☼ alexjuice: About

[Barbarannamated]

Honestly, though at present, I'd rather have hep C, which at least doctors know how to treat, than a totally inexplicable condition that just keeps getting worse.

 

There. I'm a benzo riddled hypochondriac at the moment and my confession is I am hoping for a chronic, incurable, frequently deadly disease as opposed to "???"

 

Alex,

I get it. I said this same thing in different words to someone just recently and was berated to no end. "Count your blessings.... most people would love to be in your position... take up your bed and walk... be grateful you dont have cancer!"

An identified but invisible illness is difficult. An unidentified one that the medical community denies is a whole different ballgame.

Im not very encouraging. I apologize.

Love you, Alex.

[Karma]

Hey Alex,

 

When I was first diagnosed with yeast overgrowth my system was too weak to tolerate prescription anti-fungals. We treated with a homeopathic called Core Cats Claw and immediately started pro-biotics. At some point we also used Smart Silver (not colloidal silver) a nano-type of silver - it is great at eliminating bacteria, fungus and mold. I was started on Magnesium Glycinate at 100 mg and had to work my way up. I think I was at nearly 2000 mg at some point when my body started to respond and I could start backing off on it. But remember I started all of this while on a steady dose of antidepressants and did this gut-healing work before I started to come off of my pmeds.

 

In my opinion, diet is key in starting to work on recovering from yeast overgrowth - eliminate refined sugar, eliminate foods with yeast or other fungus (think mushrooms) ... that's hard enough, but combine that with going gluten free and you'll be wondering what is left that you can eat . There are plenty of foods left to eat - they just may be different than you are used to eating .

 

I'm not a doctor, but I've never heard of an RT3 problem resolving on its own. That could be part of the problem with your sex hormones. However, I recommend that you work with your doctor on one thing at a time. If you start making progress on the yeast and eliminating the parasitic infection, then you can work on the next thing.

 

When I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis I was relieved. Finally, a reason why I felt so crappy and something we could treat. A parasitic infection, reverse T3 (preventing your body from utilizing active T3), and yeast overgrowth syndrome are combined a reasonable explanation for your symptoms. There are a number of options to deal with parasites. There are a tremendous array of options for healing from yeast overgrowth. There is one definite way to resolve an RT3 problem and it will take approximately 12 weeks to clear the RT3 once you start treatment. I think this doctor is on to the root of your problems. Your challenge is going to be taking one thing at a time and having the patience to work through all of the issues.

 

Hang in there, Alex, I think you may start making some progress with this treatment. Although now that I know about hyper-sensitivity caused by discontinuing antidepressants I do have concern that your MD may not understand how slowly you need to take this.

 

Love and light,

Karma

[alexjuice]

Alex,

How are you doing? Lots of changes...

Will be interested to hear how you respond to tyrosine and phenylalamine. I've tried both and they are activating.

I'm curious about the antiparasitic herb vs. antifungal and how she decided on those. I was told by a Naturopath that I have systemic candidiasis but there is no definitive test for it (but he has 'Program for $1500'). I also wonder why antifungals can't treat that, not that I really want to take antifungals. The more I learn, the more confused I get! I admire your fortitude, Alex. You are far stronger than I think you give yourself credit for.

What classes are you taking?

 

Love you!

B

 

Love you too, Barb. You are such an amazing person, full of caring and energy. Thanks for all your support.

 

Yea, tyrosine etc ... I am holding off for now. I changed enough but the main reason I wait, as you say, stimulation isn't what I need right now.

 

I just fungus. Who knows? The lab didn't report back that it was even candida so... Dunno. Doc prescribed diflucan but I'm not scheduled to start it for 6-8 weeks so she expects me to resist death by fungus for that long anyway. I am happy with the time to try diet and also do research. This doc has never dealt with a case like mine. Her recommendations may be incompatible with my best health interest.

 

Classes I am taking.... It's been a bad first week. May have bitten off more than I can chew.

 

Ya know those good windows, how they always seem like they'll last? I was feeling great when I registered, I'll need to pare it back, I think.

 

I am taking psych classes and computer classes, btw. Then again, I may table the whole notion come this time next week. I have missed every class so far... Though I only have 2 classes at the moment.

 

Thanks for all the words of support, barb. I'm gonna hang in. You do the same....

 

best,

Alex

[alexjuice]

Hey Alex,

 

When I was first diagnosed with yeast overgrowth my system was too weak to tolerate prescription anti-fungals. We treated with a homeopathic called Core Cats Claw and immediately started pro-biotics. At some point we also used Smart Silver (not colloidal silver) a nano-type of silver - it is great at eliminating bacteria, fungus and mold. I was started on Magnesium Glycinate at 100 mg and had to work my way up. I think I was at nearly 2000 mg at some point when my body started to respond and I could start backing off on it. But remember I started all of this while on a steady dose of antidepressants and did this gut-healing work before I started to come off of my pmeds.

 

In my opinion, diet is key in starting to work on recovering from yeast overgrowth - eliminate refined sugar, eliminate foods with yeast or other fungus (think mushrooms) ... that's hard enough, but combine that with going gluten free and you'll be wondering what is left that you can eat . There are plenty of foods left to eat - they just may be different than you are used to eating .

 

Yes, I'm supposed to wait as well. Which is good because I am in no condition to take the Rx myself.

 

I am glad you have experienced this. Well not glad, obviously, but I really appreciate and value the perspectives that came from your experience. Right now, I am trying to get my magnesium up as well. I am probably taking 400mg daily. Intracellular mineral analysis found me deficient in mg, zinc and potassium. I supposed to be taking 800mg mg glycinate before bed. My doctor just doesn't get why this poses a problem. Taking zinc as well. She also recommended coq10. I've been taking 50mg of that.

 

How did you know when it was time to back off the mg? I don't seem to respond that well to the mag. It makes me exhausted and seems to disturb other things, maybe it lowers my bp,I should check. Some of my belowthebelt problems have a blood flow component and mag seems to make them worse though not permanently.

 

I don't quite know how to proceed with magnesium. Lately I have been mainly taking it because I can not tolerate the stress and I know I am deficient. But... I am not really happy with how it has been going.

 

I wish knew a couple of things definitively. I am guessing a lot.

 

I'm not a doctor, but I've never heard of an RT3 problem resolving on its own. That could be part of the problem with your sex hormones. However, I recommend that you work with your doctor on one thing at a time. If you start making progress on the yeast and eliminating the parasitic infection, then you can work on the next thing.

 

When I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis I was relieved. Finally, a reason why I felt so crappy and something we could treat. A parasitic infection, reverse T3 (preventing your body from utilizing active T3), and yeast overgrowth syndrome are combined a reasonable explanation for your symptoms. There are a number of options to deal with parasites. There are a tremendous array of options for healing from yeast overgrowth. There is one definite way to resolve an RT3 problem and it will take approximately 12 weeks to clear the RT3 once you start treatment. I think this doctor is on to the root of your problems. Your challenge is going to be taking one thing at a time and having the patience to work through all of the issues.

 

Hang in there, Alex, I think you may start making some progress with this treatment. Although now that I know about hyper-sensitivity caused by discontinuing antidepressants I do have concern that your MD may not understand how slowly you need to take this.

 

Love and light,

Karma

 

Thanks Karma. The T3 will come into play gain. My thing is that rt3 is the only thyroid abnormality. I think that is what is giving her pause. We will check it again in a couple months.

 

In the meantime I've had moments of feling relieved and moments of unsettling uncertainty. I don't know what the parasite even is and I am not responding well to her herbal remedy.

 

I am eating gluten and dairy free and overall my blood glucose is coming down. You are vey right about finding things to eat. My problem, after a year of gut issues, is undernourishment and, after removing stuff I shouldn't eat... I am basically eating meat and veggies and broth. Yesterday, a bad day emotionally, I ate two apples with almond butter nd some blueberries with Evco over 3 hrs.

 

Now I feel guilty.

 

And yea, you are right on the money about this doctor not understanding the psych med part... I've already had to back off a bit on her treatment plan.

 

I agree that taking one thing at a time is my best approach. Right now I have modified diet. I need to make some decisions on getting stress response back in line. One day at a time, I am doing the best I know to do.

 

Thanks for your help, Karma. Really means a lot.

 

best,

Alex

[alexjuice]

Hi Alex, I hope you get some relief soon. You've been through ENOUGH! {{{HUGS}}}

 

LOVE YOU,

Tezza

 

Thanks Tezza... HUGS to you! And love.

 

You are so caring, I am really grateful.

 

Best,

Alex

[alexjuice]

Alex a parasite is so rough on the intestines and you have been having stomach problems. What about Flagyl or something just as strong to get rid of it. Maybe this is the root of you feeling the way you do. You are carrying a parasite.

 

For Candida there is Diflucan tablets. They work very well. Can you tolerat pro-biotics?

 

Alex I can't stand antiobiotics, but you really need to consider a med to rid yourself of the parasite....what is the name of it?

 

I am so sorry you are going thru all of this....

 

Hugs

 

Thanks so much Nikki.

 

I was prescribed diflucan but I am waiting on it to see how some other things go first. The parasite is unknown. This is a good thing in that the lab screens for the nastiest, most likely critters.

 

You touched on sensitivity, I share that problem as well. Plus my body is deficient in some areas -- I have had gut issue for a while -- and the deficiencies impact the sensitivities. In ome cases, I have come to suspect, defecincies in cofactors may be more responsible to bad reactions than oversensitivities to the compound itself.

 

I wish I felt better, though. I don't have the strength to do all the legwork. Lately I have not able to get much done. I get exhausted. Fluctuate from feeling ok to horrifically tresses to completely exhausted. Always try to keep a the balance tilted towards hope but my head can take me to fear which is no good.

 

I think lately a lot of the trailer of the movie The Pianist. And of the "Stay alive" bit from Last of the Mohicans ( good score if in the mood ). That may seem random but messages overlap... Stay alive, keep surviving. That's the only thing I've ever been really good at, not sure it's even a thing one can be good at, but I feel that way. Survive.

 

You know, Nikki, they say eventually all politicians' careers end in failure. In the long run all human beings health ends same way. Long run I will lose. I do know I will lose, long run. In the shorter tems, I can win. I can win because I try to win even though I know I will lose. Try to win, Alex. Keep trying. Outcomes in the long run do not matter. Try to win this moments battle. Sacrifice along the way. Making choices is key. I don't have a great hand.

 

I have just enough to win today and make it to tomorrow. And I'll go from there. I do need to minimize mistakes as best I can though.

 

Yes, Nikki, it is a challenge for us. I hope you are hanging in there. Keep hanging in there.

 

Alex

[Karma]

Hi Alex

 

On the magnesium ... I can tell when I'm taking too much magnesium due to bowel tolerance. At the risk of providing too much information ... one should have several bowel movements daily ... ideally the stool should be firm and shaped like a relaxed "s." If it is too loose then I would cut back on the magnesium.

 

I think I posted somewhere about a liquid magnesium that might be an alternative if you cannot take enough oral magnesium.

 

Love ya, Alex.

 

Karma

[alexjuice]

Update

 

I haven't been around much. Lousy stretch.

 

1. I am waiting to deal with my parasitic infection. Heard reports of this lab, of frequent UFOs in the gut that turn out to be nothing. Not sure that lab's parasite tests are meaningful.

 

2. Restarted niacinamide to cope with anxiety and help with blood flow to testes. Promising start.

 

3. Seeing urologist about ongoing dried blood from prostate?testicles?

 

4. Short term memory faltering. Take a pill then can't remember if I've taken.

 

5. Swollen, itchy from wasp attack. Traumatized a little. I went outside, saw a huge nest and really panicked ... Hadn't realized how much that assault shock me up.

 

6. Fearful. Tired. Cortisol mornings. Can't take the heat or sun. Hypochondriasis.

 

7. Diet been terrific for 2plus weeks. Gluten free, no corn, no dairy except some raw milk organic aged cheese one time. Meat, veggies, oil, mostly. Probiotic. EFAs.

 

8. Postponed college courses until July.

 

9. Planning "leaky gut" test... This week probably.

 

....

Plan to change elements of treatment plan. Any changes deliberated and risk-adjusted. I think I'll be better soon.

 

 

Thanks so much guys.

 

Alex

[Altostrata]

Whew! Good to hear from you, Alex.

 

How has your digestion reacted to the diet?

 

Did you feel any better after the B12 shot?

 

Can you get an exterminator to destroy the wasp nests? Maybe the county or city, as a public hazard?

 

Big hugs, kiddo.

[annej]

Hi Alex,

 

Just wanted to say hello and let you know that I am thinking of you.

 

I hope you are feeling better after your wasp attack. That hive has got to go. Any plans to get an estimate from an exterminator?

 

Hugs, Annej

[Nikki]

Hi Alex....

 

As you address each issue on your list.....cross it off. One more thing accomplished

[alexjuice]

Whew! Good to hear from you, Alex.

 

How has your digestion reacted to the diet?

 

Did you feel any better after the B12 shot?

 

Can you get an exterminator to destroy the wasp nests? Maybe the county or city, as a public hazard?

 

Big hugs, kiddo.

 

Thanks for the hugs. I have an ex girlfriend who used to call me kiddo... Takes me back... To another life...

 

I am doing well on the diet I think. Maybe getting a little bit too much fat, dunno. I know GAPS is really pro fat but I don't have the sturdiest organs. But, overall, diet has been great, more frequent BMs, etc. I've never eaten so many vegetables which is great. So overall going well.

 

I didn't react much to the b12 shot either way though I'd been supplementing for a while before I took it. A second test showed much improved levels so I consider the shot a success. Hopefully I am better absorbing nutrients.

 

We do plan to annihilate the dang wasps. We have a ton. I talked to a pharmacist about my ordeal. He thinks it was my cell phone, that the color or resonance agitates them. Twice I was stung while on my cell phone. First time in the ear just above the phone. Second time almost every hit was on my right hand, wrist, neck, shoulder, back of head and ear. I was holding my phone in my right hand to my ear. Anyway, I take comfort in this, whether it is true or not. And feel safer walking outside since I avoid using my phone around the yard.

 

I feel really weak overall, though. Can't sleep much. Just feel like things aren't right. I'll have more to add soon, I hope.

 

Alex

[alexjuice]

On further reflection, I intend to lookinto b12 further. The urinalysis suggesting I was fine came just two weeks after blood labs showing suboptimal levels. The second doctor, on the basis of her lab, told me I shouldn't worry about B supplementation, that I was more than good and needed to address other concerns.

 

In the interim, I've taken sublingual B's far less religiously and not had further injection., I've become more lethargic and forgetful.

 

Connection? Hmmmm....

[Altostrata]

B12 is stored in the liver but can become depleted under certain circumstances such as malnutrition or malabsorption.

 

A B12 shot delivers a nice big slug to top up the liver. If the malabsorption continues, this may be helpful periodically.

 

They say sublinguals are just as good, but a shot of 1000mcg is going to get into you faster and more effectively.

 

From your pal Chris Kresser http://chriskresser.com/b12-deficiency-a-silent-epidemic-with-serious-consequences

 

Some recent studies have suggested that high dose oral or nasal administration may be as effective as injections for those with B12 malabsorption problems. However, most B12 experts still recommend injections for people with pernicious anemia and advanced B12 deficiency involving neurological symptoms.

 

Cyanaocobalamin is the most frequently used form of B12 supplementation in the US. But recent evidence suggests that hydroxycobalamin (frequently used in Europe) is superior to cyanocobalamin, and methylcobalamin may be superior to both – especially for neurological disease.

In severe withdrawal, I used to give myself B12 shots weekly for months. They definitely made me feel better.

 

(Now, I guess I have enough B12 in me, sublingual B12 is too stimulating.)

[alexjuice]

Quick Update:

 

Liver tests back, not great.

 

ALT (61) elevated

Creatinine .68 (low)

 

Also have considerable pain in the liver area... Not pleased.

 

Get updated testosterone soon. 8.x free, 430 total in mid may. Hopefully I at least held serve.

 

What is the liver issue? Dammit

....

 

... Wasp stings... I've made a full recovery. So happy I declined the steroid shot... I credit this community. Thanks guys.

 

If I can't figure things out soon, I may look outside my city for help. My intestinal and now liver issues, plus fungus and parasite... I can't find a doctor in town to grasp the whole picture... I have insurance and may soon look for a referral to a clinic, though not sure where.

[alexjuice]

UPDATE:

 

Bad weeks.

 

More tired, confusion and memory problems, abdominal pains, food reactions - numbness, itchyness, circulation problems. Sex organ problems. Just so tired and weak and confused. Often anxious. I had some bloodwork and everything for the most part came back great, liver stuff not ideal. Glucose better. Haven't eaten gluten in a month. Trying homemade yogurt again.

 

Maybe some better times ahead.

 

Also, I setup meetings with two new psychiatrists, I think each is a good prospect relative to teh field but I doubt either will take me on based on the many "no's" i got last time I went looking when I was able to half-fire my old shrink, FG. I'd really like to get out of the situation I'm in but retain the flexibility I have to stay on or taper off my meds at a reasonable rate relative to my risk profile.

 

Lastly, I am frustrated because I see too many doctors. On occasion I see two shrinks, my therapist is an MD, I am a regular at my GP's office, I've talked to doctors by phone consult, I have seen a gastro and have been trying to see a neurologist. I've seen a urologist too. Anyway, one of them will advise me, say my integrative doc to take A and then another, say my urogolist, tells me NO! Don't do that. Who's telling you that? Is he a urologist?...

 

Plus none of them (for the most part) have a clue about my w/d issues so all of the advice is handicapped. But I've been given specific instructions and then warned thereafter by a specialist not to follow them. I dunno. So anyway, I'll just guess.

 

Give me door #2.

 

Alex

[Nikki]

Alex are the problems you are experiencing from the fast taper from Effexor and Risperdal?

 

You mentioned other meds prior to these two. I think these drugs have a cumulative effect.

Do you think that is what happened?

 

Do you think that a Macrobiotic Diet may help bolster your immune system? It is supposed to be able to reverse lots of ailments.

 

I should put myself on a Macrobiotic Diet

 

Hugs

[alexjuice]

Alex are the problems you are experiencing from the fast taper from Effexor and Risperdal?

 

You mentioned other meds prior to these two. I think these drugs have a cumulative effect.

Do you think that is what happened?

 

Do you think that a Macrobiotic Diet may help bolster your immune system? It is supposed to be able to reverse lots of ailments.

 

I should put myself on a Macrobiotic Diet

 

Hugs

 

Hi Nikki,

 

Thanks for the hugs. My drugging and bad withdrawal are heavily enmeshed in the causes of my current problems. It's hard to say. Like my stomach problems may not be entirely from w/d because other things such as high dose antibiotic therapy could have had prominent role. But I had to go on antibiotics bc of a physical injury that occurred in withdrawal and I was too confused from the withdrawal to understand what was happening.

 

Also, being I withdrawal I've reacted more poorly to everything. Also I put some heavy mileage on my body during my drugged years. Ive talked a length about substance abuse. But also I had a suicide attempt, a real one. I was awake a few hrs in the er. The main two things I remember was the effects of the charcoal..nuff said. And, also an exchange with the er doc. He said I was lucky. I asked if my liver survived. I had taken the hemlock elixir ... No details, but not so good on my liver.

 

I can't prove it of course. But, I believe that I'd never have been a substance abuser and never attempted suicide if not for the drugs. So it's a mess.

 

Probably, I have some dysfunction caused not primarily caused by w/d but indirectly resulting From it and hopefully I will be fine.

 

Things have been a different tone for me since Febuary. It's not been a normal setback, like a w/d setback. I feel badly.

 

I don't know what kind of diet that is... Does it include meat, vegetables, animal products, oil (fish, olive, coconut, etc)?

 

You're a nice person, Nikki. I hope you're doing ok.

[alexjuice]

UPDATE:

 

Very little sleep on Tuesday snowballed into very bad Wednesday and Thursday. In recovery mode.

 

Abdominal pains. Hands swelled a bit, left one especially. Red and painful. This is much better now than earlier. Possibly some inflammation in the kidney. Really bubbly urine again. I went to the er in Feb with the same symptoms, which have mostly gotten better. But, anyway, they are back. I may go to the doctor tomorrow if things stay bad. I don't know.

 

I slept for 10 hrs last night. And now it's 5 in the morning after a bad day and I want to sleep.

 

Rechecked b12. After two injections and two monts of regular supplementation, my levels came back high. 1100 (375 or something before, from memory). So I'm all set there.

 

Parasite might be more serious than I thought. I don't look good. Under 150 lbs for first time since I was 17. Anyway c'est la vie.

 

I screwed up. Pushed it, too fast, impatient...

 

Alex

[Skyler]

 

I screwed up. Pushed it, too fast, impatient...

 

Alex

 

Hi Alex, I'm really sorry to hear of the uptick in symptoms. You need relief, and yet withdrawal and other issues continue to continue. Dreadful. You say you screwed up, went to fast, were impatient. I think you have had the patience of the proverbial, and need applause for your courage and forbearance. In no way would I have had the tenacity and strength to endure that you have shown. You have my most sincere admiration.

 

I hope you get some relief soon, as well as find some sleep for today. ~S

[Barbarannamated]

Well said, Schuyler.

 

Patience, endurance, fortitude, sticktuitiveness... Energizer bunny x Timex.

 

You are amazing, Alex. I hope you realize that.

 

And you are very much loved and admired.

 

B

[alexjuice]

 

 

I screwed up. Pushed it, too fast, impatient...

 

Alex

 

Hi Alex, I'm really sorry to hear of the uptick in symptoms. You need relief, and yet withdrawal and other issues continue to continue. Dreadful. You say you screwed up, went to fast, were impatient. I think you have had the patience of the proverbial, and need applause for your courage and forbearance. In no way would I have had the tenacity and strength to endure that you have shown. You have my most sincere admiration.

 

I hope you get some relief soon, as well as find some sleep for today. ~S

 

Thanks. That maybe doesn't sound like a lot but it means a lot.

[alexjuice]

Well said, Schuyler.

 

Patience, endurance, fortitude, sticktuitiveness... Energizer bunny x Timex.

 

You are amazing, Alex. I hope you realize that.

 

And you are very much loved and admired.

 

B

 

Thanks so much Barb. Today bad again, really tough.

 

It means a lot. I wish I could be around more. I wish...a lot of things, ya know.

 

Love you, barb... Thanks again.

[alexjuice]

UPDATE:

Went to the walkin clinic with abdominal bloating, edema, skin discoloration, pains and urinary symptoms. Doc referred me to the ER. So back to the ER... Seriously I probably went years NS years between ER visits and now... Actually the doc at the clinic was a nice guy. He called the er to tell them about me and a few hrs later left a message on my cell phone to see if I was okay.

 

At the er... Urinalysis came back ok. Some WBCs and RBCs but no protein... Labs were okay, for the er, same liver crap but kidneys okay by tests... They wanted to CT me and I, wanting the images agreed. They checked my head (for tumors I suppose) and abdomen (to check organs)... I regret taking the damn radiation since they didn't find anything... I refused the IV contrast, and am glad I did though it raised the expected eyebrows...

 

I've put on 7 pounds in the last few days -- water weight -- and look like crap, skinny with a distended belly. My hands hurt, not so swollen nd shiny as before though. Headache. Ate first food at 5 or 6pm bc no appetite and swollen tummy. in a couple weeks I'll be 10 or more lbs lighter...

 

Referred to internal medicine, appt tomorrow.

 

Time heals and kills, so I like knowing for sure what my possible futures are.

 

My back hurts. I lack the energy to leave the house. My eyes are bloodshot so I don't want to drive, I'm scared I'll end up in jail looking like I look, especially with the needle marks from the lab. Luckily my mom is on break, she is a teacher, and can drive me around a bit.

 

Gonna try to sleep well. When I feel better I'm gonna draft rules for going to the ER... Doctors scare me because they don't understand my symptoms and I end up taking blasts of dang radiation bc I'm scared that they're uncertain. I should know by now not to let octors guess at me... This is always easier in hindsight.

 

Ok, here be the rules...

 

Never again will I get scared into the ER unless I have

 

1. Ingested a poison

2. Bleeding wound (or river of blood as poop)

3. Concussion

4. Body temp over 103/under 95

 

That's it. They don't get it and do more harm than good. Damn radiation to the brain, c'mon Alex.

[Barbarannamated]

I'm sorry, Alex. I miss ypu when youre not around, but always hope it's because you're doing better.

 

Someday... a coffeehouse, good tunes, good company...

[alexjuice]

Someday... a coffeehouse, good tunes, good company...

 

You betcha!

[Altostrata]

Big hugs for you, Alex. Hang in there.

[alexjuice]

Thanks, Alto. I'll hang in til there's nothing left to hang onto.

 

Update:

 

So I took home copies of my labs but not the radiologist report on the ct scan. While the ER doc said it was fine, it was ER fine. CT shows 8mm nodule on left adrenal gland. I don't know how significant this is, I've only just learned of it, but obviously adrenal function is significant in my big picture (w/d, etc) which isn't going to be of interest to an er doc.

 

So I'm glad I got a copy of the report and feel better about getting the dang CT since there was actually a finding.

 

I'll have to look into the matter and see what it means.

 

Alex

[Skyler]

So I took home copies of my labs but not the radiologist report on the ct scan. While the ER doc said it was fine, it was ER fine. CT shows 8mm nodule on left adrenal gland. I don't know how significant this is, I've only just learned of it, but obviously adrenal function is significant in my big picture (w/d, etc) which isn't going to be of interest to an er doc.

Alex

With all the symptoms you are having getting the report would seem important... were I you, I'd sure be wondering. The only way I can see all those symptoms would be related were if there is something endocrine going on, and with that finding... keep us posted. ~S

[alexjuice]

Thanks Schuyler,

 

I need to meet with an endocrinologist about it. I've been feeling so poorly lately... I wish there was a doctor here in whose competency I could trust.

 

I appreciate the support.

[Barbarannamated]

Good pick up, Alex! I dont know what that would signify, but you have been experiencing endocrine problems and it's all related in those feedback loops, so definitely worth checking out.

 

YAY!! Isnt it a bit twisted when we're relieved that labs or scans come back ABNORMAL?! Oh well, normal is waaay overrated!

 

QUICK SEARCH: Adrenals make testosterone and estrogen in addition to cortisol.

 

 

http://surgery.med.umich.edu/general/endocrine/patient/conditions/adrenal/adrenal.shtml

[Karma]

Hey Alex,

 

These drugs do impact our adrenal function, but the problem is finding a physician who gets it and can treat it. However, having the scan showing a nodule on the adrenal gland may get you more interest than just presenting with the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

 

I'm cheering for you, Alex - you deserve to find a competent practitioner who can help you find your way back to health.

 

Karma

[alexjuice]

Thanks guys. Karma I have to confess I am losing hope of finding a helpful practioner. The integrative doctor I'd been seeing has been a disappointment. I caught her in a lie, for one. And she displays strong narcissistic tendencies. She was featured in a magazine about my city and it is plastered in frames all over her office. Also she doesn't want to be primary care doc. Her main focus is optimizing health for people well-off enough to afford her. So a lot of weight loss, anti aging and sales pitches.

 

I am trying to find a doctor, like one to oversee my care. My GP is a great guy but he doesn't work this beat. I plan to make calls this week.

 

UPDATE

 

I think my problem is hormonal. I've had flagged cortisol, dhea,s, DHT... Low testosterone though technically in range. However the range is a joke. According to lef.org:

 

The Life Extension Foundation recommends that men strive for a free testosterone level that is in the upper one-third range for men aged 21 to 49 years. The range of free testosterone serum level is 20 to 25 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL), using our current testing methodology.

 

I am 33 with a free T around 9.

 

So, how has this happened? Well it started with an overwhelming pair of detox baths resulting in profuse sweating and disorientation. Since I've run a low body temp, low bp, etc... I became very anxious about my symptoms. I started losing weight NS had mono like symptoms which provoked anxiety. things then got worse following some espresso in late March. I lost libido and experienced dramatic changes to sex organs. I've continued with these symptoms for 3 months.

 

I think it's possible my hormones are simply spun out. However, I've also learned that I have parasitic and fungal infections of unknown severity. It's possible that the parasites have invaded other organs such as the liver...

 

I have more testing out that will hopefully make things more clear.

 

Because of these goingson, I have been steadily deteriorating. My therapist has noted several times that I am struggling to finish compound sentences, that it's apparent I am not able to recall what I have said. She is an MD is sufficiently concerned that he's been calling to learn of my test results. Because she sees me each week, she has noticed the beard on my face continues to sparseness.

 

I feel frustrated because no doctor understands withdrawal and the damage that's been done to my gi... It is thn not possible to contextualize my symptoms.

 

Frustrating. Maybe this week will be better...

[inmediares]

Alex:

 

Good luck to you. I also have a variety of hormonal issues -- low testosterone and thyroid in particular along with low vitamin D levels. My issues are quite moderate in contrast to what you're experiencing, but I can appreciate what a challenge it can be to cope with the symptoms, as well as find someone who can help treat them. I hope you're able to find someone competent soon.

[Barbarannamated]

Alex,

You have been through so much and I know you are going to come thru this victorious.

 

A question I've pondered ... is it necessary to attribute these effects to WITHDRAWAL as opposed to years of multiple toxic drug USE over many years? We have plenty of evidence/scientific literature that neuroleptics and SSSRIs interfere with endocrine/HPA axis including gonadal function and prolactin levels (all a cascade of feedback loops). Also, opiates deplete testosterone. Some guidelines recommend monitoring testosterone levels while on opiates, something that was never mentioned to me.

 

All to say, is it perhaps hindering you/us when we attempt to explain that "withdrawal" is causing the chaos rather than "I took drugs a, b, c, d, e, f, x, y, z for 10/15 years and now understand that they cause endocrine damage. Can you help me?"

 

Just thinking out loud, Alex. I'm sorry you're going thru all of this crap. It really pisses me off.

 

B

[Skyler]

A question I've pondered ... is it necessary to attribute these effects to WITHDRAWAL as opposed to years of multiple toxic drug USE over many years?

 

Well said.. good point. The two issues are conflated, and they really are different outcomes. Both deplorable, but better understood separately. ~S