Hi Jennifer: I am very surprised hearing about this specialist who does this brain based therapy and charging so much money for it. I would look into this much more carefully before undertaking this ‘therapy’. It would seem that it is based upon strategies that I have written about in several of my blogs, in particular mindfulness meditation combined with movement like QiGong or Tai Chi or yoga, proper diet and mild exercise. Read some of the books I have shown on some of the blogs too. Treating fibromyalgia by changing the brain is probably the only way to reduce the pain other than through medications or in conjunction with medications, but I believe WE are the only ones who can help ourselves in this regard. You are young and the chances of reducing the pain at an early age are much greater than at an older age. But, even then it is not totally hopeless. I have no idea who this specialist might be nor what his approach consists of, nor how he(?) can say you will be ‘cured’. Deep breathing is very important and I can tell you are in a high anxiety state which always makes the pain worse and results in shallow breathing. Take time to consider your options and calm your hyper-aroused nervous ssytem. I wish you so much good luck with your future marriage and handling this dis-ease.
Regards, Barbara

Hi. I am a 26 year old female in the process of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This has taken such a toll on my life. I was an active young woman. I have a career, a 3 year old, an amazing fiance and I want more children and the pain is not getting better. I have been to a specialist who does this brain based therapy. They said 4-5- months and i could be cured. I am trying to research before i get into something that will 1.) Possibly not work 2.) Cost a lot of $. Treatment cost around $5000 supposedly but the doctor is supposedly cutting me a deal for $4000. Has anyone attempted this? I am so scared to be put on the medications that are used for fibromyalgia because i know there are horrible side effects and i do not believe i could take the medications while being pregnant. I cannot bear to imagine the thought of having to experience this pain forever. Everyone says stress makes it worse but how can I not stress? I am young and should be at the prime of my life about to be getting married and having a wonderful family and future and now on top of the average day stress i must find a way to deal with this horrible pain that doesnt seem to go away and its impossible to get anyone without it to understand what you are experiencing. I HOPE SOMEONE CAN OFFER SOME ADVICE AND DIRECTION because i am so lost with this. tHANK YOU,

OOPS, Kimberly: The computer jumped to Nick’s comment before I had a chance to thank you for your comments! Best wishes, Barbara

Thanks Nick. I have been reading all afternoon. The books you recommended: The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge and The Body Has a Mind of Its Own by Sandra and Matthew Blakeslee are wonderful and helping to clear up some of the questions I have. I keep alternating between the two and (happily) can’t seem to decide which one is better. There is so much to learn and re-learn!The process is on-going! I am happy that you have led me to this path. It does take discipline now on my part. The journey continues.
Barbara

Hi Barbara,

“Using our bodies to train our brains means that there is indeed a connection between body/brain/emotions.”

This is exactly what we were talking about today and which you will discover many more pearls in the Blakeslee book. They describe how the body is in fact part of the mind. Jeffrey Schwartz also writes well on how to use the mind to change the brain. You are on the right track. Keep on keeping on!

Nick

Barbara, I can see you’re on to something here. I’m not much of a reporter/journalist on my findings. I simply redirect what I find for others to look into. I’m not one to re-invent the wheel. So, I shall say that I’m in agreement with what you share here. I sort of already came to this conclusion in that the brain interprets everything as pain, yes, because of an overactive nervous system. I’ve discovered by using very powerful magnetic therapy I can cut off those messages to the brain allowing rest to an area that’s over-activated. Thanks for your lay person insight!