It’s holiday time, but where is my mojo?

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By Dr. Asha Bajaj, Resident Since 1986

Holiday stress and all the hectic activity to make and do things for everyone else takes a toll on your system, especially if you have symptoms of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.

1. Increased sensitivity to pain

2. Eleven to eighteen tender points called trigger points

3. Incapacitating fatigue

4. Widespread pain lasting for more than three months

There are several theories about what causes fibromyalgia. Generally they are categorized as:

• Hormonal disturbance: Menopause

• Low HGH levels; low serotonin

• Increased level of “Substance P” pain amplification

• Sudden micro-trauma to brain and spinal cord

• Genetic tendency to depression and anxiety

• Chronic stress cycle of pain, fatigue, lack of sleep

A person with CFS Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also has two or more of these symptoms: Problems with concentration, short-term memory, or thinking of the right word, being very sensitive to light, noise, or emotions, confusion, slow thinking, or feeling disoriented, muscle weakness or muscle coordination problems. Different people with CFS have different combinations of light-headedness and dizziness, very fast heartbeat, or shortness of breath, urinating often, nausea, or irritable bowel syndrome, cold hands and feet, sweating, or trouble with heat or cold, feeling worse when under stress and weight change or appetite change.

Diagnostic tests include a full chemistry panel, thyroid, glucose test, urine test, ESR to check for inflammation markers and a test for anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and Epstein Barr virus. Once you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia and/or CFS you have several treatment options.

Medications for pain relief, to relax the muscles, induce sleep and or build the immune system may be prescribed. Many medications have serious side –effects and need to be supplemented with lifestyle changes to cope with that problem,

First and foremost :Manage your energy level by energy conservation techniques; see a physical therapist to work with your muscles and exercise to restore function. Consult an occupational therapist to show you how to modify your activities, to avoid pain in your daily life. Stress management and meditation, eating a diet full of vitamins and minerals go a long way to help. Try and get enough good quality sleep each day. And remember to go with the flow!

Dr. Asha Bajaj, PT/ DPT has 30+years experience in a variety of settings including the management and operation of an outpatient private practice in Walnut Creek. Asha has served in Bhutan, India, Vietnam and Malawi, Africa with Health Volunteers Overseas to train and develop their Physical therapy program. Asha has a special interest in Women’s health and did her doctoral project in the area of Bone health and Osteoporosis. Her goal is to promote health and lifelong wellness.