TOPICAL PAIN TREATMENTS
____71.
*Pain Formula Lotion (Rx): Rub a pea-size amount onto painful areas three times a day as needed (available from ITC Pharmacy; 303-663-4224). You can use this on up to three or four silver dollar–size areas at a time.
____72.
*Lidoderm patches (Rx; lidocaine): Can be cut into pieces to put over different areas. Leave the patch on for twelve to eighteen hours, then take it off the rest of the day. It can help localized pain (i. e., it helps pain that is right under the patch). Up to four patches can be used at a time each day. It can take two to three weeks to see if it works.
GABA AGONISTS
____73A.
*Neurontin (Rx; gabapentin): 300 to 900 milligrams one to four times a day times a day (to a maximum of 3,600 milligrams a day). Cut back and increase by 100 milligrams a day every four to five days if it causes any uncomfortable or unusual neurologic symptoms or excessive sedation. Begin with 100 to 300 milligrams at night, then slowly increase to 300 to 900 milligrams three times a day as is comfortable. In some, pain relief is immediate; in others, it can take a minimum of 1,200 milligrams a day. You can go up to 3,600 milligrams a day.
____73B.
Gabitril (Rx; tiagabine): 2 to 4 milligrams two times a day and increase by a maximum of 4 milligrams daily, every three to seven days, to a maximum of 12 milligrams a day. Helps relieve pain and increase deep sleep. The main side effects are sedation, dizziness, and gastric upset.
____73C.
Lyrica (Rx; pregabalin): 100 milligrams two to three times a day. Helpful for relieving pain and restless leg syndrome and increasing deep sleep. The main side effects are dizziness and drowsiness, which tend to decrease over time, and weight gain.
MUSCLE RELAXANTS
____74.
Flexeril (Rx; cyclobenzaprine): 10 milligrams, half to one tablet three times a day. A muscle relaxant, it can cause dry mouth and be fairly sedating at 10 milligrams but much less so at 5 milligrams, so the lower dose may be better during the day.
____75.
**Skelaxin (Rx; metaxolone): 800 milligrams, one tablet four times a day as needed for pain. This is usually nonsedating.
TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL
__75A.
Chol-Less (Ultraceuticals): This natural mix of cholesterol-lowering herbs is excellent. Give it six weeks to see the effects. Take three capsules a day.
Follow-Up Testing and Recommendations
____76.
Stool O&P (ova & parasite) at the Institute of Parasitology in Arizona. Call 480-767-2522 to get a kit.
____77.
**Stool O&P, plus cultures and sensitivity, must be sent to Genova/Great Smokies Mountain Labs (800-522-4762).
____78.
Sleep apnea study (get insurance preauthorization; it costs two thousand dollars). Or videotape yourself while sleeping to see if you snore and stop breathing or if your legs jump at night.
____79.
Sleep apnea study (get insurance preauthorization; it costs two thousand dollars). Go to a sleep lab that can look for upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and be sure that they do.
____80.
HHV–6 and CMV IgG and IgM antibodies and EBV VCA antibody to be done at Focus Labs only (part of Quest Labs).
____81.
Do vision test (VCS) at www.chronicneurotoxins.com. If test is positive, consider neurotoxin treatment.
____82.
Transglutaminase antibody (IgA and IgG) blood tests for celiac disease (wheat allergy).
____83.
Read my book Pain Free 1-2-3.
APPENDIX C
Lab Testing
If you have any of these symptoms:
You have the right to have these tests done:
Fatigue
Complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and differential chemistry (for example, chemistry 16) and magnesium
Anemia
Iron (Fe), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin (all three iron studies are necessary); vitamin B12
Fatigue, constipation, or achiness
Thyroid studies including free or total T3, free T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (all three tests are necessary)
Anemia, confusion, poor memory, fatigue, or paresthesia (numbness or tingling in the fingers)
Vitamin B12
Increased thirst or urination
HgbA1C (diabetes screen) or glycosylated hemoglobin
Chronic diarrhea or abdominal cramps, gas, bloating, or other gastrointestinal complaints
Stool for ova and parasites, with antigen testing for amoeba, giardia, cryptosporidium, and Clostridium difficile
Chronic muscle aches or joint aches
Creatine phosphokinase (CPK), antinuclear antibody (ANA), latex fixation (rheumatoid factor)
Fatigue, recurrent infections, or fever
HHV-6 and EBV VCA viral IgG and IgM antibodies
Fatigue, achiness, joint pains, confusion, or poor memory
Lyme disease testing
Runny nose, recurrent respiratory infections, nasal congestion, rashes, wheezing
Allergy testing and immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Under-or overactive thyroid (often helpful in interpreting the significance of borderline results)
Thyroid antibodies test to check for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Irregular or absent periods or hot flashes (check for menopause)
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol level
Decreased libido erections
(in male or female), decreased Testosterone and free testosterone
Abnormal body-hair growth, fatigue, or infertility
Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S)
Fatigue, hypotension, or recurrent infections
Morning cortisol
Fatigue with snoring, overweight, high blood pressure, or periods of apnea
Sleep study
Fever and sweats
HHV-6, mycoplasma, chlamydia PCR, and/or antibody tests
APPENDIX D
Recommended Reading
Books
Ali, M. The Canary and Chronic Fatigue. Denville, NJ: IPM Press, 1994. Focuses on the damage to enzyme systems by environmental stresses and nutritional-herbal-lifestyle therapeutics.
Bell, D. S. The Doctor’s Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Written by a very compassionate pediatric CFS expert.
Blatman, H. Winners’ Guide to Pain Relief (available online at www.winoverpain.com). Dr. Blatman is president of the American Holistic Medical Association. The book is a complement to From Fatigued to Fantastic! While this book focuses on the metabolic and mind-body aspects of treatment, Dr. Blatman’s book focuses on physical treatments, many of which you can do on your own for quick pain relief.
Crook, W. G. The Yeast Connection and Women’s Health. Jackson, TN: Professional Books, 2005. An excellent book. From the original teacher on yeast problems in CFIDS.
Goldstein, J. Tuning the Brain. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press, 2001.
Hicks, Jerry, and Esther Hicks. The Law of Attraction. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, 2006. An excellent book on the power of positive thinking and creating what you want in life.
Ivker, R. S. Sinus Survival. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher, 2000. Must-reading for patients with chronic sinusitis.
Jefferies, W. M. Safe Uses of Cortisol, 2nd edition. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, 1996. A landmark monograph on adrenal insufficiency. Written for physicians.
Kelly, J. W., M. S., R. N., and Rosalie Devonshire, MSW. Taking Charge of Fibromyalgia: Everything You Need to Know to Manage Fibromyalgia (2005 edition). This is a great and highly useful guide to self-managing your FM treatment program.
Pellegrino, M. J. Fibromyalgia: Up Close & Personal. Columbus, OH: Anadem Publishing, 2005. Dr. Pellegrino’s tenth book on FM offers practical advice to readers about up-to-date drug and alternative treatments, diet and exercise, posttraumatic FM, and disabilit
y and personal injury issues.
Rogers, S. A. Tired or Toxic. Syracuse, NY: Prestige Publishing, 1990. An extensive review of chemical sensitivity problems.
Rosenbaum, M., and M. Susser. Solving the Puzzle of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Tacoma, WA: Life Sciences Press, 1992. A good review of CFS treatments and also of infectious problems.
Shomon, M. Living Well with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. New York: HarperCollins, 2004.
An excellent overview by one of my favorite patient advocates.
Teitelbaum, J. Pain Free 1–2–3. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2006. Reviews most types of pain and how to eliminate them.
Teitelbaum, J. Three Steps to Happiness! Healing Through Joy. Annapolis, MD: Deva Press, 2003. (Available at www.vitality101.com).
Travell, J. G., and D. G. Simons. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1983. A crucial text for anyone treating myofascial (muscle) pain. Chapter 4 discusses perpetuating factors, which are also important when treating fibromyalgia.
Journals and Newsletters
CFIDS Chronicle. A subscription comes with membership in the Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America. Available from the Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America, P. O. Box 220398, Charlotte, NC 28222-0398; 800-442-3437.
Fibromyalgia Network Newsletter. Available from the Fibromyalgia Network, P. O. Box 31750, Tucson, AZ 85751; 800-853-2929. From an excellent national FMS support group.
FM Aware by the NFA (National Fibromyalgia Association).
From Fatigued to Fantastic! newsletter. This is my free e-mail newsletter, which will keep you up to date on the newest developments in CFS, fibromyalgia, and pain management. I invite you to sign up for it at www.vitality101.com.
Herbalgram by the American Botanical Council. An excellent way to stay updated on herbs; 800-373-7105 or 512-331-8868.
Immune Support newsletter. This excellent newsletter is available from www.immunesupport.com.
Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For physicians. Available from Haworth Press, 10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 13904; 800-429-6784.
Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain. For physicians. Available from Haworth Press, 10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 13904; 800-429-6784.
APPENDIX E
Resources
Physicians Specializing in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
PHYSICIAN ORGANIZATIONS
Holistic physicians are often familiar with effective CFIDS/FMS therapies. The following are organizations of physicians who take a holistic approach to medicine.
American Board of Holistic Medicine
Certifies physicians as having advanced training in the use of natural therapies.
Web site lists more than 1,000 physicians.
www.holisticboard.org
American College for Advancement of Medicine
P. O. Box 3427
Laguna Hills, CA 92654
http://www.apma.net
American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA)
4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 201
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-787-5146
Provides speakers through its speakers bureau.
INDIVIDUAL PRACTITIONERS
Instead of trying to teach your doctor how to treat CFS/FMS, go to specialists. The Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers (see Chapter 12) have offices throughout the United States and see people from all over the world. Their physicians are excellent and, being the medical director, I get to be sure they stay on top of the newest information. To find the center nearest you, go to www.fibroandfatigue.com or call 866-443-4276. In addition, the educational computer program at www.vitality101.com will also analyze your medical history (and laboratory test results, if available) to make a thorough medical record, a list of the most likely underlying problems in your case, and a treatment protocol tailored to your case. This will allow you to begin the natural parts of the protocol on your own and will assist and support your doctor in giving you the best possible care.
Products and Services
All these resources are recommended. Those that are most noteworthy are marked with a single or double asterisk, depending on how commonly people tend to use or need them.
Amy Podd/A. P. Business Solutions
1109 Little Magothy View
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-757-7295
Sells therapeutic magnets.
Bio Brite
4340 East West Highway, Suite 401S
Bethesda, MD 20814
800-621-LITE (800-621-5483); 301-961-5940
Fax: 301-961-5943
www.biobrite.com
Sells light boxes and light visors for persons suffering from seasonal affective disorder.
**Bioenergy Life Science, Inc.
13840 Johnson Street NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304
866-267-8253
Fax: 763-757-0588
www.corvalen.com
E-mail: [email protected]
For D-ribose (CORvalen) or D-ribose with magnesium and malic acid (CORvalenM).
This company is to be especially commended for its commitment to quality, in both finished products and extensive patient-focused research.
Body Ecology
1266 West Paces Ferry Road, Suite 505
Atlanta, GA 30327
800-4-STEVIA (800-478-3842)
Stevia; stevia cookbooks.
*Brugh Joy, Inc.
P. O. Box 1059
Lucerne Valley, CA 92356
800-448-9187
For information on workshops that help people understand their deep psyches and learn to accept and understand more fully who they really are.
*Cape Apothecary
1384 Cape St. Claire Road
Annapolis, MD 21401
800-248-5978; 410-757-3522; 410-974-1788
Fax: 410-626-7226
www.rxstat.com/capedrug
An excellent holistic compounding pharmacy that fills mail orders.
*Consumers Discount Drug Company
323-461-3606
This mail-order pharmacy has the best prices I’ve found on mail-order prescriptions.
**Enzymatic Therapy
825 Challenger Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311
800-783-2286
www.enzy.com
Produces many excellent products, including the Fatigued to Fantastic! product line, which I developed. This line includes Fatigued to Fantastic! Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder and B complex; Fatigued to Fantastic! Daily Energy B Complex; End Pain; and Revitalizing Sleep Formula. Enzymatic Therapy products can be found in most health food stores, as well as at www.vitality101.com.
General Nutrition, Inc.
Customer Resources Department
300 Sixth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
888-462-2548
www.gnc.com
Markets a good form of magnesium-potassium aspartate and DHEA. There are General Nutrition Centers (GNC) stores throughout North America. You can contact the company at the address above to find a store in your area.
*Genova (previously Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory)
63 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801
800-522-4762
Fax: 828-252-9303
www.gsdl.com
Stool culture and sensitivity tests. Does an excellent job with stool testing for ova and parasites (O&P testing) and bacterial infections, as well as many other tests.
*Grove Self-help Kits
www.thegroveapproach.com
1-888-774-7007
One of my favorite self-help kits for those who want guidance on yoga, diet, and much more. Comes from Karen Grove of the Grove Approach. It contains: “Healthier Living with Fibromyalgia”; her products; her self-help book, How to Lighten the Heavy Load of Fibromyalgia; her cookbook, Get to the Core of Healthy Fibromyalgia Cooking; and valuable exercise therapy specifically
designed for people with fibromyalgia (the Fibroga 1 exercise DVD).
G. Y. and N.
877-864-5112
Carries ingredients for Myers cocktails.
Harvard Drug Company
800-783-7103
Carries ingredients for Myers cocktails.
*Health Freedom Nutrition
800-980-8780
www.HFN-USA.com
This mail-order company has a good newsletter and also makes Calming Balance and Happiness 1-2-3! (also available at www.vitality101.com).
Hemex Labs
2505 West Beryl Avenue
From Fatigued to Fantastic! Page 36