Book an Appointment with FFC

Recently there was a widespread recall of the medication Heparin from Baxter Pharmaceutical due to adverse reactions being reported. These reactions were reported to have occurred when large intravenous doses of Heparin were administered during invasive procedures such as cardiovascular surgeries and dialysis treatments.  Please note that FFC does not stock ANY of the multi-dose concentrations of heparin listed as contaminated by Baxter. FFC does maintain a minimal stock of single dose vials and/or heparin lock flush solution, as it is only used in the office when teaching a patient to do their own injections or for flushing lines, which is done on a limited basis.  However, in February 2008, Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers removed all Baxter brand Heparin single-dose vials and HEP-LOCK heparin flush products from our shelves to ensure our patients overall safety.As always, our main priority is the safety and wellness of our patients, of which we will continue to provide the highest level of care.For more information on the recalled Heparin product visit: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/heparin/heparinQA.htm orhttp://www.baxter.com/products/biopharmaceuticals/heparin.htm

Book an Appointment with FFC

Thought I would send an update as it has been almost a month since my last update.  I can feel that Spring is almost here.  The weather has been cooperating lately so I have increased my walking.  Amazing, I am able to walk between 10,000 and 13,000 steps with great ease.  I am feeling strong.  I had to laugh last week when Rick said “You must be feeling better.  You have really picked up your pace.  You are feisty once again”.  As I am sure you can tell–I don’t give up easily. 

I had an appointment at the Center last Wednesday.  I am feeling great and Dr. G is happy with my progress.  We discussed the results of my sleep study as the final report was released to the Center.  It appears that it took me some 250 minutes before I actually went into Stage 3 sleep.  My percentage of delta sleep was 2.3.  The average should be 12-25%.  My percentage of REM sleep was 6.  The average is 25.  I don’t have trouble falling asleep—just staying asleep.  Most nights I feel that I am just resting all night.  My eyes may be closed but I still feel wide awake.  It’s really weird.  Dr. G. is working on resetting my clock as Stage 4 sleep is an absolute must for the production of growth hormone.

I meet a few new faces at the Center.  Once again, I heard more horror stories.  It’s very sad that so many of us have to go through so much pain before we actually receive the help we need.   Rick was with me at this visit.  He entertains the staff and the patients.  He brings much laughter to all of us.  I am so very lucky to have such a wonderful husband.

I had an appointment with my rheumatologist two weeks ago.  He was truly amazed at my continuing progress.  He was very much interested in my treatment protocol.  I was happy that he has an open mind.  So many times our “regular” physicians don’t support us or feel that we need a mental evaluation.

Last but not least an update of my family.  My 80 year old father is doing absolutely wonderful.  He has been on the YOU:  Staying Young program for approximately 4 months.  He, too, is very feisty these days.  He is also taking Release and Renew.  He has suffered from arthritis for many years.  His pain has decreased and his is very happy.  My husband, the love of my life, has been following the YOU: Staying Young Program for seven months now.  He looks great, feels great, and is walking each and every day.   He takes BodyFlow classes 4 times a week as well as lifts weights every other day. 

In closing, I am very lucky to have my life back.  I thank God each and every day for the wonderful care I am receiving.  I hope that my story continues to provide the glimmer of hope for more fibro patients that they, too, can find the help they need. 

Book an Appointment with FFC

Although I don’t have much to report, I thought I would send an update just to stay in touch.  I had an appointment with Dr. G last week.  It was great to see Dr. G and the girls.  For several months, I had seen these folks every week.  They became a second family to Rick and me.  I am happy to report that Dr. G was happy with my progress and I couldn’t agree with him more.

I completed a sleep study on January 9th.  The test revealed that I did not have sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome, or periodic limb movements.  I spent most of my time in Stage 2 sleep.   I also completed heavy metal testing.  My lead and mercury levels were elevated; however, they were not in the “very elevated” range.  I don’t each much seafood, usually just once a week.

I am holding my own right now.  Like last month, I am anxiously awaiting spring.  While I am in my exercise class 3 times a week, my walking has somewhat decreased.  I am still walking…just not as much as I did previously.  We had a week or so of warmer weather.   I had the opportunity to walk outside and that was absolutely wonderful.   I plan on increasing my walking once the weather improves.  Unfortunately we are back to the artic tundra again.

Overall, I am feeling much stronger.  My appetite has increased over the last several weeks.  Sometimes I feel that I cannot get enough food, while other hours of the day I’m not hungry at all.  I bought a bag of Oreo’s and am sorry to say they are all gone.  Not sure what triggered my desire to get them. I debated the issue for a long time before purchasing them.  In the past it was emotional eating.  Oreo’s were my comfort food.  That wasn’t the reason I purchased them this time.  I just had a craving.

I am enjoying teaching my college class.  While it is only one night a week, I know that I must pick and choose what I do and how much I do.  Expending more energy than I have will put me in a vulnerable position and susceptible to a “crash and burn”.

Rick is still walking.  He has surpassed 2 million steps since he started the YOU:  Staying Young Program.  He is very dedicated to his exercise program.  He also is lifting weights and takes exercise classes several times a week.

In closing, I am very happy with my progress.  I think it is important for fibromyalgia patients to have goals.  My goal is being more cognizant in how I deal with stress.   Sometimes I truly need to think before I act.  Self induced stress is indeed avoidable.

Book an Appointment with FFC

After a few weeks on a slippery slope of ups and downs with the fibro, I am back on the top of my game.  The winter has been somewhat hard.  I had experience pain once again for several weeks after a very long time with absolutely NO pain.  I’m not sure what had triggered the flare.  It was an ugly reminder of my painful past. 

I had an appointment with Dr. G last week.  We reviewed by follow-up blood work and it certainly is improving.  My natural killer cell is now 12.  While it is still below the average norm of 30-170, it is going in the right direction.  The natural killer cell factor was 6 in September.    This is the first week in the last 14 that I have worked a full week.  We have been making weekly trips to the FFC in King of Prussia for IV treatments.  I am happy to report that I made it thru the week with little or no problems.  Yippee!

I also had an appointment with my internal medicine doctor last week.  I had dropped 6 pounds since my last visit a few months ago.  He was amazed how good I looked.  He was somewhat concerned at the aggressive treatment that I was undergoing.  He said it would be difficult to determine exactly what was helping.  My response to him that it wasn’t just one thing but it is a combination of things including me playing an active roll with nutrition and exercise.  

I have reduced my number of steps during my walks for the last few weeks.  I have chosen to stay in the warm house at 5:00 a.m. while Rick braved the elements each and every day for his walk.  I have continued attending my Bodyflow classes during this time.  I am still getting approximately 5,000 steps in each day; however, I really miss doing two daily walks.  I am hoping that February comes and goes quickly so I can resume my regular walking program. 

I am happy to report that I now own at least one pair of size 12 pants.  It is hard to believe.  God, what a good feeling that is!  Last summer I was wearing size 18 (probably should have been wearing size 20).  I would be happy to stay at size 12….however, size 10 is certainly reachable.

I have met many wonderful people at the Center.  I don’t think I have ever met anyone with fibromyalgia that had been a passive individual with a type B personality.  Each and every one of us with fibro have been “movers and shakers” in our pasts.   I have done a great deal of soul searching in the last few weeks.  I have come to the realization that this whole process of healing is not only for the physical being but also for the emotional and mental being.  Fibromyalgia robs confidence, emotional well being and sanity at times.  Last but not least and the most important is dealing with stress.  It is so important to be aware of these factors and how they impact our daily lives and our total being. 

My presence on the November 5, 2007 YOU: Staying Young program provided a spark of hope to so many people with fibromyalgia.  In the last few months, I have seen individuals at the Center that had watched the show, decided to give one more doctor a try, and have seen remarkable results from doing so.  Words cannot express what I have felt knowing that sharing my progress would have given hope to so many.  Hope that many had given up on because they have reached so many “dead ends” in the past. 

As National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (May 12) is approaching, I would love to watch a show completely dedicated to fibro.  Bringing awareness to the fundamentals of the condition are so very important.  While many of us feel or have felt totally hopeless in this war we fight each and every day, we can be empowered once we have the tools.  The SHINE protocol developed by Dr. T is a perfect example. 
 
S=Sleep
H=Hormones
I=Infections
N=Nutrition
E=Exercise

People can complete two of the five protocols completely on their own–the nutrition and exercise protocols.  These protocols are extremely important in the fueling of our bodies as well as the needed exercise for both mental and physical benefits.  The exercise is situationally dependent on the individual’s own capabilities.  It is remarkable the progress one can see with proper nutrition and exercise alone. 

I think it is so important that we spread the word and offer a helping hand to those who are still being told that this condition doesn’t exist.  I think it is equally important to address issues and concerns with their loved ones.  This condition not only impacts the individual with fibro, but also their family, friends and coworkers. 

My goal is to work with Stephanie at the King of Prussia Center to start a support group.  If nothing else, it may be just by email; but that is a start. 

In closing, my true passion is not in working at my government job.  I derive little or no satisfaction there.  I would venture a guess if I could leave that position tomorrow, my stress and empty feeling would be gone.  My true passion is helping and educating others.  The feeling that I receive from that is priceless.

I hope that they consider the fibro show.  I don’t give up easily and will probably drive them crazy convincing to do so. 

Lisa

 For Lisa’s archived updates, click weekly-update.doc

Book an Appointment with FFC

 Little did I know on August 18, 2007 my life was going to drastically change…..a change for the good…a true dream come true.
 
I attended a YOU conference with Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen in Philadelphia.  At the conference, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to ask Dr. Oz his position on Fibromyalgia.  (A subject that had haunted me for years, not to mention the villain that took up residency in my body).  He hesitated a second or two before answering and then replied “Exercise, Exercise, Exercise”.  He also told me to see him after the conference.  He said he would give me a name of a doctor that specialized in Fibromyalgia.    He also mentioned during the conference that he and Dr. Roizen had a new book coming out soon.  They were looking for couples that were interested in participating in their new program with the possibility of being on an upcoming show on Oprah.  I anxiously provided my name and phone numbers, never thinking that I would be offered an opportunity of a lifetime.

On August 20, 2007, I received a call from Ann Lofgren at Harpo Productions.   She was very much interested in hearing my story, especially with having Fibromyalgia.   A few days later, my husband and I received a call from Ann congratulating us that we were selected to be a part of the YOU:  Staying Young Program. 

On August 27, 2007 we had blood work taken by BioPhysical.  A few days later, I received a call from Dr. Oz.  He told me that he would be putting me in touch with Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, Medical Director for the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers.  I was absolutely ecstatic.  I had a phone consultation with Dr. Teitelbaum.  Dr. Teitelbaum provided me with so many answers to questions that were previously a mystery.  His true desire to help was a refreshing change from the “dead ends” that I had arrived at so many times before.  That day I received a glimmer of hope after 7 years of headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, frustration and anxiety.

September 12, 2007 I had extensive blood work completed by Quest in preparation for my upcoming September 20, 2007 appointment at the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center in King of Prussia.  Upon arriving at the center, we were met by Stephanie Subbio.  Stephanie immediately made us feel at ease.  All of the staff….Catherine, Beth, Wendy and Lori are absolutely wonderful.  They are compassionate individuals with true dedication in helping Fibro and Chronic Fatigue patients.  My husband and I met with Dr. Garabedian that day.  What a wonderful doctor.  He, too, filled in so many puzzle pieces that had been missing.  I had so many underlying issues that normal blood work taken in the past hadn’t revealed.  Thyroid issues, five viruses looping, and an alarming low natural killer cell provided an ideal nesting place for the fibro.  Dr. G explained to us that fibromyalgia manifests itself as a musclosketal issue but is actually a neurohormonal issue.    His extensive knowledge combined with his compassion in a subject that some believe doesn’t even exist, makes him a one-of-a-kind.
I have been working with Dr. Garabedian and Staff for approximately 6 weeks.  I have been receiving weekly antiviral intravenous treatments along with my treatment plan of oral medications.  The changes that I have seen are truly remarkable.  Changes that I didn’t believe could ever happen. 

I have been on the YOU:  Staying Young program for approximately 8 weeks.  Fueling your body with healthy food is an absolute must.  Another crucial part of the YOU:  Staying Young program is walking.  I start each day with walk.  Walking is a key ingredient in getting and keeping the hypothalamus engaged as a part of the treatment plan for the Fibro.  An added bonus of the walking is weight loss.  I had gained some 30+ pounds over the last several years with the fibro.    
I am thrilled to say that I feel absolutely wonderful—full of energy and 99.9% pain free.  I am forever grateful to Dr. Oz, Dr. Roizen, Dr. Teitelbaum and Dr. Garabedian for giving me my life back.  My once gloomy and uncertain future is now healthy and bright.  A DREAM COME TRUE.

Book an Appointment with FFC

Denver’s FFC Physician, Dr. Arlyn LaBair was interviewed live on Channel 7s KMGH TV recently.  The interview provided great tips on how to beat holiday fatigue along with valuable information on Fibromyalgia & CFS.  Click below to to watch the live  segment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoQF50oj4qU

Book an Appointment with Dr. Satish Cuddapah

During this time of year of colder temperatures and shorter days many people with chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia experience an overall worsening of their symptoms along with an increased inability to tolerate the cold. For several of these individuals their thyroid gland may not be functioning properly; however, blood work completed by a primary care provider would show results as normal.  The reason for this is that not all lab tests are correctly checked and numerous tests need to be performed since many times even if the hormone levels are normal there are other “inhibitors” of thyroid hormone that are not usually checked.  In those cases individuals would experience symptoms of low thyroid; however they would not be treated by their doctor since the baseline blood work was normal.

Thyroid hormone is a key regulatory hormone for temperature control, metabolism, and neurological function. Symptoms of low thyroid are several, some of which include cold intolerance, worsening pain in colder weather, increased cholesterol levels, diminished energy levels, depression, poor hair growth, menstrual abnormalities including infertility, diminished metabolism with weight gain, and swelling in the ankles/feet. In fact, proper thyroid hormone management is probably the safest and most beneficial cholesterol reducing agent yet is hardly ever used for this purpose, and if properly treated, most patients with poor cholesterol and depression can discontinue their prescription drugs for these conditions.

Even when a low thyroid condition is established it is essential for the correct hormone to be given. For many people hormones obtained commercially through their doctor hardly help their symptoms even though their repeat blood work is normal. Utilizing the correct all natural bio-identical thyroid medication is key to overcoming this thyroid hormone resistance and helps patients clinically feel better and should be addressed with your doctor.

Book an Appointment with Dr. Steven Lipschutz

We often talk about immune dysregulation and fibromyalgia/cfids. The various internal and external stressors that have created the physiolgic disruptions that we must therapeutically reverse, often have an etiolgic nodal point at the immune system. Intensive research by immunoligists like Dr. Kenny DeMeirleir have uncovered part of this submicroscopic landscape so we can see some of the rough terrain we must cross.

For some of our patients, the initiating event is a viral infection. For others, it is a multitude of stressful events or illnesses.  Once the immune system is generating a line of irregular, unregulated products, it will continue to do so even if the original stimulus is gone. The song is over, but the (unpleasing) melody lingers on.  The immune system response to a viral infection is a complex and carefully regulated system. Interferon is the protein produced by the cells of the body virus particles invade.  Interferon activates a system that, essentially, produces two things:  a specifically molded, 5-section enzyme that breakes up both the virus particles and the infected cell, and another enzyme that is transmitted the the surrounding cells and pre-immunizes them to the virus, so they can destroy the invader before being destroyed themselves. The shape of the 5-section enzyme is fairly precise, and it’s production very specific, for otherwise, this immune response would destroy the very life it is trying to protect.

One of the problems that arises in our patients is that other inflammatory products produced by different cells in the immune system, under some stress situations, can activate this enzyme system also in some of the cells of the body.  When it does, it produces a distorted version of the 5-part enzyme with only 3 sections. These incomplete enzyme particles are unable to affect viruses, but the can interfere with the basic activities of individual cells. Their distorted shape causes them to literally get stuck in the channels of the cell walls, interfering with the normal passage of elements and minerals, thus disrupting the function of entire organ systems. Re-regulation of this process can be a bit like taming a wild horse, and sometimes takes quite a bit of time and resources, but FFC has demonstrated in case after case that this can be accomplished.

Book an Appointment with FFC

If you haven’t heard the news FFC’s Ft. Worth Physician, Dr. Kelly Boulden was featured in an interview on WBAP Radio. Click to listen to the interview on holiday fatigue and stress. WBAP Radio Interview

Book an Appointment with Dr. Satish Cuddapah

The Coagulation system, which is in our blood, is a reaction responsible for producing material which in normal non-pathologic states prevents excessive bleeding should a blood vessel be traumatized in any way. In patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Fibromyalgia, an excessive amount of a substance called soluble fibrin monomers (not blood clots!) are produced, which over time tends to form a coating along the inner walls of our blood vessels. This coating prevents oxygen, which normally travels from inside the blood vessel across the vessel wall to the muscles from occurring. Eventually this leads to chronic muscle oxygen deprivation which in turn leads to increased aches, pains, overall weakness, insomnia and brain fog.

In addition, the coating along the inner walls of the blood vessels also allows for chronic infections (that would otherwise be killed off by our immune system or antibiotics) to live and thrive within these “thickened” walls because these walls now provide a coat of armor to protect these infections from any harm, which is great for the infection but bad for the patient!

Routinely this can be checked by doing blood work; however, treatment of these thickened walls typically involves either natural oral therapies for a few months, or a trial of injectable heparin given twice daily.  Heparin has provided fairly noticeable improvement in pain, often being able to stop taking strong narcotic pain medications for good. Treatment of this condition typically unmasks previously hidden infections, therapy needs to be given fairly slowly to minimize what is called a die-off reaction from occurring, in which a patient experiences transient flu symptoms. This scenario can be avoided by your doctor dosing the heparin at a low amount and gradually increasing it as tolerated, getting lenty of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and controling symptoms with Tylenol or Motrin.