INTRODUCTION

For many years I have been involved in medicine through academic learning and teaching, introducing or reviewing both theory and practical solutions for clinical purposes. This has always been the subject of my research, and I have used many techniques to measure different parameters of the human metabolism, but never the whole of the patient rather only parts such as the biochemical aspects of the metabolism, for example. Although for years my health demanded continuous treatment (almost since childhood), the subjects which I was involved with in my scientific research did not concern my own health and condition.

It took some time, however, until I realized that everything has its beginnings and growth and thus effects. Then I came to my own health and observed the effects of pharmacologically treated ailments over years, learning the sources of the conditions and eliminating pain, maybe forever.

Initially, I started to write a blog to share my observations with others and then gathered them in a book that I published.

My personal life experiences and struggles with all sorts of conditions, which were not resolved by conventional medicine, led to my blog and book. With my medical education, clinical data and passion for science I was determined to find a way to become healthy. Over time I was able to diagnose and heal myself one step at a time and to give hope to other women for a better quality of life and health.

Everything that has been described here has been verified by me, and I'm living proof that it works.

Fibromyalgia - a case study

This book is not a ready-made solution, but rather it is one person's case study of how I became well, reflecting my thinking, feelings, intuitions and actions and how they relate together. The items below are based on my blogs, which developed in the light of my experience. As the quality of my health and life improved, so the content became deeper and clearer.

1st FIBROMYALGIA - DESCRIPTION AND CAUSES

Fibromyalgia – or rather Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia has no single cause. Fibro-me-algae = fibromyalgia, in German literature is named generalized tendomiopathy – which involves the whole body and its pain, including muscle tendons and the locomotive body (the body parts involved in movement). It also includes generalized rheumatism of soft tissues. This is a comprehensive clinical description.

The literature speaks of soft tissue rheumatism, which represents 50% of all cases of arthritis. Fibromyalgia is a small percentage of soft tissue rheumatism.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. It is not an inflammatory disease. It is painful to the sufferer but barely visible to others including family members and often prevents normal functioning in life.

The word "fibromyalgia" comes from "fibro" (inclusive of muscle tissue tendons and ligaments), "my" (muscles) and "algae" (pain). This has already been described in detail. However, the symptoms are very real and current studies aim to develop diagnostic tools and a better understanding of the causes.

Research around the world shows that 6 million Americans, usually women between 20 and 55 years of age suffer from FM. It also affects men and children. Some Canadian studies suggest that 2-10% of the population suffer from fibromyalgia. This is between 600,000 and 3 million people. One study shows that 3.3% of Canadians have fibromyalgia, which is not treated institutionally. Other studies indicate that fibromyalgia affects 2-7% of the population. It is often misunderstood and poorly diagnosed or has too hasty conclusions drawn regarding it.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but it has many sources. It can be caused by physical trauma, such as various types of damage to the nervous system. Some studies suggest genetic components, with strong family patterns. In some cases, the authors strongly emphasize the emotional trauma as a cause of fibromyalgia. So far there is no consensus as to the reasons for the onset of the disease.

It is believed that this is a non-inflammatory disease of soft tissues, including being present in adipose tissue, tendons, and the bags, and synovial bursa. Pain is common and usually relates to the back, the iliac crest and the lateral femur, the rim of the upper limb, around the bridge, the ponds surrounding the temples and jaw, the elbow, the radial-wrist, the knee and ankle.

Tendons are exposed to stress when a sufferer moves, especially where thin, individual fibers are attached to the muscles, as well as in areas which are twisted around the bone. The tendon sheath and synovial bursa usually respond to local inflammation.

Typically, muscle tension is initially limited to one area of the body, but with the expansion of the muscle tension it can, as in a chain reaction, spread to another part of the muscle and tendon muscle.

When around a pond there are a few changes it is called rheumatic periarthropatia. Often it affects the shoulder and covers many tendons. Tendons and tendon sheaths that protect them are irritated, if the head of the humerus pinches the shoulder appendix, due to muscle tension. Muscle pain increases, which in turn causes a stronger pain.

Due to the source, and the multiplicity of symptoms, the pain is called fibromyalgia syndrome. It is characterized by a muscle hardening band (myogelosis) in different parts of the body, especially the neck muscles and blood vessels inside the head which become hard in the occipital area, causing a sound like moving broken glass, which can be heard outside the head.

According to the current state of medical knowledge about the disease, fibromyalgia syndrome does not damage joints, muscles and other organs. However, it causes discomfort in patients suffering from it, due to the constant pain. Also, the pain suddenly spreads into different areas such as muscle fibers, tendons, ligaments, periarticular space (spaces around joints), creating the sensation of crackling and breaking and causing movement of these structures, which leads to further pain.

In some patients, the disease affects the spine in the initial phase, usually the lumbar-sacral segment. From there, the pain extends to the area of the hips, knees and ankles, shoulders, elbows and hands, and finally to the cervical spine and occiput. They can also affect the jaw and chest, some fingers and toes. The pain of fibromyalgia syndrome may develop after long periods of rest, especially lengthy sitting, or as a result of cold or moisture. Medical examination found varying degrees of tension and irritation of the tendon conditions. These are called tender touch points (or tender points) which exhibit increased sensitivity to pressure. It follows that the disease affects the fascia rather than having a direct connection with the muscles or joints.

A complete picture of the disease develops over a long time, sometimes years, the condition gradually spreading and becoming chronic. Morning symptoms are stronger, then soften and intensify in the evening again. The same is true in wet seasons (spring and autumn). In some rare cases, there may be total or partial relief of symptoms from some part of the body for sometime.

Rheumatologists indicate that the disease does not threaten life, does not lead to a gradual stiffening of joints or the destruction of the spine, muscles and organs.

According to the patients, it limits normal functioning due to muscle contracture, preventing some basic daily activities such as washing and going to the toilet, with constant pain in the body, which often lasts through the night. It is aggravated by the pressure of sore tissues and fibers (including in the head), causing the spread of the disease as well as dizziness when changing body position. Similarly annoying are dry eyes and mucous membranes inside the body, similar to Sjögren's syndrome. Usually women suffering from fibromyalgia are 35-55 or older, but it also occurs in young people. In men it may appear a few years earlier than in women[1].

Symptoms

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is pain, usually starting in one place, and over time may spread throughout the locomotive body. Typically, muscle pain spreads, which in turn causes more intense pain and the patient's unconscious reaction of defense against pain leads to further muscle tension in surrounding areas, creating a vicious cycle. Initially disease affects the spine, and usually the loin and neck. From there, the pain spreads to: the nape of the neck, shoulders, elbows and hands, around the hips, knees and ankles. They can also affect the jaw and chest, some fingers and toes. Fibromyalgia pain is worse after long periods of rest, especially after lengthy sitting, or as a result of the cold and damp. Medical examination found varying degrees of tension and irritation of the tendon conditions. These points are called tender touch points or tender points which exhibit increased sensitivity to pressure.

Below are listed the places of pain:

• The back in the upper parts, especially trailer occipital muscles, cervical spine lateral muscle and trapezius muscle

• The lower part of the spine, especially at the place of connection to the trunk muscles, pelvic crest and the transition of the lumbar spine in the sacrum

• The shoulders, elbows, thumbs and some clouds in the fingers

• The legs – the large condyle of the femur, the outer side of the hip, on both sides of the knee and the hock area.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include cold hands and feet, circulatory problems when standing up quickly, "dumplings" in the throat, headaches, blurred vision and hearing, the symptoms of depression, apathy, withdrawal from life, fear.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia

A complete picture of the disease[2] develops over a long period of time, gradually increasing its range and the disease becomes chronic.

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed on the basis of an interview and test results after ruling out other possibilities. Until recently, there were no specialist books on the subject of Fibromyalgia.

In addition to the tender points, American textbooks write about trigger points. These are nodular, sometimes a tight band of multiple muscles (myogelosis) - such as the neck, above the buttocks, which are painful in response to pressure. Often in these patients a curvature of the spine can be observed. There may be limited mobility of the joints, but sometimes this is not the case.

The results of the laboratory tests that may indicate the existence of fibromyalgia:

• Inflammatory indicators tend to be the norm

• No increase in the rheumatoid factor

• The number of nuclear antibodies are normal

• The level of hormones are normal

• The level of serotonin is sometimes lower

Patients suffering from this disorder have a lower level of neurotransmitters, which enhances the sensation of pain, and at the same time distorts its tolerance. For example, low levels of serotonin leads to anxiety, depression, pain, sleep problems and smooth muscle dysfunction. Other hormones and neurotransmitters, which were also tested and have a low concentration include cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone (TRH), growth hormone, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Sensitivity to pain

One of the neurotransmitters in the cerebrospinal fluid, referred to as substance P is increased three-fold. It is responsible for the transmission of pain. This explains the increase in pain in patients and is likely to increase the production of cytokines, if there is inflammation. In fibromyalgia, it is considered that the process of pain is defective or dysregulated, thus sensitivity to painful stimuli is increased. Even a small stimulation can cause pain.

The theory of central sensitivity

Excessive levels of neurotransmitters increase the response of neurons of the central nervous system, thus, they become more sensitive to stimuli, and its response increases. This process is called "central sensitivity" - it's actually hypersensitive to pain, even when the stimulus normally would not have any effect. Thus, for example, a gentle touch can be painful. Pain can be varied and involve the whole area around the main body of pain. It can manifest itself in various forms such as hot, burning, deep pain or shooting, stabbing, throbbing, tingling, biting sensations, etc.

Some patients may develop impaired cognitive and memory problems, related to so-called fibro-fog. The reason for this may be the lack of neurotransmitters in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Patients may also be more sensitive to different types of environmental impact, even mobile phones, wifi and radiation flowing from computers, underwear made of synthetic materials, some physiotherapy treatment (eg, electromagnetic fields, currents of different frequencies, lasers), including those emanating negative energy. Common sufferers include very sensitive people (sometimes idealists and perfectionists) and / or those persons who were subject to various types of physical or mental abuse (physical or psychological violence or were emotionally neglected)[3] in childhood and who could not at that time express themselves fully. Some years later conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis or irritable bowel syndrome - all classified as autoimmunoaggressive diseases – appear in these people[4]. These have been recently ranked among mind-body diseases[5].

Pharmacological Treatment

Currently there is no adequate treatment in classical medicine or magic pills. Some doctors do not even recognize such a disease, so they usually diagnose on the basis of bone and muscle pain and diagnose the condition as rheumatoid arthritis. It happens because, especially with acute symptoms that some indicators of inflammation may be higher than normal. Only a stay in hospital and numerous tests to exclude other diseases may indicate an accurate diagnosis, but that does not change the treatment. This usually follows the signs and the use of pharmacological drugs that eliminate chronic pain and fatigue, which are interrelated. Doctors use medicines that affect the neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine in particular.

The other group of medicines which are recommended are anti-depressants with varying degrees of success, depending on the patient's tolerance. It starts with a low dose and then observing the responses of the patient. Doctors have just started to use some drugs acting on specific symptoms of fibromyalgia that are used for Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, or a wide range of analgesics.

Apart from some analgesics all the others require a prescription, so no specific names are given here because this is the medical domain. However, as fibromyalgia is considered to be a disease of civilization, and studies are in progress, there is still not enough data to draw any specific conclusions regarding the difference between the placebo effect and the action of a specific drug. Due to the still unknown cause of symptoms in an individual patient there seems to be a clear use of different classes of drugs and methods for eliminating specific symptoms such as fatigue, pain, depression, sleep, body stiffness and limitation of movement. This is a symptomatic treatment, which, however, does not reach the specific causes and does not eliminate their formation.

Non-pharmacological treatment

Just as the cause of the condition is still little understood, the treatment options are rather conservative, aiming to reduce the symptoms of pain and inflammation. For patients with fibromyalgia cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended and brings good results. This is particularly true of patients with behavior change skills to cope with the pain and control it. This leads to a release of tension (relaxation).

Physical exercises have brought improvement when done slowly. This is particularly true of tension and release exercises to strengthen the muscles.

Other previously known methods of improving patient comfort include improving the quality of sleep. This applies to both the length and depth of sleep and external factors can aid falling to sleep and the quality of sleep. It is recommended along with a healthy diet, quiet activity, coping with stress and emotions, and above all, constant education.

An alternative approach: herbs, supplements and psyche

The literature on this subject is very limited. On the internet there are an increasing number of recommendations, but they are expensive and still not supported by research. For example, 6 types of plant oils are used, rubbing them into sensitive points with varying degrees of success. In Canada and the United States these are approved by the National Fibromyalgia Association for use during massage, if they are tolerated well by patients.

In the above-mentioned source (NFA), you can find references to the literature on this subject.

Fibromyalgia is seen somewhat differently by John Sarno[6] in the book The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain. His approach encouraged the author, by describing the case for a broader perspective of treatment and healing. John Sarno is Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and a physician at the Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in New York. The book was published in 1998.

The book explains how emotions, illness and well-being are closely linked. It indicates the connection of mind, body and emotions. This is a whole group of diseases described even in the early twentieth century, and which is the subject of observation and treatment in the U.S. in the 1970's, acting as TMS (Tension myositis syndrome, or alternating symptoms of muscle tone). It was found that the physical symptoms in patients were the result of strong emotions locked in the subconscious. This kind of literature is becoming more widely available. If these problems are approached in this way, they can be properly and quickly diagnosed and properly treated.

Currently, it is believed that these are diseases which are held in the mind and the body (mindbody) and result from the cancellation of the defense strategy of the mind (to avoid expression) that cause anxiety and blocked emotions. In this way, emotions that have been stopped, stimulating the mind to avoid their expression, instead revealing physical symptoms such as pain. Among the diseases included in TMS is fibromyalgia.

Symptoms that accompany fibromyalgia are primarily forms of muscle pain: neck, shoulders, arms, upper and lower back to the buttocks and thighs and calves. Becoming aware of the source of stress which is causing pain and underlies the emergence of the disease enables us to take actions which can result in the symptoms going away.

The study found that 88% of patients had symptoms from other organs and systems, such as gastrointestinal, including the state of pre-ulcerative, stomach and duodenal ulcers, colic, symptoms of a spastic colon, colitis, migraines and headaches, frequent urination, including problems such as cardiovascular, dermatological and from the immune system (such as allergies).

It is believed that a certain kind of personality predisposes patients to express the tension and anxiety, and consequently the full symptoms of the disease. The symptoms are the physical expression of such concern, especially for workaholics, the overly conscientious, responsible, compulsive and perfectionists, which makes them psychosomatic. So the emotional factors are underlying responses in certain tissues in the body that cause pain and other neurological symptoms. The main reason is tissue hypoxia. Awareness, insight, knowledge and education can become the basis for a "magic medicine", also known as "emotional medicine" that will cure these problems and bring the patient back to health.

Research conducted since the mid-1970s regarding the TMS led to the conclusion that:

The appearance of physical symptoms is a consequence of the internalization of blocked feelings / emotions from disclosure to consciousness through conversion by the mind of real emotion to physical symptoms. Emotions that are not accepted by the environment must be blocked. Because those blocked emotions are demanding expression, the mind has to do something with them in order not to allow them to appear in consciousness, so it masks them through physical pain. Thus, the physical pain is a response to unconscious feelings of what is right and what is wrong, adjusting behavior so as not to lose something such as love or to protect yourself from something. This is a strategy to prevent sudden emotional outbursts.

Thus, emotional tension, as a response to existential problems or an inappropriate relationship developed with parents (excessive discipline and requirements, sometimes cruelty, physical or mental abuse) allows us to understand not only the symptoms of pain, but a whole range of psychosomatic diseases.

It has been reported that the traumatic experiences in infancy and childhood, such as abuse of a psychological or even sexual nature, and even treated as drill education (children only seen not heard) are responsible for such symptoms. Emotions, such as fright, horror (as a result of prolonged bullying), terror, shame, loneliness and abandonment, grief, sadness, anger and fury are internalized and unexpressed. When they reach a threshold level they may leak into consciousness and the mind creates pain or other physical symptoms to protect against violent emotional explosion.

Children who have experienced this kind of treatment as a psychological pressure or other traumatic experiences, the consequence of which was to block unwanted emotions, develop a compulsion to be polite and nice to avoid confrontation. They prefer peace, they need to be likeable, and sacrifice themselves for others.

Blocked emotions have 3 main sources:

1st In infancy or childhood

2nd The result of training to conform, which in turn creates certain personality traits such as perfectionists or workaholics

3rd They are a reaction to the pressures of everyday life.

In addition to perfectionism it appears in such features as: conscientiousness, diligence, responsibility, concern, need for achievement and success orientation. Of course, these features are not wrong, but they are exaggerated at the expense of other qualities necessary for harmonious development.

2nd CASE STUDY

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3rd Holistic Treatment: means and methods to assist

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4th Goodbye to Fibromyalgia and Hello to Health

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5th Reflections on living authentically

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6th Health is my / your choice

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7th Goodbye Fibromyalgia, hello daily health

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8th HOPE: Supporting a holistic approach to health. Health education. Schools for parents. Integrated Medicine. Sustainable child development

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9th Recommendations

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10th Fibromyalgia and Complementary Medicine

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11th Psycho-spiritual perspective

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12th Recommendations: Lifestyle changes to help overcome fibromyalgia and prevent its recurrence

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13th Education to prevent the need for treatment

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Footnotes

[1] Dr med. Wolfgang Bruckle Nieznana odmiana reumatyzmu. fibromialgia.. Wydawnictwo INTERSPAR, Warszawa, 2003

[2] http://www.naturalhealingtalk.com/PharmacistsFM.pdf

[3] Hass R., Calming and Clearing Chronic Pain with EFT for Practitioners and Clients, EFT Newsletter www.intuitivementoring.com

[4] Selfridge N. Peterson F., Freedom from Fibromyalgia : The 5-Week Program Proven to Conquer Pain, Three Rivers Press, 2001

[5] Sarno J. E., The Mindbody Prescription. Healing the body, healing the pain, Warner Books, New York, 1999.

[6] Białek E.: Psychosynteza w edukacji psychosomatycznej, SZTUKA LECZENIA 1/1999, Polskie Towarzystwo Edukacji Psychosomatycznej, Kraków, s. 49-54

SUMMARY

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THE AUTHOR'S OTHER BOOKS

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Spis treści

Title page

Introduction

1st Fibromyalgia - description and causes
Symptoms

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

Sensitivity to pain

Theory of central sensitivity

Pharmacological Treatment

Non-pharmacological treatment

Alternative approach: herbs, supplements and psyche

2nd Case Study

3rd Holistic Treatment: means and methods to assist

4th Goodbye to Fibromyalgia and Hello to Health

5th Reflections on living authentically

6th Health is my / your choice

7th Goodbye Fibromyalgia, hello daily health

8th Hope: Supporting a holistic approach to health. Health education. Schools for parents. Integrated Medicine. Sustainable child development

9th Recommendations

10th Fibromyalgia and Complementary Medicine

11th Psycho-spiritual perspective

12th Recommendations: Lifestyle changes to help overcome fibromyalgia and prevent its recurrence

13th Education to prevent the need for treatment

Footnotes

SUMMARY

Addendum: THE AUTHOR’S OTHER BOOKS

Credits

Original Title: Fibromialgia. A jeśli istnieje nadzieja na wyzdrowienie?

Copyright by: Ms Ewa Danuta Bialek

Translation: David Pashby

Warsaw 2013

ISBN 978-83-63428-26-6

All right reserved. No part or the whole of this book may be reproduced or otherwise distributed for commercial purposes without the written consent of the author.

INSTITUTE OF PSYCHOSYNTHESIS.

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