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Fibromyalgia - The Burning Ghost Disease

Most of you have heard of fibromyalgia.  Did you know that at least two percent of the population suffers from this very painful and hard-to-treat condition, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS? 

Anyone can develop FMS, but it typically strikes females between the ages of 25 and 55. Fibromyalgia, in fact, strikes women nine times more frequently than men, and, unfortunately, many doctors think FMS is strictly psychosomatic or psychogenic. 

FMS is characterized by chronic, body-wide pain and an often-intolerable sensitivity to touch. This pain is often described as a sharp, needle-like tingling of the skin. The pain, as this article’s title suggests, was reported by one patient as being tormented by a ghost with a burning touch.

Egad. Not a pretty image. 

Studying Fibromyalgia

FMS was first recognized and studied back in the early 1800s, but the modern name for the condition didn’t gel until 1976 when a Latin word, fibra (fiber) was teamed with two Greek words, myo (muscle) and algos (pain) to come up with fibromyalgia.

It wasn’t until 1981 that FMS underwent a controlled study of its myriad characteristics and their effects on patients. Six more years elapsed before the AMA finally recognized the disorder as an illness. Dr. Muhammad B. Yunus, the modern father of fibromyalgia, sought a biopsychosocial model of looking at the condition. He felt that genetics, life stress, PTSD, and even lack of social support all contributed to the disparate symptoms that encompass FMS.

Although the actual cause of FMS is unknown, research points to a variety of possible causes. FMS sometimes erupts after injuries are sustained in a traffic accident or following major surgery. Some evidence shows Lyme Disease may trigger FMS-like symptoms, but that connection is a little hazy.

There’s even a new branch of medicine, pyschoneuroimmunology, that is now investigating how the often bizarre constellation of fibromyalgic symptoms fit together in hopes of better treating sufferers.

FMS doesn’t stop with mere pain. Frequently there are symptoms of fatigue, which can range from moderate to severe. Muscle aches and spasms, as well as sleep problems are also de rigueur with FMS. Symptoms can continue to multiply – ranging from memory problems and depression to digestive problems.

Personal Connections to Fibromyalgia

Marc Holmes, our newest Co-op team member, has a sister who suffers from FMS, so we’ve all heard much more about this terrible disease of late.

According to Marc, what his sister experiences each day is akin to living life as a perpetual burn patient. If you’ve ever healed from a bad burn, you know this is not something you would wish on your worst enemy.

Marc’s sister can’t tolerate touch from her children or her mate. At times completing the simplest of tasks is inconceivable. Even the most benign brush from someone in a supermarket makes Marc’s sister unable to continue shopping and sends her into an immediate, tear-filled retreat to her home. 

It’s truly heart-wrenching to hear about life with fibromyalgia. 

Comfort & Healing for Fibromyalgia

Alas, over-the-counter favorites, NSAIDs, like Tylenol and Advil, are usually not effective in treating pain associated with FMS because the disorder does not usually cause the inflammation present in other painful conditions like arthritis and myofascial pain syndrome.

There are a number of pharmaceutical interventions being used, including the drugs Tramadol and Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica) – even SSRIs. While this Kat can’t recommend pharmaceutical approaches (pesky problems with not having an M.D., R.Ph. or Pharm D title), all is not lost.  

Our favorite M.D., Dr. Hugo Rodier, spends a lot of time treating chronic fatigue and FMS, as so many doctors don’t know how to treat these conditions effectively.

For anyone suffering from FMS, I recommend contacting Dr. Rodier for a nutritional consult. Dr. Rodier emphasizes dietary change (with a concentration on fresh vegetables, raw nuts, and lean protein) along with intensive supplementation (based on analysis of blood work).

For Co-op members, Dr. Rodier offers telephone consults, in affordable 15 minute increments, through his clinic.  Dr. Rodier can also work in tandem with an FMS patient’s local physician to order and interpret lab tests.

Reinforcing Dr. Rodier’s approach, many of you may remember my early interview with Dr. Tricia Andrews, who cured herself of fibromyalgia through diet, nutrition, and lifestyle change.

Methinks the trick is all about healing those millions of little cells, which have loads of ultra-precise signaling to do in the central nervous system and thus have specialized nutritional needs.  ^..^

Meanwhile, here are some of the supplements the Co-op offers that support a healthier central nervous system.

• CoQ-10 – A remarkable antioxidant used most frequently for heart-related problems, it also helps to prevent damage from free radicals thought to influence FMS. Some doctors are now suggesting Gingko Biloba be taken in conjunction with CoQ-10 to maximize its benefit.

•  Acetyl L-Carnitine – This “cellular power plant” occurs naturally in the body within the inner membrane of all cell mitochondria. It is thought to help FMS sufferers by helping to maintain general neurological health. It also is believed to aid in overcoming the cognitive symptoms associated with FMS.  

• Phosphatidylserine (Neuro PS) – This is another good supplement to take because of its role as the “master switch” of cell membrane functions. It is located in the innermost area of cell membranes, and is responsible for directing neurons to communicate more effectively by activating the key enzymes involved.

• Arthro 3 – A great way to address inflammation, which, although not causal, can appear as a secondary symptom with FMS.

• Fish oil (Omega-3) – Another wonderful, natural way to address joint and skin discomfort associated with conditions like FMS.

• Constant Health – Dense nutrition for all the cells in the body, especially the gastrointestinal system, which affects nutritional uptake for the entire body. 

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Celiac Disease & Women

Did ya know Celiac disease affects about twice as many women as men, and in the United States, it affects two million people or about one in 133 people?!

In Cindy's most recent blog entry, Cindy explores some celiac facts, causes and consequences.

Check it out!