Fibro Friends

Personal Update

Dear Fibro Friends,

Over the past year and a half I have continued my search for effective therapies to help persons with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes. You can trace this search by reading my blog posts on specific therapies and subjects, however I feel that now is a good time to write a summary of my recent health "adventures".

I spent the majority of last year exploring various forms of energy medicine that employ electricity to stimulate healing. The science behind these therapies is based on the principle that all living beings are primarily energetic and governed by electrical impulses. Specific frequencies and amplitudes of electricity have been found to promote healing at the cellular level and provide the catalyst for restoring balance in damaged molecular systems of the body. The field of modern energy medicine, which includes low level laser, microcurrent, pulsed electromagnetic field, and static electric field therapies is developing rapidly and provides effective nonpharmalogical treatments for many chronic conditions.

After reaching a plateau in my improvements with LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) I started using NeuroField, a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy developed by Dr. Nicholas Dogris, which is used in conjunction with LENS treatments. This therapy involved commuting once a week for five months to Orinda, California to work with a wonderful therapist named Dr. Candia Smith. I made progress in my sense of well being, emotional stability and energy, however these combined treatments failed to improve my sleep or muscle condition. For more information on this and on energy medicine in general read my post "Energy Medicine of the Future". http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/03/energy-medicine-of-the-future.html 

In the spring of 2011 I was contacted  by Justin Brost who manufactures a static electrical field technology called the Energetic Fitness System. The unique aspect about this form of energy medicine is that rather than employing specific digital frequencies determined by a therapist to treat different conditions, the energy field creates analog harmonic frequency patterns that are rapidly changing and different for each person, theoretically providing the frequencies each person needs to heal and balance their body. Brost's business is located in Bellingham, Washington about and hour and a half drive north of Seattle. I traveled to Bellingham, Washington ten times to try this technology out and then purchased my own unit. Although I initially had a very good response to EFS over time I became reactive to it and it was no longer therapeutic. For more information on this read my post "The Energetic Fitness System" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/07/energetic-fitness-system.html 

Then during the summer of 2011 I traveled twice to Portland, Oregon to try Frequency Specific Microcurrent with its developer Dr. Carolyn McMaken. McMaken uses specific frequencies that treat people with fibromaylgia caused by cervical spinal trauma. She insisted that I did not have any kind of fibromyalgia since my muscle pain is triggered almost entirely by physical exertion. McMaken treated me for a number of other conditions including concussion, liver toxicity, parasympathetic nervous system toxicity, and DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). Although I initially had a good response to FSM the effects were not long lasting. McMaken referred me to a neurogist in Durango, Colorado named Dr. Catherine Willner who uses FSM in her practice. Willner tried some additional FSM frequencies on me that were not helpful. For more on this read my post "Frequency Specific Microcurrent" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2012/01/freq.html.

Although none of the forms of energy medicine that I explored resolved my remaining symptoms, I feel that my overall health is better than before I used them. There are many anecdotal accounts of healing in persons with chronic illness using these technologies and they are all safe so I encourage others to give them a try. My personal opinion is that these therapies are excellent for treating acute inflammation and muscular and skeletal injuries, however they are not as effective in resolving long term systemic conditions such as chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes.

In October of 2011 I discovered by chance how beneficial female hormone replacement therapy is for my particular situation. After eight years of taking Activella, a combination of a plant based estradial and progestin, I decided to decrease my dose by one half. One week later my muscle condition and sleep became dramatically worse and this persisted for two weeks until I figured out the connection. A week after I went back on my regular dose, my symptoms improved to the point where they were before the decrease in hormone replacement. I spent several months researching the possible connection between female hormone levels and fibromyagia. To read about this and the conclusions I reached read my post "Hormone Replacement Therapy - An Effective Adjunct Therapy forFibromyalgia".  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2012/02/hormone-replacement-therapy-an-effective-adjunct-treatment-for-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-fatigue-synd.html  

At the recommendation of Dr. Willner I went through a series of tests at Swedish Neuro Sciences in Seattle, Washington to assess my muscle condition. About half the doctors I have consulted think that my muscle pain is a form of fibromyalgia while the other half insist that I don't have fibromyalgia. My personal opinion is that I do have fibromyalgia but because of all the improvements in other areas of my health due to the therapies I have pursued, specifically Oral Systemic Balance and LENS neurofeedback, I do not present myself as the typical fibromyalgia patient (no fatigue, brain fog or all body pain). I was willing to undergo this rather lengthy process of testing which involved blood tests, EMG muscle and nerve testing, and MRI and muscle biopsy to see if anything would turn up. Laboratory tests showed no sign of muscle disease however there was evidence of an old injury and nerve reinnervation. To read more about my personal understanding of the muscle dysfunction that I have and which I think is common to many people with FMS read my post: "Fibromyalgia - a Perspective on Muscle Dysfunction and Effective Treatments".  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/10/f.html 

Most recently I embarked on a new therapy which appears at least in this early stage to be the missing piece of the puzzle for resolving my remaining health issues. I am working with a scientist who has developed a technology called Human Probiotics which reinstates beneficial human sourced probiotics or "vitamins" that are no longer produced by a person's microflora. The reintroduction of these microbes into a person's gastrointestional tract or gut repairs the immune system and "turns the genes back on" correcting methylation problems and restoring serotonin levels. The therapy involves monthly trips to the Boston area. So far my response has been excellent with consistently better sleep, muscle function and less reactivity to foods. I am optimistic that I am on the last stretch of recovery for which I  am extremely grateful. The therapy is a process and only time will tell how successful it will be for me as well as a few others I know who are also pursuing this. Stay tuned for a future post on this subject. The best way to do this is to subscribe to my blog which you can do by clicking "Subscribe to this blog's feed" which appears at the bottom of the "Categories" column on the left hand side of my blog: http://www.fibrofriends.typepad.com.  

Everyday I think about those suffering with chronic illness and how much courage and faith this takes. The support and friendship I recieve from my "fibro friends" is immeasurable and inspires me to move forward in my search for solutions to difficult health issues. It is my firm belief that chronic fatigue and fibromyagia syndromes are totally reversible conditions and that the treatments to do that have already been discovered, we just have to find them! To that end I continue to dedicate my personal search and this blog.

Sincerely yours, Darden

Fibromyalgia - A Perspective on Muscle Dysfunction and Effective Treatments

Fibromyalgia Syndrome remains a mysterious conglomeration of symptoms for which there is no definitive cause or treatment. The muscle condition characteristic of fibromyalgia is particularly poorly understood. To add to the confusion fibromyalgia patients are often referred to rheumatologists for diagnosis and treatment despite the fact that fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease. So what exactly is fibromyalgia?

“Fibro” refers to the fibers of the muscle tissue. “Myalgia” means pain in the soft or connective tissue of the muscles; tendons, which attach the muscles to the bones; and ligaments, which attach the bones to other bones. Myalgia is also referred to as “Soft Tissue Rheumatism”.  It is most commonly caused by the overuse or stretching of a specific muscle or group of muscles that occur in conditions such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel.  In the case of fibromyalgia syndrome the condition is systemic occurring on both sides of the body above and below the waist. The muscles in fibromyalgia patients are not able to recover adequately from everyday exertion. This results in pain, adhesion, and injury in the muscle tissue or fascia. When a person with fibromyalgia forces their muscles to work they develop sore spots called trigger or tender points. These points are felt as painful lumps or nodules that can be palpated by an experienced physical therapist or physician. A number of doctors who specialize in fibromyalgia believe that the cause of painful trigger points is metastatic calcium produced by chronically contracted muscles which cannot receive proper blood flow. The tissues become hypoxic (less than normal amounts of oxygen in the tissues) and contract further setting the calcium more permanently within the soft tissues.  Severely impaired fibromyalgia patients have large lumps of calcium deposits sometimes referred to as scar tissue at their trigger points. Rhematologists have identified 18 specific trigger or tender points that they use to diagnose fibromyalgia. According to The American College of Rheumatology a person should have pain in a least 11 of 18 tender points to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia while other doctors think one can have fewer points. The truth is that there is a lot of variation in the symptoms of fibromyalgia patients and in one patient from time to time as the severity of the condition fluctuates.

One thing that all fibromyalgia patients have in common is that when they push their muscles beyond a certain threshold their condition worsens. The threshold varies from patient to patient and day to day in an individual patient. A severely ill patient will aggravate their condition by trying to perform simple tasks such as walking, climbing stairs or doing light housework. A less severe patient may lead a relatively functional life but their condition is aggravated by more rigorous activities such as exercise or gardening. One of the major misnomers of fibromyalgia is that exercise is beneficial. A certain amount of movement helps with the condition because it increases blood flow to the damaged tissue however increasing the demands of muscles beyond a person’s threshold with weight bearing and repetitive activity will result in a relapse in muscle injury and pain. Persons with fibromyalgia refer to a relapse as a “flare” which can aggravate into full body pain lasting several days or weeks. Severely ill fibromyalgia patients are in a flare all the time or as they say “24/7”.

The pain caused by the muscle condition of fibromyalgia ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain depending on the individual. The pain does not respond to anti-inflammatory drugs and is only marginally treatable with narcotic painkillers. Unfortunately many fibromyalgia patients end up on an illusive course of taking increasing amounts of drugs for pain relief which have horrible side effects. The only sure way to limit the pain is to limit one’s activities and to give the muscles plenty of rest after exertion. Other palliative measures include cold and heat therapy and very gentle bodywork such as Feldenkrais, Myofascial Release and Bowen Work. When my fibromyalgia is bad I put ice packs on the muscles I use each day. I also take lots of alternating hot and cold showers. The relief is temporary but is a useful coping tool to manage my pain.  I also have adopted a lifestyle where I constantly rotate my activities, never using any one set of muscles for more than 15 minutes.

Some fibromyalgia patients respond to large doses of magnesium, which relax the muscles and counters their tendency to over contract. I have a friend who manages her condition quite well simply taking magnesium supplements. Trans dermal application of magnesium are thought to be even more effective. A good source for magnesium oil, gel, lotion and flakes that are absorbed through the skin is http://www.ancient-minerals.com. Fibromyalgia patients have also reported a benefit from taking vitamin D and amino acids (see my post "Protein Deficiency" fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2009/01/protein-deficiency-fibromyalgia.html ), which many people are deficient in and can contribute to muscle pain and weakness.

Dr. R. Paul St. Amand promotes the treatment of fibromyalgia with the expectorant guaifenesin commonly found in over the counter cold remedies. St. Amand  believes that the retention of calcium in the cells of fibromyalgia is a result of an inability to produce energy or ATP (adenosine triphospate - a biochemical term for cellular energy) and an abnormality in phosphate excretion. His protocol, which involves taking regular doses of guaifenesin and avoiding products that contain salicylates has been helpful for some fibromyalgia patients. For more information go to: www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com. An interesting article by Mark London that thoroughly researches the use of guaifenesin for fibromyalgia can by found at http://web.mit.edu/london/www/guai.html.  According to London’s research guaifenesin acts as a muscle relaxant by depressing transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system.

Dr. Samuel Yue, a medical doctor in Minnesota believes that fibromyalgia is caused by a systemic deficit of relaxin hormone or the inability of the body to utilize this hormone. This hormone, which is associated with pregnancy when it is produced in large amounts is necessary to maintain the integrity of collagen and connective tissues of the body. He prescribes the hormone relaxin, which has been helpful for some fibromyalgia patients in releasing sustained muscle contractions and the resolution of their tender points. The hormone is available in a supplement form called “Vitalaxin” developed by Dr. Yue and is available from numerous supplement supply companies.

I have personally tried taking large doses of magnesium and vitamin D, did the guaifenesin protocol for four months and took relaxin hormone both orally and by injection under Dr. Yue’s supervision. Unfortunately I did not experience any change or improvement with these treatments however I do not dismiss testimonials by others who have found them helpful.

There are several flawed theories on the cause of fibromyalgia. One is that fibromyalgia is caused by not getting adequate sleep particularly in the deep REM stage. It is true that most if not all fibromyalgia patients suffer from insomnia but disordered sleep in my opinion is just another symptom of a syndrome that affects many systems of the body. Many individuals suffer from insomnia but do not have fibromyalgia and those fibromyalgia patients who take medications to improve their sleep still suffer from the disorder. Other theories suggest that fibromyalgia is caused by toxins or gastrointestinal inflammation. It is also true that many fibromyalgia patients have gastrointestinal issues and an impaired ability to eliminate toxins (read my post "Detoxification" fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2009/05/detoxification.html). While this is an important component in fibromyalgia syndrome, it is unlikely that toxins directly cause the muscle dysfunction experienced in fibromyalgia. Another theory is that fibromyalgia sufferers have some kind of impaired or altered perception of pain as if somehow their pain is not real or that bad, they just perceive it to be so. This theory should be soundly debunked and is an insult to anyone suffering from fibromyalgia and skilled physical therapists that can observe the abnormal muscle tissue in painful areas of the disorder.

In 1994 researchers at the University of Texas discovered an elevation in the level of the neurotransmitter Substance P in the spinal fluid of patients suffering from FMS. Substance P is a 11-amnio acid neuropeptide that is distributed throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems and is localized in the primary sensory neurons and the neurons intrinsic to the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers at Viral Immune Pathology (www.vipdx.com) have developed a test for cerebral spinal fluid which measures the amount of Substance P in patients and is a reliable diagnostic marker to differentiate between CFS and FMS. 

A 2002 study by a team of researchers at Oregon Health and Science University led by Robert Bennett, MD found that persons with fibromyalgia have an inability to secrete growth hormone during exercise. They surmised that another hypothalamic hormone – somatostatin – was probably blocking the release of growth hormone. This is a manifestation of a disordered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis found in persons with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Syndromes. Treatment with daily Human Growth Hormone injections is expensive but has been reported to improve quality of life and energy level, reduce pain, and improve exercise capacity and muscle strength. An inexpensive, safe alternative to HGH injections is a homeopathic HGH spray reported by some to have positive results. Go to: www.drmaxpowers.com.

A couple of interesting scientific studies were conducted on the muscle; and collagen and muscle pathology in fibromyalgia patients by the Parker Institue, Department of Rheumatolgy and the Danish National Library of Science and Medicine in Copenhagen, Denmark. They found that fibromyalgia patients had a significantly lower amount of intramuscular collagen that may lower the threshold for muscle micro-injury and thereby result in nonspecific signs of muscle pathology. Studies on muscle metabolism in fibromyalgia patients showed that there is a defect that is not seen at rest and when the patient is working at a submaximal load, but is seen under maximal loading and under static contraction. Blood flow did not increase as the load increased indicating a disturbed local regulation of microcirculation; lower levels of ATP and phosphocreatine were found in muscle biopsies of fibromyalgia patients; and fibromyalgia patients had EMG activity between muscle contractions indicating a prolonged relaxation or recovery time in patients withfibromyalgia.  http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/43/1/27

It is my personal opinion that the muscle condition of fibromyalgia is a symptom of dysfunction in the Central Nervous System resulting from a protective response of the brain to physical stress and trauma. In my case this was due to the prolonged stress of living with an obstructive breathing disorder that became increasingly difficult to compensate for and eventually lead to a state of neurological exhaustion. The actual tipping point for me was rehearsing a very difficult piano piece on a poor instrument which set in motion some sort of trauma to my neuromuscular system. This incident occurred after I had struggled with chronic fatigue for 28 years, was functionally hypothyroid and had just entered menopause. Others develop fibromyalgia after some traumatic event such as a car accident, surgery, childbirth, toxic exposure or physical abuse. When confronted with severe trauma the brain “shuts down” and becomes less flexible and more reactive. It is important to note that the mechanisms and triggers for pain are not the same in all patients with fibromyalgia however all share in common a state of central sensitization. 

Dr. Paul Whitcomb whom I have written extensively about in my blog was able to help many fibromyalgia patients at his clinic by doing frequent adjustments to the top vertebrae of the spine, which resulted in dampening the agitated nervous system. For a fortunate few the results were long lasting. For others including myself the relief was temporary. Check my post “Paul Whitcomb – Friend or Foe” http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2008/08/paul-whitcomb---friend-or-foe-1.html.  I have since discovered a gentle movement employed by Bowen Work and cranial sacral therapists at the base of the head that calms the nerves to the peripheral muscles, basically accomplishing the same thing that Whitcomb did with a lot less force and without hurting the neck. However as with Whitcomb's technique the effects are temporary. 

In 2007 I was diagnosed with an obstructive breathing problem by Dr. Farrand Robson and began treatment for that with Oral Systemic Balance a therapy that uses oral appliances or mouth pieces to facilitate ease of breathing. To read more about that go to my post http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/02/oral-systemic-b.html. At the time my fibromyalgia was quite severe causing me to be in pain most of the time and making it difficult for me to drive a car, carry grocery bags or walk more than one block.  Although I experienced dramatic improvements in my health with OSB and a resolution of the underlying stressor that led me to develop chronic fatigue syndrome, many symptoms including my fibromyalgia muscle condition did not go away. This I believed was the result of traumatic injury to my nervous system after years of living with profound physical. Recovery required me to find additional therapies to reverse these dysfunctions.  

The field of neurofeedback specifically addresses dysfunction of the Central Nervous System and offers a lot of promise for those suffering from fibromyalgia as well as many other chronic disorders. Some people have reported good results from doing programs of EEG biofeedback or neurofeedback training. The patient sits in a comfortable chair with sensors placed on either side of the scalp, which are attached to a computer that picks up brain wave activity. Feedback is produced through visualization on a computer monitor and sound and is monitored by a neurofeedback technician. The patient receives positive feedback when it moves towards a more balanced and flexible pattern. I did over 50 sessions of Zengar neurofeedback training and although I made progress in each session, they did not results in improvements in my health. I think this was because my dysfunctional brain patterns were very entrenched.

I then learned about an entirely different form of neurofeedback called “Low Energy Neurofeedback Systems or LENS, which has been helpful for people who do not respond to neurofeedback training and achieves results in less time.  A LENS session lasts only seconds as opposed to a neurofeedback training session, which typically lasts around 45 minutes. During a LENS a person receives feedback of its own dominant brain wave frequency at a slight offset. The brain recognizes its own pattern and shifts away from it. What is unique about LENS is that the shifts are permanent and the brain reintegrates healing on its own. I experienced moderate improvements in many symptoms with LENS but my muscle condition did not improve. For more information go to: www.ochslabs.com. 

In the book "The Healing Power of Neurofeedback" by Stephen Larsen there are references to the additional benefits of surface EMG biofeedback training for fibromyalgia patients doing LENS. An electromyograph (EMG) is an instrument that uses surface electrodes to detect muscle contraction using one or more active electrodes that are placed over a target muscle and actively record the muscle tone in microvolts. Paying attention to this feedback one can manipulate and decrease agitated muscle contractions. I found an inexpensive home unit on the Internet manufactured in England by Verity Medical Let and distributed by Win Health at www.win-health.com/neurotrac_simplex.html. I began practicing for a half hour once or twice a day, training my muscles tone to decrease. Within several weeks I noticed an improvement in my muscle tone resulting in an increase in the amount of physical activity I could "get away with". Doing daily biofeedback training provides a valuable tool to help my muscles recover more quickly after exertion but it does not prevent injury from reoccuring. To read more about various forms of biofeedback and neurofeedback and my experience with them read my post "Biofeedback Therapies for CFS & FMS"  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/05/biofeedback-therapies-for-cfs-fms.html 

Low Intenstiy/Level or "Cold" Laser Therapy is a treatment that is helpful for treating pain in some people with fibromyalgia. It involves the application of red to near infrared light produced by Low Level Lasers Diodes (LLLD) and/or Superluminous Diodes (SLD) over the skin which results in a healing response of the tissues. This healing response includes increased production of ATP, RNA and DNA synthesis, serotonin and endorphins, collagen synthesis, growth hormone and improved lymphatic drainage. I explored a form of Low Intensity Laser Therapy manufactured by a company called MediTech used by my chiropractor. The pain relief was moderate and not long lasting. For more information on light therapies and my personal experience read my post "Phototherapy - Healing with Light".  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/07/phototherapy-healing-with-light.html 

The developing fields of energy medicine which employ various forms of electrical current to help the body heal are also helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia. These therapies employ non-invasive devices that generate low levels of electrical energy to stimulate cellular repair. Cell membranes vibrate at specific frequencies and diseased cells have weaker amplitudes and unbalanced electronic charges in the molecules often referred to as free radical damage. The therapies work by re-charging the damaged molecular systems and thus restoring balance and increased energy into body systems. Studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in healing soft tissue wounds, aiding in bone growth and repair, suppressing inflammatory responses at the cell membrane level and alleviating pain.

Dr. Carol McMakin is a chiropractor in Portland, Oregon who specializes in a treatment called Frequency Specific Microcurrent, which employs microamperage current and the resonance effects of specific frequencies on tissues and conditions to create beneficial changes in symptoms and health. FSM is effective at treating nerve and muscle pain, inflammation and scar tissue. McMakin has developed one frequency combination that has been observed to eliminate severe all body pain in fibromyalgia associated with spine trauma.  She reports success treating hundreds of fibromyalgia patients with this protocol. For more information go to: frequencyspecific.com.

Another form of energy medicine employed mainly by LENS practitioners as an adjunct therapy to neurofeedback is NeuroField, a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy developed by Dr. Nicholas Dogris which treats the energy field around a person with specific frequencies shown to be beneficial for various conditions. I spent seven months doing NeuroField treatments in conjunction with LENS treatments with a therapist in California with modest improvements in my overall health. To read more about my experience and the entire field of energy medicine read my post "Energy Medicine of the Future"http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/03/energy-medicine-of-the-future.html.

"The Energetic Fitness System" is a static electrical energy field therapy based on the science of Nicola Tesla. This therapy differs from other forms of energy medicine because the electrical frequencies are not set by a computer program determined by a practitioner. Rather the energy field produces analog harmonic frequency patterns that are rapidly changing and different for each person; the theory being that the individual using EFS "tunes" to the energetic field and gets the frequencies he or she needs to heal and balance their body. I have personally found EFS to be the most beneficial form of energy medicine that I have used. For more information on EFS and my personal experience with it read my post "Energetic Fitness System"  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/07/energetic-fitness-system.html. 

In conclusion the condition of fibromyalgia varies from person to person, however most have in common an agitated nervous system that results in dysfunctional muscle function and pain in the connective tissues. Recovery requires a combination of therapies that can address underlying causes of stress on the body, calm the nervous system and provide the body with energy to heal. Just as there is no one cause of fibromyalgia, there is no one "cure" or treatment that works for everyone. Each person must find through trial and error what works for them. Considering the fact that most of the effective therapies are not covered by health insurance or even known about in the medical community, this makes the task of getting better difficult. I am hopeful that effective therapies will eventually become more available and contribute to an improved quality of life for those suffering from fibromyalgia. 

Energetic Fitness Systems

The Energetic Fitness System is a unique energy medicine technology that infuses energy into the human body via a high static electrical field.  The origins of the technology are attributed to the scientific work of Nikola Tesla in the late 1800's. Tesla, an inventor and visionary genius in the field of electricity pioneered the science that forms the basis of alternating current (AC) electric power systems, X-rays, and wireless energy transmissions. Tesla believed that it was possible to use electricity to provide energy for the human body to function optimally. He wrote the following about a particularly stressful time in his life:

"I was so blue and discouraged in those days that I do not believe I could have borne up but for the regular treatments of electricity that I applied to myself. It puts into the entire body what it needs most - Life Force."

Because of Tesla's eccentric personality and unbelievable claims about many possible scientific developments, he was regarded as a "mad scientist" and never received a patent on his energy medicine technology. Replicas of his original machine and theories about its use survived quietly over the past 100 years. Justin Brost stumbled upon a person who had a crude version of this technology, which resulted in the relief of severe neck pain he suffered from after one session. His curiosity was piqued, Brost spent the past eleven years developing a product that incorporates modern materials and components and with the help of other researchers designed a new technology that provides maximum benefits. EFS has an impressive list of scientific advisers including James Oschman, Ph.D. the famous authority on energy medicine and author of "Energy Medicine: the scientific basis", and "Energy Medicine: in therapeutics and human performance". Brost is careful to make no medical claims on the Energetic Fitness System saying only that the technology gives the body the energy to heal itself. However he has witnessed remarkable improvements in those using EFS with many health conditions including muscular skeletal injuries, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, spinal cord injuries, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia as well as optimal performance for athletes.

The EFS user sits in a non-metal chair with bare feet on an energized glass plate while holding a 5-inch diameter energized glass bulb called the Plasma Containment System (PCS) in the hands while high voltage with no current at a broad spectrum of random wavelengths is maintained between the hands and the feet. The user feels a static vibration in the hands that gradually moves further up into the wrists and arms. The PCS creates an orange/pink glow and emits an ozone odor. The intensity of the energy can be regulated by how much contact there is in the feet on the glass plate. Over time and the user "equalizes" with the energy to a comfortable level. The energy field creates analog harmonic frequency patterns that are rapidly changing and different for each person. This is in contrast to other energy technologies where the frequencies are digital and predetermined by a computer program. The theory is that that the individual using EFS "tunes" to the energetic field and gets the frequencies he or she needs to heal and balance their body.

In May 2011 I traveled to Bellingham, Washington to meet Justin Brost and try out the Energetic Fitness System technology. Justin and his wife Shannon operate their business out a of small light industrial space where they do the final assembly of EFS units and ship them to customers. It is clear that the Brosts are passionate about this technology and dedicated to making it available to the public. At this point they have sold around 250 units mostly to individuals. Their goal however is to have EFS units in doctors' offices, sports centers, spas massage and physical therapy clinics. Since the units do not require any complicated programming and are easy to operate these "charging" sessions would be affordable to the everyday client. 

Given my highly reactive and sensitive nature I was afraid I might have a bad response to the EFS but fortunately that was not the case. Initially I had an positive emotional response to the energy that felt like a release. My first session lasted around 50 minutes. Afterwards I felt tired but relaxed and I slept well that night - a good sign for me. Encouraged by this response I commuted to Bellingham twice a week for the next month to pursue this therapy. Over that time I noticed a gradual increase in my energy, resolution of low back pain, and resolution of chronic sore feet and buttocks. I did not however experience any improvement in my muscle condition which is triggered by exercise and exertion. At the end of the month I purchased my own EFS unit to use at home. I was optimistic that by doing the EFS at home on a daily basis I might experience further improvements. I did 25 minute sessions daily for five days. This is the recommended amount that corresponds to the Chinese medical perspective that the human energy system cycles at 20-25 minute intervals. Feeling quite good I challenged my muscle condition by gardening two days in a row for an hour and a half each day. The third day my muscles were very painful and I "flared" into a fibromyalgia episode. I was hopeful that the EFS would help me recover more quickly from this flare so I increased my sessions to 50 minutes two days in a row. On the second day I had a severe agitation of my nervous system. I consulted with Justin who recommended that I take off one day and return to 25 minute daily sessions. I took off two days and then tried another session but had a bad reaction to that as well. It was obvious to me that I had overdone the therapy and I needed to take a break. After two weeks I was able to tolerate another EFS session but reacted again after four times of using the unit every other day so I decided to take a break from the therapy.

I definitely gained benefits from EFS that were cumulative and have stayed with me but EFS alone was not able to resolve my fibromyalgia muscle condition.  My personal recovery involves two important components: increasing the energy in my body and decreasing the agitation in my central nervous system that I developed over the years of living with profound physical stress and exhaustion. The EFS was helpful for increasing my energy but after a period of time it agitated my nervous system. After two long breaks from using EFS for several months I tried using the EFS again. I had adverse reactions to the technology after a couple of sessions each time. I had a friend with chronic fatigue syndrome use the unit six times and another with fibromyalgia who used it four times. Neither person observed any benefits from the therapy.

It is important to keep in mind that each person with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia as well as all other chronic illnesses has a unique presentation of these conditions with various complications and sets of symptoms.  Although there are commonalities and overlapping issues, each person can only find through trial and error what works for them. I believe that recovery is possible but there is no "silver bullet" treatment that can cure these conditions just as there is no one cause for them. (For more on this read my post "What Causes CFS & FMS"  http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/08/what-causes-chronic-fatigue-and-fibromyalgia-syndromes.html). I think that the Energetic Fitness System is an important therapeutic tool that may be helpful for some individuals with CFS and FSM. Caution needs to be exercised for highly sensitive individuals like myself who can "overdose" on the treatment. To learn more about it go to:http://energeticfitness.com/

 Here I am using the EFS at home. 

   Notice the orange glow created by the PCS bulb which emits an ozone smell.  

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day - A Message of Hope

Fibromylagia Syndrome (FMS) is a debilitating health condition that is largely misunderstood by the public and health care establishment. Patients suffer from a variety of complaints including all over muscle and body pain, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, brain fog, and fatigue. When they seek help from medical doctors their symptoms are often dismissed as being psychosomatic in origin, which compounds the emotional stress of living with the condition. There is a wide range in the degree of severity in people with FMS but many are too disabled to work full time or to work at all. The condition places tremendous pressure on personal relationships, marriages and families. In the face of all this suffering it is easy to lose hope.

In the summer of 2008 I started a blog entitled "Fibro Friends" dedicated to providing information about fibromyalgia and its closely related condition Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).  The blog is a result of my exhaustive search over for the past 30 years to find effective treatments to improve my health. I began suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1973 and Fibromyalgia in 2001. The primary difference between Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Syndromes is that Fibromyalgia includes an agitation of the neuromuscular system resulting in chronic pain. (For more on this read my post "Fibromyalgia Muscle Dysfunction" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2009/12/f.html.) I have spent the equivalent of a part time career consulting health care professionals and trying various treatments and therapies. The vast majority of the things I tried were not helpful, which I summarize in my post "What Didn't Work" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2009/07/what-didnt-work.html.  However in recent years I found a number of therapies that brought about a significant improvement in my health and a gradual reversal of my symptoms. These therapies are not well known either in the main stream or alternative medical communities or the fibromyalgia patient community. 

The first significant breakthrough for me happened in 2005 when I learned about Wilson's Low Body Syndrome and followed the specific protocol developed by Dr. Denis Wilson to raise my body temperature to 98.6 degrees. According to Wilson's theory many individuals develop symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which include fatigue, constipation, low body temperature and a slow pulse after long periods of stress. This can be reversed by taking compounded T3 or liothyronine for a period of time in a prescribed way. For more information on this go to: www.wilsonssyndrome.com.

The most important breakthrough for me began in 2007 when I improved my ability to breathe with oral appliances designed by a TMJ dentist named Dr. Farrand Robson. Robson has developed a cutting edge science called Oral Systemic Balance that helps facilitate ease of breathing, speaking and swallowing. Many people with FMS and CFS as well as other chronic illnesses have benefited from this therapy. It is my personal opinion that impaired breathing due to a restricted air passage is a predisposition to developing CFS and FSM. For more information read my post "Oral Systemic Balance" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/02/oral-systemic-b.html.

A third significant breakthrough occurred when I started doing LENS or Low Energy Neurofeedback System, a unique form of neurofeedback developed by Len Ochs, PHD that is particularly effective in healing traumatic brain injury and disorders of the Central Nervous System. The system operates entirely different from traditional EEG or neurofeedback training. Treatment involves very short (a few seconds per session) feedback of the dominant frequency the brain is producing at an offset, which results in the brain jumping out of its existing patterns and breaking up dysfunction. It has been helpful for many people with CFS and FMS who suffer from dysfunctional brain patterns as a result from living with neurological exhaustion and physical stress. For more information read my post "Biofeedback Therapies for CFS and FMS" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/05/biofeedback-therapies-for-cfs-fms.html.

Presently I am exploring a form of energy medicine called the Energetic Fitness Systems that provides energy to the body to help it heal. Based on the work of the scientist Nikola Tesla, the technology creates analog harmonic frequency patterns that are different for each person. The user sits in a non-metal chair with bare feet on an energized glass plate while holding a 5-inch diameter energized glass bulb in the hands while high voltage with no current at a broad spectrum of random wavelengths is maintained between the hands and the feet. I think this therapy has tremendous potential for helping individuals with CFS and FMS.  For more information go to: http://energeticfitness.com/ and watch for my upcoming post as I report my experience and research.

Of paramount importance to healing from CFS and FMS is following a healthy diet devoid of drugs, stimulants and depressants. Other ancillary therapies that helped me were short term use of hydrocortisol and a couple of patented nutritional supplement formulas MAX GXL and Platinum Plus Amino Acid; mud pack detoxification therapy; and biofeedback self-regulation techniques.  I summarize these treatments and many others in my opening post "Chronic Fatigue and Fibromaylgia" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2011/05/chro.html with links to the appropriate websites. Then in subsequent posts I discuss in detail various treatments and topics. 

My personal opinion is that there is no single cause of CFS and FMS, that these are conditions that result from an accumulation of physical stress and trauma for which the body cannot accommodate. For more on this read my post "What Causes CFS and FMS" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/08/what-causes-chronic-fatigue-and-fibromyalgia-syndromes.html. Reversing these syndromes requires a combination of long term strategies and treatments that will provide the body the energy and capacity to heal. It is important to understand that each individual has a unique presentation of these conditions and what works for one person may not be helpful for another. One can only find out through trial and error what is beneficial. Since there are few health care professionals that understand fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome and few effective treatments that are covered by health insurance this leaves the exhaustive task of pursuing and financially funding treatments to the individual. It is my dream that someday patients can go to a clinic where comprehensive care with cutting edge treatments are available and affordable but for now the road to recovery although possible is a difficult and expensive undertaking. 

In conclusion I want to embrace all those who are suffering from the devastating conditions of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndromes and to let them know that they are not alone. We can learn from our shared experiences and pursue the hope of getting better together. We are each of us pioneers in our experience with these illnesses, in our quest for validation from society and our search for understanding and healing. 

(For more inspiration read my post "Hope" http://fibrofriends.typepad.com/fibro_friends/2010/08/hope.html .)