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is ...happy

About Me: Female, 48, New York, NY, member since Nov 2011

My major symptoms started in 1995 when the antifreeze in my car was leaking into the oil, leaving a chemical smell in the car. I couldn't breath through my nose from there forward, until I figured out, with the help of a homeopath/chiropractor, that I needed to eliminat ... [More] e dairy. What that had to do with the chemical smell in my car, I am uncertain.

I was soon after diagnosed by an MD with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia, when the pain seemed to take over my body, in addition to memory loss, weakened immune system and other symptoms. Other symptoms I experience are headaches, non-refreshing sleep, joint and muscle pain, tender and semi-enlarged lymph nodes in neck, lack of stamina and feeling spent after some cases of exertion. I have a history with Epstein Barr, Giardia- parasite, H.Pylori and CMV virus as well as frequent colds and sickness - once my immune system was weak, I seemed to get sick a lot.

I finally figured out I have food sensitivities to gluten, wheat, dairy (eggs OK) and excessive sugar. I like exercise, yoga, reading, nature, outdoors and other things to help condition. My struggle has been in staying away from wheat/gluten, dairy and excess sugar, because I start to feel better a couple months after the diet and then I think I am better or can have it in my diet some times. If I add it, I get very messed up and then I don't do well at all, and it is therefore hard to get back on track. In addition, I need to keep regular exercise and yoga in my life to keep symptoms at bay, or at least alleviated. Keeping exercise as a part of regular routine has been challenging for me.

My first minor symptoms started when I was 14 and was diagnosed with bursitis in my shoulders and also had pain up and down my spine. When I was 18, in 1991, my feet began to hurt bad. Most of the other major symptoms came about later in 1994-1995.

I am working on addressing these symptoms in various ways. Unfortunately, I have yet to find an answer. I have only found things that alleviate symptoms. I wonder if I will ever have 'my life back' or will life as I know it be indefinitely changed. If so, will I ever like my life again? Right now it is real difficult, making it difficult to like. The light has been at the end of the tunnel so long, I feel like it might be a mirage now. I am not sure if it is there - if there will ever be permanent and significant relief from my symptoms.

Jen [Less]

Interests: Allergies, Digestive Health, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Family Health, Nutrition, Insomnia, Pain, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Weight Management, Diet and Nutrition ... [More] , Exercise and Fitness, Women's Health, Beauty, alternative medicine, emotional health, Sleep disorders, yoga [Less]

is ...happy 02/12 - Comment

Jan 14, 2012

Commented on Amps101's question

"Hi, I heard people who have colitis have similar experiences with diarrhea, but I don't know that much about it. Have you been checked for celiac disease? I guess your doctor would know. I have fatigue and steady weight gain from eatin..."

Undiagnosed Symptoms Community

Jan 14, 2012

Commented on karma13's question

"Hi Karma, I can't offer any recommendations on the elimination diets, but I can say that getting substitutes for wheat and diary help when you are eliminating them. I mean almond milk, gluten free bread (made with rice flour or some oth..."

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Community

Jan 14, 2012

Commented on LordUgh's question

"Hi, I have all the same symptoms you had, with the exception of IBS and my vision is often blurry but not black and white. I wanted to clarify: Have many of your symptoms cleared up? I mean after you let go the the things you wanted to..."

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Community

SATURDAY, 3/24/12, Day 5 of Detox Program, Overcoming Chronic Fatigue Health Log

Mar 25, 2012

So my symptoms started again today. I woke up all groggy and confused. OVERALL DAY RATING 5 - Why? Pain and disorientation symptoms started and was too out of it...

SUNDAY, 3/25/12, Day 6 of Detox Program, Overcoming Chronic Fatigue Health Log

Mar 25, 2012

2 steps forward, then today and yesterday 2 steps back. Today is a day when the pain returns.... Must remember to do more yoga to avoid this. OVERALL DAY RATING 3 - ...

FRIDAY, 3/23/12, Day 4 of Detox Program, Overcoming Chronic Fatigue Health Log

Mar 23, 2012

OVERALL DAY RATING 8 - Why? Although not super productive, felt balanced and got stuff done. Stayed in due to menstrual cramps but took it as a day off. HEALTH C...

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FRIDAY, 3/23/12, Day 4 of Detox Program, Overcoming Chronic Fatigue Health Log

Mar 23, 2012

OVERALL DAY RATING 8 - Why? Although not super productive, felt balanced and got stuff done. Stayed in due to menstrual cramps but took it as a day off. HEALTH C...

WEDNESDAY, 3/21/12, Day 2 of Detox Program, Overcoming Chronic Fatigue Health Log

Mar 21, 2012

OVERALL DAY RATING 5 Why? Tired from lack of sleep, up late last night. HEALTH CONDITION [7 out of 10 rating] PAIN RATING 1 - headache FOOD DIARY ...

TUESDAY, 3/20/12, Day 1 of 14 of Detox Program, Overcoming Chronic Fatigue Health Log

Mar 20, 2012

I am participating in a detox program where I have a diet where make dietary changes and take herbs to help the detox. I avoid caffeine (except from green tea), refined su...

Sleep Tracker Stats