Genetic News Weblog

One of the toughest things to understand about fibromyalgia symptoms for people living with fibro sufferers is what are they and how can you identify them.

For the sufferer, the symptoms of fibromyalgia are as real as the nose on their face yet there is a disturbing aspect of this condition from non-sufferers termed as non-believers. It’s a sad fact but with more education, fibromyalgia is starting to become more recognized as a legitimate syndrome.

We hate to use the term legitimate - there is little doubt the pain sufferers feel on a daily basis but the purpose of this article is to try and get the message across that the best way a non-sufferer can help is by mot casting doubt but by being understanding.

In other words, understanding of the symptoms of fibromyalgia is one of the best ways you can help someone battling them on a daily basis.

You see, the problem with fibromyalgia symptoms is you can’t see them. But you sure as heck can feel them. Too often, people need to see physical evidence that something exists but fibro sufferers have no scars to show, no open wounds or infected areas or disease; just active trigger points which emanate widespread pain, fatigue and cause unrested sleep.

Let’s look at the main fibromyalgia symptoms and how they can affect an individual.

4 Principal Symptoms

1. Musculoskeletal pain is top of the list. It’s a diffused pain which means it’s scattered throughout various parts of the body. Described as chronic, diffused musculoskeletal pain affects the sufferer in both the muscles and bones and can render them immobile for lengthy periods of time.

2. Non-rejuvenating sleep is another area of concern. Sleep and rest is a fibro sufferer’s main ally yet the problem is, it’s often non-rejuvenating. That is, a person can rest for what seems to be a lengthy period of time yet when they attempt to get up, they will more often than not feel more tired than when they first laid down.

3. Fatigue affects a fibro sufferer in several ways. Yes, they become lethargic and don’t feel like doing too much which is understandable but the spin-offs of fatigue go much deeper. One of the biggest effects is diminished quality of life. It will often force a sufferer to alter their lifestyle and over time, conditions such as anxiety and depression can set in.

4. Stiffness of muscles as opposed to muscle pain is among the top four fibromyalgia symptoms and while this may not sound a unique symptom, muscle stiffness will occur in short bursts several times during the day.

While these are the main symptoms of fibromyalgia other areas of concern include depression and anxiety, headaches and a symptom which is featured by a person experiencing a prickly or tingling sensation known as paresthesia.

Tags: Diseases, Conditions & Treatments by
No Comments »

Prostate cancer hormone therapy or androgen deprivation therapy as it is also known is a form of treatment in which drugs or surgery are used to reduce the production of male hormones or androgens as they are also referred to and, thereby stop or limit the growth of prostate cancer. A feature of prostate cancer is that it is hormone sensitive or hormone dependent and, it is dependent on androgens such as testosterone and, a major goal of prostate cancer hormone therapy is to significantly lessen testosterone levels in the blood and. thereby slow down the rate of prostate cancer cell growth. Prostate cancer hormone therapy is the leading prostate cancer treatment method used when prostate cancer spreads to distant sites in the human body that includes the lymph mode, bone as well as other organs. It may be noted that prostate cancer hormone therapy is a means of controlling the growth of prostate cancer and, is not a cure, which in any case, is yet to be discovered. This form of hormone therapy will shrink the tumors as well as put a halt or limit prostate cancer for a number of years.

Two Different Methods

Prostate cancer hormone therapy is especially useful for treating men that have cancer that is spreading beyond the prostate gland as well as men that have had radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy where the incidence of prostate cancer has returned. It is also useful in cases where men have large prostate glands and, this form of hormone therapy reduces the size of these glands so that they may be treated through cryosurgery, more effectively.

There are two prostate cancer hormone therapy methods that include orchiectomy and hormone therapy drugs. Orchiectomy is a method by which doctors surgically removes the testicles that are the producers of most of the body’s testosterone. Besides this surgical operation, doctors may also use LHRD analog drugs that will constrain the action of a majority of the body’s testosterone as well as other androgens. There is also the use of LHRH drugs as well as anti-androgens to effect total androgen blockade by using drugs that do not allow the production of the body’s lingering male hormones.

There is considerable agreement between scientists as well as urologists on hormone deprivation in the treatment of prostate cancer but, controversy still arises when it comes to choosing different options. Debate continues to rage about whether to use monotherapy or complete androgen blockade, early vs. late hormonal deprivation and whether to have continuous or intermittent androgen deprivation. Prostate cancer hormone therapy will check the cancer but, there are certain unpleasant side effects but, it can also improve cure rates when combined with radiation or surgery.

Tags: Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy by
No Comments »

There is definite criteria established in recognizing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Just putting up with pain for an elongated period of time without at least visiting your doctor to confirm the symptoms is definitely not good practice.

So how can someone distinguish what are the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Well, self-analysis is never recommended in any type of health related issue and while your doctor may be your best ally, there are some things you can look out for which could be fibromyalgia-related.

There are 18 trigger points in your body and at least 11 of them need to be active for a period of at least three months before you can start talking fibromyalgia.

If you have been experiencing pain over a widespread portion of yopur body for three months or more then see someone experienced in this area instead of simply putting it down to a temporary issue.

Fibromyalgia Pain

When describing widespread pain, make a picture in your mind of your body being divided into four parts. Widespread pain could occur in the top half, the bottom, right or left halves.

Did you know fibromyalgia pain treatment comes in many forms but it’s important to remember that simply choosing one form of pain treatment for Fibromyalgia may not give you the same good results as using several.

Fibromyalgia pain treatment relates to managing it effectively enough so you can enjoy a better quality of life. There is no cure established yet for Fibromyalgia yet, with the utilization of proper management techniques one can certainly manage the incidence of pain.

Fibromyalgia And Pain Treatment Management

Firstly, let’s take a look at what Fibromyalgia is. Simply having localized pain in your tendons or muscles doesn’t mean you have Fibromyalgia. Generalized Fibromyalgia involves a group of pain signals that affect a person and occur at the same time.

This is not about swallowing medication and hoping it will dim the pain. Having a strong mental approach is definitely the first requirement for fibromyalgia pain treatment.

1. Yes, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind but consider stretching to increase your motion, working muscles to add extra motion range and then most importantly, rest.

2. Therapy via ultrasound and electrical stimulation can be effective.

3. Massage and accupressure treatment can also be helpful to relax your muscles while increasing your flexibility is another plus.

4. Look at what is known as pressure point therapy. The aim of pressure point therapy is create relief for pain on active trigger points.

5. Maintaining good posture habits and ergonomics whether you stand, sit or are at work can help in minimizing muscle stress and the effects of symptoms. This is an important aspect of fibromyalgia pain treatment.

Tags: Diseases, Conditions & Treatments by
No Comments »