HI Happy..glad you are liking your new move:)...There is so much junk here from mom's stuff and MIL's stuff and then my stuff that my kids have not gone through yet....it was stressing me out so I just ignore it! Need to scale down, but since my help quit last summer and we were going to start on boxes...well...no gonna happen any time soon and dh is not much help and I can't do it all myself. We are still very dry here and hot.....

Can just eating differently keep the diabetes away with your meds causing it? I have been pre for years WEll....... Walking does it for me..but then I don't walk enough when I don't feel well..I have foot pain too:(

Reunion was good. Always nice to catch up with everybody and the weather was perfect.

I feel so foggy and loggy today - raining and cloudy. It will be gone soon and we will be back to nice weather. Perhaps then I will be more "with it".

Hope all is well. Meme, come back and don't stay away so darn long. Joanne, where are YOU as well.

Mima - you popped in one day, so hope you do again.

Happy glad you had a nice time...we had cloudy and drizzley the other day but we are still in a serious drought!!!! I would love a few or maybe a week of steady rain! I am hurting a bit form the weatehr going upa nd down..hot one day and not the next...I need the perfect kind of weather!!!! :)

did some light yardwork today...need to trya nd walk again I guess.

Weather changes
 

Hi, all,

I read several mentions about rain, over the past few days. We had rain and cooler weather here in Saskatchewan, too. We didn't get a lot of rain, but the gloom and drizzle seemed to catch me off guard.

One thing that really helped me, this past weekend was that a friend of ours came for dinner the other night, and my husband had asked her in advance to help me with some things around the house.

One advantage of being married to a disabled man is that he, of necessity, has no problem asking for help. He asks for help when he needs it, and doesn't waste time or energy apologizing or justifying it.

All I could bring myself to ask for was help vacuuming the living room and master bath. My inability to get it done, with the yard work and everything else this summer, had really depressed me, lately.

She is a great friend, newly single and returned to town, so she could use the distraction, and I need the help. Even with an ankle brace, and all else I do and take to control the fibromyalgia, sometimes, I need help, and it is so difficult for me to ask.

Just having the one task done, even if not by me, lifts the depression that always dogs fibromyalgia and chronic pain, and keeps me from doing the other things for myself to lose the weight.

Before it rained, I have been cycling every day, and I reduced my carbohydrate intake by 38 grams per day.That's just two slices of bread... I've lost 2 pounds! And, I have been back to working with weights, just 8 pounds, but that is usually where I start after I have been away from them. Now, to keep it up!

Hey There
 

Well I wrote a good sized post and it is somewhere out in space..I will make this short unless it shows up.
Florida will take any rain sent our way.
I fell last week and I guess nothing is fractured as I am walking. Just got a lot of pain..
I talked and saw my brother in AZ on Skype this weekend. It was amazing and a lot of fun. We laughed a lot. I haven't seen him in over a year. He will be here in March. I will be 80. I don't want them to plan anything more than a cookout here at home..I am sorta quiet these days.
I now have 2 G/G/Grandsons.
My Grand daughter is getting married in April. That will be a nice time. I am looking forward to it.
Have a Great Weekend.
Joanne

Dr. Pellegrino has seen thousands of fibromyalgia patients in his practice at Ohio Pain & Rehab Specialists, and has had fibro himself since childhood. This information is reproduced here by popular demand, with his kind permission.*

_______________________________

Weight Gain

A common problem observed in Fibromyalgia is weight gain. Many patients complain to me that weight gain became a major problem once Fibromyalgia established itself.

It is not unusual for a person to put on a 25- to 30- pound weight gain in the first year after Fibromyalgia was diagnosed. Various factors are involved in weight gain and include:

1. Decreased Metabolism

Various hormone changes can slow down the metabolism in Fibromyalgia. Studies have shown hormone deficiencies or imbalances (cortisol, thyroid, serotonin, growth hormone) in Fibromyalgia. Insulin and other hormones are probably affected as well.

Dr. Leslie J. Crofford** has described hormonal abnormalities in Fibromyalgia and how they interfere with physiologic communication between the brain and the body. Closely linked with hormones is the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nerves are the small nerves vital in the coordination of the body’s hormones, and thus they play a role in the regulation and delivery of nutrients to our cells.

The hypoglycemic roller-coaster effect is a good example of the combination of hormonal endocrine imbalances and autonomic nervous system dysfunction leading to hypoglycemic symptoms. Overall, neuroendocrine abnormalities in Fibromyalgia probably interfere with the body’s metabolism (by decreasing it), and part of the treatment involves replacing or supplementing hormones to help improve the body’s metabolism.

A slower body metabolism means fewer calories are burned on a daily basis to “run” the body’s machinery. If fewer calories are burned with no change occurring in calories consumed, weight gain will result over time. Also, women in their late 30s and 40s often develop Fibromyalgia along the same time as early menopause (decreased estrogen). This can further decrease metabolism and increase the potential for weight gain.

2. Hypoglycemia (Abnormally Low Blood Sugar)

As I mentioned earlier, increased sensitivity to insulin will result in too much glucose being removed from the blood stream and pushed into the muscle. All this extra glucose pushed into the muscles has nowhere to go as the muscles have very limited ability to store glucose.

The body is forced to go into a fat-storing mode where it converts this extra glucose into fatty tissue. Contrary to the popular myth that obesity is a result of eating too much fatty foods, obesity is usually the result of eating too many carbohydrates. A carbohydrate rich diet causes weight gain by converting the extra glucose into fat and, if Fibromyalgia causes more insulin activity and sensitivity, then the weight gain can be even greater.

Another myth is that most overweight people overeat. Actually, most overweight people do not overeat. They may have a craving for carbs, and the carbs are easily converted to fat. Fibromalgia facilitates this process. A diet modified in protein and lower in carbs may help.

3. Medicines

Side effects of medicines used to treat Fibromyalgia can cause weight gain by decreasing metabolism, altering hormones, causing fluid retention, and increasing appetite. The most common offending medicines are the antidepressants.

Medicines such as estrogen and prednisone can also contribute to weight gain. If certain medicines are causing weight gain they may need to be stopped or adjusted depending on the individual’s medical needs.

4. Decreased Activity Due to Pain

People with Fibromyalgia hurt more and are not as active because activity increases pain. Thus, it is difficult to increase the energy expenditure or calorie burning related to exercise and activity. Less calories burned can mean weight gain. Any treatment program in Fibromyalgia must include attempts at increasing overall activity level.

RATIONALE

We’ve discussed some of the basic problems of Fibromyalgia, the metabolism changes and the dysfunctional carbohydrate responses, especially. The problems contribute considerably to many of our most bothersome symptoms, including aching; fatigue; brain fog; irritability; anxiety; dizziness; carbohydrate craving; irritable bowel syndrome; food intolerance; and food sensitivity.

The American “diet aggravates and perpetuates our Fibromyalgia problems. We may have tolerated the higher carb, low fat diet before we got Fibromyalgia, but since we got Fibromyalgia, this diet no longer works for us and it’s probably making it worse.

• Because of our slow metabolism, it is difficult for us to eat less and notice a difference.

• Because of our pain, it is difficult for us to increase our exercise level to burn off more calories.

• Ideally, we need a diet that improves the efficiency of our calories burned by providing us with the right “quality” of food to enhance our metabolism and calorie-burning abilities.


FOODS THAT ARE OKAY

1. Good proteins.

• Meats, such as lean meats, skinless chicken, turkey and fish. Lean cuts of steaks, sausage, and bacon contain higher amounts of saturated fats so they should be kept to a minimum.

• Eggs. This breakfast staple is a great source of protein; egg whites are healthier.

• Tofu.

• Soy meat substitutes.

• Dairy products. These include cheese, cream, butter, skim milk, cottage cheese and unsweetened yogurt. Try for low fat dairy products.

• Legumes. This class includes beans, peas, peanuts, lentils, and soybeans.


2. Good carbohydrates

• All vegetables. Vegetables are a source of carbs that are highest in fiber and lowest in sugar. Some vegetables such as corn have more carbs than others.

• Fresh fruits. Avocado, raspberries and strawberries have the least carbohydrates of fruits. Avoid dried fruits.


3. Good fats

• Plant oils, especially olive and coconut oil. Other vegetable oils are acceptable including soy, corn, sunflower and peanut.

• Fish oils (rich in Omega-3)

• Almonds

• Avocados


4. Others

• Salad garnishes which include nuts, olives, bacon, grated cheese, mushrooms and other vegetables are allowed.

• Flaxseed oil. A healthy supplement which contains essential fats.

• Artificial sweeteners and sugar-free beverages are allowed in moderation. If you feel you are sensitive to aspartame, avoid products that contain it (NutraSweet) or substitute a different artificial sweetener, such as sucralose (Slenda) or saccharin (Sweet’n Low). Stevia is a sweet supplement alternative to sugar. Xylitol is another one of nature’s sweeteners like Stevia that won’t raise blood sugar levels and can substitute for sugar.


[Note: Dr. Pellegrino’s detailed list of FOODS TO AVOID includes what you don’t see here, such as sweets; breads & pastas, especially white-flour based; rice, especially white; potatoes; partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats); carbonated drinks; alcohol except in moderation. See also his review of the hormonal and nutrient deficiencies commonly found in fibromyalgia patients - "Nutritional Approaches in FM - Deficiencies, Symptoms, and Supplement Strategies"]

SPECIFIC DIET STRATEGIES

1. Think Protein Always

A key with this diet is not to eat any carbohydrate foods by themselves, even if they are considered good carbs. “Orphaned” carbs will increase the risk of hypoglycemia/insulin hypersensitivity in someone with Fibromyalgia, so foods that have some protein in them should be consumed every time we eat. Therefore:

• We shouldn’t eat pancakes and syrup for breakfast because it doesn’t contain any protein. Insulin is controlled by the balance of protein and carbs each time we eat.

• If we want a salad for lunch, we should not just eat plain lettuce and vegetables. We need to have a protein source in our salad as well, such as chicken, tuna, turkey, eggs, cheese and more.

• We should not eat a plain spaghetti supper. We should have spaghetti and meatballs (made with lean ground chuck meat) or lean sausage.

• If we crave a snack, we shouldn’t eat a sugar cookie. A small bag of cashews would be a better protein-laden choice for a snack.


Once you are trained to think about protein every time you put something in your mouth, it becomes easier to stay within the framework of the Fibromyalgia diet.

2. Avoid The Rush

Hypoglycemia is often the result of a sudden surge of glucose in our bloodstream after eating a carbohydrate-rich food. The Glycemic Index of foods is a measure of how fast the carbohydrate triggers the rise in circulating blood sugars. A GI over 70 is high. Examples of food with high GI are: Rice Crispies – GI 80; corn muffin – GI 95; mashed potatoes – GI 88.

To avoid a carbohydrate surge, take a few bites from proteins first whenever you eat. Even if you are eating good carbs, if you take the first few bites from protein, you can minimize the carbohydrate “rush”:

• Eating proteins first activates the protein digesting enzymes and slows the absorption of carbohydrates.
• Plus, proteins require hydrochloric acid for proper digestion, carbohydrates don’t. If we eat carbohydrates first, hydrochloric acid may not be activated and subsequent proteins eaten may not be properly digested.

Foods rich in fiber and fats also slow the absorption of carbohydrates.

3. Eat Until Full

Try to eat at least 3 meals a day and have 1-2 snacks. At meals, eat until you are comfortably full but not stuffed. Some people with Fibromyalgia actually do better by eating 5 to 6 smaller meals a day or by eating 3 smaller meals and 2 larger snacks.

Those who are bothered by irritable bowel syndrome sometimes can do better by eating smaller portions more frequently.

Eat slowly and take your time to chew food well.

4. Weekdays: Behave!

I recommend that the Fibromyalgia diet be followed strictly for 5 days each Monday through Friday, and I allow people to splurge a little on the weekends. That is, the diet is 5 days “on” and 2 days not so “on.” This allows people to follow the basic rules during the week (more proteins, good carbs, good fats) but also allows the anticipation of favorite foods over the weekend....

This Fibromyalgia diet can help decrease sugar cravings, help rebalance your body’s chemistry, especially insulin and blood glucose levels, and can help you shed weight.

This was posted on the ProHealth Board.http://www.prohealth.com/library/sho...fm?libid=12301

Hi. Candice, today it's sunny buy just around 70F (19C). It went to 46F (8C) last night. Starting to get cooler, although the forcast for the next 7 days is great - 80F + for all those days. Fall felt like it arrived yesterday however.

Sandra - glad you got some help. Thankfully with the OA and FM I have not had to deal with depression as well. I hope I never do. Glad your hubby asked for the help you need. It isn't easy to give up our independence, but at times you just need to turn to somebody and get stuff done. Otherwise, you just get bogged down. CANDICE - doyou hear me???? :)

I see you are my neighbour - I am in Alberta, just outside Edmonton.

Joanne - sorry to hear you had a fall. That is never good. Even if you don't injure yourself, you do shake everything up and feel it for days after. So 80 yrs is coming your way. That is wonderful. Glad you got to talk to your brother. Skype is great now that they have the video on it.

Well, better go get some supper ready. Wanted to post that diet. Think I will give it a go.

Have a nice evening.

Hi Happy..thanks for the info..Dr. Mark P visited our support group here years ago, did you also know he is hearing impaired? His is very nice and great man! That info on "Diet" can be followed by anyone...I do good except for the sweets part.

I was hurting yesterday...had my dental check up and cleaning ..all ok and then shopped abit....my son took me since I have not driven the new car yet and DH wants to show me some stuff on it. I jsut didn't want to deal with it, plus my eyes were not good yesterday..some days just can't see well.

Joanne...sorry you fell..your gonna be sore for awhile..you are doing fab for 80!!!!!!

Been cleaning and watering...very sore right now......:(

Hey There
 

Hello Happy,Candice and new people. This last fall was not a good one. Still in pain after 2 weeks. X rays and Dr. visit. He injected my back yesterday. We will see if it helps. Otherwise more tests. I have had osteoarthritis for years and it has only got worse,not much they can do about that. I can't take arthritis med. Over the years they gave me ulcers.
Yes Candice the sister(Ms Eleni) who told you guys about my stay in the hospital a few years ago is the one who is not well. She has a defibulator(sp) and pacemaker that is keeping her with us. She has to spend most of her time at home and rests a lot in bed She has a great husband who helps her a lot.
We are expecting a storm. Time will tell where it will hit. the rain will be good but not too much wind and damage..I take it that Tampa is worried because of the RNC starting Monday. Maybe it will cut down on some of the protesters and their actions.
Have a good weekend everybody..
Joanne

Hey There
 

Hello Everybody.. I wonder how many turned off the T V after Joe Biden spoke last night besides me.. Just didn't need to hear more ... I'll be glad when all this is over..
My back is still not good. Lots of pain when on my feet or walking. Had another Ex Ray of back yesterday.. I can't keep taking pain meds.That is not the answer in my book.
Saw my daughter and G/children this past weekend.. What a joy they are. I wish I could see them more often..
Have a good weekend..
Joanne

Hi, Joanne,
I am so happy for you to be blessed with grandchildren. I see the joy friends ofmine esperience with theirs. My daughter and her husband cannot have children, so I suppose I will never know that. Fortunately, I love my cats...

I watched all I could of the DNC. Even though I live in Canada, now, this election is critical to the entire world, and I live in Canada because of the health care system available here. Now you know my take on all that...

I have found that yoga helps my back pain, when other forms of exercise will not. Gentle stretching can really help with trigger points. In addition, I have recently invested in a board with "digits" that you place against your trigger points for self massage. I cannot yet post links, but it is available through the "Lose the Back Pain" site. I invested in it because it reaches the specific points my doctor used to inject with lidocaine, years ago, and nothing else I knew does that. I have found it REALLY helps, especially with spots that are "just underneath" ligament or tendon, where nothing else reaches. It helps break up metabolites that interfere with muscle nourishment and healing. It takes a little time to find the exact spots, but a very detailed DVD accompanies the board and digits, and that, combined with stretching, as explained in the video, has helped me a lot, recently.

Even if you cannot afford the help this form of self massage provides, just placing and massaging by rolling gently on tennis balls tied into a sock can help. I find this particularly helpful with base of the scull points that sometimes give me headaches.

Hope this might help you, or others here.