1.
Pain News Network: Pilot study finds green light therapy improves fibromyalgia symptoms
From the article: “In addition to less pain, patients also reported better mood and sleep, and improvements in their ability to work, exercise and perform chores. Eleven patients said they also reduced their use of pain medication, including opioids, while being exposed to green light.”
2.
PsychiatryAdvisor.com: No increased risk for psychiatric disorders in individuals with Lyme disease
From the article: “No increase in the overall risk for the development of psychiatric disorders or any subcategory of psychiatric disorder was observed in patients with [Lyme neuroborreliosis] compared with individuals in the control group. No significant difference in the receipt of prescriptions for psychiatric medications was observed between groups.”
3.
ScienceDaily.com: Most effective drugs for common type of neuropathic pain
From the article: “Nortriptyline had the highest efficacious percentage (25%) and the second-lowest quit rate (38%), giving it the highest level of overall utility. Duloxetine had the second-highest efficacious rate (23%) and lowest drop-out rate (37%). Pregbalin had the lowest efficacy rate, (15%) and Mexiletene had the highest quit rate (58%).”
4.
PrecisionVaccinations.com: Antibody-specific Lyme disease tests announced
From the article: “The two assays give laboratories a more diverse arsenal of testing methodologies that enables them to achieve more reliable Lyme disease test results, stated California-based Gold Standard Diagnostics Group.”
5.
FightingWithFibro.com: The true mental anguish that comes from chronic illness
From the article: “I am always the first person to say that I choose to live with gratitude and acceptance; that despite all the challenges I live with, I instead choose to focus on accepting the life I do have and being grateful for the positive things in it. And that’s true. But want to know what else is true? Sometimes, gratitude and acceptance can suck it.”
And an extra…
MindBodyGreen.com: What exactly is a lymphatic massage and how to perform one at home
From the article: “The most common reason lymphatic drainage is used is for the treatment of lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling, often in the arms and legs. One study found that incorporating a lymphatic massage in addition to compression helped to decrease swelling in lymphedema patients. Additionally, there is some evidence that they can help with symptoms of insomnia, fibromyalgia, and orthopedic injuries.”
New fibromyalgia books…
(This section contains affiliate links.)
The following fibromyalgia-related books were recently published:
- Fibromyalgia & Fatigue: Your Guide to Taking Control by Bob Baurys and Sue Hrim, RN
- Cookfulness: A Therapeutic Approach to Cooking by Ian Taverner (The author of Cookfulness lives with fibromyalgia and arthritis. You can read more about Ian and his book in this article.)
- Understanding and Treating Chronic Fatigue: A Practical Guide for Patients, Families, and Practitioners by Dr. Joel Young
Free masterclass…
Starting this Monday, my friend and chronic illness coach Julie Holliday is hosting a free 5-day masterclass with strategies and tips to help navigate the holiday season when living with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and similar illnesses.
This masterclass will be helpful if…
- You struggle with pacing and managing family visits
- What you have to miss out on gets you down
- You get overwhelmed by what needs to get done and the decisions involved
- You’re worried about the holiday season just wiping you out
- You feel guilty about not being able to be more involved or having to say no
- You can’t imagine being able to relax until it’s all over
Learn more or register for the masterclass here!
In addition to the masterclass, Julie is also offering “Tea and a Chat” on Friday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m. UK time. This will be an informal online gathering to meet and talk with others who live with chronic illness. Learn more or register here.
Free next week…
Dr. Allison Siebecker and Shivan Sarna are hosting the Next Steps for Treating Tough SIBO Masterclass Summit on Nov. 17-18. Learn more or register here.
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HealthMeans is hosting a webinar and Q & A on the topic “All About the 5G & EMF Nightmare” on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m. ET. Learn more or register here.
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Dr. Bill Rawls will host “Lyme Recovery Workshop: Create Your Personal Roadmap to Wellness” followed by a live Q & A on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m. ET.
Covered topics will include:
- How to design an individual action plan for recovery
- What must be included in your protocol to lay the foundation for long-term healing
- Which additional therapies will offer you the targeted symptom relief you need
- How to identify and remove your obstacles to recovery that prevent treatment from working
- How to know when it’s time to add, change, or eliminate therapies
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.
I looked over the story on the most effective drugs for neuropathic pain . Those drugs to me are like pure poison or they do nothing at all. Tramadol is the best drug I’ve tried for pain.
This was such a wonderful blog. I especially liked Stacey’s piece on the feelings we all deal with being in chronic pain all the time. I really appreciate you, Donna, for putting these things together for us. I know it can’t be easy, but you’re helping us all. Thank you!,
Thank you, Kathy! Yes, it is work but you guys keep me motivated when I read comments like yours. 🙂