What it is? or Isn't?

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia remains an elusive disease. It is really a syndrome, or a collection of problems that share pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and trouble concentrating. Others experienced list of other problems, but everybody shares the common experience of lost quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

In addition to pain, people with fibromyalgia could also have:

• Cognitive and memory problems (sometimes called “fibro fog”)
• Trouble sleeping
• Morning stiffness
• Headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Painful menstrual periods
• Numbness or tingling of hands and feet
• Restless legs syndrome
• Temperature sensitivity
• Sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights

Fibromyalgia affects as many as 5 million Americans ages 18 and older. Most people with fibromyalgia are women (about 80 - 90 percent). However, men and children also can have the disorder. Most people are diagnosed during middle age.

How common is fibromyalgia? Who is mainly affected?

Fibromyalgia can occur by itself, but people with certain other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other types of arthritis, may be more likely to have it. Individuals who have a close relative with fibromyalgia are more likely to develop it themselves.

MARCH FOR BABIES

The 5th Annual Qhamata March for the Babies has kicked off.  The March of Dimes has released the date of the 2012 March for babies.  Those of you in the Houston area it will be at Robertson Stadium April 29, 2012.  We have already started fundraising and we are looking for Walkers to join TEAM QHAMATA!   


Please sign up to join the team and walk with me or give donations to the cause at Qhamata Family March.  


For those of you that are new to this every year the March of Dimes holds a march/run/family fun day similar to the Susan G. Komen Walk for Breast Cancer.  The difference is this march is to support the research to help determine, prevent and aid in the lives of mothers and children at risk of or born prematurely.  The proceeds also aid in medical research to find the cause and or develop ways to slow or stop prematurity all together.  One of these medical discoveries is the Progesterone shot (17P or Mirena) that helps to keep everything needed to hold in the baby closed so you can make it hopefully to full term or as long as your body allows giving the baby a greater outside survival rate. 


We as a family have participated in the march since 2008 when we first found out about it and loving kids as we do decided to join and raise money.  In 2009 we got a first hand reason to continue our efforts to help other families prevent premature birth or be able to afford the medical care of a premature child.  I know about the shot mentioned above because it has helped bring me my daughter Khalifah who even though I was 3cm dilated weeks before my water broke at 37 wks 6 days I still made it full term before her birth.  I am on them again with this little bundle of joy in hopes of making it the same distance.  


Please Join our family as we continue to fight against prematurity and try to bring every baby into the world with a fighting chance.


Join us here: Qhamata Family March!

Slight After thought

Being swept up in all the excitement of my friends finding out what they are having a tiny little part of me wants to catch a sneak peek at the next Anatomy scan on the 12th.  However I feel like I've held out this long what's another 2 months.

Now I know I'm not due until March 10, but that is such an estimate I don't think I will reach.  DD#2 was 2 weeks early by nature (Thank God for the 17P shots that with the help of God held her off till then) and being that this baby is consistantly measuring 1 week ahead I have a good feeling I'm looking at a February baby not March.  As long as S/he doesn't chose February 29th I will be one happy momma Boy or Girl.

Ps.  I think it's a boy :D

World Prematurity Day

World Prematurity Day

Honor the million babies worldwide who died this year because they were born too soon, and the 12 million more who struggle to survive. November 17 is World Prematurity Day and a when we focus everyone’s attention on the serious problem of premature birth.

“Like” World Prematurity Day on Facebook. Read stories from around the world and share your own. Help spread the word by updating your Facebook status with a message on premature birth. Together we can raise awareness of this serious problem and help more babies start healthy lives.

See also: World Prematurity Day Volunteer Guide (PDF, 368kb)