Volume 1, Issue 6
Fibro Friends Forever
Butterflies are symbols of metamorphosis. Fibromyalgia gives us the opportunity to
change, grow and become stronger.
A l t e r n a t i v e T h e r a p i e s f o r
P a i n m a n a g e m e n t
T h i s m o n t h : H Y P N O S I S
Last month we discussed Craniosacral Therapy as
an alternative therapy for pain management.
Please let me know if you had any questions re-
garding that article.
“Look into my eyes...Look deep into my eyes...
Now count backwards, 10,9,8,7,etc… Hypno-
sis...Not something I have personally tried but it
has been proven to reduce pain symptoms' and
believe it or not, it has become a doctor recom-
mended treatment.
We have seen hypnosis being used in the movies
and on TV in comedic situations where the patient
is unaware of what happened, where the hypnosis
session has gone wrong & the patient acts like a
complete goof. Well, contrary to what we have
seen on TV or in the Movies, people who are hyp-
notized ARE aware of their actions. They won’t
do things that they have a moral or ethical objec-
tion to. If you are being hypnotized, you do have
control over your actions, what you say, and what
you will remember. Unless of course your subcon-
scious chooses to “forget” what happened, or that
’fibro fog’ kicks in...lol!!!
There are different stages of hypnosis; the first
stage is the superficial trance usually used to cor-
rect addictive behaviors; the second stage is the
H a i r A n a l y s i s
Amongst the more traditional diagnostic tests used in
fibromyalgia diagnosis, one fibromyalgia test that is
becoming increasingly popular is hair analysis. Hair
analysis, also known as hair follicle testing, is a form of
testing generally used in scientific research, drug testing
and forensics, but which is now being used more and
more to help diagnose and treat a variety of health condi-
tions and diseases, including fibromyalgia syndrome.
But how can hair analysis diagnose fibromyalgia? And
moreover, how does hair analysis work and how accu-
rate is it?
What is Hair Analysis?
Hair analysis is a procedure in which a small sample of
hair is used to assess an individual’s health.
Hair is the second most metabolically active tissue in the
body; its makeup is influenced by genetics, hormones,
the environment and even perspiration.
Protein found in hair tells us what the individual has
been exposed to, including radiation, toxins and heavy
metals. An exposure rate to toxins of anything above
50% can have a serious impact on the health of the indi-
vidual. A hair follicle test can also tell us whether the
individual has any vitamin, mineral and nutritional defi-
ciencies.
Unlike a blood test, which tells a doctor what is going on
inside of the cell and what waste is being expelled from
the body, hair analysis reveals what is happening within
the cells and what is being stored in the body.
Hair Analysis: How the Procedure Works
A medical professional will instruct the patient as to how
alpha state used to help control pain; and the third
stage is the deepest which is usually used by
psychiatrists to reach a patients forgotten memo-
ries and eventsthis techniques is used to help
those who have gone through psychological
trauma.
There are two major types of hypnosis. Clinical
Hypnosis and Self Hypnosis. With Clinical Hyp- before.
nosis, the session is performed in an office by a
licensed professional. The patient is hypnotized
through a series of relaxation exercises. Once the
patient reaches the hypnotic state, the therapist
makes suggestions as to how the patient can
change behavior or thoughts. With Self Hypno-
sis…..and I guess looking at the definition of this, ing Biofeedback. Any Preferences?
I have done hypnosis before. It is done by you in
the privacy of your own home. You can learn
techniques from clinicians or books. Self Hypno-
sis is also known as MEDITATION. When I
think of it that way, I understand how often I use
self hypnosis. I also know how helpful it is. I
love meditation. It truly helps to lessen my pain.
Of course due to my fatigue I usually fall
asleep...lol!!! Others have reported increased
relaxation & less sleep difficulties.
If you are looking for a therapist to try hypnosis
to control your pain, make sure that you find a
I n D i a g n o s i n g
to prepare the sample, including where the hair
should be taken from and how much hair is
needed.
The hair sample is then sent to the lab, where it
is tested for toxins.
Test results can be affected by the type and
condition of hair, as well as a person’s age and
sex.
What Does Hair Analysis Tell Us About Fi-
bromyalgia Symptoms?
Because hair analysis correlated certain levels of
exposure to certain diseases, it can help diag-
nose fibromyalgia symptoms and can be used to
establish a healthier fibromyalgia diet, as well as
to determine the best fibromyalgia treatment for
the individual.
Studies have found that the hair samples of fibro
patients had a higher incidence of calcium and
magnesium levels than their counterparts who
did not have fibromyalgia syndrome
As a result of the findings, calcium and magne-
sium supplements were added as supplementary
fibromyalgia treatment.
Another medical view of hair analysis and its
benefits for fibro patients is that fibromyalgia is
caused by exposure to certain toxins, such as
aspartame, which the body cannot eliminate. As
a result, the body creates pain receptors in the
muscle fibers, a response which leads to com-
mon fibromyalgia symptoms such as chronic
Reprinted with Permission by Fibromyalgia-Symptoms.org
October, 2008
licensed clinical hypnotists. A clinical hypnotist
usually will have training in both medicine and
psychology.
If you have tried Clinical Hypnosis, or you are
going to try it, shoot me an email and let me
know how it goes. I am so very curious about it.
I have never known anyone who has done it
Until next month…..lots of FibroHugs, Jodie
In the next Alternative Care Article: hmmm,
I will have to think about it….I was consider-
F i b r o m y a l g i a
pain, impaired vision and depression.
Accuracy of Hair Analysis
According to some medical experts, hair analysis
has a high rate of accuracy, even more so than
urine and blood tests. However, hair follicle testing
is still a controversial form of testing within the
medical community, and some experts question its
validity and point out the lack of accuracy of this
testing process. One recent study found that this
lack of accuracy was likely due to the absence of
standardized lab procedures.
However, there are certain factors that can affect
the accuracy of hair analysis, including:
The area from which hair is taken
Environmental factors: where you live and
work affects your exposure to toxins
The use of hair products
Rate of hair growth
Multiple testing is usually recommended every few
to several months in order to follow up on the
patient’s health and to determine whether treatment
has led to an improvement of fibromyalgia symp-
toms.
The Costs of Hair Analysis
The average lab fee for a hair follicle testing proce-
dure is $85, however overall costs of hair analysis
can range anywhere from $100 up to $200.
At-home hair follicle tests, in which the individual
prepares a hair sample and then mails it to the lab,
are a more economic option, averaging about $30
to $70.
V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 6 P a g e
FINDING DR. RIGHT
I am so jealous of you if you have found
Dr. Right and been able to stay with this
Dr. When I was diagnosed, I was sent to
a wonderful doc. But hard times fell
upon me and I had to change insur-
ances. Truth be know, I had to get on a
State insurance. Can you guess what
happened? Yep, I ended up with a doc
that thinks that if I would just “go do
something or exercise more” I would be
fine. Yeah, like I don’t do anything. I
am a mother of 3 teens and always on
the go. I had always worked a full time
job as an accountant/bookkeeper and I
had always been in decent shape. How
frustrating this has been.
Recently I was asked how to find just
the right doc. The first thing I said was
“remember, the Doc is working for
YOU, he/she is getting paid by YOU”.
It is important to search, research and
interview. Here are some steps to take.
1. Make a list of your specific re-
quirements: The type of doc you
may need. Commonly, a rheuma-
tologist is the specialist that would
treat fibromyalgia, but some need to
have a good general or family doctor
for referral first. Also consider your
requirements for location. How far
are you willing to travel?
2. Make a list of your potential docs:
This is where you will want to com-
pile some data. Name and phone
number. Leave room for notes and
your appointment date and time.
Good sources for locating doctors
would be the phone book, Hospital
and other doctor referrals, word of
mouth, websites, medical societies
and of course, associations such as
the NFA, ACR, or the FM Network.
FM, Chronic Pain & Relationships
Last month I talked a little about how
having FM has affected my life. This month
I will give you a few tips on how not to burn
out your mate with a play by play of your
illness and not to burn out yourself with the
daily aches, pains and depression.
Yes, I know that in order to understand FM
and how we are feeling, information is nec-
essary. We want our mates to understand
what we are going through. But it is not
necessary to do tell them minute by minute.
Doing so will drive them crazy.
A. Allocating a couple moments in the
morning to see how one another is feel-
ing and to check on the days agenda is
best. That way if you are not having a
good day and the agenda has to change,
then that has been communicated. Also
by knowing you are not going to have a
good day, your mate will already know
that you will have special needs that day,
Also attending support groups can
give you all kinds of physician infor-
mation.
3. Making your call: You are going to
want to talk with the office manager
first. Ask if they are accepting new
patients, about office hours, usual
waiting time for appointments, any
fees for the interview appointment,
does this Dr. treat fibromyalgia, the
Dr.’s views on fibromyalgia, and
what the normal visit fees are. If you
have insurance, ask if the Dr. partici-
pates in your insurance. Also ask if
you had to go on medical assistance,
would the Dr. accept it. Once you
have asked these questions, make
your appointment for your “no cost”
interview, not for an exam.
4. The Interview: At your interview,
get there a bit early. Listen and learn.
Listen to conversations in the waiting
room and if you can among the staff.
Listen for complaints. Does the
office feel warm and welcome or
cold? What is the staff like? Happy,
grumpy, are they arguing? Once
you are in with the doc, remember
you have 10-15 min. Be ready.
Have your prepared list of questions
ready. Is the doc comfortable with
treating FM? Does the doc treat
other FM patients? How familiar is
the doc with FM? What meds does
the doc use in treatment? (Especially
in pain control) What does the doc
refer out for? (depression, pain, other
treatments) How does the doc feel
about alternative treatments? How
does the doc feel about you asking
lots of questions and bringing in
research? Go with your feelings. If
make any special arrangements and
tend to them.
B. You and your mate should both have
someone, other than each other, to talk
to regarding your illness. You don’t
want to burn out your family and
friends, so someone in the business of
listening would be best. A therapist,
social worker, psychologist, psychia-
trist, counselor, minister, etc.
C. Things to confide in friends about could
be cause and effect issues such as fi-
nances, emotional issues, social issues,
etc. Again, just be careful not to burn
them out.
D. We know that FM can take days or
weeks from us, but not without a fight.
When I win, I try to live my life as
normal as possible. So should you. (I
do lose a lot too) Don’t knock yourself
if you do.
E. Some of the hobbies we once enjoyed
may not be possible. Find new ones.
2
your not comfortable don’t choose
this doc.
5. Check credentials: You can do so
with the AMA.
6. Check with your insurance com-
pany: Is the specific doc on your
plan? Do you have to have referrals
for specialists? What is the policy
for out of network docs? Double
check your co-pays and limits.
7. Finally deciding on your doc: Once
you have decided on which Dr. you
would like to try, call and make an
appointment for a complete evalua-
tion. Let them know that you are a
new patient and that you have a mul-
tiple of problems. They may want to
schedule an extended appointment.
Once you have had your appoint-
ment, ask yourself these questions:
Did the doc focus on my FM as a
whole or was the doc narrow
minded? Did he offer suggestions?
Were all my questions addressed to
my satisfaction?
If you were not satisfied, then keep on
interviewing. Finding the right Dr. is
not easy. Remember taking care of
your health is not just the docs responsi-
bility. This requires team work. I find
that a lot of times I am telling my own
doc what I need. When I come across
new research, I bring it in and ask him
what he thinks and if we should try it.
Sometimes he listens sometimes he does-
n’t. Once I get new insurance, I will be
finding a new doc as well. Good luck!
F. Focus on someone else. By starting
this newsletter and taking on FM
awareness, the majority of the time, it
takes my mind off of my own pain.
G. Take an hour once a week to discuss
any specific issues that need to be
addressed. When I was feeling lonely,
Stephen made plans for us to go to
dinner and a movie. When he has
issues, like me not taking care of
myself like I should, I listen and do.
Don’t let FM burn you out on life. Next
month, Effects of Chronic Illness on our
Marriages/Partnerships. Until then,
Love one another unconditionally. Live
with each other with understanding.
Laugh with your loved ones uncontrol-
lably.
V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 6 P a g e 3

W h a t ’ s N e w I n t h e N e w s ?
A n d o t h e r a n n o u n c e m e n t s

First and foremost, I would like to
apologize for not getting an issue out
in Aug/Sept. I had a really difficult
couple of months. I am back on track
and actually really excited about some
up coming things. Thanks for under-
standing, I know you all will. Fibro-
Hugs to you.
I had a phone call this week. I was
asked if I would accept an invitation to
do an interview with the local newspa-
per to tell my story and promote some
FM Awareness. What an honor!!!
Check this out:
House of Representatives passed
HR 2994, The National Pain Care
Act 9/24/08The Pain Care Act is
designed to improve research, train-
ing, education and outreach for pain
care. For more information and the
text of HR 2994 go to:
www.theacpa.org/
news_viewitem.asp?id=194
For links to back issues of this
newsletter, you can find them in
my blogs on www.myspace.com/
fibrofriendsforever. Fibromyalgia AWARE Magazine is now
being sold in over 6,200 CVS Stores
Nationwide. Go check it out in the
For some interaction with other feature section.
FM patients and to check on
Fibro Friends Forever other arti-
cles, go to WeAreFibro.org. You Have a safe and Happy
can look me up, Jodie, or look up Halloween!
or community, Fibro Friends For-
ever. Join in on the fun and con-
versations.
This past week (Oct 1st.) I had a booth
for FM Awareness at a Health Fair. It
was amazing how many people
“knew” someone that had it and were
interested in learning more. In 2007
The NFA did an awareness survey
45% Never heard of FM All material in this newsletter is provided
88% of those knowledgeable had FM for information only and may not be con-
63% of those knowledgeable knew strued as medical advice or instruction.
someone with FM No action or inaction should be taken
based solely on the contents of this
67% have just some knowledge of FM
32% incorrectly classified FM as an newsletter. Instead readers should con-
autoimmune disorder sult their physician or other qualified
health professionals on any matter relat-
28% incorrectly classified FM as a ing to their health and well-being. Read-
type of arthritis ers who fail to consult with appropriate
6% incorrectly classified FM as a gyne- health authorities assume the risk of any
cological condition injuries. The publisher is not responsible
57% CORRECTLY classified FM as a for errors or omissions.
pain condition

Review of “Sit and Be Fit: Fi-

bromyalgia Workout”
As I mentioned be-
fore….exercise isn’t my forte’.
But since this seemed so sim-
ple and was so short, I
thought, what the heck….so
with permission from the Na-
tional Fibromyalgia Associa-
tion (www.fmaware.org) I
thought I would reprint this
review for you.
Review: "Sit and Be Fit: Fi-
bromyalgia Workout"
Friday, August 15, 2008
FMOnline vol. 8, no. 8
“Sit and Be Fit: Fibromyalgia
Workout”
Mary Ann Wilson, R.N.;
$18.95 (2005)
Fun and effective, this specially-
designed workout from the popu-
lar Sit and Be Fit™ series on PBS
offers a sound physical fitness
option for FM patients requiring a
low-impact approach to exercise.
The 27-minute routine includes
exercises for both upper and
lower body, with an emphasis on
improving range of motion and
employing proper posture and
breathing technique. While the
routine is not intended as a car-
diovascular workout, the succes-
sion of exercises is entirely capa-
ble of stimulating blood flow and
heart rate.
Body Care
Corner
Host Mary Ann Wilson, RN, uses this workout seem more like a
a lightweight, 10-inch ball during treat than an “exercise routine.”
the routine, but such a ball is not --Reviewed by Monica Tower
necessary to perform the exer-
cises, as is demonstrated by the Sounds good to me…..I am will-
physical therapist who joins Wil- ing to give it a shot…..
son during the program to dem-
onstrate modifications of each FibroHugs...Jodie
activity for viewers with different
levels of function. Wilson adds
another element of variety, and
possible progression, to the work-
out by showing how to execute
several of the exercises from a
standing position.
Wilson is a knowledgeable host
and her positive demeanor is
inspiring; overall, the upbeat tone
of the entire production makes
 Fibro Friends Forever has been created for
P A I N M A N A G E M E N T Fibromyalgia and Pain Management Aware-
S U P P O R T
ness. Its mission is to help those with FM &
chronic pain disorders to change, grow and
1003 N. Maritza Pl. become stronger. Our goal is to make every-
Porterville, CA 93257
one aware of the issues that face those with
Phone: 559-756-0894 fibromyalgia (chronic pain) on a daily basis.
E-mail: fibrofriendsforever@yahoo.com
myspace URL: myspace.com/fibrofriendsforever
Education is the key to our health. Along with
informational services, we provide email sup-
port group services. Soon to include a
change, grow and become strong monthly, interactive support group meeting.

F r o m “ yo u ”
You asked and you shall receive. A few of you asked for some information specifically regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Here is
part of it. I will continue with Symptoms and Risk Factors next month.

D e f i n i t i o n
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with bed rest
and may worsen with physical or mental activity. Chronic fatigue syndrome may occur after an infection, such as a cold or viral
illness. The onset can be during or shortly after a time of great stress, or chronic fatigue syndrome come on gradually without a
clear starting point or obvious cause. Women are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome far more often than men are. How-
ever, it's unclear whether chronic fatigue syndrome affects women more frequently or if women report it more often than men
do. Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome focuses on a combination of approaches to relieve signs and symptoms. (webmd)

C a u s e s
Of all chronic illnesses, chronic fatigue syndrome is one of the most mysterious. Unlike definite infections, it has no clear
cause. Several possible causes have been proposed, including:

 Depression
 Iron deficiency anemia
 Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
 History of allergies
 Virus infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or human herpesvirus 6
 Dysfunction in the immune system
 Changes in the levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands or adrenal glands
 Mild, chronic low blood pressure (hypotension)

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome may be an inflammation of the pathways of the nervous system as a response to an
autoimmune process, but with nothing measurable in the blood as in other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
and lupus. Chronic fatigue syndrome may also occur when a viral illness is complicated by a dysfunctional immune system.
Some people with CFS may have a low blood pressure disorder that triggers the fainting reflex. In many cases, however, no
serious underlying infection or disease is proved to specifically cause chronic fatigue syndrome. Lack of medical knowledge
and understanding of CFS has made determining and describing the characteristics of the condition difficult.