Central Sensitivity Syndrome | A Survivor's Guide

Central Sensitivity - Survivor's Guide

Acne and CSS

On December 20, 2016, Posted by , In Uncategorized, By , , With No Comments

After my disability went from moderate (totally and permanently disabled) to severe (housebound and mostly bedridden), seemingly out of nowhere came a flood of acne. I had a history of mild acne as a teen, and acne is an on and off thing for the women in my family regardless…

Auditory Hypersensitivity

Auditory sensitivity is characteristic of an abnormal intolerance to the auditory perception of sound by the presence of an actual physical sensitivity. For sufferers of CSS with auditory hypersensitivity, even very mild sounds can be discomforting to immobilizing. Most effects are assumed the result of chronic pain and or fatigue,…

Smell Sensitivities – Olfactory Hypersensitivity

For those with Central Sensitivity Syndromes it’s not just light, sound, and touch that can yield severe side effects. It’s also smell. These smells can be fragrances, fumes, smoke, and even body odor. In this post I’ll address indoor symptoms and solutions as well as symptoms and solutions for outside…

Killer Headaches and Central Sensitization

There are a number of things, countless things that can cause headaches in those with central sensitization. From loud sounds, to bright lights, to strong smells. But this post isn’t about the more obvious causes of headaches. Nope, this post is about the killer headaches (you know, the ones where…

Electrical Stimulation and Sensitivity

For some with Central Sensitization, electrical stimulation devices are a godsend. However, for others it’s a nightmare. Fortunately, electrical sensitivities are rare.  For those without electrical sensitivity, there are several wonderful devices that may help you with your pain. The first is the well-known TENS Unit. Another is the lesser…

Mexiletine for Nerve Pain and IBS

My neurologist recently put me on Mexiletine and it has been pretty darn amazing so far. Mexiletine is a sodium channel blocker (SCN5A-Cardiac), and treats neuropathic pain. The best way to describe the effects of this medication is like someone glazed my burning hot nerves with a cool gel. Or…

Genetic Factors in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Widespread Pain

Chronic widespread pain, including fibromyalgia, is a pain disorder with genetic links. Learn what genes may influence a person’s perception and sensitivity to pain. Pain is influenced equally by genetic and environmental factors, working in concert to control how humans process it. Pain sensitivity falls on a bell-shaped curve in…

My Medication and Supplement History

On November 3, 2016, Posted by , In Uncategorized, By ,, , With No Comments

I decided to write this post for my new Neurologist and other specialists who aren’t quite sure what to try medication and supplement wise, and for medical researchers trying to better understand the biochemical complications of treating Central Sensitization in severe cases.  Below I will list prescription medications, OTC medications,…

How ADHD Saved My Life

On October 23, 2016, Posted by , In Uncategorized, By , , With No Comments

I am totally and permanently disabled. This means that there isn’t a job in the world I can do. I can have hobbies that I can engage in (like this blog), but only at my own pace and with absolutely no external deadlines or expectations of quality. I am housebound…

Flu-like Symptoms & Central Sensitivity

While central sensitivity involves a lot of flu-like symptoms in general, there are some things that can make these symptoms more pronounced. These symptoms can include flu-like aches and pains (dull, achy, sharp, pinch), altered sense of smell, congestion, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, swollen, soar, and watery eyes,…