Comments for Is There a Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Traumatic Stress? at http://belleruthnaparstek.com , comment 1 to 6 out of 6 comments http://belleruthnaparstek.com Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:23:18 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://belleruthnaparstek.com/ask-belleruth/is-there-a-connection-between-fibromyalgia-and-traumatic-stress.html#comment-780 Dr. Hovey and others. I am a psychotherapist and I see many people with PTSD who do not have CFS or FMS. Do you have a sense of why some trauma sufferers with PTSD get CFS/FMS and others do not? - Walter Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:03:36 +0100 http://belleruthnaparstek.com/ask-belleruth/is-there-a-connection-between-fibromyalgia-and-traumatic-stress.html#comment-777 100% YES!! In my professional experience in health psychology and mind-body medicine I can report that 100% of my patients/clients with FMS have a history of trauma (often childhood sexual abuse or/and neglect, and spiritual trauma in addition of physical trauma.) In fact most of my patient/clients with other autoimmune disorders and somatic complaints, digestive upsets, diffuse pain syndromes, and inflammatory conditions also share this history. I believe Imagery, biofeedback, mindful awareness, deep grief work, boundary-setting, and especially Lifespan Integration Therapy (which utilizes imagery) have the keys to healing the body's well-intentioned but maladaptive pattern of self-protection and hypervigilance. Thank you Belleruth for your valuable contribution to this inquiry. Karen Gorrin, MA, LMHC Bellevue, Washington - karen gorrin, ma, lmhc Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:05:43 +0100 http://belleruthnaparstek.com/ask-belleruth/is-there-a-connection-between-fibromyalgia-and-traumatic-stress.html#comment-773 I was witness to a horrific Car/Train accident several years ago..the resulting terror when ever I came upon a train..in real life, on TV or even a set of train tracks ,I would seize up and the trembling wouldn't stop for hours..this lasted for 3 years or more...I have since been searching for answers to vague pains and symptoms.I have had blood work done for R.A. LUPUS, etc..and all tests have come back within "normal" limits..yet the pain and discomfort continue.....I am convinced after reading this article that my symptoms are not "in my head" and there is a scientific basis for everything I am experencing...I have some new found info to discuss with the M.D. thank you - Wendy Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:04:28 +0100 http://belleruthnaparstek.com/ask-belleruth/is-there-a-connection-between-fibromyalgia-and-traumatic-stress.html#comment-772 The connection is very real and is something I see in many of my clients. One of the treatment modalities that produces rapid, positive results is manual lymphatic drainage. Stress and trauma cause / respond to the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The SNS is concerned with survival and shuts down systems not directly involved with the flight or fight response. That would include digestion and the immune system (lymphatic system). The result in the tissues is a build up of cellular waste material that generates regional inflammation and pain. Manual lymphatic drainage assists in the removal of these waste products and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces stress, decreases pain, and stimulates the continued operation of the lymphatic system. This work coupled with emotional release for the old trauma(s) produces very gratifying results for my clients. - Diane Hovey, Ph.D. Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:47:00 +0100 http://belleruthnaparstek.com/ask-belleruth/is-there-a-connection-between-fibromyalgia-and-traumatic-stress.html#comment-771 i was diagnosed with ME/CFS earlier this year after having turbulent emotional and physical health for the last 6 years. My worst episodes followed very hectic and stressful times, when there have been alot of external pressures. i would definately say that even when i was physically healthy in my mid teen years, i lived in 'fight/flight' mode due to domestic unrest. these last years has definately felt like an accumulation of symptons building in my body, until eventually i collapsed. i think that unrecognised shock and truama from those difficult years with my family was the trigger. I do not blame my family but i do not think i dealt with the true emotions i felt at the time, all i remember is being very angry. - emily neale Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:28:21 +0100 http://belleruthnaparstek.com/ask-belleruth/is-there-a-connection-between-fibromyalgia-and-traumatic-stress.html#comment-770 My two cents: I have been on two very different types of medications over the years that have mimicked fibromyalgia symptoms. I cannot take any anti-depressants-they give me muscular side effects. (I have taken an anxiety med that has worked well). And I was prescribed Prilosec--OTC (over the counter) by my gastroenterologist for chronic reflux and Barret's esophagus. Prilosec, its basic ingredient very common in over the counter meds, gave me even more severe muscle ache, pain, and tightness than the anti-depressants. When I looked up the drug on line, the side effects listed could be those similar to the effects of Fibromyalgia. And when I stopped taking it, those symptoms went away. It is my belief that there are alot of unknown, misunderstood conditions that arise with people that are a product of the drugs we are taking; drugs that are both purchased over the counter and prescribed by our trusted physicians, and drugs that are not tested enough and too easily approved of by the powerful pharmaceutical lobby. - Annette Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:56:41 +0100