Hypertension

Question: How do I get a good night sleep when dealing with Fibromyalgia? Does anyone have any sugestions on how to get a good night sleep when you have Fibromyalgia? I take my Ultram and Aleve before I go to bed. I fall asleep fairly easy but within a few hours I am awake and hurting. I have to get out of bed and move around and then I start all over again with trying to get some sleep. Some night all I get is 1 to 2 hours of sleep and it is taking it's toll on me.

Answer: Inability to fall asleep and stay asleep is a symptom of fibromaylgia. And when your not sleeping your muscles can heal themselves from the days use. If you continue to not sleep the other fibromyalgia symptoms will get worst, (pain, fatigue etc...). I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia for 10 yrs now. the doctor that diagnosed me did not know enough about the syndrome to treat me correctly. I am now disabled.......You should be taking a sleeping aid on nights that you are have trouble sleeping either and anti-depressant in a low dose( which also helps with pain) or a medication like lunesta or roserem). Its very important that your doctor is knowledgeable about fibromyalgia and knows how to treat it. Do some research on the internet, there are good sites that explain what you should be on for medications. If your doctor is not willing to listen to you or seems to not be up on the correct treatment, Don't wait, go to a rhumatologist or a pain clinic, the longer you wait the more damage there is being done. because my doctor didn't know what she was doing I am permanently disabled...I can no longer do many of the things I once enjoyed. I have to take 2 very strong narcotics 4 times a day to help control the pain and sometimes that doesn't work so I have to stay in bed. I hope this helps...God bless

Question: What are some natural remedies for fibromyalgia symptoms? I am 23 years old and I have been diagnosed by a rheumatologist with fibromyalgia. The drugs he prescribed are helping, but I still have pain in all of my muscles. My other symptoms include muscle weakness, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, dizziness, and IBS with constipation. The constipation is even worse with the meds.

Answer: I've had fibro for several years. Glad to hear you are interested in more natural options. I tried all the prescription drugs the Dr. gave me and most of the time they didn't help and the side effects were awful. I decided to go natural. The first thing to get is Nature's Way Alive! multivites. They are very good and have everything in them to support immunity. A good calcium/magnesium supplement of 2-1 ratio, malic acid,5 htp,msm,sam e, digestive enzymes, probiotics,coq 10, milk thistle, vit c, alpha lipoic acid,valerian root, olive leaf extract, fish oil, evening primrose oil. Light exercise as tolerated, meditation and yoga are very helpful too. Vitacost.com is a good place to get your supplements. Cheap and good shipping. You have to be very careful during cold and flu season as getting sick is magnified in fibro folks. The vites I mentioned have a green food in them and mushrooms for immunity. But should you get sick or even feel like you are or know you were exposed, get an elderberry extract, zicam or cold eze. Oregano oil is nature's antibiotic and will kill alot of viruses, olive leaf is much the same. Osillo (a homeopathic remedy you can get at vitacost cheaper that anywhere else) is great. The # 1 flu remedy. Just 3 doses and you're good. If you still get sick then you know is bacterial and not viral, then use the oregano oil and olive leaf. I know this may sound like a lot but you have to try and see what works best for you. Give it at least 3 months to see how you feel. And lastly, Do all the research and learn all you can. There are some good sources of info online and some companies are coming out with multi vitamins geared for fibro people. I hope this helps some.

Question: Can Diet Coke cause fibromyalgia-caused backaches to get worse? My Mother has fibromyalgia very severely and she has lots of backaches caused by it. She drinks way too many diet cokes, and the more she drinks the more backaches she gets. Could diet cokes be causing her fibromyalgia-caused backaches to flare up? I need to know because her aches keep getting worse. Can you all help me?

Answer: Aspartame is a highly contraversial ingredient in Diet Coke that is reknown for health adversities. I would rule it down to this ingredient that is causing your Mother problematic backaches. Tell her to stop drinking it at once!

Question: What is the best way to handle Fibromyalgia pain? I have severe fibromyalgia pain and the doctors and myself have tried several prescriptions and other methods to relieve it. I have some relief but it is not enough. I get terrible burning pain in my legs also. Does anyone know or have any ideas what prescriptions work best for Fibro pain or other methods?

Answer: I am currently yo-yo-ing back and forth between getting diagnosed with MS and Fibromyalgia. I have the burning pain in my legs 24/7 for the last 4 years. It gets so bad that if I don't take anything I can't walk. I have found that taking Ulrtam (Tramadol is the generic and that's what I actually take) 4 times a day (2 50mg pills each dose) helps greatly. Medication with codeine also works. I was taking 30mg of MS Contin 2 times a day but my stupid pain management doctor reduced the dose and when my family doctor tried to up it again it didn't work. (*Don't get prescriptions from any other doctor while still under the care of a pain management doctor. I had discontinued to be a patient at the pain clinic before I started getting scripts from my family doctor again). I have to take the Tramadol as soon as I wake up in the morning and wait about 30 minutes before I can do anything. Sometimes if I know I have to get going right away I will set my alarm and hour earlier then I have to get up and take it and by the time I have to wake up the medicine has had time to work. If all else fails and/or until you find something that works, hot baths could work for you. They have gotten me through plenty of hard nights where my legs just won't stop hurting and burning. Good luck:)

Question: Is there anything new out there for fibromyalgia? I've been with fibromyalgia for several years, and would also would like to know about home remedies. And what can I do to prevent flareups.

Answer: The latest medical drug people are using is Lyrica. Some people have success with it and others don't. I suffer with Fibromyalgia so I know what you are going through. I find that getting massaged on a regular basis cuts down my pain tremendously. That is my number one recommendation. Nutrition is very important with this condition as with any serious physical condition. Avoid caffeine products, sugar, processed foods and fried foods. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) is often a factor in causing the person with Fibromyalgia to feel fatigued. That is why a good nutrition program is very important, eating frequent small meals with some protein is very important in keeping the blood levels even. Whole grains, seeds, nuts, yogurt, chicken, Turkey, organic beef, eggs, natural cheese and cottage cheese should form the base of your diet. Accompanied by Appropriate vegetables and a minimum amount of fruit. A good quality multi-vitamin is absolutely essential with this condition. It's important to replace what the body loses daily. If a person takes no other supplement but a multi-vitamin they're helping to support their body daily. There's no definite cure for Fibromyalagia but there are certainly many alternative methods that can help you improve the quality of your life. Physical therapy that is performed at home is very important for Fibromyalgia. Warm water stretches performed at least three times weekly can be of tremendous help keeping the joints and muscles flexible. A Jacuzzi or hot tub is without a doubt one of the best treatments you can do at home, not only does it improve circulation you can also perform warm water stretches in it. If you have access to one and can use this daily you would see a tremendous change in the body. Using a moist heating pad on areas of pain for 20 minutes can ease the pain. I also find that chiropractic care can bring tremendous relief. If you have any further questions please let me know. Billie77

Question: How do u get people to understand fibromyalgia? I have fibromyalgia. I was wondering how I can get people to understand what it does to me. No one seems to understand how it makes me feel and some of the people don't even believe me that I am in pain. What do I do?

Answer: Explaining Fibromyalgia is about as difficult as learning how to live with it in the first place. I can't recall the source (not surprising to those who understand) but I have always quoted whoever it was that asked, "Do you remember the last time you had the flu? ...remember the aching body pain that affected your whole, entire body?.....THAT'S what having FM is like." And the most amazing thing to me is the need to continually repeat the same statement to the same people....again and again. I want to say, 'how COULD you forget what I told you? It's a most frustrating malady.. Also, I think what makes it so hard for others to 'get' is the fact that as long as you don't move, your outer appearance gives no hint as to how awful you are feeling. Unless you are having an acute flair-up, you appear totally okay. I find remembering a quote by Betty Davis that often makes me smile at myself. She said, 'getting older is not for sissies'....boy, is that an understatement. Good luck to you and remember you MUST work really hard at keeping your sense of humor.... it will more often than not, be your lifeline.

Question: is my fibromyalgia causing the soles of my feet to burn like fire? especially at night, the soles burn like fire and i am wondering if it's from my fibromyalgia? anyone else have this problem?

Answer: FMS pain is at more than the TENDERPOINTS--it can be everywhere BUT--it could also be plantar fasciitis or another foot problem

Question: Can i use Fibromyalgia as a disability reason not to work? Can i use Fibromyalgia as a disability reason not to work?

Answer: i have concerns that a person who can't understand why some people may be incapacitatd by fibro doesn't actually have ity and it is NOT highly treatable...I have tried everything possible in the last 8 years---iincluding alternatived medicine--tomorrow I am going to the doctor to start the temporary disability process (i have temp disabilility insurance--not SSDI).- and it has nothing to do with your schedule--it is an you do any job.. Many people with fibro do apply for disability--it is hard to get approved---you usually need a lawyer fibrofix is a great example of misinformation-this prson is a thrief that steals hope--as the credit card commercials say--thatis 'priceless'---some people can't understand that fibro is not a general term for any pain and fatigue such as thick body fluids/body acid/liver problems--and continue to spred that misinformation--REAL FMS is a disorder of teh central nervous system--and the most promising treatments are NEURO-not dietary in nature

Question: What kind of doctor do i see for Fibromyalgia? What kind of doctor would i go see to get tested for Fibromyalgia? What tests to they do for it?

Answer: inthe US email Kindness@fibrobetsy.com a long time ago it was believed that Fibromyalgia (FMS) was a musculoskeletal/arthritslike condition-so Rheumatologist were the specialist taht claimed it. In teh last 10 years it has been believed thjat it is a disorder of the central nervous system. Not all rheumatologist are competant to deal with FMS- many docs in all specialities still use it as a waste basket diagnosis for anyone who is tired and in pain-eevn if its due to their lifestyle. fibrobetsy's list is based on recomendations form patients-she takes off the docs with bad reviews other referral lists take any doc taht wants to be on it- even if 1 person recommends him and 99 say he is horrible. the only 'test' for FMS is a tnderpoint exam-if you have symptoms of FMS and have about 11 out of 18 tenderpoints-you may be diagnosed with FMS befopre that-other conditins with similar sypmptoms ned to be ruled out-such as MS and Lymes other criteria include painin all 4 quadrants of teh body for at least 3 months other symptoms include fatigue, stiffness, numbness, cognitive issues, sleep difficultities....

Question: How soon will baclofen work after taking it for fibromyalgia? I've started taking Baclofen for suspected fibromyalgia. It makes me feel a little stoned, but hasn't helped the pain yet. Does it take a while to get into my system and are they're others out there who take this med. and is it successful for the treatment of fibro.

Answer: I've never tried it, but am a sufferer. I found that taking magnesium mineral supplements actually did the trick for me.

Question: Hypertension? What does hypertension look like? i need to describe it or get a website with a picture. please help

Answer: Hypertension can't be seen, it is called the"Silent Killer", and if undiagnosed and untreated, the first sign is often a Miocardial Infarction....a Heart Attack. High blood pressure is at the base of most cardiovascular disease, and the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. today. It is believed more Americans suffer from Hypertension, (High Blood Pressure) than any other life threatening undiagnosed illness, and a simple blood pressure check is all that is required to begin diagnosis. Most can be treated with daily medication, such as Beta- blockers, and cholesterol levels need to be watched, but this disease is one of the most treatable of all long term conditions. Often, if diagnosed early, and depending on a number of factors, a few changes, such as diet, weight loss, and exercise, may be enough to control hypertension without the use of medications. Because hypertension seldom has symptoms that are recognized, stroke, heart disease, and death from this common ailment has become more common than ever.

Question: What is the relation of hypertension and risk for decrease cardiac output? I am doing my nursing care plan and I can't get the relation of hypertension and risk for cardiac output.

Answer: i'm not sure the exact form of the curve, but more hypertension there's more risk of low cardiac uotput.- increasing the blood pressure increases the pressure the heart has to overpower to bomb the blood.- there's a range where the compensatory mecanisms of the heart (frank-satrling and those) can mantain the output, but after they stop working the output start to decrease.- hope you got this, i'm not very good with explanations.- :)

Question: What is coronary artery disease or hypertension? Why do people get hypertension and what is it.Also what is coronary artery disease ?

Answer: Artery is a plaque build-up in the arteries, causing the arteries to be less flexible and smaller inside than they would normally be. The arteries that bring blood back and forth to the heart have smaller openings in them than they normally would. When that happens, there is more pressure from the blood flowing through the arteries, so you can get high blood pressure from this. You can also get high blood pressure if your arteries are constricted from any other reason. Think of how water would flow through a hose. If you had a large hose with a large diameter, the water would flow gradually from the hose. If you put the same amount of water through a hose that is a lot smaller in diameter, the water would be under more pressure (you would see it spurting out faster and harder). Arteries that are larger in diameter make for lower blood pressure than arteries that have a smaller opening. If the doctor says it is O.K. try taking a multi-vitamin with high B vitamins in it, and then also eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables along with something in your diet that gives you some calcium. Ask your doctor what he thinks about it.

Question: What's the difference between a hypertension specialist and a cardiologist? I just underwent echocardiogram and was found out I have Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP). My doctor is a hypertension specialist. Some officemates told me that I should also consult a cardiologist. But I think my doctor is already okay for me. Is it really necessary to see a cardiologist?

Answer: hypertension specialist is an expert in dealing wit blood pressure such as high blood pressure but cardiologist is an expert with dealing with the heart. i think it might be necessary just to make sure.

Question: What are some home remedies for hypertension? I know that there are medications to treat hypertension but are there other natural home remedies that can aid in lowering blood pressure?

Answer: Avoid salt, pork, and stress. Other than that, you need to see a doctor if you have high blood pressure, rather than trying to treat it yourself. Hypertension is a silent killer.

Question: What could be the cause of uncontrolled hypertension? My primary care physician and cardiologist are scratching their heads over my condition. My pressure is ALWAYS around 160/90. They have tried almost every prescription to treat my high blood pressure. Right now I'm on Hyzaar in conjunction with Norvasc, both at the maximum dose and my pressure hasn't budged a millibar. I tried looking for info on uncontrolled hypertension on the Web but I only found vague answers. Maybe someone knows someone that had this. What did they do about it?

Answer: Hyzaar and Norvasc are great medications for treatment of blood pressure, but I agree, a renal sonogram to rule out renal stenosis (or cysts), would be a good start. You may also want to have them do blood work to rule out a Pheochromocytoma by checking for Plasma Free Metanephrine levels; Perform a 24-hour urine collection for creatinine, total catecholamines, vanillylmandelic acid, and metanephrines. Additionally, you might want to see if the doctors will add an Alpha 2 (like Clonidine) to your regimen, taken 3 times daily. That can usually do the trick. Hypertension like this is very difficult and trying. I'm certain you've been through a lot dealing with it. I've got a few patients just like you, and it took putting them on Clonidine, and sometimes Alpha 1 meds (like Cardura and Hytrin) before I could get them to goal. Best of luck to you!! p.s.: There's a lot of reasons for elevated blood pressure, but eating celery supplements ARE NOT GOING TO SAVE YOU! Anyone here trying to sell Dr. Mercola and his quackery are just fools. He is LESS than received by the general medical population. He makes his money on selling "supplements" rather than sound medical advice.