Willis-Ekbom drives me out of my mind!

I have taken Requip or Ropinirol for about 3 years for Willis-Ekbom disease.  Well, that's about 2 years too long,because of a phenomenon called augmentation.  Augmentation occurs when a medication stops working and actually makes the symptoms worse.  So I'm in the process of switching over to Mirapex.  It requires that the drug is titrated up to a full dose.  Well, that restlessness is all over my body.  My arms are so bad I can hardly use them to type.  How miserable is that??  I know there are so many people that are dealing with this illness so there is so much misery that we never know about.  We just know what is happening in our own world and many days that's about all we can handle.  I know that's true for me.  I think one problem I get into is that I don't think to take my medication early enough so the Willis-Ekbom starts activating before I take the medication and then I find myself trying to catch up with it.  I should probably set an alarm to remind me so I take the medication on time.  I don't know about you, but I get tired of thinking about what I should be doing next.  That restlessness is so uncomfortable and I mentally manage it for a while and then I get to the point that I don't think I can take it another second!!  How is that for you?  Do you have the same problem managing your medication??

Meanwhile, I am also suffering with some serious nausea.  I think I have gastroparesis and will be seeing a GI doctor in one week down in Scottsdale, AZ.  I decided that I needed to go on a diet for gastroparesis to see if that would help.  Basically that's a no fat, no fiber diet.  Do you realize how many foods have either fat or fiber in them??  That eliminates most vegetables.  I just got up to take a Zofran so I can finish this post.  Just another thing to add to the misery!  So, I will let you know what the GI doctor says.  You may be having the same problem so it may help you get the medical care you need.  I can tell you why I'm so nauseated right now.  I just had two bites of chocolate cake and that did it.  Too much fat!  I really need to stop that.  To be continued . . .

Take good care and stay warm.  Winter has come to North America with a very loud roar!!

The Number One Question: What helps make you feel better?

In all my computer travels through blogs, Facebook and Twitter people ask, "What is it that makes you feel better?"  That's a complex and loaded question.  The mind/body connection is part of what makes that question so complex.  If we start with the mind, our perception of our world makes all the difference.  Obviously the more positive the perceptions the less pain people have.  In an effort to learn more strategies to maintain positive thoughts, I have subscribed to Live Happy publication.  This
publication is chock full of good positive thinking tips and stories about what others are doing to maintain happiness and positive thoughts.  Another think I have done is join a week long Webinar on Wake Up Happy.  Some of the top positive thinkers around the world have shared their insights and strategies for living a more fullfilled and happier life.  Tomorrow is the last day of the series for this month and it was well worth joining these Webinars with a hot cup of coffee!  For more information on the Live Happy publication go to livehappy.com.  You can also learn more about the Wake Up Happy Webinars by doing a search on the Live Happy Web site.  It will help change negative thinking if you apply the principles and strategies.

So much has been written about the pros and cons of analgesic use for chronic pain.  The decision to use analgesics is a personal decision that should be made following a dialogue between you and your doctor.  Some people prefer to use alternative medicine strategies, herbal preparations, gentle yoga, meditation, and others prefer to use pharmaceutical strategies or a combination of these.  Again, this is a personal decision and you know what works better for you.  I'm not going to go into any of these strategies since there is plenty of information and opinions available in blogs and on Web sites.

Getting enough sleep is critical to feeling better.  So many people with chronic illness have difficulty getting restorative sleep.  For those people with fibromyalgia sleep apnea is frequently part of the problem.  Make sure you get evaluated for sleep apnea; it can make all the difference in the world.  Another piece of the puzzle is Willis-Ekbom Disease previously know as Restless Legs Syndrome.  Even if the restlessness you feel is more controlled, this disease can still impair sleep.  Talk with your doctor about the strategies and medications that can help you get a restful night's sleep.

Having something purposeful to do with your time is another strategy that helps to keep your mind off the symptoms that are making you miserable.  A friend of mine makes jewelry to sell so she is able to pace herself and work on her craft as she is able.  She finds a great deal of gratification making her jewelry and when she is able to make jewelry she feels better.  I have gotten involved in a skincare company that allows me to name my own hours and do as much or as little work depending on how I'm feeling.  Both me and my girlfriend can work in our jammies and that's always a plus!  So find a hobby or a job that isn't too demanding and allows for a great deal of flexibility.

There is one strategy that exceeds the power for change in how you feel over all other strategies.  That's the simple act of sharing and caring about one another.  There is nothing worse than being alone with your chronic illness and not having anyone that understands and cares.  Since people that have fibromyalgia tend to be highly sensitive people and frequently have narcissistic and abusive family members, there is no shortage of feeling alone with a debilitating chronic illness.  So all the chronic illness blogs, the tweets on Twitter, the postings on facebook and other social media have the power to make you feel better just because you have someone that cares and expresses love and support.  It's so simple for us to care about one another and there is no one that understands that better than someone with a debilitating chronic illness.  The rest of the world doesn't understand the power of caring and probably take it for granted, and they may not have their priorities established.  When you realize how it feels to be alone with a debilitating chronic illness, it gives you a different perspective.  It is easier to identify authentic and substantive priorities.  In that way, we are very fortunate and it is so good to have you all with me.  Sending love to all of you and wanting you to know that I do understand.  Blessings.

Invisible illness week -- no sympathy, just understanding

An invisible illness has its difficult side, because no one knows I'm sick.  But that is actually preferable.  There are people that have been burned beyond recognition and survived only to be viewed as a scary monster.  Dealing with an invisible illness and a total change in body image is a most difficult situation and I thank God I don't have that to deal with too.  So I am grateful that I don't have more challenges than I already have.  I don't seek sympathy; it's empathy and understanding that I want.  Just some understanding goes a long way toward feeling a part of something and not feeling so all alone with the burdens that I bear.  I think it's probably the same for you too.  We are all in this eye of an invisible storm that no one else can see.

Sympathy means that someone feels sorry for me . . . I sure don't need that.  And I don't need to spend time feeling sorry for myself either.  That leads to a downward spiral.  The one thing I do need is to take care of myself in ways that others may not even imagine.  I avoid negative people and their negative energy because that takes a big toll.  I listen carefully to my body, because the body rules.  If I ignore what my body wants I risk going into a total fm flare.  That's probably the hardest part, because my brain wants to rule and I have to work at holding it back.  The inability to keep up with others due to low energy is probably the hardest part for me.  I plan my activity very carefully to avoid getting into a flare, because once that starts it's hard to recover and then I miss life as it goes swiftly by.  Socialization takes so much energy and although I thorougly enjoy it, I am always totally exhausted and in pain afterwards.  But it is usually worth it!

So as we raise awareness for invisible illness, I know I'm in good company and that in itself is comforting.  I'm so sorry you are so sick, but I sure appreciate your company.  Take good care and may you find peace in each day.

Social connections when energy runs low

Most people take socializing for granted, but socializing actually requires a great deal of energy.  When chronic illness is present, energy is low and it is critical that people choose daily activities thoughtfully and with intention.  No one knows this better than someone with fibromyalgia.  Every activity throughout the day must be carefully weighed for priority and necessity.  Socializing may seem to be low in priority so it may tend to take the back burner, but that may be a mistake.  The mind/body connection cannot be dissected from one another and we need to regularly care for both to ensure our health on every level.  Depression and anxiety are common with fibromyalgia so attending to emotional health is so critical and yet it seems that we frequently neglect our brain's needs.  The brain's complexity makes this task even more difficult, because there are needs to be met on many different levels.  Top that with being a highly sensitive person and the task becomes daunting.

We are a gregarious people and social connections are critical for our emotional health and our general well being.  Connecting socially may not be possible face-to-face every day, but setting time aside for socializing is key in managing the depression and anxiety that frequently accompanies fibromyalgia.  I make it a point to connect with someone every day.  There are days when I don't have the energy to connect with others, but social media has made that easier and less energy draining than connecting face-to-face.  On facebook I have rekindled friendships with people I haven't seen in 44 years and facebook doesn't zap energy like face-to-face encounters do.  Same thing with Twitter except it's even less taxing because the messages are so brief.  I hadn't spent much time on facebook or Twitter, but I am now learning their benefits and it has been a positive experience.  I can interact with people and not feel the energy being sucked out of me.  That leaves me with energy to spare for other necessities.

Currently I have been experiencing some stressful events in my life and that naturally takes its toll on my body and tends to put me in a flare.  Bad news.  I inherently know this and have made intentional decisions regarding my emotional health, which also makes my body feel better.  That single act of intentionality saves my mind and my body from traumatic and stressful events.  This may seem to be a no brainer, but I am amazed when I see other people that don't seem to understand the critical nature of this connection between mind and body.  This is an amazing phenomenon!  The other positive element for me is that I have had fun learning new things and my brain gets exercise at the same time.  That is good for my body too!  When my brain is happy, my body is happy too.  The problem with learning new things is that it takes a great deal of energy.  But for me, it is well worth the energy it drains.  I just have to use small amounts of energy and be aware of how much I'm going to need to get through the day and not sabotage myself for the next day too.

So when you find yourself feeling lonely and blue, text a friend, meet a new friend on facebook -- just communicate with someone outside of your immediate environment.  This simple 10 minute act will change your perspective on life and re-energize your mind and body.  May you meet each day with intention, purpose, priority, understanding and awareness of the energy stores that are available to you.  Blessings!

The Face of Fibromyalgia

The face of fibromyalgia

As years go by our experiences are reflected in the lines on our face.  There is nothing that writes with deeper lines, darker circles under the eyes and sagging skin more than the story of a chronic illness such as fibromyalgia.  With the passing of each year our face may begin to appear older than our years due to the constant struggle with chronic illness.  The miles spent in chronic pain are expressed on our face just as happy lines become predominant if our miles traveled were in a happy place.  Despite a conscious effort to overcome a chronic, debilitating illness that illness will take its toll and tell its story on our face.

My 22-year history with an injury resulting in fibromyalgia have certainly taken their toll on me and these years have been vividly expressed on my face.  So despite the fact that I have found good medical care and treatment in Prescott, AZ those miles cannot be denied.  I believed that I was overcoming this dreadful illness, but I was only deluding myself by clinging to a younger vision of myself.  Don't we all remember when we were 20 and full of energy and passion for life?  That is where many of us prefer to be stuck and then we are startled when a mirror reflects an image that isn't recognizable.  I ask, "Who is that old woman in the mirror?"  And as I turn away I again regain that image of vitality when I was in my 20's.  Those certainly were fleeting years!

Before Nerium (left) and 4 weeks after Nerium (right) - just after sweating in the garden!

Illness is not the only stressor that can be expressed on the human face.  Any stressor, physical or emotional, can etch those miles in the most unflattering way!  Am I so
vane that I am writing of such things that have little to do with the strength of my relationships and the people I love so much?  I guess that as I get older I just want some of those years back, because my work here isn't done and I have so many things I would like to accomplish that remain undone.

Before Nerium (top) and 4 weeks after Nerium (bottom)

My life journey has brought me to Nerium International and the comraderie, relationships and friendships that have been an unexpected bonus.  How fortunate am I?!  And the added bonus is that Nerium skin care age defying products have given a few years back to me that were lost.  The combination of good medical care and Nerium has turned back the clock for me so I have a second chance to live those years that I thought had been lost.  I want to share this joy with you, because you too can regain some of those lost years.

More images can be viewed on my Nerium facebook page if you use the search term Nerium AD.  It should be the first line to pop up.  If not, you can find me on facebook at this address:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nerium-AD/666205663456586
You can also get more information about Nerium at www.valgarner.nerium.com.  In addition, you can contact me at 949-939-5295 or add comments to my blog page.  Blessings to you as you travel this sometimes bumpy road of life!

Narcissists practice isolationism

People with fibromyalgia have neurological sensitivities that leave them vulnerable to toxic people and toxic environments.  When exposed to these toxins the result is an increase in stress and a fibromyalgia flare.  One of the most toxic people that anyone can come into contact with is a narcissist.  For someone with fibromyalgia, narcissists are deadly.

Narcissism is a complex disorder that is perplexing to others.  This disorder can appear quite different from one person to the next, but there is one thing they all have in common: a lack of empathy for others.  The lack of empathy for others is the hallmark feature of narcissism, which can be difficult to identify because they are so clever at disguising their narcissism.  A narcissist studies normal human behavior by observing the responses that others have in a variety of situations.  They may appear to have friends, but upon a closer look those friendships are all superficial, and enduring, close friendships are absent.  The narcissist is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

The nuclear family is traditionally the primary support system, but for a person that has narcissistic family members there is no primary support system.  This situation leads to isolation, especially for a person with fibromyalgia that may have few support systems available.  The lack of a primary support system creates stress, which results in fibromyalgia flares and a decline in health status.  If this isolated person attempts to set boundaries on the narcissistic family members' abusive behavior or limits contact with their narcissistic family, these family members in turn purposely isolate the family member even more.  Remaining in this toxic environment with toxic people takes its toll, but the isolation from family takes its toll too.  It's a catch 22 situation.

As long as a person remains in the presence of toxic, dysfunctional people, they will be unable to function on a healthy level themselves.  The person and their fibromyalgia symptoms will be minimized, ignored and demeaned.  This leads to constant turmoil and feelings of inadequacy.  In essence that person must cease to exist to serve the needs of the narcissist -- a person that always has an empty bucket to fill, but the bucket has a big hole in the bottom so the narcissist must continuously feed off others in an attempt to fill that bucket.

There is no quality of life when a narcissist is close enough to cause you harm.  But they can only cause harm if they are in your life -- don't walk; run away as fast as you can.  Your number one priority is YOU.  If  you have fibromyalgia you absolutely cannot afford to have these toxic people close to you.  There are worse things than being alone.  Adopt others into your life and find solace and support within your extended "family".  The best advice I have ever heard is "Pick your family carefully."  Blessings to you and may you find solace and joy and freedom.

Live happy and don't look back!

Life is a series of ups and downs, especially when a chronic illness like fibromyalgia is involved.  Despite the ups and downs, if you aren't happy then nothing else counts.  Am I right?  Happiness has the power to affect everything in our lives, even our health.  I'm not saying if you are struggling with chronic illness that it isn't a tough journey, but I am saying that happiness is tied into the mind/body connection.  If you are happy you have more life satisfaction, life satisfaction leads to better relationships, and better relationships leads to more happiness.  It's a life cycle.  Another life cycle begins with taking care of yourself and making that a priority.  If you care for yourself you feel better, and when you feel better you have a better quality of life, and when you have a better quality of life you have more life satisfaction, more longevity, better relationships, more happiness . . . you see how these cycles work?  Stagnation is a foreign concept in the cycle of life and stagnation doesn't lead to happiness.  Happiness is a dynamic state of being that ebbs and flows as you travel on your journey.

I recently was introduced to a magazine Live Happy.  That says it all.  The newest research has showed that  "when we choose to be happy and take steps toward that state of mind, our golden years are more likely to be truly golden.".  (August 2014, Live Happy, The Golden Age of Happiness, pg 82)  Research has also demonstrated that when we are in the state of happiness that we most likely will live longer too.  Amazing how that mind/body connection works.  We are truly an entity that cannot be dissected merely into body parts. 

Me and my happy little kittie Wills with the cute whiskers!

I read a number of blogs written by people with fibromyalgia.  The focus is frequently pain, brain fog, difficulties experienced in every day . . . that focus can result in a downward spiral and rob you of your life.  Despite life's challenges, and they can be many, if the focus turns to happiness, relationships,and caring for yourself and others, you will feel better.  Happiness is a key that opens many doors and leaves you with good memories.  It's a matter of focus.

This month's Live Happy publication talks about the power of words.  (Rubin, Gretchen.  August 2014, Live Happy, pg. 40)  According to Gretchen, the words we choose are critical to our happiness.  The differences in our word choice reveals how we think and who we are.  If you listen to what you say it will reveal your attitude, level of optimism, your level of empowerment, how positively you think, and your entire mindset.  Listening can be a difficult task and how often do we listen to ourselves anyway?  We should be the first person we choose to listen to!  That's how we get to know ourselves. So, is your glass half full or half empty, do you play the piano or practice piano, do you exercise or take a dance class . . . ?  You get the idea.  Are you a victim of circumstances or responsible for everything in your life and in charge of you?  Being in charge of you leads to total freedom and happiness.  Those words may be nuances to some, but they tell a deeper story that may be affecting life satisfaction and happiness.

Happiness doesn't mean you don't still have difficult or next to impossible days, but it sure helps me get through those days and improves my level of resiliency.  That's the cycle of our life.  Choose that cycle wisely!  Blessings to you on this fascinating journey.  To read more about happiness look for Live Happy and find positive in your relationships, at your job, and in your daily life.

One word: NERIUM and a picture that speaks a thousand words

Conquering fibromyalgia can be a tough thing to face every day, but one thing is for sure -- when I look good I feel better.  I have used Nerium for 3 weeks and I have seen remarkable results.  So this blog post is going to be short, because I'm going to let this picture tell the story about the power of Nerium AD, a revolutionary anti-aging skin care product.  The top photo is the before picture of me and the bottom photo is me after using Nerium for 3 weeks.  I'm 62 years young and I love Nerium!  I'll post more photos in the near future . . . Wow those close ups can be scary!!  To see more results from Nerium or to try the product go to www.valgarner.nerium.com

This is a close up added 8/10/14 both taken in the same light with no flash.

Taken 8/10/14 both with no flash.  Notice the change in the contour of my face.  Amazing!!

Embarking on a new adventure with Nerium

The last month has been so busy for me and I have had little time to write.  Since I have been on CPAP for several months my energy has been coming up and I am to the point where I actually want to be involved with something other than staying home.  I couldn't figure out what that would be so I let it go and waited to see what would come my way.  My husband needed to have an ultrasound done so the day we went to the imaging department I found myself looking for a good magazine to pass the time.  There was nothing but Sports Illustrated and Golf!!  I persistently went through the magazines hoping there was something else that may be of interest.  Sure enough there was a magazine Success from Home.  I snatched up the magazine and began going through it.  This particular issue featured the company Nerium International, a revolutionary skin care company.  I was completely intrigued with the product, which boasted an age-defying effect that would take 10 to 12 years off your face.  Oh my gosh!  This was it!!  This company was what I had been looking for and when I let go, it appeared to me.  I called the Independent Brand Partner, Angi, listed on the magazine front and she informed me that there was a Real Results Party the next evening.  So I went.  The positive energy in the room was unbelieveable and I met a large group of fabulous women and men.  So I signed up to be an Independent Brand Partner.  It has been so fun to be part of a company that offers me complete flexibility and the ability to make some extra money that could turn into some serious money.  I feel better, I am more hopeful and my energy continues to rise.  Who would ever think a magazine could have so much power to change lives??  The corporate culture is to give back and serve others.  The mission statement??  To make people better.  So as a retired RN I am back to serving others and helping people be the best they can be.

Meanwhile, I have used the day cream and night cream for 3 weeks and I have seen remarkable results.  Amazing!  So off I go on another life adventure.  I hope every day is an adventure for you.  Don't give up on yourself and fibromyalgias tenacious hold on you.  You can minimize the effects of this illness and get your life back one more time.  Blessings to you!!

Hope isn't a passive phenomenon . . . Make hope happen!

Image from ShaneLopez.com

Life isn't a spectator sport.  If you really want to live life you must immerse yourself totally in the experience.  In all lives there are ups and there are downs.  The most devastating "down" is the experience of chronic, debilitating illness.  But chronic illness doesn't mean the end of life, but the beginning of a new chapter in life.  After the initial grieving and that feeling of hopelessness begins to subside, take your life reins back and start directing your life plan again.  Just because "life is what happens while we are planning" we don't have to succumb to life's setbacks.  That's just to let us know we are still alive!  With every setback there are opportunities that present themselves.  They may be difficult to identify at first, but if you look closely enough they are there.

Image from Amazon.com

Shane J. Lopez, Ph.D. is a leading researcher on hope and he seeks to make hope less elusive for all of us.  "Making Hope Happen:  Create the Future You Want for Yourself and Others" is his book, which focuses on the possibilities and not the obstacles.  His prescription for success is to start small and grow hope big by creating a vision for the future.  Creating a vision for the future excites the mind and minimizes anxieties. (Lopez, Shane J.  "Five Years Ago and Five Years From Now", Success from Home,  Vol 10, No 6, pg 74-75.)  It's all about moving forward and not looking back.  That's a good practice for all of us in our everyday lives.  Spending too much time on reminiscing and hoping life was different from our current experience and reality is counterproductive and self-defeating.  Self-sabbotage just doesn't make sense, but first we must recognize when we are demonstrating self-defeating behaviors and that's the hard part.

The first step is to be honest with ourselves . . . if we can't be honest with ourselves who can we be honest with??  Give up denial, rationalization, and victimization and put yourself back in the driver's seat.  That alone will give you more hope and limit self-defeating behaviors.  Again, start small.  I tend to self-defeat by eating the wrong foods and not adhering to smaller meals for the gastroparesis that tries to be my "boss" every day.  So instead of me being in control I allow my gut to boss me around throughout the day.  That doesn't make sense to me, but I do it anyway.  Then I feel terrible, which results in a downward spiral.  Not a good thing!  So I must take control back and gain my freedom again.  That's just one example of how easy it is to self-sabbotage our own lives.  So, move forward and be free again.  That's real freedom and liberation, which is what we all are searching for.