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!