FIBROM-L Digest - 28 Jan 1997 to 29 Jan 1997

[Ronnie K. Jones]

At 05:00 PM 1/29/97 -0500, you wrote:
>There are 167 messages totalling 5673 lines in this issue.
>
>Topics of the day:
>
> 1. MED: blurry vision (2)
> 2. MED has anyone ever completely been recovered from fibromyalgia (2)
> 3. MED: IBS Question (2)
> 4. lump(s) in breast
> 5. Dry cracking lips was Re: Dry Mouth (2)
> 6. Devin on radio (2)
> 7. :CONJ: MED: leaky gut as a first cause? (3)
> 8. ANNOUNCE: A book recommendation (2)
> 9. MED: Double Standard? (5)
> 10. MED: Guai Thanks
> 11. MED: Cold Sensitivity?
> 12. MED: Doctor's reaction to proactive and involved patient
> 13. MED: Medical Bias and Defining Addiction was Re: MED: Double Standard?
> 14. CHAT, DISAB: Disability Unlikely (4)
> 15. MED: IBS Question (2)
> 16. MED: Addiction Vs. Dependence (3)
> 17. MED: Muscle relaxants, pain killers, HELP!! (5)
> 18. MED: Symptoms in Common (2)
> 19. ADMIN: Nice People (5)
> 20. ANA TEST AND FIBRO DIAGNOSIS
> 21. MED: CONJ: Dr's Advocacy-was Double Standard
> 22. Spiritual:Thank You
> 23. MED: NEED FMS SPECIALIST
> 24. HUM: Well Read Patients (YIKES!) (5)
> 25. Dry Mouth (2)
> 26. Schizophrenia and FMS (3)
> 27. MED: Serzone - dosage. adaptation
> 28. RES: Results of the Poll of Our Own 1
> 29. MED: caan we move Cold sensitivity
> 30. MED: Cold sensitivity
> 31. FMer with Shingles! (2)
> 32. Distractions (3)
> 33. Off-topic - Uncooked Dog Bones (2)
> 34. ANNOUNCE,HUM: A funny thing happened on the way to the domain name...
> 35. DISAB: I give up; (and) some lawyers ARE (2)
> 36. Fibro Treatment Theory (2)
> 37. scheuermann's disease (2)
> 38. DISAB: Doctor suggests that I apply
> 39. MED:Re: Schizophrenia and FMS (3)
> 40. MED: bloodwork (2)
> 41. OTHER: Fibro Times
> 42. MED: Dr's Advocacy-was Double Standard
> 43. Mousing Pain
> 44. ADMIN: Ooops!
> 45. MED: Swelling sensation in extremeties (2)
> 46. gov't grants
> 47. CHAT, DISAB, OTHER: Support Groups
> 48. RES: Results of S Poll of Our Own 3
> 49. ADMIN: My mail box gets too full
> 50. delete my fms account immediately/ Attn:Cynthia
> 51. Med: Guaifenesin
> 52. MED: Sinuses flowing freely
> 53. CHAT, CPP DISABILITY
> 54. MED: Double Standard? ADD/ADHD
> 55. SYLVIA S. EDWARDS/Goldstein
> 56. MED: The Zone diet
> 57. MED: test for leaky gut
> 58. AOL censors sick people /Don't Go to Website
> 59. AOL censors sick people with fibromyalgia, read about it at: (3)
> 60. Functional Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard
> 61. My censorship from the list!
> 62. CONJ: '80-'85 Did we all get sick at the same time (2)
> 63. (Reply) Looking for victims of trauma induced fibromyalgia
> 64. MED:Dental pain unusual
> 65. Phenylketonuria, Nutra-Sweet and FMS ???
> 66. hi! i'm new! (kind of)
> 67. ADMIN:Re: Religion and FM (long) (2)
> 68. MED: Well Read Patients (YIKES!)
> 69. Codeine for FM
> 70. Magnet Therapy Goes Mainstream (2)
> 71. MED: Headaches, again!
> 72. FMS SURVEY, HELP PLEASE
> 73. FIBRO & ATTENTION D D.
> 74. MED: guaifenesin availability info
> 75. MED: Schizophrenia and FMS (4)
> 76. MED: IBS Question & Levsin question
> 77. weight gain and fm:
> 78. MED: Fibromyalgia and Iron
> 79. MED: guaifenesin experience
> 80. Need HELP with Dental Problems (2)
> 81. trauma induced fibromyalgia
> 82. Disability (2)
> 83. elavil & birth control pills
> 84. med?
> clothinghurts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> !!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> 85. nausea (2)
> 86. CHAT: need help with kitty problems
> 87. Magnets and Computers
> 88. HUM: cats & exercise (3)
> 89. SPIRITUAL
> 90. MED: Drugs from Mexico (2)
> 91. CHAT, DISAB: Re: Information Please
> 92. MED: Fibromyalgia and Iron;Doctors?
> 93. CHAT, DISAB: Disability, Unlikely and Otherwise
> 94. multi-tasking (2)
> 95. re MED: new R.I. FMS Clinic
> 96. MED: laser & TrPs
> 97. - ssd question
> 98. MED: Dr Lowe's Treatment of FM - My Experience
> 99. MED:Re: fingernail ridges
>100. Med: Anemia and low hemoglobin in FM
>101. NJ Specialist In FM
>102. ANNOUNCE: IRC Chat Room Success!!!
>103. Sweats
>104. MED: Dr Lowe's Treatment of FM
>105. MED: Trigger Point Injections: Neural therapy technique ?
>106. CHAT: To Devin
>107. OTHER: Fibromyalgia Times
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 17:06:19 -0500
>From: Devin Starlanyl <dev...@sover.net>
>Subject: Re: MED: blurry vision
>
>At 01:49 PM 1/27/97 -0500, you wrote:
>>Just got back from a visit to the ophthalmologist. Many of us complain
>>about blurry vision which does not seem to show up in our eye exam.
>
>Blurry, changing and double vision are often related to myofascial trigger
>points. Please visit my web site and read "what Your Eye doctor Should
>Know" to get the whole story. http://www.sover.net/~devstar Devin
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Sat, 25 Jan 1997 13:51:14 GMT
>From: Pamracey <pamr...@aol.com>
>Subject: Re: MED has anyone ever completely been recovered from fibromyalgia
>
>In October 96 I attended a symposium for massage therapists, that was to
>teach
>the MT to find what techniques aided most with FM patients. I attended as
>an
>FM patient. (got a nice massage for free)
>
>At any rate on the closing day there was a guest speaker. He was a
>rheumatoligist from CT. He himself has been an FM patient for many years,
>and
>stated at the very beginning of his talk that he has treated over 5000 FM
>patients.
>" I have NEVER cured anyone!" He went on to discuss the various RX that
>he
>uses, etc.. Must admit that I left the meeting feeling very depressed.
>
>But we must all keep hoping, working , and believing that THERE IS A CURE
>at the end of the rainbow. Now if we could just find the right rainbow.
>
>Kindest rgds,
>Pam
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 09:05:28 -0800
>From: Marlo <ma...@direct.ca>
>Subject: Re: MED: IBS Question
>
>Claire Sease wrote:
>>
>> I have a question about IBS that has been bothering me to find out if
>> others have the same problem.
>
>Claire,
>
>Oh Yeah! This is very common with me. In fact when the fms first
>started bothering me, way before I even knew the term existed or that
>I had it, I used to have to call in to work on my midnight shifts,
>thinking I had the stomach flu. At times it was so bad I did not know
>which end it would come out. I guess that is why you do not hear it
>discussed much, it is a pretty ________ topic.
>
>The GP who did my tender point test, though I had to ask her about it.
>Said this is a good indicator it is indeed fms. My body was in such
>rough shape there when I first left work that it took me a long time
>to figure out what was a normal response and what was not, I had lived
>in the dark with the fms for a long time.
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 17:17:35 -0500
>From: Nancy Solo in MA <ru...@shore.net>
>Subject: Re: lump(s) in breast
>
>Jan-
>I have had fibrocystic breasts for quite a while. When first discovered, I
>went through a couple of additional mammograms. These then became my
>baseline xrays. There have been a couple of occasions when they've wanted
>me to retake my annual mammograms, but to this point it has not presented a
>problem. Hope this helps.
>Nancy
>
>
>At 04:04 AM 1/26/97 GMT, you wrote:
>>Hi all........hope you are doing well. I was just recently to the
>>ob/gyn yesterday and she doesn't like the way my right breast feels,
>>all lumpy. Now this also happened to me 2 years ago, same breast and
>>all. i even went to a surgeon who said it was fibrocystic changes (I
>>am 29) and I could have a repeat mamogram done in 6 months to a year.
>>I never did, I just felt it was easier to put it out of my mind. Well
>>here we go again. As soon as my period is over she wants a mamogram
>>and an ultrasound done. I am trying to remain calm (and am doing a
>>much better job than last time) but am still worried. I read where
>>fibrocystic breasts can be a part of this DD, and was wondering if
>>anyone had some reassuring stories they would care to share with me
>>right now.....I could really use them.Thanks for your support.
>> Fibrohugs,
>> Jan
>>
>>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 17:18:04 -0500
>From: Nancy Solo in MA <ru...@shore.net>
>Subject: Re: Dry cracking lips was Re: Dry Mouth
>
>Elaine -
>
>Does 2 cats double the problem? I just use tons and tons of chapstick. My
>lips aren't cracked, but they sure are dry.
>
>Nancy
>
>
>At 02:04 PM 1/27/97 -0600, you wrote:
>>At 10:18 PM 1/26/97 -0800, you wrote:
>>
>>Hello Susan in Sonora!
>>
>>>I'm curious how many of us have gone through long periods of cracked
>>>lips, severe. Prior to the time my FMS spread throughout my entire body,
>>>I had a severe bout with chapped lips, never before and never since, but
>>>it went on for months, then poof, if was gone. Used everything from
>>>Blistex to Carmex, made it a little more comfortable, but wow it WAS
>>>uncomfortable, especially when your a smiler! :-)
>>>Wishing you smooth lips
>>
>>I've had the problem off and on (mostly on) for around 7 years. The funny
>>thing about using carmex is that I have a cat that loves the stuff. If I
>>put it on my lips, she wants to come and lick it....imagine sore cracked
>>lips being licked by a cat's sandpaper tongue! <g>
>>
>>Blessings,
>>Elaine
>>
>>******May you walk with a Wildflower Rainbow******
>>
>>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 17:19:24 -0500
>From: Devin Starlanyl <dev...@sover.net>
>Subject: Devin on radio
>
>FMily, I will be on a few radio shows answering questions about FMS and
>MPS. On Sunday Feb 2nd, I will be on KST Sacremento, CA "Wide World of
>Health". This is from 4-5 pm EST so will be much earlier on the west coast
>where it is broadcast.
>On Sunday Feb 9th, I will be on WNOT Naples, Florida from 8 to 9 AM with
>Dr. David Perlmutter. Both of these shows are call in shows, and I will be
>doing them from my snowy home in NH. Devin
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 17:28:26 +0500
>From: "Miryam E. Williamson" <mwill...@reporters.net>
>Subject: :CONJ: MED: leaky gut as a first cause?
>
>>I just happen to have a copy of an article about leaky gut.
>>
>My thanks to Jan for the article she posted.
>
>I'm thinking that this leaky gut business makes a lot of sense when you get
>around to thinking about first causes of FM. This doesn't contradict the
>theory, which is becoming ever more prevalent, that FM symptoms are caused
>by an imbalance in neurochemicals. We get our neurochemicals from the food
>we eat; we don't manufacture them out of thin air. If we are not getting
>sufficient nutrients from our food, then we can't make the chemicals we need.
>
>I'd like to know what others think about this. (I'm not addressing what
>causes the leaky gut here -- allergies, yeast infestation, parasites, or
>whatever. I think that may differ among us, but the possibility suggests
>another avenue of inquiry, IMO.) The implications are highly significant in
>terhs of the medicines many of us are taking.
>
>
>~~~~~
>Miryam Williamson, Medical/Technical Journalist <mwill...@reporters.net>
>Author, Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Approach. Walker & Co., 1996.
>fibrom-L topics read: ADMIN, CONJ, MED, RES, ANNOUNCE
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 17:28:28 +0500
>From: "Miryam E. Williamson" <mwill...@reporters.net>
>Subject: ANNOUNCE: A book recommendation
>
>A Dose of Sanity by Sydney Walker III, MD (Wiley, 1996, ISBN0-471-14136-4)
>should be read by anyone taking psychoactive drugs, or who cares about
>someone who is.
>
>Walker, a neuropsychiatrist, takes on the American Psychiatric Association
>and its bible, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual). Walker says
>that psychiatrists who treat patients according to DSM labels are not
>diagnosing at all; they are labeling, and ignoring the likelihood that some
>underlying physical problem is causing the condition being treated. He
>gives examples of allergies, parasites, airborne poisons, viruses, and more
>causing everything from ADD to depresson to bipolar illness and
>schizophrenic symptoms, all of which disappear when the underlying problem
>is solved.
>
>If you're taking Xanax, Ritalin, or any of the other psychoactives, you
>really should read this book and make up your own mind.
>
>~~~~~
>Miryam Williamson, Medical/Technical Journalist <mwill...@reporters.net>
>Author, Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Approach. Walker & Co., 1996.
>fibrom-L topics read: ADMIN, CONJ, MED, RES, ANNOUNCE
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 16:22:28 -0500
>From: MS L GIAMBRA <YTR...@prodigy.com>
>Subject: Re: MED: Double Standard?
>
>Hi, Barb I agree with you- allthough Mex. is kind of far I may do the same
>thing, where would I go when i get there?
>thanks, Mary
>
>>After 19 years of this I will be signing off for a couple of months to go
visit
>>my relatives in SW Colo. and while there will take a trip to Mexico, where
>I
>>plan to get a years supply of painkillers and medicate myself. I'm tired of
>>trying to educate Drs. about this DD. They all think they know it all anyway,
>>and of course *I read too much*. I want to live the rest of my life as
> pain-free
>>as possible and I don't have the energy or desire to fight the system any
> longer.
>It's O.K. to give children with a disorder that they can't *prove* really
exists
>a medicine that is highly potent and addictive, but not to give painkillers
>to
>people with FMS. Double standard if you ask me.
>Sorry to be so long-winded, but I get so depressed about this subject!
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 23:39:36 -0800
>From: Christoph-Peter Luck <Christoph-...@rz.hu-berlin.de>
>Subject: MED: Guai Thanks
>
>Thanks to everybody who helped and responded to my email for Guaifenesin
>Christoph
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 17:18:48 -0500
>From: Nancy Solo in MA <ru...@shore.net>
>Subject: Re: MED: Cold Sensitivity?
>
>Michelle -
>
>Altho I haven't had the dry patches, I do know that
>1) back in the early '70's I found I couldn't (still can't) wear wool
>because of itchiness.
>2) stopped shaving my legs with a hand-held razor *many* years ago because
>of the increased itchiness. Went to a Norelco electric that I "stole" from
>the guy I was living with. Still have it, still use if (if necessary, since
>right now I don't shave my legs).
>3) winter has always been bad in terms of itchiness. Have a large
>humidifier in my living room, a small one in my bedroom, use Dove sensitive
>skin soap in the shower, use a body oil coming out of the shower, use lotion
>over the body oil on my legs, torso, lower arms, armpits.
>FWIW
>Nancy
>
>
>At 10:45 PM 1/28/97 +0000, you wrote:
>>Hi FMily:
>>
>>Around 13 years ago, I began to notice some minor symptoms which I
>>now know to be symptoms of FMS. That winter, I was pregnant with my
>>daughter and became quite a bit less tolerant to the cold. I also
>>broke out in a funny dry patch on my upper rib area at the back about
>>the size of a cherry tomato. It was so itchy it nearly drove me
>>insane!! It disappeared come summer, but came back again the
>>following winter and was also on my right hip.
>>
>>Each year during the cold months it will reappear and has now taken
>>over quite a large area of my body. It is itchy, dry and burns most
>>of the time. Nothing seems to soothe it much except an oatmeal bath
>>and has gotten the point where I can't shave my legs during this time
>>or they bleed.
>>
>>Does anyone else have this problem?
>>
>>Michelle
>>Michelle Napierkoski
>>Goulais River, ON
>>Canada
>>http://www.soonet.ca/users/mnapper/napper.htm
>>
>>Life is full of little surprises - Pandora
>>
>>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 17:53:31 -0500
>From: Terry&Barb Carpenter <herp...@gate.net>
>Subject: Re: MED: Double Standard?
>
>This is exactly the point I was trying to make. Thank goodness children can
>get the help they need whether or not there is a lab test to prove it.
>
>As far as addiction, evidently Ritalin has the potential to cause addiction
>or be abused thus the classification of the drug. It is probably similar to
>those of us in pain - meds may cause us to become dependent, but not
>addicted because we don't use them for a *high*, just to feel somewhat
>*normal*.
>
>Barb
>
>At 09:21 AM 1/28/97 -1000, you wrote:
>>At 11:01 PM 1/27/97 -0500, you wrote:
>>i WILL disagree with our saying that Ritalin is addictive. The majority of
>>kids who really need Ritalin would rather be off it. It makes them feel
>>slower, bu tthey are in a double bind that they usually have documentation
>>that ON RITALIN they do better, are accepted and their peers tolerate them.
>>So what do you do is that Addition? No.
>>
>>It is much like people who are depressed and get better on antidepresents.
>>
>>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 14:04:45 -0800
>From: Arianna <wlo...@scn.org>
>Subject: Re: MED: Doctor's reaction to proactive and involved patient
>
>>> They are working for you, not the other way around.
>>>
>>The problem is less that there are too few respectful/compassionate
>>doctors than the limitation of choices of docs. HMOs and Medicaid
>>greatly limit one's choices.
>>
>
>Yuk. I'd rather die than be on an HMO but I certainly understand if you have
>no choice. I had an HMO when I was first diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Talk
>about a nightmare.
>
>>
>
>*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~*
>Ask me about the SUNRIDER HERBS CRIMINAL LAWSUIT! :^)
>*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~*
>Stop Abuse By Spiritual Authorities
>Grassroots Support Network for those Abused By Spiritual Teachers
>http://www.eskimo.com/~tlotus <-- last update 1.23.97
>*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~*
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 18:07:01 -0500
>From: Terry&Barb Carpenter <herp...@gate.net>
>Subject: Re: MED: Double Standard?
>
>This is precisely the reason a Dr. "should" work with us. If one medication
>is getting less effective we can switch to another untill our tolerance of
>the first drug recedes. There are many strong, safe painkillers that
>couldn't do more harm than a lifetime of pain.
>
>Barb
>
>At 11:12 AM 1/28/97 -0600, you wrote:
>>Barb: There is one very good reason not to take pain killers for our
>>condition. I took them for a while when I had no choice, and my doctor
>>was understanding in prescribing them. However, I reached the point
>>that both the doctor and I realized that it was going to take
>>ever-increasing dosages to kill the pain. When I reached the maximum
>>safe dosage, what was I going to do? That was the point I considered
>>suicide.
>>>
>>Consider the consequences of what will happen when you reach the dosage
>>that will no longer work.
>>
>>Sylvia in Alabama
>>>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 15:14:15 -0800
>From: Cheryl Walker <cwa...@Adobe.COM>
>Subject: MED: Medical Bias and Defining Addiction was Re: MED: Double Standard?
>
>At 05:53 PM 1/28/97 -0500, Barb wrote:
>>[snip] As far as addiction, evidently Ritalin has the potential to cause
>addiction
>>or be abused thus the classification of the drug. It is probably similar to
>>those of us in pain - meds may cause us to become dependent, but not
>>addicted because we don't use them for a *high*, just to feel somewhat
>>*normal*.
>
>Ick, connotations. Sigh. Many people equate dependency with addiction. My
>father used to go on about how he didn't want me become dependent on
>medication, and how I should just grit my teeth and go to the gym three
>times a day.
>
>Is there a medical definition of addiction? Dependency? How are these
>conditions defined? What are the criteria? I think part of the problem
>people have discussing addiction is they interpret "I need" as "I want" or
>"I'm addicted to" (a certain medication). How can we educate people to stop
>their unjust slapping on of negative labels?
>
>
>
>
>Cheryl Walker, Technical Editor in Seattle, WA
>"The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away." --Tom Waits
>Email cwa...@adobe.com for information on the Fibromyalgia Self-Help Fund
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 18:34:52 -0500
>From: Jan Davenport <Sassy...@aol.com>
>Subject: Re: CHAT, DISAB: Disability Unlikely
>
>thank you for the encouragement
>if you would like to become pen pals too i love meeting new people
>JAN
>sassy...@aol.com
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 18:30:20 -0500
>From: "Cat.C" <robe...@MARSHALL.EDU>
>Subject: Re: MED: IBS Question
>
>when it happens to me, i usually start sweating profusely and have terrible
>cramps. even though this has happened several times, i'm always sure that
>this is going to be the time it kills me!
>
>cat c.
>
>>Yes Claire I too have had this happen to me. in fact I have actually
>>vomitted when I was unable to get to a washroom. I have no rhymn or reason
>>for this but it really is nasty. If you find anything that helps to lessen
>>this problem then please post.
>>
>>Angel
>>
>>At 02:35 AM 24-01-97 -0800, you wrote:
>>>I have a question about IBS that has been bothering me to find out if
>>>others have the same problem. What happens is that when I am in the
>>>bathroom sitting, I will usually have a normal bowel movement but then I
>>>get where it seems as though my stomach is in the back of my throat as I
>>>am so very nauseated. Then I will start having diarrhea followed by the
>>>severe nausea clearing up. All I know is that I feel like he** during
>>>this time.
>>>
>>>Has anyone else had this problem or is it something pecular to me??
>>>
>>>Hugs,
>>>Claire
>>>
>>>
>>************** elf-...@spots.ab.ca ***************
>>
>> The only gift suitable for the man who has
>> everything, is your deepest sympathy.
>>
>> - Imogene Fey
>>
>>*** http://www.spots.ab.ca/~elf-dani/index.html ***
>>
>
>cat c. :-)
>robe...@marshall.edu
>West Virginia (not a part of Virginia :->), USA
>
>--you can't win, you can't break even, and you can't even quit the game!
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 18:39:43 -0500
>From: Jan Davenport <Sassy...@aol.com>
>Subject: Re: MED: Double Standard?
>
>I enjoyed your letter wish more people was out there like you
>JAN
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 17:28:01 -0600
>From: Karen Kording <kar...@muscanet.com>
>Subject: Re: MED: Addiction Vs. Dependence
>
>With regard to addiction/dependence I like to use the example of a diabetic
>who takes insulin. The diabetic's body is lacking in a substance that it
>needs. Hence the insulinn. A person who is depressed is quite likely
>lacking a chemical that their body needs to function properly. Once given
>the necessary medication, the body does become accustomed to the medication
>and *requires* it to function normally. Would you deny a diabetic
>medication? My guess is you would not. By the same turn if an individual's
>body needs something to help it confront a chronic condition, why would you
>even consider denying that *something*. Yes, the body will certainly become
>used to this medication and will react if the medication is removed but this
>does not necessarily mean one is addicted to the medication.
>Karen K
>
>At 03:14 PM 1/28/97 -0800, Cheryl Walker wrote:
>
>>
>>Ick, connotations. Sigh. Many people equate dependency with addiction. My
>>father used to go on about how he didn't want me become dependent on
>>medication, and how I should just grit my teeth and go to the gym three
>>times a day.
>>
>>Is there a medical definition of addiction? Dependency? How are these
>>conditions defined? What are the criteria? I think part of the problem
>>people have discussing addiction is they interpret "I need" as "I want" or
>>"I'm addicted to" (a certain medication). How can we educate people to stop
>>their unjust slapping on of negative labels?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Cheryl Walker, Technical Editor in Seattle, WA
>>"The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away." --Tom Waits
>>Email cwa...@adobe.com for information on the Fibromyalgia Self-Help Fund
>>
>>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 18:49:41 -0500
>From: "Cat.C" <robe...@MARSHALL.EDU>
>Subject: Re: MED: Muscle relaxants, pain killers, HELP!!
>
>>> Has anyone had good/bad/ugly results from Flexeril?
>
>well, i guess because i have a plethora of maladies, i've experienced mostly
>good things from flexeril. i sleep better and my neck doesn't feel like
>it's been frozen in one position when i get up in the morning. of course, i
>also sleep well with a couple of benadryl or a melatonin/valerian root
>combo. but i have to take something. i sleep all night but according to my
>husband, when i don't take something before going to bed, i do everything
>short of jumping up and dancing a jig. i talk in my sleep, my hands flop
>around like fish out of water (hitting the cats, him, and cleaning off the
>headboard) and i get up stiff and achey (no wonder with that workout!).
>
>one thing i can say is that i will NEVER go on elavil again. yeah, i slept
>like a log and gained 25 lbs in the process.
>
>cat c. :-)
>
>
>
>
>
>>
>>Even though it's been proven effective in double blind placebo
>>controlled studies short term, long term studies have concluded it and
>>elavil are no better than placebo for many PWFMS. If it's not working,
>>stop taking it. At least you avoid the side effects. Try something else
>>until you find out what works best for you...by trial and error.
>>
>>> I was on Prednosone therapy for a while, too - gained 40 pounds!!
>>
>>The Fibo Alliance contends that stuff like these drugs makes symptoms
>>worse in the long run...they are contra-indicated.
>>
>>> I could use some useful feedback as I've missed 8 weeks of work and
>>> they're getting antsy.
>>
>>You might be in the 20% of PWFMS who will miss a hell of a lot more than
>>that....depending on the severity of your condition. There is no cure
>>for FMS. It can be managed to a certain extent...that's it, Al.
>>
>>
>>Jim
>>
>>--
>>Please feel free to Visit my Home Page(s) at...
>>http://tor-pw1.netcom.ca/~jfroache/jim.html
>>3 Main Subjects: Info Canada, FMS and Genealogy
>>
>
>cat c. :-)
>robe...@marshall.edu
>West Virginia (not a part of Virginia :->), USA
>
>--you can't win, you can't break even, and you can't even quit the game!
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 15:57:56 -0800
>From: Cheryl Walker <cwa...@Adobe.COM>
>Subject: Re: MED: Addiction Vs. Dependence
>
>Karen's analogy is a good one, and in fact one I've used before. (Search
>www.dejanews.com for my email address and "Invisible Disabilities" if
>you're curious.) Still, there's a connotation problem with that word
>"dependent." I prefer the other word she uses ("requires"), which sounds
>less like you have an option.
>
>I know this seems picky, and it's true I'm a word geek. However, as we try
>to educate people, we need to become aware of how our audience interprets
>certain words and phrases. Otherwise, we can end up just reenforcing their
>original opinions.
>
>I'm still curious about the medical definitions of addiction and
>dependence. Everyone who asks for medication can't be addicted, so how do
>doctors legitimately separate the addicted from those who legitimately
>require medication?
>
>
>Cheryl Walker, Technical Editor in Seattle, WA
>"The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away." --Tom Waits
>Email cwa...@adobe.com for information on the Fibromyalgia Self-Help Fund
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 19:06:14 -0500
>From: ". Donna Shell" <BlueC...@aol.com>
>Subject: Re: MED: Symptoms in Common
>
>I, too, have always bruised easily and couldn't identify how I did it. Also,
>another question has come to my mind. Someone mentioned mono. I have had it
>twice, once at 19 and again at age 39. Could there be some connection here?
> Thanks.
>
>Donna in Kansas
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 19:07:07 -0500
>From: Susan and/or Andon <acol...@peganet.com>
>Subject: Re: MED: Muscle relaxants, pain killers, HELP!!
>
>Cat.C wrote:
>>
>> >> Has anyone had good/bad/ugly results from Flexeril?
>> when i don't take something before going to bed, i do everything
>> short of jumping up and dancing a jig. i talk in my sleep, my hands flop
>> around like fish out of water (hitting the cats, him, and cleaning off the
>> headboard) and i get up stiff and achey (no wonder with that workout!).
>>
>> one thing i can say is that i will NEVER go on elavil again. yeah, i slept
>> like a log and gained 25 lbs in the process.
>>
>My experience, too -- busier in my sleep than during the day, and, oh,
>those stiff and achey AMs! Weight gain was outrageous on Elavil and I
>had an increase in myoclonic jerks; however, with Flexeril I cried.
>Baclofen seems to be the answer for me -- for the time being.
>Susan
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Wed, 29 Jan 1997 00:09:38 GMT
>From: Lordmayor <lord...@ibm.net>
>Subject: ADMIN: Nice People
>
>abrad...@aol.com (ABrad94101)
>"R. Bob Bac" Bake...@pop3.concentric.net
>Brenda Muncrief bu...@tcac.com
>magic...@aol.com (Magicladyz)
>a fellow named Steve
>bar...@airmail.net (Barbara Blanton)
>Pietr Hitzig, M.D.
>Steve Harris, M.D.
>david Williams.
>Jim Roache
>veiv...@aol.com
>Anonymous
>Josh Bur
>Dr. John Gatell
>Pietr Hitzig, M.D." fen...@fenphen.com
>S.M Shajahan wrote
>Judy
>JEC...@aol.com
>
>Who are these people and why are their names all together? Well, they all
>have something in common; a visit to the website
>
>http://www.on-net.net/~cca/CCA/hotlink.html
>
>provides the answer.
>
>Each person on this list contributed considerably to one of the most vicious
>attacks against the owners of a listserv/newsgroup that I have ever seen on
>the internet. Truths and realities have been twisted and distorted beyond
>recognition, for the sole purpose of destroying the credibility of myself
>and Mark London. And what really gets me is that many of these people
>continue to post daily in our group, all smiles and friends, at the same
>time they are shoving a knife in our backs by participating in the hate
>group at the above named web site.
>
>In mid December of 96, we had received enough complaints from members about
>messages containing flames or commercial advertisements that we began to
>filter the messages from the Usenet group for flames or ads before allowing
>them to be posted to the listserv fibrom-l, as many other mailing lists have
>been doing for quite some time in an effort to keep junk mail out of the
>groups. A software fluke began sending emails to each message writer each
>time they sent a message - informing them of the screening process for their
>message. Members began questioning this practice and started shouting
>Censor! Fascist! etc. The numerous letters that me and Mark wrote to
>concerned individuals explaining the rationale for filtering while at the
>same time we experienced no fewer than 3 major subscription file losses
>requiring some tedious re-subscribing each individual and some posting of
>new messages by hand, one at a time when the software was down - our
>explanations did not satisfy the people whose names appear above. More fun
>to join the flamers and believe their lies than to pitch in and help the
>listserv managers through a rough time.
>
>I winced when I read the above named web page. A lot of very hurtful stuff
>is there. The testimonials of members saying they posted messages that they
>never saw - it's those rotten censors preventing free speech - when the
>truth was that any messages which didn't appear were most likely lost
>because of the unstable software problems we were experiencing - tho our
>explanations fell on deaf ears. And more than likely there were some that
>didn't appear because the sender messed up the email address.
>
>I doubt if I will ever be able to read email from any of those on the above
>list without feeling that little shiver at the back of my neck - I think it
>is part of survival programming that helps me to remember the hurts and
>avoid them by not letting them get too close again.
>
>I encourage one and all to visit the above named web page - watch some real
>masters tend giant flame fueled by some of our members letters. But don't
>get too close or you might be next.
>
>Lord Mayor
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 19:44:06 -0800
>From: The Toothaker Family <co...@miworld.net>
>Subject: Re: ANA TEST AND FIBRO DIAGNOSIS
>
>Don't really know what it means but I was also told the same thing. I
>was put on prednisone. Not real happy about the situation.
>Any info would be greatly appreciated. Toni
>co...@miworld.net
>
>BREW333 wrote:
>>
>> I was just told that i had an elevated ANA. Can someone tell me what that
>> means. I know its a test for lupus, but can it mean anything else. I can't
>> get in to see my MD for another week and I'm worried. Please email me as I
>> don't always get a chance to read all these posts. Thanks.
>> Ellen
>> Bre...@aol.com
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 19:13:37 -0500
>From: Terry&Barb Carpenter <herp...@gate.net>
>Subject: MED: CONJ: Dr's Advocacy-was Double Standard
>
>Continuing the idea of pain-relief, I think it will take strong advocacy on the
>part of Dr's who DO believe in the right of chronic pain-sufferers to have
> access
>to the meds that will provide them with relief. The only way to change the
>bias of doctors opposed to prescribing pain meds is for their peers to inform,
>educate or even SHAME them into doing the right thing for their patients.
>
>Just as the issue of domestic violence will only be resolved when men speak
>out to other men to let them know that to hit a woman is cowardly and shame-
>ful. This includes so-called sports heros that get by with such actions by
>the authorities, sports casters and media who look the other way because,
>"hey - he can really carry the ball!" Women can march and protest all they
want
>and it will not have the desired effect. Only when men make other men
>uncomfortable, and quit thinking of it as a *private matter* will there
begin to
>be changes in behavior.
>
>Doctors have a responsibility to ease our suffering, and far too many of them
>need to get off their superiority-pedestal and start doing what they are
trained
>to do - heal and ease suffering! Most civilized countries around the world
have
>the compassion and education to see that their patients have the best quality-
>of-life possible.
>
>Someone talked about a child coming home from school after getting the drugs
>they required, saying they actually made friends that day. Well, I would like
>to say to my Grandsons "sure Grandma can go, play, whatever" before it's
>too late!
>
>Doctors. We need you to be our voice in this battle. We can't do it
ourselves.
>
>Barb
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 16:51:37 -0600
>From: Mary Rhodes <MaryR...@webtv.net>
>Subject: Spiritual:Thank You
>
>THANK YOU DEAR LORD!
>THANK YOU DEAR FRIENDS!
>I would like to thank you for all your love and support. This is a
>wonderful thing Mark London did for everyone. He made it possible for
>everbody to get what they wanted. I would appreciate it if you could
>drop Mark a" Great Big Thank You!" He has taken alot of verbal abuse
>like many of us. Mark's e-mail address is
>M...@PFC.MIT.EDU
>I was so excited last night when I read his post. We had terrible
>storms moving in so my phone line connection had so much static on it I
>keep getting disconnected. I heard Karen Utz partying all the way down
>here in Memphis. I wish I could have joined her! I sent her my
>shouting words and did get in on that much..
>She was kicking up her heel's and dancing. I was shouting &
>singing~~~~~~
>YEE-HAH!!!~~~~~~~~
>GLORY GLORY HALLELUJAH~~~~~~~~ LOWDY LOWDY MISS CLAUDY~~~~~~~ PRAISE THE
>LORD~~~~~~~~~
>repeat, repeat, repeat,
>
>Please join in with uplifting Praise's. Let us hear from you!
>
>I hope all of you will join in with us on this new topic and participate
>in sharing your Encourageing messages, Favorite stories, Poems, and
>ect. This is everyone's Spiritual place to talk , support and share
>with each other.
>
>Again, I mention Karen Utz. On the bottom of her post she has a note of
>encouragement that says.
>
>"God, we don't ask for you to move mountains, just give us the strength
>to climb them."
>
>Well, he did move the mountains because he saw how many of us were
>climbing and knew we would continue.
>
>I saw this scripture and though how appropriate.
>
>Colossians1:9-11
>
>For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray
>for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His
>will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
>Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto
>all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.
>
>In His Sevice.
>Love to All,
>Mary
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 17:06:25 GMT
>From: Beverly Burton <bbu...@mail.accesscomm.net>
>Subject: Re: MED: NEED FMS SPECIALIST
>
>I have been seeing Dr. Chris Sermas in Houston. I know that's not really
>close, but he may be able to give you a referral in your area. His # is
>713-797-0711. Also my neurologist is Dr. Everton Edmondson. I've been getting
>trigger point injections and believe me, that's been the only relief I've had
>in 16 months. His # is 713-797-1180. Good luck!
>
>
>
>
>
>Linda Kraeger <lkra...@texoma.net> writes: > Do you have an FMS specialist to
>recommend in the Sherman, McKinney,
>
>> Denton, or Plano, Texas area?
>>
>> Thanks.
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 20:23:59 -0800
>From: Carla MacInnis <ter...@brunswickmicro.nb.ca>
>Subject: Re: MED: Muscle relaxants, pain killers, HELP!!
>
>Hi,
>
> I no longer regularly take meds to manage either cerebral palsy or
>fibromyalgia. But I do have the trio of drugs for the c.p. in my medicine
>cabinet.
>
> Dantrium, a skeletal muscle relaxant, seems to work very well for me,
>taking 25mgs three times daily. In conjunction with this, if I'm going
>through a really bad cycle of c.p. related spasticity, I take Voltaren,
>an anti-inflammatory, along with a Tylenol #3. Because I didn't want to
>become too reliant on drugs, I would often only use them in winter, when
>the elements exacerbated the pain/spasm/inflammaton related to the c.p.
>
> For the past 9 years, I've been using only natural/herbal remedies,
>with Devil's Claw, a natural anti-inflammatory being an absolute
>God-send. My range of motion (touching toes, etc.) has markedly improved.
>The pattern for me was pain, muscle spasms, fatigue = inflammation.
>Address the issue of inflammation, and I was concurrently dealing with
>all the others. But to each his own! As well, for the past 2 months I've
>been taking a natural sleep aid, Calms Forte, and am pleased that I wake
>each morning without feeling like I was run over by a truck. I think
>sleep disturbance/deprivation is something that keeps the cycle of
>pain/fatigue/depression going. Again, address the sleep issue, and the
>others work themselves out!
>
> Just my two cents!
>
> Cheers!
>
> Carla
>
>PS: I'm planning to write an article about fibromyalgia for Ability
>Network, Canada's cross disability magazine at
>http://www.istar.ca/ability
>
> I need input. Private e-mails with thoughts on pain management, sleep,
>depression, loss of job productivity, etc., etc., would be appreciated. I
>will be sifting through any responses and putting together a
>series of articles. Then, I will send a copy of completed documents to
>those who participated. Thanks in advance for your anticipated interest
>in my newest writing project.
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 10:59:57 -0600
>From: dla...@ibm.net
>Subject: Re: HUM: Well Read Patients (YIKES!)
>
>OK, I'm convinced. I need to join this group. New to the NET, new to
>newsgroups and when I try to read the general directions to how to go
>about joining, it reads like another language. Would someone be so kind
>as to post me direct and help me figure out how to do all of this?
>
>I've been experiencing pain - lots - since October. Since then has been
>a nightmare of, well, you have all been through it and don't need
>another story. Anyway, the latest is that all my labwork is "negative"
>and they're tired of seeing me. They're not impressed with my research
>and when I mentioned fibromyalgia as a possibility, she looked at me as
>if I'd just dropped in from another planet. They're shipping me off to
>a pain doc because they don't know what to do with me.
>
>After eavesdropping on the postings of this group for over a week, I'm
>convinced that I need the information and support of you all - even if I
>am unsuccessful at finding a doctor to diagnose and treat me.
>
>Thanks for anticipated assistance.
>
>Deanna Nye
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 19:30:24 -0500
>From: "Alex F. Fayle" <afa...@barclay.net>
>Subject: Re: MED: Muscle relaxants, pain killers, HELP!!
>
>>Baclofen seems to be the answer for me -- for the time being.
>>Susan
>
>I know that meds are different for different people, but I couldn't believe
>the pain I was in after taking Baclofen. It was likely just a bad day, but
>the associations between the drug and the flare keep me very much away from
>it.
>
>(Then again, I'm the sort who'd almost rather be in pain than take meds)
>
>Alex.
>
>
>
>Alex F. Fayle, afa...@barclay.net
>-----------------------------------------------------
>"To attract and keep an audience, art must entertain,
>but the significance of any art lies in its ability
>to express truths - to reveal and help us understand
>our world."
> - Bill Watterson, _Calvin & Hobbes_ creator.
>-----------------------------------------------------
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 19:03:43 -0500
>From: Nancy Solo in MA <ru...@shore.net>
>Subject: Re: ANNOUNCE: A book recommendation
>
>Mickey -
>
>This reminds me of a situation back in '88. I was on Ativan at the time,
>mostly for anxiety (it's a long story). I was in therapy at the time but
>was also having some real physical symptoms of "something" in my chest which
>started shortly after beginning a new and very stressful job. My therapist
>suggested that I see a psychopharmacologist because they are MDs but also
>specialists in psycho meds. (I was also refusing to accept the fact that I
>was depressed and had an anxiety disorder.) I went to two
>psychopharmacologists, one at Mass. General, the other at St. Elizabeth's
>Hospital. I was told by both of them the basic message -- IAIYH. Shortly
>after that I had an appt. with my internist and went through the symptoms
>with her. She ordered a heart echo, stress test, etc. It was after these
>tests that I discovered I have MVP as well as PVCs. I was put on Inderal
>and the "something" in my chest disappeared. When I got the bills from
>these "experts", even though I was covered by health insurance, I refused to
>pay either of their bills and wrote to both the doctors and my insurance
>carrier explaining that they had never bothered to consider that there might
>be a physical problem and had just written me off. I won. Neither of them
>got paid. I got "labeled" all right. My current psychopharm is far more
>understanding and supportive, and I now realize that I was probably showing
>signs of FMS at that point. I also now realize that psychopharms aren't as
>knowledgeable about physiology as I expected them to be. I brought the
>possibility of FMS to my current psychopharm, but this time it was a
>positive experience. But the experience in '88 left a real bad taste in my
>mouth.
>
>Nancy
>
>
>At 05:28 PM 1/28/97 +0500, you wrote:
>>A Dose of Sanity by Sydney Walker III, MD (Wiley, 1996, ISBN0-471-14136-4)
>>should be read by anyone taking psychoactive drugs, or who cares about
>>someone who is.
>>
>>Walker, a neuropsychiatrist, takes on the American Psychiatric Association
>>and its bible, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual). Walker says
>>that psychiatrists who treat patients according to DSM labels are not
>>diagnosing at all; they are labeling, and ignoring the likelihood that some
>>underlying physical problem is causing the condition being treated. He
>>gives examples of allergies, parasites, airborne poisons, viruses, and more
>