I fell prey to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain during the summer of 2001. I knew that the most common method of treating the symptoms of FMS and CMP was to prescribe anti-depressants (to aid sleep) and pain-killers. I wanted to avoid that sort of drug use and the attendant side-effects. Most of the therapies readily available addressed symptoms (and that rather clumsily), but promised no cure. This (plus a very restricted cash flow) forced me to dive into research and find a therapy for myself.

TEMPORARY RELIEF
I followed the guaifenesin protocol for a while. This treatment was devised by Dr. St. Amand of UCLA. His theory is that electrolytes (calcium, phosphorus, oxalates) gather inside muscle cells as debris, probably because a genetic abnormality keeps the body from sloughing off trash electrolytes. They prevent the cells from oxygenating properly, so that weight-bearing exercise stops being constructive. Electrolytes improperly balanced in nerve cells cause them to fire, and conduct electrical nerve impulses, creating “phantom pain.”1 Guaifenesin supposedly rids the cells and tissues of these electrolytes. Guaifenesin is the active ingredient in Tussin cough syrup, and is so benign that it has virtually no side effects. However, salicylates block its action, so aspirin and herbal remedies have to be abandoned. One must be especially careful not to use anything herbal on one's skin, since all plants contain salicylates. Therefore, the treatment necessitates abandoning natural products and seeking out personal care products that are totally chemical. I followed the protocol exactly, and I was surprised to discover that even my most pampering bath products were acceptable, because they were totally chemical. The protocol did seem to help my symptoms a bit. But it gave me no hope for the future – I was looking ahead to a lifetime of having fibromyalgia and CMP, and managing the symptoms as best I could. Meanwhile many others around me were suffering in the same way. This appeared to be an epidemic. What was causing all this suffering? Why did female sufferers outnumber men nine to one? Why did there seem to be no cure? Why was the medical profession so baffled?

QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Two years of research have often been frustrating – in college I considered majoring in biology, but opted for English instead. My expertise at writing poetry has been no help in understanding the complex biochemical formulas I've encountered. Information has sometimes been redundant or contradictory. As I've sifted through the research of others, I've experimented on myself. It's been a long journey, but as I discovered true principles, my health has improved day-by-day. Now, after two years of dedicated research and self-help, I'm well.

I want to share my discoveries with you. Maybe you can get well, too. References are provided here to lead you to some informative websites and recommended reading. I am not a doctor. I'm not a health professional. I'm a recovered victim of FMS and CMP. I am not qualified to diagnose or give medical advice. The information and links found on this site are not intended to replace medical care. BUT, I can tell you what I did, and what others are doing, to get well. This self-help protocol has worked for many. It's safe and natural and inexpensive. I hope it works for you.

If you are working with health care professionals, please share this information with them. Medical professionals must keep up with research on every ailment imaginable. They have little time to do the concentrated research like I've done on one, single malady. They are eager to heal their patients and are often grateful to receive this information.

1 Once, a thunderstorm settled right above our neighborhood with lightning flashing constantly. My body filled with electricity. Shocks fired off everywhere for the next 48 hours.