Thursday, May 30, 2013
Are you KIDDING me?
I just lost an entire post. I don't know who needs Urgent Care more - me or my computer. I just spend the last 2-3 hours writing an extensive post about going to Utah next week, having a decent day yesterday and the arguments of whether or not "Adrenal Fatigue" is real. I can type for about 10 minutes, then I need to get up and move around because I even get dizzy just sitting, so just the though of losing an entire post has, at the very least, exhausted me. I guess all that really needed to be said, I just said. LOL
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Sttttutering.....
So far, today was a cccc rrr azy day. If it sounded like I was saying crazy with a stutter - that's exactly what I was doing. I have had a little bit of stuttering here and there when I'm low on energy, but this morning was as ccrraazzzyyyy as it has ever been. The stuttering was maybe a little more noticable because I was required to talk to the doctor, give my credit card information over the phone and communication with Jenna when she brought them home for me. Or should I say TRY to communicate with Jenna. I couldn't raise my right arm for the life of my and my left arm was really weak as well. She helped me with drinking and got me a little something to eat as well. I think I really freaked her out. But when she left, I was doing a little better.
Whenever I can actually made an audible laugh, even though it takes energy, that's energy I'm willing to expend. We have an acquaintance at church who has a serious stuttering problem. He has a daughter named Sammi. Today, Jenna said, "Now I know what it's like to be Sammi and have a parent with a stuttering problem"! I don't know why I found that so amusing, but at least it got me to laugh! (Don't tell Sammi's dad LOL).
Blank Out. Yep, I'm finding more and more occasions where I just can't remember doing something. Like transferring that money from savings to checking (thus resulting in account closure). Now I've found that I must have had an entire dialog with someone about them helping out with some projects at Girls Camp. I guess that's better than the opposite, right? (THINKING I had had the conversation when I really hadn't)
After talking to the HD, she is continuing to believe that I'm in a detox state of being. And probably from everything and maybe even the unknown. The Aspartame, the Tegretol, the Trazadone, and all of the other poisons I've been ingesting all of my life. She thinks that Adrenal Fatigue is definitely a possibility as well. There is a saliva test I can do if I can get in to the doctor's office. That will only confirm or eliminate A.F. But most of the signs are there and so the H.D. recommended to the Cortisol supplement last week, but added more Vitamin C (every few hours) and a Magnesium supplement. The Magnesium should actually even help with sleep, so that's encouraging.
The other new supplement (that Jenna went and picked up for me today) is another amino acid supplement (branched chain, free-form).
I'm going to give up going to Girls Camp this year. It was a big decision, but I just can't do the job justice at this point and must hand it over. I had put in countless hours of preparation in January, February and March and have it pretty well organized but there are always loose ends that need to be tied up in the couple of weeks just before camp and I admit that I do not have the ability to perform these tasks right now, let alone getting myself to camp and running around like the job requires. I really thought I'd break down and start bawling my head off since I love it so much, but I really think it's the right thing to do for the sake of the success of Girls Camp - so I'm ok with it. There will be more Girls Camps in the future and I can focus even more on my recovery. I want to get as healthy as possible and be the best wife, mother and grandmother that I can.
Whenever I can actually made an audible laugh, even though it takes energy, that's energy I'm willing to expend. We have an acquaintance at church who has a serious stuttering problem. He has a daughter named Sammi. Today, Jenna said, "Now I know what it's like to be Sammi and have a parent with a stuttering problem"! I don't know why I found that so amusing, but at least it got me to laugh! (Don't tell Sammi's dad LOL).
Blank Out. Yep, I'm finding more and more occasions where I just can't remember doing something. Like transferring that money from savings to checking (thus resulting in account closure). Now I've found that I must have had an entire dialog with someone about them helping out with some projects at Girls Camp. I guess that's better than the opposite, right? (THINKING I had had the conversation when I really hadn't)
After talking to the HD, she is continuing to believe that I'm in a detox state of being. And probably from everything and maybe even the unknown. The Aspartame, the Tegretol, the Trazadone, and all of the other poisons I've been ingesting all of my life. She thinks that Adrenal Fatigue is definitely a possibility as well. There is a saliva test I can do if I can get in to the doctor's office. That will only confirm or eliminate A.F. But most of the signs are there and so the H.D. recommended to the Cortisol supplement last week, but added more Vitamin C (every few hours) and a Magnesium supplement. The Magnesium should actually even help with sleep, so that's encouraging.
The other new supplement (that Jenna went and picked up for me today) is another amino acid supplement (branched chain, free-form).
I'm going to give up going to Girls Camp this year. It was a big decision, but I just can't do the job justice at this point and must hand it over. I had put in countless hours of preparation in January, February and March and have it pretty well organized but there are always loose ends that need to be tied up in the couple of weeks just before camp and I admit that I do not have the ability to perform these tasks right now, let alone getting myself to camp and running around like the job requires. I really thought I'd break down and start bawling my head off since I love it so much, but I really think it's the right thing to do for the sake of the success of Girls Camp - so I'm ok with it. There will be more Girls Camps in the future and I can focus even more on my recovery. I want to get as healthy as possible and be the best wife, mother and grandmother that I can.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Is there a Dr. House in the house?
Ya know that t.v. show "House" where he identifies strange, unusual and curious medical conditions? THAT'S who I need to talk to!
I haven't posted anything since Friday because I've had another bad spell.
I was feeling decent on Friday. Saturday morning I got up and got dressed, wrote on my blog, did the dishes and then went outside to rest on my lounger and read. I've learned that being in the direct sun seems to zap energy out of me so I was only out there for about 15 minutes. I got dizzy coming in the house so I layed down on the sofa. When I tried to get up, it just wasn't happening. I was weak and just couldn't get off the couch. Then I had the most drastic energy drain episode yet. I got completely zapped and was immovable. Couldn't talk, anything. Jeff and Jensen got me comfortable back in a laying position on the sofa. It passed after about a half hour enough where I could talk again and then about 3 hours later I could eat a sandwich. After about 6 hours on the sofa, I could get up and go to the bathroom but then just went up to bed as long as I was able to move. Still cannot figure out what brings these on. Is it something I eat? drink? medications? What?
Sunday I had no real energy to do anything besides eat and get to the bathroom but at least I was able to do that. Jensen BBQ'd some really yummy steaks and made a great salad as well.
Today, I was able to take a shower and go to a special therapy appointment that Jeff set up. It's called Cranial Sacral Therapy. It's really not like any kind of "therapy" I've ever had. It is a light touch on different placed on my face, head, neck and lower spine. The therapist said that I probably wouldn't have any noticeable improvement for now. I go back on Wednesday.
Since I got home from that therapy appointment from this morning, I have mostly been resting since my energy level is really low, but in the last hour or two I've been thinking about this Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome that I read about a few weeks ago. It's kind of hard to stay sitting up for too long, so I've tried to read what I can. The symptoms are very similar to mine so here I go feeling like I might be self-diagnosing again. I'm going to call the HD about it tomorrow. I'm going to describe my intense fatigue attack that I had on Saturday and she was she has to say.
Jensen is out BBQ'ing again right now under Jeff's watchful eye. It's Memorial Day and we should be at a party or something. What a contrast to how we used to celebrate. Boating, playing, socializing, eating lots of party foods. Well, maybe next year, eh?
I haven't posted anything since Friday because I've had another bad spell.
I was feeling decent on Friday. Saturday morning I got up and got dressed, wrote on my blog, did the dishes and then went outside to rest on my lounger and read. I've learned that being in the direct sun seems to zap energy out of me so I was only out there for about 15 minutes. I got dizzy coming in the house so I layed down on the sofa. When I tried to get up, it just wasn't happening. I was weak and just couldn't get off the couch. Then I had the most drastic energy drain episode yet. I got completely zapped and was immovable. Couldn't talk, anything. Jeff and Jensen got me comfortable back in a laying position on the sofa. It passed after about a half hour enough where I could talk again and then about 3 hours later I could eat a sandwich. After about 6 hours on the sofa, I could get up and go to the bathroom but then just went up to bed as long as I was able to move. Still cannot figure out what brings these on. Is it something I eat? drink? medications? What?
Sunday I had no real energy to do anything besides eat and get to the bathroom but at least I was able to do that. Jensen BBQ'd some really yummy steaks and made a great salad as well.
Today, I was able to take a shower and go to a special therapy appointment that Jeff set up. It's called Cranial Sacral Therapy. It's really not like any kind of "therapy" I've ever had. It is a light touch on different placed on my face, head, neck and lower spine. The therapist said that I probably wouldn't have any noticeable improvement for now. I go back on Wednesday.
Since I got home from that therapy appointment from this morning, I have mostly been resting since my energy level is really low, but in the last hour or two I've been thinking about this Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome that I read about a few weeks ago. It's kind of hard to stay sitting up for too long, so I've tried to read what I can. The symptoms are very similar to mine so here I go feeling like I might be self-diagnosing again. I'm going to call the HD about it tomorrow. I'm going to describe my intense fatigue attack that I had on Saturday and she was she has to say.
Jensen is out BBQ'ing again right now under Jeff's watchful eye. It's Memorial Day and we should be at a party or something. What a contrast to how we used to celebrate. Boating, playing, socializing, eating lots of party foods. Well, maybe next year, eh?
Saturday, May 25, 2013
More from the "Book of Cindy"
I'm feeling pretty decent again today! After a little breakfast, I did the detox treatment again (foot bath, aromatherapy, hot herbal tea, coats and blankets). After changing out of my sweaty clothes, I assessed my energy level and was somewhat pleased with how I was feeling. I started planning out my day and what I might attempt. Vacuum, dust, and maybe even a trip to the grocery store. But first, I was going to read some scriptures.
So what kind of message do you think I was trying to be given when I read, "Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means...". LOL OK! OK! I'll take it easy today!
Some of the other scriptures that I made note of over the last couple of weeks:
On May 15, I was feeling down and desperate about the fact that I was not getting any answers about a diagnosis, the widget scripture of the day happened to be: "And it acame to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
Later that afternoon, I met with the Homeopath Doctor and we discussed the theory of Toxicity. I felt like my burden WAS eased to a certain extent and that with detoxification measures I WOULD start to feel better.
On the 19th it was, " But if ye will aturn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all bdiligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.
Anyway, it's a real testament to me that there are inspiring messages for me every day when I read the scriptures. I think anyone with any trial or problem, can and should seek comfort and direction in the scriptures. I think I blogged about this before, but I know that we are loved just as much as any people that have lived before us - the words in the scriptures were commanded to be recorded for us to learn, grow and share from experiences of our ancestors and predecessors and words of wisdom from our Father in Heaven and our brother, Jesus Christ - as well as past and present prophets and apostles.
So what kind of message do you think I was trying to be given when I read, "Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means...". LOL OK! OK! I'll take it easy today!
Some of the other scriptures that I made note of over the last couple of weeks:
On May 15, I was feeling down and desperate about the fact that I was not getting any answers about a diagnosis, the widget scripture of the day happened to be: "And it acame to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the aburdens
which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon
your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye
may stand as bwitnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their cafflictions.
Later that afternoon, I met with the Homeopath Doctor and we discussed the theory of Toxicity. I felt like my burden WAS eased to a certain extent and that with detoxification measures I WOULD start to feel better.
On the 19th it was, " But if ye will aturn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all bdiligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.
Anyway, it's a real testament to me that there are inspiring messages for me every day when I read the scriptures. I think anyone with any trial or problem, can and should seek comfort and direction in the scriptures. I think I blogged about this before, but I know that we are loved just as much as any people that have lived before us - the words in the scriptures were commanded to be recorded for us to learn, grow and share from experiences of our ancestors and predecessors and words of wisdom from our Father in Heaven and our brother, Jesus Christ - as well as past and present prophets and apostles.
Friday, May 24, 2013
What a difference!
I hope this morning's post didn't freak anyone out too much. I WAS feeling really lousy and admittedly a little hopeless.
After I published that post, I continued the detox'ing methods I mentioned. I was sweating like crazy and must have looked pretty pathetic. Soon after all of that, I had a nice conversation with Jensen and ate some lunch. I suddenly realized I wasn't feeling like I was doomed to spend the rest of the day on the couch!
I actually took a shower, got dressed and feel half human again! I have more energy today than I have had any day since last Saturday!
I'm thinking it's no coincidink! Whatever has made the difference, I'm just really grateful.
I keep thinking of the title line of that song by Herman's Hermits - "Something tells me I'm into something good"!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZs6QYFxEJE
After I published that post, I continued the detox'ing methods I mentioned. I was sweating like crazy and must have looked pretty pathetic. Soon after all of that, I had a nice conversation with Jensen and ate some lunch. I suddenly realized I wasn't feeling like I was doomed to spend the rest of the day on the couch!
I actually took a shower, got dressed and feel half human again! I have more energy today than I have had any day since last Saturday!
I'm thinking it's no coincidink! Whatever has made the difference, I'm just really grateful.
I keep thinking of the title line of that song by Herman's Hermits - "Something tells me I'm into something good"!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZs6QYFxEJE
Birds of New Guinea
MENTAL HEALTH:
The Highlight of my day yesterday (Thursday) was
being able to laugh outloud. It was one
of the worst days of my physical, mental and emotional health this year.
First thing in the morning, I WAS able to
unload the dishwasher and get myself something from the kitchen to eat. The rest of the day was in bed or on the
couch. I literally had NO energy. Additionally, the little muscle spasms in my
lower back and right arm are worse. I
can’t lie on my back for more than about 15 minutes at a time (and sometimes
only 1-2 minutes) without my lower back spasming or middle back aching. My right arm was completely useless. I couldn’t even lift myself up to answer the
phone. I can’t talk on the phone lying
down because that requires strength in my arms to hold the phone up. I can’t use speaker-phone lying down because
no one can hear me like that. It took
lots of mental energy to have the confidence that I could even get up to get to
the bathroom.
It’s Friday morning right now. I seem to have a certain level of energy in the mornings and I’m determine
to document my health on this blog, so here I am, struggling to even sit, my
right arm trembling, my feet in a pot of hot water doused with detoxification
essential oils, inhaling air diffused with detox E.O’s, sipping on hot, herbal,
detox tea (roasted dandelion), with flannel pajamas and a coat and the heater
running. Granted it is a rather cold
morning, but I am determined to flush out any toxins that might be causing the
symptoms of my ailments. If sweating like a marathon
runner and my head is spinning even more than usual is detox'ing, then I think it's happening.
Back to the laughing. I really don’t find much on television very
entertaining. I haven’t had the energy
to really get interested in movies since they are usually longer than my recent
attention span of about 20 minutes. I
don’t have the energy to sit up and read or even hold my head up for any length
of time and the back and forth motion of my eyes when reading has a tendency to make me
dizzier. But since it’s so quiet and
lonely in this house all by myself, all day long, I decided for my own sanity
to see what was on t.v. since it seemed that I was destined to be on the couch
indefinitely. I took a look at On Demand
and scrolled through the alphabetized listings.
Finally when I got to the P’s, I saw Planet Earth and watched something
about animals of the world - good thing something interesting came up by then
because I was not going to be able to hold on to the remote for much longer
past the P’s, anyway.
So the program
was capturing my attention to a certain extent….until they got to the part
about the birds of New Guinea (I think) and I suddenly was wide-aware. There are some pretty crazy, strange and
wonderful birds there. They were
HILARIOUS! I could have watched that
part of the program over and over if only I had the strength to push the rewind
button! Maybe I’ll try to do that again
today. It’s still only morning time and
I have enough energy to be typing this, but at least I have that Planet Earth
episode to look forward to when I get to the point of complete listlessness.
PHYSICAL HEALTH: Since most of the frustration of my situation
has been not knowing what the cause is, I’m pretty focused on the theory of
toxicity. When I have the energy to sit
up, I’ve been trying to research this online.
A couple articles I read this morning talk about how I might feel worse
before I feel better. If this indeed is
what I’m suffering from, I have a tendency to believe what they’re saying about
the worse before better statements! I’ve
still not consumed any Aspartame since last Monday, reduced the Tegretol by
100mg as of Tuesday (three nights ago) and reduced the Trazadone from 100mg to
50 mg as of Wednesday night. I also
stopped taking Sudafed altogether with no significant increase of nasal
congestion.
If these symptoms of the last fews days are
related to detoxification from chemicals in my food, beverages and prescribed
medications that I've been ingesting, I think I still would have little idea of what a serious illicit-drug
abusing/addict goes through during THEIR detoxification process.
Of all the reading I’ve done about the detox
process, there hasn’t been anything that directly addresses the intense muscle
fatigue in my right arm or muscle spasms in my back, shoulders and neck. About
a month ago, I hurt my lower left back when bending and twisting to pick
something up. I was in a lot of pain for
about two days. I wasn’t sure how to
treat it except with ice and heat, some essential oils and stretching, so
that’s what I did. I was much better
after about five days. Ever since I’ve
been eliminating the pharmaceuticals and the Aspartame, I’ve had increased
spasming in that exact same area in my lower back that I injured a month
ago. My right arm has the
responsibilities of so many things since I’m right handed. Even the fatigue of using my right side for
“mousing” on my computer seems to contribute to the extreme muscle fatigue and
spasming so I’m trying to get in the habit of mousing on my laptop with my left
hand and not using my right hand for anything on my Smartphone as well. I challenge you to try doing that! It might be harder than you think!
In my un-medically educated brain,
I’m leaning heavily on believing that I’m experiencing detoxification. From what I’ve been reading, it takes at
least three days to get through the worst of it. I still do have a lot of faith that I will
get better. I am so grateful for a
loving, encouraging, supportive and sensitive husband. I can rely on no one except those in the Godhead and my husband. I am truly blessed. I have such deep, undying gratitude for these blessings. No one else truly sees my daily, inner and outer struggles and can address them like these beings in my life.
On a lighter note - for Jeff to give up watching
basketball playoffs to hang out with me, shows his love and sacrifice as well! I know that I said that I’m not really interested
in much on tv or movies, but having a buddy to watch “24” with has been the
best part of trying to stay entertained.
Since we both enjoy it, I don’t feel like I’m
forcing him to hang out with me. I’m
starting to learn more about sports so that when HE’s sick, I’ll actually enjoy
watching sports on t.v. and I can reciprocate and he’ll have
someone to hang out with that can actually offer shared excitement, commentary
and feedback!
We’re on the last season of “24”. I’m thinking I’ll be all better by the
end. Only 20 more episodes. Since we’ve been watching about 3 episodes a
night, I’m going to be better in about 7 days, right?!?
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Part 2
So it seems this blog has more or less turned into a source of documentation and/or journaling more than a true commentary style blog. Some blogs I read are more like novels and others are just random ramblings. However you interpret this one, I do appreciate your time stopping by and offering advise, encouragement and support.
Since my last post soooo long ago (haha):
I got a very loving and encouraging email from Talia who has also recognized my frustrations in being so sedentary. Jenelle had mentioned in a comment after my last blog entry that moving around and doing any kind of exercise would help in a lot of ways.
I got pretty darn excited about receiving a kayak for my birthday last year and I love to snow ski, water ski, and do just about anything or at least TRY just about anything (not skydiving however) - that that should be evidence enough to convince anyone that I want to get out of this house and enjoy life! Talia gave me a link to a 10 minute chair cardio exercise video - and even offered to do it with me via Skype! How cool is that? Anyway, I couldn't wait and clicked on it immediately! It's really, really low key. However, after about one minute of moving my feet and arms around slowly and gently, I was so weak, fatigued and shaky I had to go lay down. Tomorrow my goal is to make it through 2 minutes! Maybe in a few weeks I can build back up to the whole 10 minute workout and by mid-summer be out in my kayak!
I saw the HD this afternoon. She researched the Aspartame Poisoning and still can't say for sure if that could be THE culprit but certainly seems to be A culprit. Her theory is that there could be many things going on. Yep. I concur.
I told her about the Neurologists recommendation to get off the Tegretol gradually and she concurs. Especially since I had those three days of increase energy and less dizziness when I self managed my dosage.
She also is recommending a change in some of my other supplements. For one thing, she is suspicious that I am not processing Folic Acid properly. She changed the type of Vitamin B supplement (this has Folate, not Folic Acid).
In addition, she is suspicious that some of my fatigue is being exacerbated by a possibility of Adrenal Fatigue so she gave me a Cortisol managing product. That SHOULD help with my sleep disorder as well. This will not interact with the Tegretol that I take to sleep. I did tell her that I wish I could go off all pharmaceuticals and could she recommend something more natural to replace the Tegretol besides Melatonin, which I've tried before with little results. (She's not a licensed M.D. so can't suggest or recommend that I go off RX's but at my request, of course she thought it was a great idea).
She recommended I half dose the Tegretol for 3 days and see how I do. If that works, then continue half doses every three days.
One more supplement that she thought would be helpful is Cod Liver Oil. She thought it would help brain function and something else but I can't remember. LOL Classic. She wrote down everything else for me. That's really funny to me.
I'm going to try something else she mentioned to see if I can't get that weird ear pressure thingy to go away. Alternating with hot and Cold washcloths. Will start on that right away because it's REALLY annoying!
Talia and Justin know I really have enjoyed my fizzy drinks over the years, but know I've converted to the NoAspartame Lifestyle now so they suggested I get a SodaStream machine. I've not been up to getting out and purchasing one but right after seeing the Neuro this morning, I stopped at Bed, Bath and Beyond on the way home. They were in a display right when you come in the door, so I grabbed one and bought it! Between my coupon and a rebate, I got a pretty sweet deal on it. When I have the energy to stand up, assemble it and squirt me out an all-natural-ingredients fizzy drink, I will!
Since my last post soooo long ago (haha):
I got a very loving and encouraging email from Talia who has also recognized my frustrations in being so sedentary. Jenelle had mentioned in a comment after my last blog entry that moving around and doing any kind of exercise would help in a lot of ways.
I got pretty darn excited about receiving a kayak for my birthday last year and I love to snow ski, water ski, and do just about anything or at least TRY just about anything (not skydiving however) - that that should be evidence enough to convince anyone that I want to get out of this house and enjoy life! Talia gave me a link to a 10 minute chair cardio exercise video - and even offered to do it with me via Skype! How cool is that? Anyway, I couldn't wait and clicked on it immediately! It's really, really low key. However, after about one minute of moving my feet and arms around slowly and gently, I was so weak, fatigued and shaky I had to go lay down. Tomorrow my goal is to make it through 2 minutes! Maybe in a few weeks I can build back up to the whole 10 minute workout and by mid-summer be out in my kayak!
I saw the HD this afternoon. She researched the Aspartame Poisoning and still can't say for sure if that could be THE culprit but certainly seems to be A culprit. Her theory is that there could be many things going on. Yep. I concur.
I told her about the Neurologists recommendation to get off the Tegretol gradually and she concurs. Especially since I had those three days of increase energy and less dizziness when I self managed my dosage.
She also is recommending a change in some of my other supplements. For one thing, she is suspicious that I am not processing Folic Acid properly. She changed the type of Vitamin B supplement (this has Folate, not Folic Acid).
In addition, she is suspicious that some of my fatigue is being exacerbated by a possibility of Adrenal Fatigue so she gave me a Cortisol managing product. That SHOULD help with my sleep disorder as well. This will not interact with the Tegretol that I take to sleep. I did tell her that I wish I could go off all pharmaceuticals and could she recommend something more natural to replace the Tegretol besides Melatonin, which I've tried before with little results. (She's not a licensed M.D. so can't suggest or recommend that I go off RX's but at my request, of course she thought it was a great idea).
She recommended I half dose the Tegretol for 3 days and see how I do. If that works, then continue half doses every three days.
One more supplement that she thought would be helpful is Cod Liver Oil. She thought it would help brain function and something else but I can't remember. LOL Classic. She wrote down everything else for me. That's really funny to me.
I'm going to try something else she mentioned to see if I can't get that weird ear pressure thingy to go away. Alternating with hot and Cold washcloths. Will start on that right away because it's REALLY annoying!
Talia and Justin know I really have enjoyed my fizzy drinks over the years, but know I've converted to the NoAspartame Lifestyle now so they suggested I get a SodaStream machine. I've not been up to getting out and purchasing one but right after seeing the Neuro this morning, I stopped at Bed, Bath and Beyond on the way home. They were in a display right when you come in the door, so I grabbed one and bought it! Between my coupon and a rebate, I got a pretty sweet deal on it. When I have the energy to stand up, assemble it and squirt me out an all-natural-ingredients fizzy drink, I will!
Missing Component
I don't know why I've not been including this component into this blog, except that one of my symptoms is periodic lack of mental clarity. LOL
I've been on Tegretol for 15 years. This is an anti-seizure medication (and has other diagnoses as well that doctors prescribe it for).
I had a head injury when I was 13 and again in 1994 when I fell off my horse and was unconscious for an undetermined amount of time.
I started have little "mini-seizures" in about 1998 and went to the doctor shortly thereafter. He referred me to a Neurologist who prescribed the Tegretol. I have got the prescription refilled by authorization from my (former) Primary Care Physician) for all of these years.
When I saw a new Neurologist in April, he was surprised that I was taking it for so long. He mentioned that it might be a good idea to consider getting off of the Tegretol once I told him what my "seizures" were like. He doesn't think that they really are seizures. They might be some kind of muscle spasms (I didn't think to ask him more about this). And since I haven't had one for a long time, it would really be worth looking into.
This Neurologist is who ordered the EEG and MRI most recently to investigate the cause of my recent dizziness, fatigue, etc.
I called 5 days after the tests were done and his nurse told me that the results were normal (I actually have a brain - hehe) and nothing outstanding. Yay, no tumors or anything serious like that. I wanted to know if I should start weaning off the Tegretol and had to make an appointment. It seemed so far away that I have been contemplating doing the weaning on my own.
Last Monday, when I still was getting no relief from my symptoms, I eliminated the Aspartame and reduced my dosage of Tegretol by 100mg. Just to see what would happen. I saw the Homeopathic Physician on Wednesday and started the supplements on Thursday. By Thursday afternoon I definitely had more energy and less dizziness and it lasted through Saturday (as I have already written about in the other blog posts).
But, I started having headaches on Friday. I wondered if it was just some sort of withdrawal symptom - but from what? The Aspartame? Not likely - that would have been more immediate as my internet research has revealed. The Tegretol? Maybe. So I went back to the entire 400mg dosage Saturday night just in case the headaches were from that.
My appointment with the Neurologist today: He wants me to go ahead with the reduction in dosage of the Tegretol. He wanted to see the results of the EEG before he recommended this and definitely thinks I should be off of it. I'm to reduce it by 25% over the next two months. I have an appointment to see him again then. At that point, he'll decide how fast I should reduce the rest of it. He told me it might take 6-12 months to completely get off of it from being on it for the ridiculously long amount of time of 15 years.
Questions remain: Will this be the culprit of my woes over the last period of my life where I've becoming almost completely sedentary in all aspects of my life? Is it truly Tegretol Toxicity and not necessarily Aspartame Toxicity? Is the sustained-released Tegretol the culprit of my sudden fatigue attacks? Was Aspartame "poisoning" contributing to Tegretol "poisoning"? Only time will tell, I suppose.
What I would like for my (former) PCP to answer: Why have you been refilling the Tegretol for 15 years without question?
I still have an appointment with the HD this afternoon and will go over all of this with her.
I've been on Tegretol for 15 years. This is an anti-seizure medication (and has other diagnoses as well that doctors prescribe it for).
I had a head injury when I was 13 and again in 1994 when I fell off my horse and was unconscious for an undetermined amount of time.
I started have little "mini-seizures" in about 1998 and went to the doctor shortly thereafter. He referred me to a Neurologist who prescribed the Tegretol. I have got the prescription refilled by authorization from my (former) Primary Care Physician) for all of these years.
When I saw a new Neurologist in April, he was surprised that I was taking it for so long. He mentioned that it might be a good idea to consider getting off of the Tegretol once I told him what my "seizures" were like. He doesn't think that they really are seizures. They might be some kind of muscle spasms (I didn't think to ask him more about this). And since I haven't had one for a long time, it would really be worth looking into.
This Neurologist is who ordered the EEG and MRI most recently to investigate the cause of my recent dizziness, fatigue, etc.
I called 5 days after the tests were done and his nurse told me that the results were normal (I actually have a brain - hehe) and nothing outstanding. Yay, no tumors or anything serious like that. I wanted to know if I should start weaning off the Tegretol and had to make an appointment. It seemed so far away that I have been contemplating doing the weaning on my own.
Last Monday, when I still was getting no relief from my symptoms, I eliminated the Aspartame and reduced my dosage of Tegretol by 100mg. Just to see what would happen. I saw the Homeopathic Physician on Wednesday and started the supplements on Thursday. By Thursday afternoon I definitely had more energy and less dizziness and it lasted through Saturday (as I have already written about in the other blog posts).
But, I started having headaches on Friday. I wondered if it was just some sort of withdrawal symptom - but from what? The Aspartame? Not likely - that would have been more immediate as my internet research has revealed. The Tegretol? Maybe. So I went back to the entire 400mg dosage Saturday night just in case the headaches were from that.
My appointment with the Neurologist today: He wants me to go ahead with the reduction in dosage of the Tegretol. He wanted to see the results of the EEG before he recommended this and definitely thinks I should be off of it. I'm to reduce it by 25% over the next two months. I have an appointment to see him again then. At that point, he'll decide how fast I should reduce the rest of it. He told me it might take 6-12 months to completely get off of it from being on it for the ridiculously long amount of time of 15 years.
Questions remain: Will this be the culprit of my woes over the last period of my life where I've becoming almost completely sedentary in all aspects of my life? Is it truly Tegretol Toxicity and not necessarily Aspartame Toxicity? Is the sustained-released Tegretol the culprit of my sudden fatigue attacks? Was Aspartame "poisoning" contributing to Tegretol "poisoning"? Only time will tell, I suppose.
What I would like for my (former) PCP to answer: Why have you been refilling the Tegretol for 15 years without question?
I still have an appointment with the HD this afternoon and will go over all of this with her.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
So confused
So, Sunday morning was ok, Sunday afternoon was not so ok, and Sunday evening was awful - weak, dizzy, etc.
If, in fact, the Aspartame Poisoning is the culprit, I tried to narrow down what I ate to see if any of it contained the poison. The only thing I came up with, is an ice cream bar I found in the freezer. I used to buy sugar free this and that and I think the ice cream bar may have been a "diet" bar perhaps sweetened by the Aspartame? I really couldn't say since it was not packaged for individual sale, therefore had no printing on the wrapper.
BUT, yesterday, I had an ok day. I had enough energy to vacuum a room and do a couple loads of laundry. After resting for about 1 1/2 hours in the late afternoon, I was able to make dinner. The rest of the evening was spent lying on the sofa since I'd zapped myself of any remaining energy making and eating dinner. I slept ok the night before so I think that helped.
Justin suggested I use my downtime to teach myself the piano since I own one! Great idea, but when I try to sit up on the piano bench, I just don't have the energy to sit up unsupported for any sustained amount of time. Maybe I'll roll a desk chair in there and try again tomorrow.
Last night, I slept about 6 or 6 1/2 hours. I got up feeling ok, made myself something to eat and sat down to rest again. But then I really started losing energy about 10:00. I stood up to try and do some dusting and just got really dizzy. I've been taking all of the supplements prescribed. I'm doing the Essential Oils Detox foot bath again while I'm typing this. I just don't know what works and what doesn't.
If, in fact, the Aspartame Poisoning is the culprit, I tried to narrow down what I ate to see if any of it contained the poison. The only thing I came up with, is an ice cream bar I found in the freezer. I used to buy sugar free this and that and I think the ice cream bar may have been a "diet" bar perhaps sweetened by the Aspartame? I really couldn't say since it was not packaged for individual sale, therefore had no printing on the wrapper.
BUT, yesterday, I had an ok day. I had enough energy to vacuum a room and do a couple loads of laundry. After resting for about 1 1/2 hours in the late afternoon, I was able to make dinner. The rest of the evening was spent lying on the sofa since I'd zapped myself of any remaining energy making and eating dinner. I slept ok the night before so I think that helped.
Justin suggested I use my downtime to teach myself the piano since I own one! Great idea, but when I try to sit up on the piano bench, I just don't have the energy to sit up unsupported for any sustained amount of time. Maybe I'll roll a desk chair in there and try again tomorrow.
Last night, I slept about 6 or 6 1/2 hours. I got up feeling ok, made myself something to eat and sat down to rest again. But then I really started losing energy about 10:00. I stood up to try and do some dusting and just got really dizzy. I've been taking all of the supplements prescribed. I'm doing the Essential Oils Detox foot bath again while I'm typing this. I just don't know what works and what doesn't.
Monday, May 20, 2013
May 20, 2013
I never intended for this blog to become a daily health update for me, but that seems like it's what it has been this year.
Since I've been really sick lately and several people have asked me to keep them informed on any changes, I started emailing updates. I really think I'm boring and annoying so I'm changing over to this blog to report.
To do a catch up, I think I have to do a timeline of sorts, so here goes (if you are current and up-to-date scroll down to "SUNDAY, MAY 19" for the latest......
TIMELINE:
Over the last two or three years I've been slowing down and not feeling myself. Is it age related? Is it hormonal? Is it Hypothyroidism? What the heck has made me feel so lousy. It started about age 52. Not cool.
January 2013:
Saw my OBGYN. No thyroid issues. No change in hormone meds recommended.
Stopped drinking Diet Cola's. Cold turkey. Thought it would make me feel better.
Started dieting. NO weight loss with Herbalife. No weight loss with Weight Watchers (lost 28 lbs with this about a year and a half ago).
Got some sort of flu. Sick for 15 days (into February).
February:
Still not feeling very energetic.
Trying essential oils to boost energy level - no luck.
Trying to boost energy with more vitamins and supplements. - no luck.
Lost 1.5 lbs. Finally.
Went for a little hike up a small canyon with Jordan, Becca, kids and Wilson family. Only got up a short distance and was out of breath, dizzy and seeing spots. Had to stop and go back down. Theory: elevation sickness.
Tinnitis (ringing in ears - especially right) getting much worse.
H
March:
Starting to feel more and more fatigue every day. March 28 had a really rough day due to lack of energy.
Starting drinking a few diet colas for the caffeine/energy factor.
April:
April 4 had extreme dizziness, nausea, extreme fatigue. Laid down in the afternoon and couldn't get up for the rest of the day/evening (while in Utah).
Next day felt a little better so started drive back to Oregon. Noticed my right ear was "itchy".
Next day ear began to hurt like airplane pressure effect.
Next day was completely no energy. Laid on couch ALL DAY. Couldn't get up except to go to bathroom.
Next day went to doctor thinking I had an ear infection. No infection. Got RX for Sudafed to help with post nasal drip.
Had a hard time getting off couch or out of bed for the rest of the month. Saw Neurologist and had and EEG and MRI done.
May:
Still dizzy and very fatigued. Getting Fatigue "Attacks" where I just go completely limp, can't think coherently. I feel slightly drowsy but not enough to fall asleep. Lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 or 4 hours.
Having a lot of trouble with balance. Sometimes walking like a drunk.
Spending hours and hours online trying to line up my symptoms with different health conditions. Some other symptoms going on. Sinusitis?
Went to an ENT. Not sinusitis. No idea of what's wrong.
Read a lot about Aspartame Poisoning.
Stopped consuming anything with Aspartame or Sucralose (including/especially the diet colas).
Next day felt a little better - at least did not have any fatigue "attack" though still very little energy.
Saw a Homeopathic Physician. Got some supplements for energy and dizziness.
Feeling a little better. Could make dinner and enjoy it. (Have only made dinner one other time since April 4). Was able to do a little light housekeeping.
SUNDAY, MAY 19 - Five days after starting with the new supplements had a disasterous day. No energy, lots of dizziness. Very weak. "Micro" muscle spasms in neck, back and shoulders.
Today. Feeling better than yesterday but it's only 2:00. Wondering if I ate or drank something with aspartame yesterday? Hoping for the best......
Since I've been really sick lately and several people have asked me to keep them informed on any changes, I started emailing updates. I really think I'm boring and annoying so I'm changing over to this blog to report.
To do a catch up, I think I have to do a timeline of sorts, so here goes (if you are current and up-to-date scroll down to "SUNDAY, MAY 19" for the latest......
TIMELINE:
Over the last two or three years I've been slowing down and not feeling myself. Is it age related? Is it hormonal? Is it Hypothyroidism? What the heck has made me feel so lousy. It started about age 52. Not cool.
January 2013:
Saw my OBGYN. No thyroid issues. No change in hormone meds recommended.
Stopped drinking Diet Cola's. Cold turkey. Thought it would make me feel better.
Started dieting. NO weight loss with Herbalife. No weight loss with Weight Watchers (lost 28 lbs with this about a year and a half ago).
Got some sort of flu. Sick for 15 days (into February).
February:
Still not feeling very energetic.
Trying essential oils to boost energy level - no luck.
Trying to boost energy with more vitamins and supplements. - no luck.
Lost 1.5 lbs. Finally.
Went for a little hike up a small canyon with Jordan, Becca, kids and Wilson family. Only got up a short distance and was out of breath, dizzy and seeing spots. Had to stop and go back down. Theory: elevation sickness.
Tinnitis (ringing in ears - especially right) getting much worse.
H
March:
Starting to feel more and more fatigue every day. March 28 had a really rough day due to lack of energy.
Starting drinking a few diet colas for the caffeine/energy factor.
April:
April 4 had extreme dizziness, nausea, extreme fatigue. Laid down in the afternoon and couldn't get up for the rest of the day/evening (while in Utah).
Next day felt a little better so started drive back to Oregon. Noticed my right ear was "itchy".
Next day ear began to hurt like airplane pressure effect.
Next day was completely no energy. Laid on couch ALL DAY. Couldn't get up except to go to bathroom.
Next day went to doctor thinking I had an ear infection. No infection. Got RX for Sudafed to help with post nasal drip.
Had a hard time getting off couch or out of bed for the rest of the month. Saw Neurologist and had and EEG and MRI done.
May:
Still dizzy and very fatigued. Getting Fatigue "Attacks" where I just go completely limp, can't think coherently. I feel slightly drowsy but not enough to fall asleep. Lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 or 4 hours.
Having a lot of trouble with balance. Sometimes walking like a drunk.
Spending hours and hours online trying to line up my symptoms with different health conditions. Some other symptoms going on. Sinusitis?
Went to an ENT. Not sinusitis. No idea of what's wrong.
Read a lot about Aspartame Poisoning.
Stopped consuming anything with Aspartame or Sucralose (including/especially the diet colas).
Next day felt a little better - at least did not have any fatigue "attack" though still very little energy.
Saw a Homeopathic Physician. Got some supplements for energy and dizziness.
Feeling a little better. Could make dinner and enjoy it. (Have only made dinner one other time since April 4). Was able to do a little light housekeeping.
SUNDAY, MAY 19 - Five days after starting with the new supplements had a disasterous day. No energy, lots of dizziness. Very weak. "Micro" muscle spasms in neck, back and shoulders.
Today. Feeling better than yesterday but it's only 2:00. Wondering if I ate or drank something with aspartame yesterday? Hoping for the best......
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