Pain is inevitable; Suffering is optional.
Unknown
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Natural Remedy
O.K, this is something I swear by. I am not a salesman but I could sell the hell out of this. I love the Arnica Patches by Natural Patches of Vermont. I first discovered them while at a conference in the Ritz Carlton Spa in South Beach, FL. My Fibromyalgia was acting up when I saw these, I'm always up for trying something new. Within 30 minutes of putting this patch on, the pain went away. I know everyone is different so we all have to discover our own ways. But this is beyond Awesome for me. It's an herbal patch that you place right over the pain. It lasts about 12 hours. I've only used them when I knew I wouldn't be running around because they are adhesive and will slip if you start sweating a lot. The day I discovered them, my knees and ankles were particularly bothering me. I cut 2 patches in half and placed one half on each knee and ankle. Presto! Pain went away. I like to try alternative methods, medications often stop working and the side effects are not so fun. Plus, I'd like to spare my kidneys and liver for a bit longer. You can buy these patches straight from their website. They offer a variety of herbal patches for different things, Arnica is the one that works for me. http://www.naturalpatchesofvermont.com/arnica . Love This! Also if you happen to be in South Beach, visit the Ritz Carlton Spa, they carry them http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SouthBeach/Spa/Default.htm . I found a store in Lafayette, LA, Remedies, that carries these patches also. http://www.remediesforlife.com/c-3-neck-back.aspx . Try it out, it just may work for you. On that note, I need to go get some.
Leigha
Leigha
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Random
OK, so I have a question. How many of you experience weird sensations in your arms and legs? You know those commercials for Restless Leg Syndrome, the creepy crawly feeling, bugs under your skin, have to get up and walk? O.K., I have that in my arms and legs on occasion. Usually when I get into bed at night. It drives me mad! I get up stretch, lift light weights, swing my arms around. I have no idea what causes this. Could it be medication? Demon Possession? What the heck is this? It usually last a couple of hours and then stops just as fast as it started. Never happens during the day, only at night. Read the side effects on all of my meds, no mention of this. Acckkkk! Please, does anyone know what this is, I'm desperate for a solution.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Insomnia
For all those who have sleepless nights, I have a few tips. I am not a doctor, just a fellow Insomniac.
Lights: Back in the day before electricity your brain was sent the message that dark is bed time. You gradually slowed down with the setting of the sun.
In your own home: Start dimming light about 3 hours before you go to bed, this includes computer screens. All of this artificial light makes your brain think it's still day time.
Bedroom: This includes that bright alarm clock. I cover mine when I go to bed. The phone also emits a small red light, I cover this also. Any artificial light in your bedroom should be covered. Unless of course you need a bit to see if you get up in the night, then I suggest a very warm night light away from your field of vision while in bed.
Rituals: Design a nighttime ritual for yourself. I start dimming lights about 2 to 3 hours before I go to bed. I drink a cup of chamomile tea as well. I try to avoid all the multitasking I do most of the day, like surfing Internet while watching t.v and texting. I start focusing on just one calming television show.
Your Computer: Studies show that the light emitting from your computer can trick your mind into thinking it's time to be awake. This is a step I haven't mastered yet. Still working on it.
Bedroom: You should not watch television in your bedroom. I know sometimes when we are in pain and need to be away from it all on the heating pad in our bedroom this is sometimes a necessity. I try to avoid watching t.v in bed. Think of it this way, your bedroom should be just that. The place you sleep and one other activity I don't need to mention here. Make your bedroom your sanctuary, paint it a warm color that you love decorate it for your comfort.
Scent Ritual: Jasmine and Lavender are both calming essential oils. While getting ready for bed, I spray lavender all around my room. I also have lavender pillow mist. When I get into bed I rub lavender lotion on my hands, temples, and neck.
Noise: I started using a noise machine years ago. I cannot sleep in complete silence. When at home I set my noise machine to "Ocean" waves, this is very relaxing for me. White noise is helpful to me also. When traveling I use my I-Pod . I have a few relaxing albums I play. Music is a little difficult for me because my mind tends to pay attention to the changes in tempo. I cannot sleep with a television on.
Regular Hours: Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. I use the word "try" because we all have fluctiating schedules, but it's a good way to train your body.
Exercise: Try to get some excersise in during the day. I know for many of you that is sometims quite limited. But even just walking around your house and stretching can help. I really like stretching when I first wake up and before I go to bed. It seems to warm up my body.
The thing is, even with all these things that I do I still experience sleepless nights. I do take Ambien and am amazed that I can be wide awake while on it. I know of people that take it and are asleep within 10 minutes. Wow! Jealous!
I'm hoping this may give some of you a little relief.
May you sleep tonight.
Lights: Back in the day before electricity your brain was sent the message that dark is bed time. You gradually slowed down with the setting of the sun.
In your own home: Start dimming light about 3 hours before you go to bed, this includes computer screens. All of this artificial light makes your brain think it's still day time.
Bedroom: This includes that bright alarm clock. I cover mine when I go to bed. The phone also emits a small red light, I cover this also. Any artificial light in your bedroom should be covered. Unless of course you need a bit to see if you get up in the night, then I suggest a very warm night light away from your field of vision while in bed.
Rituals: Design a nighttime ritual for yourself. I start dimming lights about 2 to 3 hours before I go to bed. I drink a cup of chamomile tea as well. I try to avoid all the multitasking I do most of the day, like surfing Internet while watching t.v and texting. I start focusing on just one calming television show.
Your Computer: Studies show that the light emitting from your computer can trick your mind into thinking it's time to be awake. This is a step I haven't mastered yet. Still working on it.
Bedroom: You should not watch television in your bedroom. I know sometimes when we are in pain and need to be away from it all on the heating pad in our bedroom this is sometimes a necessity. I try to avoid watching t.v in bed. Think of it this way, your bedroom should be just that. The place you sleep and one other activity I don't need to mention here. Make your bedroom your sanctuary, paint it a warm color that you love decorate it for your comfort.
Scent Ritual: Jasmine and Lavender are both calming essential oils. While getting ready for bed, I spray lavender all around my room. I also have lavender pillow mist. When I get into bed I rub lavender lotion on my hands, temples, and neck.
Noise: I started using a noise machine years ago. I cannot sleep in complete silence. When at home I set my noise machine to "Ocean" waves, this is very relaxing for me. White noise is helpful to me also. When traveling I use my I-Pod . I have a few relaxing albums I play. Music is a little difficult for me because my mind tends to pay attention to the changes in tempo. I cannot sleep with a television on.
Regular Hours: Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. I use the word "try" because we all have fluctiating schedules, but it's a good way to train your body.
Exercise: Try to get some excersise in during the day. I know for many of you that is sometims quite limited. But even just walking around your house and stretching can help. I really like stretching when I first wake up and before I go to bed. It seems to warm up my body.
The thing is, even with all these things that I do I still experience sleepless nights. I do take Ambien and am amazed that I can be wide awake while on it. I know of people that take it and are asleep within 10 minutes. Wow! Jealous!
I'm hoping this may give some of you a little relief.
May you sleep tonight.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
New Year
So last year I made a New Year's resolution. The first one ever. I resolved not to be in an Emergency Department for the entire year. If you don't count the 4 surgeries and the boat trip to a medical clinic in the British Virgin Islands, then I Won!!!! Woo Hoo! This year I'm going for no surgeries in 2012. And since the Mayans said we're all dying in 2012 then I won't have to make any more resolutions. That is all.
Live Long and Prosper my friends,
Leigha
Live Long and Prosper my friends,
Leigha
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