LITTLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.........................................

1.   Initiate Exercise, get with it friends, it is almost spring.  Walk if you can every day.  Use music, to enjoy your walk more, or walk your pet.  If you are still coping with bad weather, get yourself to a mall.  I have always advocated water aerobics, and Pilates, and use these methods faithfully.  YOU WILL FEEL BETTER by doing any or all of these. 

2.   Speak with a registered dietitian, and remember new beginnings, like new leaves, flowers...it is almost spring...Don't look at food as a diet, but a change in the way you live, to feel better. In fact, stop using the word diet, as it may have negative memories, and use change in life style. You can make this simple change.

3.   Improve your sleep, by setting a structured nighttime pattern for sleep.  I find taking a twenty minute nap in the afternoon feels wonderful, and allows you to enjoy the evening.

4.   Volunteer.....as it helps increase your self- esteem, thereby giving you a better image of yourself.

5.   Get into a hobby

6.   GET YOURSELF OUT INTO THE SUNLIGHT. DRINK IN THE SUNLIGHT.  IT IS YOUR FRIEND.   

As we enter the new year of 2003, many of us including the author of Molly and Monet,( me) suffer from a difficult and painful syndrome, known as Fibromyalgia.   As the date of 9/11 slowly fades from our memories, many of us can't forget. Thousands of us handle this disease in different ways.  My way is to exercise, try to live a normal life, and as author of Molly and Monet, a grief book, about finding life again and happiness, I am advocating to do just that.  DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE. DO SOMETHING WHERE YOUR MIND IS IN A DIFFERENT PLACE OTHER THAN PAIN, SLEEPLESSNESS, AND ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS THAT WE ALL KNOW TOO WELL. Pick yourself up and find that hobby, music, or longing desire for something you just haven't gotten around to.   For me, I have written Molly and Monet, and have found the joy of a camera, that I take for a walk, to produce pictures.  Find your own inner self and happiness through something that carries your mind to a different place.  Look deep inside yourself for that happy child within you, and go do what you love.  Writing and taking pictures has become my joy to share with everyone.   Check out www.mollyandmonet.com or www.artdigitalimages.com.  Make your motto ....joy, and try to turn this disease around, and don't let it take over your life. diphd@earthlink.net. You can do it! Dr. Diane R. Isaacs, PhD, Counseling Psychologist. Watch for more updates!! New children's book about animals and our world in process!! 

www.artdigitalimages.com    www.artmusejmm.com

I have been a facilitator for groups for Fibromyalgia. I have also been a national advocate, and helped people by talking on the internet and telephone to educate and support people with this condition, when they feel they haven’t anyone to turn to after finding out about the possibility of a diagnosis of this syndrome. The purpose of this statement is to tell the readers that even with this disorder, they can live full, rich lives.  Fibromyalgia   affects 3.7 million Americans. Many times the diagnosis for this syndrome is missed.

Fibromyalgia can be mistakenly thought to be either an inflammatory or a psychiatric condition. A competent physician can confirm a diagnosis by finding multiple tender points in characteristic locations. A good history by the physician should include EDUCATION of the condition, including symptoms and signs, and referral to the Arthritis Foundation, so the patient can take control of finding out everything they need to know. This is imperative.

Validation is the first step to taking control of your health and as Molly and Monet say in their book, "finding life again." Fibromyalgia can feel like a loss, because people often feel that they are restricted by the problems that are part of this illness. Many people that I have worked with have felt hopeless and helpless with this ailment. The loss that they feel is that "life has changed, and nobody understands," or "I will never be able to do the same things again." I am writing this to emphasize that this is not a good outlook, and is false and that no person has to feel this way. Most individuals with this condition, need a caring physician as well as a person to speak with, and a fibromyalgia support group. People do go on with their normal activities, and live full and productive lives. A professional who has dealt with this problem is extremely helpful.

Some of the familiar symptoms are pain, which can be described in a variety of ways, such as burning, gnawing, sore, stiff and aching. There can be a history of sleep disturbances, fatigue, restless legs syndrome. Other problems may include having difficulty concentrating, mood changes, tingling in their hands, arms, feet, legs or face. Headaches, especially muscular or tension headaches and migraine are common in fibromyalgia. Abdominal pain, bloating and alternating constipation and diarrhea or IBS or "spastic colon" are also common. Urinary urgency or frequency can be associated with this syndrome. Weather and humidity changes can accompany pain.

Unfortunately, many people with this syndrome, feel embarrassed to discuss such a potpourri of problems with a physician, and often complain and undergo complicated and repeated evaluations before they are diagnosed as having Fibromyalgia. Not all doctors are trained to recognize this disorder, so it is important to see a rheumatologist or another doctor who is very familiar and sensitive to the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Fibromyalgia is much more complicated than discussed here, and individuals should check with their physician or the Arthritis Foundation to get the most updated information.

Fibromyalgia is treatable by medications for pain and something to help improve sleep, which might include re-education of sleep habits.  Exercise programs that stretch muscles, such as Pilates, and aerobic fitness, as well as relaxation techniques to ease muscle tension are all helpful.  Acupressure, massage, relaxation response exercises, and bio feedback are other methods to assist the patient  with Fibromyalgia.  The use of water exercise at your local YMCA or other providers of this type of exercise is another way to cope.    Hot tubs, with mild stretching are also supportive.  It is important to work with your physician and find out what is best for you.

Unfortunately, people with Fibromyalgia have undergone many tests and seen many specialists while in search for some mysterious answer. This all leads to fear, frustration, and loneliness, sometimes family problems or marital problems.

I share with my readers, that exercise is a major part of my life. I use weights, aerobics, yoga, and pilates. This is my first line of attack. I have a full life, and "Molly & Monet" are a very vital part of my life, along with other writings.

Molly & Monet would speak through their voices and tell the readers, that they have "found life and love again," and so can any of you. Whether people suffer the loss of a loved one, or have chronic illness, or change of jobs, or any kind of major change, people can feel devastated. The methods we are accustomed to coping with do not always work with these kinds of changes.

I am happy to talk with individuals with this diagnosis, so you can have a happy and productive life. Please see the rest of my web site, and where to contact the author of "Molly and Monet."

Contact by internet at: diphd@mollyandmonet.com. 

Also refer to your local Arthritis Association for information regarding Fibromyalgia.

See your physician, for a referral to a doctor who understands and treats FIBROMYALGIA.

Diane R. Isaacs, PhD, author of "Molly and Monet."