Rachael Ray Show

Fibromyalgia and migraines

karenraye

Posted:
2008-05-13 1:11 AM

Do you have any diet tips for someone with chronic fatigue and migraines stemming from fibromyalgia? The only food that I know is a migraine trigger for me is chocolate and only in large doses. I have read about avoiding salicylates but they seem to be in almost everything. My migraines are almost daily at this point. I would like to lose 25 to 30 lbs. but I have to stay away from 'fad diets' or starving myself because that is a trigger in itself. Whatever you know on this subject would be of interest to me.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

skippydoo57

Posted:
2008-05-20 3:53 PM

If you hear of anything I would like to know too since I suffer from the same as you. Along with these though I also have a very low thyroid problem that seems to make me gain weight despite the dr's help. Good luck to us both!

karenraye

Posted:
2008-05-20 4:36 PM

I haven't heard anything yet but I'll keep you in the loop. I think me medications make it difficult for me to loose weght because even when I'm exercising and watching what I eat the most my weight will do is teeter between a 2 pound loss and go back up. It is very frustrating to say the least. I think my doctor took me off the one that was actually putting the pounds on. I think the Verapamil I was on made me retain water and add lbs.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

shipmate

Posted:
2008-05-20 5:24 PM

I am aflicted with fibro, hypothyroid, and migraines ... also high blood pressure and cholesterol and osteoarthritis ...

I've done physical therapy, and aside from using several meds for each of the above, I've been using vitamin supplements ... Imitrex works good for migraines, but it has to be taken at bedtime ... I've tried Lyrica for the fibro to no avail ... I've been switched to Neurontin currently, and have just started with pain management Intervention ... As far as diet goes ... I'm trying to stay with more fruits and veggies limiting red meats ... You may want to ask your docs about the above things I've mentioned as I'm not advocating anything in particular ...

The fibro has really done a number on me over the past 5 years or so and I had to fight for SSD which I did get after 3 years ... By the way ... no ages were mentioned by the above folks ... I turned 48 yesterday and it hasn't been easy

shipmate

shipmate

Posted:
2008-05-20 5:45 PM

I am aflicted with fibro, hypothyroid, and migraines ... also high blood pressure and cholesterol and osteoarthritis ...

I've done physical therapy, and aside from using several meds for each of the above, I've been using vitamin supplements ... Imitrex works good for migraines, but it has to be taken at bedtime ... I've tried Lyrica for the fibro to no avail ... I've been switched to Neurontin currently, and have just started with pain management Intervention ... As far as diet goes ... I'm trying to stay with more fruits and veggies limiting red meats ... You may want to ask your docs about the above things I've mentioned as I'm not advocating anything in particular ...

The fibro has really done a number on me over the past 5 years or so and I had to fight for SSD which I did get after 3 years ... By the way ... no ages were mentioned by the above folks ... I turned 48 yesterday and it hasn't been easy

shipmate

glortul1

Posted:
2008-05-20 8:50 PM

I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia since 1985, I eat very little beef and no bacon, also no msg. My blood pressure has been normal for the last 4 years and my cholesterol was 11 points high last time to 205. I do not have headaches unless i eat large amounts of sugar(I went on a binge of pecan pie and ice cream) stop and it usually goes away in a few days. I have osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease and several herniated disc. I also have knee problems, but do fairly well most of the time and take my meds as prescribed. The weight thing I eat a high fiber low fat diet and still weighed 265 I lost 30 pounds and put it back on in no time. I usually do not eat sweets but for some reason i just kept wanting the pecan pie and ice cream. I will try not to do that again.

karenraye

Posted:
2008-05-20 10:33 PM

My age is 52 and I've had fibromyalgia since an auto accident in 1992. I also have degenerative disc disease, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue and damaged discs in my neck and back. I also have kidney disease which my doctor thinks is from a long history of medications. I have had high blood pressure when I was young and then again after my accident but it is under control at this time. For my migraines I switch off between Imitrex, Axert, Relpax and Migranol at home but still have to go in for shots of Fentanyl, Dilaudid or Reglan fairly often. I have tried many other migrain medications in the past. I had bad side affects from Lyrica same as I do from Topamax if my dose is too high. I get extremely forgetful and have making sense of otherwise simple things. I have also had this side affect from some anti-depressants before finding the one which was right for me(Zoloft). I have been on Neurontin in the past but I was on a very high does and when I moved and changed doctors he took me off it. I have been in physical therapy more times than I can count. Aquatic therapy (exersizing in a warm pool) has been very helpful for the body aches.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

kmjaussies

Posted:
2008-05-21 12:07 AM

I was diagnosed with FM and migraines 1996 and have been on the merry go round of meds to find the best combo that would work for me. Right now Cymbalta, Topamax and Celebrex seem to work for now.

I have been on weight watchers for 1 year and have lost 42lbs. It is a real struggle to lose weight, but I keep on the program and have a great WW leader who encourages me and cheers me on with every pound I lose.

Water therapy does work best and I find a jacuzzi is extremely helpful.

I will be 49 in July and it took me 3 years to find a doctor who believed there was actually something wrong with me. I have a great doctor who listens and cares now, which makes all the difference.

shipmate

Posted:
2008-05-21 7:07 AM

KM,

I agree with you about good docs ... they are hard to find ... I'm in a unique area outside NE Philly where there is a high concentration of Ukaraians and Russians ... Not to sound like a sterotype, but I find that the Russian docs with 'western beliefs' CARE more about American docs ... The Americans base everything on the 'almighty dollar' while the others care about the individual ... (In my case, at least) ...

I'm even thinking of learning a little Russian since I hear it so much ... yesterday, the doc actually asked me a question in Russian by accident in which we both chuckled ... I opened a door for an elderly woman with a motorized walker and learned how to say 'Thank you' ... and then asked the receptionist how to say 'you're welcome', although I did use English and I'm sure she understood, just as I understood when she said thank you ...

Just a note ... there are fibro websites and chat rooms if anyone cares to 'google' ... they are out there ...

Karen

juststuff4roro

Posted:
2008-05-21 2:22 PM

Hi there,

I have fibro, IBS, migranes, the whole shebang. I have had it since 1998, when I fell down a flight of stairs, but for lack of insurance, etc., I was unable to get it diagnosed until this year even though I KNEW I had it. From what I'm reading, though, trauma may just bring it out full force, as I have had symptoms since my early 20's ~ I turn 55 this Saturday ~ menstrual problems, digestive problems, etc.

I recently met with a nutritionist who advised me to cut down on the sugar, eat less red meat, (I don't eat that much to begin with) eat more fruits and veggies, "eat the rainbow" was how she put it. As far as the IBS she was helpful in that she explained it's OK and advisable to eat white bread if it soothes my problems, (I felt guilty because I know that whole grains are better for me nutritionally) and then ease back into the whole grains if and as I can. She also explained that the antidepressant I'm on, Paxil, makes it difficult to lose weight, and is mentioning this to my doctor so she can hopefully come up with another one I can switch to when I see her in early June. The nutritionist also stressed getting out every day for a walk, just to keep moving. I've noticed that it does help, but I have to admit I REALLY don't feel like doing it!

I also told her that I don't drink milk because I'm lactose intolerant, and she said that it's important for me to still get calcium so to drink soy milk.

I have also heard the salicytes are to be avoided, along with foods that trigger problems for you ~ one of mine is mint. I cannot eat chocolate mint chip ice cream, mint tea, mint flavored antacids, mint candy, mint gum, NO mint! What a bummer...

Too much chocolate and caffeine bring on the migranes so I try not to go overboard with those.

Anyhow, the main thing I've found is to have a good rapport with your doctor, and to not hesitate to switch if you can and must. YOU are the main component of your care. If you haven't, do check out the National Fibromyalgia Association (www.fmaware.org) for the latest info, updates, and resources.

karenraye

Posted:
2008-05-22 2:42 AM

http://www.fmnetnews.com/ is a website where you can get information. They put out a newsletter that I got for years and years until I couldn't afford it anymore but it did have an awful lot of helpful information in it. It's been 7 years since I've seen one so I can't say whether they are still worth the money.
I have the digestive problems too. I take protonix for that and stay away from problem foods like sausage etc. It is really hard to find a good doctor and I've had more bad ones than good. I have a good nuerologist but even she can't find something that works for me. Out of the last 4 days I've had a migraine for 3 of them. I've heard pineapple is a trigger for some people and I love pineapple but I don't eat it very often and don't notice a migraine pattern when I do. Stress, Loud noises and large qualtities of chocolate are my only know triggers. I only eat mint when its accompanied by chocolate so that is interesting that it might be a trigger. A double whammie! Lack of sleep can be a trigger too so I better get to bed, it's two a.m.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

stacysmom2

Posted:
2008-05-22 7:42 AM

Go to Prohealth.com and click on fibromyalgia and join us. These are wonderful, caring people who share their expereiences and advice on living with CFS/FMS/MPD. They have helped me through a lot of situations with trying to work with Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Disorder.

megangel99

Posted:
2008-05-22 8:20 AM

I used to have migrains and the Dr. put me on Inderal (propranolol) 40mg 4 times daily! For me it worked! Its such an older medication that Dr.s don't prescribe it anymore! I Also have HBP, Fibromyalgia and degenerative disc disease! This may sound crazy but it helps me! Walk stairs! It helps in the long run! I had to move into an apt. that has the bathroom upstairs and, well...I use the stairs many times a day and over that last 2 years, it has helped me greatly! Don't stop exercising! Keep moving!

skippydoo57

Posted:
2008-05-23 3:24 PM

I turned 51 in April. I have had fibro, degenerative disc disease since my neck injury and surgery in 1999. I have alot of bad days and very few good ones. The only thing I have found that helps me at night at least is plain Tylenol Arthritis. My low thyriod I have had since I was 16 yrs old but the doctor never keeps me on meds for it so I bounce with it. I have a new dr now so maybe he will do the right thing. As far as exercise...I don't have the energy to even stand for long. Which is embarrassing at times and I start crying over it. Who knows what to do anymore. I get confused with all the advice at times.

karenraye

Posted:
2008-05-25 2:57 PM

I beleive my doctors have tried every medication there is for me. Inderal increased my depression and Lyrica and Cymbalta made me feel like I couldn't think straight. They affected my concentration, reasoning, and common sense. I am re-emphasising this because I just found out my niece tried to commit suicide while taking a high dose of Cymbalta. She was otherwise a very happy girl. Please be cautious when starting a new med or when increasing your dose.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

karenraye

Posted:
2008-05-27 1:50 AM

I hope no one thinks I'm being too chatty here but I just read an article at WomansDay.com called "when the pain won't stop". As you can probably tell by the title it is about all the various types of chronic pain diseases and the people who have them. I found a couple things in the article very upsetting. Before I say more can I just ask if anybody reading this also reads the article could you please let me know if you feel the way I do. I think there are so called "facts" and quotes in the articles that are a stab in the back and very misleading. To go straight to the article click on this link: http://www.womansday.com/health/13155/when-the-pain-wont-stop.html

Be the change you want to see in the world.

RedheadFlaGal

Posted:
2008-05-27 6:04 AM

karenraye said @ 2008-05-13 01:11:25:

Do you have any diet tips for someone with chronic fatigue and migraines stemming from fibromyalgia? The only food that I know is a migraine trigger for me is chocolate and only in large doses. I have read about avoiding salicylates but they seem to be in almost everything. My migraines are almost daily at this point. I would like to lose 25 to 30 lbs. but I have to stay away from 'fad diets' or starving myself because that is a trigger in itself. Whatever you know on this subject would be of interest to me.

Here is what works wonders for me with fibromyalgia. Foods: Everything in moderation. Weight watchers will keep this in check. You can lose weight with no exercise on this program. No foods with preservatives. Read your lables! This includes, canned, boxed or frozen. Eat fresh as much as possible, make your own salad dressings and mayo.
Exercise: I know it hurts but trust me if you focus and push through results will come with less pain. Exercise and stretch in the pool until you can do it out of the water. Get one of those big exercise balls you can sit on. Put feet flat on floor and raise one leg at a time for a count of 10. Works great for balance which fibro causes.
And last but not least find a doctor who is familiar with fibro. Don't accept just live with it. If you get the fibromyalgia under control through diet and exercise the other problems steming from it will get better.....I promise! Been there done that!!

RedheadFlaGal

Posted:
2008-05-27 6:41 AM

skippydoo57 said @ 2008-05-20 15:53:04:

If you hear of anything I would like to know too since I suffer from the same as you. Along with these though I also have a very low thyroid problem that seems to make me gain weight despite the dr's help. Good luck to us both!

kellyj

Posted:
2008-05-27 7:20 AM

I am a big migraine suffer, but I do not have Fibromyalgia. A specialist told me about a book called "Heal your Headache". I purchased it at Amazon.com and it gives a whole list of foods that are migraine triggers. My big trigger is MSG, MSG also goes by anything that is hydrolyzed or autolyzed. I hope this helps!!! I know how hard it is to function with migraines.

ladiediane

Posted:
2008-05-27 10:18 AM

I am 55 and have been getting migraines since I was 8 years old. By now the list of foods I shouldn't eat because they start a headache is so long that I should be 95 pounds. Well I'm not! I am way over weight, and it is all because of the meds I take for the migraines, blood pressure and depression. That, I cannot control. However I eat very healthy. There are times of course that I crave a migraine trigger like chocolate or cheese and I do indulge and hope for the best. But you know your head and know when you can get away with it or not. Right now I am going through the Botox treatment. Shots in the head and neck. Just after the first treatment there was a small improvement. There will probably be 6 treatments. I hope it works, nothing else has. Most of all is a positive attitude!!!Don't let it take you over, you have to win the fight even when you want to put your head in a wall! Beat the monster.

karenraye

Posted:
2008-06-01 9:59 PM

I still haven't heard anything from the nutritionalist but I am appreciating everyones information. Thank you Stacysmom2 for recommending prohealth.com. I think everyone writing in here could benefit from prohealth.com as the website covers more than just fibromyalgia. It does have some very good descriptions of fibro for anyone interested or any sufferers that need to describe it to family and/or friends.
I am also going to look for the book 'Heal Your Headache' that RedheaFlaGal recommended. I am always looking for more information and alway learning more about this disease and the other diseases that I have.
As far as my triggers for migraines I know MSG was the very first one I figures out and chocolate realy isn't a problem unles I eat too much, which I don't do because I am trying to loose weight. I also stay away from mayo and rarely even use ketchup or mustard. I try to go easy on canned foods because I can't have salt due to failing kidneys. I'm not on dialysis yet but could be soon. With no insurance except Medicare and problem veins from frequent i.v.s dialysis is a scary thought. The Emergency Room is already using veins in my feet for i.v.s! I am eating very carefully and praying for a miracle!

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Beachgirls52

Posted:
2008-06-19 10:07 AM

glortul1 said @ 2008-05-20 20:50:56:

I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia since 1985, I eat very little beef and no bacon, also no msg. My blood pressure has been normal for the last 4 years and my cholesterol was 11 points high last time to 205. I do not have headaches unless i eat large amounts of sugar(I went on a binge of pecan pie and ice cream) stop and it usually goes away in a few days. I have osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease and several herniated disc. I also have knee problems, but do fairly well most of the time and take my meds as prescribed. The weight thing I eat a high fiber low fat diet and still weighed 265 I lost 30 pounds and put it back on in no time. I usually do not eat sweets but for some reason i just kept wanting the pecan pie and ice cream. I will try not to do that again.

Beachgirls52

Posted:
2008-06-19 10:53 AM

karenraye said @ 2008-05-13 01:11:25:

Do you have any diet tips for someone with chronic fatigue and migraines stemming from fibromyalgia? The only food that I know is a migraine trigger for me is chocolate and only in large doses. I have read about avoiding salicylates but they seem to be in almost everything. My migraines are almost daily at this point. I would like to lose 25 to 30 lbs. but I have to stay away from 'fad diets' or starving myself because that is a trigger in itself. Whatever you know on this subject would be of interest to me.

Beachgirls52

Posted:
2008-06-19 11:08 AM

Hi thia is for everyone with firbomyalgia & migraines, first I have suffered from both for years, I have been on both Neurontin and recently Lyrica. Which after talking with my pharmacist the two drugs are in one the same. Yes I said the same. So, I said the hoot with the two, and decided to take things in my own hands, first I said being a nurse I said lets do some physical therapy, so I went into my yard, loving flowers I decided to start working in my flower beds, I did this for about three hours, to tell you the truth, I worked muscles I hadn't in years, yes I was some what sore, but after a nice warm shower I took some over the counter Tylenol artheritis caplets two of them, and I received good releif. So with good exercise, a warm shower and the above mentioned tylenol I received better than expected. I haven't had any discomfort from either in a couple of weeks. I have watched my diet also. I only eat red meats once a week, 4 to 6 ozs. I eat more fruits, I love them by the way, and green veggies. I make my own dressings. You can make your favorite ok. So, try what works for you, leave the medication alone. It will save you some money. Or at least talk to your doctors ok. Good Luck. But talk to your doctor ok.

Beachgirls52

MissyJones

Posted:
2008-07-12 5:24 PM

Its been awhile since I've been here...

I love your show!!

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