Fibromyalgia Specialists: Other Doctors Who Treat Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a multi-system condition that might require you to visit other doctors in addition to your primary care physician. Below is a list of specialists that you might need to see and why.

It is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses your particular symptoms. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor to refer you to these specialists if you feel you need to see one.

Doctors For Fibromyalgia

Primary Care Physician (PCP):

Your primary care physician is your first line of defense. You need to develop an open and positive relationship with this doctor because they are going to be overseeing your care. If you have a HMO, you're going to need them to refer you to all specialists. If you're not comfortable with your primary care physician, keep looking.

Rheumatologist:

A Rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases affecting joints, muscles, and bones. Your PCP will more than likely refer you to a Rheumatologist in order to officially diagnose you with Fibromyalgia since it is their area of specialty. A Rheumatologist should be abreast of the newest treatments being used and which therapies work best since they probably have a good amount of Fibromyalgia Patients.

Pain management specialist:

Pain Management Specialists deal with the treatment of chronic pain conditions through pain medications. It is very important that you have a contentious pain management specialist because pain medications have serious side effects and the possibility of addiction. You need to be careful when taking medication and a good Pain Management Specialist will ensure your safety.

Pain Management Specialists will also do Trigger Point Injection therapy which is sometimes recommended for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief.

Physical therapist:

Physical therapists specialize in the physical treatment and management of disease or condition. Low impact exercise is essential to feeling better with Fibromyalgia and a physical therapist can help you acclimate yourself to exercise. Just remember to listen to your body and don't let them talk you into anything that causes you pain.

Psychiatrist:

A Psychiatrist specializes in mental disorders. Anxiety and depression are often associated with Fibromyalgia and a psychiatrist (specifically a cognitive-behavior psychiatrist) is a great avenue to helping patient's overcome both of these problems.

Another area that is explored for helping Fibromyalgia pain is emotional and spiritual healing.

Chiropractor:

A Chiropractor focus on the misalignment of the spine and how it disrupts the neurological communications between your brain and our bodies. In layman's terms, when the spine is properly aligned, everything falls into place and functions properly. If your spine is misaligned, your muscles aren't lying properly on your body and your nerves become aggravated. This can cause pain.

Keep in mind: Not all chiropractors are created equal. I've been to chiropractors who are all about the money and not about healing. Your chiropractor should listen to you, never hurt you and you must have your own appointment. Get a referral to a chiropractor from someone who has used them.

Allergist:

An Allergist specialize in allergies and how our bodies react to them. Many Fibromyalgia patients also suffer from allergies and other autoimmune conditions. I personally suffer from urticaria (chronic hives). If you suffer from allergies, it is another issue that is negatively impacting your immune system.

Allergists can offer you relief in the form of anti-histamines and allergy shots that can reduce your allergies altogether. By minimizing any allergies you might be experiencing, your Fibromyalgia symptoms will in theory improve because you are eliminating one less "problem" that your body is currently handling.

Endocrinologist:

Endocrinologists specialize on disorders of the glands. The reason they are important to Fibromyalgia patients is because we often have thyroid issues. My urticaria is cause by an autoimmune condition that is related to my thyroid.

Gynocologist:

A gynocologist specializes in women's reproductive health. Every woman should see a gynocologist for their yearly exam. The reason why a gynocologist is important for a woman with Fibromyalgia is because we often have menstruation and sexual issues. Many women with Fibromyalgia have:

Abnormal menstrual cycles
Severe cramps
Lack of ovulation
Sexual dysfunction: lack of libido, internal vaginal pain during intercourse
A gynocologist can help you with all of these issues.

Gastroenterologist:

A Gastroenterologist specializes in the digestive system. If you have Fibromyalgia, it is more than likely you also suffer from Irritable Bowl Syndrome. If that is the case, this is the doctor to see for guidance and treatment.

Acupuncturist:

Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of inserting needles into the skin to treat what ails us. Some Acupuncturists also use electrical currents in their practice.

Doctors often refer Fibromyalgia patients to acupuncturists for pain management as a safe alternative to medication.

Let Me Tell You How To Get Rid Of Man Boobs Without Surgery

I was just like you, I woke in the morning went to the toilet and stared down at my man boobs. You're Tired of the baggy t-shirts to hide them. You hate it when you catch a sideways glance of yourself in the mirror. You've had enough. Your minds made up to make a change and do something about them. If you're thinking the easy way to get rid of man boobs is surgery. Forget it, surgery should not be an option.

How Come? I'm guessing that you're reading this because you cannot afford the 2 month Hollywood make-over. Which will cost anything over 2000 pounds - and I'm being conservative with that figure - that's just for getting under the knife. Don't forget you have to be tested, Pay for the prescription; the time off work won't be cheap. Adding all that onto the above number soon adds up to a lot of 000's.

Money might not be an issue to you BUT. Ever wondered how surgery affects your body. The surgeon doesn't just burn chest fat off in the operating room; he will take a large SHARP Hoover and start sucking! Now if you are like me you want to get rid of the man boobs so you can walk on the beach bare topped. Not be so self-conscience you have to wear a t-shirt. If you go under the knife you will be replacing those man boobs with a couple of saggy lumps with scars either side. And the best bit you paid for it! If I've not convinced you yet? Then think about the RISK. If you're considering this action I'm guessing you are not a young 20 something. Your body is put under a lot of stress when you have surgery. What happens if you have complications? Have you just turned a small problem into a large one? Who knows? Why risk it?

I believe, surgery is the easy way out and you know what happens if you take the easy option. Remember when you thought you would take the easy option and fix the car?? How easy did it turn out? My experience is its never that easy and your left wishing you had done it the other way. I believe Surgery should be done as a last result and I think you do too.

Why have surgery when there are a lot of safe and more promising alternatives that you should consider when deciding on how to get rid of man boobs.

1. Medication. I've never been one for taking pills, and I think most men would have similar views. BUT if I knew taking a pill a day for the next year would give the same results as surgery. I would do it... That said they still aren't cheap it's likely to add up to a few hundred Quid paying for all those prescriptions. Not to mention the potential side effects. However if you take this route good luck and I hope it works

2. Exercise. This is my favorite. Van Damme, Schwarzenegger didn't get those bodies through taking pills and having surgery. (Well not sure about the pills...) But in my mind it makes sense to burn chest fat with a good workout in the gym. Pumping Iron or 20 minutes on the rowing machine work well as an exercise to get rid of man boobs. If you tried this option and it didn't work. At least you would feel fitter. And there is no negatives to it.

3. Diet. Excellent, I can still reduce the size even if I suffer from Gynecomastia, Unfortunately I cannot say this for exercise to get rid of man boobs. Not only do you lose the chest fat, it will come off the hips and thighs. Giving a great healthy body. Sounds to me like a good approach.

4. Finally the Natural approach to man boob reduction. This is a viable option. It prescribe to a combination of the other options diet, exercise, and other methods of how to get rid of man boobs using natural methods. Unlike the other options it has a certain lack of credibility. But by doing a combination of the other options you have a good shot of achieving your goals. Those are your options, Get off your backside and make a decision on how to get rid of man boobs.

Dog Allergies Treatment - Help For Itchy Dogs

The most common reaction to allergens in dogs are skin problems. The primary symptoms are licking, biting, and scratching. Skin problems can be difficult to diagnose because there are so many different causes. Finding the correct diagnosis leads to the best dog allergies treatment for your pet.

Allergies can be controlled by avoiding the allergens, treating the symptoms, or desensitizing the dog. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical exam and lab tests. Treatment can include antihistamines and corticosteroids. Management may include topical sprays, and medicated shampoos.

Food sensitivities cause itching skin, anal itching, ear inflammations, and occasionally vomiting, diarrhea, or asthma-like coughing. Allergies develop over time so don't rule out food because the dogs diet is unchanged. Many commercial foods are available to help. Finding the correct ingredients is trial and error, but once a food is found that doesn't trigger your dogs sensitivities, the new diet is as good as a cure.

Flea allergies are a hypersensitivity to the saliva in the flea bite. One bite causes itching lasting 5 to 7 days. Symptoms are biting, scratching, and hair loss from excessive licking. Topical flea medications work after an adult flea has bitten, so this isn't enough for an allergic dog. Treatment is fleas control. Use chemicals sparingly. Too many can be as harmful as the fleas. Oatmeal baths provide temporary relief of itching. Wash dog bedding with every bath. Limit walks, staying away from trails frequented by wildlife. Your vet may prescribe an antihistamine shot for long-term relief or corticosteroids for immediate relief.

Inhalant, or atopy allergies are the most common. These include allergic reactions to dust mites, molds, and pollens. First step is a combination strategy of reducing exposure to the allergen, and providing relief for itching. A dehumidifier will reduce molds. Cover dirt around house plants with activated charcoal. Control dust and pollens with an air cleaner. Air conditioning reduces dust and pollen exposure.

Treatments of symptoms includes weekly baths with oatmeal or medicated shampoos for temporary relief of itching. Topical sprays and creams are used for localized itching. Antihistamines are relatively safe. You may have to try different ones to find one that doesn't overly sedate your pet. Not all over the counter antihistamines are safe for dogs. Consult a vet to determine which choices are safe and effective, and at what dosage. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation which reduces itching. It's primarily used short term to relieve severe itching and inflammation. Long term use is discouraged because this medication suppresses the immune system. Omega-3 is helpful to some dogs. It's a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces the amount and effects of histamines and other chemicals released in response to allergies. It's very safe and used in conjunction with antihistamines can reduce the need for corticosteroids.

Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to decrease the body's reaction. Shots contain small amounts or extracts of the allergen based on results of skin testing. The dog's owner gives shots to the pet at home. They are very effective but slow to work, taking 6-12 months to see improvement.

Continued biting and scratching can lead to open sores which can become infected, requiring antibiotics. Seeking dog allergies treatment early can reduce the need for corticosteroids and antibiotics, medications that come with more side effects.

Case Study - Protein, Good Nutrition and Uterine Fibroid Treatment

About 80% of all women in the US have benign tumors, called fibroids, which grow on the uterine wall. Only about 25% of women with fibroids ever notice them, because they are not large enough, but, fibroids are the main reason for hysterectomies in the United States. Fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and cramping, pain or pressure in the pelvis, complications during pregnancy and painful intercourse. There are not many risk factors to look for, with the exception of a family history of fibroid tumors.

Treatment of Fibroid Tumors

Other than having a hysterectomy, there are alternatives when it comes to treating fibroid tumors. Many physicians recommend birth control pills. These will not actually affect or change the tumor, but they will ease some of the symptoms, including excessive bleeding. Women who wish to get pregnant can undergo surgery to remove the fibroid tumor, but there is always the risk of the tumor returning in the future. There is also a new treatment which involves a specialized ultrasound, which takes about three hours to complete.

Maintaining good health is necessary in the treatment of fibroid tumors, and this includes exercise, quitting smoking (or not starting in the first place), maintain a healthy weight, and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. One important macro-nutrient that is necessary for survival, and ideal for treatment of fibroid tumors, is protein. Protein is made up of hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and carbon.

Dietary Treatment For Fibroid Tumor Patients

It is essential for everyone, not just patients with fibroid tumors, to eat a well-balanced diet that has all of the essential macronutrients, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. About 50% of a healthy diet should come from carbohydrates, with 30% coming from protein and the other 30% coming from fats. The American Heart Association recommends that no protein be taken in than this amount for optimal results.

Include These Foods In Diets For Fibroid Tumor Treatment

Patients with fibroid tumors are often recommended to add soy products to their diets, because soy is a complete protein, containing all 22 of the essential and non-essential amino acids. Fiber is also recommended, as it is one of the best ways to help the liver process and eliminate excess estrogen. Some of the best sources of dietary fiber include: whole grains, all beans, tofu and miso. There are also many protein supplements made from soy that are great additions to any diet. Other foods that are healthy sources of protein, and good for patients with fibroid tumors, are cold water fishes, including salmon. Otherwise, vegetable proteins, and protein supplements, are the way to go, at least at first. After a few months, patients can begin adding hormone-free animal proteins to their diets.

Avoid These Foods

Because fibroids are fed by estrogen, patients should definitely avoid any foods that have synthetic estrogens, such as red meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Because these are also dietary sources of protein, patients must find other alternatives to get the protein they need in their diets.

Using Protein Supplements

Protein supplements are a great way to do get the right amount of protein in one's diet. Protein supplements that are very popular include:

Protein powders - These are one of the most versatile types of protein supplements available. Not only can you add flavorless protein powders to just about all of your favorite recipes, there are also delicious flavored powders that can be used to make great-tasting shakes, smoothies and slushies. Protein powders come in a number of flavors, including berry, fruit punch, chocolate and vanilla.

Protein shots - This is a great way to get a whole lot of protein in one small drink. These shots are less than three ounces each, and provide 25-30 grams of protein in each low-calorie serving. Protein shots are available in such delicious flavors as green apple, raspberry, lime and grape.

Liquid protein supplements - These are available in a number of ready-to-drink shakes and smoothies, such as chocolate and vanilla, and there are also flavorless liquid protein supplements as well, which can be added to many recipes. Because many of these supplements are made from milk-based proteins, people who have milk allergies or lactose intolerances should read the ingredients carefully to make sure these ingredients are not included in a particular supplement.

Marie, A Patient With Fibroid Tumors, Adds Protein To Her Diet

When Marie was diagnosed with fibroid tumors that were not large enough to bother with surgery, she asked her doctor how to treat them. Her doctor initially recommended birth control, as Marie reported heavier-than-normal menstrual bleeding and cramping, and told her that the pill would ease some of her symptoms. Marie's doctor also recommended that she make some drastic changes to her diet, including eliminating red meat and other animal sources of protein.

Marie, who has some understanding of nutrition, asked her doctor how she was to get the protein she needed in her diet without eating these foods, and was told that in addition to a number of healthy, delicious vegetable proteins, such as soy (a complete protein with all eight essential amino acids and all 14 non-essential amino acids). Marie's doctor also recommended that she add protein supplements to her diet. Marie's doctor told her that a liquid protein supplement was terrific for just about any diet, because it not only contains 25 grams of protein per 2.9 fluid ounce serving, it contains no fat and carbohydrates, and is only 100 calories per serving.

Marie followed her doctor's recommendations, and soon found that her symptoms were not as severe as they once were, and the need for any surgery had been eliminated. Because she was so happy with her new diet and how good it made her feel, Marie continues to use protein supplements each and every day, for health and energy.

Alleviating Allergies

If you have allergies like I do trying to do your routine activities is difficult.

On top of the fact I have allergies I also have Asthma. I have had both for 30 years and I am 31. When my allergies kick in so does my Asthma. It is not any fun to have both clobbering you at the same time.

For years I used numerous medications and most of them made me drowsy. I was one of those in that rare category that ended up drowsy. The following day I was still like a zombie walking around in a daze.

I got so tired of this that I went to an allergy specialist. They wanted to put me on allergy shots on top of a list of things to get rid of or change in my life. I was told to get rid of carpet, keep the windows closed, stay inside, don't have pets, etc. That wasn't the kind of life I wanted to live.

I am active person that loves the outdoors as well as animals.

I continued to take prescription medicines like Zyrtec for awhile until my body got used to it.

Then I tried Singulair but when I lost my job I also lost my insurance so I was back to over the counter medications.

When my allergy testing was done "officially" 10 years ago, I was nearly off the charts. I joke around that I am allergic to everything but myself. Really though, my allergies could be worse than they are. I am even allergic to Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Peas among many other things.

Most of my life I have been unacceptably miserable because of allergies. I have gotten angry at times because I depend on medications to keep me going.

Earlier this year, a friend of mine who is a registered nurse was telling me about a supplement that has helped many other people she knew had allergies. They either said their allergies were completely relieved or the symptoms were greatly alleviated.

As many medications and natural techniques I have tried over the years I was skeptical. There is always someone out there claiming to have a cure or a really great fix on allergies but yet it isn't flying off the shelves?

Well, this supplement is apparently the hottest, top seller of a company I just recently became associated with. Market America's Isotonix OPC-3 is an awesome product.

I began taking it about the time Spring was really going into action. Everyday I have taken it faithfully especially since if I forget to take it on time my body reminds me. While it has not completely cured my allergies it has significantly alleviated them. I am able to work normally day to day with absolutely no side affects such as drowsiness.

Isotonix OPC-3 is all natural too. You just use the cap provided to put the bottlecap full of the supplement into and add water or you can add it to your drink if preferred.

I recommend if you have allergies and have tried everything under the sun give the OPC-3 a try. Give it a week to see results. It is an alternative and natural way to deal with your allergies.

If you are getting ready to take allergy shots and want to try something before committing then try the OPC-3.

I have exposed myself to heavy pollen, mowed an acre and been in the most dusty places the last few months. Usually I am miserable. But not one single day have my allergies bothered me.

Hives Treatment - Why Your Urticaria Treatment Will Fail

Why The Best Urticaria Treatment Is a Simple Natural Method

Every day, people visit their doctors with complaints relating to urticaria--or hives. They're in hot pursuit of a hives treatment plan that will provide them with relief from the itching and pain of the associated bumps and welts.

Dealing With Acute Hives Is Easy

In many cases, getting rid of the hives is quite easy. Those with an acute case of urticaria generally respond quite well to antihistamines and/or steroids as a form of hives treatment. Their issues are short-lived and the allergens that spurred them may never be identified. Hives of this sort are just a normal part of life for many, in fact it is thought that most people will at some time in their life experience acute hives.

Little or No Relief For Chronic Hive Sufferers

However In other cases, hives don't disappear without a great deal of effort. In chronic cases, they can last for six weeks or more and keep coming back, some people suffer with the condition for years. Chronic urticaria sufferers experience frequent, recurrent outbreaks and conventional urticaria treatment methods often fail.

Why does the standard hives treatment often fail? There are a few reasons.

#1: First, the normal approach--bombarding the situation with antihistamines and steroids--assumes that the hives stem from interaction with an outside allergen. This treatment regimen acts as though "a hive is a hive" when that's not really the case. Chronic urticaria sufferers often have hyperactive immune systems that respond disproportionately to allergens and toxins. The problem is related more to the immune system than the allergen and treating the symptoms--the hives themselves--does nothing to solve that problem.

#2: Second, traditional hives treatment involves frequent use of medications. That makes sense as way of resolving the symptoms quickly, but it has an unintended side effect. Those medications invite toxins into the system, some of which can build up after years of dealing with chronic hives. As we've established, part of the underlying force that generates those hives is an immune system disorder that will overreact to the build up of toxins. In these cases, the medication itself can actually lead to additional outbreaks. It's a situation in which the solution actually encourages the frequency of urticaria outbreaks.

A Natural Treatment For Chronic Hives Which Heals From The Inside Out

Those flaws in the standard hives treatment system have led many sufferers to seek out natural means of addressing the problem, especially those suffering with chronic urticaria. These solutions, which aren't based on popping pills, using creams or taking shots, have shown great promise in the permanent and effective treatment of chronic urticaria because they address the underlying issues.

Chronic hives can be a serious problem. They're painful, itchy, unattractive and a constant source of distraction. If you're dealing with regular hives outbreaks and aren't experiencing success with the standard treatment regimen, you may want to consider a natural response to the problem

The Answer For Many Chronic Urticaria Sufferers - Try This When Nothing Else Works:

Questions About Hay Fever? - 7 Answers That Can Help

Each year hay fever affects over 23 million people in the United States. And that number is based only on the people who check in with a health care professional. So it is pretty clear that this is a huge health issue.

Knowing the answers to these 7 frequently asked questions can help you manage allergic rhinitis more effectively.

Is there a difference between hay fever and allergic rhinitis? No, they are terms that are often used interchangeably for the same condition. Rhinitis being the more clinical name for hay fever is the swelling of the nasal tissues in some people that is caused by exposure to airborne irritants such as mold spores as well as tree, grass, and weed pollen.

What are the symptoms for hay fever and how do they differ from a cold? This is a frequently asked question and a great one because the symptoms for the two conditions are very similar.

Sneezing, coughing, congestion, post nasal drip are common to both conditions. However, it is the duration of the symptoms that gives the best indication.

Cold symptoms tend to run their course in 5 to 10 days. Allergy symptoms can last for months. And by consulting a physician about symptoms that last more than several weeks, they are often able to determine which you have by the condition of lining of the nasal cavity.

Which kind of pollen causes the most trouble, and when does that season start? Probably the most potent of all pollen is that of ragweed. This plant usually starts to pollinate in late summer and often continues until it is killed by frost in late November or early December (depending on the climate where you live).

Will a physical move to another part of the country help? The problem with moving to another part of country to escape is that the wind can take these light-weight allergens hundreds of miles from where they originate. So trying to run away from them is not likely to work.

When does pollen season end? It depends largely on where you live and the type of pollen. Tree pollen is usually the first to emerge and can do so as early as January in warmer regions.

Grass pollen follows and last from mid spring to late summer. And finally weed pollen goes airborne in late summer and can last until early December or frost, whichever comes first.

Is medication a short or long term solution? The answer to this question really depends on the type of medication. The first type is designed to control the symptoms and generally include antihistamines that are designed to dry up the additional mucous the body makes in an attempt to flush out the allergens.

The second type of medication is designed to reduce the body's initial reaction to the allergen, which if successful, reduces the need for the medicines that control symptoms.

Then there are allergy shots. This is a slow process that meets with mixed results for different people. The idea is to gradually inject increasing amounts of the allergen into the body. The hope is that the body will become desensitized and will be less likely to overreact with symptoms.

Can an air purifier really make a difference? An air purifier with HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting filtration is one of the most consistent recommendations in the allergy management plan.

Reducing exposure to the irritant is still the best way to manage allergies, and a HEPA can remove airborne particles that are as small as.3 microns in size. A cleaner with multiple sized filters, and variable filtration speeds is one of the most effective ways to stay on track despite hay fever.