Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Thanks for the Biotene tip. I've never heard that before, but will get some. I do use Stevia now, that or Truvia. I do try to avoid strong odors. Other causes I've heard of are red wine, aged cheese, chocolate and deli meats with nitrates (I get Boar's Head - they don't have nitrates). Also I've read getting enough sleep and staying hydrated is important. I'm having a problem with the sleeping part lately, so started taking Melatonin a half hour before going to bed. It helps going to sleep, but not staying there!

@bwendland I think with migraines it is different with every person. At one time I had a list of all possible triggers, there were many, but many of those were things I consumed regularly and never bothered me. For me the biggest triggers were chocolate, raw onions, flashing lights, certain strong scents and barometric changes. When driving on a street where the trees block the sun off and on the flashing would really bother me. If my husband was driving I would sit back and close my eyes.
Many of the triggers didn't bother me much unless I was pre-menstrual. When they did bother me it was not the long, excruciating migraine I would get at that time.
JK

Wow, I didn't know that sour cream can trigger migraines. I do like it so I'll make an effort to avoid it. I am glad you asked about the Biotene. After I thought about it, I am afraid I misspoke. I also have Burning Mouth Syndrome and when it flares up it can trigger migraines. That's why I use Biotene. So, it probably does not affect migraines in the usual manner. Hope you are your daughter are doing well.

Bwendland, I'm afraid I misspoke. I just informed another person that I use Biotene for Burning Mouth Syndrone. I thought of it because a flair up can cause migraines. So, it is not a remedy for migraines in the usual sense. I do know it is widely used for people who have sensitive gums.

@lauren123 As I said in a prior post, those triggers can vary greatly. If you have not noticed an effect from sour cream then it is probably not a trigger for you.
I passed your previous message on to my daughter, I will have to explain to her about biotene. She really should just get in this group herself.
JK

Contentandwell, thanks for letting me know you handled this misinformation with your daughter. I have daughters, too, and it's difficult to pass on good information, let alone invalid information!.. I am sorry to confuse people. I have the same the same triggers you do for migraines, especially barometric changes. Flashing lights are really a strong trigger so I try to just look away if possible.

Hello,
I can't remember if I've posted here before, but I'll introduce myself again anyway.
My name is Sharon and I'm a married, mother of one son who just graduated from college.
I am currently unemployed due to my many physical "conditions", however do some consulting work at home and volunteer work in the community.

I have chronic pain due to osteoarthritis in both knees and in my lumbar spine, as well as chronic migraines and fibromyalgia (?). I have just been diagnosed with lupus and have not yet seen a rheumatologist so I don't know what role this illness has in all of my other problems. I also am dealing with depression, which makes it very difficult to "handle" everything. I take it a day, an hour or a minute at a time, depending on how I feel.

Thank you for the opportunity to join this group and to share "my story".

Welcome, @sharlynn62.

Others will tell you about groups that address some of your issues. I also know the difficulty when chronic pain and depression are combined. It's an ongoing challenge, for sure. My faith is a significant part of my survival, along with a supportive wife, a great service dog and a good therapist.

I have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, and just last week had a spinal cord stimulator implant, which hasn't yet kicked in. A lot of my pain is brain pain, with depression, PTSD, anxiety disorder, and suicidal ideation. Either type of pain can be debilitating.

I've found this forum to be very helpful and trust that you will, as well.

Jim

Hello community: I have FMS and stenosis in both spine and neck along with frequent bouts of IBS.  Today is a lovely moderate temp day and I'm not aware of any triggers other than some neck discomcort and weak legs.  I just want to sleep and lay around.  I know Fibro is unpredictable, hurts here there and anywhere or just mild muscle discomfort.  Having more and more days like this. Feeling lazy and unproductive.  Anyone else feeling this way now?  

Hi Jim,
Maybe give Accupuncture a go but it is very slow process.
Best wishes
Eifeltower.