Tami Brady earned a BA and MA in archeology before turning his interest in alternative medicine, largely because of their own infertility problems and have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Now offers sessions holistic health therapy to help people with Fibromyalgia and infertility problems. She is the author of seven books, the latest of which is "Strategies: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Journey".
Tyler: Thank you for joining me today, you Tami. I am intrigued that you wrote "Strategies" as a memory. To begin, can you tell us a little about your own journey treat chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia?
Tami: Nice to meet you, Tyler.
In 1996, I was preparing for a new phase of my life. My children are now in school and I had the intention of studying for my degree in archeology. This winter, he had more than the usual number of flu and colds, which I attributed to stress: my work is about to return to school, and open heart surgery imminent, my stepfather.
This spring, I had another episode of what I thought was the flu. It took me completely by my feet. I could barely get out of bed each morning.
Unfortunately, it was not the flu. I spent the next year are rushed from one specialist to another trying to figure out what was wrong with me. At the moment, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia my health deteriorated. Hardly slept, I was in constant pain, and I collapsed my legs on a regular basis.
It took me a long time to deal with my condition. I was angry and frustrated, but probably my biggest obstacle was all the denial and judgments. I saw my health problems as a sign that I was weak and a failure. So instead of listening to what my body was screaming for me, I just kept pushing myself hoping that the pain and fatigue dissipates.
This is perhaps the most important for those of us living with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia lesson. We spend so much time and energy berating us for what we can not do and the lives we have been forced to leave behind that we forget the gifts that are given to us by the experience. Our fatigue and pain makes us choose what is really important in our lives. These symptoms require us to be more loving and kind to us. If we allow, we can even show you a better, more content, fulfilling life.
Tyler: Tami, is there a link between chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia? A person can have one without the other, can we do?
Tami: The general definition of fibromyalgia is chronic pain. A diagnostic test for fibromyalgia is the presence of pain in most individuals of trigger points in the body. The actual symptoms vary from person to person, including localized pain; heaviness or weakness that causes mobility problems, joint swelling; memory and thinking impairment (Fibrofog); and a myriad of other problems. Four to eight million people suffer from fibromyalgia in the United States only. Some estimates suggest that 5% of the population has fibromyalgia.
One million people have chronic fatigue syndrome. A large proportion of people with chronic fatigue syndrome also have fibromyalgia. The most common symptom in chronic fatigue syndrome is a severe fatigue, often in collaboration with the unrecuperative sleep and chronic insomnia.
In my case, my symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia exasperate my back problems. Too often, a series of sleepless nights announced a wave of pain or hip pain intense back which makes it impossible to sleep.
Tyler: Tami, why do you think it took so long that doctors diagnose chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, and how you were right when you finally diagnosed with it?
Tami: At present, there is no definitive test for chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. In addition, since most of the symptoms are shared with other conditions such as accidental poisoning, thyroid problems, lupus, multiple sclerosis, etc., it is very difficult to determine whether a person is suffering from syndrome chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. In essence, a doctor must rule out other possible physical solution. Then, after psychological evaluations are complete, can finally get the chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, at least for now, it's just a long process frustrating.
To be honest, when I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, I do not think it was a real disease. I thought it was a nonsense made that doctors have told people so that they can prepare to have multiple sclerosis. The reason I thought it was because my aunt was recently diagnosed with MS and their symptoms very much like mine.
It was not until many years later that I came to accept that I had chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. This shift came mainly read books about these conditions and interaction with others who have the same problems. Although some of the symptoms we experience real were slightly different, the locations of the pain of lymph, the type of pain and fatigue, and increase the duration and activation mechanisms of these experiences were equally fascinating.
Tyler: Why did you decide to write "Strategies"?
Tami: Strategies slowly evolved into what it is today. Started with lists and notes that I took with me for all my medical appointments in those early years. Later, when I started writing a diary, my writing has become more to express my feelings in a safe way. Finally, I began to formally analyze my symptoms and try to find strategies to cope.
That's when I started to work on the text of the book itself. At first I did not intend to publish my words. I just had to understand my own story. I had a lot of emotions and deeply hidden insecurity that need to recognize so they can be released.
Being open and honest was a pretty scary prospect. In truth, I think I was afraid that I might find hidden under all that bravado overachieving had accumulated over the years. Yet, whenever I sat down to write, I felt another piece of a huge burden lifted from me. I began to feel content, more peaceful, and even a little gay.
Finally, I knew I had to share my story with others. Not because I was somehow special, but to validate the travel of all those affected by chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Our symptoms and our personal paths may not be exactly the same, but with these conditions affect our lives in ways we could not have imagined in our wildest dreams (or nightmares as the case may be).
Tyler: Tami, who is actually very involved in the field of alternative health. Credit? Give your own medical problems with his interest in alternative medicine?
Tami: Yes, very much. I think the universe sometimes gently pushes us in the right direction. I'm a little stubborn (often), so I needed a nice boost.
I liked to be an archaeologist. I really enjoyed touring the country and hiking in the countryside for artifacts and remains of archaeological sites. I also liked the fact that everyone knew what was an archaeologist to live. I've never had to worry about the "what you do in life?" Question. He never missed when he told me that I was an archaeologist, the person who spoke to start talk about his favorite episode of discovery. It was a great icebreaker!
The main problem of archeology (outside the physical effort) was that I had to pretend a lot. I had an image to uphold that was very limiting. Not only Fane I was perfect physical and mental health, I felt compelled to join a specific range of beliefs and ways of behaving.
Although slowly learned to love and accept myself, I realized that I did not have to act a certain way to be a good person. I do not have to impress anyone but myself. My opinions matter and my personal truths were as valid as the next person.
This new line of thinking leads to experimenting with alternative health methods such as Reiki and various traditional forms of spiritual healing that eventually led me to therapy for overall health. At the moment, my practice is mainly focused on energy psychology (Reiki and various forms of traditional spiritual healing) for fibromyalgia and infertility. My doctoral research is underway to extend this treatment to include aspects of the theory of Jung (archetypes, the shadow work and sleep therapy) Awareness Therapy (meditation and consciousness) and Self-Help Popular Psychology (daily, love itself, manifested, and analysis of belief).
Tyler: Can you tell us about the worksheets in the book, its purpose, and how best to use?
Tami: The worksheets in the back of the book are copies of these resources that I originally made for my own use. I found it very useful for me to keep organized, get me in my worst days, and gain an understanding of the progression of symptoms. For ease of use, I organized these pages into three types: Forms of strategy (to help keep track of the different symptoms and strategies to mitigate these problems); keep optimistic (to save inspirational quotes, affirmations, and everything that will help you in these difficult days); and organized (to fight against the effects of Fibrofog and reduce the frustration of searching for important information such as the types of drugs, health contacts, and appointments with the doctor).
There is really no right or wrong use of these forms. I have included a copy of my own at the end of the full form of books, if someone wants to see the types of information that could be included in these lists. However, my best advice to readers, especially when forms are used strategy is to complete sections as honestly as possible to get an understanding of different symptoms and what types of things that work for them.
Tyler: What are some of the most common of a person if you notice symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Tami: Unfortunately, the symptoms of fibromyalgia (localized pain, muscle weakness and memory problems) are shared with a number of other conditions ranging from poisoning and problems of the thyroid gland with multiple sclerosis and the accidental lupus. It is not easy to determine whether a person suffers from fibromyalgia. It is for this reason that most people with these symptoms must endure a battery of tests and examinations before any diagnosis is determined.
Tyler: Our critique Paige Lovitt stated that she also has fibromyalgia, which as you say was a perfectionist, who seemed to exasperate the situation. Is chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia something people can create for themselves due to push themselves to do too much?
Tami: This is one of those things that nobody seems to know these conditions. I find that most people I talk with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are perfectionists busy. For several years, I really thought somehow I had made myself sick.
So I found documents that looked the other conditions that are commonly associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Those who stuck to me were syndrome endometriosis Renauld, and allergies. I suffer from all three. Suddenly I realized that I could actually have a predisposition to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. It became clear to me that, despite the evidence of my perfectionist attitude made my symptoms worse, I had not made myself sick.
Tyler Paige also mentioned that some people in the medical field always tell people that the chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are only in their heads. What answer would you give to people skeptical about the existence of these disorders?
Tami: This is probably one of the worst aspects of living with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Often the symptoms of these diseases are invisible to the average person as most people do not even realize they are sick. Therefore, when we mention the health problems are shocked most people. The first reaction of many people is disbelief, even within the medical community.
My advice to all individuals with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia is to talk to others facing the same problems and arm yourself with knowledge. Join a discussion group or a local support group, read books or articles that you can find. You soon realize that you are not alone; Remember there are millions of us out there. Make use of these resources for you a solid support and especially build all continue to seek health care options that meet your needs.
Tyler: If a person thinks he or she has chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, how should they go about getting diagnosed with it? Should start with your doctor or are there specific specialists or hospitals that a person must visit for the treatment and diagnosis? When the diagnosis was finally done with it?
Tami: Most people do not start with your family doctor and are referred to various specialists as they go through the testing process. So join some people with health care professionals who specialize in chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia for its care and management. Personally, I started the process with my doctor, who referred me to a variety of different specialists. The final specialist, who gave me my diagnosis was a professional sports medicine.
The sad truth is that going through the testing process and get to the heart of health problems can be a very frustrating experience. So my best advice for people who think they may have these conditions is to find a health care professional with whom they feel comfortable. Have someone who will really listen to you, answer your questions and work with you is priceless. Do not be afraid to look around someone who you and your needs.
Tyler: What kind of response have you received to date for the book? I know you have received the approval of Bob Rich.
Tami: I was overwhelmed by the positive support from both the medical community and people with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. I received many emails from people, like me, do medical career or others because of their own experiences of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
I also had the privilege of having others to share their stories with me. Some raise my heart, who found the courage to leave a marriage without love, it leaves behind a stressful career, started a business, ignore the pain, and found the courage to deal with child abuse. Others are sick at heart: people feel frustrated, alone and fully supported by the medical system.
Tyler: Will you tell us a bit more about the treatment of general health? Are you a supporter of holistic health practices? I think there is some confusion about holistic medicine and medicine be accepted. What concerns if any, should be people on holistic medicine?
Tami: holistic health therapy is a method that works in combination with other forms of health care. In my practice, I focus on the psychology of energy (Reiki and various forms of spiritual healing) which is useful not only relaxation and survival techniques, but also as a way to improve self-healing .
I am a supporter of finding what works for each person. Some people feel very comfortable in seeking care options complementary health, alternative and holistic. Others may find it a bit uncomfortable or unsuitable to their personal convictions. My best advice is to follow your intuition and do what works for your particular situation.
Tyler: Tami, I know this is not his first book. Would you tell us a bit more about other books you have written?
Tami: "Strategies" is my seventh book published and my third title with Loving Healing Press. My first book was "Be complete: Find true love and you" "The completeness" is a guide for the healthy development of mental, emotional, spiritual and physical thereof Readers.. encouraged to use the exercises to understand their true nature and progress towards achieving their dreams.
My second and third tracks, "The guilt and judgment" and "no" were found poetry books. As a way to sort out my feelings, I write poetry. Sometimes dark, sometimes hopeful, these pieces illustrate my personal journey so far.
My fourth book was "regain control. When love becomes a prison "This call was designed specifically for people with substance abuse problems. This issue is near and dear to my heart. Due to my health problems, I often worried about keeping my independence accepting the appropriate help. Also, I come from a long line of strong women who were in abusive situations because of the unhealthy dependence.
My fifth and sixth books are training manuals for the first and second levels of Usui Reiki Ryoho, the traditional form of Reiki. These books include complete instructions and setting to perform Reiki. The last two books in the series are set to be released this summer.
Tyler: It sounds like you'll be busy for a while, but once his two published books about Reiki, did you intend to write more books, and what are your career plans based on their practices?
Tami: I'll definitely keep writing. Writing is one of the many gifts that I discovered during my trip syndrome chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. This allows me to be creative and share my life experiences with others. In fact, I begin to feel that something is missing in my life when I do not write for long.
Meanwhile, I will finish my PhD research and try to incorporate my findings in my therapy sessions while the current health. Probably, it will be meditations, daily, awareness of exercise therapy in partnership with my sessions psychology current energy and the use of techniques such as dream work, the work of the shadow the analysis of beliefs, and demonstrate.
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