Well, it's official

[Elana]

Thanks for your post. I don't consume a lot of sugar as it is, more fruits and veg here. I might reconsider Atkins again, I've done it before, but I don't know that I want to because I wasn't losing anything at all the last time I did it, and couldn't find the cause.

I already have arthritis, and I am a childhood abuse survivor-a trait that is rather common amongst fibro patients.

I also have hereditary rheumatoid arthritis @ 25 years old, was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and am a childhood abuse survivor. In addition I have hypothyroidism which normally makes me feel very fatigued and makes me pack on the pounds/prevents me from losing them...

I just recently started on Atkins and have had similar benefits to those that LadyPhoenix has experienced. My 'sleep apnea' is gone, I feel energized all the time, am in a generally good mood most of the time, and my 'fibromyalgia has nearly disappeared. Stretching, exercising, and massages help as well.

With Atkins it isn't just about avoiding sugar...its about avoiding most carbs that get turned into sugar in the bloodstream. Diabetes runs in my family and my mother has been on the verge of developing it for a while...but she forgets that potatoes, rice, and bread are all huge sources of carbohydrates. Also, most fruits have a lot of sugars...and a lot of veggies are starch-ridden carb sources. If anything else I think you should give it another try.

If you want to try it out again I have some Atkins materials I can send to you and we can collaborate and discuss different methods of going about the program and get some feedback happening.

It hurts my heart to know that you aren't feeling well, but don't give up hope. You don't have to feel alone in your plight against what physically ails you. PM me if you ever need to talk.

Edit - Went back and read posts that were made while I was typing this up. Kgrin's yoga suggestion is awesome! I haven't tried yoga, but generally any form of STRETCHING and/or EXERCISING is great for fibro symptoms. If your joint pain is an issue...the best exercise with the least amount of damage to your joints is going to be SWIMMING. In the pool you can do stretches as well...hope this helps

 

[lilith79]

I'm hypothyroid as well. I was taking a swimming class during spring semester, that was nice, but the chlorine is very drying.

I do drink a green smoothie every day, that is a huge help to consume more fruits/veg.

 

[Lorizgal]

I am not going into what else I have, but was diagnosed with fibro in November 2006 and sometimes I am alright and other times not so good.
The best advice my Rhuematologist gave me was to take mega doses of D3 the normal dose for people is 5000iu and I take 20,000 iu - 30,000 iu every day and it seems to help alot. I also take mega doses of calcium also a suggestion from another doctor to help with RLS. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't. But calcium mostly works and the D3 makes me have to take less pain pills.

 

[Elana]

I've only been on synthroid for a short period of time and then I no longer had insurance and couldn't afford the bloodwork, but here are some things I've used before to lose weight (or keep it maintained) and feel more energetic.

1. Whey protein and soy protein combined : Awesome energy! Get some whey protein choco body builder powder and mix the powder with light vanilla soymilk - delicious and the combination of both soy and whey proteins helps to boost the metabolism greatly! I usually did this on my weight-lifting days either pre or post workout. The mega amounts of protein in the whey powder also really helps in muscle regeneration, while the soy milk provides fiber and an additional protein source.

2. Crystal Light Wild Strawberry : if you have no problems with caffeine or aspartame this is for you. I drink this pretty much throughout the day, but I do not mix it up as strongly as the instructions suggest (I usually drink 1 to 2 packets a day @ 120mg of caffeine per packet) and mix and match with other Crystal Light flavors to keep things interesting and tasty. My current favorite is a half packet of Wild Strawberry with 1/2 packet of the pomegranate in 32oz water - or either 1 cup of Oceanspray Diet Blueberry Juice and a full packet of Wild Strawberry in a 32oz container with the rest filled with water. (Wild Strawberry also has 20% Daily Value of Niacin, B6, B12, Biotin, and Pantothenic Acid----all those B vitamins help with metabolism and energy Gotta love it!)

3. The Wild Strawberry Crystal light meshes VERY well with vaping. Studies have shown that caffeine and nicotine used together boosts the metabolism greatly.

4. Atkins diet: Another energy booster, the first couple of days on the Induction phase is hard because I feel tired because I can't get that instant carb gratification that I'm normally used to, but after that subsides I notice that I wake up easier in the mornings (when not on Atkins I have to set about 4 different alarms just to open my eyes) and do not get tired easily throughout the day unless I'm very physically active. All energy benefits aside...my back doesn't ache terribly when I wake up on Atkins and my muscles are not nearly as sore as they used to be. I used to take a big ol' Vicodin every day for my excruciating muscle and back pain, but haven't had to ONCE since being on Atkins.


Without the 4 things listed above my weight would be climbing steadily, I would be depressed and anxious...would hardly be able to get out of bed in the mornings, my body would hurt all the time, and I'd definitely not have the willpower or energy to walk back and forth to my college classes everyday. Just give it a try. and keep yo' head up, girl!

 

[lilith79]

One of my major problems with LC is the heavy reliance on fake sugars. I don't believe those chemicals are something we should should be consuming, I'm a firm believer that the Earth provides the food we need to live and I am working towards getting my family to consume whole foods. I do like to drink unsweetened tea, we make a gallon a day (there's 5 in our household). 1/2 gallon gets drank by my hubby while at work.

I'd say Induction is a pain because of the early withdrawals-I usually have a headache for the first 2-3 days. Ick. I've done Atkins twice, the first time I quit because I got pregnant, the second because I wasn't losing.

As for weight, I have lost 15 lbs since January. Not a lot, but it's something. Now if I can lose ten times that total...I'd be ecstatic.

 

[leannebug]

ah, hon, sorry to hear that. And yes, I can relate too. It's a huge relief just to be able to stop 'searching'. I spent 10 years searching for those answers, and even after I had a doctor tell me to "stop searching for a cure" and just accept and learn to live with it (my diagnosis of chronic migraines, at the time) I STILL had to know, because, yes, there was more (the FM). Unfortunately, even that wasn't the end either. It wasn't until several more years, and multiple types of arthritis and nerve problems- that i finally stopped looking. My current rheumy wants me to go to a Mayo for tests, but 'stick a fork in me' cuz I'm done!

I now think, that doctor- almost twenty years ago- was on to something. There comes a point when we just need to learn to best adjust our lives to things, learn to accept, or adapt, and move forward. That's what I'm trying to do Doesn't always work... but it's the crossroads in my life now. It's a constant daily struggle, to 'forgive myself' for not being able to do the things I want to do. and one of the reasons I hang out here. It forces me to stop pushing myself, and gives me things that I CAN physically do (help others). I still beat myself up (over lost times, moments, opportunities, etc) but I now can also feel good about what I HAVE accomplished, and ways that I can help.

That is why this forum means so much to me, and why the people here hold such a big place in my heart. Though it may seem like I give and give, I am getting so much more than anyone really knows. I get a piece of my former self back, and a real feeling of worth. That is priceless to me, and nothing I give can ever be worth as much as I get.

I wish you the best, and it sounds as if you are in good company. There seems to be a ton of great people in similar situations. Lean on us, if you need anything.

 

[lilith79]

So I took the Restoril and Topamax last night..damn they hit fast and I felt ever so very high. lol I'm a bit off today, I hope it levels off. I have to run to the DMV today, and made hubby come along. He drove there, I drove back...I don't think I should be driving alone yet...and I need to go to the store. But he's in bed (3rd shifter), so it will have to wait until tomorrow.

 

[gramakittycat]

Well here is my hand up and out to all of us with fibro.Isee unfortunatly other disorders seem to come along at some point once fibro is dxed.This is a Invisible disease mostly .I was dxed in 2002 also DM type2 in my case insulin resistant.Meneires disease,Ipost on this forum but either pain and or fatique makes my involement here sporatic .I get forgetful and my kids watch over me ;in fact my 20 yo son lives here since I can't live alone due to falls ,insanely high blood sugars(I hit over 600 last week hello ER) saw my doc on monday new meds and doses plus tests to do .Since Ive had ptsd since age 5 they call it complex due to overlaping life events .They also say it can be brought on by a traunatic injury ie MVA etc Which for me happened in 1997.More than enough about me but my best advice is FIGHT!Days all I want to do is give up but I have to much to fight for .My children and grand kids I make certain understand why Mom can'tdo the things she used to and the grands well I do what I'm able to and treasure every moment.Ihate not being able to leave my house,drive, even a good nights sleep.Well as I look back over this post.I see ol' fibro fog comming in so I go for now .God bless and if you ever need to talk or any one else feel free.Post later Hugs to us all,GKK/Sue

 

[Viktro D'Vaping]

So sorry to hear this. Please be very careful driving on Topomax! Topomax is actually a drug that is primarily used to treat Epilepsy, as is Neurontin. These two drugs are given for pain management as well. I know this very well as I've been on them both, myself!
You would do well to look on the internet for Fibro support groups. They have a lot of really good ideas on treatment. I'm surprised that your Doctor did not try u on Lyrica, which is the first drug that is specifically used to treat Fibro.
In addition you might also try to get a PCR test, Polymerase Chain Reaction test to look for mycoplasma. It is a manufactured stealth illness. It is a cross between a bacteria and a virus which has no cell wall of it's own. It actually hides within blood cells, making it virtually impossible to detect and mimics other diseases such as Fibro. The PCR test is THE ONLY way to detect it! The earlier it is found, the shorter the treatment and you CAN fully recover from it. It may be hard to find a doctor who will test for it, as it is hush, hush.
Two of the world's top Microbiologists, Drs. Garth and Nancy Nicolson, developed the PCR Test. They have a Research Facility in Huntington Beach, CA. Here is are 2 links that u might find very helpful, www.immed.org and www.shasta.com/cybermom/asimple.htm. On the second website, Fibromyalgia is referred to as FMS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (which is often part of Fibromyalgia) is referred to as CFS.
Mycoplasmas have been found in vaccinations and cigarettes, as well.
I hope that I have not overwhelmed you with this, but if you were found to have this, it is actually goods news. There is a total cure and not just a treatment for symptoms. I know it changed my life and wud be great if it cud do the same for you! Unfortunately I have severe neurological damage for an injury, but the Fibro on top of it all was too much! I hope this helps and please feel free to contact me anytime!

 

[lilith79]

Well here is my hand up and out to all of us with fibro.Isee unfortunatly other disorders seem to come along at some point once fibro is dxed.This is a Invisible disease mostly .I was dxed in 2002 also DM type2 in my case insulin resistant.Meneires disease,Ipost on this forum but either pain and or fatique makes my involement here sporatic .I get forgetful and my kids watch over me ;in fact my 20 yo son lives here since I can't live alone due to falls ,insanely high blood sugars(I hit over 600 last week hello ER) saw my doc on monday new meds and doses plus tests to do .Since Ive had ptsd since age 5 they call it complex due to overlaping life events .They also say it can be brought on by a traunatic injury ie MVA etc Which for me happened in 1997.More than enough about me but my best advice is FIGHT!Days all I want to do is give up but I have to much to fight for .My children and grand kids I make certain understand why Mom can'tdo the things she used to and the grands well I do what I'm able to and treasure every moment.Ihate not being able to leave my house,drive, even a good nights sleep.Well as I look back over this post.I see ol' fibro fog comming in so I go for now .God bless and if you ever need to talk or any one else feel free.Post later Hugs to us all,GKK/Sue

I was dxed with Meniere's 3 years ago. No signs of high bp or diabetes, thankfully. ((hugs))

 

[lilith79]

So sorry to hear this. Please be very careful driving on Topomax! Topomax is actually a drug that is primarily used to treat Epilepsy, as is Neurontin. These two drugs are given for pain management as well. I know this very well as I've been on them both, myself!
You would do well to look on the internet for Fibro support groups. They have a lot of really good ideas on treatment. I'm surprised that your Doctor did not try u on Lyrica, which is the first drug that is specifically used to treat Fibro.
In addition you might also try to get a PCR test, Polymerase Chain Reaction test to look for mycoplasma. It is a manufactured stealth illness. It is a cross between a bacteria and a virus which has no cell wall of it's own. It actually hides within blood cells, making it virtually impossible to detect and mimics other diseases such as Fibro. The PCR test is THE ONLY way to detect it! The earlier it is found, the shorter the treatment and you CAN fully recover from it. It may be hard to find a doctor who will test for it, as it is hush, hush.
Two of the world's top Microbiologists, Drs. Garth and Nancy Nicolson, developed the PCR Test. They have a Research Facility in Huntington Beach, CA. Here is are 2 links that u might find very helpful, www.immed.org and www.shasta.com/cybermom/asimple.htm. On the second website, Fibromyalgia is referred to as FMS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (which is often part of Fibromyalgia) is referred to as CFS.
Mycoplasmas have been found in vaccinations and cigarettes, as well.
I hope that I have not overwhelmed you with this, but if you were found to have this, it is actually goods news. There is a total cure and not just a treatment for symptoms. I know it changed my life and wud be great if it cud do the same for you! Unfortunately I have severe neurological damage for an injury, but the Fibro on top of it all was too much! I hope this helps and please feel free to contact me anytime!

I would LOVE to know why there isn't a driving warning on Topamax, seriously it's needed. I'm not all over the road or dangerous, but things are different and I'm only on the min dose at the moment, I'm supposed to bump up over a few days or so. I actually need to call the office on Mon and ask about that because the dr told me this stuff verbally, but didn't give written instructions. I have ....e for a memory, I need written directions!

 

[leannebug]

Becareful with Lyrica too. I found out (the hard way) that it makes me sound 3 sheets to the wind. I knew I "felt" that way, and didn't like it, but when I found out that I sounded looped too.. I stopped taking it. My doctor wants me to, but I can't go around sounding (or feeling!) wasted. Not cool.

 

[Zenfrogs]

I don’t have any experience with Topamax but I did take Neurontin for about 5 years. For the first week or so I was very groggy and took it at night. After a few weeks i was fine but it took some time before I was “normal”. I will say if Topamax is like Neurontin make sure that you follow your dr’s instructions if for some reason you decide it isn’t for you. To my knowledge you should never quit taking an anti-convulsant cold turkey. bad things can happen. Nothing to stress over...just make sure you wean yourself. For what it is worth Neurontin scared the hell out of me at first but made a huge difference in my quality of life. It deadens the neuropathic pain enough that you can start doing things that will help to lessen the widespread pain... I used to be in such agony that even the thought of yoga or exercise would send me right back under the damn covers. Hopefully you will adjust to the Topamax ... if not there are others like Neurontin (aka Gabapentin) that will work as well.

 

[shatner]

I went to the rhumatologist today. I have fibromyalgia. I've known it for a long time, but now it's official. I'm relieved and numb at the same time. Relieved that it's official and I can do something about it, numb that it's true. Does that make any sense?

What a coincidence. I was just bumped from suspect fibro to "You have Fibro, here's some Gabapentin". I didn't go to a Rhematologist. My Psychiatrist has been researching it because we both noticed that most every symptom listed I have.

I've been pain free and in a good mood since I started taking the Gabapentin (generic Neurontin- I have no insurance). This is the first time I remember being pain free in YEARS!

Congrats that it's diagnosed. There are medicines that work very well including Mary Jane.