My Story : Background
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, the information on these pages is gathered from my own experience, books, websites, and other people's experience. I will not be held responsible for any injury resulting from this information. If you have a medical condition, you should seek qualified medical advice and supervision at all times.
Below are short explanations of some of the illnesses I have suffered as a child and in my teenage years. Also included are some illnesses that I am managing now as an adult.
- Adenomyosis
- Bruxism
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Costochondritis
- Cystitis
- Depression
- Eczema (dyshidrotic)
- Endometriosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Hives
- Kidney disease
- Migraines
- Moreton's neuromas
- Raynaud's syndrome
- Sciatica
Summary information
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is closely related to endometriosis (and may be caused by endometriosis). Adenomyosis is the growth of endometrial tissue inside the uterine muscle (the tissue should only be growing on the inside surface of the uterus). It is difficult to detect, often only being discovered during a biopsy of a removed uterus (via hysterectomy). The most reliable, non-invasive detection method is MRI, although current ultrasound technology has improved and may be able to detect adenomyomas. The only treatment option (cure) for this disease is a hysterectomy. A medically induced 3-6 month menopause may shrink the adenomyomas, and the Mirena IUD has been shown to be effective for most cases in controlling bleeding and pain.
Bruxism
More commonly known as teeth griding, a dentist typically notices that teeth are wearing down usually fast or unevenly. Bruxism at night is common where people are suffering from chronic pain, stress, depression, and may also be caused by some anti-depressant medications. It is controlled predominantly using night mouth guards and stress reduction techniques.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
CFS is becoming more prevalent in Western society (or perhaps more widely recognised and diagnosed). Not much is known about causes, and triggers for relapses can vary person to person. The main symptoms are: chronic fatigue, poor immune system, dizziness, inability to concentrate, increased allergies, chemical sensitivity, and more. Treatments typically focus on extended rest, eating well, including small amounts of regular activity and performing stress reduction techniques. Eastern therapies work well for some people.
Costochondritis
This is often a mis-diagnosed disease, and not very well understood by doctors. Often they have never heard of it! It is when the cartilage between the ribs gets inflammed, and causes a lot of pain over the chest and back, especially when twisting the body, or using the arms. There are two theories regarding causes, one is where a viral or bacterial infection triggers and auto-immune response which causes the inflammation. The second theory involves trauma (such as a blow to the chest, torn muscles, etc). It is typically treated with anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections into the inflammed area, and with various pain killers. Many people find relief using hot and/or cold packs, massage, baths, and simply taking it easy. Often, with rest, the disease will disappear within 6 weeks to 6 months. Unfortunately some people can have it for life, especially if they suffer from other auto-immune or pain disorders (fibromyalgia, arthritis, etc).
Cystitis
Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the urinary tracts or bladder. The bacterium have a number of ways to breed: too many are introduced from external sources (sex/abuse/period/uncleanliness), they stay too long in the bladder (often occurs where the bladder does not empty properly), they somehow stay in the urinary tract (duplex renal systems with two tubes leaving the kidneys and joining together before entering the bladder are uncommon, but can cause reflux), or a poor immune system cannot deal with the bacteria properly. It can take up to 3 months for the renal system to recover from a single infection. Recurrent infections increase the time needed for healing and increases the risk of re-infection, as well as damaging the kidneys.
Depression
Depression can manifest itself in numerous ways and has just as many causes. Stress, pain, tragic events, and so many other things can cause someone to be depressed. Chronic depression is where the state of depression is a continuing state, and is diagnosable by GP's and psychotherapists. It is often treated with anti-depressants and ongoing psychotherapy. It can cause any number of illnesses associated with a damaged immune system.
Eczema (dyshidrotic)
Dyshidrosis is a skin condition where tiny, very itchy blisters form, predominantly on the fingers and feet. These tiny blisters can join together, and when broken, can cause fissures in the skin. Originally it was thought to be caused by excessive sweating. It is not contagious, but can be quite unsightly and very painful. Currently incurable, it can be worsened by stress and anxiety, soaps, fragrances, acidic foods/liquids, dampness, heat, nickel, and synthetic fabrics. The most common treatment is with topical steroids. Other treatments that work for some patients include: dilute hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, stress management, light treatment, and immunosuppressant medication.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the growth of the endometrial tissue on other surfaces in the pelvic region, outside the uterus. There are two types of growths, small nodules, and smeared regions. During a period, these growths bleed into the pelvic cavity (internal bleeding), and can cause immense pain and inflammation. The body reacts by covering the areas with adhesions, which turn into immobile scar tissue, and can end up binding all the free-moving organs in the area together and to the pelvic walls, so there is no longer any movement. This also can cause immense pain, and also deterioration of those organs.
There are a range of levels used in Australia, level 1 being a mild amount, level 4 being extreme. America goes one level further to 5, typically where a significant amount of surface area on the pelvic walls and internal organs are covered by the disease, and when there is extreme levels of adhesions and scar tissue.
Endometriosis can not be easily treated with drugs. It has to be surgically removed using a scalpel to cut out the roots and a laser to burn the surface, done via laparoscopy (or laparotomy). It can grow back within 6 months. A high dose progesterone, low oestrogen pill can help to slow the re-growth, but this hasn't been proven.
Endometriosis can cause adenomyosis (endometriosis inside the uterine muscle), and can occur with (but does not cause) cancer, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pelvic floor disease, kidney disease, interstitial cystitis, polycycstic ovarian syndrome (PSCOS), and many other diseases. As endometriosis causes chronic severe pain, it can cause depression, and may damage an immune system - other illnesses may benefit from those states. It will cause infertility in most cases unless it is completely removed. Pregnancy often stops the disease from re-growing (if carried to term).
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is often described as myalgia (pain) of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, etc). This is another disease that is hard to diagnose, has varying symptoms, and is very difficult to treat. Common symptoms include chronic diffuse pain, intense pain at several common trigger points, fog-like confusion, fatigue, digestion problems, chronic nerve pain and more. Fibromyalgia often occurs at the same time as many other diseases (where the other diseases are said to be secondary symptoms). It is very difficult to separate symptoms and associate them with the condition responsible (CFS, rheumatoid arthritis, interstitial cystitis, neuralgia, irritable bowel syndrom, and many more). Professional opinions on how the disease works varies wildly, as do the types of treaments. Some sufferers may find relief by making lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and lowered stress). For some the condition may be managed with a low dose of tricyclic antidepressants, often used for other chronic pain conditions. Some patients have had good results with low-dose neurological medication such as those used by epilepsy sufferers. Eastern medicine, chiropracty, physical therapy like physiotherapy and massage, naturopathy and homeopathy may help.
Hives (urticaria)
Hives is an allergic reaction that causes intensely itchy, swollen bumps that can appear anywhere on the body. It can be caused by external irritants such as mold, pollen or cat hair, or a food allergy. Typically the reaction is temporary, and the hives disappear within two weeks. Hives are often exacerbated by stress. Less common is chronic hives (called chronic urticaria), which can last years. Allergy testing and an elimination diet may identify the cause, which, once removed from the environment or diet will get rid of the reaction.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is the deterioration of the kidneys, and can occur for any number of reasons. It has been found that most diseased kidneys were not formed correctly before birth, and several problems exacerbate and develop the disease later on: reflux (urine returning to the kidneys from the bladder), persistent cystitis or Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), 'wonky' bladders (that don't empty properly), overuse of anti-inflammatory medications.
Migraines
Migraines are caused by a neurological disorder, and are often confused with headaches. Migraines have a number of effects: nausea, vision loss or interference, hearing loss or interference, blood noses, and of course pain. Trigger foods/chemicals or situations are different for everyone, and treatments vary wildly. Many women suffer migraines prior to or at the beginning of their periods, due to their fluctuating hormone levels.
Moreton's neuromas
Neuromas form when there is regular compression of a nerve between bones. Moreton's neuromas are located between the toe bones, in the latitudinal arch (across the feet). Often in people with flat feet, as a step is taken, the toe bones rotate into each other, compressing the nerves. This causes pain, inflammation, which causes more compression, and the cycle continues. Diagnosis is from physical manipulation, and observing the inflammation. Mild cases may respond to shoe insoles with a lump just behind the toe areas to stop the toe bones from rotating with each step. This treatment may take a month or two before any effect is seen. Cortisone or another liquid may be injection to break up the inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications may also help. As a last resort, the nerve can be removed during surgery, but as the risk of collateral damage in the foot area is fairly high, this is not often recommended.
Raynaud's syndrome
Raynaud's is a problem with the blood vessels in the extremities. Cold exposure results in spasms which stop the blood flow to the area. This normally affects fingers, hands, toes, feet, as well as ears and and sometimes the nose of patients. Distress can also cause these spasms, as can repetitive motions and vibrations (like typing, using a mouse, hammering, etc.). The extremities turn white or blue (or both) almost immediately when the blood vessels spasm, sometimes becoming numb or tingly. When the blood returns, it is often painful and the extremities turn red. Primary Raynaud's is the most common type, not linked to an underlying medical condition. This type is not usually disabling, and usually can be treated with lifestyle changes. Secondary Raynaud's is caused by an underlying medical condition (often rheumatic or related to inflammation), and is difficult to treat. Some patients end up with more serious problems, caused by their secondary Raynaud's, such as ulcers or gangrene. There is currently no cure for either type of Raynaud's. There may be a link with migraines, as both conditions are vascular problems. Warm woollen clothing, gloves, double walled drinking glasses, air-activated heat pads, electric blankets, stress reduction techniques, and other lifestyle modifications may be useful for both Primary and Secondary Raynaud's sufferers to manage their condition.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the main nerve leaving the base of the spine and travelling down each leg. Sciatica is when the nerve is pinched either due to inflammation of surrounding tissue (from injury, or persistent back problems), or the nerve is caught in the spinal joints. It causes acute (and sometimes chronic) pain in the lower back, posterior, hips, and legs (sometimes continuing to the ankles).
