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Spring 2003 

One To One
Tips, strategies, ideas and helpful thoughts aboutCFIDS

Try protein for energy boost
I find that I have more energy if I eat protein-packed foods. These include chili, or a combination of hamburger and spinach. Protein-rich foods at breakfast time (including yogurt or a soy milk smoothie) are especially good; they help keep me going much better than a high-carbohydrate breakfast such as cereal.

A reader in Pennsylvania

Allergy pill helps with sleep
Having suffered from CFIDS for 11 years, I have tried many different strategies and aids to help me sleep. Trazodone helps, but not enough.

Last summer, after cutting the grass, I took one-half tablet of generic Actifed (an antihistamine used for allergies). I noticed that I felt drowsy and relaxed. I decided to try taking one-half tablet at bedtime.

The difference in my falling asleep and staying asleep is significant. Many dollar stores carry this item at 24 tablets (48 doses for me) for about a dollar a box. That’s about four cents a dose! Both my pharmacist and my medical professionals see no harm in taking this medication and it is much cheaper than allergy drugs such as Claritin.

Timothy F. Hrehocik
Pennsylvania

(Editor’s note: It is always advisable to check with your physician before taking any new medications — even over-the-counter varieties. They may cause unforeseen interactions with other medications.)

Keeping the beat helps with exercise
Sticking to an exercise program dramatically relieves my muscle pain in the medium to long term. But exercise often exacerbates symptoms in the short term. I found a way out of this dilemma by buying a heart rate monitor. I quickly figured out what heart rate is safe for me, and the monitor beeps when I reach it — telling me to slow down.

I now can exercise regularly with few adverse reactions, have regained a substantial amount of fitness and energy and have very little muscle pain. It’s best to consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program, to make sure that what worked for me will work for you, too.

Heart rate monitors come in a variety of styles, including wristwatch types and chest straps. They are relatively inexpensive (less than $100 for many good units, with some as low as about $25) and easy to use.

Name withheld
California

Water bottle keeps daily fluids flowing
I use a 32-ounce, Nalgene lexan wide-mouth loop-top bottle as my daily water container. It simplifies life: if I fill it twice within a 24-hour period and drink the water I know I’ve consumed the equivalent of eight, eight-ounce glasses.

These bottles are completely leak-proof and come in a variety of colors. I take at least one with me everywhere. They have a very secure, handy carry loop attached to the lid, which is useful when carrying multiple items in the house, or on the way to the car. They’re virtually indestructible, and can be washed in the upper rack of the dishwasher. I have found them at Campmor (800-226-7667, or www.campmor.com) for $7.50 and under and at other backpacking/outdoor product retailers.

They also make great inexpensive presents!

VB
California

Send your One to One tips to the Chronicle at The CFIDS Association of America, P.O. Box 220398, Charlotte, NC, 28222-0398. You also can send them by e-mail to chronicle@cfids.org.