Narcolepsy? Migraines?

imdawn
imdawn Posts: 50 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Well I'm back...heavier than before.

I've been diagnosed with Migraines and Narcolepsy without Cataplexy...no I'm not using those as a crutch to sit around and be lazy, but definitely doesn't help with the weight loss process.
Just wondered if anyone else has these sort of issues to deal with...I must have put on 25 pounds last year alone-no energy and feel like crap most days.
Thanks

Replies

  • deseablev
    deseablev Posts: 26
    I have both as well. My headaches got better with my improved medication regimen. I gained about that much weight in a few months. I tend to gain around that much every time I get too busy to work out, no matter how well I eat. (But i Have to eat clean or I gain even more!) I recommend getting into a workout routine that helps for you. Mine is in the morning because I know I have to work out by a certain time, in order to get ready for work after it to arrive to work in time. It also helps me gain a little energy. I have a very hard time getting the energy to workout in the afternoon and evening.
    Also taking classes somewhere helped. I loved kickboxing. If you can get yourself to get to a class (any type of class) then you get your full workout, not only because you want to get your money's worth, but also because once you're in the class you don't want to stop while everyone else is still going.
    FInd a time that works for you and just make sure to do it about 6x a week to stay in shape and to stay in a routine
  • 1princesswarrior
    1princesswarrior Posts: 1,242 Member
    I have chronic migraine syndrome with two headache days a week but not the other conditions but I'm also bipolar with insomnia. One of the best treatments I've found to help my headaches is 8 oz. of warm water, 2 tbls unpasteurized organic apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp local honey 3 times a day. You get used to the taste. This along with my medication regime has helped a lot.

    Also learn what your headache triggers are and avoid them. You may need to start with just walking until you get your condition under control, I had to avoid strenuous exercise for almost a year after my injury that caused the chronic migraines. Once I started losing weight it helped though. Something else that may help is eating anti-inflammatory foods, you can find lists online, they are fruits, veggies, nuts, lean meats, etc.

    If you are not already find a headache specialist and good neurologist to help with your treatment. The medication is really expensive, I just got a quote for a new one today and dropped the phone, but worth it if it works. You situation just plain sucks and I feel for you but if it helps I am really active now and my headaches are under control much of the time.

    I wish you the best.
  • leaner426
    leaner426 Posts: 89 Member
    I have 3 autoimmune diseases, all of which can affect energy, in addition to hitting menopause. A few years ago I was almost 20 pounds heavier and thought exhaustion was my new normal so I can empathize with how you feel. First rule is to not judge yourself. Your biochemistry is a bit different, so you will need to listen to your body and adjust as your body reacts. You can do it.

    I get migraines. Most of the time they are hormonal, however they got worse a few years back and I was told they could have been exacerbated by low iron (which I had at the time) or by my thyroid medication being out of balance (which it was.) Adding iron pills for a while at night before I went to bed really helped.

    If you have not seen an endocrinologist, do so and get your thyroid tested for autoimmune caused hypothyroidism if your body temperature runs lower than normal. To determine body temperature take a basal body temperature first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. The standard thyroid test that your gp gives you does not accurately test for autoimmune based hypothyroidism (standard test measures T4 put out by the thyroid, with autoimmune hypothyroid your body attacks the T4 before it can be converted to T3 which is what gives you energy.)

    Also recognize that stress can be hugely debilitating. I had to take a break from working to realize my exhaustion was mostly the job and its stress, and not my medical conditions. Meditation and other things can help with stress.

    Last - weight is lost in the kitchen, the gym gets you in shape. You can lose weight just by changing your diet, getting fiber, cutting fat and sugar if your energy is low. That's what I'm loving about this app - it's teaching me to eat healthier and showing me the difference that the same calories comprised of different fiber, fat and sugar can have on my body.

    Sorry to be so long-winded, please ignore anything that doesn't apply to your situation. Happy to help if I can.

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