National Health Study Encourages Medical Treatment

by Jonathan Weaver

A national health study is hoping to positively impact many local pain victims.

In a national study conducted by The American Pain Foundation and the National Fibromyalgia Association of 3,018 patients suffering with chronic pain, 93 percent said the pain has had a significant impact on daily life decisions.

The survey was part of an educational initiative that aims to encourage people living with undiagnosed chronic pain to work with their healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and find the best management plan for them. 

There were 175 respondents from Pennsylvania -87 percent diagnosed with fibromyalgia, characterized as chronic widespread pain with tenderness in the joints and muscles that lasts more than three months   – including Kittanning resident Ruth Ann McKelvey.

McKelvey of Kittanning has suffered from fibromyalgia for many years and has visited at least seven doctors until meeting Dr. Angela Stupi.

“I’ve had the fibromyalgia for at least 20 years,” McKelvey said. “Even sometimes when I think back to when I was a teenager, sometimes I would get these pains – doctors always told me they were growing pains, and I wonder know if it was really the fibromyalgia.”

McKelvey said she felt the pain early-on in her life while playing with her two daughters. She now regrets that she cannot have the same amount of fun with her five grandchildren.

“I had fun with my kids – I played ball with them or we’d get the slip-n-slide out and I’d go down it with them, or me and the neighbor would race their big wheels down the hill while the kids cheer us on, but I can’t do that anymore with my grandkids,” McKelvey said. “Sometimes it was hard to just go outside and toss a ball.”

Once McKelvey was diagnosed, she helped lead support classes at ACMH for the chronic pain and encouraged fibromyalgia victims to seek medical help.

Even though it took awhile to diagnose, McKelvey said she was glad she waited to be treated by Dr. Stupi.

“I’m glad I waited, and she is the best doctor in the world as far as I’m concerned,” McKelvey said.

Dr. Angela Stupi, a rheumatologist within the West Penn Allegheny Health System, has been McKelvey‘s physician for 18 years and pointed out what pain victims should do about it.

“The most important thing is for them to be diagnosed to be educated about their condition and into a treatment plan,” Stupi said. “Once they understand what they have, then they learn what factors precipitate their condition and make it worse.”

Stupi described what some pain sufferers go through before they are rightfully diagnosed.  

“Many of these patients have been doctor-shopping for years trying to find out what is wrong with them – these patients experience chronic pain that is out of proportion with a normal individual,” Stupi said.

Stupi said family physicians often diagnose or think about diagnosing patients with another similar disease found within the hyper-sensitivity disorder by touching 18 trigger points around the body, with fibromyalgia patients having to feel pain after doctors touch at least 11 areas.

“When we talk to these patients, we are doing a very detailed history and physical exam because we want to make certain that they do not have an underlying tissue disorder, such as lupas, rheumatoid arthritis or even thyroid disorders.”

Stupi said the lesson learned from the study.

“I think the main thing the survey has taught us is that once a patient is diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it has a significant impact on their life and they have to modify activities – things that other people take for granted, such as household chores or caring for family members or even daily living,” Stupi said.

Persons with fibromyalgia – who can be of any age, but are most commonly women aged 20-50 – have been known to suffer from sleep problems, anxiety or depression.

People can visit www.FibroCenter.com for additional information about the study and resources.

County Businessman Seeks National Senatorial Seat

Approximately 215 local supporters came out to the Smith Complex in Shelocta last night to endorse county businessman Tom Smith in his election campaign for the U.S. Senate. The state election will occur in November 2012.

 

by Jonathan Weaver

Mr. Smith might indeed be on his way to Washington.

Approximately 215 local supporters came out to the Smith Complex in Shelocta to endorse Tom Smith in his election campaign for U.S. Senate. Smith will compete with other Republican candidates in the GOP primary in November 2012 for the votes to face Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey.

Smith moved from being a Democrat to the Republican Party last year.

Smith said he considered running for Casey’s seat during the summer.

“Bob Casey is not doing what I think should be done in the Senate, and nobody was stepping forward to run, so I decided ‘Let’s take a look at this.’

“We can win this – there’s no doubt in my mind, so I decided about two months ago to really explore it and get it going,” Smith said.

Born and raised on an Armstrong County farm, Smith entered the coal business in 1989. Eventually, he built a series of coal companies, which reportedly produced more than a million tons of coal per year and employed more than one hundred.

Smith sold five of his companies last year, citing concerns with the federal debt and economy for his decision.

Smith was supported by his children and grandchildren after his public address last night, but was also endorsed by Senator Don White before his announcement.

“When I sold my coal company, I expected to do little more than watch the sunset on the porch that overlooks my farm, sipping iced tea, with time set aside to show my grandchildren the beauty of God’s creation that is all around us,” Smith said. “But that all changed when an old friend asked me ‘What will future generations say about why we avoided the tough decisions and simply passed the bill along to them? For our own sake, for the sake of our children and our grandchildren, we cannot let go of the American Dream.”

During his campaign speech, Smith said he stood for reducing taxes, reducing federal spending and reducing the size and scope of the federal government. He said he looks forward to traveling the state and spreading his campaign message.

“I have every intention of trying to work as hard as we can and meet as many people across this state and try to get our word out,” Smith said.

Smith is not only supported by his wife – Saundy – of 43 years and his grandchildren, but also by Senator Don White (R-41) and State Representatives Eli Evankovich, Tim Krieger, Donna Oberlander, Jeff Pyle and Dave Reed. He said their support has helped his campaign.

“That’s been absolutely amazing – I talked with Senator White and my state representative Donna Oberlander and they’ve been very gracious, supportive and helpful,” Smith said. “I think they also feel that we need a change in Washington (D.C.) and I might fit that bill.”

Smith’s daughter – Malinda Oesterling – and Senator White introduced Smith to the crowd last night.

Before speaking last night near Elderton, Smith announced his campaign in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Scranton, Johnstown and Erie.