Delayed Food Allergies and Food Sensitivities

I got this through a migraine blog I follow, and found it very interesting as it also relates to fibro and food sensitivities we may have. The third video on this link relates most to fibro, and I have found the follow up videos and provided the links below.

(Dr. Daniel C. Dantini is a fibromyalgia specialist in the United States)

I have found certain delayed food sensitivities to certain foods that bring about a migraine in me. It can be hours or a day later that the migraine shows up. For example,I am careful to avoid raw onions, lemons and oranges, soy sauce, peanut butter and hot dogs. As the years go by I do seem to develop new sensitivities to foods that once were ok for me. My Mom, who also suffers from migraines, has different sensitivities that have developed causing her migraines: blue cheese, vinegar, chocolate (especially dark) to name a few.

I have read about elimination diets and fibro, where you maintain a strict basic diet for 4-6 weeks, and then slowly introduce foods that may be causing your symptoms as a test. I have not had the patience to try this yet to see what foods may be causing my fibro symptoms :( So maybe this blood test that Sage Medical offers will help me? Dr. Dantini's research has led him to develop this blood test that tests the antibodies in your blood and see what you may be sensitive to. (see more below about Sage)

http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/delayed-food-allergies-one-specialist-speaks-out/

Direct link to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UYCzsrDqec&feature=player_embedded

Follow up videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyrPMspGr-0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YpGRd8MXE0&NR=1

Dr. Dantini works at the Sage Medical Laboratory in Ormond Beach, Florida. I checked out their website too, and it sounds interesting. I am thinking about ordering the blood testing kit, their website states most insurance covers the blood test. (Crossing my fingers on that one!!)

http://www.sagemedlab.com

What I really like about all this is that it is tackling the CAUSES and not just treating the symptoms. I am so glad to see the mindset and the research heading in this direction, I feel its a very positive direction in helping with the future of treating fibromyalgia.

Magnesium for Fibro

One of the supplements that I take and I definitely notice a difference if I miss doses is my Magnesium. I am taking between 800-1200mg/day. I take 800 in the evenings to help relax my muscles and help me sleep :) I have found the UltraMag Magnesium to work very well (and its inexpensive too!)

But I recently read about other recommended forms (on the migraine blog I follow: http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/ )

Here is the info I found:

"I've recommended Ultra-Mag Magnesium complex.  But I've also been asked about other types of magnesium, including a child-friendly supplement.

One type to try is the magnesium you can dissolve in a drink.  Peter Gillham Natural Magnesium Calm Organic Orange can be used as a hot drink.

Flora Floradix Magnesium Liquid Mineral Supplement apparently has a good flavor, though I haven't tried it personally.  One of our blog readers has used it.  Lifetime Liquid Magnesium Blend Orange Vanilla can also be taken alone or in a drink.  Try one of these if you don't like taking tablets."

Here is the LINK


If anyone has tried any of these others let me know, I am curious.

:) 

Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information I provide here should be considered medical advice.The information I share on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.  It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my research and experience. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same! I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.   

Sleep and Chronic Pain Connection

I found this article interesting and wanted to share, due to its relevance with sleep disturbance and chronic pain connection. I can definitely tell a big difference in how much better I feel when getting GOOD sleep. I have found 1/2mg of Lunesta (prescription) per nite helps me get GOOD restful sleep and I have been having a lot more GOOD days!

For migraineurs, definitely check out James' Migraine blog (link below), he provides EXCELLENT information.

from http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/ 

Migraine and REM Sleep

by James on 6 July 2010

It’s no secret that sleep issues are connected to migraine.  For example, check out Sleep apnea and migraine? and Solve child’s sleep problems = solve migraine?.

Building on previous studies, researchers from Missouri State University recently reported on a study that connected a lack of REM sleep with chronic pain.  The research was done on rats, which were deprived of REM sleep for three nights.

What happened?  There was an increase of expression in certain proteins which help regulate sensory response in facial nerves.  The same thing happened with another protein linked to starting chronic pain.

This type of response could cause problems with the trigeminal nerve, which is key in the migraine chain reaction.

Lead researcher Dr. Paul L. Durham says,"People with headaches often have a hard time sleeping.  It is easy to see how several nights of interrupted sleep can make people more susceptible to developing a chronic pain state."

Yet more information showing us how migraine and various types of chronic pain may be links to interruptions in sleep.

I Diverge - Migaines & Barometric Pressure

As I do also suffer from migraines, though these days dealing with the migraines seem like a walk in the park compared to fibro. I have noticed changes in the weather and the barometric pressure do effect my migraines. When it rains, when it rains a lot, when hurricanes approach. So I found this item of great interest, a marine device that is highly specialized in tracking the weather chages and barometric pressure. I will have to put it on my wish list :)

http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com/digital-barometer.html

Tried Zanaflex!

Ok so a big debacle with trying to get Lunesta. Even though my doctor wrote me a script for it and recommends I try it, my insurance company is going to decide if they will let me try it. And they will take their sweet little time to make that decision. Maybe they have to go out and get their medical degree, that would be nice. Anyhoo! So my doc called in Zanaflex for me. I tried it last nite (4mg). It is a muscle relaxer that has been used to help those with migraines and fibromyalgia, I know that I tense up and grind my teeth at night, so I am sure that is contributing to my sleeping issues. But the zanaflex seems good, I think there is hope! I will try just the 2mg tonight. The 4mg was powerful, I am a bit groggy this a.m. But I do feel I got some good sleep. I remember lots of dreams! I can't remember the last time I had a bunch of dreams. I do wonder though, since I have not slept good for the past 9 months, how long it would take me to catch up on restorative sleep?  I'm curious how all that works. I read somewhere once to think of it as "sleep debt" -- (and this may help explain to others my tiredness) say you need 8 hours of sleep a night to feel restored and have enough energy for the following day. Ok so maybe I slept 8 hours but only got like 2 hours of good sleep. So I have 6 hours of sleep that I behind and owe myself. And so each night I keep accruing more sleep debt! I think I owe myself a lot by now :) Anyhoo, will keep you apprised as to how this zanaflex is working. There is a generic form so I was able to get it rather inexpensively.

Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information should be considered medical advice. Any information provided should not be used to take the place of advice from your personal physician or other professional. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same!

Supplements and Fibro - I'm Trying

So I invested in a pill box. Not just any pill box, but a 7 day with AM and PM. Its scary. But I manage to fill it quite well. Over the past 6 months I had read and read and researched and read and tested and tried many many vitamins and supplements. There are several drugs out on the market know to treat or help with fibromyalgia. I can address those later, when I have that energy. But I don't want to go the drugged up route if I can avoid it. So what I have found is my own personal "cocktail" listed below. And I have noticed that it does help, as one week I was too lazy to "organize" my pill box and thus skipped my supplements for 3 days, and boy did I feel the difference! I know that my body is healthier after being on these vitamins/supplements because I had a huge bruise that showed up 10 days ago, and already it is all gone! Usually a bruise like that would stick around so long that I'd have no choice but to be friends with it. And my hair and fingernails are super healthy too from all this, as they are growing at a phenomenal rate! And I have avoided recent rounds of the cold and some terrible flu that went around the office. Must be the Zinc! :)

*I am not a doctor nor am I claiming to be. Please check with your own doctor before taking any vitamin, supplement or prescription medicine to verify what is best for you. Many supplements, though they are natural products, can have harmful side effects when mixed, mixed with certain prescription drugs and/or your body's particular conditions. Please work with your doctor on what will work best for you.



A.M.

Ginko Biloba -- to help with fatigue and memory

Ginseng -- for energy

Malic Acid -- for FM specifically it has been shown to help with improving overall muscle performance, reverse muscle fatigue following exercise, increase energy level and improve mental clarity; it also helps boosts immunity, maintain good oral health, boosts metabolism and promotes smoother and firmer skin

Rhodiola Root - is supposed to help with energy, but after taking for 1 month I have not noticed a difference, so I have stopped taking

Milk Thistle -- good for liver cleansing

CoQ10 -- I took 200mg/day for 3 months, and have recently stopped taking (is a bit pricey!) and have not noticed any difference. So unless I start feeling more crappy will probably stop the CoQ10

Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc -- Was taking this combo until I read a great article on calcium and magnesium on how they can work together AND against each other -- http://www.absolutelythepurest.com/other%20parts/mysteryandmagicmagnes.html

Magnesium -- So now I am taking 1600mg/day of magnesium (UltragMag from Vitacoast)

Vitamin D3 -- I had a deficiency, as do most FM sufferers apparently, after 2000IU for 3 moths I am back within good range and will start taking 1000IU to maintain.

Vitamin B-12 -- for energy, not sure I have noticed a difference though

Prilosec -- OTC -- helps with acid reflux

Limbrel - script -- started taking at the same time as Mobic, and within 48 hours my pain went from a 10 to a 3!! Was not sure which or if both were helping the pain. And since this Limbrel is $50/month and the Mobic is $4/month I have stopped taking this Limbrel, and still have little pain....

Mobic - script (and on the $4 prescription list at WalMart!) -- seems to work well for the pain control.



P.M.

Magnesium -- 800 mg/nite

Fish Oil -- is just good for me all around

Flax Seed Oil -- is just good for me all around

Ginger -- I read somewhere this is good for joints, and I know it is good for nausea (sometimes the magnesium makes my stomach queasy)

Melatonin -- 5 or 10mg/nite to help me fall asleep (I tried Ambien, but while it did help me fall asleep, I just could NOT wake up the next morning when I took it! Kept oversleeping for work!!)

Nortriptyline - script -- for daily pain & migraine prevention, 25mg ($4 at WalMart!)

LoSeasonique - script -- birth control, continuous, so I only get 4 periods a year (helps tremendously with my migraine prevention)


Anyhoo, these above are what I've read about/researched and am trying, pinning down what does work and what does nto seem to for me. Again PLEASE consult YOUR DOCTOR before you try and of these. I am not a doctor, I am just writing about what I personally am trying an my results.

Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information should be considered medical advice. Any information provided should not be used to take the place of advice from your personal physician or other professional. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same!

Migrane vs Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

The crazy thing is, sometimes I think I *want* to get a migraine, because I know how to take care of that when it hits! I have that under control and know how to make *that* pain and misery go away. I wish I knew how to do that with the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Take a Breather

The nose has a left and a right side; we use both to inhale and exhale. Actually they are different; you would be able to feel the difference. The right side represents the sun, left side represents the moon. During a headache, try to close your right nose and use your left nose to breathe. In about 5 Mins, your headache will go?

If you feel tired, just reverse, close your left nose and breathe through your right nose. After a while, you will feel your mind is refreshed. Right side belongs to 'hot', so it gets heated up easily, left side belongs to 'cold'.

Most females breathe with their left noses, so they get "cooled off" faster. Most of the guys breathe with their right noses, they get worked up. 

Do you notice the moment we wake up, which side breathes faster? Left or right? ? If left is faster, you will feel tired.
So, close your left nose and use your right nose for breathing, you will get refreshed quickly.

This can be taught to kids, but it is more effective when practiced by adults.
This alternative natural therapy without medication is something that many have experienced.
I'm gonna give it a try.

I Diverge - Good Migraine Info

EXCELLENT resource for migraineures:

http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/

Make sure to:
- sign up for his email newsletter, HeadWay
- follow him on FaceBook
- follow his tweets

Neurology and Fibromyalgia?

On a good note I did have an appointment with my neurologist today, whom I just love, love. He is a truly EXCELLENT doctor. He has treated me for migraines for years, so I was eager to get his take on my fibromyalgia diagnosis, as the more I read about FM the more they are finding it is landing in the neurology field -- chemical imbalances in one's body in relation to serotonin, norepinephrine and such. Much like migraines! It was an enlightening visit. He said he was not surprised, as many, many people who suffer from migraines also suffer from fibromyalgia. And when I told him that my current biggest battle is with not getting enough sleep/deep sleep he suggested a sleep study. When I told him my Dad had recently done one and was diagnosed with sleep apnea and restless legs he just nodded - yes, those too, very very common with fibromyalgia sufferers. You can start to see too, how it can all be hereditary. Although I can tell you right now, if diagnosed with sleep apnea I am not gonna wear a CPAP machine. And I don't think I have restless legs, I mean I've never had any complaints from companions ;) I really feel its just the evil FM keeping me from getting my deep sleep. But I want to rule everything out. I do need to lose the 20-30 pounds of weight I have gained, will sign up for yoga again soon. Namaste.