Fibro360 June 2025

FIBRO360: Your June 2025 Update for Living with Fibromyalgia

Welcome to the June edition of FIBRO360, your monthly resource for navigating life with fibromyalgia! This month, we're bringing you the latest in research, a deep dive into a common symptom, effective treatment strategies, and a product that might just make a difference in your daily life.

At LivingwithFibromyalgia.com, we believe in empowering you with knowledge and support. Let's explore what's new and relevant for your journey.

New Research Horizons: Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy & Quality of Life Scale

Exciting new research is emerging in the world of fibromyalgia! A preliminary open-label trial indicates that psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is well-tolerated among individuals with fibromyalgia. While still in early stages, these findings lay the groundwork for larger, controlled trials to explore PAT's potential for pain severity, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. This opens up new avenues for non-traditional therapeutic approaches.

Furthermore, researchers have introduced the Fibromyalgia Quality of Life Scale (FM-QoLS), a new and reliable tool designed to assess the unique quality of life challenges faced by fibromyalgia patients. This 14-item scale has two domains (symptomatology-functionality and psychosocial) and shows promise in providing a comprehensive evaluation of fibromyalgia-related deterioration in quality of life, which could greatly aid in clinical management and tracking patient progress.

Check out our in depth article on the subject Here:

Understanding a Common Symptom: "Fibro Fog"

One of the most frustrating and often misunderstood symptoms of fibromyalgia is "fibro fog." This isn't just everyday forgetfulness; it's a persistent cognitive impairment that can significantly impact daily life.

What is Fibro Fog?

"Fibro fog" refers to a range of cognitive difficulties experienced by many people with fibromyalgia. These can include:

• Memory problems: Difficulty recalling information, recent events, or even words.

• Concentration issues: Struggling to focus on tasks, conversations, or reading.

• Slowed processing: Taking longer to understand new information or make decisions.

• Mental fatigue: Feeling exhausted after mental exertion, even if the task was simple.

• Difficulty with multitasking: Finding it overwhelming to manage multiple thoughts or activities simultaneously.

Why does it happen?

While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, it's believed that fibro fog stems from the way fibromyalgia affects brain processing, particularly in areas related to attention, memory, and information processing. It's often linked to the central nervous system dysfunction seen in fibromyalgia.

How to manage it:

• Pacing: Avoid overexertion, both physical and mental. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

• Cognitive strategies: Use calendars, reminders, and notes to aid memory.

• Prioritize sleep: Non-restorative sleep is a major contributor to fibro fog. Focus on good sleep hygiene.

• Mindfulness & Meditation: Practices that help improve focus and reduce stress can be beneficial.

• Brain-boosting activities: Engage in puzzles, reading, and learning new skills to keep your mind active.

For more in-depth strategies to cope with fibro fog, visit our comprehensive article on LivingwithFibromyalgia.com:

Treatment Spotlight: Multidisciplinary Approaches

When it comes to managing fibromyalgia, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The most effective approach is often a multidisciplinary one, combining various strategies to address the complex array of symptoms.

Key components of a comprehensive treatment plan may include:

• Medication:

  • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter options (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) or prescription medications (duloxetine, milnacipran, pregabalin) can help manage pain.

  • Antidepressants: Often used to help with pain, fatigue, and sleep, even without underlying depression.

  • Anti-seizure medications: Such as pregabalin, which can help calm overactive nerve signals.

• Exercise: Gentle, consistent exercise like walking, swimming, or water aerobics is crucial. While it may seem counterintuitive with pain, regular physical activity can reduce pain, improve sleep, and boost mood. Starting slow and gradually increasing activity is key.

• Talking Therapies:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to pain.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on accepting what you can't control and committing to actions that align with your values, despite pain.

• Complementary Therapies: Acupuncture, massage, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial for some individuals in reducing pain and improving overall well-being.

• Self-Care Strategies: Stress management techniques (deep breathing, meditation), maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and a balanced diet are all vital for managing symptoms.

Explore more about various treatment options and how to build a personalized plan on LivingwithFibromyalgia.com

Product Showcase: PEMF Mats for Fibromyalgia Relief

This month, we're highlighting PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) Mats as a product that some patients with fibromyalgia find beneficial. These mats combine PEMF therapy with infrared heat, aiming to promote relaxation, recovery, and overall well-being.

How do they work?

PEMF therapy uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate cell repair and improve circulation, while infrared heat provides deep penetrating warmth to soothe muscles and promote detoxification. Many mats also incorporate healing crystals like amethyst and tourmaline, believed to emit negative ions that can boost mood.

Potential benefits for fibromyalgia patients:

• Pain relief: By targeting cellular repair and blood flow.

• Improved sleep: Relaxation and reduced pain can contribute to better sleep quality.

• Reduced stiffness: The warmth from infrared heat can help alleviate muscle stiffness.

• Stress reduction: The calming effects of PEMF and infrared therapy can aid in managing stress, a common fibromyalgia trigger.

Check out our Experts Buying Guide to see the mats we recommend.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating new products or therapies into your treatment plan.

We hope this June edition of FIBRO360 brings you valuable information and encourages you on your path to better living with fibromyalgia. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and support available to help you thrive.

Connect with us!

Join our community at LivingwithFibromyalgia.com for more articles, forums, and support.

Warmly,

The LivingwithFibromyalgia.com Team

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement.Living with Fibromyalgia Facebook

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