Quick Note re: REAL Video

You have until June 16th to submit your photo, name, age and where you live for my REAL video project.

If your name is NOT on this list, you have NOT submitted a photo or all the information required.

If you want to be part of this Fibromyalgia Awareness Video, please submit the above details by June 16th to fibromodem@bigpond.com

Andrea Mitchell

Angel Mullin

Angela Bowery

 Angie Blair

Anna Lewis

Antoinette Spivey

Bashakei Francis

Christina Kessinger

Christina Lewis

Christy Moore

Dawn Nulph

Diane Penyige

Ellen Gonzales

Esther Oulette

Greg Jones

Heather Garner

Jaci Buntin

Janet Quinn

Jennifer Smith

 Jennifer Tatta

Jill Sims

Joanna Pye

Kate Roberts

Katie Hamilton

Kim Taylor

Laura Milligan

Leanne Venables

Lisa-Marie McCarthy

Lizette Short

Luanne Thompson

Lynne Ackley

Lynne Amherst

Mary-Ann Bourgeois

Matt Lee

Michaelle Rowe

Mike Erickson

Nicole Freeman

Nikki Barr

Pat Blavatt

Paula Rayner-Randolph

Phyllis Michelle Murphy

Rebecca Crowers

Renee Furlow

Sarah Cox

Sarah VanOver

Sharon Derhak

Shyetta Brown

Sonia Ochoa

Steph Kelly

Stephanie Agudelo

 Stephanie Evans

Susan Bowlby Pietsch

Tara Sheard

Terri O’Mahony

Tina Reeder

Trevor O’Mahony

Wendi Weiner

Yvonne Hess

***Please note this list was produced prior to the post on Facebook earlier today (anyone who sent a picture today will not be on this list!)

Gastric Reflux & FM – More Sleep Problems?

FibroMAGICians are also prone to developing other ailments, gastric reflux being one of them. And if gastric reflux and fibromyalgia strike together, it is essential that you address both conditions as early as possible.

Do you get this problem?

I have a lap-band, as well as all of the above. So when I have a problem, I never know which thing is acting up.

Gastric reflux is a common problem for many people now, effecting around 6% of the population. The reflux occurs because the acids produced in the stomach for digestion purposes escape out of the stomach and splash up into the esophagus.

The reflux occurs when the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), a muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach, fails to close properly. When this happens, the acids and food from the stomach can freely move into the esophagus.

Symptoms that suggest you are suffering from gastric reflux are a burning sensation in the throat, chest pains, nausea, cough and difficulty swallowing.

So, how does gastric reflux affect fibromyalgia?

For FibroMAGICians, they will generally find the almost-always present sleep problems more difficult if gastric reflux occurs. The sleep disturbances of fibromyalgia can become a complete deprivation of sleep when gastric reflux gets in the way.

Some people believe that fibromyalgia is caused by sufferers failing to reach deep stages of sleep. On the other hand, other suggests that sleep disturbance is a symptom of fibromyalgia. No matter which view you take, the lack of proper sleep can worsen any condition.

One of the main complications of gastric reflux is that it can worsen at night while we are sleeping. The reason for this is as we are lying down it is easier for the acid to leak out of the LES and into the esophagus.

If you decide to try some of the over-the-counter medications to relieve the feeling, be sure to tell the pharmacist that you have fibromyalgia and if you are taking any medications.

You could also consider changing your sleeping position to try to keep the acids in your stomach while you’re sleeping. Sleeping with your head and upper body elevated is the most favorable position.

When it comes to diet, some of the options are rather depressing:

• Be sensible with your food choices, avoid spicy foods and drinks that contain caffeine as these can aggravate reflux symptoms.
• Stay away from alcohol and try to eat smaller meals more often rather than eating big meals in one go. This will take the pressure off your digestive system as it breaks down and processes the food.
• It is also recommended to not eat in the 3 hours before going to bed, again to allow your digestive system to do its work before you lie down.

Alleviating the effects of gastric reflux for fibroMAGICians is crucial as it can really improve your sleep, which is vital (and we need all the help we can get!)

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