fibromyalgia and low carbing

[equestrian]

Hello,
I'm new here and posted on another forum and someone was kind enough to send me here also. Wow what great information and a site for support besides.
I just started the Atkins diet about a week ago and have seen remarkable results from the chronic pain and fatigue. I have not been truly "diagnosed" with fibromyalgia but I work at a hospital and know that I have most of the classic signs and symptoms of the disorder. I have resisted going to a physician about it as I see all the patients that get standard medical protocol for this illness get worse over time.
I have had limited and short lived success with MSM, coral calcium, yoga, evening primrose oil, chondroitin sulfate. You name it I think I've probably tried it. I just pray that the ATkins diet success is not another short term success. Are there some long term low carbers who can attest to long term results? It would make the transition even more happy if I really thought this could be the true answer to many prayers.
I do not have a lot of weight to lose. I am mainly on this diet for my health. I would love to see a 15 lb weight loss but I would be willing to gain another 50 lbs if it would mean feeling good again, sleeping normally and having some energy again. I am afraid to hope again but I am starting to feel strong again. So glad to be here and find a little light at the end of a very long tunnel.

[quietone]

The last time I did low carb (yes, I went off like a dummy), I was on it for almost a year.

And I am happy to report that yes, my fibro was better. All my pain, the associated IBS, eye problems and sleep problems went away during that time. Even my chronic low back pain left.

And since I have been off, my fibro and all its symptoms have gotten progressively worse.

(P.S., I am having a very difficult time getting on it and staying on it again)

[colinjn]

Hi there,
Don't expect miracles from Atkins or other low carb plans (remember the golden rule "pick one and stay with it"!) but it can be one more tool for you to use. There are a few factors that make a low carb lifestyle a sensible choice for someone with FM or CFS. One is elimination of possible triggers and the other is stabilizing energy.

The average modern diet has a lot of junk in it and as Dr Atkins points out, following Atkins gets you eating fresh whole foods.
An important thing to look at for the FM sufferer is including Essential Fatty Acids. They are natural pain killers and since fat is not a dirty word here, you can explore their use without guilt.

The other thing that this way of life does is to smooth out the waves of disabling pain and fatigue. It doesn't eliminate them but it does moderate their severity. (at least in my experience)

The other thing that is important to me is the fact that I can keep my weight stable without intense exercise. To be honest, my CFS keeps me in bed or resting most of the day, and yet I am able to keep slim and satisfied. No more laying there hungry and miserable!

So good luck and welcome to the forum.

Colin

[Cissie]

Hello,
Well, from my own experience I can tell you I am really noticing a lot of difference in the fibro. that I also suffer with. I have been on 20 or less carbs for almost 6 weeks now. I too decided to give this a try to see if it would help with the fibromyalgia. Yet I have gained a lot of weight this past year due to the fibro. Mostly from being so inactive. So weight loss is a priority to me as well. I am a firm believer that our healthiest is at our proper weight. I have dropped 24 lbs. at this point and am no longer lying around all day. Yet I am also taking prozac and now elavil for the fibro. and really concerned it might stall my losses. Along with the fact that I also take premarin! Praying not, yet I read this in the book just today. So glad I started before reading that!!! So what I am saying is stick with it a while and see for yourself if it helps you. Yes I still suffer, but not as badly and the brain fog has cleared up. My prayers are with you as you experiment for yourself.
Cissie

[ggrumpy]

Let's see where to begin, stage 4 Hodgkins disease 1989, Prostate Cancer and Fibromyalgia 2002, and a Stroke January 2003. Needless to say my health was not very good. I happened to run into a freind with a severe cardiac history, he looked great! He told me about Atkins and showed me his lab tests results. I figured what the heck I didn't have anything to lose (except weight) so I started it in late february this year. My muscle pain from the FM has subsided quite a bit. I'm now walking on the average of 3 miles a day, and my muscles don't scream as loud as the used to. I've dropped 22 lbs., and my lab tests are looking better all the time. I feel the best physically I have in many years. My brain is a tad fuzzy from the stroke but it could have been worse. So just stick in there for a while and things do get better.

Regards

[Watchmenow]

:)

I have found that I feel better. I do know that when I have fallen off of the diet and go back on induction that I am pretty miserable for a while. For this reason I am also checking out the candida.

Exercise helps a great deal too. When I am chronic I at least stretch and I get relief the next day.

Welcome to the forum.

:wave:

[martha 1]

LCing is important in healing our bodies. Along with supplements, exercise and for me thyroid hormones.. I found this link that might help to explain what FMS really is




http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa090897.htm

hugs Martha

[GailT]

I saw this topic and have a dear friend also on Adkins who will be seeing a Dr. on Monday for Fibromyalgia.
We went to a seminar last Wed. on headaches and Fibro.
If any of you are interested in what he had to say his website is: www.beyondheadaches.com.
If any of you would like to know the outcome of my friend's visit ( and mine with my grandson's dyslexia) please let me know and I"ll gladly share with you.
:) Gail

[casuzen]

Hi,
I have been on Atkins since July...recently added MSM to the mix.
I noticed right away that low carb cleared up most of the brain fog. When I added MSM, the feeling like a Mac truck had hit me every morning went away.
Now, don't get me wrong, I still flare, but now its only the pain of the flare, not brain fog and constant fatigue as well.
I am down around 30 lbs and feel way better than I have for many a year... I wouldn't say low carbing has cured me, but it has made life more tolerable. Instead of feeling ucky most of the time, now its just part of the time (usually when the weather decides to flip - either way knocks me into a flare). I keep waiting for 'the other shoe to drop' but so far, the combination is working for me...

--casuzen

[quietone]

I'm glad it is making you feel better. I wish I had an exact time of when I noticed all the pain was gone. But I think it was a gradual thing. It may have been when I went hiking and didn't suffer for days afterwards. That would have been about 5 months into the program and 10 pounds from my goal weight. I do believe that for me the thinner side of my weight range, the better.

I am 5'6" (although I just found out I have degenerative disk disease, so I won't be 5'6" for long) and believe that somewhere in the 120's suits me best as far as relief from chronic pain. Can't explain it, but just know its so.

[Firmbeauty]

Hi there

I to am a Fibro suffer along with Degenerative disc disease. The Low carb wol has greatly decreased my pain and I am able to control it through diet. Most foods that trigger our pain aren't allowed on the atkins plan. I have been Low Carb for six years and my doctor is amazed on how well I'm managing my Fibro, he wishes other patients take an active approach to get well and not be active because of a disability.

I find that eating this way keeps everything in balance. I exercise daily and that is a plus. Never could before as I was too tired and overweight. I have more energy and can perform quite a few tasks. Good luck and welcome

[MaryMac]

Great to read all these tips. I've been keeping the fibro in check with light exercise through out the day, just keeping moving seems to help. I also take Vitamin C and E, Calcium, GS, and fish oil. Keeping my protien up (especially for breakfast) helps tremendously with the brain fog, even when I'm off the low carb diet.
I have 10 pounds to go, wish me luck
Mary

[quietone]

Good Luck, MaryMac!

[okn0tok]

I also have suffered the symptoms for a few years and not bothered with diagnosis because as you said, the treatment seemed lacking. I have been on Atkins since May 2003, and for the first time in a long I can touch areas that hurt to bad before. I can actually get down on my knees, and back up without sever pain. I do not seem to get the headaches and was sleeping much better, :) BUT this isnt constant, I seems to go out the window when PMS rears its ugly head, then I get it all back, topped with severely bad cramping (something I had never had). Thats the thing that has been worse since starting Atkins.
:mad: SO I dont know that helps but thats what has happened to me.

[pepper]

I feel better on the low-carb diet, but I also had to make myself get out and exercise. When it became apparent that I was becoming acclimated to the walking, I noticed that the leg muscles were not in as much pain and so I've taken up mild weight lifting with 3 pound weights. It may be the serotonin rush or whatever. I don't care. I feel better.

Keep moving!
Pepper

[GailT]

I posted a message a few weeks ago about help for fibro.
Nobody has commented on it so this will be the last post that I'll put up here.
My friend has fibro very badly, is on Atkins also. The diet hasnt' helped her fibro much even with a 100 pound weight loss so far.
She's been going to a chiropractor who does the Atlas Orthogonal treatments and has experienced pain free life since then.
It all is based on that very top vertabrae that your head sits on.
If that isn't lined up nothing will work right. The rest of your vertabrae will not sit right and due to that you will each have different places where your spine is misaligned and not working properly making different symptoms. Each body will have different complaints depending on how your spine lines up with the incorrect sitting of that vertabrae.
The very first treatment my friend, Diane, said that the pain totally disappeared but nobody is interested.
see the above message to find out more if you would like.
I'm done sharing information that will help only to have it ignored.
Live with your pain if you like. As for me, I'm totally headache free and without back pain. I'm off to the Dr's office!

[m1whowaits]

I think many people have looked at your message, but many people are here because they can't really afford many doctor bills. Lots of insurance only allow so many adjustment visits if any at all. We're self employed with no insurance. The only way I can go to my chiro is he's a family friend and we do barter for service. I wish everyone could go to a chiropractor, I'd be more of a mess if it we're for mine. I have a chronic C2 sublexation. I can go in and it be the only thing misaligned. It just won't stay.

So don't be so hard on everyone. You put the information out there. It can be found by someone who needs it if they're looking. Don't dump bad karma on top of it by being mad because people didn't flood to respond.

Be happy you found it.

Liz

edit- see: over 500 people have looked at this message. Be glad you posted.

[VALEWIS]

I have mild fibro...morning hit with a truck feeling, odd pains that come and go, fatigue etc. I have only just begun Atkins so can't comment about is effects yet, but was on a low glycemic diet before that which was getting there...anyway, what has really helped me has been taking 5 HTP. I decided to try this because low doses of seratonin-elevating drugs (anti depressants) are known to help, and 5 HTP is a seratonin precursor. It has really helped me. I suspect that there is no one cure for everyone, but that we have to try different things- exercise of course helps it for everyone.

Val

[RedheadFl]

I have not been diagnosed with FM YET but am getting physical therapy because of severe pain in my hip. The evaluation for the PT put me into bed for three days and on steroids. I couldn't believe the pain from head to toe. He told me I have all the pressure points for FM but of course he can't diagnose me because he is not a doctor. I questioned him on a physical therapy level what can I do to combat this thing they call FM. He strongly recommends eventual light weight lifting that he will teach me. I have always read weight lifting for women works well in many things. Today I start hydrotherapy for it too. I havent read anything on FM yet because it all becomes too overwhelming for me.

[Grrl]

Hello everyone :)
I am so happy to come across all this incredibly useful information for people like me with Fibro. I'm 27 and was diagnosed with Fibro this year, previous to that I was diagnosed with RHeumatoid Arthritis when I was 16 and have suffered from chronic depression since my teens (now on SSRI). Anyway, I am just amazed to find this info connecting the benefits of low-carb diets with fibro and depression relief. I'm going to read up more on GailT's suggestions as well...any beneficial treatment/method is definitely appreciated - I'll try anything! So thanks Gail. Now I'm trying to figure out what my diet should be (to make matters even more confusing, I've been a vegetarian most of my life so that's another factor I've got to work around), but I'm excited that eating low-carb may just really help! Thanks for your great posts...they opened my eyes to new possibilities.

[SherylH]

I'm new to this forum as well and am very glad to have found it.
I have had FMS for 10 years. I gave up on using anything for the pain because it was nearly useless. I have a really good shiatzu machine that I use when my muscles are at their worse. However, I started Atkins, in earnest, 2 weeks ago and have remarked to my family how great I feel. The fatique is GONE and I have minimal pain. I don't remember having this kind of energy since I was much younger. During the day, I find myself expecting to feel tired, because I always do by the middle of the day, but so far, the fatique just hasn't set in. Even when I "overdue" it with cleaning, etc. I get a bit of pain, but the exhaustion just doesn't come. I see my Dr. tomorrow and am going to tell him that he should really investigate the correlation between increased energy, decreased pain and going on a low carb diet. For me, I'm determined to make this a lifestyle, not a diet.
SherylH

[RedheadFl]

What is a shiatzu machine ? Does it help?

[SherylH]

A Shiatzu Machine is a somewhat large massager with two very strong, rotating cylinders. Mine has several massage modes and is portable. You can hold it or support it on a chair and lean back on it if you need some massaging on the back. It helps alot when the muscles have tensed and the pain is waaaay beyond annoying. I use it primarily on my neck and upper back where the pain is the worst. I sometimes have to grit my teeth as I allow the massager to "grind" into the muscles to loosen up the muscles and relieve the pain. My husband bought it for me over 5 years ago and it's been my constant companion.
Hope this description helps.
SherylH

[jessea]

Hi! I did Atkins for four months, and noticed my fibro symptoms started to get worse in the last month I was on it. I switched to Schwarzbein Principle, and I have not had another flare up.

I think that in my case, the Atkins diet was too high in protein for me specifically. In the later stages of my Atkins trial, I could barely sleep, no matter what supplements I took. On Schwarzbein, I sleep like a baby, which helps a great deal, not only with the fibro, but with health in general.

I would suggest to anyone with severe fibro to give Schwarzbein a try. It has helped me tremendously. NOTE: I still think Atkins is a great plan, but for someone with adrenal issues, another plan might work better.

-Denise

[SherylH]

Denise,
I'm only going into my 4th week on Atkins and haven't experienced any flares yet. My energy is still something to marvel at. However, with my summer schedule I'm staying up much later than usual and I'm discovering it's very hard to fall asleep before 2 or 3 am. Thankfully, I have the luxury of staying in bed when I wake up. But there are life circumstances that can easily explain this. If I see this becoming a problem I will definitely check out the diet you mentioned. I've never heard of it before except seeing it mentioned in various forums. Thanks for your input!
SherylH

[joizienew]

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 6 years ago when my job stress brought it out. I was out of work for three months on pain pills and couldn't hold my head up without severe pain. I was pretty sure that working out, ie: weight lifting and general body building, is good for this condition. Am I wrong? I am working out now and find that if I over do it, (in upper body) I get headaches and feel sick to my stomach. My fibro sits in my neck and shoulders. Can anyone give me some information on this? I want to continue the body building. My trainer says that the headaches are from not drinking enough water, but I recognize that fibro pain. Thanks all..... Joyce :roll:

[SherylH]

Joyce,
With FMS, any strenuous exercise is not a good idea. Moderate exercise is good but you must learn your limits. I had found that just pushing the vacuum around for a short time would bring on a flare. Also, repetitive movements have proven to be the biggest culprit for bring on symptoms. My FMS settles in my neck and shoulders as well, and can be excrutiating. It's important to stretch your muscles regularly and do head and neck exercises. However, I've found in the 4 weeks I've been on Atkins, my energy levels are phenomenal and have nearly no pain. You also must keep in mind, that for many FMS folks, summer does bring relief to many of the symptoms. Many nutritionists who have assisted in finding relief for our suffering have been advocating, to some effect, low carb eating because the belief that unrefined carbs and sugar contribute to the symptoms.
SherylH

[SherylH]

Sorry, I meant refined foods.

[RedheadFl]

Joyce,
I am currently getting physical therapy 3 x a week for my FM. Two of those visits are in the swimming pool. I am told by both therapists they have several FM patients who have been able to get into remission through exercise and weight lifting. For me the atkins diet has helped very much with the energy level but it also interrupts my sleep length.

The therapy in the pool is a God Send. I can't believe just being in water makes my body PAIN FREE. I recommend to anyone who can get pool therapy to take it.

[SherylH]

Pool therapy definitely works ... again the therapists have to be knowledgeable about FMs because the water needs to be tepid. I found out the hard way. The water was alright, but they also included Heat Therapy and massage. I felt like a wrung out rag when I left and my flares grew increasingly worse.
Weight training is encouraged, again, in moderation.
The way I look at it. It's all trial and error. Unfortunately, it's discovering what you can and can't do based on your level of pain and fatique.
SherylH

[RedheadFl]

Both pools work for me, 92 degrees or a 89 degree day regular pool......to each his own. What works for one might not work for another. I have been to several doctors who tell me muscle building is definately the way to go.

[joizienew]

Thanks for the info. I was pretty sure that I was over doing it with the weights, so this past week I reduced the weight for each work out, and so far no headaches. I am also drinking more water and continuing to stretch when I think of it. When I over do I end up feeling like someone has hit me in the back of the neck with an axe. The stiffness and pain can be soooooooo bad. :thdown: I tend to 'over do' everything so I always need to watch that. I heard from one doctor that Fibro is a sleeping disorder. Has anyone else been told that? I know for sure that my sleep is directly connected to the pain because when I wake up I hurt and don't ever enjoy that well rested feeling. I actually look forward to getting up and moving around because then I have less pain. I used to take elivil and it helped me to sleep but I think it kept me too still all night, I think I do better if I move around a lot, movement is a good think so sleeping like a drugged rock is not in my best interests.

[SherylH]

Joyce,
Yes, Fibromyalgia definitely disturbs sleep. Do I think that it contributes to FMS or does FMS contribute to it? Who knows, it's like what came first, the chicken or the egg? I totally agree with the need to keep moving. The most I'm at rest before sleep is the hour or two before bed when I lay and read, otherwise, it's very difficult for me to remain sitting for long.
Weight training is a definite plus and you may very well be able to build up to more ... but allow your body to be the barometer.
I'm still not sure how much this low carb eating has helped the FMS but I'm definitely less stiff on waking and I'm truly not experiencing the kind of pain I used to. The most astonishing part of this for me is the increased energy. In fact, it may be contributing to my difficulty falling asleep at a reasonable hour, or it may just be the summer hours I'm keeping. But so far, I'm more than pleased with not having the constant pain and accompanying fatigue.
Sheryl

[MsJinx]

I posted a message a few weeks ago about help for fibro.
Nobody has commented on it so this will be the last post that I'll put up here.

I'm done sharing information that will help only to have it ignored.
Live with your pain if you like.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: So there!!!

[bump]

I take a drug called neurontin that has made my life so much better. Ask your doctor. I wasn't able to work because the fibro. was so bad, but I'm back to cutting hair!!

[trudybee]

Hi i've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia,cfs,irritable bowel,bladder, have gained a lot of weight, have lost 2sts,now i'm losing 1lb per week any advice as to how to speed up weight loss

[RedheadFl]

Trudy,
Try Atkins Induction for 2 weeks.

[joizienew]

Hey Bump, do you notice any side affects from the neurontin? I was checking it out and it looks like there might be some nasty ones. How long have you been taking it and what is the dose? (If you don't mind my asking) Thanks...

[bump]

Hey Joyce In Tennessee
I Will Gladly Tell You About The Neurontin Because It Has Made My Life So Much Better. I Wasn' T Able To Work Anymore Before I Went On It. I Take 300 Mg. In The Morning. If I Am Over Doing It During The Day Or It Is Rainy (that Seems To Make My Symptons Worse.) I Take An Extra One In The Afternoon,.i Have Been On It For Over A Year. I Have My Blood Done Every 6 Months To Check For Liver Function Etc....there Are Other Women I Know Who Are Now Taking It Since They Saw The Change In Me And They Are Also Doing Well. The Only Side Effect I Have Experienced Is Thirst. No Trouble Drinking My Quanity Of Water On Atkins. Brain Fog Was Lifted The Very Next Day I Started Taking It . No More Depression. Please Talk To Your Doctor About It. It Has Truely Changed My Life!!! I Hope All The Best For You!!!!

[RedheadFl]

Bump,
I was excited to see your post. I'm glad it works so well for you. I did a little research on it and then talked with a friend of mine who tried it......unfortunately it did nothing for her.

Here's hoping we all find something!

I know what you mean about the rain.....it kills me. It has been raining all weekend :(

[joizienew]

Thanks for the info. I found it on line for about $35 for 30 100mg. tablets. That is a low dose, so it will be expensive for me if I need more. I thought I would try it at that dose to start and see if I have any improvements. I have been telling people for years that rain worsens my condition and they kind of look at me like I was nuts. I can sometimes tell it's raining in the morning when I wake up just because I feel so bad. thanks again..

[bump]

Joyce.....i Am So Happy That You Are Going To Try The Neurontin. Please Let Me Know If It Helps You. I Have Been Trying To Tell Everyone I Know With Fibro. About This Med. Because It Has Improved My Life Sooooo..much. It Is Not A Cure But It Makes Life So Much More Enjoyable And Pain Free. Now If We Can Just Figure Out What Is Causing This Condition Maybe We Can Rid The Planet Of It Once And For All!!!!!!!
Let Me Know , Would You???
Bump