Fibromyalgia Support Group
You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.
I've been managing my fibromyalgia symptoms rather well the past few years, but I've been noticing severe flare-ups after I eat a meal. I'm talking a full body flare. Does anyone else experience this? I've been extremely terrified to eat in public because of this.. and the only thing that relatively helps is taking a xanax either before or after the meal - still go into flare though. Any advice would be wonderful, thank you.
When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2012, I had daily pain levels of 8-10. The pain was unrelenting and I felt that if I was going to die. I had to go on FMLA and thought that I would sure lose my job. (and sanity as well) I then sought out the help of an integrative medical doctor (a regular medical doctor trained also in natural medicine). One of the first things that she had me to do was to go gluten free. She told me to follow the diet strictly and watch everything that went into my mouth, including supplements and vitamins. I was instructed that I had to follow the diet strictly for at least 6-8 months to see if it would help. I followed the diet to the letter and my pain levels began to decrease. I also, was instructed by my doctor to meet with one of her nutritionists on staff and began a rotation diet. To make a long story short; I found out that I was intolerant to dairy, gluten, and sugar. I avoid these foods like the plague. These foods will cause me to flare up in a matter of hours after ingesting them.
I have done a great deal of research on diet and fibromyalgia and have found that certain foods can and will increase fibtromyalgia flare-ups. Also, people with fibromyalgia can have an overlapping candida infection or leaky gut syndrome that can wreak havoc on the body. I follow an anti-candida diet (similar to paleo), and I also avoid night-shade plants because they can contribute to pain as well.
Changing my diet was one of the best things that I could have done for my fibromyalgia. My daily pain levels have dropped from levels 8-10 to 2-3. I still have stiffness, unrefreshing sleep, and periodic flare-ups; but I have come a long way. If I accidentally consume anything with wheat or sugar in it, I will have a pain flare within hours. Along with dietary changes, I do a multitude of other natural things to control my fibro. (heat therapy, pacing, aqua therapy etc)
You can check out my blog to read my story. I have written a post about foods to eat if you have fibromyalgia. Avoiding the foods that I have listed have helped me tremendously, as well as countless others. Best Wishes to you and you can contact me anytime if you have any further questions about the changes that I have made.
My blog is called: www.kickfibro.com