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alexjuice

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Hey,

 

I'm not really sure anymore. I've been diagnosed with LPR, a form of reflux I definitely have and a gastrointestinal motility disorder which I am not sure if I have. I probably have poor absorption and permeability. I dunno.

 

I do know I weighed 230lbs 25 months, 195 14 months ago and 155lbs on the scale today. I've not exercised or dieted with the intention to lose weight.

 

I'm agitated because I just got back labs that I need to forward for interpretation and the lab messed it up, confusing which was the pm and which the am draw which means I need to go do it again. Besides my veins not wanting any more pokes, I needed those results. I got the other results. Both T and free testosterone are way down from baseline, at the lower part of the range. Both were significantly higher in labs ordered by a different physician on blood taken just 24 hrs earlier. I'm having visibly atrophying below the belt. Ideas anyone?

 

I dunno.

 

Ive talked a lot about healing. Tried GAPS and supplements and still on benzos. Maybe I'm fooling myself. Sometimes when a vase falls off the mantle and shatters to bits...it is the end of the vase not the start of the vase's healing.

 

Anyway, Nikki, thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your concern.

 

Basically, on the gi stuff, I am not digesting it, absorbing it, removing the waste or even wanting to eat on some days. It's been going on for a year. I am pretty frozen up because everything moreorless just has had a poor result. I don't know what to do.

 

Alex

 

PS Thanks for the prayers. That is nice of you.

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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Hi Alex,

 

I have no answers, just wanted to say I understand your frustration and send you a big hug.

 

N.

'94-'08 On/off ADs. Mostly Zoloft & Wellbutrin, but also Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, etc.
6/08 quit Z & W after tapering, awful anxiety 3 mos. later, reinstated.
11/10 CTed. Severe anxiety 3 mos. later & @ 8 mos. much worse (set off by metronidazole). Anxiety, depression, anhedonia, DP, DR, dizziness, severe insomnia, high serum AM cortisol, flu-like feelings, muscle discomfort.
9/11-9/12 Waves and windows of recovery.
10/12 Awful relapse, DP/DR. Hydrocortisone?
11/12 Improved fairly quickly even though relapse was one of worst waves ever.

1/13 Best I've ever felt.

3/13 A bit of a relapse... then faster and shorter waves and windows.

4/14 Have to watch out for triggers, but feel completely normal about 80% of the time.

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"Sometimes when a vase falls off the mantle and shatters to bits...it is the end of the vase not the start of the vases healing".

 

 

That brought me to tears Alex. You sound so discouraged!!! But I believe you will find the answers to your health problems. I believe there is a treatment that will help you. You are not shattered. I do not have any scientific information to back up what I am saying...just a gut feeling.

 

You have so much to say and express yourself so well. Thank you for your posts. Your contributions to the board are appreciated and respected. Take care.

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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Karma and Nikki and EWforever and Nadia and everyone else. Thanks for your support. Things just lousy right now. Life goes on.

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey,

 

 

Anyway, Nikki, thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your concern.

 

Basically, on the gi stuff, I am not digesting it, absorbing it, removing the waste or even wanting to eat on some days. It's been going on for a year. I am pretty frozen up because everything moreorless just has had a poor result. I don't know what to do.

 

Alex

 

PS Thanks for the prayers. That is nice of you.

 

Hi Alex, I'm really sorry things are so difficult for you at present. You make me want to cheer you up, except you would not have any of it. So maybe to take some solace from your friends here? You thank so graciously, but maybe to reflect on the giving you have done to build up such a well spring of warm hugs.

 

Schuyler

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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Alex,

Just a thought, have you been tested for food allergies, especially celiac pAnel, or, have u done a food elimination diet? The weight loss and GI stuff sounds just like my Celiac symptoms (or gluten intolerance)

Prayers for you sweetheart.

Everything was ok. And then it wasn't.

 

Med History

11/2009- 50 mg Zoloft (1st ad ever) in combo w/.50 xanax for 2 weeks then use xanax as needed (1st benzo ever)

9 days on Zoloft, I was awake for 9 days straight C/T Zoloft

11/2009- trazadone to sleep for 2 weeks c/t Trazadone

12/2009 start 10 mg Lexapro w/ Xanax as needed

5/2010-3 week taper off lexapro

9/2010? back to Lexapro 10 mg after 5 or 6 weeks c/t leapro

12/2010-10mg paxil

5/2011-6 week paxil taper

8/2011 5mg lexapro

last lexapro pill January 7 2012

all this as per doc orders Thanks Doc!

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Hi Alex, I'm really sorry things are so difficult for you at present. You make me want to cheer you up, except you would not have any of it. So maybe to take some solace from your friends here? You thank so graciously, but maybe to reflect on the giving you have done to build up such a well spring of warm hugs.

 

Schuyler

 

Hey Schuler-

Thanks for the kind words. If you think you can cheer me up, you definitely should. :-)

 

I am really happy to be involved in this site. And it's great to get the love from people who understand what it's like. I'm sad that I've really undercontributed, it seems, over the last two months. One of the lousy things about this w/d thing is erratic nature of it. We often remark that recovery is nonlinear. So true and so difficult when trouble strikes after it appeared that trouble was behind.

 

But I do think I get your point and that it was well-delivered.

 

best,

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

Link to comment

Alex,

Just a thought, have you been tested for food allergies, especially celiac pAnel, or, have u done a food elimination diet? The weight loss and GI stuff sounds just like my Celiac symptoms (or gluten intolerance)

Prayers for you sweetheart.

 

Hey ajnjj,

Not specifically. I've done an elimination diet in a way but it's been tough. I wonder about the gluten stuff. I have a doc appt tomorrow and I'll see what she says.

 

Thanks for your very kind words,

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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Anything I can offer, even if its a simple suggestion. :) I am struggling every day and if I can help someone else who is , that's a small part of the war won. Just FYI, a lot if docs still don't recognise Celiac or gluten intolerance. Lots if luck.

Everything was ok. And then it wasn't.

 

Med History

11/2009- 50 mg Zoloft (1st ad ever) in combo w/.50 xanax for 2 weeks then use xanax as needed (1st benzo ever)

9 days on Zoloft, I was awake for 9 days straight C/T Zoloft

11/2009- trazadone to sleep for 2 weeks c/t Trazadone

12/2009 start 10 mg Lexapro w/ Xanax as needed

5/2010-3 week taper off lexapro

9/2010? back to Lexapro 10 mg after 5 or 6 weeks c/t leapro

12/2010-10mg paxil

5/2011-6 week paxil taper

8/2011 5mg lexapro

last lexapro pill January 7 2012

all this as per doc orders Thanks Doc!

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  • Administrator

Alex, I have a new hug for you Posted Image

 

How did it go with the thyroid doc today?

 

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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Hey Karma,

 

Thanks for inquiring. First, for me, I am having hormonal issues. My testes shrunk and now fluctuate in size, though they've sporadically returned to normal size. They also ache like a... So something is wrong there and it's a troublesome kinda wrong. Besides the low-end T lab results, I am not growing facial hair as I am accustomed. Shaving once a week would be fine with me if the dang impotence didn't tote along with it. I'm going to keep a positive attitude, I think. But very upsetting, this development.

 

Appt went well. Doc doesn't understand the w/d piece at all and lacks some people skills but she is far more thorough than everyone else I've seen face-to-face in confronting GI/autoimmune issues. She didn't offer me Nexium once! She is not too dissimilar from the GAPS/Paleo school, that gut dysfunction (assuming the presence of other preconditions) is the major factor in development of autoimmune issues.

 

She thinks cortisol/thyroid is likely at play, and likely due to 'leaky gut'-type syndrome causing autoimmune reaction. The testicular stuff -- that was new to her??

 

She wants more labs, re-run thyroid stuff, T stuff, and DHEA but not for a few weeks. (I can order them myself at any point though should I so choose -- Thank you directlabs.com and the sites of like kind) She wants to run a stool test asap. Recommended some vitamins (d3), protein powder (non-dairy, non-soy...from peas actually) to help regain weight. Continued gluten free - 100% gluten free. She also recommended a supp for adrenal support and one with glutamine for intestinal restoration. I am going to have to be very cautious with the supps.

 

She actually has another patient who is hypersensitive 31 months off benzos and she put me in touch with him. I look forward to talking to the guy. She said it's been very challenging working with him b/c of his intolerances. So while she has no clue how to treat w/d she is at least aware of it to a degree.

 

However, since I am already aware of it myself, that does me little good. She is actually mostly clueless of the specifics. That's the major problem. For instance, in her opinion the daily benzos, if not flat-out causing my problems, are a barrier in healing them. She may be right. However, she is antagonistic to the notion that stopping the benzos is a complicated matter, and recommends d/c as speedily as possible. I suspect she expects her other patient to tell me to get off. We've already exchanged emails and he is pretty well benzo-informed, said very gradual taper is the only way to do it -- and he knows nothing of my failed attempts at benzo d/c in the past or my ongoing symptoms associated with d/c of effexor/risperdal.

 

So that's the wrap on that. It went well wnough, all things considered. I need to get to work on researching independently. I followed your link to the yahoo adrenals group and am waiting on approval.

 

I wonder though if I should wait four weeks to get the labs redone? Is that a long time to go untreated if it's hypo? It feels like a long time if this hypogonad condition persists. That's the problem with this doctor. I can't follow up for 6 weeks (she is booked) so I'm back on my own.

 

Thanks for asking/hugs and I hope you are doing well. HUGSS back!

 

Alex

 

PS - BTW, I am having a helluva time typing tonight. Fingers cramping.

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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  • Administrator

This doc sounds promising to me, but you'll just have to educate her on the whole withdrawal and hypersensitivity situation. The thing I find is not to be intimidated by their "M.D.-ness" and to speak your truth with conviction.

 

When you get approved to the Yahoo group they will ask for you labs and they can help you decide whether to go ahead and re-run labs now or later.

 

From my experience and observations with the patient advocate group, I believe you are hypo because of the high RT3 and the fact is that if you feel like crap a month is a long time to keep feeling like crap. But the reality is that millions in our population walk around hypo because they are undiagnosed, so in that respect a month is not a long time.

 

Concerning the supplements, I would proceed very cautiously. The Yahoo group is pretty conservative on adding supplements and I generally like their advice ... although sometimes I disagree and do my own thing or go with the advice of my nutritionist or doctor. If your vitamin D is low, they will recommend D. But we know from this forum that some have had difficulty adding vitamin D because it is a prohormone - I would pick one thing and start it slowly.

 

For example, with my work to reverse bone loss I am adding Lactoferrin. Recommended dosage is 250 mg twice a day. I will start it at 250 mg a day for a week and see how it goes. If all goes well I will increase a week later to the full twice a day dose ... I won't make any other changes to anything else during that time. Translating to your situation, if you pick vitamin D to start, start with the lowest dose you can and work up.

 

With the benzos ... the fact of the matter is that benzos will affect the adrenals (cortisol) and I believe that all of us on this site have jacked up adrenals due to the antidepressants and benzos (my opinion ... that and $5 will get you a latte - I'm not a medical professional). But I am still taking benzos and I was still able to get my thyroid optimized enough to feel well or feel a heck of a lot better. FWIW just accept that you are taking benzos now and it is part of the equation. You'll have to do some trial and error, but I think you are on the right track.

 

Posted Image

 

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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Alex in order to follow these posts I had to go back to your original story of what happened.

 

There is a paragraph about not being able to eat seeds, nuts and a few other things. Upon doing so, you become ill for a few days. Do you have Diverticulitis? I do, and these are foods I cannot eat and if I do, it levels me.

 

Have you had a Colonoscopy? Or a CT Scan of the lower intestinal tract? These tests revealed my situation to me.

 

Have you ever been tested for Epstein-Bar Virus. It is what led me to taking meds in the first place. I was unable to eat, sensitivity to light, tremendous anxiety and ensuing depression, fatigue, migratory aches and pains. Severe GI issues, rapid weight loss.

 

On the the best remedies or my stomach then and now is to drink Aloe Vera Gel by Desert Lily.

It is healing and soothing. Really helped me alot.

 

You've been thru alot and seem amazingly strong...

 

Best Regards

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

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Anything I can offer, even if its a simple suggestion. :) I am struggling every day and if I can help someone else who is , that's a small part of the war won. Just FYI, a lot if docs still don't recognise Celiac or gluten intolerance. Lots if luck.

 

Thanks. Luck to you too, ajnjj

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

Link to comment

Alex in order to follow these posts I had to go back to your original story of what happened.

 

There is a paragraph about not being able to eat seeds, nuts and a few other things. Upon doing so, you become ill for a few days. Do you have Diverticulitis? I do, and these are foods I cannot eat and if I do, it levels me.

 

Have you had a Colonoscopy? Or a CT Scan of the lower intestinal tract? These tests revealed my situation to me.

 

Have you ever been tested for Epstein-Bar Virus. It is what led me to taking meds in the first place. I was unable to eat, sensitivity to light, tremendous anxiety and ensuing depression, fatigue, migratory aches and pains. Severe GI issues, rapid weight loss.

 

On the the best remedies or my stomach then and now is to drink Aloe Vera Gel by Desert Lily.

It is healing and soothing. Really helped me alot.

 

You've been thru alot and seem amazingly strong...

 

Best Regards

 

Hey Nikki's,

Yea I was quite sensitive to flax seeds especially, but other foods as well. These sensitivities didn't cause GI reactions nd they have improved. I had a colonoscopy very early in w/d after a weight lifting accident caused symptoms without explanation. Later I found the explanation, w/d played a role, I believe, in my development of a muscle disorder of the pelvic floor. The interesting thing, that I learned from a very intuitive physical therapist who works with men with my condition, many servicemen returned with this problem after traumatic episode, is that doctors are frequently using ADs for this condition. She has several patients on elavil for instance.

 

Anyway, how do you get Epstein Barr? Because I did have some contact that could have passed a virus back in January. However, I thought EB was a common, harmless virus -- that I probably do have it, and have carried it for years. Like herpes I which I am pretty sure I carry since my mother and father both get frequent cold sores on their lips. However, I have in my life never had a cold sore but I can't imagine that I don't carry the virus.

 

Can you share a bit about your Epstein Barr experience? I've never known it could cause all that you mentioned...

 

Finally, there are a lot of strong people on here. I appreciate you saying Iam one of them. Nobody on this forum hoped to end up here. We all do the best we can to help ourselves and each other because others have failed us. I try my best so thanks again,

 

Finally, heavens, there is a ton on this thread. I probably need to write up a post with a succinct case history and link to it in my footer to save others from having to go back through a year of the Alex thread. Thanks for taking the time to move backwards.

 

For anyone else interested in digging back into my history, there's an account of Alex's Christmas arrest and needless jailing just a few pages back!

 

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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Karma,

Thanks for the insight. I am fighting some symptoms but I got a hold of a couple of books. One on adrenals and one called The Thyroid Solution (I think)... Both were on the reading list at stopmadthyroid. Even tired and foggy I am moving pretty quickly through the thyroid book. Maybe i am feeling cranky but this book has too many anecdotal case stories and veers off too frequently. It's one of those 400 page books that need be only 150. Hope to finish it by weekend end and do some reading online and get into the yahoo groups.

 

Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

 

I also love your hugs. You're way more creative than me. I just say HUGS but you make these cute little huggie creatures! Love it. I can feel the hugginess from here!

 

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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Update:

I've reread a the last couple pages of my Alexejice thread. Reading it, my anxiety is really striking. Mainly I sound like a hypochondriac. I become one, always, on reduction or manipulation of benzos, something I haven't actually done. While there are certainly new symptoms and issues worthy of, no necessitating, concern, I also suspect something awry in benzo dept.

 

I see Dr Y, my psychiatrist, this week and may talk to her about switching formulations. The compounding pharmacy can make me diazepam without some of the fillers, brandname V has lactose. That may be my next step.

 

Finally, while my gallbladder is fussy, I am satisfied that my liver and kidneys are fine despite earlier concerns.

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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"Mainly I sound like a hypochondriac." Alex

 

We all feel like that. We aren't. We have been seriously affected by AD's. I tr not to talk about myself to others. I save it for you folks :D LOL

 

Epstein-Barr. Do not confuse EBV with cold sores. They are cousin viruses but not the same.

Most American over the age of 30 have EBV. It is transmitted thru saliva, contaminated water, kissing, coughing on someone who is in a active phase. It resides in the B cells in the entire body and can easily be reactivated from stress, illness.

 

The symptoms are as bad as WD with fatigue being a major problem. It can be identified thru a test called Blood Titers. The virus is not visible but the antibodies are present, and in an active phase can be very high. I had to treat it holistically and let it runs its course which was (2) years. Once in a Blue Moon, I can feel it, and I know how to treat it and be done with it in a 24-48 hour period.

 

The symsptoms I experienced where Fatigue, Migratory Aches & Pains, Flu Like Sensations, Horrific Anxiety (we have B cells in our brain & this virus causes symptoms that affect the brain like WD), blurred vision, forgetting how to spell, vomitting/nausea (bad) on the onset.

Depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, food sensitivties, major light sensitivity. Weakness, not being able to sleep, waking unrested. I had a slight skin discoloration for a brief period at the onset, hair loss, hand tremors.

 

It is grossly misdiagnosed. If you go to an MD that says "everyone has it" you are in the wrong office. You need a blood test. At least you know what you are dealing with.

 

The stress from WD reactivates the virus. I took Pill Curing, alot of B Complex and other supplements to bolster my immune system. I was not on AD's at the time and the supplements helped. Valerian was helpful for sleep. Aloe Vera soothed my intestines.

 

Then I took Pamelor for the anxiety/depression and it did help and I was able to stop freaking out and learn about the virus and take better care of myself. I needed to get the anxiety (panic attacks & depression) under control first which I did.

 

I don't mean to sound like a broken record, frighten anyone or make a diagnosis of EBV. It amazed me then how it was so often overlooked.

 

Believe me the symptoms mimic WD......Ironically I would not have been able to overcome EBV if it had not been for the Pamelor at the time.

 

Today because of AD's - I have alot of difficulties with supplements and find I need to stay away from them. Additionally, use of antibiotics will exacerbte the virus.

 

Alex be your own best advocate in uncovering why you feel the way you do. We all have to.

 

Hugs

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

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Interesting, Nikki.

 

I kissed, actually I was kissed, in January. It was a few weeks later that my current fallback started. I've wondered about the kiss, especially because the girl I know was an IV drug user in the past and seemed so much thinner when I saw her that I wondered if she could be using again. Knowing this, her potential as a carrier of viruses, plus the wear that reflux has caused me, really spun me out.

 

I become hypersensitive about my health, especially panicky when I reflect that I should have known not to.. Like I shouldn't have kissed her, she is high risk to set off my anxiety and if I get sick I might start devising one in a million scenarios by which I've acquired HIV, or hep or whatever...because I should have known not to. I am like a clock about this sort of stuff.

 

Anyway, ironically this girl is named Nikki, spelled just like you do. Are you the girl who kissed me? Ha!

 

Ya know, I did kiss her back and it was then I realized how long it had been since someone had romantically kissed me. That said, seems like it'd be unlikely that I could have come this far -- I was pretty reckless with who I kissed as a drug addict -- and just now gotten EB. But those sound like a lot of my symptoms. Maybe that's what I acquired or activated through stress....?

 

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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  • 2 weeks later...

UPDATE:

 

Feeling up and down, emotionally. Seems just when I have a good day, some new lousy development knocks me backwards.

 

Continue with symptoms: low body temp, digestive problems, testicular 'diversity', no feeling in sections of lower legs, facial hair, appetite problems, exhaustion, lack of concentration and coherent

 

Newish: fasting glucose rising. Had been within 85 - 100 every time, now more regularly 110+. Prostatitis symptoms from old injury back, mainly pain and/or numbness in my abdomen, buttocks, and insides

 

Better: itching, anxiety, abdominal pain, some erectile function return

 

Hoping for a good week personally and for everyone.

 

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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  • Administrator

Sounds like some subtle improvements, Alex.

 

Crossed fingers and big hugs for you.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Subtle but improvement. Thanks for the hugs.

 

UPDATE:

1.)Got report back today. d3 markedly lower than expected. Dr prescribed 100,000IU/wk Rx D3(!), b12 suboptimal as well. I haven't been successful in supplementing b12 yet so dunno how to raise this level. ?

 

2.) Hormonal issues linger, though I'm starting to suspect that undernourishment is largely responsible. My most drastic setbacks and alarming changes have occurred following either coffee drinks (diluted, of course) or GAPS detox baths (sweat baths). I highly regret doing the detox baths and experimenting with diluted americano. However, if this conclusion is correct and correctable they've helped me arrived at it.

 

I hypothesize that the combo of poor absorbtion and increased excretion (due to hypersentive, dysfunctional CNS) robbed my body of already low stocks of the minerals & nutrients needed to make hormones and provide for body? Could explain flaky scalp, low body temp, testicular issues?? I'm in some low metabloic state due to undernourishment?? (All my speculation... )

 

3.) Reflux worsened this week. Considering trying 5-htp to move things along and slippery elm to try to heal vocal cords.

 

For the study-curious : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3019729

And just the nuthsell : http://www.ceri.com/q_v6n8q3.htm

"Indeed, the most common side effect from 5-HTP is gastrointestinal motility (i.e., gut-muscle stimulation) from the conversion of 5-HTP into serotonin in the lining..."

 

4.) Been foolin with GAPS and variations. Not much luck. I just need my insides to melt what I eat, take up the goodstuff and shoot out the bad... Is that so hard??

 

5.) Re-started PT on pelvic floor today (I have a great therapist) and she remarked on my sickly weight. Told her I'm 155, she said she almost outweighs me. (She is just under 30 yrs old and physically fit.)

 

6.) Concentration and energy have been a bit better. But not great. Moments of bad anxiety at times.

 

7.) Morning body temp about 97.0, 97.1 (up from 95.x, 96.x) last couple of days. Returned labs showed no thyroid antibodies, which is not conclusive but leads away from autoimmune thyroiditis.

 

8.) Began cross from Valium to compounded diazepam + acidophilus. Assuming no problems, I'll be on the diaz compound soon. Then I'm not sure what to do. May start the benzo taper, with the Klonopin. Or may cross to compounded clonazepam + acidophilus if I think it will help me GI.

 

9.) No more needle sticks for a while. I'm just not taking them well.

 

Okay, wow. Nine things. That's all.

 

Hope everyone doing well.

 

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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  • Administrator

That's a lot of D3! D3 is a prohormone, other hormones are made from it. Titrate up gradually.

 

Definitely, not being able to absorb nutrients could have a lot to do with your symptoms.

 

Low B12 is serious. Did you venture into liver territory at all re GAPS? Liver contains lots of B12. Perhaps some nice pate? Some premium chopped chicken liver? On some nice crackers?

 

I'm eating an unusual amount of liver lately. I've always liked it. It's full of nutrients.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Good suggestions. I've eaten liver in small doses and I like it, also. Increasing intake be easy.

 

Totally agree about the vit D. I will start low and see how I do. I have a follow up with the integrative doc and she wants me to go to the lab in advance of our meeting and she's got d3 on the requisition so I'll can read and react to how well I'm tolerating/absorbing.

 

best,

alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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One thing to add:

 

I felt disappointed with my doctor's appt today. She passed me down the chain, said to take my vitamins and go back to my GP and/or gastroent. My LH reading was at the top (but still within) the range for males. My total testosterone was unchanged.

 

I came to her office on my third day after a shave. I barely had any beard. Combined with a disappearing libido, erectile function, and muscles, plus the painful fluctuation of the mass of the testes... I was hoping for a little more from an endocrinologist. Dang. I find myself to guessing again.

 

I orderd myself a recheck of free T and estrogen levels of my own curiosity. But I draw the line on bloodwork for a while. I figure I've averaged 2-3 draws a week for the last 10 weeks. With my lousy healing, I need a break.

 

Anyway, these symptoms are just bizarre. Hypogonadism is not a w/d symptom so far as I know. It seems I'm in the phase, I dunno... I'm in the post-apocalyptic phase of w/d. The nuclear blast has happened already but now affected by the radiation exposure, anything is possible. And soon come a benzo taper. I feel like a mutant, and not a cool X-Man type.

 

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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Alex,

I hope you recognize the amazing strength you have in doggedly pursuing answers. I'm in awe!

From my limited experience with Endocrinologists, they are extremely variable. The one I am with now is genius (I dont use that term lightly). He 'sees' the interrelationship and domino effects and sketches things out like an artist in a manic moment. Other endo I went to at teaching institution was clueless. All the same signs, symptoms, info was there but he didn't give it a second thought.

I quickly Googled "SSRI + hypogondism" and got a few hits, not any good scientific info. Here's one link that may help:

http://www.androids.org.uk/meds.html

 

Perhaps a Sexual Medicine or Urology specialist may be of help?

 

{{{HUGS}}}

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Alex.

 

Just wanted to stop by and tell you you're great.

 

:-)

 

http://www.zefrank.com/great/

 

hugs

Rhi

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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Thank you.

 

I watched your video. It made me happycry. Thanks.

 

your friend,

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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Alex,

X-Man types.... waaay overrated.

Hugs.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Barb,

 

Thanks for the hugs. I am learning what you mean about endocrinologists. The one I saw, she almost exlusively treats women. Several of my issues then she was unfamiliar with as the affected parts are guy parts. She meant well but didn't have any interest in "piecing it together". I have heard good things about an endo in Dallas which is 3 hrs or so by car. Maybe he will see me.

 

So appreciate the hugs, Barb. You're a great person and your support is so meaningful to me.

 

I see good days coming soon.

 

your friend,

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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UPDATE:

 

Exactly 365 days since my last posting of semi-naked pics, here are more semi-naked pictures of Alex. I think I look worse than last time, greater muscle wasting. I am borderline-sickly thin, so be warned.

 

http://medslikethiswillkillyou.blogspot.com/

 

Pain and changes in testicles led me to see a doc last week. He said my reality, testes changing size, is "not possible".

 

I saw Dr. FG, my old shrink I am required to check in with, and he confirmed the conventional wisdom. Dr. FG had prostate cancer so we talked about finding an endocrinologist to try to treat changes in beard growth, erectile function, and other related dysfunctions. I don't want to go into much detail about this. (Yes, there are more details I'm not interested in publishing.)

 

It seems that severe malnourishment can cause this problem as can a few other things like HIV/AIDS. I got an HIV test. I don't have it. I will try to achieve more nourishment from the foods I eat.

 

I can't take vitamin D at all. I don't know why but I've reached my limit. Any D3 right now causes pain and blood vessel problems. I could be magnesium deficient??. I will try to get more magnesium from the supplements I take.

 

I feel ok other than being 156 lbs. Less hypersensitive, for instance. I am going to try to take a couple classes at community college and investigate finding a small apartment. To be more clear, I feel a lot better. I have hormonal stuff going on, but otherwise I am feeling much better (relative to recent updates). I believe I will get better. I've been through worse and I'm still here.

 

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I feel ok other than being 156 lbs. Less hypersensitive, for instance. I am going to try to take a couple classes at community college and investigate finding a small apartment. To be more clear, I feel a lot better. I have hormonal stuff going on, but otherwise I am feeling much better (relative to recent updates). I believe I will get better. I've been through worse and I'm still here.

 

Alex

 

Hi Alex, glad to hear you are going to look to apartments and take a class or two. Be cautious about your weight though as weight loss can take on a life of its's own. 8 years ago I had a loss in my life caused by someone close to me overdosing with the help of benzos and antidepressants. The stress sent my weight down from 156 lbs to 100. Then, with much effort I gained it back, and not surprisingly, overshot with the help of a Lyrica script. In 3 yrs. I ended up at 190 lbs. Since the beginning of last September I've been losing with the goal of getting back to my normal weight of 130. I'm almost there, 138 lbs at present. What these meds can do to our bodies is awful, either because we are on them, or close to people who are adversely effected. I'm still on Lyrica, but CBT messages for weight loss, along with deeper work on self worth turned the tide.

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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  • Administrator

Barb,

 

Thanks for the hugs. I am learning what you mean about endocrinologists. The one I saw, she almost exlusively treats women. Several of my issues then she was unfamiliar with as the affected parts are guy parts. She meant well but didn't have any interest in "piecing it together". I have heard good things about an endo in Dallas which is 3 hrs or so by car. Maybe he will see me.

 

So appreciate the hugs, Barb. You're a great person and your support is so meaningful to me.

 

I see good days coming soon.

 

your friend,

Alex

 

Hey Alex,

 

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Posted Image What I have found is that if I feel able to cope I can work on the other things ... like a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

 

About the endocrinologists ... I have to say that I have not found one that has been able (or is that willing) to help me. By all means keep looking and challenge them based on what you know to be true. I went to an endo in the Denver area who was supposed to be a Top Doc ... he said all the right things, but then I ended up having to go to his nurse practitioner and she just held me hostage to a TSH value. I would complain of hair loss, fatigue, and low-grade depression and the NP just said it was because I was depressed (really??? How insightful. She checked my serum cortisol and it was elevated first thing in the AM, she said that was normal for a depressed person - but I don't want to be a depressed person :angry: ). I went to my pdoc and she said "no" based on how I had been feeling it was clear that the low grade depression was from thyroid and that it wasn't from my AD treatment. I called the endo's office and demanded they increase my thyroid treatment - they refused and I literally told them they were "fired." I found a different doctor to support my thyroid treatment at the level I needed to feel well and I never looked back.

 

The new doc was a wellness doctor. I have to say that I know more than he does about treating adrenals and thyroid, but he was workable. He also understood why an excessive RT3 reading would be a problem ... I have to give him credit for that.

 

On the magnesium you might get a RBC (red blood cell) magnesium and that will tell you what the magnesium level is in your cells. I've heard of good results with this brand of topical magnesium http://www.ancient-minerals.com/products/magnesium-application-use/. Magnesium was the first supplement I started when I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and although I don't take nearly as much now, I still take it. I think I ended up tapering up to over 2000 mg a day at one point and monitored my dose by bowel tolerance. I added 100 mg every 3 days, if I recall correctly. I currently take about 800 mg magnesium glycinate (I use KAL magnesium glycinate).

 

Based on my own experience I would say that working on a good magnesium level is probably a good priority.

 

Keep us posted.

 

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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  • Administrator

He said my reality, testes changing size, is "not possible".

That definitely does not sound right.

 

How did your experiment with chicken livers go?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

Hey Karma,

 

Thanks for all the input. I have had a lot of up and down days. I have many symptoms of endocrine disorder. The main thing is that I'm literally sex organs are shriveling away. I also don't sweat but a fraction of what I did. And, weirdly, I have developed horrid body odor.

 

I am working on the magnesium. And I'm trying other supplements, zinc, some adrenal re-regulating stuff, selenium, vit e... Also trying with the B vits.

 

I see my GP tomorrow. I saw him a month ago and I'm gonna show him again tomorrow. I dont know what he's going to do about the endo stuff though? Maybe he will write me... I don't even know what to ask for... A thyroid hormone? Testosterone replacement? I don't know. Also, I have an insulin resistance problem.

 

Honestly, I am The Fly.

 

On the plus side, I am reflux better, in spite of very little endogenous hcl output, it takes 5--10 betain Hcl tabs plus 2-3 digest Gold... Last year at this time, 1/4 of a digest gold and I had no face or extremities so i have come a long way with sensitivities. Really things getting better... Other than endo. Or whatever. But hard to get excited with the other stuff.

 

Hope you are doing okay. I love your attitude. I've fired some therapists, but I never actually dropped the Donald Trump, "You're Fired!" on them. Ha. You got moxie, gal

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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He said my reality, testes changing size, is "not possible".

That definitely does not sound right.

 

How did your experiment with chicken livers go?

 

The size thing is that they can't go back and forth and also that the change would be, minus trauma, gradual. I described it to a doc. He referred me away and wrote my complaint in quote marks to emphasize my words not his. I can make em shrink with some coffee tomorrow. Why? It's either a cortisol response, immune response or ? Problem is making em shrink maybe be permanently destroying the tissue. Or not. I don't know. I am growing less beard than ever though.

 

The livers ended up in a soup. I got two portions though and the second one is in the freezer. Those are earmarked for your liver recipe which I hope to whip up this weekend as it sounds tasty. I do wonder how effective my intestinal absorption is at the moment having dropped 200 units in b12 in two months. Over those 2 months I ate a massive amount of animal products... But I will surely let you know how it comes out.

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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