The fibromyalgia patient really has nowhere to go. Rarely is the “fibro” patient managed properly relative to the pathophysiology of the condition. The medical model is far too simplistic – considering fibromyalgia a muscular or “psychological” problem – and doesn’t in any way address the functional changes for any length of time associated with or resulting from the “disease” (in other words – what is causing the pain!). So no matter what is done in the medical model the patient doesn’t feel better.
The fibromyalgia story is a painful, confusing, demoralizing one. Mostly affecting females, it debilitates the patient physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. The patient deteriorates slowly – gut, brain (can’t think, forgets why they went into a room, can’s say the words they want to say), energy. NO ONE BELIEVES THEM because they look fine, and besides the doctor says they are fine. After all “all of the tests” are normal. The fibromyalgia sufferer knows they are not fine – but no one can “find it”. They are not disabled yet. They start to experience all of the symptoms. Finally enough tissues are destroyed in various systems of the body that some tests are positive, but are they the cause? They go on drugs (frequently the wrong ones), some of their blood work stabilizes and now they are told they are fine again, but they’re not! They still feel terrible, confused, and scared.
After medical intervention fails they try “natural” medicine. Then is starts, the search for the magic herb, or vitamin, mineral, diet, or procedure. They try one after another after another, but nothing ever stabilizes them. It’s the dart on the wall method, and it is doomed to fail, and it does. The fibromyalgia patient’s spirit is broken. Neither the MD or the alternative care practitioner understand the physiology of “fibro”. They don’t understand that multiple mechanisms are involved. The patient dream? They are on the quest for the perfect drug, hormone, or supplement. This is a dream. This “condition” is far more complex than that.
Chronic diseases – especially “fibro” – are all the result of multiple vicious cycles occurring in the body. Vicious cycles that damage tissues and require an approach that addresses the different systems of the body that have broken down and are combining together to create the seemingly confusing constellation of symptoms that have come to be called fibromyalgia.
Some of the more prominent systems involved in contributing to the pain involved are the brain, immune system, misdiagnosed thyroid conditions, various blood sugar abnormalities, hormonal problems, undetected autoimmune diseases, iron related conditions and more. More frequently than not several of these systems are involved at the same time and need to be “unwound”.
Often times we get confused as clinicians and only look for the triggers. Many doctors mistake the triggers – that event which sets off the internal vicious cycles – as the cause. This approach is also doomed to failure and can give no more than temporary relief. Many fibromyalgia sufferers trace the beginning of their symptoms back to a major infection (pneumonia, bladder, yeast infection). For others it is a trauma (birth of a child, car accident). For some it is toxic exposures (cleaning fluids, paint fumes). Severe emotional stresses (divorce, death of a loved one). These are the triggers, not the causative mechanism that is currently creating the symptomatic downward spiral of symptoms the patient is experiencing.
As you can see fibromyalgia is not a muscular or psychological problem diagnosed by the “tender points” on your body. It is a complex set of systems in the body that have lost their ability to function. Ten different “fibro” sufferers may have ten different mechanistic patterns that create their unique painful experience. All areas of brain dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, GI, immune system abnormalities, etc must be thoroughly assessed together at the same time and handled in the proper order for the best chance of improving or resolving the condition completely.
A functional medicine approach is required. The key to success is a thorough history with an acute attention to the multiple systems of the body, a thorough neurological workup, and the appropriate chronic pain testing procedures (blood, saliva, urine, DNA) to determine the triggers and metabolic imbalances involved in that person’s individualized situation. Only then can a natural medicine, non-drug, approach be utilized to greatly enhance the fibromyalgia sufferers overall quality of life or possibly even “cure” the condition.
Dr. Rutherford has worked with thousands of patients from all over the world to help them get to the root cause of their health issues and start to feel better again naturally.
If you are interested in having a consultation with Dr. Rutherford to discuss your specific case and if he feels you would be a good candidate for his protocols please visit http://powerhealthconsult.com
This gives me hope, I live by the power of hope and the will to defuse the notion that what I’m feeling defines who I am or what I’m capable of accomplishing in this one life of mine. My newest goal is to become a patient of yours!
I have been recently diagnosed with stiff person syndrome. Could this be caused by my fibromyalgia? I was not given any direction to go as far as fibromyalgia. No meds no special diet Then this happened they say because of extreme stress. Can you point me in a ANY direction? Thank you for listining.
We would need more information to fully review your case and see what we feel you would be a good candidate for our procedures. If you are interested in a consultation to see if you would be a good candidate for our program please visit http://powerhealthconsult.com
I am tired of suffering I am tired of hurting…have used all the meds available to treat this condition and my body rejected all the meds..the pain is bad the fatigue is worse…nothing in my body works the way it is supposed to anymore
Very interested. I’ve suffered for 30+ years. All they do is give me Gabapentin.
I’m so exhausted all the time. I have so many issues. Plus Lupus. I just wish I could get some help.
I’ve been diagnosed with fibro, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. I can’t tell what is hurting. I also suffer from depression and kidney stones. I have tried to get help nothing the Dr does help. Do you think you can?
My daughter has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and polyneropthy and is not to tolerate any medication . I would like her to get in touch with you.
The first step would be a consultation with Dr. Rutherford. She can find out more information at http://powerhealthconsult.com or by calling the office at 775-329-4402
No way to tell without properly reviewing your case. You can find out more information on setting up a consultation at http://powerhealthconsult.com or by calling the office at 775-329-4402
I would suggest setting up a consultation with Dr. Rutherford to review your case and see if he feels we could help. You can find out more information at http://powerhealthconsult.com or by calling the office at 775-329-4402
I have places on me that when my cat walks across me or stands on me hurts! I feel like I have deep bruises on me. I get up as tired as when I went to bed. I have to set down and rest and drink my coffee before I can do anything, then it’s do and stop! I hurt 24-7. The meds did not help. I also have arthritis! By 5 o’clock I’m in bed. I’m tired of being tired!
I hurt so much all the time the stiffness is so bad
What can I do to relive this ???? Please help
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1992 . Blood test ruled out MS & lupus. Disease does not progress. Whatever I have has gotten. Any relief in site
I live in SC. Is there a doctor around here that does what Dr Rutherford does?
I really need some help on my body. I was diagnosed with diabetes 2 yrs ago, since then my life has become useless, as far as energy and fatigue. I have rheumatoid arthritis that is very painful. Needless to say, I have neuropathy my feet.
The short answer to your question is we, unfortunately, don’t know of anyone in your area. The longer answer is that we have married two disciplines (functional medicine and chiropractic neurology) to put together what we feel is the most comprehensive program for chronic problems available today. While there are others who claim to do similar treatments we have not met any who practice exactly how we do and have made referrals in the past where the results were less than stellar. We have patients that we have worked with from all over the world. If you would like to find out how you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Rutherford to go over your particular case you can find out more at http://powerhealthconsult.com
I have been suffering from Fibro. For over 20yrs.i hurt everywhere everyday, I hurt from the the neck down to the bottom of my feet. I also suffer from chronic fatigue and costronchritis other illnesses, fibromyalgia brings lots of other health problem….would love something for the pain…I had a choice between two pain killers ,one gives me hallucinations and depression ,the other pain pill medicine causes me to have nightmares so I am forced to mix my own concoctions
My husband is suffering for years now with internally ice cold feet. We have been to so many Dr’s. N they prescribe all kinds of medications but nothing relieves his suffering. It terrible to watch him. They say it is not the usual neuropathy. It’s hard to find an answer. Please help if you have any idea how to relieve his pain
With all of the medicine n technology today
There has to be some help. He says this is no way to live.,we live in Delaware county pa. Thank you.
I’ve been suffering with fibromyalgia for some years and it’s so debilitating the doctors don’t help and gabapetin is the worse I refuse to take it so I’m miserable all the time with pain I need a solution? I need healing!!!
Hi I’ve recently been diagnosed but also have bilateral uveitis caused by sarcoidosis (apparently) now just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism I feel like I’m falling apart
I have recently started using CBD oil each night and it takes away the burning stinging pain. I still have other issues of Fibro. It was helpful to read this article. I believe it started when I was caring for my son when he was dying from ALS about 17 years ago.
I have lived with this when it was not believed. It was in my mind.so I guess over 40 yrs since I am 74. So tired of everything that goes with it. So so tired. Guess I just will live with it till the end. Any hope for someone my age?
I have Lupus 20 years, MS for 4 years, sjogrens for 4+ years and now fibromyalgia for a year. I have and am taken many meds and still tired, sore, and moving is painful. I don’t think anything will help. But maybe you could try?
Would be happy to review your case and see if we feel we could help. For more information on scheduling a consultation please visit http://powerhealthconsult.com
We have seen great results with patients of all ages. If you would like us to review your specific case and see if we feel we could help you can schedule a consultation by visiting http://powerhealthconsult.com
Glad you found something that helps. We have many patients who started getting symptoms after experiencing an emotional trauma.
Sounds like an interesting case. If you would like us to evaluate him and see if we feel we could help please visit http://powerhealthconsult.com for information on scheduling a consultation.
Unfortunately there is no one answer that works for everyone. If you would like us to evaluate your case and see if we can help please visit http://powerhealthconsult.com