Welcome to the Group

Welcome! We would love get to know you, so please tell us a little bit about yourself. You can choose any format you'd like, but most of us here share some or all of the following details:

1. History with weight loss:
2. History with Calorie Count:
3. Reason for joining this group:
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

And now just go ahead and make that first post!

Hi Guys,

My name is jodie, I have only just joined Calorie Count - so far i think its fab.

i'm 29 yrs and i have two beautiful little kiddie

Headache history...Well i've had them for about 3 years now they came with a cold and stayed and then disappeared for 6 weeks and then returned and i've had them daily for since then.  They don't know what they are, i've had MRI 2 1/2 years ago nothing present, but i am having a new MRI on 14 October (with contrast).  Headaches are consistant and come in waves of severity.  But I pretty much have a throbbing head 80% of the time.  

I've tried numerous meds, I am currently on Topamax - cycle second time trying it.  1st cycle was great, however it seem to take away my headaches and give me one major headache with my period - I was bed ridden for 4 day's and required peth injections.  This never happened prior to taking the topamax (happened over 3 cycles).  i went off the topamax to see whether my cycles would come back to normal - they did.  The Neurologist tried me on blood pressure meds to see if that helped, but my bp was too low and could not tolerate full dose so i'm back to Topamax.  He also likes me to take indocid for the pain but i don't like it cause it makes me feel anxious & weird (as with many other meds - i'm very sensitive).

I'm moderately overweight and need to loose weight so that i can be healthier and happier - i'm hoping this will help with my headaches (the change in diet).

I have also tried acupuncture for my headaches and chiro but they did not help :o(  I could probably try another acupuncturist as i don't think the one i went to was very good.

Anyway, Its nice to meet you all and I look forward to sharing this weight loss journey and discovering possible headache / migraine remedies.

Jodie

 

 

 

  

 

Hi I have had headaches for over 4 years and just this past summer was diagnosed with MS (Multiple sclerosis) Anyway, I had an MRI when the headaches started and showed 20 leisons on my brain and this past summer the MRI showed 40. Slow progression of the disease and my nerve delay tests showed delays in most of the nerves in my body.  However, the Neurologist classifies me as "highly functional" except for the throbbing headaches everyday I am doing well.  My suggestion to anyone who is suffering is to keep pushing the Doctors to find the source, don't let them just feed you a bunch of pills and call it good.  I was on all kinds of meds before My diagnosis, everything from migrane meds to seizure meds and nothing worked, mostly they made me feel weird.  Now I am on no meds at all and taking one day at a time. excercise has been probably the best medication for me because while it makes my muscles sore it helps my brain to relax.  That is not to say I am cured because I am not, but to say I am coping.  I still have 55 lbs left to loose and still working on it.

Keep you chin up! :-)

Hi, I have been visiting caloriecount since March 2008.  Had great success for about 3 months; then injured my foot.  I became very discouraged because I had got to the point where I actully enjoyed excerise. I'm back to try again still having problems with foot, not able to walk much.  I have gained all the weight I lost.  It will be harder this time because any exercise I do will have to be no impact on the feet.  I weght 265 and have frequent headaches. I have one right now, for the past 3 days I wake up at around 3am with a splitting headache.  I am going to give it another try.    One very good thing was during those 3 months I was exercising and eating right, I did not have a single headache!

1. History with weight loss: I was always a decent weight until I moved away from home. I gained some, then lost it. Got pregnant, gained a ton, lost it on Atkins. Now, I've gained just because I know I have been eating poorly.
2. History with Calorie Count: I tried it once before but fizzled out on it. My clothes don't fit too well now which is making me sad. I've bought larger sized clothing twice in the past year. Enough.
3. Reason for joining this group: I'm joining this group because my migraines are triggered by just about everything which includes changes in my diet or if I let myself go without eating for too long. I'm on propanalol now, so, hopefully no more migraines EVER. :) This is why I think it's a good time to try and diet.
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests: I'm an executive assistant at a sports and entertainment company. I'm working on a degree in psychology so I can move into the HR department easily. I have a daughter, she's 5 and just amazing. I love to get the most out of my weekends. This past weekend we went apple/pumpkin picking and then to the zoo the next day. I love being outdoors and I just love autumn.

 

Hi' My name is Maritza suffer from chronic migraines and I am currently on medication call amitriptyline I have to take it every day''' wooow '' curently trying to loose some weight ...well a lot of weight LOL'' Have strugle for some time just join the gym and trying to go at least 3 to 4 time ..it very hard since the medication tireds me out '

 

I am an insurance agent and have 3 kids and a 3yr old grandkid all this at 35 yr of age .I have a dog /2 love birds and a ginnie pig and a hubby < My husband is the best ..supportive love him dearly ''

 

 

My name is Jennifer - I am 25 and have had migraines off and on for about 15 years, but more frequently in the last 4 or so years. I have been on four different daily preventative medications trying to work it out.

Maritza, I was recently on Elavil (amitriptyline) for the migraines. It does make you tired, so my doctor had me take it at night. Also, something to watch for is cravings. I absolutely craved sweets when I was on it. It was like I didn't have any will power whatsoever - I would just realize I was eating a candy bar! If you know it is a problem, though, it's easier to handle. Unfortunately, I viewed it as an excuse to eat whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it. The preventative that worked best for me was Topamax - I just got where I couldn't handle the side effects.

Now, I am off of my birth control and the preventative medications, hoping to let my body get back to whatever normal is to see what needs to be done. I am 5'7" ish and about 153 - looking to drop around 15 pounds.

Hi 24 year old here.  I've had migraines since I was 18.  My main trigger is smells.  Then all the others follow after the migraine has been triggered.  I went through a really bad string of them Jan-Apr.  Found out it was my birth control that was setting them off.  Of course that was after I lost my vision for a few days from the drug they had me on.  Apparently it was one of the rare side effects.

I hate having them, it sucks.  Especially when I'm at work because I cant leave work I'm the store manager.  Stupid Migraines!

Hi I'm a new member to CC but have been using the calorie count tool for a couple months now. At 44 I still lift free weights do some running and am always active doing something outside.

I grew up with Migraines and they absolutely floor me for 12 hours or more. I learned through the years how to listen to my body (if you will) and what my body is telling me before, during and after the excruciating experience. I'll list a few "triggers" and what has worked for me.

Stress and High Blood Pressure: I can now tell when my blood pressure is rising whether through atmospheric change (going into altitudes above 10,000 feet), over excursion (particularly in hot weather), stress at work or at home, or encountering a significant event. When I can, I prepare before hand by popping 3 Excedrin to thin my blood. Excedrin also has caffeine so the aspirin and acetaminophen are absorbed into the system quickly. If I can't prepare I will also take the same 900+ milligrams during the bout of high blood pressure. If the headache is in full swing sometimes taking Excedrin doesn't work so I have to sleep it off - in order to sleep it off I try to relax the muscles in my forehead by rubbing some Tiger Balm just above my eyebrows all the way to my temples being careful to stay away from the eyes and then wrap a towel around the area. Generally this works well enough to where I can get some good sleep. I usually wake up feeling rested and refreshed with only slight remnants from the previous experience.

Corn: This is the only food that I have "unofficially" ruled as a Migraine trigger. My stomach does not digest corn and therefore it'll sit in my stomach hours later until I get a raging headache with the only remedy being to throw it up - once I throw up every single piece I'm exhausted, can slip into a deep sleep and eventually wake up feeling refreshed.

Alcohol: In all beverage forms if I drink more than a couple of servings I can have a headache that lasts almost 24 hours, no matter what I do. Sometimes I will take 3 Excedrin if I know I'm going to be having a few beers, glasses of wine or wells. I've had a few concussions in my life, though not serious, have been problematic when I drink too much alcohol.

Sitting or Lounging for too long: This may be more linked to physical stress to my back and spine and thus spine mis-alignment. If I sit or lounge in front of a TV or computer too long I will go to bed with a headache and it can last for a few days even when I take common over the counter pain killers and some prescription drugs.

So in conclusion: I stay sober, active, find time to relax, exercise regularly and never ever eat corn. I also stay hydrated by drinking water before, during and after exercise and all meals. This has not been full proof for me but it helps me keep from having to bow down to the most difficult pain I've ever had to endure.

I hope this helps,

Darryl

Hi!  Im Jamie.  I just joined this site yesterday, thanks to my brother.  I had made my own spreadsheet to count calories, but I always forgot to log my calories.  This site is way better.  Im 30 years old and just got married 4 months ago.  I have 4 cats and some fish.  I have no kids, unless you count my hubby.  :)  I love to read, watch movies, go out with friends.  Im a huge outdoors person.   Camping, hiking, riding my bike, taking my boat on the river...etc

I have been suffering from migraines for as long as I can remember.  When I was a kid they would be so bad that I would throw up and get double vision.  I went through a couple of time periods where I didnt get them at all.  But they always come back.  Luckily I dont have them as bad as I used to.  I remember the last bad one I had was this past summer.  I was at a birthday party for my neice and I had to take an Imitrex and then go throw up behind a tree, then lay down in the grass...not in the same spot of course. 

My triggers are lack of sleep and alcohol.  Combine those two and I might as well stay in bed cause Ill be hurting later.  I have never noticed getting a migraine from something Ive eaten.  I dont remember what my triggers were when I was a kid. 

Hi, I'm Kirsten. I'm 25 yo (turns 26 next month), married for two years to a wonderful man and an excessive eater. I joined this website b/c I wanted to actually track all the horrible food I was consuming. I have a love-hate relationship with fast food (especially White Castle) and I was overindulging A LOT. I noticed I was getting a double chin so that was when I realized things HAD to change!! I've lost about 13 lbs. this year, which isn't bad considering I've fallen off the wagon since July. But, I'm back on and ready to get healthy again!

I joined this group b/c I wanted to be able to talk to other people who suffer with migraines. I've been getting them since I was 13, and until recently haven't been able to control them. I started allergy shots a few months ago, and I think that w/ a combination of eating better has really helped the frequency drop. I used to get a headache at least once a week. Now, I only get one about once a month! I have used Imitrex, Ibuprofen and Lortab to control my migraines in the past.

Some interesting things...I'm a self-proclaimed Disney World fanatic! I've been at least 30 times and it still isn't enough. I LOVE IT! I love going to the theme parks, collecting pins and visiting the different resorts there. My husband thinks I'm certifiable because of it. :-)

Hi people,

My name is Sarah,  I'm going to be 28 in 3 days. I've been on Calorie Count since 5/08 and just now started joining groups. I've lost 45 pounds since 2/08, and gained 11 back since 11/08. I'm back on track now!!!! I am @ 151 now my goal weight was 130 but due to my rapid heart rate and High Blood Pressure Doc wants a goal of 120!!! Is he crazy!!! I told him to get his but up and do it w/ me cause he ain't so skinny!

Migraines!

I've had migraines for 5 years now, I've been on Amidrine but in the last 3 months I've had a bad flare up (average of 3 migraines a week) and Amidrine just isn't working! Meds I've tried in the last 3 months

1. Imitrex-Bad Hallucinations

2. Frova-Didn't work

3. Maxalt-Didn't work, actually made it worse

4. Zomig- Horrible allergic reaction(itching like 1,000 masquitos bit me all over my body!

5. Torodal-Didn't work

6. 800 mg Motrin-Didn't work

7. Demerol-Didn't work

8. Vicodin- Didn't work

The only relief I get is when I go to the er...I've become a frequent flier...they give me something called DHE-it makes it worse for about 5 minutes then POOF! It's gone. My migraines are really effecting my work outs I was going 4-5 days a week to the gym but now I'm lucky if I get in 2 work outs a week.

I'm really lucky my Husband of 4 years is doing this dieting w/ me he's already reached his goal but now he's gaing back to build muscle mass...he want's to look like Jean Claude Van Damn. (hehe)

It's realy hard working an 8 hour day then coming home making dinner for 2 kids (6 & 21 months) Then helping my son w/ 1st grade homework then going to the gym for 30-45 minutes. Then as soon as I get home hubby leaves for the gym...then work after that (he works nights to get our son after school) Then I have to give baths and get them ready for bed. I'm exhausted!!!! I hope you guys have some advice about my migraines...cause I need some

TTYL

Hi Everybody,

Im Kimi, 21, married, full time student with a full time job. I have Cluster Migranes that go in cycles of about 4 months. Im looking to lose that last 15 lbs. to be in the best shape of my life. My husband is very supportive and we work out together. Hes muuuuuch stronger tho.

Thanks for including me,

Kimi

Hi,

I'm 21, part-time student and a more than full-time job. I'm a fine arts major, have a wonderful boyfriend and two great turtles. I work in a government office job that offers good friendships but not a lot of activity. I'm a big Disney fan and I'm trying to go again in November.

I believe I get migraines associated with my period. I'm going to the doctor's next week to see what he has to say. Lately, I've been getting migraines right before my period and a week before it. The only thing I've found to work for me is to knock myself out taking sleeping pills. Hopefully the doctor will have better advice for me.

I've always been the type to say that trying to lose weight is not for me, but I think I was in denial. This year I want to lose around 40 pounds and maintain it. I found Calorie Count and it seems to be a good fit for me and my endless obssession with creating lists.

Hi Everyone!

My name is Paul and I live in the Atlanta metro area.  I'm 41 years old - work full-time and go to school full-time finishing up my Masters in Accounting.

I used to be the type of person that everyone hates - I could eat anything and never gain a pound.  In fact, I was considered to be underweight since I'm only 5'8" and at the time weighed maybe 120 pounds dripping wet!  Then, I hit my 30's and suddenly my metabolism came to a grinding halt.  I'm now at 180 and working toward my ideal weight goal of 148. 

I have no one to blame for my weight gain other than myself.  I became so focused on my career that food was like a second thought for me - it was whatever was more convenient, was what I decided to eat.  That meant a ton of unhealthy fast food.  And as far as exercise goes - I was putting in too many hours to have the energy to exercise and since I work behind a desk all the time, I wasn't getting any exercise that way either.  So - it doesn't really surprise me that I've gained 60 pounds over the years.

I've tried all kinds of diets...Adkins, Weight Watchers, etc.  And I would be successful at first before I lost motivation and gained all the weight I lost back.  However, I decided that this year - I wasn't going to go through another summer wearing oversized clothes to hide my weight gain and go swimming wearing a t-shirt because I was too embarrassed to take my shirt off.  So - a couple of days ago, a friend of mine introduced me to this website and I absolutely love it!  It helps me watch what I eat and makes me conscious of the choices I'm making - I've already felt like I have more energy and even actually enjoy exercising!

In regards to migraines - I've suffered from them for several years now.  My mother has them too.  I tried Imitrex pills and those didn't work for me.  I was then using Imitrex nose spray and that also didn't work.  I am now using the Imitrex injections which seem to be effective PROVIDED you catch the migraine soon enough.

A few months ago, I met a doctor who would literally change my life - I was having migraines 4-5 times a week and was completely miserable.  He prescribed Topomax (anti-seizure medication) to me and suddenly I was only getting migraines 1-2 per month.  When I went for a follow-up with him - I told him how happy I was that the migraines had decreased dramatically.  However, his answer was, "The goal is to have no migraines at all."  So - he increased my dosage and I very rarely get migraines at all anymore.  This has been a complete lifesaver for me!

My triggers are typically stress (and how can you possibly avoid that), skipping meals and some kinds of alcohol (especially wine and champagne).

Thanks for reading my post!

Hey everyone!

I'm Sarah, 22 yr. old, student of Counseling in a Masters program. I just joined Calorie Count a couple of weeks ago. I joined for probably the opposite reason as most people - I have a hard time keeping on the weight/eating enough calories and I figure that tracking my calorie consumption would be motivation to eat more (I don't have a body dysmorphic disorder, I just never think about eating).

 

I joined this group because I have been suffering from migraines for a long time. The first one that I can remember was in 3rd grade. I went to a dr. once and they prescribed me something that made my body feel like it was on fire for a couple of seconds. I get mostly only aural migraines which are easy enough to deal with, although annoying to not be able to see anything for 20 minutes, so I havent really ever talked to a doctor again about them.

I have realized that chocolate is a big trigger, and bright light can be a trigger if I'm having a sensitive week. Like someone else said, muscle issues in my neck also seem to play a role

 

I also joined this group to hear some stories and get some insight into what might be going on with me :)

 

Nice to meet everyone!

I'm Jenni, 43 years old, married with 4 kids and 2 grandbabies on the way.  I joined CC just a few minutes ago and joined this group because it popped up on the bottom and since I have migraines I joined. 

I've had migraines since I was in my teens.  I get the classic blindness, zig zag lines, numbness and pain on one side of the head.  They have recently become worse and I tend to wonder if my weight is an issue with having more headaches.  I normally have one, maybe two in a month and recently I've been having 2 or 3 per week.  I just got prescribed an anti-depressent (for pain not depression) to control the pain.  I am in my second week, take 2 pills a night and have not seen a real improvement as of yet. 

I would like to loose 50 pounds but I am being realistic and hoping for 10 or 20.  I believe once I see a change on the scale I will be better motivated. 

Currently I am in a high stress situation so it's actually kick-started my weight loss - I'm too stressed to eat sometimes and it's showing in the way my clothes fit.  I'll admit I feel like starving myself as a way to loose weight, I know that won't help but I do feel like it sometimes.  Unfortunately, I love food too much to last more than half the day not eating.

I hope to get motivated here, meet new people with the same struggles as myself (weight, migraines), and loose some weight!

Nice to meet you all!

 

hey everyone!

i'm hannah & i'm 17. i started having migraines at the age of 6. when i went to a neurologist, they said i born with a birth defect called chiari which is when the "tonsils" in the back of my neck are too long & touch my spinal chord. if they were 2 centimeters longer, i would've have brain surgery. i just have a question. when i would get a headache,  i used to drink dr. pepper when taking advil because my mother has always said caffeine helps. but now that i'm eating healthier, i'm wondering what an alternative solution to caffeine would be best? if you have any suggestions, feel free! thanks!

Hi Hannah, welcome to the migraine group.  If you found taking advil with Dr. Pepper helps your migraines, then I would switch to some lo-cal form of caffiene like tea or coffee.  Caffiene itself isn't unhealthy in moderation, but the sugar in Dr. Pepper would be a barrier to weight loss, if that is one of your goals in joining CC. 

Hey, all.  I'm Tess, age 22.  Full-time student, part-time job, live-in boyfriend, addiction to Sonic popcorn chicken (which is only a block from my apartment) :(  and I've been suffering migranes for the last 2.5 years, though I was just diagnosed last month. 

About 2.5 years ago, I got my first headache, and I had NO IDEA what it was, it didn't feel like how my mom described her headaches (she gets migranes, too), and it was not debilitating, just annoying, and it lasted for 3-4 days, whereas my mom's were gone the day after she had them.

Since then, I've gotten them every 2-3 months.  They always last a few days, and the pain is a little worse every time.  The last few times have been preceeded by nausea and vision symptoms, and the most recent time kept me out of class and work for 3 days and was severe enough that I made an appointment to see what it was.  The doctor said "Migrane" and gave me a prescription for Imitrex to take at the onset of symptoms, but I haven't had a chance yet to see if it works.  I'm currently trying to lose 40 lbs, and am keeping track of what I eat and drink to aid that, and so that I can try to identify triggers for my migranes.  I have a couple suspected culprits, so far.

Hannah

I have a friend who was also diagnosed with that defect as well. It is officially called Arnold-Chiari malformation and i think it is when part of the brain actually extends out the back of the base of the skull and touches the spinal cord. hers got worse and she used to get really dizzy and black out increasingly later in her life.

if you have found caffeine to work try takine excedrin migraine because they containe caffeine and i have found them to work pretty well. they caffeine also helps them to work faster. excedrin has also come out with excedrin quick gels which i have yet to try but they have caffeine as well so you wouldn't need to take them with coffee or dr. pepper.