If the patients say it is good....

.. it is good!?

It is interesting how the BMJ article on Alexander technique generated so much discussions both on the internet from medical communities and at work.

There are the people who call it another crappy research, and another demanding that it needs to be proven scientifically. Does the current science knowledge base knows everything there is to know? Can't people have a little humility and accept they may not know all yet?

While this study is not perfect and not the final proof that Alexander technique may be beneficial for patients with back pain, it is a small step forward. I find it really a case of double standard when criticisms such as lack of double blinding came into play. How many surgical procedure studies have been conducted as double blinded studies? It is not a case of being lax with evidence based standards of complementary medicine, it is a case of comparing the evidence standards for interventions of different nature and make a sensible judgment out of it.

Declaration of interest: A rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia patient who had benefited from Alexander technique.

Living with Arthritis

I was pleasantly suprised by the booklets published by Arthritis Care, UK.

http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/LivingwithArthritis

Check it out :)

Alternative therapies-on BBC

BBC is running a series about alternative therapies, investigated by the very good looking Professor Kathy Sykes. You could view them at this link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/

Just need to search "alternative therapies".

Last week was about reflexlogy. (This week was about meditation, but I have not viewed yet)

Although they found no solid "evidence" to show how reflexology could work and therefore could be useful, an investigator in the series from LA had said that people with fibromyalgia had been reported to benefit from massage.

"Benefit from it?" Yeah! I can vouch for that! Give me massage over NSAIDs anytime for my fibro! And mind you, I mean deep massage which tackles my trigger points. Not just gentle stroke for relaxation.

Bypassing the pharma companies

Read the following on BBC, and really trilled with it. Well done! 3 cheers for the profs!

"Researchers who have found a way to bypass the legal patent on an expensive drug say others should follow suit...
...
They have also called on other universities and charities to retain the rights to new discoveries, rather than sell them to big drugs companies."

Original article on http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6224601.stm
I do love to see these trends develop!

What works for my FIBROMYALGIA.. so far?-Dec 2006 update

I am updating this from my June 2006 List.
After more than 1.5 years since my diagnosis, I am getting my hang of managing my fibro.
I used to think that my education is wasted, since fibro, ra and all these health problems prevented me from working full-time, let alone in my trained profession. 1.5 years later, I realise how lucky I am. It is almost I am trained to handle my own conditions, as doctors (except a few angels), have failed me desperately.

Things that make me feel good, or help to stop an flare in its tracks...

1) Avoid beef and red meat like hell
Of course this has no "scientific prove". I was a non-believer in food-RA/FMS link when I noticed that I get flares after taking beef, or lots of pork. No more whole Big-Mac for me, just a small bite now. The pain I get is not worth the bite.

2)MASSAGE, especially Tui Na or acupressure
I have since heard from others that deep tissue massage works well too. A good acupressure or Tui Na practitioner is really hard to find in Europe/US. I will try out deep tissue massage and compare how it goes.

I have also purchased a "massage belt"-which is essentially one vibrating thing (image from osim.com). I bought one from OTO (another brand). These are hugely popular in asia now for "slimming", but I have since found better use for it. I use it on my thighs, calves, bums-places which are "fleshy" enough. I slap on my NSAID or Tiger Balm on those sore/painful/tight areas and run the machine. It works pretty well, and save me many trips for a massage!





3)Alexander Technique lessons and "practice" at home
AT is probably one of the MOST USEFUL thing I have done for my fibro!

4)Stretching!
Done every morning, without fail. It can be painful, especially when my RA flares. I use my massage belt to warm up my muscles before I stretch.

5) SLEEP
The most important thing to have, but the most easily affected/least controllable factor for me. When fibro is hitting, everything becomes painful and deep sleep is really a luxury. Sounds familiar to you?

6) Take lots of fish and omega 3 oils, antioxidants when it flares
I suppose it works for me because my fibro almost always come with my RA?

7) Ginseng and Gingko (for my brain fogs and speech slurs)


8) Muscle rubs-esp Tiger Muscle rub or Tiger Balm
Great with massages, and the massage devices to "heat up" and loosen those painful knots/trigger points.

9) Hot bath! (with Lavender essential oil)


10) NSAIDS...
The issues surronding side effect of NSAIDs, or painkillers as a whole has prevented many people from actively managing their pain.


11) Avoid using a LAPTOP!!!! (NEW! Dec 2006)
I am not kidding you! I have resumed working part time, and use a PC in office. It is a REAL difference! A few hours spent on my laptop on my "off days" is frequently more tiring than a full day with the PC in office. I think the way laptops are made and used encourages poor posture. My neck, shoulder, hands and upper back takes the brunt of it. The painful areas around my elbows, shoulder joints and upper next area quickly develop more hard painful "lumps" (as I call them). These are bad enough to cause me to feel dizzy sometimes. After the massage belt, a home PC will be my next investment.

(I took a short break at this point of writing... to do the following...)

12) HOT towels!!(NEW! Dec 2006)
My dear rheumatologist was so kind to check out what works for winter for me. He told me a simple quickie to "defrost" my stiff feet and hands in winter is a hot basin of water. All I need is a kettle, (and someone to help with kettle sometimes ) and a basin. I have since modified it. I use hot water from the tap, and run it into my wash basin. (No kettle, no danger of scalding). Then I soak my hands there. I use a small face towel to soak up some hot water, and put in in other painful areas like my neck, knees, shoulders, elbows etc. Works fine. Only "side-effect" is I find it rather drying to the skin. That is not a problem as I apply Tiger Balm/Bengay Gel/NSAID gel after the hot towels. The heat from the towels increased the blood circulation to the area, and gels get absorbed quickly and works better. Just becareful not to overdo the NSAID gels, as the NSAIDs do get absorbed quite a lot this way. The advantage of this method is you literally have some relief on the tap. You can even do it in your office pantry or toilets.


Others:
Amitriptyline ease a lot of the pains, but I am so fatigued and knock out by it that I will end up able to do nothing but sleeping. I try to stay away from it.

Beware of many things peddled in the internet. Many of these "cures" tried to sound scientific, but provides me with nothing more than a good laugh. Please also beware of people advertising their credential as "Dr" so and so. I know that you could pay US1-2k, and get a PhD in 6 months from some dubious "universities". Some people are out there to make a quick buck out of our pain . And anyone, including myself, would be tempted to "try things out" when we are really really desperate for some escape or route out of the misery FMS and RA could bring.

Technorati Tags:
chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue

The Prof's wife goes for massages......

The Prof's wife admit to going for massages for her arthritic pain. An important source who is her high-tea clique told me she goes for massages at least once a week, and will go up to 3 times a week if she feels a joint is going to swell.

Her husband approved? Yes, of course!!!

Since the wife of this very well-known man goes for massages, and like me claims that it works, I am no longer considered mad. I am no longer imagining things. It is not a psychosomatic thing that you feel that your flares go down faster after a good, deep tissue massage like acupressure aka Tuina or thai massage.

If a man who is manages arthiritis supports his arthiritic wife's choice of going for massages.......
imagine.

Think!!!

What works for my FIBROMYALGIA.. so far?

Things that make me feel good?
1) Avoid beef and red meat like hell
2)MASSAGE, especially Tui Na or acupressure
3)Alexander Technique lessons and "practice" at home
4)Stretching!
5) sleep
6) Takes lots of fish and omega 3 oils and also antioxidants when it flares
7)Ginseng and Gingko (for my brain fogs and speech slurs)
8)Muscle rubs
9) Hot bath!
10) NSAIDS...

Amitriptyline ease a lot of the pains, but I am so fatigued and knock out by it that I will end up able to do nothing but sleeping. I try to stay away from it.

Technorati Tags:
chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue

Alexander Technique lessons, what if you can't afford?

I think Alexander Technique has helped my fibromyalgia.
And I really hope others will get a go at it. However, lessons are so expensive, and you need quite a number of lessons before correcting yourself properly!

Is it possible to not go for lessons and learn from videos or books?
I think that would be tough, expecially for those muscles and positions that are really bad. I think it is helpful to have someone guide you.

But what if, like many of us,(me included) we are jobless and broke?
We got to start somewhere. Even if we go for lessons, probably we need to learn "fast", as we dont have that kind of money to go for 20 sessions or 40 sessions!

What would help the student to learn Alexander Technique??
I think reading the relevant books help. While arranging a stack of books in the charity shop I am volunteering, I came across and old copy of "The Alexander Principle " by Wilfred Barlow. (Amazon Link)



It has words, words and more words, but I still bought it.

Last few nights, I began to really read it, and started to link what I am taught during lessons and the principles behind it.

Wilfred Barlow is a medical doctor by training, (and from Oxford !!!), so don't expect glossy, "reader friendly" stuff. The approach to this book is a little clinical, ie dry. I could barely go through more than 10 pages at a go(that is for someone who gobble up whole novels at one sitting). It reminds me abit of my student days, mugging my anatomy and physiology books. But somehow, I went on reading it, because it the examples and information is so relevant!!!

The charts and diagrams in the book points out obviously the difference between correct use, and misuse of the body. I also like illustrations on the problems with diagrams of the relevant muscles, as it helps me to visualise acurately which muscle had gone wrong and pay attention to it.

I suggest people reading it before starting lessons, as you will learn more quickly that way. Lessons are not cheap if you need to pay. Or just read it to find out if we are really misusing or bodies. Get someone to take your photos and compare with what you see in the books. May be that is a cheaper way to get something off, before proceeding to lessons.


P/S: Try to get from your local library- My local library has a copy. Or check out Amazon. If you are buying from Amazon, please do consider clicking my link above, as I will get a 5% commission from it, which would help me pay the bills. Thanks!

Related posts:
Make sure the Bra fits!
Alexander Technique-new hope for my fibromyalgia
Alexander technique- feeling benefits after one lesson?
Alexander Technique-second lesson
My limpy fibro progress-My 3rd Alexander Technique lesson

Technorati Tags:
Alexander technique;Coping strategies ; chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue

What works for my FIBROMYALGIA.. so far?

Things that make me feel good?
1) Avoid beef and red meat like hell
2)MASSAGE, especially Tui Na or acupressure
3)Alexander Technique lessons and "practice" at home
4)Stretching!
5) SLEEP
6) Take lots of fish and omega 3 oils, antioxidants when it flares
7) Ginseng and Gingko (for my brain fogs and speech slurs)
8) Muscle rubs-esp Tiger Muscle rub or Tiger Balm (Got to ask around to get it, or get someone to buy back boxed when they go to Asian countries!)
9) Hot bath! (with Lavender essential oil)
10) NSAIDS...

Amitriptyline ease a lot of the pains, but I am so fatigued and knock out by it that I will end up able to do nothing but sleeping. I try to stay away from it.

Technorati Tags:
chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue

Alexander Technique- 10th lesson done!

I have finished the 10th Alexander Technique lesson. 2 more lessons to go, before I have to start paying, if I want to continue.

Last lesson, I was taught to concentrate on my breathing when lying down to release the muscle tensions. It was a little like meditation, the teacher said, and not exactly AT. That seems to help... but I can't seem to do it on my own at home! I guess I am the impatient type, always thinking of something else to do. But this is also the issue that I need to keep in check, as I think this sort of attitude will just exacerbate my fibro!

Suprise, suprise, I found myself able to hold myself better in the position that is halfway between sitting and standing. We are supposed to do that, is PAUSE while doing something to check ourselves and allow a chance for all the MISuse and bad habits to undo. This time, I found myself less shaky (despite a mild, ongoing flare!), my knees a lot less painful! I think I am beginning to use the correct muscles!

I think since starting the lessons, I am less tired afters activities like shopping, standing for a long time etc. Before that an hour or two of standing/walking will produce muscle cramps and I would be so fatigued, yet not able to sleep well at night because of the pain.

I have started reading a book for Alexander Technique, I think it helps me to understand and learn faster. I will write more about it another day. I guess it is pre-lunch time now, and I am so so tired. Keep on typing tried tried tried for tired. welll.. that is a sign of snooze time.

Some other Related posts:
Make sure the Bra fits!(THE "lesson" from my 4th lesson)
Alexander Technique-new HOPE for my fibromyalgia
Alexander technique- feeling benefits after one lesson?
Alexander Technique-2nd lesson
My limpy fibro progress-My 3rd Alexander Technique lesson

Technorati Tags:
Coping strategies ; alexander technique; chronic pain; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue

Acupuncture shows promise for fibromyalgia ??

...or so the study in Mayo clinic shows...CNN reported ( Acupuncture shows promise for fibromyalgia - Jun 16, 2006)

Overall, the fibromyalgia patients who underwent the real treatment showed a significantly greater improvement in their symptoms than placebo recipients did -- particularly when it came to fatigue and anxiety, Dr. David P. Martin and his colleagues report in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

It seems Fatigue and anxiety responds best to the treatment.

Fifty fibromyalgia patients were randomly assigned to acupuncture or to a "placebo" version of the therapy, where a dull surgical instrument was pressed against the skin rather than acupuncture needles.

The subjects were positioned so they could not see which treatment they received. All but one subject was female.

The patients underwent six treatment sessions over two to three weeks. None of the patients had been treated with acupuncture before.

Well, that is a sexy treatment, isnt it? Six treatment, over two to three weeks. Having tried acupunture before for my IBS, I know it works!!! The question is how long will the effect last???

Was these news articles the cause of my unhappy visit to the GP?

Technorati Tags:
Medical; Patients; ; chronic pain; fibromyalgia
; acupunture

Alexander technique- feeling benefits after one lesson?

I was lucky enough to get a free Alexander technique lesson this morning!

I was really really skeptical, at first. If you read this and feel skeptical; about Alexander technique, then I must apologise for not doing it any justice.

The " teacher" started by taking down my glorious medical history of pains. After that, she explain briefly what AT is, and asked me to stand up.

Instead of shooting off with a list of my posture problems, she put her hands on my spine, and started to go up and down the spine gently, but quite firmly. Telling me to imagine my spine lengthening, and my head growing, and "undo" and "letting go". I was thinking "great, if I think hard, I will be taller??"

I found myself not able to "lengthen", and closed my eyes to concentrate and and maybe tried to catch 40 winks because I was so tired. Somehow, the process of her gently pushing me here and there seemed relaxing. I was told to keep my eyes open by the AT teacher, cos it "helps you to get better balance and concentrate!"

So, the lesson went on- I was told to concentrate on various muscles, and to "let go", or get it to "smile"- the purpose is to unlearn all the bad habits we have formed. After standing and sitting for a while, we moved on to a firm couch, and a pile of books were used as a pillow.

By that time, i was more cooperative, and seemed to response to her urge to "let go" much better. I did feel some muscles seemed to "open up", as instructed. Mid way in the session, my thigh cramps (which had been ON for more than a month!) was gone!! I realised the muscles were relaxed again!!However, that was only for a while. The moment I take my mind off it, it goes back to the same old cramp.

And the end of the session, she "pushed" me up into a sitting position, and I was told to get on the floor with minimal effort. Guess what, I felt so much weight in the heels!! The weight of my obese body seemed to have moved to the heels (from where?). The toes, did feel less cruched up. At that time I was quite amazed with this 45 minute session of alexander technique had done to me! I never realised that I was literary on my toes all the time!

I obviously saw the benefits of Alexander technique, and was worried about me "forgetting" (like what happened to those thighs) when I go home. However, there is good news!!! She offered me 12 free lessons!!!!! (probably because she pitied my jobless situation.) 12 free lessons!! Oh my GOD! I was so soooo happy.

My next lesson is next friday, and I will definitely put my PROGRESS (hopefully) here.

I did feel very tired by afternoon, but hey, I managed to walk really a lot today! Today had been a really good day.

To find out more about Alexander technique, you can try this website: http://www.alexandertechnique.com . You can also get a lot of books from Amazon on this topic. I find helping before deciding whether to give it a go helps.

Related posts:
Alexander Technique-new hope for my fibromyalgia
Alexander Technique-second lesson

Technorati tags:
alexander technique; fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue