Fibromyalgia Case Studies: October 6- October 20, 2007

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10/20/2007
Name: Jan
City: Forest lake
State: MN
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? n. st. paul mn
Where Do You Live Now? forest lake, mn
How Long Have You Lived There? 12 years
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Graphic artist can't work anymore on a daily basis
Medical History: No major issues Now - Hypothyroid, high blood pressure, High cholesterol, GERD, migraines plus other headaches
Does Exercise Help? Swimming in a therapeutic pool I feel great after a couple of hours in the warm water
What Were Your First Symptoms? shoulders hurt really bad and couldn't sit for any length of time
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Can't sleep hurt all over most of the time shoulders, neck headache, elbows, knees, ankles. legs seem to want to move at night when I don't, can't concentrate
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No, I don't think so. Now when I get a cold or anything it seems to always last longer for me than any others
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Inks, and chemicals for printing and dark room chemicals, had to quit my graphics job because I lost my voice when I went to work. Walked in and said good morning to people, got to the other end of the building and had no voice. My voice is still affected by smells etc.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Changed my life so I cannot play with my grandkids, don't have any energy to do much of anything
What Makes Symptoms Worse? rain, cold or humid weather, getting too tired
What Makes You Feel Better? massage, swimming, accupuncture
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Definitely -- can't remember anything anymore, have to write notes to remember very simple things, also lose my balance quite often
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I think around 5 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? VERY QUICKLY, like overnite it was there, I can't think of any medications before I was diagnosed with Fibro
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Antidepressants, celebrex,and one other they took off the market, sleeping pills, neurontin, Many herbal meds for fibro, they all seem to help for a awhile but it seems like my body gets immune to them very fast
Your Theories: After so many years of hurting you get to the point this is the way life is, I you finally give up hope on finding anything to improve it, you can take all kinds of drugs but then the brain fog seems to get worse, so that doesn't help
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I think more people should be aware of it and that is an actual disease and not just something in your head that you can fix whenever you really want to. I have a new doctor now who believes if you just exercise you would be OK, I asked him if he wanted to exercise with me one day for an hour and then try to get up the next day and we would see how much it helped, usually I can't get out of bed after just a short low impact routine, I do walk but I have to do it on a regular basis. I guess my point is even doctors still believe it is "all in your head" This is the first doctor in a long time that I have had that beleives this way, I have been very lucky with very open doctors, It as rather disheartening to find a "young" doctor with such bad ideas. SORRY just had to vent
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10/20/2007:
Name: Dee
City: Nelson
State: New Zealand
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Dunedin
Where Do You Live Now? Nelson
How Long Have You Lived There? 14 years
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 25 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 24
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Nurse, who works in administation
Medical History: Hepatitis A at 15. Diagnosis of ME at 24 yrs.
Does Exercise Help? Moderate walking and swimming helps.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Intestinal virus
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Severe back and neck pain. Skin feels inflammed all over. Sight is getting very poor. Itchy skin. Ankles become sprained easily
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Make it difficult to keep working -- still work but only for reduced hours.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Sitting to long really affects my back Rainy cold weather
What Makes You Feel Better? A moderate pace of work. Sunny, warm weather
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Used to -- not significant at this time.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, I was incapacitated with ME very rapidly within a few weeks. Have had to leave jobs over the last 25 years on and off due to sudden, debilitating back pain
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I was raised with flouride in the water, not in my current water supply
Remedies Tried: I find Panadol or aspirin helps with pain -- if really bad take sleeping med (Zoplicone) to sleep
Your Theories: I was almost dead when born -- was the ill child in the family. Could this be related to vaccines? esp Polio vaccine. Believe the autoimmune system is compromised in some way. Other than that it is all a mystery
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes, investigate trauma and shock (psychological) as a precursor to this syndrome.
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10/18/2007
Name: Kim
City: Turlock
State: California
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? California
Where Do You Live Now? Turlock
How Long Have You Lived There? 35 years
Your Age? 40
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Realtor, yes
Medical History: blood clot in lung 1 1/2 yrs prior
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? weakness on left side, dizziness, tingling in face, leg muscles felt like they were going to cramp, fogginess in head
What Are Your Current Symptoms? stiffness in legs and arms, sore spots on body, hearing loss at low levels, tired, hard to move, dizziness, shortness of breath
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, thought it was strep throat...had high fever for 5 days and three rounds of antibiotics. Symptons started shortly after
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I'm tired most of the time, effort to anything, especially if requires any physical exertion
What Makes Symptoms Worse? can't pinpoint that
What Makes You Feel Better? can't pinpoint that either
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? it started when all the symptoms peaked in the beginning
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? when I was sick with the virus I took three different antibiotics. This was approximately 6 weeks before they symptoms all hit me at the same time
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: none
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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10/18/2007  2nd Submission)
Name: Regina
City: Trotwood
State: OH
What Were Your First Symptoms? I filled out this questionnaire a couple of days ago but reading some of the other responses reminded me of things I didn't think of at the time and I wanted to be sure to add that when I first had problems ar age 17 I had been quite physically active with gymnastics and track. The first thing I noticed was cramps or spasms deep in my calf muscles which took an hour or two to relax. I got so bad I would cry and it felt like my knee and ankle joints were being damaged. I DID have knee problems for about 10 years after. The next year when I was 18 I played volleyball and developed spasms in my hands and forearms and couldn't even straighten my fingers. I then strained my ankle very badly and didn't play the rest of the season but was lucky enough to be treated by a podiatrist who taped my ankle and told my I could do anything that didn't hurt. For track about the only thing I could do was jog slowly. I found that slow, easy running would keep the muscles in my calves loose and after warming up this way I could run normally (when the ankle was better.)I also seemed to develop my onwn form of biofeedback and was able to relax the tight muscles or keep them from tightening. I did have other symptoms of Fm, the general body aches but not for long. It would come and go for a few days when I was 18.
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10/16/2007 (first submission)
Name: Regina
City: Trotwood
State: OH
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Piqua, OH
Where Do You Live Now? Trotwood, OH
How Long Have You Lived There? 29 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 36
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 17
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Chemist, no
Medical History: In general very healthy, nothing wrong. I believe that my paternal grandfather also had FM but that was in the 1960's and was never diagnosed. Several years he spent his vacation time at the Cleveland Clinic having tests done.
Does Exercise Help? Absolutely. Run/jog 3 mi every other day, if possible. I have done this since High School but periodially took time off if too may demands on time. That's when I would have problems.
What Were Your First Symptoms? aching muscles & joints
What Are Your Current Symptoms? sometimes slight fatigue, but otherwise none. I do get more sleep (about 8-9 hrs) than when I worked.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Nothing longer than a few days. I thought I did summer of 1992 and discontinued my running which was sporatic at the time. After a couple of months on a good day I tried some running, felt amazingly better the next day. I cautiously continued my running and soon was back to 'normal.'
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Some, but nothing consistent. Mainly worked with materials used in paper coatings, which are similar to paint ingredients.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? When I had problems (1999)I was not able to do much except what what was minimally needed. That summer I don't even remember because I was usually sleeping (or trying to) if I wasn't actively doing something.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? The fall time change seemed to upset my body several years - although it doesn't any more.
What Makes You Feel Better? excercise. I also take nortriptyline - at first minimal dosages, 12.5 and 25 mg/day. Increasing to 50 mg (for the last 2 years) seems better.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? It did for most of 1999.In Dec. my Dr. finally decided after multiple visits that I may have FM put me on nortriptyline. I studied information, read about the benefits of exercize and gradually began jogging again. It took 6-9 months to start feeling semi-normal again. No problems now with brain fog but maybe a bit forgetful, some "verbal dyslexia."
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Had problems in 1999.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No. I had progressively more problems over 6-9 months. I had not taken any antibiotics for years.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: B100, fish oil, guaifenisin, nortriptyline
Your Theories: I think they all helped but nothing was very dramatic except the nortriptyline. Only took guaifenisin a couple of months - it seemed to do something but nothing specific enough to say what. I took B100 and fish oil for about 6-8 months, until I felt better. Now I just take a multi-vitamin.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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10/18/2007
Name: Jacqueline
City: Lethbridge
State: Alberta
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Where Do You Live Now? Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 year
Your Age? 46
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Tilesetter
Medical History: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Does Exercise Help? Swimming
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain all over. Feeling like an 18 wheeler has driven over me.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic Fatigue Brain Fog Acute Pain Short term memory loss Low energy Chronic candida Sleep disturbances
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I recall
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Yes. Oral: Amalgam fillings, metal bridge. Mixing various materials for tile installation
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Constant pain and fatigue. I have little energy. Had to go bankrupt. Couldn't work.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Not enough sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? Rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 9 years approx.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I think so. There was a period of time where my dentist constantly put me on amoxicillin. Then I developed chronic candida. Didn't realize that it was related. I had a severe whiplash in a car accident and I think that it was related to that. I do not really recall any drugs instigating this illness.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I will have to read on. I do not know what dietary flouride exposure is. I have had the metals removed from my mouth recently, as well as replaced all amalgams. Still need to chelate what is in my body. I also have a few "cavitations" which Dr. Hulda Clark talks about in "The Cure for All Diseases".
Remedies Tried: Homeopathy, herbs. The doctor's have had me on anti-depressants etc. and now I am on narcotics for the pain.
Your Theories: I believe that once my body has been cleansed of PARASITES and metal deposits as well as other toxins, especially accumulations in the bowels, (see drnatura.com), then I will be on the road to recovery. A chiropractor in California believes that fibromyalgia is instigated by trauma to the upper cervical spine. See stopfibro.com So if these other measures "Dr. Hulda Clark's protocols do not get rid of it" then I will consider this gentleman's (Dr. Whitcomb} theory as well.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes. Parasitical infection. Approx 4 years ago after reading The Cure for All Diseases, I obtained a zapper and went on a parasite cleanse but did not do the kidney, liver or bowel cleanse. As well I couldn't afford to have my teeth fixed (metals and amalgam's removed) After doing the parasite cleanse for a period of 6 months, I didn't need the painkillers anymore for the fibro pain, but then after I went off of the pain killers, my mouth was KILLING me! It hurt very much. Then I realized, as Dr. Clark suggests, that I was wasting my time until I had my teeth fixed. I still had yet to do the liver and kidney and bowel cleanses as well. Presently I am on the colonix and toxinout programs. Then I will move on to the kidney and further liver cleanses and see how I feel. Another important question is craving sweets, which is a clear indication of parasites and also you should ask if the pain is greater after eating sweets, which it would/should be because the parasites are making us crave sweets to feed them. Once they are fed, their toxins (wastes) create the pain.
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10/16/2007
Name: Laura
City: Seattle
State: WA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? 5/30/1977
Where Do You Live Now? Seattle
How Long Have You Lived There? 25 years
Your Age? 30
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 24
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? IT Help Desk at onset. Did not work for several years, now working full time as regulatory specialist for pharmaceutical monitoring company.
Medical History: GERD, IBS, chronic insomnia, Fibromyalgia
Does Exercise Help? Walking, weight lifting, swimming
What Were Your First Symptoms? Brain fog, exhaustion, bouts of inability to breathe, dizziness. Went downhill in a month to full blown can't get out of bed exhaustion and pain.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? I rarely get symptoms now, but when they occur, I get brain fog, visual perception distortions, exhaustion, joint/muscle pain, insomnia, IBS
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I was severely disabled for several years. It debilitated my life. I have worked very long and hard on using homeopathic remedies, and now it only flares up mildly once in a while and I take a day or two to rest and catch up on my sleep. Otherwise, I feel perfectly healthy.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, poor food, too much exercise
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleep, resting, protein, meditation, Reiki
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? It started immediately when it did 6 years ago. It was one of my first symptoms.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. It started the first week of November 2000 and I went from perfect health to sick. I was completely disabled by January 2001. I was not on any perscriptions at the time.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: I have been off and on perscription pain killers and anti-depressents, but they made me feel worse than the illness. I attribute my healing to homeopathic remedies like meditation, gentle exercise, therepy for anxiety/depression, nutrition, and Reki.
Your Theories: FM seems to have some somatic roots, but I don't think it's a psycho-somatic illness. It's an oddly "base" disorder, in that the very basics of good health...sleep, relaxation, nutrition, and exercise do far more to treat it than anything else. I'm not sure what this means, but I know conventional medicine was totally useless in treating it.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not that I can think of
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10/16/2007
Name: Leslie
City: Phoenix
State: USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? California
Where Do You Live Now? Phoenix
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 year
Your Age? 57
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6-7
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49-50
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Publishing. No
Medical History: Junior Rhematoid Arthritis-3 surgeries, 2 C-sections, Tonsils out, gallblader removed, node removed in groin area, 2 surgeries for broken shoulder, treated for depression, fatique, chronic constipation, chronic hip pain-treated with fentanyl 4 yr and bad withdrawal and given suboxone and withdrawaled 2 times, treated for arsenic poison with chelation, treated for neouraphathy, told now chronic hip pain is sciatica nerve and have fibromyalgia and crohns and my thyroid hasn't worked in 6 years. Chronic insomia.
Does Exercise Help? Can't exercise except in pool or I hurt really bad. I refused to take anything for pain. Walking seems to help.
What Were Your First Symptoms? My thyroid stopped working and I started having chronic hip pain.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? More than frequent urination, brain fog, memory loss, fatique, chronic hip pain, Can't sleep at all, weight gain, pain in neck back joint and not very mobile anymore, Nervousness, depression, tingling sensation in fingers and toes, sharp needle like pain from waist down, excessive thirst and tendency to urinate frequently and alot more I can't think of.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? A flu when I was in early 20's.
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Don't know how but was treated for arsenic poisoning in 2006 with level so high they were unable to measure it. Also had high levels of other heavy metals.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I feel like I am 50 years older than I am and is hard to do house work or anything.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Everything I have to do, vacumming, mopping tile, sitting, laying down, exercising unless done in pool.
What Makes You Feel Better? I won't take anymore drugs so not much. Waling seems to help. I used to walk 5 miles a day but now just try to walk for an hour a day.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 6-7
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. Probably antibiotics and only thing that help was fentanyl. But after the withdrawls won't take nacartics or other lesser pain meds.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes I now drink spring or distilled water with lemon added. I had to have all my teeth suddenly pulled, they would no longer hold anything. So the mercury of the so many filling I had are no longer leaching into my body.
Remedies Tried: They have had me on so much I won't be able to remember them all but a few were celebrex and other like that, the neuralogist had me on anti-inflammatory, mussel relaxors and something they give to people that have epilespy she said was new. Fentanyl and suboxone. As for me trying or taking anything myself I don't want to use drugs. I don't drink wate with fluoride in it, I no longer drink alcohol or sodas. I try to not eat any processed foods and eat more fruit and veggies. I take garlic and eat it raw. I take flaxseed oil. I don't use any oil except virgin olive oil and eat coconut oil to give me energy because of my thyroid. I drink a tonic of braggs vinegar 3X day. I eat no sugar and rarely eat bread. I eat no junk food. I probably do more but can't think of it now.
Your Theories: I think fluoride has been a major factor in all my health probables. I think all the fillings I had were very damaging and the vaccines given to me. I had 3 flu shot but will never get another. When the US Airforce spray chemtrails I feel worse.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Don't know.
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10/16/2007
Name: Renee
City: Camas
State: Washington
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? California
Where Do You Live Now? Washington
How Long Have You Lived There? 17 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 18 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 29
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Executive assistant/no; on disability for fibromyalgia
Medical History: Endometriosis
Does Exercise Help? Not really, but swimming does help, when I have a chance to get to a pool
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain and insomnia - looking back, seems to have started with a car accident in 1988.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Extreme pain, fatigue, migraines, insomnia, slight depression, "fibro fog"...
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Chronic viral bronchitis many years ago that lasted for MONTHS...
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I suspect so; lived in the midst of an orchard with a well for water, and they sprayed for pests...
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It's changed EVERYTHING. I can no longer do the things I love to do, and if I do them anyway, boy, do I pay later! The pain has made me more irritable, and the fact that I just can't do what I used to has caused a level of depression that I never had before - it sucks, no matter how hard I try to "deal with it" and be happy.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Weather fronts, crossing the "invisible line" (which, by the way, is constantly moving , oh happy, happy, joy, joy - NOT!), stress - good OR bad, pain (which, of course, is pretty much a constant), wet weather, high humidity...
What Makes You Feel Better? Lower stress levels, sunshine, laughter, NanoGreens, light massage (unless I'm really in pain), a clean house...
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Oh, YEAH. And it SUCKS. We who have it "lovingly" call it "fibro fog"...
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Probably 17 years or so...
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. And no, it had nothing to do with any drugs, that I am aware of. It was, to the best of my knowledge, precipitated by a car accident that I just never fully recovered from.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, but I've never taken dietary fluoride.
Remedies Tried: Elavil, Acupuncture (will try again), Guifenasin, Ultram, Hydrocodone, Ambien, Lunesta, Tizanidine, Cymbalta, Ibuprophen, Zoloft, and a host of other things I can't even remember any longer.
Your Theories: I think it was precipitated by a car accident, and exacerbated by whatever was sprayed on the apple trees in the midst of the orchard I lived in. Stress then clinched it at the last job I worked at, and voila! life has never been the same; where before it was bearable, now it's just existance.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Probably, but my fibro-fog prevents me from thinking of what it could be. This does, however, seem to be fairly comprehensive. Oh, one thing you could ask is if a person has had any surgeries (I've had numerous, for endometriosis), and/or car wrecks; both and/or either of those seem to be precipitating factors in fibro. Good luck figuring this out - hope SOMEONE does!
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10/16/2007
Name: Lee Ann
City: OKC
State: OK
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? OKC
Where Do You Live Now? OKC
How Long Have You Lived There? 39 yrs
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10 or 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 22 or 23
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? take care of develop mentally disabled people
Medical History: weight problem my whole life, low thyroid and take levoxyl daily,no heart problems or high blood pressure, but have muscle and joint pain if I sit too long.
Does Exercise Help? yes
What Were Your First Symptoms? knees
What Are Your Current Symptoms? knee and ankle pain only when I first get up, always cold, poor memory
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? well if fibro is a thyroid problem it has caused hair loss, most which has come back but not like it was on top, weight gain, tired, mood swings, missed periods, be talking about something and forget what I'm talking about.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? winter,no activity, hot bath
What Makes You Feel Better? exercise, keeping busy,
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes,I might be looking for something and forget what I'm looking for or call someone and forget why, I write lots of sticky notes to remind me to do things.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? maybe 2
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I just switched from levoxyl to a generic a couple of times back and forth. I was on a diet pill I was getting from a diet clinic this past year.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? unless its in my food the only fluoride I get is in my toothpaste. I drink more bottled water than tap.
Remedies Tried: I just found this site so have not tried anything yet
Your Theories: my amount of levoxyl I need has not changed, I had it checked six months ago and they said to keep taking the same amount.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? ?
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10/13/2007
Name: theresa
City: landisville
State: new jersey
Your Sex: fem
Where Were You Born? somers point nj
Where Do You Live Now? landisville nj
How Long Have You Lived There? 4yrs
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? telecomm dispatch yes
Medical History: 3 c sections bowel resection adhesions
Does Exercise Help? yes walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in legs and hips
What Are Your Current Symptoms? all over pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that i can remember
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? 1981 bulding i was in had asbestos
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yesssssssssss
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress to many demands
What Makes You Feel Better? exercise pain medication whirlpool
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1 yr
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? davecet
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: ms cotin davacet percocet all kinds of arthitis medications
Your Theories: i do not like the way drs think you are crazy and i just tested for a bad urine and i did not take a thing except what was prescribed i am at whits end trying to feel better now and going to hospitals for relief
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? what can i do to feel better or help with withdraw symptoms o
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10/13/2007
Name: kelly
City: cowichan bay
State: canada
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? winnipeg manitoba
Where Do You Live Now? vancouver island british columbia
How Long Have You Lived There? 17 years
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 21
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 17
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? office work
Medical History: chronic headaches starting at age 7
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? can't really remember, neck pain and headaches definatley
What Are Your Current Symptoms? constant pain, irritable bowel, headaches, extreme fatigue
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? unknown
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? depression, aliention depression lack of energy to do things with kids, lack of energy and constant pain interferes with imtimacy with spouse
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? lots of sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? unknown
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: tylenol, ibuprofen, amitriptyline, prozac, muscle relaxers,
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? thoughts of suicide to relieve the pain
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10/12/2007
Name: Paula
City: Lawrence
State: Kansas
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Dayton, Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? Lawrence, Kansas
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 year
Your Age? 23
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Graduate student. yes.
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? Yes. Yoga.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, generalized muscle pain, weakness, tender points, dizziness.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? We lived near a factory when I was growing up (car plant).
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Has made school, social life, and sexual relationship difficult. I have very little energy.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, both mental and physical. Sugar, wheat, and dairy.
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot baths, fresh fruits and veggies, sleeping pills, Yoga,.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Less than one.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No. It was a gradual process over the last two years.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
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10/12/2007
Name: Susan
City: Phoenix
State: AZ
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? New York
Where Do You Live Now? Phoenix
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 yrs
Your Age? 46
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? At the time I was a day care provider, now I am an admin assistant for a very large company.
Medical History: Very Healthy
Does Exercise Help? Not much. It is very hard to get motivated to work out because of the constant pain that I am in.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in my neck and upper back.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? 12 trigger points are very painful, I have trouble staying asleep at night, I have to take medication and that makes me very uncomfortable.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Quality of life is at about 75%. I cannot do many things because of the pain.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress
What Makes You Feel Better? Not much
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Not really, started slowly and got worse
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: accupuncture
Your Theories: No
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No
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10/12/2007
Name: Linda
City: Smyrna
State: SC
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? NC
Where Do You Live Now? SC
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 YRS
Your Age? 47
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 44
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Currently Marketing and yes part time
Medical History: BIPOLAR/
Does Exercise Help? yes stretches
What Were Your First Symptoms? tenderness to the touch ,numbness ,mainly located on left side,burning area in back
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Losing strenght in my hands. PAIN moving in various spots.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that im aware of
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes,chemicals or solvents as they called them
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? affecting my everyday functions,takes me longer in the am ,because of stiffness.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? not really sure,I just am terribly stiff in the am. VERY MUCH MOVEMENT GETS IT STARTED
What Makes You Feel Better? hot showers sometimes helps not always,
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? this has just started,my start conversation and then forget the point
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? just recently
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no mine was gradual,
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: OTC Aleve,Bayer Back and Body,Naproxin,Goody Powders,
Your Theories: NO, Just keep researching to find relief
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? none that i can think of
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10/11/2007
Name: Beth
City: Spencer
State: Indiana
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Indy
Where Do You Live Now? Spencer
How Long Have You Lived There? 5yrs
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? a couple I guess
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 42???
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Still working, legal assistant
Medical History: hysterectomy, tonsilectomy, thyroid ectomy...see where we're going most of the ectomies
Does Exercise Help? Walking, stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? bad hip pain,chronic fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? the better question is what doesn't hurt?
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not really to my knowledge
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? various jobs around some of these both
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? What part of my life hasn't it affected is the better question...like everyone else I WANT MY LIFE BACK
What Makes Symptoms Worse? definitely cold temperatures, stressful situations, sometimes just putting on my deodorant I pull a muscle...
What Makes You Feel Better? hot tub, meds, massage, rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes and it is so embarassing sometimes it makes me look like a retard in front of very educated people in my line of work
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? just recently not sure if it is the fibro or the meds for the fibro
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I was healthy taking care of mother, then brother and popping Aleve, Tylenol whatever then the fibro wouldn't let any of that work and took me to the depths of hell and muscle relaxers and narcotic pain medicines
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, never heard of this have done extensive research on fibro....
Remedies Tried: you name it I have tried it. Am trying new things all the time
Your Theories: I think that fibromyalgia is a real and debilitating medical problem that if you let it, you will drop to your knees and never get back up. I know that I have to keep trying new things and I also keep my hotline to GOD very open because if it weren't for him I wouldn't be functioning at all
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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10/10/2007
Name: maryann
City: collingwood
State: canada
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? collingwood, canada
Where Do You Live Now? collingwood
How Long Have You Lived There? 36 years
Your Age? 47
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? at 37
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? cleaning homes part time
Medical History: tmj, sinus infections,gallbladder removed,plantar fascitics,reoccuring bladder infections,muscle pain, spams, tingling,aches, insomnia,joints poping
Does Exercise Help? sometimes, walking,light swimming,being in a warmer climate always helps use to be an athlete and very active
What Were Your First Symptoms? tmj as teenagers,sinus infections,bladder infections late 30
What Are Your Current Symptoms? everything muscle spams,joints popping,headaches, neck aches
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? bladder infections for 3 years
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? mercury fillings as a child
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? when i turned 40, i couldn't get up one day,stiff and painful from waist down,said i had plantar fascitics
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold weather stress
What Makes You Feel Better? warmer weather
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? ?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes all kinds of prescribed drugs for bladder infections finally had a allergic reation to bactrim that almost killed me.seizures blacked out frothing at mouth when rushed to hospital a severe burnig pain took over my body.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? never heard of this
Remedies Tried: everything
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
===============================

10/10/2007
Name: Andie
City: Cuyahoga Falls
State: Ohio
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Cleveland, Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
How Long Have You Lived There? 15yrs
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? die cutter at print shop. No longer able to work.
Medical History: was fine until around age 34/35 I was suddenly DXed w/ Hashimoto's Thyroiditis disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, goiter, panic attacks, depression
Does Exercise Help? no, it kills me
What Were Your First Symptoms? extreme fatigue, widespread pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? intense, widespread pain, fatigue, inability to to much, sleep disturbances, severe depression, thyroid almost dead due to Hashimoto's,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes. Mono when 17, and several long bouts of bronchitis
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no more than ususal I think
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it's destroyed it! I was always very strong and physically active now I'm pretty much housebound, unable to do simple things like wash the dishes. My life has done a complete 180!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? fluctuations in weather (cold/rain), exertion/exercise, stress, sometimes nothing at all causes a flare.
What Makes You Feel Better? Pain meds help (Fentanyl patch & Roxicontin), sometime using a heating pad.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!!!!!!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? it's been with me almost from the start, but not as bad.First noticed an inability to deal w/ math problems at work... now have problems w/ remembering words, conversations, etc.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. Prilosec & other such drugs.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no.
Remedies Tried: too many to list.(seriously!)
Your Theories: There are already too many "theories" and my comments wouldn't be helpful.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes, I think thyroid issuses should be looked into as most w/ Fibro have them in one form or another. Check the research at Drlowe.com
--------------------------------------------

10/08/2007
Name: Martha
City: Dinwiddie
State: VA
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Washington, D.C.
Where Do You Live Now? Virginia
How Long Have You Lived There? 16 years
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10+
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 39ish
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? homemaker, homeschooling, p/t office from home
Medical History: severe hypothyroidism, newly diabetic-using byetta, elevated BP-Prinzide med, lots of arthritis in back which makes my left leg numb to my toes, mild depression, very low energy/stamina,
Does Exercise Help? It helps a little. Trying to lose weight. Exercise 2 x week each cardio and muscle conditioning.
What Were Your First Symptoms? back problems most of adult life; mild depression; different joints having problems at different times; very low energy.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? severe back problems w/numbness down leg to toes; very low energy; depression; joint problems.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? About 1985 I got sick and couldn't get better; it seemed like virus; went to dr. who put me sent off stool sample and said it was a bacteria infection unseen before; I assumed I had gotten it off of a salad bar that I had eaten off of the day before it all started; Dr. put me on high dose of amoxicillin; to which I became allergic to a few months later when I needed more amoxicillin for an ear infection.
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? none?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Mostly I can't get done all my responsibilities; I can't enjoy outings; have friends over bec can't keep house well enough; can't shop for even just groceries more than 15 minutes bec can't stand up very long. Everything in life is difficult.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lack of sleep; being too busy; doing someting physical and then having to recooperate/recover from it, which gets you more in the hole while your recovering from one effort more just stacks up.
What Makes You Feel Better? i don't know. i procrastinate a lot due to mental confusio and lack of physical capacity to accomplish the regular things in life. I'm not sure there is anything that can truly make me certain that I am feeling better more than just a blip of time.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? oh yes!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? seems like i've been a dimwit for a very long time. Memory is aweful.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? As I said, memory is very poor. So I'm not able to even relate the slowness or fastness of onset. However, I think more of a slower onset rather than sudden. Remember, I am severe hypothyroidism. Take a lot of thyroid meds.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I live in the country. Live on well water which tastes wonderful! However, I do use fluoride toothpaste.
Remedies Tried: At times, some anti-depressants; I am currently on diflunisal for the arthritis
Your Theories: I am 49. I fear old age not due to being old, but due to the eminent condition that I will have to endure from here on out. It looks rather gloomy physically speaking. I don't think the typical getting old things really scare me, but the fact that I am only 49 and am slready so bad off. I mean I understand that arthritis doesn't go away or get better, but rather increases and gets worse. Well already I can't stand up more than a few minutes without my left leg going numb and my back aching. I am going in for an ESI - epicural steroidal injection on 10-16-07 in hopes that that will alleviate the numbness and pain in the back and leg thereby allowing me to raise my physical activity with the purpose of getting a stronger back, core, and losing more weight. I am eating extremely healthy and have lost 25# this year w/o dieting; just changed my lifestyle of eating and trying to be more consistent with an increased activity level although it is very difficult to do the Phys. activity stuff. Just keeping up with regular life stuff is very difficult. If you have any successful strategies, please contact me. [email protected] Thank you, martha binder
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Happily married relationship; celebrating 30 yrs of marriage 10/15/07. Great kids. Active christian; Possibly you might be more specific if you want to know eating habits or all medications.
---------------------------------

10/08/2007
Name: dorothy
City: middlesbrough
State: united kingdom
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? middlesbrough
Where Do You Live Now? middlesbrough
How Long Have You Lived There? 55 years
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 48
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not
Medical History: asthma ibs
Does Exercise Help? walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? flu like syptoms
What Are Your Current Symptoms? aches depression fatigue swelling
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? not applicable
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? cant work now
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold
What Makes You Feel Better? warm baths
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? not sure
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: antinflamitorios antidepressants
Your Theories: no just accept it
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? dont think so
---------------------------------

10/06/2007:
Name: BETHANY
City: ATCO
State: NJ
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? NJ
Where Do You Live Now? ATCO, NJ
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 YEAR
Your Age? 42
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I WAS IN SPECIAL ED BUT CHANGED IN MARCH TO WORKING RETAIL AT MY FIANCE'S STORE
Medical History: NAIL PATELLA SYNDROME
Does Exercise Help? HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO EXERCISE MUCH
What Were Your First Symptoms? TIREDNESS, ACHES
What Are Your Current Symptoms? BURNING PAIN THROUGHOUT MY BODY, MOSTLY IN MY LOWER BACK AND NECK
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? YES, HPV
Any Military Service? NONE
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? NOT THAT I KNOW OF
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I'M TIRED, SEX LIFE IS LESS, CAN'T DO ALL I ONCE COULD
What Makes Symptoms Worse? LACK OF SLEEP
What Makes You Feel Better? HEAT SOME MEDS
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1 YEAR
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? IT WAS KIND OF GRADUAL IN RETROSPECT AND NO I DON'T REMEMBER ANY DRUGS
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I DON'T KNOW
Remedies Tried: LYRICA, DARVOCET, NAPROXEN, TYLENOL I WAS IN A STUDY AND ON XYREM.....MADE ME SICK
Your Theories: NO
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I DON'T THINK SO
--------------------------------

10/06/2007
Name: laura
City: portland
State: oregon
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? portland
Where Do You Live Now? portland
How Long Have You Lived There? most of my life
Your Age? 29
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? a little over 2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 26
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? customer service, musician, childcare worker, barista
Medical History: TMJ, years of sinus infections (and anti-biotics), mono a few times, severe GERD, viruses/colds, hostpital visits for GI problems
Does Exercise Help? YES! somedays, i can barely move, so stretching helps. i try to go the gym at least 3 times a week and do the elliptical machine for no more than 20 minutes. i also do weight machines for 15 minutes. any more than this, and i'll be exhausted the next day. walking helps, too. my favorite it light pilates. its relaxing and not to hard on the body.
What Were Your First Symptoms? GI problems, exhaustion, anxiety/depression, strange pains throughout my body for no reaons, clumsiness, confusion, insomnia
What Are Your Current Symptoms? constant pain through out my body (trigger points, bone/muscle pain, joints)varying from a tingling feeling, to burning, aching, trobbing, exhaustion, stiffness, depression, clumsiness, unability to hold onto things ex: cups of beverages, pencils, etc. ringing in ears, eye blurriness, low energy
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, many times
Any Military Service? no.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? i have many aluminum fillings in my teeth.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? oh man, yes! not only can i not work any more, but i can't do the activities that make me "me". i can't play tennis, stay out late w/friends, take long drives, hike, play guitar/piano, cleaning the house...i can go on and on. it is so hard to keep a positive attitude w/fibro - somedays, i really can't leave the house because i'm in too much pain/too tired. its very, very difficult to have this.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? caffeine, alcohol, getting poor sleep (which for me, is every night), eating processed food containing wheat, sugar and dairy, being in over stimulating environments like the mall or a noisy bar, outside stress like family/friends/relationships (this can be good or bad stress), traveling, working out too hard or over doing it on anything (like chores, hanging out w/friends, etc), changes in the weather, not moving around enough (even a walk around the block helps sometimes)
What Makes You Feel Better? sleeping for 10-11 hours, baths, being around people i love, a peaceful surrounding, eating healthfully, asking for help moving/lifting things, praying and trusting God to get me through another day
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes! sometimes i feel like i'm going crazy because i can't remember what i just did a second ago. i forget peoples names, where i'm driving to while i'm driving, i say things/words i don't mean to say (ex: "could you hand me a washcloth? i mean napkin...i mean potholder!" its pretty funny somtimes...and embarrassing)
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. i had taken an anti-biotic for a sinus infection, but don't remember the name. i've probably taken 50 rounds of antibiotics in my life.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no.
Remedies Tried: flexeril, tylenol 3 w/codeine, zoloft, prozac, paxil, prilosec, and many many more. i've been researching "alternative treatments" (which seems kind of silly, since these treatments seem to be the only ones that work.:))i've found some excellent sources/programs for detoxing the body to relieve symptoms of fibro/CFS/myofacial pain syndrome. but since i don't have an income, its hard to purchase the supplements it takes to get the full effect.
Your Theories: i truly believe that people w/fibro/CFS/myofacial pain syndrome are ill because of toxins in their body. there are SOOOO many things at the grocery store that are harmful, and we continue to consume them and wonder why we're sick! also, things like mercury fillings, floride in our water, chlorine in our pools, etc should be outlawed - i've never heard of anything good coming from these kinds of things.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? maybe "why do you think you started getting sick" i started feeling ill the day i found out my dad had lung cancer. i've been sick ever since.

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