Recent content by Jemima

Hi Max-Attack, Spewing can really help sometimes, and for that you're in the right place! I remember your last message, and I also remember really clearly being where you are now - that awful trapped feeling, and all of the emotions that come with getting your head around something like...

Hi Danielle, I'm sorry you're in the grips of a flare. There are two things I can suggest to help - things that help me at least! The first is supplements. Doing research on Fibromyalgia, I found a number of studies that connected fibro with poor mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the...

:oops: That is outright horrific! 🤯 So is that! If you don't mind me asking: what country are you in, CancerSignFibro? I have heard time and time again that support for lyme disease in the UK is shockingly poor. A friend of mine had a really hard time with it - they refused to test for lyme...

Hi David, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I know you feel really alone right now, but there are several of us out here who have felt what you're feeling and can be here when you need to talk about it. Please don't give up - it might feel impossible to see it, but it's not always going...

Hey Korki, Let us know you're OK today if you get a chance - that storm looks super scary!

It's great that you know yourself well enough to strategise, and one step at a time sounds like a good approach! Bananas are a great source of potassium and they work great in protein shakes, if you wanted ideas for how to convince yourself to eat them! If you like chocolate, I mix an egg with...

Good luck with the hurricane - I've been following on the news over here. Crazy weather, fires, floods, all over the place these days. We lost our house in a forest fire a few years back, so I know how insane these things can get. Above all else, stay safe! Stress triggers might be unavoidable...

Hi Joloveme, Have you had your thyroid checked? Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can cause weight loss and also nails and hair to grow faster than they should. The condition needs treatment, so if you haven't had levels checked for some years, it could be worth going for tests. In fact...

Any time! Good luck with everything 🌷

Nice to meet you too! Wow, it sounds as if you've been through such a lot for such a young soul. It's credit to your strength that you are actively looking for ways to improve your life, and also setting self-protective boundaries for yourself - all good stuff! I had one other thought that...

Great that you're self analysing! Good luck 🌻

Getting the nutrients we need from our diet is always the first place to start, so go with your gut! I totally agree on the painkillers - better when we can avoid them, although I know sometimes they become necessary. Aside from aromatherapy, I also sometimes use a chilled headband to distract...

Hi Korki, I had never heard of an allergy to all fruits and vegetables, but was just reading about Oral Allergy Syndrome/OAS, also called pollen-food allergy syndrome, where the body mistakes certain plant proteins for pollen due to their structural similarity. I found some lists of the plants...

Which supplements were you taking? I ask because they all contain very different things, so will have entirely different impacts. If your instinct is that clicking your joints is detrimental for you, then I'd trust that and keep working towards breaking the habit. I hope you find the right...

Hi Medecine, Clicking joints can be a sign of hypermobility, and even Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - which often co-occurs with Fibromyalgia - so that might be worth looking into! I agree that it doesn't do any harm to crack your joints, so I don't actually think you need to worry about it. It's...

Hi WorryWart, Yes, I have these exact pains when I'm in a bad flare! They combo with a selection of others too, but the hip pain can be agonising, and the rib pain scary. You're not alone! That said, be aware that many of us with fibro don't realise when we have something else going on because...

Any time! My work dictates that I spend half my life researching, and honestly, I don't think I could find the off switch if I tried! Here's to the rewards of yucky morning beverages 🍹

Perhaps our perspectives are not as different as they seem - I actually agree with you on all counts! I think by status quo, I meant our own adaptation, and flux becoming familiar. I suppose the optimist in me feels that while we are all reeling now from the loss of the relative stability that...

Sorry you're having health issues, but glad you're in good hands - a capable doc makes all the difference! Aww, love me a bit of Mr. Zombie, but haven't listened in ages! That's an epic mental image - I think I'll take inspiration from you next time I need to do housework 🤩🤘

It's not surprising at all that this stuff gets on top of us. Fibro already leaves us thin on resources, and the thought that anything might make us feel worse than we already do is bound to throw us for a loop! Do take care if you're feeling more depressed, Flexecif. Find someone to talk to...

I was in my teens and getting a blood test - blind panic and defensive instinct kicked in. I socked the poor guy pretty hard in the jaw before coming to my senses :oops: 😂 Happily, he knew me well and was very understanding! I am proud to say I haven't assaulted a doctor since :rolleyes: RE...

Sometimes a good topic meander is exactly what's called for! It's so interesting to read your perspective on the state of the world at this point - my intuition is more or less the same! The challenge of keeping our brains going when isolated from others is indeed quite demanding. In that...

Noooo, the fog monster gets me too! My wording wasn't the clearest!

Eeek! You probably read the other day how I am with needles - tend to pass out, or flee, and even punched a doctor once (not my finest moment 😂 ) Now I'm older, I can brave it when there's no choice, but think I'll stick to my yucky shot in this case! I discovered that you can get ALC in a...

Another really good point! I also have a very hard mattress with a soft topper. A memory foam topper in my case was a total lifesaver for both back and hip pain. When I was still working on my feel all day, custom orthotics from my chiropractor did help in my case - but man, they were pricey...

Complete large blood count with regard to: TSH and adhere to T3 + T4, Ferritin, B12, D3 and 25 OH-D, 3-month average Sugar, homocysteine, e-GFR, renal function Clinic + Symptoms + Laboratory = possible diagnosis Haemoglobin may be the cause, but Serum ferritin is below normal and this leads to...

More test suggestions! Anemic? Is B12 okay? TSH okay? Is serum ferritin okay? e-GFRi okay? D3 okay? HbA1C okay? Is CRP okay?

That's amazing butterflyandy, Fantastic that you experienced such lasting relief - I hope your pain never returns!

Glad you find the right person in the end!

Check which form you are taking! As far as I understand it, Acetyl-L-Carnatine is the only one that crosses the blood brain barrier. Other forms provide the energy boost elsewhere in the body, but only this form impacts energy processing within the brain. Great to hear that it's helping...

I take CoQ10 every day with Alpha Lipoic Acid. Together, they make a big difference to my brain fog! I'm currently taking a 500mg soft gel from a brand called Ved Healthcare that had great reviews on Amazon UK. It's not a particularly expensive supplement to produce, so I don't think it's...

Awww, well done love. Those days always require an epic level of heroism 🦸‍♀️✨ So, secret superhero status confirmed! Rest well, and let us know how you got on/how you're feeling later 😘

Any time!

Hi all, Thought I'd chuck this here as it's relevant to the post exercise aches! I started taking Acetyl-L-Carnatine and Creatine every day a couple of weeks ago. I've been hectic busy working so didn't really take in the change in myself at first, but my partner pointed out that I'm much more...

Good luck!!

It's a pleasure to be helpful when I can muster it. I'm so happy to hear that being here in the forum is making you feel empowered - we all need more of that! I suppose, as weird as it may be to experience strange smells, having a warning indicator that a migraine is coming might be kind of...

Let me help, if I can. Hungarian to English! Seniorzala is suggesting tests that may be useful:

Hi Joloveme, I'm so sorry you're feeling that way - please don't give up hope. There is always a way through, even in the most difficult of times. What tests did they do to rule out other possible causes of your pain? Fibromyalgia diagnosis protocols have changed quite a bit over the years...

I intended to portray that it's useful to supplement omega 3 to reduce inflammation, and avoid omega 6 because it causes inflammation. I hope that was clear!

Hi Flexecif, Great to hear from you again! I wasn't sure from your post; have you had Covid already, or are you afraid of getting it? I'm so sorry you're finding it all so scary 😟 As far as I understand it up to now, the association between Covid and mental health disorders is only a...

Hi Joloveme, It sounds like you're having a really tough time - you're in the UK, right? If you want any help navigating your symptoms, don't hesitate to ask here. There's a ton of useful info that you can read too, starting with Sunkacola's pinned post at the top of the general discussion...

Inspired by JayCS, I had another thought! My fibromyalgia took many years to fully manifest - from the first symptoms to the first full-blown flare. So, that could be a factor for you to weigh up in figuring out what's going on. Other people here on the forum have also described slow onsets...

You just made me snort my coffee 😂

I think it's just that not everyone grows up with a strong sense of what good nutrition looks like. And then glitzy advertising and enticing product packaging lead people to make bad choices unaware. For those who don't know their way around this stuff but want to change, it can be difficult...

Sending abundant positive vibes! ✨ ✨ ✨ Have you looked into natural supplements for your condition, CScalise? I'm also inclined to react really badly to medications, but have managed to get a really good selection of supplements together through experimentation that make a big difference...

Hi JacktheVoid, Love the username! I have real trouble with my back, but I've managed to get it to a much better place. I have a spinal injury that presses a nerve so know that some of the pain is true as opposed to fibro, but was always trying to figure out what was coming from where! I also...

For anyone who's struggling in getting to grips with what a healthy diet should consist of, Tosca Reno's book The Eat Clean Diet (extended edition, not the companion cook book!) is a pretty epic nutrition bible. Not only does she outline what constituted clean eating, but she goes into depth on...

Strawberries are not a huge sugar hit. 100g of strawberries is only around 30kcal and 5g of sugar. Without factoring in any sensitivity to fruit sugars, I would consider it unlikely that fruit is a foe in terms of weight loss. Most fruits are not too calorie dense, and very nutritious. That...

Oh, I'm sorry - that sucks! Yep, that's the dreaded DOMS I mentioned. It's really an ass! Don't lose heart completely - when all of that happened to me, I had to go down to doing a realllly teensy bit of exercise, and then take literally months to very slowly build up again. Now, my tolerance...

Any time! If you haven't already, check out Sunkacola's post on managing fibro at the top of the general discussion section for some good foundational ideas. Things like stress management, sleep hygiene, pacing, strategic exercise, experimenting with diet, and taking certain supplements can be...

Super slick!

Me again 🙃 Extreme post exercise fatigue and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) are both really common gremlins in fibro. When I developed mine, I was soooo frustrated that I couldn't keep working out the way I always had, but my body made me stop! I'd say that there are a couple of ways...

@DebMarPir Creola also makes a good point - have you ever tried an elimination diet? Doesn't shed light for everyone, but some people discover a food sensitivity that was causing all sorts of havoc! I also thought to ask, have you had your injuries looked at recently? When my fibro flares, the...

Hi Jay, Glad you're here! You're damn skippy it's not you - and fibro truly does suck! I can relate a fair bit to your story. I was also a sporty high-achiever type who went through a series of traumas, and came out the other side with... fibromyalgia! It can be so hard when so much of what we...

Venting is a must sometimes - so please do any time!

Hi Frannie, I haven't tried it myself. I've got a terrible phobia of needless and a long track record of passing out/fleeing/punching doctors! There's definitely been some discussion of acupuncture here in the past, so you might find some good info if you use the search function - beyond any...

I'll second that, too. Supporting each other helps a lot - it doesn't matter that our experiences aren't all exactly the same 🌞

I'll just add on the fog front, I've found supplementing for mitochondrial support transformative. Started with coq10 and ALA, and am now finding more improvement with acetyl-L-carnatine.

Hi Alan, It was certainly not my intention to frustrate or offend, so sorry for that. I imagine that you're very keen to put a pin in what's going on with your health. If I've realized one thing since dealing with this condition, it's how phenomenally diverse all of our experiences are. Medical...

Good luck! ✨✨✨

Hi DebMarPir, Muscle spasms as a symptom of fibromyalgia wasn't really on my radar as it's not something I deal with. I have constant muscle soreness - feels like they are anything from overtired to severely bruised - but haven't had trouble with spasms and cramps. That must be insanely...

One of my favourite athletes was talking about supplementing taurine every day in an interview I watched recently. I'd never thought of it as a supplement that could offer a health benefit, but I suppose it makes sense. Keep us posted on how you get on with it!

Long may it last 🌷 I will keep everything crossed for you!

Auriel, from where you are, you can get these supplements from Amazon UK - or any online supplement store. Look for good reviews before buying! 🧐

Deepest condolences for the loss of your partner. I think things of such magnitude can trigger huge physiological shifts. You're right, it is a silver lining indeed that every challenge graces us with greater empathy.

I started watching Breaking Bad and then got sidetracked - I should really go back to it. Brian Cranston is a living legend.

Hi Mandiavfc, The two conditions overlap, and are often co-diagnosed. As far as I can gather, it's really a sliding scale, with cfs sufferers experiencing more of the fatigue with some of the pain, and fibro sufferers having more of the pain, and some of the fatigue. Of course, a lot of people...

Wow, Sunkacola. Yes, I imagine you must feel quite vulnerable to getting ill. A friend of ours is similar, and we were all very worried about her for that reason when she got covid. Do you have real difficulty holding weight on? Gainer shakes can be really useful in those instances - supporting...

That's very low numbers in terms of calories. The charts are definitely not right for all of us - we simply aren't all built the same! If you wanted to be able to eat more flexibly, you might find it interesting to listen to some of Layne Norton's Youtube lectures on reverse dieting. He's a...

From the sounds of it, NY Farmwife, you're one of the most battle-hardened warriors among us. I can only imagine what it must have been like to navigate fibromyalgia decades back - and you're so right that many doctors are still shockingly unsympathetic to those who really need their help. But...

Ooh, interesting recommendations there - I haven't seen most of them... 👀 Loved Black Mirror so far. Drive is one of my absolute favourite films! I adore Nicholas Winding Refn, although his other films are a little more off the wall. Bronson was epic! If you're a Netflix shows aficionado, I...

Hi Medicine, Welcome to the forum! I have the feeling there's possibly something to this. I gained quite a bit of weight during my worst bout with fibro, and have managed to just about get back down to my normal size now, which is pretty slim. I've changed so many things over that time, and...

Exactly this! You're absolutely right - none of us are in this alone, so self-kindness and seeing the funny side are definitely the places to go ✨

You're so right, Sunkacola. Well said!

If it's any consolation, I just walked halfway round the grocery store with someone else's shopping basket, not realising they were following me making exasperated gestures 🤭 Fog-tastic fun times!

Hey Auriel, It's fascinating that he thinks that might help, but is he qualified to draw that kind of conclusion?! Does getting moving normally alleviate your symptoms? Exercise will release endorphins - the classic source of the "runner’s high" - so I guess that might be what he's imagining...

I make fake ice cream pops by blitzing frozen berries and protein powder, to scratch the sugar-craving itch! Or, if all I want is cake, I make a pancake with choc protein powder, half a banana, an egg, and a tsp of raw cocoa powder in the mix. Those are my current go-tos. Fools my mouth every...

Oooh, I've never heard of this JayCS. Do you recommend any particular website?

I noticed that too, but suspected that they'd meant to write upper chest!

A friend of mine did fantastically with amitriptyline for fibro after years of struggle beforehand. She took it for 15 years, and then when she retired she weaned off it with hardly a trace of her symptoms ever returning. May the universe grant the same thing for you! Do you have a sense of why...

Hi Marlene, You mention feeling very frightened, which makes me think of how I felt in the earlier days because of my fibromyalgia. I shared this post with another member yesterday, and thought perhaps you might find it valuable too: Relaxation techniques and breath work really helped me...

Hi Uhura, I was diagnosed by my family doctor! Even though rheumatologists are often more aware of fibromylagia and what to look for than other medical practitioners, fibro isn't a rheumatic disease so not technically truly within their field of expertise. Rheumatologists classically treat...

Hi Trev, I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time with little support. Hopefully, you'll also conclude that you've landed in the right place here, even if it's only virtual! Am I right in understanding that your fibromyalgia is a relatively recent development? If you're just starting to...

Never fear, JayCS. That bit was blimmin' marvellous too! 🚀

Did either of your doctors/specialists suggest testing for reactivated EBV? I'm really curious to find people who have pursued it in relation to fibro, and sadly lack the funds to make myself the guinea pig at the moment! I hope you both find relief soon.

Hi milosmum, You don't need to worry about typos here - we allllll get the fog factor! I'm so sorry that you went through such a lasting ordeal - it's shocking that your doctors weren't monitoring you with regular blood work while on a prescription dose of lithium, and especially that they...

Well said!

Good luck! I hope it's truly helpful.

Hi Fedhealth, Perhaps you already read one of my posts about this, but I thought I'd share it again in case it helps you. I also used to feel like that - the horrible constant threat and fear feeling - and it was actually really triggering my symptoms and making everything worse. The more pain...

Hi Alness, Yes, some people find that fibro amplifies their genuine pain signals - so real injuries can feel much more painful than they should. This seems to vary from person to person, and can depend on whether people are in a flare or not. However, as far as I'm aware, to fit a fibromyalgia...

Hi NY Farmwife, I get a little chest pain around my ribs, but haven't experienced something as intense as what you describe. That sounds very scary! As soon as I read your post, I recalled reading about something similar on a website called "Living Smarter With Fibromyalgia". It describes a...

That's great to hear - I really hope so! Ask away if you have any questions, and vent any time ☀️

This is a re-post as I apparently put this in the wrong place last time! I recently came across a Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, who specialises in fibro. He developed a protocol for managing the condition, called SHINE, which - according to their own data - helped 90% of patients in their study. I was...

Hey Dusty, Wow, what a lot you've been dealing with. I'm so sorry you've had such a hard time! I guess fibromyalgia could be exacerbating pain from your right leg, or it could be something else wrong entirely, but only a doctor can really figure that out - I hope you find yourself in front of...

Hi Meepm33p, I'm so sorry - that sounds insanely frustrating! Will keep everything crossed for you that it works out. Let us know how you get on!

Hi T owen, I relate so much to what you're going through. I've had periods just like that when my fibro was really flaring - felt like my brain was truly broken! Losing things, struggling with speech, forgetting everything, making mistakes - even crashed my car once! I found that the more I got...

It's really not easy, I know. Best thing we can do is forgive ourselves when it doesn't work, and congratulate when it does 🙃 Glad you're here, adding more kindness to the pot!

I can understand you feeling frightened - especially if you're newly diagnosed - and lots of us with fibro seem to have a really hard time with anxiety, and have traumas in our past. I think the best way to look at it is fibromyalgia being the ultimate push to tell you to be extra kind to...

Hi Marlene, Fibromyalgia is largely a diagnosis of exclusion - your doctor will look for certain symptoms such as widespread and lasting pain, sleep issues, and fog/depression. However they will also work to make sure that your symptoms are not being caused by another condition - something that...

It's a very ancient remedy, and millions of people apparently take it, so I guess the hope is that rather than imposing a blanket ban, the FDA provide the opportunity for studies to be carried out so that safe doses and guidance can be established. Good luck to you guys/gals!

Happy to - it helps me too! It sounds like you're coming at this in all the right ways, especially in already knowing that you need to actively seek out what effects you, and then how to navigate influencing that. Coming to terms with what it all means is probably one of the biggest - if not the...

Hi ckbmore, Wow, that sounds like a pretty controversial substance - it's banned across much of Europe. Every site seems to warn about its dangers! I'm glad you're feeling better - have you experienced any side effects? There are warnings about thyroid and liver damage; danger in combining with...

I think I'm lucky on this one - I don't seem to be so sensitive to caffeine. Also, I would willingly mud wrestle anyone who tried to take my morning cup away 😂

Hi again Knovesrx, 50 hours a week on your feet is a lot for a fibro body, so it's not surprising that you're getting triggered, and I think you should give yourself credit for managing so much! How far have you got with figuring out ways to manage your symptoms? You might find it useful to...

Hi Jack, Welcome to the forum, and so sorry to hear that you're dealing with fibro and more at such a young age. That truly sucks! You will certainly find people here that understand what you're going through, that sense of isolation, and the feeling of grief that comes with chronic illness...

Hi Knovesrx, I'm sorry it took so long for you to get a response on this (✨thank you Auriel!) Somehow I missed your post completely! I noticed that you didn't mention pain anywhere in your post at all - only tingling and fatigue. I imagine that you are experiencing pain distinct from your...

You're so welcome 🌞

Hi Simone, Welcome to the forum - happy that you're here, although sorry for the reason! The symptoms you describe do sound like textbook fibro. As far as the one-sided aspect, I came across an answer from Jacob Teitelbaum MD - a CFS and FM expert who has published several books about both...

Well done lovely ✨ Spicy lips = badass!

Hi Norma22, I can't speak to your issues specifically, but I do agree that it's really important to tease apart pain sources, as different treatment approaches will be needed, and can build into a strategy that comes at things from every angle. I have a damaged spine and worked with a...

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister, Badger. Losses of this magnitude can take the mind already battling depression and anxiety to breaking point, so it is both inspiring and humbling that you remain so reflective and driven to hold onto hope. Your friend from the pain clinic sounds like real...

Yikes ...and the terminology waters get even muddier!

I'd say that aspirin would be described as a drug, but vit D would always be described as a vitamin, as would various multi-supplements. I'd guess the difference is perhaps to do with whether the substance was originally patented? Licencing laws for complex combinations of vitamins, plant...

I'd say It's pretty normal to say "prescription drugs" or "drugs" in the context of a particular treatment in the UK now, alongside the term "medication" itself - although, without the context, people might assume you're discussing something illicit for the weekend! 🧐 It is of course important...

Warbucks, your attitude and story are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

That's fantastic to hear - I'm glad you're feeling a bit better! Yes, ginger's pretty epic. I'm lucky because it's one of my favourite things. Maybe it can be an acquired taste if you just keep forcing it down yourself... that's how I got my fella to eat olives 😂

Oh my, ankylosing spondylitis is also a very challenging thing to navigate. A close friend of mine just had spinal surgery to get rid of a spur that was stopping him walking. Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, he's just about good as new now! I suppose the silver lining is that you and...

Hi Marlene, Welcome to the forum! I wrote a reply to another new member a couple of days ago that answers your question, so I'll drop that here for you: Let us know if you have any questions - we'll do our best to answer 🌻

Hi Eva, Goodness, it sounds like you're having a really hard time - I'm so sorry you're having such a battle and that your remission didn't last. I've also experienced some horrible reactions to various medications - duloxetine created a pretty much identical reaction to the one you describe...

Aww, I'm sorry you're still feeling iffy 😟 Fingers crossed the tea helps! Maybe try it with a tiny bit of lemon and honey if it's still too strong? I really hope that your nausea resolves, or you figure out what's causing it. I'm ok! Was realllly sore over last weekend and now seem to be doing...

I think a work in progress is fantastic. I have a sneaky suspicion that's as good as it gets - just the "progress" gets a little further along... 🙃 Two years of daily meditation is an epic achievement! I still struggle - particularly mentally - but having made it this far makes me feel hopeful...

Hey Auriel, Haven't heard from you in a while - how are you feeling? I hope a little better 🌷

Hi Jade, Welcome to the forum - we're happy to have you here! I'll start by saying that your rheumatologist is right - painkillers often don't help with fibromyalgia, and at times can even make things worse, so looking for other approaches is always a really good idea. I don't know how much...

That made me smile!! I think that at times moaning equals a vital pressure recalibration. It's good to self check, but also not to be too self-critical - sometimes venting is a must! At the moment, I'm really working on trying not to see those "floor of a taxi" type days as a waste. On the one...

In the face of such adversity, you are moving mountains - even if you can't see them! I hope you find sleep again 🌥️

I love this! 💪💪💪 Surely imperfection is fine, as long as we find ourselves in the process!

Hey catnel, Great to hear from you again 🌻 Congratulations on the 20lb weight loss! You've certainly got fantastic self-discipline for committing to an exercise routine like that if you're having trouble with your knees and hips. You said you're finding it difficult, but that's really a lot to...

Hi Badger, That is such a poignant quote! It really hits the nail on the head for fibro. Interrupting the cycle was key for me in getting a handle on my symptoms. I was afraid of the pain and furious at the physical and mental limitations I was experiencing. The stress of feeling that way was...

Welcome Glorraine! Very happy to have you here. We'll look forward to getting to know you, and help with whatever we can ☀️

Hi Ginanicole12, Welcome to the forum - it's lovely to have you here. I'm so sorry to hear you're facing such a struggle at the moment. Do you know if anything in your life changed or was getting too much in the run-up to this recent spike in symptoms? Has anything shifted in your...

Hi squaregirl, As far as I understand, headaches are a pretty common symptom of fibromyalgia. I've also experienced visual disturbances during bad flare. As far as phantom smells, someone posted a while back about being able to smell smoke all the time, although this is not a symptom that I've...

Hi AnnMariet, No need to apologise for ranting here - and that wasn't ranty in the slightest! - but we're all here to support each other, and shared understanding can help everyone along the way. Message/rant/vent whenever you want to! It might be a bit tough to hear, but JayCS's advice was...

Reporting back after second Pfizer shot, which was on Friday. No side effects at all for me. I hope more of you experience the same!

Oops, I missed your question! I'm no expert, but I guess it doesn't matter the order as long as a schedule is figured out that covers eliminating each potential trigger individually. I think, from memory, I had cut out alcohol and coffee already. I did more than half a year with no booze...

An honourable gentleman indeed!

Wow, I know it could be so much worse, but that is such a lot of money! I think that's one of the things that so often gets overlooked with chronic illness. The combination of it impacting our capacity to earn and the costs that can build up as we try to find solutions can be vicious - or simply...

Great tips there, JayCS. 😂 I did quit coffee for a good while to test, was utterly miserable, and then actually relieved (I'm embarrassed to admit...) that this wasn't the thing that made me feel better. I don't drink a crazy amount of coffee these days (two big cups per day, and only in the...

Hi Gardener, I've been reading about Low Dose Naltrexone with some interest! That is extraordinary, that it eliminated your symptoms all together. Have you experienced any side effects?

Hi Auriel, Ugh nausea is the worst - I'm sorry you're dealing with that! Ginger is such a strong flavor, I'm not sure that anything will really mask its taste. Apparently banana and mint are also good for nausea, so perhaps focus on one of those as your key ingredient, or combine them...

Hi NoXfear, I just searched back through the forum for the term "weak" because I could remember a few discussions in which people were describing muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, and twitching - all of which Google tells me are FND symptoms. There are quite a few relevant mentions from very...

Hi Dooi, A fun diversion indeed! I got 81.26, so can feel smug for the rest of the day :geek:

I follow an Instagram account called Chronic Illness Humor. It's all very base, but it doesn't half cheer me up and remind me to see the (darkly) funny side of all of this sometimes! When empathy and comedy are combined, they can become a very powerful resource 🤠