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RETURN TO TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Summer 2002
One to One
Tips,
strategies, ideas and helpful thoughts about CFIDS
Alternative ways to fight symptoms
While
people with
CFIDS wait for the results of further medical research, I
believe there is a real need for alternative, non-traditional treatments. Here
are a few things that I’ve found useful:
Oils. I have found cilantro oil, extracted from the plant, helpful
for removing heavy metal toxicity from my body. Oregano oil (extract) has
given me relief from sore muscles. These two oils are available from most
health food stores.
Heat. I find the application of heat helps muscle soreness. Most
drug stores carry a heating pad that can be put in a microwave oven; one is
called Bed Buddy. I also take a good soak in a tub of water as hot as I can
stand for about 10 minutes.
Sulfur. In its soluble form, sulfur is necessary to the body to help
fight infections. Egg yolk is one good source. In addition, I take standard
homeopathic sulfur tablets.
Janice Meissner
Las
Cruces,
N.M.
Editor’s note: Always
check with your physician before trying any new treatments.
Grab some energy with handy tool
A hand-held “reacher” tool can
conserve a lot of energy. You can use it if you drop your pen or need to grab a
book or anything else. This saves me from getting up and down a dozen times
during the day, leaving strength to do more important jobs. Reachers are
available in many catalogs and stores that serve the disabled.
Stephanie L.
Albrecht
Lafayette,
La.
Editor’s note: The
EZ-Reacher tool is a popular reaching tool. It can be purchased online through a
number of retailers, including The E-Zee Supply Company.
Spare the steam
The worst thing for many PWCs is steam. When I take
a shower, I find that keeping the shower door open about six inches and also
leaving the bathroom door open, makes a big difference. It allows me to endure a
shower without costing me a lot of energy.
A PWC in
California
Tips for caregivers under stress
People who care for loved ones
with
CFIDS must deal with a number of physical
and emotional burdens. The American Medical Association offers some suggestions
for caregivers who are feeling stressed:
- Schedule times for personal breaks. Do things that you enjoy, and don’t
feel bad about it.
- Consider joining a support group. Others are feeling the same stresses,
and may offer guidance and emotional aid you can’t get elsewhere.
- See your doctor if the stress becomes overwhelming. You can’t help someone
else if you’re not able to function.
- Be selective. If you feel unable to handle everything, pick a single
important task and work on it until it’s done. Then move on to another task.
- Learn to relax with meditation or music. Take a minute to visualize a
comforting scene, and enjoy the feelings.
- Say “no” when you have more than you can handle. You
have enough to do without taking on more
responsibility.
One to One relies on readers to provide advice and ideas. If you have tips
or strategies for coping with
CFIDS and related disorders, please share
them with fellow readers. Send your ideas to the Chronicle by e-mail at
chronicle@cfids.org,
or by regular mail to The
CFIDS Association of
America
,PO
Box
220398 ,
Charlotte ,
NC
28222-0398
,
attention:
Editor.
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