Hi sassy and paphs4me,
I was diagnosed with fibro 23 years ago and have been on various meds for the last 14 years. Except for my complete inability to sleep without meds, I'm pretty much symptom free since totally changing my diet and lifestyle about 4 and a half years ago. I did it to lose weight because of fear of diabetes and general self-disgust, but was really surprised when most of my fibro symptoms and flares disappeared along with the pounds. Now if I could just sleep!
I cut out added sugars, increased proteins, decreased carbs in general to around 30% of my diet and made sure that they come from the least processed sources possible. I also find that wheat, even whole wheat, is a pain trigger. Others have told me that they find the nightshades (eggplant and tomatoes) also are pain triggers, but they don't seem to bother me. My eating now looks almost exactly like it did while I was losing...just a little more food. When I revert to bad old habits, I'm usually rewarded with a flare-up along with a few pounds to deal with
So not worth it!
I lost almost sixty pounds and have maintained that loss while taking a slew of prescription meds, many of which list possible weight gain as a side effect. It
can be done!
I've also found that no matter how you feel,
get up and exercise. Your pain levels will significantly decrease with exercise, no matter how hard it is to make yourself do it. It's also nearly impossible...at least for me...to lose or maintain my weight without significant exercise
Mel