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

 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.

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