Reverse your child's fibromyalgia

One evening in the Lake Country of England, where I stayed recently on vacation, I leaned against a fence, mesmerized, watching some of the sheep that dotted the landscape. Among them were six lambs, five gathered on the opposite side of the field from a single one. As I stood and watched, the quintet would suddenly dash off with a speed I never thought possible for lambs. They would leap into the air almost in unison, arching their backs with Olympic-quality gymnastic moves. Each time they passed me, the same lamb led, with the other four maintaining the same file position. A few times, they ran to the side of the lone lamb who only then would join the pack. But each time she did, she would stop after just a few leaps and then simply stand and watch the group continue its woolly ballet, unable or unwilling to follow.

If we are observant, the spectrum of youthful behavior readily unfolds for us. In my 44 years in clinical practice, I have seen many children with fibromyalgia. I thought of them as I observed the lambs. children seem to settle early into certain positions within their childhood society -- often the ones to which they will gravitate throughout their lives. Are there those who could -- and should -- be leading but who never quite achieve their potential? Like my little lamb that just could not play as the other lambs were doing -- are these children on the sidelines for reasons they do not understand?

Preface, What your Doctor may not Tell You about Pediatric Fibromyalgia
R. Paul St. Amand, M.D.

In their new book, Dr. R. Paul St. Amand and Claudia Marek offer the first effective protocol for reversing the autoimmune disorder fibromyalgia in children: an alternative program that uses guaifenesin, a common ingredient in cough medicine. This inexpensive medication, available in both prescription strengths and over the counter, has successfully eliminated symptoms in an astonishing 90 percent of his patients' cases. In this landmark book, parents can discover:

• Why pediatric fibromyalgia is often not diagnosed.
• How to help your children cope with symptoms before guaifenesin takes full effect.
• The link between pediatric fibromyalgia and hypoglycemia.
• Guidelines to determine the proper dose of guaifenesin for your child.

Inspired to find a treatment by his own fibromyalgia, Dr. St. Amand spent four decades researching his revolutionary program which treats the causs of the condition, not just the symptoms. An assistant clinical professor at the Harbor-UCLA Medical School Department of Endoctinology, Dr. St. Amand is the country's foremost expert and evangelist on this devastating disease, which continues to confound mainstream medicine. His assistant and co-author, Claudia Marek, is a medical assistant.

Overview

Each chapter of the book contains descriptions of Dr. St. Amand's research, findings and the practical application of the guaifenesin protocol for fibromyalgia. Comments, helpful hints and real-life experiences of parents are included.

Chapter 1, "What Is Fibromyalgia?," explains the "misnaming" of the disease and describes the symptoms found in each system of the body. It also compares the common examination used in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia with Dr. St. Amand's method of "mapping."

Chapter 2, "Pediatric Fibromyalgia," explains some of the difficulties with diagnosing pediatric fibromyalgia and how it can be different from adult fibromyalgia.

Chapter 3, "Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Fibromyalgia," takes us further into diagnosing children using the mapping technique with the "game" approach. It also reinforces the notion that parents know their children best and will be the best informants as to their condition. Dosages for children are discussed.

Chapter 4, "Theory of the Cause of Fibromyalgia and Why Guaifenesin Works," helps the reader discover the history of the protocol and Dr. St. Amand's "behind-the-scenes" work develolping the treatment. It also goes into the scientific explanation of the cause of the disease and its effects on the body at the organic and cellular level.

Chapter 5, "Meet the Enemy -- Salicylates," defines salicylates, shows how they prevent guaifenesin from working and how to avoid them.

Chapter 6, "Hypoglycemia, Carbohydrate Intolerance and Fibroglycemia," outlines the ways carbohydrate intolerance combines with fibromyalgia in many people. It recommends diets to ease symptoms.

Chapter 7, "The Protocol: A Quick-Reference Outline" gives readers a checklist of symptoms for diagnosis, a dosage guide, a list of children's products to avoid and a how-to section for hypoglycemia and dietary corrections.

Chapter 8, "Helping Your Children with the Reversal," gives hints for helping children understand and deal with the disease, protocol and diet as well as practical advice for symptom relief and compliance problems.

The epilogue offers encouragement for parents and tips for ways to get information into the hands of your child's physician.