Fibro. & Dr. Mark Pellegrino, MD
Q&A Session with Fibromyalgia Doctor Mark J. Pellegrino, MD – September 19, 2008
September 22, 2008
Welcome to ProHealth’s Live Chat Event with Dr. Mark Pellegrino – a physician who has devoted his life to treating FM patients, and author of the highly recommended book Fibromyalgia: Up Close and Personal. Dr. Pellegrino joins us today from his office at the Ohio Rehab Center.
Dr. Pellegrino: Hello, and thank you for inviting me to this chat. I have fibromyalgia myself as many of you know, so I’ve always had both a personal and professional interest in this disorder. I am a specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation so I see a lot of people with chronic pain, including fibromyalgia.
Even though we haven’t found a cure yet, we’ve come a long way over the past 20 years in understanding and treating fibromyalgia and having it be more accepted by the medical community. Let’s hope we find a cure soon, but until then, let’s figure out how to do the best we can despite having fibromyalgia.
I’m excited to be here today and will answer as many questions as I can over the next hour. I hope you’ll learn something; I’m sure I will! I hope my fingers don’t fall off! Let’s get started…
Effective Communication
Effective Communication: It Takes Practice
Have you ever gotten stuck in a conversation unable to express your true feelings?
Effective communication is a complex business. If you go into it expecting things to flow easily and without a lot of effort, you’re just kidding yourself. I recommend that you adjust your expectations from “simple” to “complex,” especially in three key areas:
First, expect problems and misunderstandings. Even the best communicators sometimes fail to understand others, or they fall short of making themselves understood. Keep in mind that we’re all human. Often you don’t even know for sure why you act or feel a certain way.
Second, expect that you’ll need a lot of patience. Effective communication takes time. Be careful. Recognize that effective communication deserves patience and a deliberate attempt to understand not only the words being said but also the emotions behind the words. Slow down until you get that.
Finally, expect a lot of trial and error. People have different ways of communicating. While all of us can master and use a powerful set of tools for effective communication, the way we use those tools varies from person to person—and that requires trial and error.
It takes trial and error to get good at any skill—and that includes the skill of communicating effectively.
© Copyright 2004 Smalley Relationship Center
Encouraging The Disabled To Get Involved
by Carol M. Christensen
The Gospel writers called him a paralytic. Today he would be called disabled or physically impaired. All we know for sure about his condition is that he couldn’t walk, but he had four friends who cared enough about him to carry him to Jesus. When they couldn’t get close enough because of the crowd, they dug through the roof of the house and lowered him into the room where Jesus was teaching.
The story is familiar, but many who lead and participate in small groups have never stopped to consider how to make it possible for a disabled person to attend our meetings. Here are some suggestions for encouraging their long-term participation.
Transportation: Mobility, the simple ability to get from place to place, is a critical issue for the physically impaired. You may need to assign someone to pick them up or to help them get to the meeting place. Be considerate; realize that these believers cannot move as quickly as you can.
Facilities: A lot of forethought and preparation should be given to overcoming potential obstacles. Avoid stairs, curbs, grass, gravel, and other entrance obstacles. Tight spaces are difficult for wheelchairs or crutches. Low-sitting couches, rocking chairs, and unstable chairs can make the disabled feel uneasy. Choose a meeting place that is close to the parking area and easily accessible to restrooms.
Location: Instead of rotating from one meeting place to another, consider gathering at the disabled person’s home. That way many potential obstacles have already been eliminated.
Materials: When the group is using special study materials, have an extra set on hand. Keep a spare Bible, pen, and paper at the meeting location so participants don’t have to carry these materials. Be sensitive to the fact that a person, depending on the disability, may feel excluded when the group does activities that involve writing, reading aloud, or doing homework.
Acceptance: Facilitate the handicapped person’s acceptance in your group. If you or your group members are uncomfortable with the disability, discuss your discomfort. Ask the disabled person to help you educate the group. Make sure the members are supportive of the disabled person. Be a genuine friend, and don’t be afraid to include the disabled in activities.
Respect: Although the physically impaired have special needs, they do not want special treatment. Their desire is to be one of the group like everyone else. They don’t want to be treated like fine china; they want to be included in fellowship and growth activities.
God has created a need for spiritual growth in the hearts of both the disabled and those who are not disabled. You can help meet this need by including everyone in small-group growth opportunities.
No Time To Pray?
by Bob Hostetler
If you’re like me, you want to pray more. Perhaps you’d like to spend more time worshiping God and enjoying His presence. Maybe you want to be more faithful in intercession for others.
But in spite of our desires and resolutions, most of us find there are just not enough hours in the day.
What if I told you it was possible to pray more without changing your schedule? What if I promised a growing prayer life in exchange for a few minor adjustments to things you’re already doing?
It is possible.
How? Try any of these.
Pray while you wait.
I have always hated to wait in line—especially at the grocery store. I would tap my fingers, count the items of the person ahead of me (17 items in the express lane!), and browse any magazine or tabloid that happened to be at hand. But not anymore. Now I use time spent waiting—in bank lines, traffic jams, airport terminals, or doctors’ offices—to pray.
Pray in the car.
Music, talk radio, or audiobooks used to be my constant companions in the car; now God is. I use car trips—whether I’m running a short errand or driving between cities—to draw closer to God and to intercede in prayer for others. On a recent road trip, I surprised myself by praying and worshiping for nearly four hours! Not only did the time pass quickly, but my prayer life received a major workout.
Pray on the phone.
During my workday, I spend more time than I like on hold. Not long ago, however, a routine phone call to a friend’s office changed my prayer life. While on hold, I remembered that I had earlier promised to pray for him—so I did. By the time he could take my call, I was able to tell him that I had fulfilled my promise to pray. Since that call, I have made a habit of praying for the people on the other end of the line—even people I don’t know—any time I am placed on hold. Sometimes I will offer to end conversations with prayer. I’ve yet to be refused.
Pray during commercials.
I’ve often heard preachers propose that I shouldn’t be watching television if I’m not “all prayed up.” I guess I’m just not that disciplined. But I have developed the occasional habit of muting the television during commercial breaks to pray—sometimes for anyone on my heart at that moment, sometimes for friends and family members, and sometimes even for people I don’t know (such as the TV show’s actors, writers, and viewers).
Pray with triggers.
Use “triggers” to prompt short moments of prayer throughout your day. For example, author Jan Johnson keeps a candle burning as she works: Each time she notices the candle, she says a quick prayer. One year I carried a large disc in my pocket: Every time I reached into my pocket for change the disc reminded me to pray for several unbelieving friends. You might employ a specific picture, song, landmark, or object as a trigger to remind you to pray.
Pray while exercising.
If you maintain a regular exercise regimen, why not merge it with prayer? You might even consider dividing your workout into prayer periods. For example, you may decide to praise while stretching, confess while warming up, intercede while working out, and give thanks and praise while cooling down. After all, “physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).
Pray what you see and hear.
I’ve tried to infuse prayer into as many waking moments as possible by praying short prayers in response to the world around me. When I hear an ambulance siren, I may pray for the victim. When I see a funeral procession, I pray for the bereaved. When I open a card from a friend, I sometimes pray for the sender. There are times, of course, when I don’t know what to pray, but I’ll still say something like “Lord, please,” or “Lord, have mercy,” and let the Holy Spirit fill in the blanks (Ro. 8:26).
These small prayer habits have not turned me into a mighty prayer warrior. I won’t be teaching seminars called “Powerful Prayer” anytime soon. But you know what’s funny? As I’ve tried to squeeze more prayer into the odd and mundane moments, I’ve discovered that my prayer life is becoming more natural and spontaneous. It’s spreading prayer into every area of my life, which I think is what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he commanded Christians to “pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17). It’s not only changing how I pray; it’s transforming how I live.
MCS Humor
My Personal MCS Definitions
http://dontmesswith
Amy-noun-Amitriptyline-
AQI-noun-Air Quality Index. A numerical ratings system describing the volume of common air pollutants and it’s impact at predetermined levels on health, primarily the respiratory system. The AQI always sucks in places like Detroit and Cleveland.
Box-verb-To estimate the potential of a person to wear perfume or cologne based on their race, age, gender, or socio-economic status and act accordingly to MCS symptoms. I may have boxed her in, but damnit, I was right about the perfume, or, I shouldn’t have boxed him out but I didn’t want to take the chance of getting sick this week.
Breather-noun-A person without MCS. That breather had no idea what I was talking about.
Ding-verb-To suffer a short period of MCS symptoms like light persistent coughing, but to otherwise suffer no ill effects. I got a little dinged up leaving the office but other than that I’m OK.
Fry-verb-To experience a skin rash. The palms of my hands get fried because all the sprayers put on hand lotion or cologne and then leave trace amounts on door knobs, handles, and phones.
Hack Attack-noun-A lengthy period of intense coughing. I had a hack attack after lunch and the people at the table next to me were concerned.
Jones-noun-A state of persistent craving for an item prohibited by a MCS diet. I’ve got a jones for BBQ potato chips.
Juiced-verb-Exposure to a MCS irritant at a level certain to cause illness. She juiced me when she sprayed that room deodorizer.
Land Mine-noun-An unexpected and sudden exposure to MCS irritants in a place not normally expected. An example would be walking through the produce section of an organic grocery store to find a janitor mopping the floor with an ammonia based cleaner, or walking up to the checkout clerk who sprays 409 brand cleaner on the conveyor belt right when you arrive. I almost made it out OK and then I hit a land mine.
Morning Glory-noun-The characteristic of MCS where a substantial and debilitating symptom appears upon waking in the morning, without warning or any predictable cause. Normally associated with the migratory body pains of Fibromyalgia, and most likely due to the exposure of chemical irritants at a level below the body’s ability to sense them, but well beyond the ability of the MCS patient to tolerate them. A deliberately ironic twist of the urban slang’s original definition. I can remember when morning glory was a good thing. Now, thanks to the morning glory in my ankles, it hurts to walk.
Pepper Spray-noun-Airborne particulates of any type. I was hit with a blast of pepper spray after walking past that construction zone.
Power Tower-noun-A two level homemade high volume HEPA air purifier built purely for function, not aesthetics, and designed to alleviate symptoms of MCS. I run my power tower 24/7 and think every one should do the same.
Prisoner-noun-A person whose activities are restricted by MCS. I’m a prisoner in my own apartment.
Ride Report-noun-A graphical description of the experience related to, or the thoughts generated as a result of a bike ride. Normally of personal significance or pertaining to social observation. I can’t produce a ride report until the AQI improves.
Safe House-noun-The dwelling of a person with MCS, void of irritants and particulates. One never feels threatened inside the safe house.
Shooting Gallery-noun-The world of unexpected chemical dangers outside the safe house. When you have MCS, even the simplest chore is like walking through a chemical shooting gallery.
Spaceman-noun-How I refer to myself after having to dress in layers and wear protective gear covering all the skin and soft tissue if knowingly entering an area high in MCS irritants. I had to dress like a spaceman before going to the post office today.
Speaking in Tongue-verb-When two people with MCS communicate specifically about their symptoms or coping strategies. Often breathers are unable to truly understand the scope or depth of the illness, even if they genuinely are trying their best to imagine what it is like. Betty and I were speaking in tongues and the others looked at us like we were crazy.
Spook-verb-To frighten a breather who most likely is under the mistaken impression you’re wearing a respirator because you are contagious. That lady got spooked and did a 180 when she saw me coming down the grocery aisle.
Sprayer-noun-A person wearing perfume or cologne. The sprayers come out on in force on the weekends.
Squeeze-verb-The act of having your direction changed in order to avoid MCS irritants. That sprayer squeezed me out of the grocery aisle, I’ll have to go back there later after he leaves.
Stove Bomb-verb-To cook an entire week’s worth of food at once in order to limit exposure to airborne particulates caused by cooking itself. Terminology adopted from, and credit given to, an irreverent and whimsical sect of Portland’s bicycle subculture called zoo bombers. My fridge and freezer are full because I stove bombed last night.
Walking Papers-noun-A doctor prescribed regimen normally pertaining to exercise, but involving a physician’s mandate in any form. My walking papers recommend 30 minutes of exercise, 3-5 days a week, or, my walking papers tell me to eat at least 3 servings of fruit or vegetables a day.
Live Chat Sept. 19th on Fibromyalgia
Join us for a live chat with Fibromyalgia
Doctor Mark Pellegrino this Friday
Date: Friday, September 19th
Time: 12-1 pm PST (3-4 Eastern)
Where: ProHealth.com Chat Room
The Expert:
Dr. Mark Pellegrino is the author of the highly praised book Fibromyalgia: Up Close and Personal. As a doctor who has FM himself, and has treated thousands with tested knowledge and humor at the Ohio Rehab Center, Dr. Pellegrino is considered a world authority - one “committed to work together with fibromyalgia patients to solve OUR problems.”
What kinds of questions can you ask Dr. Pellegrino?
He has experience and insights to share on just about any FM-related subject, from the latest drug therapies to insights on disability, diet, coping, and sensitivities. To appreciate the scope of Dr. Pellegrino’s knowledge, read some of his recent articles on:
- Fibromyalgia - Ultimately a Disease of Amplified Pain
- Candidiasis - Yeast Infection and Nutritional Repair
- Those Dysfunctional Autonomics
- The Fibromyalgia Spectrum - Part of the Big Picture in Understanding FM
- Mentally Managing Fibromyalgia
Not a registered chat user? You may register now or log in as a guest a few minutes before chat time. (New users be sure to check the chat room out ahead of time, because if you are unable to see the chat screen, you will be prompted to download Flash Player.)
Charles Schultz Philosophy
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip. You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you’ll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2 Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with
.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care .
‘Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today.
It’s already tomorrow in Australia ’ (Charles Schultz)
Joy That Lasts
Overcoming Emotions That Destroy Joy
Have you ever walked confidently out on a limb only to look back and see someone sawing it from the tree? That’s how I felt recently when I realized what I’d done to Norma.
It was really an innocent mistake. We’d been living for several years in Branson, Missouri, but we still had a couple of bank accounts in Phoenix, where we used to live. Logically, I thought it would be good to combine everything into one bank, so I closed out the accounts in Phoenix and invested the money in a fund I had at our local bank.
A couple of years later, our accountant asked me about a bank account in Phoenix. “Oh, we closed that a couple of years ago,” I told him.
“Then why is there still activity in there?” he asked. He told me the amount of money.
I thought that was strange, so I asked Norma about it. She revealed that this was a special savings account she had set up. Each month she put a little of her paycheck in the account, which she uses for our children and grandchildren. Suddenly I realized that she didn’t know I had “closed out” the accounts, because she had kept making deposits.
I explained this to my accountant, who then wanted to know what had happened to the money I’d with drawn. “I reinvested it,” I explained.
My accountant was a wise man who had learned some things about marriage from my seminar. “Gary, I think we should go together and explain this to Norma.”
So we told Norma the situation. She frowned for a moment and said, “Well, I wondered why that account was so low. Now I know who stole it!”
“No, no, I just reinvested it!” I tried to explain. Then she laughed and kidded us some more about it. I breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t seem mad. Everything was okay.
But everything wasn’t okay. Periodically, she would say something like, “I’m never going to trust you again with any of my personal funds,” or “I can’t believe you stole my money.” It was said somewhat lightheartedly, so it took me nearly two years before I realized that something was bothering her-and I wasn’t getting it. So finally, I asked Norma why she kept referring to this incident.
Norma explained: “Gary, you don’t understand that you and Dan stole my money, and you haven’t given it back.”
“We haven’t stolen it,” I protested. “We simply reinvested it. It’s your money. If you want it, take it.”
“No, you don’t understand. I don’t know what account that money is in, and so I don’t have access to it. It’s not in my name.”
“Oh, I see. Then what do I need to do to repair this situation?” I asked.
“I need you to go to the bank, get a cashier’s check for that amount—with interest—and give it to me so I can do what I want to with it. After all, it’s my money.”
“Okay, I’ll do it.” And I did. Honestly, I didn’t understand why it was such a big deal until I asked a few other women. They all understood exactly what Norma was saying. Even though it didn’t seem like a big deal to me, I needed to make things right because it was important to Norma.
This example illustrates how a husband and wife can have their feelings hurt. Left to fester, this situation could have divided Norma and me; in fact, in many marriages it’s events like this—often simple misunderstandings—that have catastrophic consequences because of how people choose to process them.
It all has to do with how others respond to our goals. These goals may be verbalized, but often they are unspoken exceptions that the mate never discovers.
© Copyright 2003 Smalley Relationship Center
Meaningful Touch
Did you grow up in a home where hugs, kisses and touch were used as expressions of love?
A young woman holding hands with a new boyfriend can signal “I’m taken” to other would-be suitors. Two men shaking hands can seal an important business transaction. A minister at a wedding says to a couple, “If you then have freely and lawfully chosen one another as husband and wife, please join your hands as you repeat these vows.”
Near the end of the Desert Storm campaign, I witnessed an example of the symbolic meaning of touch at one of our favorite places to watch human behavior—the airport.
A young, Japanese-American soldier was on our plane coming into Ontario airport in Los Angeles. He was on his way home from almost six months in the Gulf.
At the Ontario airport, a glass wall separates the passengers who have cleared the metal detectors from family and friends who have come to meet them. As we rounded the corner, we heard cries of joy. There, pounding on the glass wall were the soldier’s wife, two sets of parents, and two young children. He ran through the exit doors and into his family’s arms to be smothered with hugs, kisses, smiles, and tears.
Meaningful touch is critical to your relationships.
© Copyright 2005 Smalley Relationship Center