dahlia in my garden: Rio Fuego in Coleus leaves

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Rx Recall Expanded for Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Pills


~* DRUG RECALL ALERT  *~

A voluntary nationwide recall of three additional lots of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets, usp 10 mg/500 mg due to the potential for oversized and superpotent tablets has been issued. If you or a loved one take this medication, click the headline for details.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
I made a little video of my cats playing with some holiday things, if you want to see it hereJust for fun, here are a few more Christmas cat videos (this and also this) to bring you some good cheer. I'll be back after New Year's Day. 
Blessings to Everyone!

by fanpop


Friday, December 21, 2012

ALERT: Meningitis Outbreak Patients May Have Hidden Infections, Health Officials Issue Warning


If you are one of the more than 13,000 patients who received a spinal injection of tainted steroids but you haven’t gotten sick, Center for Disease Control officials are warning you may have an infection that you don’t know about.

If you were informed by your doctor that your shot was from one of the three batches of contaminated medication and you are having any symptoms - such as new or worsening pain at the injection site - you need to contact your doctor as soon as possible about running an MRI scan to check for hidden infections.

Researchers have run an experiment in which they did MRIs on 128 patients who were part of the outbreak population but who hadn’t gotten sick with meningitis. All had pain at the injection site and the MRIs revealed that more than half of them (52%) had some type of infection including abscesses, a type of nerve inflammation called arachnoiditis or even infections of the bone in the spine.

Please click HERE to read more details. I send my prayers to all of you, particularly in this holiday season, for health and easing of pain.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tuesday-Newsday #95


It’s time for Tuesday-Newsday! The featured blog post this week is, “Staying Positive in a Life With Pain” by Shauna of the blogsite: ShaunasLifeinPain.com

Let Me Know: If you’d like me to watch for articles on your pain condition, just drop me a note in the comments section below. 

WARNING:  My goal is to provide the most up-to-date news I can, which you can then take to your personal doctor and debate the merits of before you try it. I do not endorse any of the docs, treatments, info, and meds in anything I post nor can I guarantee they are all effective, especially not for everyone. As is the case with any health info, ALWAYS get your doctor's opinion first!
====++++====++++====++++====++++====++++===


*MENINGITIS OUTBREAK NEWS







*CHRONIC PAIN NEWS







    Articles this month include:
      ~Thrive During the Holidays, Don’t Just Survive
      ~Pain management takes a great deal of effort, but people are              worth the effort.
      ~The Isolation of Pain
      ~The Art of Medicine



*RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS




















*AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS) 






*SJOGREN'S SYNDROME 





*OROFACIAL PAIN




*FEATURED BLOG POST

by Shauna Harrelson

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Holiday Rx Safety: Protect Your Loved Ones by Safeguarding Your Medications


The holidays are filled with family, friends, faith, food, fun, and festivities. We as pain patients have a particular responsibility to protect our loved ones - we need to safeguard our medications to prevent any thefts or tragedies. With many people visiting our homes for celebrations, we must take precautions.

Last year, a friend of mine had her ex-husband over for dinner. After what she said was a surprisingly nice evening, he spent a rather long interval in the bathroom and then immediately left. She thought nothing of it until later, when she went to the medicine cabinet and found he had stolen every Vicodin pill he could find. Thank goodness she still had some stored in a safer location so she could keep on her dosing regimen.

Unfortunately, my friend isn’t the only one leaving her meds so easily accessible. A national survey in 2010 of more than 1,000 adults showed that an overwhelming majority of Americans (94%) understand it is extremely or very important to safely store and dispose of prescription medication, but many are not doing enough to protect those drugs. More than two-thirds (68%) indicated they keep prescription meds in an unlocked cabinet, closet, drawer, or other area. Most frequently, survey respondents said they store medications in the bathroom (53%) and kitchen (49%) — easily within reach in two of the most vulnerable, high-traffic areas.

It could take only one pill to irreparably harm or even kill another person. We have to do the right thing and take precautions. Additionally we really need our meds, and keeping them easily accessible could end up with a theft that leaves us short of pills that we desperately need to treat our health conditions and chronic pain.  

So what can we do? I use a medication safe to keep my prescriptions out of reach from everyone. The website Pain-Topics.org also offers these suggestions:

~ Use a locked storage container for prescription medications at greater risk of being abused, such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and depressants. These drugs are prime targets for theft by anyone who enters your home, so extra precautions should be taken. 

~ Keep ongoing track of all medications with a Medication Inventory Sheet 

~ Take a complete inventory of all prescription medications in your household at least twice a year, such as when you change your clocks in the spring and fall. 

Additional information is available at the website Safeguard My Meds on proper medication storage, including downloadable print, video, and online materials. Visitors are also encouraged to take a “Personal Responsibility Pledge” and make a commitment to always safeguard their prescription medications. 

Don’t let a medicine theft or even worse, the drug overdose of a child, happen on your watch. Take the time to do a little research and planning to secure your meds both for them and for you.

I wish you all a safe & pain-free holiday season!


© Abdone | Stock Free Images

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Tuesday-Newsday #94


It’s time for Tuesday-Newsday! In preparation for the Holidays, I’m featuring two blog posts this week. Although both are from a Fibro/CFIDS site, the information isn’t limited to people with just those conditions. Anyone with chronic pain and/or illness will benefit from the ideas and suggestions presented: “Surviving the Holidays: Give yourself the G.I.F.T. of a stress-free holiday” and “How to Enjoy Special Events and Minimize the Price.”

Let Me Know: If you’d like me to watch for articles on your pain condition, just drop me a note in the comments section below. 

WARNING:  My goal is to provide the most up-to-date news I can, which you can then take to your personal doctor and debate the merits of before you try it. I do not endorse any of the docs, treatments, info, and meds in anything I post nor can I guarantee they are all effective, especially not for everyone. As is the case with any health info, ALWAYS get your doctor's opinion first!
====++++====++++====++++====++++====++++===


*ALERT: RECALL EXPANDED ON GENERIC VICODIN*

For more information, visit the FDA webpage for this recall



*MENINGITIS OUTBREAK NEWS




Drug shortages worsen following pharmacy-related meningitis scare: Six products supplied by a company that closed due to the outbreak are on the FDA’s critical shortage list



*MEDICATION NEWS









*PATIENT NEWS








*DIABETIC NEUROPATHY






*PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS








*SICKLE CELL NEWS






*FEATURED BLOG POSTS

Although both these posts are from the non-profit organization CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help, the information isn’t limited to people with just those conditions. Anyone with chronic pain and/or illness will benefit from the ideas and suggestions presented:

By Karen Lee Richards 

By Bruce Campbell


Saturday, December 8, 2012

Holiday Films Provide Great Distraction from Pain


I’d like to share a blog post from last December. I think this repost will provide great advice for dealing with chronic pain flare-ups from holiday activities by using those fantastic seasonal movies as a distraction technique. 

To read the blog post, just click HERE 

some rights reserved by georgiapeachez

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Tuesday-Newsday #93


It’s time for Tuesday-Newsday! I’ve chosen two blog posts to feature this week, and both are from the PainSupport Newsletters by Jan Sadler: “Christmas is Coming... Be Flexible & Adaptable,” and “Take your Time at Christmas.” 

Let Me Know: If you’d like me to watch for articles on your pain condition, just drop me a note in the comments section below. 

WARNING:  My goal is to provide the most up-to-date news I can, which you can then take to your personal doctor and debate the merits of before you try it. I do not endorse any of the docs, treatments, info, and meds in anything I post nor can I guarantee they are all effective, especially not for everyone. As is the case with any health info, ALWAYS get your doctor's opinion first!
====++++====++++====++++====++++====++++===


*MENINGITIS OUTBREAK NEWS

Current Count from the CDC: 541 Cases, 36 Deaths, 17 Joint Infections







*CHRONIC PAIN NEWS









*MEDICATION NEWS








*PEDIATRIC PAIN









*BACK PAIN






*NECK PAIN






*FEATURED BLOG POSTS


Both posts are from the PainSupport Newsletter by Jan Sadler 

Saturday, December 1, 2012

The ( Re )Cycle of Giving


Recycling has become a big part of our society and this time of year shouldn’t be any different. Just because the Holidays are here doesn’t mean we have to go out and buy tons of new gifts - what we already have could be just the perfect item for someone. The last couple of weeks I’ve been finding it hard to get into a festive mood, but this particular subject has really brought me around. It amazes me how the act of giving can lift my mood. Nothing makes me happier than surprising a person with something they really like or need. Giving is some of the best medicine there is.

As one who lives with chronic pain, it can be difficult to rein myself in from trying to keep up with the frenetic pace of others during this season. I know what will happen if I push myself too hard physically. But there’s really no reason to do that. You and I can have a different goal. Even though we can’t shop like a bargain-hunting warrior all night on Black Friday, even though we can’t bake acres of goodies and literally frost ourselves into a corner, we absolutely *can* still give of ourselves - often with things we already have - and truly brighten lives and uplift spirits.

A few years ago, a local market in our area started a new promotion. Every purchase earned you points toward rewards. One of the reward options at the end of the year was a free turkey. I convinced a few friends and coworkers to give me their free turkeys and I donated them to a local food bank. It didn’t cost any of us a dime, but we were able to feed many people with such a simple act. Search in your community. See if you can find any such similar rewards system at any local market or department store, and give what you earn to a deserving place.



My local YMCA, where I am a member, goes through a lot of towels. Approximately every two months, instead of throwing away the torn and holey towels, the Y gives them to me in two huge bags. I take them to my veterinarian friend’s no-kill cat shelter where they are used for many purposes. Last Christmas, I was in the YMCA locker room talking about my recent trip to the shelter to deliver towels and one of the ladies interrupted me. She said she had received all new towels as a Christmas gift for her newly painted bathroom. She offered to donate all her old towels since they no longer matched her decor. She wanted them to help comfort the needy cats & kittens on their way to a second chance at life. Her words moved other ladies in the locker room that day, and I ended up with an extra bag filled to bursting with towels, blankets and even money for the shelter. Ask your local animal shelter what they need in the way of donations. If they want towels, check with any gyms or sport clubs in your town and see if they will follow suit with my YMCA and donate used towels to your cause.

How many pieces clothes are in your closet which you never wear, but you just can’t get rid of because they’re in great shape? I am one of those people. Our local homeless shelter serves families and helps them get back on their feet by providing training for new careers. One of the many things they need are clothes for job interviews. A friend at our church goes once a month to help organize the clothes and accessories, and she uses her fashion sense to put outfits together.  Imagine... your cast-off blazer, skirt, scarf, and earrings could be the only thing needed to help one parent make a good solid start for their family. How amazing must it feel to be part of that (re)cycle? You could be the one thing that affects the change to bring them something new and hopeful for the future.

Ever since the tragedy of 9/11, I more deeply realize all the sacrifices and risk that firefighters take every day on our behalf. My mom and I decided we will honor our local firefighters every Christmas Eve when these brave individuals are apart from their loved ones, working all night to protect and serve. Every year, we choose a fire station in our city and we bake goodies for them. By myself, I could not do it because working in the kitchen is painful. But together, we are able to work as a team. Get your own team of friends & family together and spread out the work to keep your pain under control. However, you could also use the recycling concept. If you receive food gifts like candy or other goodies that you don’t want or cannot eat because you have food allergies or dietary restrictions (like diabetes or gluten intolerance), collect those items and deliver them to the firefighters. They will be grateful for your offering and pleased to know their hard work is respected by the community.

Just because something is already used doesn’t mean it isn’t still incredibly useful. That’s a lesson we need to embrace. Our chronic pain may have made the “package” we’re in a little worn out and less shiny & new, but inside our hearts are full and ready to reach out. Our perceived “lack of perfection” does not diminish our ability to give.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tuesday-Newsday #92


It’s time for Tuesday-Newsday! The featured blog post this week is “Lessons Surviving Sandy - surviving a disaster with a chronic illness", by Daniel Malito of CreakyJoints.org.

Let Me Know: If you’d like me to watch for articles on your pain condition, just drop me a note in the comments section below. 

WARNING:  My goal is to provide the most up-to-date news I can, which you can then take to your personal doctor and debate the merits of before you try it. I do not endorse any of the docs, treatments, info, and meds in anything I post nor can I guarantee they are all effective, especially not for everyone. As is the case with any health info, ALWAYS get your doctor's opinion first!
====++++====++++====++++====++++====++++===


*MENINGITIS OUTBREAK NEWS

Current Count from the CDC: 510 Cases, 36 Deaths, 14 Joint Infections

If you are one of the patients who was notified of being exposed during the meningitis outbreak, please read this story for details that you need to know.






*MEDICATION NEWS







*PATIENT NEWS








*MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS









*FIBROMYALGIA 







The Nov/Dec 2012 issue includes the following feature stories: 
     * COVER STORY:  New Considerations for Lab Tests in FM 
     *  But You Don't Look Sick! 
     *  FibroTrack--Reducing Symptoms   
     * Tips for Parents of Children with Chronic Pain or FM
     * TMJ and FM
     * Research Update: Cervical Spinal Abnormalities & FM  
     * and more



*FEATURED BLOG POST

by Daniel Malito of CreakyJoints.org

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I'm going to be in-and-out of town, so I won't be able to write anything new this weekend. Instead I'm going to share a couple of links to brighten your holiday.

I really had fun writing my Thanksgiving post last year; if you weren't following my blog then, I wanted to share the humor again. It still makes me chuckle! Just click on the title to connect to the post:

~ Thanksgiving: Using Life’s Ingredients To Make Our Feast ~ 

And just for a little additional fun, I have a couple more amusements to share. If you are planning to cook today, let me warn you not to make this dish!: Fried Gnocchi. When you click the link and watch the video, all the fun starts at about one minute in - and be prepared for the funniest laugh you've ever heard from a chef!

And in the spirit of the holiday, here's a cute & funny history lesson from Cats giving thanks for Thanksgiving.

On this special day, I give thanks to all of you who read my blog and give me a purpose and place to education & inspire those with chronic pain. I truly hope that I have helped each of you in some small way.

Many blessings to you as we start out the holiday season!

© Mkolodziejski | Stock Free Images &Dreamstime Stock Photos



Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Tuesday-Newsday #91


It’s time for Tuesday-Newsday! For this special holiday week, I’ve chosen two Featured Blog Posts to share: 1.) Head-Off Holiday Stress by Educating Loved-Ones About Your Health Limitations by Toni Bernhard, and 2.) Thanksgiving: Are You Really Truly Grateful? Prove It! by Jinny Ditzler

Let Me Know: If you’d like me to watch for articles on your pain condition, just drop me a note in the comments section below. 

WARNING:  My goal is to provide the most up-to-date news I can, which you can then take to your personal doctor and debate the merits of before you try it. I do not endorse any of the docs, treatments, info, and meds in anything I post nor can I guarantee they are all effective, especially not for everyone. As is the case with any health info, ALWAYS get your doctor's opinion first!
====++++====++++====++++====++++====++++===


*UPDATE ON MENINGITIS OUTBREAK*

Current Count from the CDC: 490 Cases, 34 Deaths, 12 Joint Infections







*MEDICATION NEWS







*CHRONIC PAIN NEWS





By understanding what has gone wrong in them scientists are starting to unravel the complexities of the relationship between the hard-wiring of our pain circuits and the influence of our brains in experiencing and processing pain.




*PATIENT NEWS

An impostor who steals your medical information and uses your identity to get healthcare could pose more than one type of problem. Read this article to find precautions and strategies to protect yourself.





*MILITARY VETERANS and PAIN








*LYME DISEASE





*FEATURED BLOG POSTS

by Toni Bernhard 

by Jinny Ditzler