WHAT IS THAT ?, YOU ASK...
It is the "spur" of the left common iliac vein at the crossover with the right common iliac artery or compression by tortuous left common iliac artery. Basically a main artery that runs thru your body is crossed over a main left vein, compressing it or even causing it to collapse. That is why there will be persistent edema(swelling/maybe water retention) in the left leg. It can also be the culprit of chronic dvts.
How do I know so much ? I am now dealing with the syndrome at this present time. My artery happens to be huge and really compressing on the left vein(in some spots, it doesn't even look like I have a left vein)! Thank goodness for the wonderful Vascular team at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota(the ones who finally diagnosed me)! You guys are SO awesome. Now I atleast have some answers, have a health plan of action, and don't feel so out of control!
Feel free to contact me if you or someone you know has this syndrome. I will be more than happy to try and get answers for you or direct you to someone who can help.
Until next time...
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Monday, April 03, 2006
FIBROMYALGIA ?
Fibromyalgia, what is that you ask?....
It is a condition associated with widespread pain, chronic pain, fatigue, memory problems, and mood changes. It affects roughly 2-4 percent of Americans. It is however more common in women and is a syndrome not disease. The cause is still unknown and closely being studied(researchers are learning more everyday). It deals greatly with the central nervous system and how it sends signals of pain (usually amplified).
If you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you have had a history of pain that has effected both sides of the body, and below the waist that has been present for atleast 3 months or more. You must have pain (0r sensitivity) to atleast 11 of the 18 tenderpoints in the body(in all 4 quadrants, if your body was evenly divided into 4s).
As we speak, there isn't a full proof treatment yet for it, but there are several things that may lessen or help keep your symptoms under some type of managable control. Such as...time managment, physical therapy (areobic exercise-your choice and pace), relaxation techinques, food management, and possible alternative therapies. Educating yourself is the first and foremost important step on your road to recovery or managment. Don't be afraid to explore every option available to you (within reason and caution). Keep in mind that no two case of fibro are alike and everyone's symptoms can be to different degrees or different symptoms all together.
I find for me, personally, that time management, exercise, food management and relaxation techniques seem to help the best. Water therapy or walking helps me the most, although dancing is nice at times (as long as I don't over-due it). Massages are helpful at times as long as they aren't deep tissue, that seems to agrivate it more.
If you have any questions or know of a friend with fibro that needs to chat, send em my way and I will be more than willing to help out (within reason and try to stay positive).
Until next time...
It is a condition associated with widespread pain, chronic pain, fatigue, memory problems, and mood changes. It affects roughly 2-4 percent of Americans. It is however more common in women and is a syndrome not disease. The cause is still unknown and closely being studied(researchers are learning more everyday). It deals greatly with the central nervous system and how it sends signals of pain (usually amplified).
If you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you have had a history of pain that has effected both sides of the body, and below the waist that has been present for atleast 3 months or more. You must have pain (0r sensitivity) to atleast 11 of the 18 tenderpoints in the body(in all 4 quadrants, if your body was evenly divided into 4s).
As we speak, there isn't a full proof treatment yet for it, but there are several things that may lessen or help keep your symptoms under some type of managable control. Such as...time managment, physical therapy (areobic exercise-your choice and pace), relaxation techinques, food management, and possible alternative therapies. Educating yourself is the first and foremost important step on your road to recovery or managment. Don't be afraid to explore every option available to you (within reason and caution). Keep in mind that no two case of fibro are alike and everyone's symptoms can be to different degrees or different symptoms all together.
I find for me, personally, that time management, exercise, food management and relaxation techniques seem to help the best. Water therapy or walking helps me the most, although dancing is nice at times (as long as I don't over-due it). Massages are helpful at times as long as they aren't deep tissue, that seems to agrivate it more.
If you have any questions or know of a friend with fibro that needs to chat, send em my way and I will be more than willing to help out (within reason and try to stay positive).
Until next time...
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