☼ alexjuice: About

[Meimeiquest]

I am really so sorry for your past and recent troubles. You may ( or may not) get something from Dr. Mercola's website....it would be mercola.com, search the site for "toxic mold." Wishing you the best, meimeiquest

[alexjuice]

Just wanted to tell you that you that I think you are very strong. I read your thread this morning and you have been through the ringer to say the least.

 

It helps me to see the strength in myself.

 

I have a silly suggestion, but it helps my husband and I and is very gentle. We both drink dandelion tea. I helps promote liver function. Tastes nasty but after a while it grows on you. You can find it usually in the health food section of a grocery store, and it's always at health food stores.

 

Continued strength to you. You are fighting the good fight.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, dunerbug. I am careful to limit introductions and I recently started a new batch of everything. If the liver issues persist, I will look into the dandelion tea for certain.

 

Also, I hope you read the abridged version of the thread, otherwise there went your morning!

[alexjuice]

I am really so sorry for your past and recent troubles. You may ( or may not) get something from Dr. Mercola's website....it would be mercola.com, search the site for "toxic mold." Wishing you the best, meimeiquest

 

Thanks for the suggestion, meimeiquest.

 

I am familiar with Dr. Mercola. He did a series on toxic mold actually. And an interview with a well known toxicologist, maybe Dr. Thrasher. So i have definitely checked his site out and I've incorporated some elements of his approach with my doctor's treatment plan.

 

Best to you,

Alex

[alexjuice]

UPDATE:

 

1.) Resume BZD taper.

 

2.) Dietary/supplement experimentation for vascular/tissue symptoms.

 

3.) Possible thyroid supplementation.

 

Adjustment to diflucan has been moderately difficult. Lots of time in bed, pain but not too bad on psych symptoms other than brain fog and bad writing. Been feeling lonely lately -- a good sign I think. I'd really like to normalize sleep. Sunlight is my friend during this infectious challenge, but it will be tough while tapering another round. Man, I'm so tired .... of .... this.

 

Clay has helped a lot.

 

For benzo insomnia I intend to try 100mg theanine which has helped in the past.

[Altostrata]

Sending good wishes your way, Alex.

 

Your doctor is closely monitoring your liver enzymes, right? This is very important.

[alexjuice]

Sending good wishes your way, Alex.

 

Your doctor is closely monitoring your liver enzymes, right? This is very important.

 

Thanks for the good wishes.

 

I'm doing poorly with damn w/d anxiety and freaking out a little bit about my liver. I guess my doctor is monitoring them, she'll get some blood back next week with those numbers ... I hate anxiety.

 

Hope everyone else is feeling okay today.

[Jemima]

I'm doing poorly with damn w/d anxiety and freaking out a little bit about my liver. I guess my doctor is monitoring them, she'll get some blood back next week with those numbers ... I hate anxiety.

 

 

If I'd have gone through everything you've been through I doubt I'd even be coherent, let alone dealing well with anxiety. After all the harm doctors have done to you, it strikes me as quite courageous to even go near one of them.

 

I'm wishing you all the very best on your journey back to health.

[tezza]

I agree with Jemima, Alex, you're one brave guy!!

 

BIG HUG

[Karma]

Hi Alex

 

When my liver enzymes show up elevated I take Silymarin. My understanding is that Silymarin or Milk Thistle helps the liver to detox. I am allergic to Milk Thistle as a plant so I've been advised to take the extract which is Silymarin.

 

I've not experienced any withdrawal symptoms while taking Silymarin.

 

Love you, Alex

 

 

Karma

[alexjuice]

Hi Alex

 

When my liver enzymes show up elevated I take Silymarin. My understanding is that Silymarin or Milk Thistle helps the liver to detox. I am allergic to Milk Thistle as a plant so I've been advised to take the extract which is Silymarin.

 

I've not experienced any withdrawal symptoms while taking Silymarin.

 

Love you, Alex

 

 

Karma

 

Thanks for the tip, Karma.

 

Love ya back and hope you are doing ok. I am hangin in over here.

[aza]

 

I hear you, Alex. I had a crap day and am now eating brownies (at least it's gluten free?). Sweets are one thing I have the hardest time not giving into.

 

I know what you mean. I'm gonna do everything. I'm two days sober on sweets. Ready to make a run... :-)

 

About the teeth... I have had problems with receding gums from an early age (runs in the family). Made much worse by brushing my teeth wrong and by acid foods and beverages (and sugar). I find it helps to use toothpaste with a good amount of baking soda to neutralize the acid. I use Arm and Hammer. As for the flouride, I've heard it's bad... my boyfriend uses only non-flouride toothpaste. But if I use his toothpaste for more than a week, my teeth start feeling really sensitive.

 

Yea, I've heard fluoride is bad. The GAPS sites are anti-fluoride though I haven't investigated why so. I'm gonna try his paste for a week or two then run away. Nothing everyday but insulin... Luckily, I don't have diabetes.

 

Alex

 

Hi Alex,

 

I'm curious how the non-fluoride toothpaste worked out for you. I've read some disturbing info regarding fluoride and I am useing a water filter to filter out the fluoride from my drinking water but still useing fluoride toothpaste. I want to change this to see if I feel better when not useing fluoride toothpaste.

 

I don't know anything about non fluoride toothpaste got any ideas? I need something that is easy on the gums.

 

I have only been able to find one toothpaste that doesn't make my teeth hurt. And thats "golgate total" with fluoride and Triclosan.

 

Thanks.

[alexjuice]

Hi Alex,

 

I'm curious how the non-fluoride toothpaste worked out for you. I've read some disturbing info regarding fluoride and I am useing a water filter to filter out the fluoride from my drinking water but still useing fluoride toothpaste. I want to change this to see if I feel better when not useing fluoride toothpaste.

 

I don't know anything about non fluoride toothpaste got any ideas? I need something that is easy on the gums.

 

I use a fluoride free toothpaste off the shelf. There are a few brands available at Whole Foods or a health food store. I can't recommend any specific brand.

 

What page on the thread was this fluoride discussion?? You've been busybusybusy reading, I think.

[aza]

This one seems to have it all. . . Sodium Fluoride

 

This is a very long collection of articles and documents on fluoride and it's effects,

 

Here is a quote,

 

"Fluoride a key dumbing down ingredient of Prozac and Sarin nerve gas -- poisons of choice for tyrant rats.

 

First of all, it needs to be stated that the 'substance' referred to as 'Fluoride' is a misnomer - there is no such substance listed in the periodic chart of the elements, nor in the prestigious CRC handbook, nor in the sacred 'bible' of the pharmaceutical industry - the illustrious 'Merck Index'. Instead, we find a GAS called Fluorine - and from the use of this gas in various industries such as aluminium manufacturing and the nuclear industry -certain toxic by-products are created which have 'captured' fluorine molecules. One such toxic, poisonous 'by-product' is called sodium Fluoride - which according to the Merck Index is primarily used as rat and cockroach poison and is also the active ingredient in most toothpastes and as an "additive to drinking water". But sadly, there is much more to this sordid tale.

 

Did you know that sodium Fluoride is also one of the basic ingredients in both PROZAC (FLUoxetene Hydrochloride) and Sarin Nerve Gas (Isopropyl-Methyl-Phosphoryl FLUORIDE) - (Yes, folks the same Sarin Nerve Gas that terrorists released on a crowded Japanese subway train!).

 

Let me repeat: the truth the American public needs to understand is the fact that Sodium Fluoride is nothing more (or less) than a hazardous waste by-product of the nuclear and aluminium industries. In addition to being the primary ingredient in rat and cockroach poisons, it is also a main ingredient in anesthetic, hypnotic, and psychiatric drugs as well as military NERVE GAS! Why, oh why then is it allowed to be added to the toothpastes and drinking water of the American people?

 

Historically, this substance was quite expensive for the worlds' premier chemical companies to dispose of - but in the 50's and 60's - Alcoa and the entire aluminium industry - with a vast overabundance of the toxic waste - SOMEHOW sold the FDA and our government on the insane (but highly profitable) idea of buying this poison at a 20,000% markup and then injecting it into our water supply as well as into the nation's toothpastes and dental rinse. Yes that's right folks, a 20,000% markup. Consider also that when sodium Fluoride is injected into our drinking water, its level is approximately 1 part-per-million (ppm), but since we only drink ½ of one percent of the total water supply, the hazardous chemical literally 'goes down the drain' and voila - the chemical industry has not only a free hazardous waste disposal system - but we have also PAID them handsomely in the process!!

 

Independent scientific evidence over the past 50 plus years has shown that sodium fluoride shortens our life span, promotes various cancers and mental disturbances, and most importantly, makes humans stupid, docile, and subservient, all in one neat little package. There is increasing evidence that aluminium in the brain is a causative factor in Alzheimer's Disease, and evidence points towards sodium fluoride's strong affinity to 'bond' with this dangerous aluminium (remember it is a by-product of aluminium manufacturing) and also it has the ability to 'trick' the blood-brain barrier by imitating the hydrogen ion thus allowing this chemical access to brain tissue."

 

The FDA has never approved fluoride as a drug to prevent tooth decay. No double blind studies to prove efficacy. It has never been submitted for approval to the FDA.

[alexjuice]

...."Fluoride a key dumbing down ingredient of Prozac and Sarin nerve gas -- poisons of choice for tyrant rats....

 

I am not that passionate about flouride. I don't use it and you don't have to.

 

Aza, let's shuffle these types of discussions to the relevant threads or start new threads on the particular topic. My intro thread is already very long.

[aza]

 

...."Fluoride a key dumbing down ingredient of Prozac and Sarin nerve gas -- poisons of choice for tyrant rats....

 

I am not that passionate about flouride. I don't use it and you don't have to.

 

Aza, let's shuffle these types of discussions to the relevant threads or start new threads on the particular topic. My intro thread is already very long.

 

Thanks alexe will do.

[aza]

 

 

...."Fluoride a key dumbing down ingredient of Prozac and Sarin nerve gas -- poisons of choice for tyrant rats....

 

I am not that passionate about flouride. I don't use it and you don't have to.

 

Aza, let's shuffle these types of discussions to the relevant threads or start new threads on the particular topic. My intro thread is already very long.

 

Thanks alexe will do.

 

Alexe I have created a thread in "symptoms and self care" on fluoride "Fluoride a key dumbing down ingredient of Prozac." If you want to move the post in your thread on fluoride into my new topic on fluoride that would be great. Sorry to be such a pest!

 

Thankyou

[Jemima]

 

 

 

...."Fluoride a key dumbing down ingredient of Prozac and Sarin nerve gas -- poisons of choice for tyrant rats....

 

I am not that passionate about flouride. I don't use it and you don't have to.

 

Aza, let's shuffle these types of discussions to the relevant threads or start new threads on the particular topic. My intro thread is already very long.

 

Thanks alexe will do.

 

Alexe I have created a thread in "symptoms and self care" on fluoride "Fluoride a key dumbing down ingredient of Prozac." If you want to move the post in your thread on fluoride into my new topic on fluoride that would be great. Sorry to be such a pest!

 

Thank you

 

And I moved the flouride thread to Off-topic since it isn't related to surviving antidepressants.

[alexjuice]

UPDATE:

 

Liver enzymes came back down afer medication modification.

 

BZD taper symptoms have been less severe than expected, maybe b/c the antifungal I take affects the bzds, making them stronger?

 

I'm trying dietary changes to keep things moving.

 

Reflux has been worse. Vascular pain is ongoing.

 

I don't know if I am ever going to be the same. Of course, I'll never be the same but I don't know that I will "recover" from the infectious part of my situation.

 

It's really unhealthy for me that I've gone six months without talking to anyone on the telephone except my mother and sister. Of course, I've had no social outings. I think I would do better with human interaction but I am very weak and not sure what I could do.

[dunerbug]

Glad to hear about the liver enzymes!

 

 

Socializing is tough for me too. If I'm having a tough time, I'll screen my calls.

Outside of family, it's been difficult to maintain a social life as it takes a ton of effort on my part. Plus, I'm in a new city and only know a few people.

 

It's tough because there's no way for outside people to really understand the depth of what's happening.....and I really dislike hearing "Well, you just need to get out more" in one form or another.

[Altostrata]

That's a good thing with the liver enzymes, right?

 

How about those Myers cocktails, still getting them?

[alexjuice]

Progressively worse vascular problems. More pain in veins. Hard veins. Liver enzymes were better but ... Actually they were terrific, best in a year. The problem is why were they elevated in January? Maybe from the antiparasite treatment I started but stopped?

 

The vascular problems strike me as something quite serious. I've been to the doctor three times in the last year about breathing problems and rapid heartbeat and chest pain and everytime it's been the same, "We gotta call an ambulance." I decline the ambulance but I've been to the ER and I always check out. I've also seen a cardiologist though that was six months ago. My vascular problems are much worse now, I failed a vascular reactivity test in January. I am waiting to see a cardiologist again but I don't know why this time will be different?

 

I don't feel hopeful.

 

Alex

[tezza]

Dearest Alex,

 

I really don't know what to say, it seems like things just keep piling up on you. If wishes came true, you'd be completely well because I wish that for you and anyone with half a heart would too, if reading your story.

 

I will continue to hope and pray for you.

 

BIG HUGS and a lot of love,

 

Tezza

[Barbarannamated]

Alex,

 

I'm so sorry you're going through all of this. I don't fully understand vascular reactivity or what vascular pain feels like. Can you describe it? When they wanted to send you to the ER, what would they have done? Knowing the effects of serotonin (and other neurohormones) on blood and other vascular structures, I'm not surprised that tests reveal serious abnormalities, especially as the body is adapting to less drug after many years (of vasoconstriction, for example).

 

I understand your frustration in trying to determine what should be treated. I'm in a *watchful waiting* holding pattern for now, but realize it may be a risk.

 

I really believe things will look up for you soon.

 

B

[alexjuice]

Thanks Tezza so much for the HUGS!

 

Barb, vascular pain is that my veins hurt, sometimes they throb and hurt. It's worst in the extremities. Actually I never feel it my torso but everywhere else I do. Also they get hard and inflexible to the touch. I don't know the specific cause and neither does my doctor. It's systemic, affecting the entire vasculature. Maybe it's fungal?

 

The vascular reactivity is a test a tech does with a device. Monitors are placed on the finger tips and then the upper arm is squeezed by a cuff until the fingers go numb. The cuff is released and the finger monitors measure how long it takes for the blood in fingers to return to the baseline. In a normal person it only takes a second or two for the restoration of blood flow. My finger tips did not ever get back to baseline so I scored a 'POOR' on the test. I am waiting to see a cardiologist on Wednesday. I don't know what a cardiologist is going to, except take some measurements.

[aza]

Hi Alexe, so sorry,

 

Have you had a magnesium RBC blood test to check your intracellular magnesium? You can get the test here cost $49: Request a test doesn't require that you see a doctor to get the test, if your RBC is below 6 on the reference scale 4-7 you have a magnesium deficiency. Blood serum magnesium should be between 1.5-3.1

 

Medicare covers this test if you request it as a part of your annual physical under medicare. If you go this route make sure they do the Magnesium RBC and not the Blood serum blood test that almost allways is within reference range due to homeostasis of magnesium in the blood serum.

 

Hope this helps

 

I wish you the best.

[aza]

 

 

 

 

...."Fluoride a key dumbing down ingredient of Prozac and Sarin nerve gas -- poisons of choice for tyrant rats....

 

I am not that passionate about flouride. I don't use it and you don't have to.

 

Aza, let's shuffle these types of discussions to the relevant threads or start new threads on the particular topic. My intro thread is already very long.

 

Thanks alexe will do.

 

Alexe I have created a thread in "symptoms and self care" on fluoride "Fluoride a key dumbing down ingredient of Prozac." If you want to move the post in your thread on fluoride into my new topic on fluoride that would be great. Sorry to be such a pest!

 

Thank you

 

And I moved the flouride thread to Off-topic since it isn't related to surviving antidepressants.

 

Thanks Jemima

[alexjuice]

Hi Alexe, so sorry,

 

Have you had a magnesium RBC blood test to check your intracellular magnesium? You can get the test here cost $49: Request a test doesn't require that you see a doctor to get the test, if your RBC is below 6 on the reference scale 4-7 you have a magnesium deficiency. Blood serum magnesium should be between 1.5-3.1

 

Medicare covers this test if you request it as a part of your annual physical under medicare. If you go this route make sure they do the Magnesium RBC and not the Blood serum blood test that almost allways is within reference range due to homeostasis of magnesium in the blood serum.

 

Hope this helps

 

I wish you the best.

 

Thanks AZA. I did have that test a while back. I don't know what the hell is up with magnesium. I have had low magnesium levels but supplementing has not helped at all. It actually is depositing in my hair, which was 500% greater than the upper reference range for a hair test I just did. But thatnks for thinking of me.

[alexjuice]

I'd just like to say:

 

It never Effing ends.

[alexjuice]

Progressively worse vascular problems. More pain in veins. Hard veins.

 

I'm starting to think my vascular problem is related to my diazepam taper. Things got very bad and painful when I reduced all bdz by a larger amount for two days while trying an antifungal. I have an appt with my physician today, but it's not like she is going to know WTF to do. Really though extreme pain and constriction of the veins of sex organs and hands... I don't need this. After almost 20 yrs of this ****, I don't ....

[alexjuice]

If I'd have gone through everything you've been through I doubt I'd even be coherent, let alone dealing well with anxiety. After all the harm doctors have done to you, it strikes me as quite courageous to even go near one of them.

 

I'm wishing you all the very best on your journey back to health.

 

Thanks Jemima! I appreciate it.

 

At the moment I've decided to go to doctors. I know from diagnostics that I have elevated levels of mycotoxins in my body. Other tests show fungal and protozoal infection. I've lost 60% of gonad mass and present as a high CVD risk after vascular reactivity test, despite 107/61 bp and 21 BMI.

 

It's not really courage. It's desperation.

 

Thanks for the well wishes. I think the journey is coming closer to a wrap. This can't go on forever.

[Altostrata]

Vasoconstriction, tissue tension, and circulation are also governed by the autonomic nervous system. If tests show nothing, it's likely dysautonomia.

[alexjuice]

I got some tests back. Stool came back positive for fungus of undetermined species. This is a result generally consistent with mold versus a yeast like candida. Fecal IgA high consistent with antigen presence. Mold markers (which are esoteric) are elevated more than last time.

 

I've had 3 stool tests all PCR DNA over last 12 months and all three show pathogenic fungal presence. Considering my symptoms and history, I plan to continue with the treatment. Smiley agreed to Rx a lesser dosage due to my hypersensitivity.

 

Good news: Liver still good. H. Pylori bacterial infection eradicated (likely thanks to vitamin C). Fat absorption much, much improved.

 

Weird result: High Anti-Gliadin Abs. This is odd since I haven't eaten any gluten and, except for Chipolte salad bowls, haven't eaten out. Maybe cross contamination?

 

Talked about psych meds with Dr. Smiley and she is encouraging me to continue to taper. I will hold a bit until sleep improves. Hoping vascular symptoms improve ...

 

I'm very tired of all of this. And I now need to get some sleep.

 

Hope you guys are feeling good. Thanks for all the support.

 

Alex

[peggy]

Hi Alex,

I have no specific advice for you - but just wanted to send my best healing wishes to you. If we all send you some good positive healing vibes that will help, right?

 

The night is always darkest before the dawn

[alexjuice]

GOAL for February:

 

1. Gain 5 lbs. (165/15)

 

Alex

 

Update:

 

Didn't gain weight.

 

March 7 : (159/13.7)

 

Goal for March:

 

1. Gain 5 lbs.

[Edted]

Alex:

I just read your entire thread and I am truly in awe of your strength. When you responded to comments on my son's struggle, I assumed you were someone who's struggles were behind them. The generosity of spirit you show, to try to help someone else while still fighting for your own peace of mind and piece of life, is nothing short of amazing. My dad was a highly decorated war hero. He commented once that real heroes aren't the ones who did a brave thing: they are the ones who returned to the battle day after day. Your childhood friends and even your family may not know you are heroic. We do.

To victory,

Ed

[Rhiannon]

Alex:

I just read your entire thread and I am truly in awe of your strength. When you responded to comments on my son's struggle, I assumed you were someone who's struggles were behind them. The generosity of spirit you show, to try to help someone else while still fighting for your own peace of mind and piece of life, is nothing short of amazing. My dad was a highly decorated war hero. He commented once that real heroes aren't the ones who did a brave thing: they are the ones who returned to the battle day after day. Your childhood friends and even your family may not know you are heroic. We do.

To victory,

Ed

 

Yes yes yes yes yes!!!!

 

We do.