Inside This Issue
Men with CFS/FMS
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Environmental Sensitivities
Allergies
4 Easy Recipes of General Cleaning
Guidelines for Non-Toxic Living
No-Cheese Cheesecake
Fibromyalgia Questions and Answers
Following In His Footsteps
The Men's Zone
A Christmas Story
Massage Therapy

The relationship between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia and gender has been a source of confusion and controversy among researchers and patients alike. Although CFS/FMS is clearly more prevalent among women, both illnesses do afflict men as well.

Estimates vary widely as to the proportion of male versus female patients with CFS/FMS. A four-city surveillance study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) identified a CFS population that is 85% female overall. However CDC's Seattle study found that only 59% of the CFS patients were women. A well-publicized study by Jason et. al in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed about 64% of CFS sufferers are women. The estimates of male fibromyalgia sufferers are even smaller. Studies suggest that women make up between 86% and 90% of FMS patients.

The gender gap goes beyond the numbers. Research has shown that FMS symptoms differ between men and women. A recent study in the Journal of Rheumatology found that men with Fibromyalgia seem to have fewer and milder symptoms than female patients, including number/severity of tender points, fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome. However, an Israeli study that compared 40 men and 40 women with FMS, matched by age and educational status, found that men reported more severe symptoms than women, in addition to decreased physical function and lower quality of life. It's clear that more study is needed before the true nature and prevalence of CFS/FMS in men will be known.

But what's a guy with this illness to do in the meantime? It seems obvious that a man's experience with this disease would be quite different from that of a woman, if only because of the sheer numbers.

One man with FMS writes, "at times I do feel isolated being the only male in most support groups. I try to keep my sense of humor." It's A Man's World? A common debate within CFS/FMS discussion forums and support groups is whether male sufferers have it better or worse than their female counterparts. On the one hand, men may have a more difficult time getting diagnosis or treatment since CFS/FMS is generally perceived as a "woman's disease." Balancing this, perhaps, is the widely publicized gender bias in physician's attitudes toward their patients.

One recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that women complaining of chest pain are less likely than men to receive important cardiac testing. Research has also shown that doctors perceive female patients as more likely to make excessive demands on their time, which may be due to women's real tendency to voice more complaints and ask more questions than men do during a typical visit. The same study also found that women's complaints were judged more likely to be influenced by emotional factors.

Still, while the loss of function and quality of life imposed by CFS/FMS is devastating to both men and women, males with this illness may face some additional burdens.

Though gender roles are gradually changing somewhat, men have long been expected to "hunt, feed, and protect the family." Societal roles and expectations strongly influence perceptions of success and self-worth. Many men may base their self-worth on their ability to work, their income potential, or their employment position. Once afflicted with CFS or Fibromyalgia, men often can't meet these expectations and must suffer even greater feelings of failure or letting others down.

Furthermore, males are socialized from a young age not to reveal or express their feelings and fears. The well-known fact that men are less likely to seek counseling or attend support groups suggests that men may experience even greater isolation.

One young man with Fibromyalgia explains, "I think it is important for people to know how hard it is for men with FMS. Growing up you are taught to be tough, have a job, support a wife and two kids which is very hard to try to achieve. It is much more difficult for a man to maintain a relationship or explain his condition to friends."

Environmental Sensitivities, also known as Environmental Illness or Environmental Disease is a name that says it all. A person who is ill because of his environment (food, drink, air) has Environmental Sensitivities. Some people consider Multiple Chemical Sensitivities as another name for the same illness, but it is actually a subset of Environmental Illness. The body cannot deal with all the toxins it comes into contact with every day. Immune System Dysfunction happens. Auto-immune Disease is the body mistaking a part of itself as the enemy and attacking it. The things that trigger reactions can be chemicals, natural and manmade, at very low concentrations. A lot of these manmade chemicals were developed after World War II (including pesticides, cleaning products, etc.) and are petroleum based (petro-chemicals). Some of the natural substances that cause problems are grass, pollen, animal hair, or mold.

TOTAL LOAD refers to the different impacts on your system. Think of your immune system as a rain barrel, all of the stresses fill it up. The total load is reached but you may not be aware of the different things making you ill.

According to Drs. Rossenbaum and Susser, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is progressive in nature. The stages are as follows:
       Exposure, Susceptibility, Sensitivity, Localized symptoms, Multi-chemical sensitivity, and Spreading Symptoms

Because scents are such a serious problem let's look at them more closely (over 4000 chemicals used in the fragrance industry). We usually do not smell many of the scents we and others are emitting until we become hypersensitive. These chemicals could be causing minor problems for years but we do not see the cause/effect. However, as time passes our bodies become weakened from constant exposure. Overloaded passageways in our bodies, the back up of chemicals in the blood stream, muscles, nervous system, organs, etc. leads to a variety of symptoms.

Poor air quality, the length of time the chemical clings to clothes, closed in buildings, etc. hold these chemicals and our bodies absorb them.

FACTS

• 15-25% of the population have some breathing problem such as hay fever or asthma that is adversely affected by strong odors from scented products.
• Strongly scented products can trigger migraines; 17% of Canadians suffer from migraines.
• The incidence of environmental discomforts and illnesses is increasing.
• Ventilation systems of many buildings are not able to extract all chemicals from the air and instead re-circulate them.

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms that affect various parts of the body are:

Central Nervous System

- difficulty in thinking and reasoning
- confusion (brain fog), poor memory and forgetfulness
- inability to concentrate, headaches, dizziness,
- pins and needles or numbness in hands and feet
- sleep disorders, slurred speech, seizure-like activity
- poor balance, clumsiness, taste sensitivity

Emotional

- mood swings, irritability, panic attacks
- anxiety, depression, hyperactivity

Gastrointestinal

- nausea, bloating and/or excessive gas
- cramps, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain

Respiratory

- shortness of breath, wheezing, loss of voice
- coughing, recurrent sinus problems, blocked nose
- nasal drip, tight chest

Skin

- hives, itchy, dry skin, eczema, acne-like rash
- excessively sensitive touch

Musculoskeletal

- joint pain, muscle spasms, muscle pain
- chest wall pain, tender spots in the muscles
- muscle weakness

Genitourinary

- frequent urination, urgency to urinate
- getting up frequently at night to urinate
- incontinence, inability to urinate
- loss of sexual desire

Cardiovascular

- swelling of ankles, and elsewhere
- irregular, pounding or fast heartbeat
- easy bruising, chest pain

Eyes

- blurred vision, spots in front of eye or floaters
- light sensitivity, flashing lights, burning eyes
- excessive tears, dry eyes, difficulty with night driving

Ears

- sensitivity to noise, hearing loss, pain in ears
- recurrent infections, blocked ears, ringing ears

Allergies affect approximately 40 million Americans. Allergies are not taken seriously because they are so common. Shellfish and nuts are two of the few allergies that are life threatening. Allergies are caused by a disorder in which the body becomes hypersensitive to particular substances (allergens) that stimulate the immune system.

Body's response:
Overaggressive immune system - the immune system thinks the body is being attacked by a serious invader.

Underaggressive immune system - a reduced immune system function that leads to other problems such as lingering colds, lots of infections, etc.

Auto-immune - the immune system thinks a part of the body is an enemy and attacks it.

The main allergies are:

There are two types of food allergies:

As there are two types of food allergies, there are two reactions:

Allergens not flushed out of the body can turn into infections. Taking natural antihistamines (vitamin, C, B & E) can help you body flush out the allergens.

*People can be addicted to allergy inducing foods. People crave these foods and have a difficult time giving them up. Like any addiction, a person develops a tolerance level to the food. In order to achieve a high from that food, a person needs to consume more and more of it. Not only does the person feel better emotionally, but physically because eating the food stops some of the symptoms. If the person does not eat the food within hours (10-12) he can suffer from withdrawal symptoms. These include fatigue, weakness, aches, pains, depression and a general hungover feeling.

Not everyone will have the incentive to make all these changes - however, every change you make WILL make a difference! This way of living is not only much better and safer for YOU - it's also much better for the environment! Switching to non-toxic living can be a very pleasant experience if we think of it as a return to the purity and safety of the way our ancestors lived. Many of the suggestions here were actually used by our ancestors before all the toxic chemicals were marketed to make life "easier". We pay dearly for that "ease" with the loss of safe, clean air to breathe and, in many cases, the loss of our health.

1. Avoid ALL scented products ("fragrance" as an ingredient) - including all perfumes, colognes, after-shaves, personal-care products, air fresheners, pot-pourri, etc. Be careful about certain "unscented" products that use "masking fragrance" to cover up the original fragrance - these are doubly toxic!



2. Avoid ALL fabric softeners, dryer sheets, Clorox, scented detergents, etc. These products are VERY toxic and very harmful to the environment as well.



3. Avoid ALL pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Pesticides are neuro-toxins (affect the central nervous system), and they don't know the difference between the BUGS and YOU! For fleas, roaches, ants, etc., use diatomacious earth, boric acid, and nematodes. You can get these from health food stores and pet supply stores.



4. Use only non-toxic cleaning products and personal-care products.



5. Drink and bathe in filtered water. Taking a shower in chlorinated water causes the chlorine to go right into your blood stream. You can purchase shower filters that easily attach to your shower nozzle from water-supply stores. Also avoid swimming in chlorinated pools.



6. Eat organic food as often as possible. Avoid processed foods, foods with colors and dyes, preservatives, etc. NEVER consume products containing "NutraSweet" (aspartame). It breaks down into formic acid ("ant-sting poison") and methanol (wood alcohol) in your body!



7. Wear only natural-fiber clothing (100% cotton, linen, wool, or silk). Make sure the clothes are NOT "permanent press" or "wrinkle resistant" - these clothes have been treated with formaldehyde that does NOT wash out!



8. Use only 100% cotton, wool, or pure silk bed linens and blankets.



9. As much as possible, avoid plastics (store food in glass jars), particle-board, plywood, glues, inks, paints, foam rubber, vinyl, carpet, synthetic rugs, varnishes, solvents, etc.



10. Open your windows as often as possible the outdoor air has been found to be less toxic than the indoor air!



11. Certain houseplants are beneficial to remove toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene etc. The best plants for removing these and other toxins are philodendrons, spider plants, aloe vera, english ivy, golden pothos, and boston fern.

I have had this recipe since the 1970's. I got it from someone when I went to Weight Watchers. We use to exchange our favourites. I would make this for myself and my kids would gobble it down. It is delicious!!

Question :
I am 35 years old and was diagnosed with FMS 3 years ago. I work for the Public School System with profoundly mentally handicapped students. My job puts me in a high risk category for exposure to Hepatitis B. I have been tested for Hepatitis A-D, with all test results being negative. What is my best course of action? Should I have the vaccine? Have there been any studies or search into FMS and the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Answer :
In general, receiving a hepatitis B vaccine should not be a problem in fibromyalgia patients. As always any vaccine can cause problems and you should be acquainted with the "downside risks" of receiving any vaccine. You should check with your physician before receiving a vaccine.
- Stuart Kassan, MD., Colorado Arthritis Associates -



Question :
Does prozac help in fibromyalgia?
Answer :
Prozac may and has been used in the treatment of fibromyalgia as have many other antidepressant medications. These are often used both to reestablish a sleep pattern in some cases as well as to deal with some of the aching that is associated with the fibromyalgia syndrome.
- Stuart Kassan, MD., Colorado Arthritis Associates -



Question :
I am a fibromyalgia patient, diagnosed first in 1989. I am currently totally disabled from the chronic pain associated with my "illness". I am 46 years old, and apparently have had FMS since in my teens. What are the pros and cons of treating the chronic pain with "Toradol"?

Answer :
Toradol is an antiinflammatory medicine which is associated with all of the side effects of such agents such as gastrointesinal upset, ulcers, bleeding tendencies, kidney toxicity, liver toxicity etc. Toradol was intended to be used for the short term due to its greater gastrointestinal upset potential after longer term use. Toradol however does work well in the short term for pain.
- Stuart Kassan, MD., Colorado Arthritis Associates -



Question :
I have diffuse fibromyalgia and none of the usual treatments help; Exercise, diet, anti-depressants, anti-inflammatries trigger point shots. I am now going to a new pain management doctor who wishes me to have burst steroid regime starting with a large dose then tapering off to what will work for me. Since steroids affect the adrenal gland that makes substance P, this makes sense to me. What are your thoughts on this. I am 60 yrs. old and am under the impression that a drug will be available for treatment for cfids/fms in the next two years. I cannot and will not live the rest of my life in this continuous pain.
Answer :
The usual (conventional) treatments typically are not very helpful for fibromyalgia. Steroids usually do not usually help fibromyalgia unless there is some underlying autoimmune process. In fact if the cause of the fibromyalgia symptoms is LOW adrenal function the steroids might worsen the problem by further suppressing the adrenals. I would seriously consider diagnostic testing that includes a DHEA-sulfate & cortisol level, TSH, free T3, mycoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, candida IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies, autoimmune markers, sex hormone levels, and nocturnal pulse oximetry. These tests may identify something specific that can be done rather than a potentially harmful "shot in the dark" with steroids. Also there are a variety of complementary/alternative approaches which can be beneficial in reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia such as acupuncture, biomagnets, light massage, stress reduction techniques, biofeedback, dietary modification, avoidance of harmful factors in the environment, and the use of certain supplements (DLPA, magnesium malate, MSM, arginine & ornithine at bedtime, NADH, CoQ-10, ginger, grape seed extract, etc.). My advice is to dig deeper on the diagnostic testing and try a variety of "non-aggressive" (unlikely to have side effects) therapies before you submit to "aggressive" (more likely to have side effects) therapies.
- Milton Hammerly, M.D., Medical Director of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Centura. -

As you probably have read, FMS/CFIDS seems to strike more women than men, with the rates at about 75% women and 25% men. But recently, the medical professionals have been seeing more male patients with these syndromes, perhaps the result of FMS/CFIDS having been "under-reported" in men in the past. It is likely that the rates may be more in the 50/50 range. Still, the studies that are being done, the support groups forming, etc. are geared towards women, which has basically left the men out in the cold.

Recently I did some research regarding the unique problems men with FMS, CFIDS, MPS, and Chronic Pain are having. Twenty-five men responded to my request for information and their experiences, coping strategies and views on medical professionals. A common thread emerged as I read each man's story. All were continually fighting to keep their lives going in every respect, despite FMS's cruel and often tricky hand. I am honored to have been allowed this look into their lives.

The men who responded to my informational request range in age from 28 to 51 years. Although one reported having symptoms of Fibromyalgia as early as age 14, and another at age 19, the respondents generally fell into the standard age group(25-45) for all patients reporting Fibromyalgia symptoms.

As I read through each man's response, I noticed that most of the men reported an injury or major surgery as the precursor of their Fibromyalgia.

• Five operations within 30 days (at age 14) for a hernia and distended testicle.
• Traumatic fall through an attic floor.
• Three surgeries on knee while simultaneously maintaining a very stressful job.
• Cracked vertebrae and broken rib in heavy equipment accident.
• Fall through 18 foot high scaffolding.
• Hit by truck while in military service; broken back.
• Impaled through chest with a 6 inch nail.
• Fall down 14 steps.
• Total knee reconstruction.
• Exposure to chemicals in the workplace.
• Reaction to contrast dye used during a CAT scan.
• Viral infection.
• Hit by truck while riding Harley motorcycle.
• Sustained major whiplash, fractured three ribs and right sterno-clavicular joint in car crash.

Listed here are the many and varied symptoms the men reported, both before and after their diagnoses.

• All over pain (especially extreme back and neck pain), stiffness.
• Tingling and burning in limbs, muscle cramps, rapid muscle burning and fatigue during exercise.
• Chronic fatigue and sleep disorders (including sleep apnea and narcolepsy).
• Severe and constant headaches.
• Clumsiness, poor coordination, poor memory, fog, vertigo.
• Inability to make decisions.
• Chest pain, anxiety, panic, depression, depersonalization.
• Social phobia, noise sensitivity, irritability.
• Irritable bowel and bladder, diarrhea, vomiting, feeling bloated, food and chemical sensitivities.
• Excessive mucus, sinus stuffiness, drainage and pain, sore jaw, grinding teeth at night.
• Rapid body temperature changes, fever of unknown origin.

Many of the men suffer from additional illnesses, along with their FMS/CFIDS/MPS. Those mentioned were: Crohn's disease, migraine headaches, tension headache syndrome, Temperomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD), neuropathy, Multiple Chemical Sensitivites (MCS), low testosterone level, Depression - including Situational, and Major with suicide ideation and attempts, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chondromalacia, Raynaud's Syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff injury, Berger's Disease (inflammation of the kidney's filtering units), and major stomach erosions from prescription pain medications.

The men reported trying various treatments for their painful syndromes; everything from cortizone injections to hands-on healers. Also mentioned were chiropractic adjustments, trigger point injections (procaine or lidocaine for MPS), massage therapy, psychiatric counseling, myofascial pain therapy, reflexology, homeopathic medicine, aromatherapy, and comprehensive treatment at a pain management center.

One gentleman said this: "I tried to not show the pain I was feeling in the past 'til I got to the point my movement was so hindered I couldn't keep it from showing. I feel that men especially are looked at as wimps, or lazy when they complain about aches and pains. I also think that I was sometimes looked upon as lazy because I simply couldn't keep my property maintained like I would like to, etc.. I had more than I could handle coping with my work. I've had family members (not my wife) tell me they got disgusted with me until they finally realized I had some real problems. I think many men have a complex about being considered lazy; the "man of the house - it's my responsibility" kind of reaction."

One man who valiantly struggles daily to keep his business going said this about his search for relief from his pain:
"I have been through a Pain Center and through the Doctor after Doctor routine, been told I am crazy, and almost killed with antidepressants. I have sleep apnea and mild narcolepsy along with the FMS/MPS. I am almost too tired to move most of the time and cannot make a decision to save my life. Just trying to decide what to wear each day seems to be almost too much to deal with. By the time I shower and shave, I am ready to go back to bed. I feel like I have a constant hangover and I do not drink alcohol at all".

It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted so bad that year for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. So after supper I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace still feeling sorry for myself. As Pa bundled up to go outside, "Come on, Matt," he said, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens.

There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to a big sled full of wood. "Pa," I asked, "what are we doing? "You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen's husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. "Yeah," I said, "why?" "I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait.

When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. "Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy." We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Widow Jensen had closer neighbours than us. It shouldn't have been our concern.

We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders and the children were wrapped in another sitting by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat. "We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children -- sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks.

She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out. "We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said, then he turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring enough in to last for a while. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and, much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks and so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy filled my soul that I'd never known before. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference.

I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people. I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord himself has sent you. In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others.

Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, may the Lord bless you, I know for certain that He will." Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but on the way to buy it I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. So, Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand." I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again.

I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Just then the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

Massage is known to improve circulation, bust stress, relieve pain, lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce swelling, strengthen muscles, promote healing, restore motion to joints, and accelerate basic bodily functions (such as how fast you get rid of wastes).

Studies show that massage may even enhance immune response, perhaps by encouraging the brain to release fewer stress hormones and/or more natural painkillers into the bloodstream.

Massage is defined as any kind of "systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body" (muscle and connective tissue). Manipulation can mean any combination of rubbing, kneading, slapping, tapping, rolling, pressing, or jostling.

Besides helping you relax, soothing sore muscles, reducing some kinds of swelling, and improving general well-being, massage therapy may also help with hypertension, burns, chronic pain (including arthritis, backaches, and migraines), rashes and other skin conditions, addictions, depression, stress and pain of labor, asthma, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also alleviate depression and boost self-esteem in people with eating disorders; improve growth and development in premature babies; reduce pain and water retention in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS); raise blood sugar levels in kids diabetics; and possibly even boost immune function in people with HIV or cancer.

Massage may improve muscle function, expand range of motion, increase balance and coordination, reduce stress, and just plain make you feel better both physically and mentally.

If conventional physical therapy or other medical approaches aren't helping, you may want to give massage therapy a try.

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