Helping others really helps ourselves.

My wife and I are currently volunteering at a christian organization that helps men after recovering from addictions.  I want to give back for the years when others were helping me.  I have always wanted to help others even when I was so sick myself.  One way I have been able to help others is to just listen to other people that have fibro/cfs.  With the internet we can chat, e-mail, answer questions in an online support group from our homes.  I have been doing this for over 17 years now.  I have learned so much from others and feel that I may have helped them cope with these illnesses.  It really does take one to understand a hidden illness like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue.  As this blog states, I started my recovery from fibro/cfs in January 2011.  By the first week in September 2011 we were out volunteering at this ministry. 

We have known and helped support the director and his wife for many years through our church.  But to be able to help in a physical way is very rewarding.  God has used us in many ways over the years but then we were kind of sidelined when my fibro/cfs became incapacitating.  My wife took care of me for many years because I needed 24/7 care.  Now that my fibro/cfs is in recovery we are physically able to do more for God. 

As I started my recovery last year I was able to get my drivers license back after 16 years.  I left my wheelchair behind and got off most of the drugs that had been prescribed.  I had done support work through the Internet for many years and saw many people that appreciated my efforts.  Last fall we started a new phase in our service to others when we came to www.cvmutah.com to help.  We have grown and been blessed by our service to others and seeing these men develop and grow in the Lord is wonderful to be a part of this experience. 

We continue to come here in the mountains to help as needed.  We are currently serving a couple of weeks so the directors wife could go and visit here daughter and grandson.  My wife cooks and I help the men with vocational training and daily living learning.  We spent a day north of here helping to finish an auditorium and entry for a church.  I was able to install much of the drop ceiling during a long day.  We teach the men that are here about many vocational experiences through helping others.  Last fall we helped a man that had part of his home burn in a fire.  This ministry gives helping hands to many other christian groups along with individuals.  Through our labor we teach the men physical work that they will take with them the rest of their lives. 

We spend time in bible study each day with the men with a desire to teach them not to do things only for themselves but for others.  Learning how to do it "the right way" the way the boss (staff that have more experience) is tough for men to learn because they have lived their adult lives pleasing themselves.  We hope to teach that our way is not God's way.  By serving others we help ourselves grow and become useful.  Have you volunteered lately.  Even from your home you can serve others through the Internet.  Be the example that God wants you to be.

I have a website called www.recoveryfromfibro.com that has many articles that are beneficial to people with fibro/cfs or people that love them.  There is also a place to ask questions that may concern you about fibro/cfs and the recovery that I have had.  I also have a facebook page called http://www.facebook.com/#!/recoveryfromfibro that also has lots of info for fibro/cfs people.

UPDATE FOR OCTOBER

Wow it keeps getting better.  In August we met a couple we had known for years, they have a ministry to men that need a second chance.  it’s called Christian Vocational Ministries and can be found at www.cvmutah.com .  We got talking and they mentioned that they could use some help.  They need a cook (funny thing Deb, my wife, is a great cook and loves it.  They also need someone to help supervise the guys and teach them life skills.  Things like how to balance a checkbook and how to type a letter in a word-processing program.  Some also need help getting their GED’s. 

Well we prayed about it then acted.  We went for a visit and spent much of our time there since.  We love the area (mountains, 6000 feet, small town (350 residents) in mid Utah.  It’s about a two and a half hour drive from our home.  The guys responded well to us and love Deb’s cooking… They even started making request for food they had not had since their grandmother made them. 

I was concerned about how I would handle the work hours and the climate( we had snow already).  But I did fine, but found that the 12 hour days went better if I could get a nap in the afternoon.  We will see how the winter goes this year.  Where we live the winter days are in the mid 60’s so it’s a change for us.

We are home now for about a month.  Deb had to have surgery and will need a month before she can return to the mountains.  We are looking forward to returning to CVM and enjoy the work.  We have our own apartment and are able to do as we wish there.  We have most meals together with the men and other staff.

We think we have our house sold, this is a real blessing because we plan to start traveling next spring.  We are still planning on traveling around the US and Canada doing “Fibrohugs Reunions in the park” and sharing my story.  My book is coming along and we hope it will be published early next year.  I am in the process of getting jewelry, shirts and hats that we can sell to pay for the Fibrohugs website.  It has been down for a while and we are meeting on facebook.  But it would be a real blessing to have it back up and running.

I have a new website designed to support people that want more information on how to recover from fibro.  It’s at www.recoveryfromfibro.com  I will be back to post again next month… If you have questions or want to communicate with me, write me at fmsjerry@gmail.com.

Thanks

FMSJerry

WE ARE IN THE FINAL STRETCH

I got some good news this last trip to the Fibro & Fatigue Center.  Because of the improvement they don’t feel that any more chelation therapy is necessary for me.  I will continue on the supplements that I am taking for the rest of this year. After that I will be just on some maintains supplements to make sure my body has all the minerals it needs to work well. 

What a fantastic year this has been for me.  Going from what I was to what I am today has been a BIG change.  Even when visiting my MD she was astounded at the change in my health.  I had to see the cancer doctors and the urology doctors this last week.  They both told me that I don’t have to come back, unless there is a problem. 

SO AM I CURED???  Well I won’t say that, but my health and ability to do things has changed 95 percent this last year.  I was housebound, in a wheelchair and had not driven in over 15 years.  Now I am driving again, doing almost all I want to do (in moderation).  Do I still take a nap in the afternoon, sometimes.  But my quality of life has been so much improved that it’s hard to describe.  Will I return to the working world???  That is another good question.  I am being told to wait and see if this last for over a year, then my doctor might give me the go ahead and go back to work.  So we will see what happens.

Would I recommend that you try a natural approach to your health?  That’s a no brainer, after seeing what it has done for me, it’s hard to not tell everyone to do it. 

If you have any questions I can help with please contact me.   I will be continuing to post here monthly to let you know how I am doing…

God Bless…

FMSJerry

ANOTHER CHAPTER IN MY STORY

I had my last scheduled chelation (IV) this last week.  The doctor thinks that they have done all that they will do for me and I agree.  I have not seen a lot of improvement because of them for a couple of months.  They say now that you only normally need six chelation treatments in the beginning to get your system going.  Then the supplements will take over and continue the process. 

This will save us the cost of travel, hotels and food in restaurants when traveling, that will help a lot.  I was surprised at how much we have spent in medical travel expenses this year.  More than the medical treatment and because it’s in Las Vegas Nevada the hotels are all below $50.00 per night(where we stay).  

I just ordered all my supplements again and learned that I still have three problems.  The latest blood test came back to show that I am loosing Iron.  The doctor said that it’s unusual for a male to have his Iron content drop.  He thinks I must be bleeding either in my kidneys or in my gut.  My testosterone level is still low and he suggested I up my dosage.  Also my Aldosterone level is low, (a hormone that the adrenal glands make).  So he has put me on an additional supplement to help this. 

I will be seeing my MD at the VA this week and will request that she check me to find out where I am loosing Iron.  Also will have her increase my Testosterone by half again so that my levels will be in line. 

I am dealing with some pain from sleeping on a hard bed for two nights while in Las Vegas.  But if you’re a fibro patient you know that these usually resolve themselves in about three days.  So I should be good to go tomorrow. 

Another trip this week to Salt Lake City to see several specialist at the VA hospital.  I am having a spot checked on my back for cancer.  Also will be getting two new pair’s of glasses ordered.  I wear one to drive and normal things and the second pair has prisms to allow me to read better.  These became necessary after what can only be described as a stroke in 2008.  There is no evidence of a stroke in my MRI but the eye specialist said that is the only thing that explains my eye problems.  It was necessary to have eye surgery to correct my sight problems after this event. 

Till next time…

FMSJerry

SEE MY NEW WEBSITE DEDICATED TO HELP OTHERS WITH FIBRO/CFS START THEIR RECOVERY FROM FIBRO.

ANOTHER GREAT VISIT

Well I was back to the Fibro and Fatigue Center last week for more treatment.  To be sure I am getting the right supplements they took another 14 vials of blood.  I should have the results this next week when I go back.  Of course I had the two bags of IV meds twice while I was there.

This month has been strange, my wife is with her parents in Michigan and I am alone.  This has happened each year, but this year I don’t have an aide coming in daily, I am able to drive and I am allowed to cook food.  In the past the aides have cooked for me at least one hot meal.  My wife did make meals that could be microwaved to heat.  But I was not allowed to cook.  Just because I had brain fog and caught the kitchen on fire she band me from cooking… Go figure??  Well this year I am doing so much better, I have been out of the house everyday.  I have had some nice meals and have gone out with friends. 

I will be driving back to Las Vegas next Wednesday for treatments on Wed afternoon and Thursday morning.  Then will stay over and pick my wife up at the airport Thursday evening.  On Friday we plan to go to Bull Head City, AZ to see an electric vehicle that we are considering purchasing.  This little thing is 32” wide and will take both of us and our dog up to 30 miles.  We plan on having one when we start our travels so we can use it to get around in national parks and even RV parks that we stay at.  Because my wife had replacement knees and I am just getting my muscles back in shape we will use one of these “crickets”.  It will fit in the back of my pickup under the shell for transportation.  

Till next time…

FMSJerry

SEE MY NEW WEBSITE DEDICATED TO HELP OTHERS WITH FIBRO/CFS START THEIR RECOVERY FROM FIBRO. 

THINGS ARE CONTINUING TO LOOK UP!!

     Well another visit with my doctor.  Things are going great and I am really encouraged.  I have been able to get out and really have some fun.  I got on a 4 wheeler for the first time since 1994 and it felt great.  My remission has continued and if I don’t do stupid things I continue to enjoy not being in pain. 

     My doctor tells me that I will be off the chelation and most of the supplements by the end of this year.  I will take some supplements to help maintain my remission.  But won’t need to see the Fibro and Fatigue Center Doctor unless I have a relapse.  I will do everything in  my power to prevent a relapse.  Life is so much better when you aren’t in pain. 

     I had to see my dentist for a couple of broken teeth.  A few years ago my teeth all fell apart in about six months.  Back then we didn’t know that fibro/cfs does not allow your body to use calcium correctly.  Most of my upper teeth have been caped with porcelain caps.   Now we are starting on the bottom.  The VA pays for my teeth because they are effected by my fibro which is service connected.  This is not a fun process but one that is necessary.  I also have to have my spine checked every two years, because I have Osteoporosis from the fm. 

     Just some things to watch out for if you have FM/CFIDS.  We are closer to having a website set-up to support people medically with chronic conditions that want to get better.  We are just waiting on the final steps. 

Till next time God Bless… 

FMSJerry

P.S.:  We have not sold the house so I guess that means we will be here for a while.  But God has his timing and we will wait on him.  In the meantime I can get my teeth fixed and finish my treatments at the Fibro & Fatigue Center. 

ONE MORE TIME

     Well I went down to the clinic for another treatment… All went well and I don’t have to go back for three weeks. At that time I will see the doctor again and see if I can stretch out the visits more. We will also be talking about my starting to get of some of the supplements.

     Can you believe how much things have changed in only six months.  When I went to the clinic the first time on January 4th 2011 I was as they say a train wreck.  I was in tremendous pain, using an electric wheelchair to get around and spending most of my days in bed.  What a change in six short months.  I am  now in remission and free of pain( for the most part).  I only have muscle pain when I over do.  Course that is hard for me, I am a type “A” personality.  I want to do everything I did before the “big crash”.

     I have been able to take care of my own yard this summer, help get the house ready to sell.  I also have completed my honey do list.  I still have things I want to get done.  But I have learned with the heat that I have to take it slow.  Our heat is now in the 90’s daily and so that seems to sap my strength.   I take a nap in the afternoon most days.  I am not cured, only in remission.  I pray for a long time… But I do understand that the beast could come back… So I have not given up my disability nor have I made plans to return to work.  I would like to think that will come, but I have to be realistic. 

     For now the doctor thinks that I will be free of chelation treatments and all the supplements by the end of this year.   I am just down to a few pills that I have to take for blood pressure and my thyroid problem.  Life is so much better not having to take 29 different prescriptions.

Till next time….   

FMSJerry

ADICTION IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH CHRONNICALLY ILL PATIENTS!

     My doctor told me some very interesting things which I would like to share. First of all he told me that some patients get addicted to being ill. They like the attention of a chronic illness, and when they are told that there is no cure they totally believe it. Yes I know there is no cure for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue, but there are things that you can do that can take away the pain and get your life back. Second if they do go somewhere that has a good treatment, they don’t expect to get better and don’t. Even when they spend many thousands of dollars a year for treatment, the pain meds, and the companionship of others that really do understand will hamper their recovery.

      I am a skeptic and don’t take anything at face value. Especially as it pertains to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Too many times I have hoped for a cure over the years and it didn’t happen. Our CDC was given money for ten years to do research on Fibromyalgia, I was hopeful that they could make some great strides. Then a whistle blower came forward to state that the CDC had diverted all the money to other projects and none was spent as congress had appropriated, for fibromyalgia research.

     The power of positive thinking is one tool that we all have to help ourselves. Another is watching what we eat. Our eating habits are more important that almost anything improving out immune system and how we feel daily. This has been a struggle for me because I was raised on a farm where you worked hard and eat hard. Now I understand how important the right foods that we put in our mouths are for our health.

      Be open to different treatments, I had allergies very bad and it was really affecting my health. I could no longer process dairy products, eat any kind of nuts from a tree and had lots of environmental allergies. I was pointed to a kinesiologist by another doctor of mine. I didn’t understand what this was all about but was at a place where I needed to know. This doctor ran a device up my spine then he put a vial of the item I was allergic to in my sock. He said to keep this vial on my body for twenty four hours. After that I had no more problems with that particular item. I returned till he had all my allergies under control. Did I understand what he was doing? Not in the least but it worked and after sending friends to him, they had the same success. This opened my eyes to other forms of medicine besides the traditional, which for the most part had failed me.

     When I learned about chelation therapy I was again skeptical, but I wanted to know more. I contacted over one hundred people to see if the therapy worked. These people were random and all thought there were some varying degrees of success, they all said it was worth it. The common theme was, be sure to follow the plan set out for you by your doctor. When I went to get this treatment the staff thought I was a train wreck and didn’t think they could help me. But the doctor felt that there was some hope and they started treatment that day. Now just five months later I am a totally different person. What I want to say is don’t dismiss new forms of treatment without at least investigating them. No nothing works for everyone with these diseases, but it’s sure never to work if you are not open to them and are willing to at least investigate new treatment that comes along. Am I cured of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue? NO and at the rate medical science is going, I don’t expect a cure in my lifetime. But do I have to live with pain and be bedridden, absolutely “NO”. Just keep an open mind; twenty thousand patients have come through the centers that I started last January 4^th. I have yet to hear one patient tell me that it wasn’t worth every penny.

Till next time,

FMSJerry

I FOUND THIS ARTICLE AND THOUGHT IT MIGHT HELP!

What is Kelation or Chelation?

X

LaTasha Favors

LaTasha Favors has been writing professionally since 2008. She specializes in travel- and health-related topics and has published articles on various websites, including Search-costa-rica.com and MyFrenchRealEstate.com.

By LaTasha Favors, eHow Contributor?

Since its beginning in the 1940s, chelation has been widely used for the treatment of a number of medical conditions. Chelation is the process of removing toxic heavy metals and excessive mineral deposits in the body. It is done with the use of chelating agents, particularly EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid). Chelation has been scientifically proven to be an effective form of treatment and has since been used by physicians and alternative-medicine practitioners for over 20 years.

1. History of Chelation

o The use of chelation for the treatment of medical conditions was discovered accidentally. EDTA chelation was originally used to treat people suffering from lead poisoning. The effectiveness of this treatment led scientists to study more about the process and to learn about its other therapeutic effects. For example, according to the Artery Health Institute, a study consisting of 92 patients referred for surgical intervention was conducted. At the close of the study only 10 out of the 92 patients required surgery. Such conducted studies led to discoveries that chelation can also be an effective alternative in the treatment of other health conditions.

Conditions that Can Be Treated with Chelation

o In addition to lead poisoning, chelation has been found to be effective in treating several kinds of illnesses and disorders. Many of these diseases are relatively common and had been considered incurable in the past. Some of the illnesses found to be curable with chelation include cataracts and other eye disorders such as those caused by macular degeneration of the retina and diabetic retinopathy, emphysema, heart-valve calcification, arthritis and Parkinson's disease, among others.

How Chelation Works

o Excessive mineral deposits and toxic heavy metals may lodge in the tissues and fluids of the body and cause harm. The amino acid (EDTA) used in chelation binds itself to these minerals and toxic metals. Since EDTA is foreign to the body and is regarded as an intruder, the immune system reacts and signals defense cells to destroy it. In this process, the unwanted minerals and toxic heavy metals are also destroyed. These are transformed into waste products and flushed out of the body through the kidneys.

Types of Chelation

o Chelation can be performed in two ways: orally and by intravenous injection. Oral chelation is executed primarily by ingestion and can be done at home without professional help. Intravenous chelation, however, may need to be carried out by a qualified practitioner. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages. Intravenous injection chelation, for instance, may be more effective than oral chelation because it is injected directly into the blood stream. Oral chelation, however, may be preferred by many because of its more-affordable cost.

Dangers Associated With Chelation

o Though chelation may be a widely used method in treating common diseases, continued and prolonged use of this type of treatment may be dangerous. This is because the process may not only remove harmful and toxic chemicals and excess minerals in the body but the needed minerals and nutrients as well. As a result, the body may be deprived of essential nutrients and the immune system may be impaired. This may result in complications such as kidney damage and cardiac arrhythmia.

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MORE PROGRESS TO REPORT!

I had a visit with my doctor during my visits to the clinic the last two days.  He feels that I have progressed where we can cut down the chelation therapy to two treatments every third week.  This will help with cutting travel cost and get me on the road to not needing these treatments.  He told me he would be cutting my supplements as this year progresses.  The plan for next year and the years to come is to only get a tune-up every quarter.  I will still be on some supplements but not anywhere near the quantity I take now.  Below is a list of my supplements.  These are recommended for me by my doctor and also supplied by the center inclusive for the first year of treatment.:

E	B	A	N	TOTAL DAILY	DESCRIPTION
	1	1	1	3	TWO PHASE ENZYMES FOR DIGESTION
1			1	2	NEURO B-12(UNDER TOUNG) METHULOCOBOLAMIN 5MG SL
	1		1	2	SUPER PROBIOTICS
	2		2	4	RELEASE & RENEW
	2		2	4	MAG MALATE PLUS ( DO NOT TAKE WITHIN 2 HRS OF THYROID
	1			1	1/4 SCOOP REBOSE PLUS POWDER
	1		1	2	CO Q 10 400
1				1	7 KETO DHEA 50MG
	1		1	2	OMEGA-3
			3	3	REST & RESTORE
			1	1	MELATONIN 3MG
1				1	TRILODO=L=THYRONNE SOD SR(f) 26MG
	1		1	2	CHL-LESS
	2			2	D3-5000
	1		1	2	NERO ALERT
	1		2	3	TRANQUILITY
	1	1	1	3	CHELATED IRON
			1	1	IN HARMONY

Something happened that I have to tell you about.  After my appointment with the doctor he ask if he could have a hug and during the hug he prayed for me and my recovery.  That was a totally new and awesome thing to happen.  I am so glad I have a praying doctor that really cares for his patients.  BTW I have been using the term k-elation which is a European term, the term in America is chelation.  I hope this encourages you to seek out this kind of treatment. 

Till next time

FMSJerry

I FINALLY GOT THE MONKEY OFF MY BACK!!

     I was able to get off the last addictive drug this weekend.  It feels great not to be on pain medications any more.   The difference is the chelation treatments that I get at the Fibro and Fatigue Center.   They have taken all the pain away.   I am now going every other week for two days of treatment.  What is nice is that I can drive there myself.  THAT WAS NOT POSSIBLE JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO.  I had one last procedure done to open my throat after I had surgery to keep the acid reflux down.  But they got it too tight and I could hardly swallow pills.  A surgeon friend from our church went in and enlarged the throat so I don’t have problems with not being able to take things down.

  

     Life has really changed for me, I am now able to do all the honey do list that my wife has accumulated over the last few years.  When we first moved here I hired a man to come and do all the things that needed to be done.  But for the last six years or so not much has been done.   Our youngest son is also coming over and helping with things like painting.   My arms and legs are still very week and I have to go slow and easy with anything that I do.  I am hoping that I will get my strength back as time goes on.

     For anyone that has a chronic pain problem the new Chronicity Inc. may be the answer.   The Fibro and Fatigue Centers have changed their name to help others with pain problems besides just Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue.   My problem now is sleeping long enough; I wake early and want to get going.  We are in the process of getting the house ready to sell and so all the closets have to be gone through.  It takes time and lots of work to get everything uncluttered and ready to show the house.  We should be ready in about another week.  We will be starting the paperwork on the house this week and then they can start showing it when we are ready.

     I have talked to the staff at the FF Clinics and they are amazed at the change in me in just over four months.  I will continue to work on this blog each time I go to the clinic.  I think of you go back to my most early post you will see that life was really tough for me and I give the Praise to God and the FF Clinic for the change in me.  People are saying that my whole personality has changed, what they don’t know is this is me fifteen years ago.  I am more outspoken and willing to talk today when before I was in so much pain I didn’t talk much.

     I hope some of you will take what I have shared in this blog and see that you too can be free of pills that control the pain.  My VA doctor is floored that I don’t need narcotics just to get through the day. 

Till next time,

Jerry

WHAT’S NEW IN MY LIFE

     Well it’s been a while and thing have continued to change for the good.   I am now off all narcotics and several other chemical drugs.  I am having a problem with my stomach and bowels but think it's because of all the drugs I was taking.  Because of the chelation treatments I no longer need to take any kind of pain meds.  Before when on narcotics I had a hard time having bowl movements.  Now things have really changed, I am like normal again.  The people at Fibro & Fatigue Center in Las Vegas are totally aghast!  They didn’t think they could help me (except for my doctor) and now they can’t believe the difference in me.  

     I believe that it was two things; first I have a strong faith in God and believe that he was in my recover.  Then I had  checked out the clinics with over one hundred of their patients.  Emailing them and asking questions.  See their Site at http://www.fibroandfatigue.com.  I didn’t want to spend lots of money on someplace that didn’t know what they were doing.   The wonderful thing is that the first time I went in there office I knew that they got it!  I find because I was basically down for fifteen years that I am still weak and have to take lots of breaks.  But again I am back to doing all the honey ‘do list items that have piled up over the years. 

     We have decided to do some traveling over the next two years or so.  We want to see the country and visit family, friends and FMS/CFIDS friends here and in Canada.  So we are spit shining the house and getting everything sorted.  We will be having a big moving sale to get rid of things that we don’t think we will use later.  My youngest son is helping get lots of little things done also.  He will be painting all the trim, molding and doors inside and out so it’s fresh.

     I am great at making list and doing small jobs myself.  It’s so GREAT to have a life back.  Our youngest has just built a new home and we will be storing our belongings there in his unfinished bonus room, and pay him for storage instead of a storage company.   We are excited to be able to travel again.  We purchased a new truck and are ordering a custom travel trailer that has power jacks and things to make it easier for us.  I will be continuing this blog so you can see how I progress over the next year or so. 

     Please put a comment on my blog so I know who is reading these post… I hope they have helped you…

Your Fibro Friend;
Jerry

I AM GETTING OFF THE MEDS!!

     We are working off the morphine and other chemicals that I have been taking for many years.  The morphine is going great and I am down to 90mg from 240mg per day.  I have not seen any side effects from dropping these drugs.  I quit the Vicodin (lor tab) with no side effects.  I still grab a Vicodin if I am in extra pain but that is only about once in three to four weeks.

     BUT I have been taking Ativan to help with my emotions and arachnophobia for 15 years.  This one is kicking my rear, I knew that it would be harder because I have ran out before and I get the Hebe Gebies, like snakes crawling inside me all the time.  I found out that I should have only been on this for a few months not the many years.  I was taking 1mg tab twice a day, now we have cut the night in half.  This week has been a very long week.  In two weeks we will drop the morning to one half a tab both morning and night.  I am hoping that this drug will get out of my system and will be gone in a month or so.  

     I am back to losing weight, course it helped last week when I was too sick in the stomach to eat.  But I have gone from 212 to 194.  I think it's a combination of more exercise and less sweet food.  I am excited and want to get down to about 185.  This has been a very exciting thing for me.

     My pain level is way down and it very livable, unless I do too much.  Saturday I had my son and grandson here to clean up my yard for the spring.  They pulled any weeds, trimmed my Palm Tree and mowed my lawn.  I helped some, mostly getting drinks and tools for them.  We then had a big dinner outside and I over ate.  But today I am not much worse for the wear except for the effects of the Ativan.  

     It is also exciting go know that I can get in my Truck and go if I want.  That is a freedom that I have not had for 15 years.  My mind continues to clear and I am looking at some long term goals that will be different than the life I thought I would lead.  Again I realize that this is not a cure but I don't believe I will ever be as bad as I was at the start of this adventure last January.  

     Life has really changed for me and speaking of change the Fibro and Fatigue Centers are changing their name to Chronicity Inc.  They are expanding into other areas as well to help people that are having problems with long term medical problems.  See more information at http://www.chronicityinc.com.  

     I hope this blog has helped you and I would love to hear from you and see your response.

Till next time;
Jerry

ANOTHER WEEK OF TREATMENTS

    Well I headed down to Las Vegas on Wed this week for more treatments.  Because my wife is still in rehab for her new knee a friend went down with me.  I am thankful that he did, I was tired when I started out.  I did a lot of running around on Tuesday so I got to rest on the way down and he drove.  I filled up with gas in town for $3.57 and when we got to Las Vegas the average was close to $4.00 per gal.  I drove in town and we went and had my two relation treatments.  Afterward we went to Fry's to check out what they had in computer components and purchase some.  Then we went to a buffet for dinner and by the time we were through we were both tired.  We stayed at the Air Force Inn on Nellis Air Force Base.

     Thursday we stopped for breakfast then headed to the clinic for two more treatments.  I was exhausted by then and my friend drove home.  I am finding if I can get out one day I need to rest the next day.  But it's not always possible so having a friend along made the trip doable.  I am not taking any Vicodin (lortab )  for pain and am down to less than half of the morphine that I was taking.  In the next month I will not be taking any morphine at all.  We are also removing any chemical drugs that we can.  I will have to take blood pressure pills, thyroid replacement and Testosterone for life.  The doctor is very happy with my results and so are we. I never guessed that I would be feeling this much better in such a short period of time.  I am still having trouble with muscle control because I have not worked them very hard for the last 15 years.  That will come over time.  I easily get cramps and have to stop and rub or stop all together what I am doing.  I only have used my electric wheelchair once in the last month and that was in Fry's which is like the size of a mall.

     I have to tell you if you have to sell your first born ( just a joke) it's worth all the cost of going to the FFC clinics for treatment.  First they know what they are talking about with Fibro and Chronic Fatigue and second they can help you feel better.  THEY CAN NOT CURE YOU because the cause of Fibro/Chronic Fatigue  is still unknown.  But they work to get your immune system working and that cures lots of the problems by itself.  The chelation (iv's) also are a great key. I am still taking the back and pain one along with the one that works on your brain to clear the fibro fog.  Check out http://www.fibroandfatigue.com/ and find a clinic near you.

     I am hoping and we all should be working to make this type of treatment main stream until a cure is found.  It would be great if insurance companies, Medicare, the VA and others would reimburse for this treatment that will ultimately save them many thousands of dollars in the future.  These 15 clinics have treated over 20,000 patients and the majority of the patients that followed the plan are living a much more enjoyable life with little or no pain.

I will continue to keep you informed as I am treated,

Your Fibro Friend

Jerry

WELL LIFE HAS REALLY CHANGED FOR ME!

My wife has had a knee replacement a week ago Tuesday and is now in rehab for two weeks.  I have been going to see her every other day and most having a meal with her.  I have also been planning my trips to town so I get as much done as I can.  That has kept me busy and tired.  I am trying to rest the off days, but now that I am able there is washing to be done, dishes to wash.  I am cooking for the first time in 12 years.  This knee operation was sat-up so fast that Deb did not have time to get meals around for me, but that is ok.  What a difference a few months at the FFC clinic has made for me.

I AM NOT CURED, they just help with the symptoms and not just by covering them up with narcotics.  BTW I am working my way off all the narcotics.  We are dropping morphine at a rate of 30mg per week.  That means in a few weeks I will no longer be on any of them.  Also we are trying to drop all the chemical medications that we can replace with supplements.  I am actually taking more "pills, supplements" now than I was before but that won't be long.

I love driving my new pick-up and won't let Deb drive it when I am there.  I told her we would get her a car that gets better gas millage for her to drive.  It is so nice to go where I want to go and do what I want to when I want to.  It's a whole new freedom.  I know most of you are still driving but are you safe all the time???  That is a big question?  I know that now I am safe and so that gives me the confidence to drive when I want to go somewhere.

Talking with the doctor we decided that the reason I came around so much faster than most is because I had k elation twice weekly instead of monthly.  It cost more for travel but I accomplished in less than three months what most accomplish in six months.  Besides they said I was a train wreck and one of the sickest patients that they seen.  It makes me feel good to know that with extra effort and cost on our part I was able to come a long way in a short time.

We are now working on getting the immune system back to top condition.  I am excited to see what the next few months will bring.  My doctor told me we would be getting more blood test at the beginning of May and see what else we have left to get me as well as possible.

Don't forget if you are going to go to a FFC clinic to tell them that Jerry Booth recommended that you come and get treated.  I want them to know me all over the 15 clinics.  I have so many friends that need this treatment, but can't see how to pay for it.  Well we have our house up for sale.  My wife said it was worth two houses just to see me back to closer to what I was before the Summer of 1994.  That is when this hit me  and took me down full time.

Please let me know if you are planning on going to one of the clinics.  I will be posting the locations and information for you on the page views that are across the top of the start up screen on this blog.

By for now!  I have to take my Grandson fishing for the first time....

Jerry

SOMETHING YOU WON'T BELIEVE!!

I don't know how to explain this except to come right out and state it...   I am BACK.   Over the last few weeks my mind has cleared from the fog!!  I am not 100% there, but anyone that knows me and sees me can see how my success with the program has been.  Lots of people tell me that they can't believe the difference in me.  I feel so much better than I did, I am not in pain all the time, unless I do something stupid.  Deb looked at me the other day on our way to Las Vegas and said" I am so glad you are back."  That was a really big step for me.  I talked with the doctor and he can't believe how far I have come since January 4th.

I have been able to stop taking the Vicodin (loratab) most of the time.  Only when I over do because I feel better do I need it.  I am also weening myself off the morphine and have dropped 60mg from my pill regiment.  I don't know how to explain it... I have started taking the supplements and have had lots of IV's since I started.  As you may know the Fibro Fog is one of the worse parts of the disease.  It's like you had a head cold and I ask you to do some complicated math problems.  My mind has cleared so much over the last two weeks.  The IV's I have taken are for pain and the second one is to clear the mind.  Well it's working....   The doctor and I though it would be a hard time coming because of the depth of what I have been thought.  This disease has thrown everything at me in the last 15 years.  Yet these doctors "saints" know what they are doing and have made a great change in me in this short time.  If it can work for me it will work for you. 

BTW if you do go to a clinic to get started, tell them that Jerry Booth sent you... I can use the discount on my account.

Knowing what and how I feel now I would tell you to get to the closest Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic as soon as you can.  If it can make me feel this good it will help anyone.

NOW the really big announcement.  I will be applying for my drivers license in a couple of weeks!!!  I have not been clear enough to drive in over 15 years and now I am ready to start again.  Just in time because we just purchased a new 2011 Chevy Silverado this last two weeks.  I told Deb she would have to find something else to drive because the truck is mine.

I thank God ever day that I found FFC and that he provided a way for me to go and start on the road to recovery.  Also pray that the VA will recognise this treatment and start paying for veterans to have this treatment instead of giving guys like me $3,000.00 worth of pills a month.  This will save them lots in the long run.  Success is counted one person at a time and I would love to hear that your that person that has started on the road to change.  I don't expect to be healed from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue but if I am able to drive again then it is a giant step in the right direction.  I wonder how I will feel at the end of this year???   Please listen to me and get started on recovery right now.

I AM FEELING BETTER AND DOING TOO MUCH!

     The better I feel the more I want to do.  Of course we know what happens then, I get hurting for doing to much. It's hard when your feeling better not to do more than you should.  I have been able to give up the Vicodin and only use the morphine for pain.  I have less pain now than I did with both of them before starting the program.

     I have to learn to pace myself so I don't do more than I should.  I have been receiving chelation therapy (IV's) for pain and a second one to help with the brain fog.  I can feel the fog lifting a little at a time.  I am able to remember words better and can remember what happened in the near past much better than before.  This is a slow but sure progress, it's exciting to be able to think clearer.  I know that there are and will be days that I fall back.  We had a major weather change this last week and that hit me hard again.  That means I had to spend more time in bed because of the pain and tiredness.

     I am still very excited about this program and as I talk to others they say, "I am not that bad enough yet"  and I wonder how bad you have to get before going for help.  From my experience there is no other doctors that have come close to understanding Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue than the doctors at the FFC.  I know my coming back to a better health will take longer because I have fought this for so long.  The sooner you get started with this the sooner you will feel better.

     This is not a cure, but they will make an individual plan to remove some of the symptoms that cause us so much pain and aggravation. I think a cure is coming some day, but if I can be out of pain and have a working immune system then I know I will feel better.

     We are going back again this week for more IV's and know that each one gets me that much closer.

Till next time,

Jerry

SORRY IT'S BEEN SO LONG BUT I HAVE HAD A MATTER I HAD TO ATTEND TO!

     Well today was another day at the FFC for treatment.  I did not go down last week because of nausea.  I was sick and though it was just something going around.  We found out it was one of the supplements that I was taking.  I stopped taking it and the nausea went away. 

     We went down on Wednesday and came back today.  I had muscle and brain IV's both days.  As I have said  the muscle treatment is to help the muscles develop new cells and to help with the pain.  The brain treatment is to put antioxidants and substance P into the brain.  We with Fibromyalgia are found to be low on substance P which helps the brain cells rebuild and talk to each other.

http://www.fibroandfatigue.com/fibromyalgia.html

     The link above is a one page article put out by the FFC about the problems we with Fibromyalgia have to deal with daily.  I like this article and it is clear how disabling this "CRUD" can be for us lucky people.

     I am feeling much better as far as pain is concerned.  I also feel that my thinking is improving and I don't get tired as much as I used to.  Keep watching this blog I think  you will see a marvelous change in my health in the next 11 months.

Till next time,

Jerry

WELL THE WEATHER IS NOT HELPING!

     I had lots of new things going on with my body this past week and now we have a weather front coming through.  I have been down most of the last three days.  I am not upset by this because I was told up front, that it would get worse before it got better.   Trying to jump start my immune system is a big job and it will take time.  Their concept is to get my immune system going then it and some medicines can fight the diseases that are running around in my system...   One of which is Epstein Barr,  this is a very bad version of mono.  These diseases are able to be in my body because my immune system is so compromised. 

     I am looking forward to feeling so much better but for now I will fight through this CRUD till we can get my body in shape to fight off the simple colds and more.  Just keep praying that I will get back to something like my old self. 

     I can tell of changes because of the lack of need for extra break through pain pills.  Also my mind is clearer now that it has been.  I keep asking if I am going to get a brain like the Tin man.  For the last many years my brain didn't work right and if I got tired it would just shut down.

Best to all of you... and God Bless you...

FMSJerry