1.
Pain News Network: Revised CDC opioid guideline gives doctors more flexibility
Note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) is seeking public comment on its revised opioid prescribing guideline through April 11. Please click the link at the end of the above article to submit comments. It’s extremely important for the chronic pain community to submit comments so we’re heard during this process.
From the article: “Although voluntary and only intended for primary care physicians treating chronic pain, the original guideline was widely misapplied as a rigid ‘standard of care’ by many states, insurers, providers and law enforcement, causing millions of patients to be taken off opioids or forcibly tapered to lower doses. As result, many went into withdrawal, became bedridden and disabled, committed suicide or were abandoned by their doctors. And while opioid prescribing declined, drug overdoses soared to record levels.”
2.
Gilmore Health News: Ranking of the causes of the most intense pain according to McGill University Pain Scale
Fibromyalgia made the list!
3.
HealthRising.org: The NIH kicks chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in the teeth – again. It may regret it
From the article: “…The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that the next iteration of NIH-funded ME/CFS research centers would be getting the same crummy funding as the last iteration. Instead of the 20 or so research centers that ME Action noted that National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Disorders (NINDS) Director Koroshetz acknowledged – prior to the coronavirus pandemic – that ME/CFS needs, the ME/CFS community would remain stuck with three small ones.”
4.
StatNews.com: In a sea of skeptics, this physician was one of fibromyalgia patients’ few true allies. Or was he?
This is an investigative piece about the FM/a fibromyalgia blood test and its creator Dr. Bruce Gillis. It raises questions about the accuracy of the test and also discusses a related vaccine study, which was promised to fibromyalgia patients diagnosed by the test. I think anyone who has had the FM/a test or is thinking about it should read this article.
I’ve also included links below to three articles that I’ve written here on Fed Up With Fatigue for those who want more background information on the test and trial.
Read more: More insurance companies now paying for fibromyalgia blood test
This article gives an explanation of the test and how it works.
Read more: Century-old vaccine gives new hope to fibromyalgia patients
This article discusses the vaccine trial, which was promised to fibromyalgia patients who were diagnosed using the FM/a test. The future of that trial is murky.
Read more: Researchers may have found genetic marker for fibromyalgia
This article covers the discovery of a biomarker that was found using funding from EpicGenetics, the company that developed the FM/a test. At the time, EpicGenetics indicated it was postponing the previously mentioned vaccine study because researchers didn’t want to reduce a natural immunity that fibromyalgia patients may have to COVID-19.
5.
WFMZ.com: Fibromyalgia Care Society of America (FCSA) launches nation’s first ever virtual coordinated care program for people living with fibromyalgia
From the article: “Through the efforts of Fibromyalgia Care Society of America’s virtual coordinated care program, we are revolutionizing how our community is cared for. This one-of-a-kind program in the state of New Jersey will serve as the pilot model for the rest of the country,” said Mildred “Milly” Velez, founder and executive director of FCSA.
And an extra…
Kate the (Almost) Great: Alike – The best way to feel less alone and better manage your chronic illness journey
From the article: “Alike is a free app that helps you to find people who are, well, like you. You get to connect to patients with a similar background, which could be people with the exact same illnesses as you, people who have the same medical condition(s) and keep a similar diet, people who are on the same medication as you, and so much more.”
Pain Fix webinar…
Dr. Yoni Whitten is hosting a free webinar on Saturday, Feb. 26, at noon ET where he’ll share “Three Secrets to Become Pain Free without Doctors, Drugs or Surgery.” Register here.
(Note: I’ve never attended any of Dr. Whitten’s webinars, so I cannot vouch for whether his content is useful or not.)
Warrior of the Week…
This week’s fibromyalgia warrior of the week is Lorraine Douglas, a U.K. woman who created National Health Service-inspired paintings in recognition of doctors, nurses and other medical staff who have worked throughout the pandemic.
Read more about Lorraine here:
(The sections below contain affiliate links.)
Product of the week…
I included the results of Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum’s latest fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue study using red ginseng in last week’s news post (see #5). This morning, I remembered Amazon sometimes sells Dr. T’s products, and his red ginseng is available!
If any of you try it, let me know if it works!
Check out my favorite Amazon products for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue here!
Migraine device sale…
The Cefaly, a device clinically proven to reduce and prevent migraines, is on sale for 20% off through this Monday, Feb. 28! No promo code is needed.
Read more: What is Cefaly and how does it work?
I’m Donna, a longtime newspaper reporter, health writer and chronic illness thriver! Fed Up with Fatigue provides weekly news, research, treatments and more to help you live better with fibromyalgia and/or Lyme.
Thank you for keeping us all informed of the latest finding for fibro – you are awesome! I’m hoping you will give us all another update on your new house, in your new town/city, etc., sometime soon. I’m sure most of us want to know how you’re doing. 💝
Hi Sandy, I plan to do a life update soon!
Thanks so much for posting this link. I was able to comment and use with no problems. I you are simply marvelous dahling💜 you are the only fibro person that I follow and trust.
Thank you so much!!!!
Wow Donna! It seems you are back in full swing! Love all of your great information this month. Thanks.
Hang in there! Maureen
Thank you, Maureen! It’s good to be back! I’ve got a whole bunch of stuff planned for you guys!
I started taking the red ginseng last week. I will let you know if I notice any difference!
Awesome, I’m excited to hear how it goes!
So far the only difference I have noted is not feeling quite so fatigued. I have noticed no difference in pain. I will continue trying it since it does take a while for most things to have an effect!
ive had chronic pain since 1980 after a neck injury. I’ve had many years of many treatments, none have worked mainly by. causing allergic reactions or gastric problems. many didn’t work. had years of psychiatric appointments. I’m allergic to aspirin and all NSAIODS.. IN 204 I SAW A RHEMOTOLGIOST WHO FOUND I HAD PMR BESIDIDES ARTHRITIS FIBRO THYRPOID SLEEP APNEA. IT WASNT A MENTAL PROBLEM. MY PAIN BECAME UNMANAGEABLE AND I HAD NO QUALITY OF LIFE . SO EVENTUALLY I BEGAN USING PAIN PATCH WITH P[AIN PILLS. FINALLY MY LIFE IMPROVED AND I COULD BE A PARTICIPANT IN MORE OF A LIFE. . SO NOW IM 77 AND AM ON SAME DOSE AS I BEGANE BUT AGE IS CATCHING UP. IF MY DOCTOR RETIRE I DO NOT HAVE ANYOTHER DOC WHO. WOULD CONTINUE THE SAME MEDS. I WOULD HAVE TO GO THRU REHAB AND BE TREATED LIKE AN ADDICT. PLEASE MAKE PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT ADDICTS GET HELP OR CONTINUE MEDS THAT WORK.