime.html

After of almost a year I’ve lost 40 pounds, I feel STRONG, I feel HEALTHY and fibro is almost a thing of the past. I know it will NEVER GO AWAY but I can live with it. 

Everyone’s journey is different with Fibro.  Everyone’s Fibro is different. 

It’s baby steps to be the best YOU possible. 

Don’t be mad at yourself.  I was and it’s not worth all the negativity.  Each of us is unique.  Everyone’s body is different.  I can walk past a hot dog stand and magically gain 5 pounds while others could eat a truck load and lose 5 pounds.  It all boils down to genetics.   You get what you get. 

Positivity is the KEY. 

Don’t put  yourself on a diet, consider it a lifestyle change.  You are doing this to better yourself.  Trust me you’ll feel GREAT. 

With fibro we have to retrain our bodies and minds.  It’s like we are “ reborn” and have to relearn the basics.  Accept you have fibro and learn to live with it. 

However you start your journey, start slow but push yourself.  I got here with cats and salsa music.  Does that really make any sense?

Can I work out with Fibro?

Can I work out with Fibro?

The answer is YES YES YES, did I say YES?

You must start slowly and very slowly. 

I’ve been working out for almost a year now.  I’ve lost a ton of weight and gained a lot of strength. I barley notice I have fibro. 

You must also eat healthy.  Do not put yourself on a diet,  just make a lifestyle change. Eat healthy and it will help you become a new you.  

Here are tips for healthy eating & meal plans

http://livewithfibromyalgia.blogspot.ca/p/healthy-eating.html

So with the working out swimming/dancing/walking is a great way to start.  I am a salsa FREAK so I started with dancing.  When working out you need music to keep your mind focused.  So on walks make sure your ipod or phone is full of music.  When dancing blast the music and shake your booty !!!

What is the right amount of time?

Everyone is different.  I recommend to stretch and stretch slowly.  A little of yoga helps as well. 

For cardio I do about 30-40 minutes.  Thus includes sit ups, push ups,  lifting weights ( started with 4 pounds, now at 10), dancing to salsa, running on the spot etc Do what you want.

I also try to walk about 10 kilometers ( 6.25 miles)   a week at a fast pace.  Make sure you have comfortable shoes and clothing.  Once again start slow. 

For all of this you need to prepare your mind.  Tell yourself you can do it.  I sometimes take tylenol prior to the work out. 

When should you work out?

Evening is the best for me.  I’m relaxed, my mind is prepared and its great prior to bed because my day is complete. 

You need to push yourself each time.  You can do it I promise you but you might fight yourself through the pain. You will find within a short period of time ie; one week your body will go stronger and it only gets easier. 

Good Luck Everyone J

Keratosis Pilaris/Tanning

Update on my KP

I am sick and tired of these bumps.  I’m also not willing to spend any other money of creams/body washes.  Plus all the time devoted to this care.  Life is too short lol

So I’ve once again taken up tanning.  This may or may not be for you but it works for me. Years ago I was an avid tanner and had perfect skin.  Plus a beautiful tan.  You could also try spray tans, I hear those work as well. 

I’ve seen a huge difference already.  My acne has cleared up almost immediately. I’m going twice a week, just using regular beds to start & a basic cream. 

I do recommend you start slowly, invest in a good lotion as well.  Check out local salons for deals in your area.  

Now  I did see a dermatologist lately who was useless and didn’t want to give me anything but I did leave with a prescription.  Being that I was a referral via O-Hip, I wasn’t a high paying customer so I got the shit end of the stick. 

After showing her my KP, her response was “ it’s your natural skin” .  I don’t want this as my natural SKIN.  My KP travels down to my wrists/down to my ankles talk about embarrassing, especially with summer coming!!!!

So long story short, the pharmacy is a bit delayed on ingredients for the cream but will keep you posted once received and used. 

Cheers…

Keratosis Pilaris - Treatments/Information

Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a very common skin condition often referred to as "chicken skin". If you have keratosis pilaris, you are not alone. Worldwide, keratosis pilaris affects an estimated 40 to 50% of the adult population and approximately 50 to 80% of all adolescents. Varying in degree, cases of KP can range from minimal to severe.

Most people with keratosis pilaris don't know they have it. While KP resembles goosebumps, it is characterized by the appearance of small, rough bumps on the skin. Primarily, it appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms, but can also occur on thighs and buttocks or any body part except palms or soles. (Often confused with acne.)

http://www.helpforkp.com/

I’ve had this condition for as long as I can remember.  I found it extremely embarrassing as a young teen ( 12 ) plus.  I referred to this as a “ skin disease”.  I remember putting cover up on my arms in the summer or wearing long sleeve’s to hide it.  I was too self-conscious to wear shorts as well. 

I do feel my KP was heightened by my Hyperhidrosis

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperhidrosis

 

Now that I’ve had surgery for the hyperhidrosis I’ve seen a huge difference.  I’ve also been working my butt off on a skin care routine.  It’s rather annoying and time consuming but it has paid off 2 months later. 

 

It has been rather costly to keep up with this routine. 

 

I first started tanning once a week.  I use to be a tanning addict and I remember my KP was non existent.  Now that I’m a few years older and wiser I won’t be tanning like a maniac.  This is strictly for skin reasons now. 

 

After reading some reviews I purchased two different sets of highly recommend skin care body washes/moisturizers. 

 

1.  DERMAdoctor, Keratosis Pilaris regimen duo, body scrub/moisturizer.  

 

 

 

http://www.dermadoctor.com/product_DERMAdoctor-Keratosis-Pilaris-regimen-duo_1598.html?CSI=Y850

 

The dry body scrub by dermadoctor is no different than St.Ives Apricot-Scrub, which has a price tag of 5-10 dollars a tub.  You could also use a sea salt scrub.  NOTE- do this on dry skin, than rinse off. 

http://www.stives.com/Facial-Products/Fresh-Skin/Invigorating-Apricot-Scrub/

 

 

 

The body cream smells like a acne cream called “ differin”.  The tube is small and doesn’t have the most pleasant smell for the price. 

 

If you’ve got a drug plan I recommend you get a prescription for “ differin” from your doctor, buy some apricot scrub and avoid the $80.00 price tag. 

 

http://www.differin.com/ - have used in the past, excellent product. 

2. Glytone KP Kit, body wash/moisturizer.  

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002D48QR0/ref=pd_csp_1?ie=UTF8&n=507846&redirect=true&s=hpc&v=glance&qid=1115346583&sr=8-1

If you live in Canada, it’s harder to find a company who will ship this product here.  It will cost you upwards of $80-100 dollars. 

The body wash has a real “ medical” smell to it.  You know you are using a medical/specialty body wash.  If you’ve got a date, I’d stick to your regular wash & avoid this one. 

The moisturizer is thick, greasy and reminds me of penaten.  Not as bad but very close.  Once again if you’ve got a date do not use the moisturizer. 

http://www.babycenter.ca/penaten/

Over all I do feel that this product works but is it worth the price tag? That all depends if your willing to pay for it and give it a shot.  Luckily both of my KP products were Christmas gifts. 

Everyone’s KP is different.  The problem is that there is NO CURE for this condition.  You’ve got to be persistent on cleaning/moisturizing your skin to keep it maintained. 

I have seen an improvement in my skin but I’ve been working really hard & using expensive products.  You may or may not need to invest a lot in skin care products to improve the appearance.  Here is a list of products that KP individual’s use

http://www.helpforkp.com/keratosis_pilaris_treatment_index.html

Keep in mind 1 out of 3 people have this skin condition.  It’s super common.  Do not be ashamed.  No one is perfect nor do they have perfect skin. 

Good Luck 

ps...this is my KP prior to treatment, will post updated photo's soon ;)

Hyperhidrosis Surgery Update

Hyperhidrosis Surgery Update

So it’s been a little over a week since my surgery. What can I say? OMG it’s a world of a difference. My surgery was a bit ruff because I had a reaction to the anesthesia I had breathing difficulties for a few hours after the surgery.Two days on t3’s and back into the rat race.

Everyone’s recovery will be different. I’m stubborn and forced myself to move from the moment I woke up. I don’t recommend trying to rip your iv like I did lol I walked out of the hospital. My husband was a little slow with pushing the wheel chair ( he’s tall ) so I got annoyed kicked the wheel chair and walked out.
I came home did some dishes and laid down for a while.

RESULTS- well my hands are no longer sweating along with my feet and face. I do have sweating on my back. It’s rather creepy but an amazing pay off for what I had before.

I highly recommend the surgery. Now keep in mind everyone’s results will be different. There is a 90% success rate.

With having Fibromyalgia my hands/feet are no longer freezing. I do not have to change my socks ten times plus a day. I’m not standing over heating vents trying to get warm. I can wear normal clothes & not have to worry about sweating through them.

I LOVE THE CHANGE!!!!

Here are some pictures from the incisions

You get 4 of these little beauties.  Two on each side underneath your arm pit :) No stitches. 

4 days after surgery

It totally looks worse than what it is.  The incisions hurt a little bit but over a week & almost healed :)

I hope this has helped everyone.  The procedure is 40 mins or so & worth it.