Anyone with RSD? What worked for you? Recent diagnosis and looking for what works and what doesn't.?
357546
Unfortunately... diet, exercise, rest. Try to take as much stress out of your life as possible. Stress reactivates RSD. Live as healthy as possible. Get rid of processed food, greasy food, processed sugar, and alcohol. (Although I find that very strong beer helps, but only 1 or 2, don't go overboard.)
266864
Yes, I was diagnosed a year ago.  If you need a place to go for more info or to talk to others with RA, go to http://www.arthritis.org - it's been very helpful to me!
847259
Yes, I've recently been diagnosed within the past two years with Hashimoto's disease (hypothyroidism).  My symptoms were weight gain that would not come off, depression, crying for no reason...I felt like I was literally losing my mind!!  It was like my life was spinning out of control.  I thought it was clinical depression, so I went to my doctor and found that it was my thyroid.  I'm now on levoxyl and am feeling soooooooo much better!!
1181841
Hi ..No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating this disease... Some people find their symptoms are made worse by milk, alcohol, hot spices, or fiber... People are encouraged to follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms... But there are no consistent rules...\n\nPeople should take vitamin supplements only on their doctor's advice..\n\nI put a link, below..with information..about the foundation! ...\ni wish you, all the best , and the courage, you need!!...\n\nKind, regards!:)
596462
hi i am real familiar with this disease as i have had it for over 10 yrs now, you need to go to msn groups and join the group for copd, they are a terrific group of people and can help you out with support or web sites that you can visit for info. good luck with your search and remember to take one day at a time, there is no cure for this disease but, you can get better and live a half way normal life.sm
694917
I feel that the United States doctors are going crazy w/ this diagnosis. I feel this is something you can help on you own.  I think that this is a super crazy world w/ tons of things going on in our lives at once and because of this, some of us have a hard time focusing.  You need to practice focusing possibly w/ the everyday use of meditation you could over come this so call disorder.
34568
I will agree with the ginger, in any form.  \nGinger tea, ginger ale, ginger beer, candied ginger, gingersnaps - as long as it has ginger in it, it will help.\n\nI'm also having problems with this.  Here are some of the avenues I've pursued.\n\nSleep - I have definitely noticed that when I don't get enough sleep that the nausea is worse.  (Unfortunately, that doesn't keep me from staying up too late)\n\nFood allergies - My mom is allergic to peanuts and if she eats just a few (or some peanut oil) accidentally it will make her nauseous.  You can do a self-test to determine if you are allergic to a food.  What you do is eliminate one type of food for a week and see if it helps, then try another food.  Given the problem you are having, it's best to start with whatever you eat the most of, probably wheat products.  This is a pain but it can work well.  (I should do this, but the most common food I eat is chocolate.  Nooooooooooooooooooooo!!!)\n\nWhat my doctor is calling insulin something or other; basically it sounds like hypoglycemia or pre-diabetes, but it isn't showing up in the blood tests.  I am trying to take the 5 light meals a day route for this.  It helps as long as I have access to something besides junk food.\n\nGood luck - I hope you find a solution.
1129255
There are many.  First I would write down when and what you are doing when this happens.  Arthritis, RSD, Hypocalcimeia,,, I have had the same thing and it took two years before the doctors could do tests and eliminate each.  Surgery and alot of work from myself keeping a daily notebook regarding my symptoms.  In the end I had all of the ones I mentioned.  You need a good doctor of immunology who can tests and find out exactly what needs to be done and find a course of treatment.
334232
As someone who has had JRA since age 14, and OA since 35, my best advice is exercise and rest.  There is no cure for RA, and it is a mysterious disease, even to doctors.  It is known as an autoimmune disorder, where the body attacks itself, thinking there is an infection, when there is none.  \n\nI truly believe there is a VERY strong correlation between physical, and mental stress, and RA symptoms.  I have had different blood test results at different times, and it didn't always agree with my symptoms.  \n\nTry hot and cold packs for relief without side effects.  Heat draws blood to the joint, and is good for stiffness.  20 minutes maximum, min 10 minutes or until relief is felt.  Ice draws blood away from the joint and is good for when the joints are inflammed, meaning literally hot to the touch.  Ice can provide great relief where prescription medicines fail.  \n\nHave her read a book called the Mind Body Connection, by John Sarno.  There is a great deal of medical evidence that symptoms of asthma and arthritis are directly related to stress and how the body reacts to stress.  \n\nBelieve me, I'm not saying it's in your mind.  These are very real symptoms.  I have spent months on crutches due to its debilitating power.  But I have NOT received any significant or long-term relief from any pill.  Find the root of the cause, and why.  Deal with how you react to stress, and change it.\n\nAgain, as a sufferer of arthritis and asthma for most of my life, I know that doctors will profit from your suffering, but have little to offer in relief.  She needs to think of why this would happen now.  I'm sure the baby has a lot to do with it.  Obviously, or it would never have cropped up.\n\nDo NOT take her to a chiropractor, unless you want to be at their mercy for life.  Good luck and don't forget to breathe!  Breathing delivers oxygen to the tissues and joints, and lack thereof creates pain and injury.
182062
Personally, I have had Fibro since I was 16 and am now almost 36. I have seen more doctors over the years than I can count from Neurologists to Rhuematologists to Chiropractors to Psychiatrists to Pain Specialists. In my experience pain medications do not work. A muscle relaxant is much more helpful. I have also tried biofeedback, steroid shots, trigger point injections, two sleep studies, nerve blocks, accupuncture, foot braces, wrist braces, carpal tunnel release surguries, and so much more. All just torture and I felt like a guinea pig.\n\nMy best advise is make sure to get plenty of sleep, take a multiple vitamin, remember you are what you eat, keep active in at least low impact sports, and consider Magnesium and Malic Acid supplements (consult the doctor or a nutritionist to have your Magnesuim level checked- it is a simpe mouth swab and not painful), meditation does help some in keeping the pain back if you can seperate your mind from the pain, and try to take 2-3 warm Epson Salt baths a week (Epson salt contains Magnesium and soaking in a warm tub of it helps to get the mineral into the body. Magnesium aids the muscles in using oxygen and when the level is low which is typical in Fibro it can cause are cramps, spasms, and pain.) \n\nAlso, Fibromyalgia is a neurotransmitter disorder and certain foods can trigger similiar symptoms to Fibro. Try eliminating Monsodium Glutamate from your diet. I did and some of my symptoms (chronic headaches and nausea) went away. It is in everything from Doritos to chicken soup. A few key finding's of an FDA study found MSG to cause a "burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest". Otherwise, learn your limits and pace yourself.\n\nGood luck!\n\nHere's some of the best information available.\n\nTreatment of Fibromyalgia in Detail\nRobert Bennett MD, FRCP\n\nIf you are reading this you probably have a common syndrome of chronic musculoskeletal pain called fibromyalgia. This chronic pain state is now appreciated to be caused by abnormalities of sensory processing within the spinal cord and brain. As such you will usually experience a bewildering (both to you and your doctor) array of bodily and psychological problems that can seldom be “cured”. However, armed with both patience and knowledge, many fibromyalgia patients can be helped to live with less pain and be more productive. In my own evolving experience of dealing with this problem I can identify 7 aspects of management that are of importance for your doctor to successful manage your fibromyalgia.\n\nMy Advice to Doctors who care for Fibromyalgia Patients\n\n1. Realize that FM patients are going to be a chronic challenge.\n2. Be non-judgmental and prepared to be an advocate.\n3. Understand the pathophysiological basis for symptoms.\n4. Analyze and treat pain complaints in a systemic approach.\n5. Recognize and treat psychological problems at an early stage.\n6. Recognize associated syndromes of disordered sensory processing.\n7. Involve all FM patients in a program of stretching and gentle aerobic exercise.\n\nTreatment of pain in fibromyalgia \n\nPain is the primary over-riding problem for most of you. Many of the problems you experience are largely a secondary consequence of having chronic pain. When pain is even partly relieved, fibromyalgia patients experience a significant improvement in psychological distress, cognitive abilities, sleep and functional capacity. A total elimination of pain is currently not possible in the majority of fibromyalgia patients. However worthwhile improvements can nearly always be achieved by a careful systematic analysis of the pain complaints. As a generalization fibromyalgia related pain can be divided into general pain (i.e. the chronic background pain experience and focal pain (i.e. the intensification of pain in a specific region – usually aggravated by movement). The latter is probably a potent driving force in the generation of central sensitization. Attem
428380
tough one. Best advice I have seen on the board.  So far  have his Dr adjust the meds its not working like it should.
958211
Hi there,\nI am yet to be officially diagnosed with PMDD, but I believe i have this condition. This is something i have been suffering with from the age of 13, I am now 28 unmarried with no children.\nI possess all of the symptoms pertaining to PMDD all but the Suicidal thoughts. It has been basically ruling and ruining my life for far too long. I have been to  so many Doctors, Psychologists, Healers and more recently a Naturopath, to try and help me alleviate some of these symptoms. I exercise, eat healthy, and have a loving family and beautiful supportive boyfriend, however still have these awful awful symptoms. I myself am going to the Doctor again tomorrow to ask for 50mg of Zoloft daily, I have done a lot of research in to this, and believe this is a start. I can't continue feeling the way i do, my behaviour is starting to take it's toll on my relationship and with work etc, I can't deal with it anymore and don't think i should have to... So fingers crossed the Zoloft will help. I sympathise, your certainly  not alone... Go and see your doctor... \nGood luck xx
728520
Check out wilsonsthyroidsyndrome.com.  I have low temp and so did my MD!  He told me about this site.  It's very interesting.
750391
I know some one who had suffered from this problem, his was also due to M.S.. His eyes made small involuntary movements, but the condition seems to have disappeared. He is taking a virtually unknown prescription drug that is working miracles in people with M.S.and other autoimmune disorders, it is known as Low Dose Naltrexone. Doctor Bernard Bihari of New York City has been working with this drug since the 80's. and it is just now starting to get some attention. The second annual Low Dose Naltrexone Conference was held in Washington this year, you can hear the lectures off the web site. Because the monthly treatment cost is only $38 u.s. per patient don't expect any drug company involvement any time soon. A few private clinical trails have commenced world wide and the preliminary results are all quite promising. If you have not heard of this little know treatment yet. try clicking on the link below and start your research, it might be a viable option for you.\n\nAnother very important avenue you should explore when treating M.S. is neurotoxin damage both dietary and environmental. Things like monosodium glutamate, aspartame, heavy metals,food additives, preservatives, fungal and bacterial mycotoxins maybe causing or exacerbating your condition. Many M.S. sufferers have made their symptoms disappear by eliminating the above mentioned poisons from their body.\n\nBecause most packaged foods have M.S.G. (under a disguised category such as modified corn starch, spices, yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein etc.) I would stick to fresh organically raised foods, stay away from anything packaged . Drink clean distilled or R.O. water only.\n\nGet checked for heavy metal contamination, have both Hair analysis and Urinalysis through Calcium EDTA provocation. There is a possibility that you have mercury poisoning, from either vaccination, or through food consumption. If you are positive for heavy metals, then chelation therapy should be explored. Dr Gary Gordon of Tempe Arizona is the expert here. He also works with Dr Amy Yasko that specializes in patients with neurological disorders.\n\nTo check for biotoxin exposure I would recommend Dr.Shoemaker’s website listed below. On his site there is information on doing a VCS (visual contrast sensitivity) test. This doctor specializes on treating people with biotoxin-induced illness.\n\nSome final recommendations I have for you is to look into: enzyme therapy such as Wobenzym N, (it is very popular in Europe especially Germany), Vitamin D therapy and Histamine therapy \n\nAlthough the doctors mentioned below are available for phone consultations, Dr Bihari will be extremely difficult to speak with, instead I would call one of the compounding pharmacies listed on the web site and ask for names of doctors in your area that might be sending prescriptions to them.\n\nI have confidence that you can beat this thing, or put it into remission, all the best to you!
613321
I know several people who have it. We have found that Guaifenesin Therapy seems to help. I've posted a link to a page that gives some info about that.
1070638
Hey Sam, I have had crohn's for 15 + yrs. I know how you feel. Those who have never had this disease will not. I have tried probiotics, aloe vera juice, fish oil, jordan rubins program, you name it its been through my system (not always pleasantly). I am currently on Remicade and have been for over a year. It has put me into remission. I also believe it is an auto immune disease whether caused by man or environment I'm not sure. I have had many days where I feel like crap & often have deep thoughts of this disease. I do know hereditary is a factor as I can prove by most of my relation having ms, ra, lupus & crohn's. Do you have a good dr? If not find one even one who specializes in homeopathy can help. I wish you luck in finding a miracle we all are looking for!
36396
I have had Fibro since I was 16 and am now almost 36. I have the same diagnosises as you including Myofascial Pain Syndrome and others. Actually, MPS should be a given. In my experience pain medications do not work. I have also tried biofeedback, steroid shots, trigger point injections, nerve blocks, accupuncture, foot braces, wrist braces, carpal tunnel release surguries, and so much more. All just torture and I felt like a guinea pig.\nMy best advise is make sure to get plenty of sleep, take a multiple vitamin, keep active in at least low impact sports, and consider Magnesium and Malic Acid supplements (consult the doctor or a nutritionist to have your Magnesuim level checked- it is a simpe mouth swab and not painful), meditation does help some in keeping the pain back if you can seperate your mind from the pain, and try to take 2-3 warm Epson Salt baths a week (Epson salt contains Magnesium and soaking in a warm tub of it helps to get the mineral into the body. Magnesium aids the muscles in using oxygen and when the level is low which is typical in Fibro it can cause are cramps, spasms, and pain.) \nAlso, Fibromyalgia is a neurotransmitter disorder certain foods can trigger similiar symptoms to Fibro. Try eliminating Monsodium Glutamate from your diet. I did and some of my symptoms (chronic headaches and nausea) went away. It is in everything from Doritos to chicken soup. A few key finding's of an FDA study found MSG to cause a "burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest". Otherwise, learn your limits and pace yourself.\nGood luck!