A 5-Step Health Stimulus Plan

By Christina Lasich, MD, Health Pro Monday, December 29, 2008

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Everyone knows that the health of the world economy is not so good. But, have you checked your health lately? Now is a good time to assess ways to improve both your physical and mental condition, especially if you experience pain. Here are five steps to stimulate your health. 1) Nutrition:...

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Chris

12/30/08 6:24am

Thank you for a really interesting article. Seems to me I eat all the wrong stuff and have all the bad habits! To change all that will take considerable self discipline. Changing diet and bad habits like smoking (yes, I know it's wrong!) is hard because I find these things a 'comfort.' I have had advice from a physio about an exersise regime to help the nerve pain in my damaged leg but I found it impossible to do. To be honest, I can't even look at the thing never mind exercise it. But I know what you say makes good sense so I'll keep trying!

Christina Lasich, MD, Health Pro

12/30/08 8:24pm

Good health does make good sense. And pain can be your motive and doorway to transforming into a healthier, happier you.

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD

4/23/09 10:28am

Thanks for these reminders. I've been really stuck. I am a push through, go fast and then I crash. I've got to learn to be content with where I am and take baby steps. It's often hard to find balance. I just feel sometimes so out of control. But what you say is so true and reasonable and good for those of us struggling to live through each day and find some meaning. I want to be back in a place where I can give to others instead of feeling so needy myself!

Christina Lasich, MD, Health Pro

4/23/09 11:18am

We all have needs that should be satisfied. The key to a balanced life is to fulfill your needs with appropriate, healthy habits. Once your life is balanced, you will find yourself in a position to give back.

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD

Deb

8/27/09 11:43pm

Thanks for mentioning attitude as a factor in relieving pain! I find it to be true and have tried to tell other fellow sufferers in pain the same thing!

Christina Lasich, MD, Health Pro

8/28/09 3:16pm

I am grateful for your comments. One of my patients told me that she practices the "attitude of gratitude". If she is grateful for what she has and what she can do, then the pain and disability are not so bad. Wise words indeed.

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD

shari

11/29/09 12:55pm

I really hoped to read something that would help. This is bunk. I take care of my health the best I can considering chronic pain and fatigue. I don't smoke or drink and I get some exercise every day even if I can barely get out of bed--I walk the dog. This all sounded so silly. I hope someone wasn't paid a lot of money to write this.

MiMi

3/11/10 9:09am

I would like to encourage you to ask your doctor to check your Vitamin D level....which is so very important...low Vitamin D can cause pain within itself....a simple blood test...but you must ASK your doctor to run it....once your results are received your doctor will advise you on how to proceed....it does take time for Vitamin D supplement to work.....allow it at least 6 - 8 weeks....

I sure hope this might help you....and anyone who reads this....

Good luck and take care....

sharir

3/11/10 10:44am

I had my Vit D level checked, took heavy duty supplements for awhile, and checked it again...all normal.

I finally had a spinal MRI and a bone spur was found that is probably causing my chronic headaches. I had a headache workup done w/ a neuro recently and am awaiting my appt. for the results. Hopefully, an cause was found so we can get on with the solution.

I often become very discouraged with the health care system. Why has it taken 5 yrs to find a bone spur? Why do we have to ASK for a vitamin D level? Also, it the norm for me to irritate a dr. by asking for a test. I've been called, more than once, a "difficult patient" simply b/c I ask questions and request tests. Find another doctor? I have, many times. Most doctors in my area have the same attitude--"I AM THE DR. do not question me." The last 2 dr's I asked for tests told me that THEY would decide what tests I need. M.D.iety.

Not all dr's are that way, I'm sure. I have yet to find one for myself that isn't.

Ok rant and vent over. :)

MiMi

3/11/10 12:51pm

So sorry that you are having issues with your doctors....but I will also tell you this....it is up to us....as individuals.....to take "control" of our health issues...I will tell you this much....that had I not gotten downright "ugly" with my doctor, who insisted that I was just depressed....I would have died...so I do encourage you to get another doctor if you have to....and get to the root of your problem....because I am here to tell you....that if the doctors do not find out what is going on with you.....you WILL NOT get better....

Now....since I was "just depressed".....I have had 6 hand surgeries, 3 on each....parathyroid surgery, cervical (neck) surgery and elbow surgery....I also had my 4th knee surgery....but I was "just depressed" and all of this has been in the past 6 years.....I will also tell you that for the most part....if we do not "fit" in the box....the doctors have no idea what to do to help us....they do not "see" the entire picture of the puzzle...which is so very sad....

Part of my problems with chronic pain was because my Vitamin D level got down to 12.....and no one told me....until I went to a surgeon...and he was "reviewing" my medical charts...and just happen to "mention" this to me...

I also have FM....and it is my mission now....to tell everyone that I can....to ASK your doctor to check your Vitamin D level.....and keep tabs on it....every year....at least once a year....it can make a big difference in how you feel....

I thought at one point in my past 6 years....that I was going to DIE before anyone did anything to help me....and unfortunately....I also did....I knocked on death's door....but no one answered ......thank goodness...

Take care and good luck....

Sharir

3/11/10 9:11pm

Thank you for sharing your story...of course I knew I was not alone; I forget that sometimes--I appreciate your taking the time to show me that truth.

Someday, FM will be a known disorder/disease, and we won't be treated as though its our fault. Until then...we are pioneers. I have read that at one time asthma was psychological, epilepsy was a mental illness...the list goes on & on.

I will have my vit. D levels checked again. It has been more than 1 year. And I am considering travelling 100 miles to a larger city to find a dr. who is a human being.

I do see a sympathetic pain management dr., but he is the only such specalist in this area and everything moves so slowly with him. Appointments are over a month apart. However, his PA reminds me often that since FM is a new diagnosis, it's easyto attribute everything to fibro. My headaches were supposedly a symptom of FM--eventually, after 5 yrs, the right test was ordered & the bone spur was found.

You are right--if the dr.'s I see arent going to take my symptoms seriously, then I have to. It's a waste of time being irritated with them no matter how out of line they may be. I think I felt stigmatized--put down and I don't like that feeling when I'm paying a lot of money for insurance and co-pays. Ah well.

I hope you are being good to yourself. You have been through a LOT in the past 6yrs! (& you aren't depressed?? lol)

Take much care.

A 5-Step Health Stimulus Plan

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