☼ alexjuice: About

[Altostrata]

Alex, over in Symptoms we're working on a theory about how bright light might exacerbate symptoms overall.

 

Amber blue-light blocking sunglasses may be helpful.

 

Still, you had a few better days. Maybe the digestive enzymes helped you over a bit of a bump, your system absorbed more nutrients for a few days, and it moved forward a little in self-repair.

[alexjuice]

Alex, over in Symptoms we're working on a theory about how bright light might exacerbate symptoms overall.

 

Amber blue-light blocking sunglasses may be helpful.

 

I ordered a pair from amazon and they just arrived. Hopefully they'll help.

 

Still, you had a few better days. Maybe the digestive enzymes helped you over a bit of a bump, your system absorbed more nutrients for a few days, and it moved forward a little in self-repair.

 

Yea. I am doing better over the last couple of weeks, especially with food. I am eating much better and am maintaining my weight. I've also gotten steady on a benzo dose that I probably won't manipulate further. I wish I didn't need to take anything since dealing with my shrink can be a stressor b/c he is just so wrong all the time. But I'm benzo dependent and married to him for the rightnow at the least...

 

For the next 6mos+ I hope to stay on my current meds and maintain good, healthy habits and, with time's help, improve. I'll consider additional interventions if I have reason to trust one will help. But otherwise, I am leaving it to time in a steady state enviro to start the healing. As I know of no better plan, that's the plan. I'm hopeful.

 

Alex.i

[alexjuice]

Update:

 

I've had much better sleep and reduced anxiety in the last week or so. I am giving (at least) a good bit of the credit to the blue-blocking sunglasses I've worn. I wrote about them in this thread

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/304-blocking-out-blue-light-to-help-sleep/

 

Yesterday visited with a gastro-entro. It was a follow up from a March appt. He believes I am suffering from a digestion/motility problem, that basically my stomach and/or intestines are not emptying and moving the refuse down the channel as they should. Because of this I become full with little food. As the stomach is working in slo-mo, the food just sorta sits there and any new food piles on top. This causes considerable problems beyond weight loss from inability to consume, particularly symptoms of acid reflux disease.

 

He said he could prescribe meds to empty the stomach but that these were pretty hardcore (reglan?). But that wouldn't be his first choice. (Duh!) After I told him of my poor responses to nexium and protonix, he then wrote me a script for omeprazole (prilosec). Silly, silly. But he made one potentially interesting recommendation regarding diet. He said that fiber, in my situation, clogs up the pipes and a temporary low fiber, low fat diet could improve symptoms and help get things back on track.

 

I did some research on this and it turns out I was eating a very high fiber diet, definitely exceeding the recommended g/day. I've been eating a lot of fresh fruits and veggies (typically a good idea). But these foods are high in fiber. Avocado, for instance, is hugely fibrous. This has been a staple food of mine for calories and, unbeknownst, provides 40+% of RDA of fiber. 13g of fiber in a good size avocado (200g)! Who'd have thought?!?

 

When I uncovered some info on low-fiber diets, my intuitive reaction was "My God! That's the worst diet imaginable." This page outlines a low-fiber diet if you are curious.

 

Anyway, I plan to take the advice and try the diet for a week or two and see if things improve. Have nothing to lose.

 

That's all for now, folks!

 

Alex

[Punarbhava]

Hi Alex.......

 

 

first off .........a belated but warm welcome to you!!

 

 

I have such a back-log to catch up on but on my "to do" list was to share a few thoughts with you.

 

 

I'm so sorry for what you've been through and for what you are currently going through but no matter what, you can and will get through these days one way or another.

 

 

I wish to share a few thoughts on two subjects and forgive me if I'm repeating anything that others may have written since, due to computer sensitivities, I'm unable to read at length without incurring neurological effects.

 

Anyway, with that explanation out of the way (lol)........in regard to diet.........have you tried eating hummus? It's very nutritional IF one makes their own or if one purchases brands that are free from hydrogenated or partially hydrogenation oils.

 

I've been eating hummus during my WD. It seems to be easier on my stomach than many other foods despite the fact that it contains a lot of garlic. I don't believe it will help with weight gain however, it is quite nutritional. It contains: Chick peas, tahini (which is ground sesame seeds which are very nutritional), canola oil (or if you make your own you can use extra virgin olive oil which is a healthier choice), sea salt, vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic.

 

This can be used as a spread on various dishes, sandwiches or, as I prefer a dip for veggies. I wash up and prepare organic baby carrots, celery sticks, cumcumber sticks and dip and coat them with hummus. Eating a lot of veggies really helps the endocrine system to function better, along with a host of other benefits.

 

Also, have you tried eating oatmeal? It's suppose to be easier on the stomach. It's important to eat the large flake (slow cook) or steel cut oatmeal varieties. I cook the oatmeal with a tablespoon of raisins, tbsp. brown sugar and sprinkle generosly with cinnamon (which helps to regular blood sugar levels). Simmer all this for 10 minutes. You can cook it in apple juice if you require more sweetness and thus, skip the brown sugar or reduce the amount of sugar. Oh, many times I will replace the raisins with small diced fresh apple.

 

Another thing you may wish to try is removing gluten from your diet (Gluten-free diet). In which case you may wisht to try "Quinoa" for a cooked cereal. This can be cooked in apple juice or cooked in water, adding diced apples, cinnamon or raisins etc.

 

Quinoa is used in many other recipes as well. Just do a search on the net to see how many uses are available. BTW, Quinoa can be cooked in batches and it heats well in the microwave or is fine eaten cold.

 

Though I'd mention these two foods since, I seem to tolerate them fairly well.

 

Alex, I'm going to post this and then construct a separate post regarding the other subject I wish to share since, I don't want to lose this post in cyberspace.

 

Normally I construct posts off-line in bits and pieces and then copy/paste them into a thread. Think I better do that since, I need to take a rest from computer exposure.

 

 

Again, forgive me if I've presented info. that you have posted or others have shared.

 

 

Much Beautiful Healing to You!

 

 

Punar

[Punarbhava]

Yesterday visited with a gastro-entro. It was a follow up from a March appt. He believes I am suffering from a digestion/motility problem, that basically my stomach and/or intestines are not emptying and moving the refuse down the channel as they should. Because of this I become full with little food. As the stomach is working in slo-mo, the food just sorta sits there and any new food piles on top. This causes considerable problems beyond weight loss from inability to consume, particularly symptoms of acid reflux disease.

 

All of these gastro problems are WD induced symptoms that so many people must endure from psyche drugs.

 

 

He said he could prescribe meds to empty the stomach but that these were pretty hardcore (reglan?). But that wouldn't be his first choice. (Duh!) After I told him of my poor responses to nexium and protonix, he then wrote me a script for omeprazole (prilosec). Silly, silly.

 

 

Alex, I was on every drug you mentioned above in addition to many others. These drugs can cause many problems, while on them but most importantly once one tries to stop them.

 

A seemingly benign anti-acid for acid reflux can create acid rebound ten times greater than the original reflux IF the drug is C/T.

 

My whole history began with implementing gastro drugs. I was under severe, continuous major life stressors, from multiple sources, simultaneously for a long period of time. Eventually, I developed dyspepsia (indigestion) and thus, was prescribed one gastro drug. It didn't help, in fact, I felt worse (side-effects) so another drug was tried etc. To make a long story short I was prescribed so, so many of these drugs which only caused side-effects and so I stopped them only to become violently ill not realizing that I was experiencing a rebound effect (WD).

 

There were so many cold-switches between these drugs and I just became more ill. I'm not just talking mildly ill, I mean violently ill. At several points I was prescribed antiemetics (which, at the time, I believed were just "stomach pills"). Didn't find out till many years later that many antiemetics are neuroleptics (antipsychotics).

 

I never dreamed, in a million years that a doctor would prescribed antipsychotics to me to prevent indigestion, nausea and vomiting. BTW, the indigestion, nausea, vomiting, intense stomach pains among others were the result of cold switches and C/T rebound effects from the previous series of gastro drugs. I was young, innocent, trusting and had never really had to deal much with doctors prior to that time. Not to mention, I was not medically educated in the least so I believed doctors were prescribing help.

 

In any case, I better just give the overall point I wish to emphasize. These gastro drugs are potent drugs ..............to be take seriously. They have a list of side-effect problems not to mention rebound WD effects if stopped abruptly. A few years ago there were a few support groups on the net for people experiencing WD (rebound) from Proton Pump Inhibitors.

 

All these drugs should be tapered and never C/T since, they affect receptors within the digestive track. Many affect serotonin but also histamine (which is a powerful neurotransmitter that is rarely given much respect). Also, some gastro drugs affect serotonin and dopamine.............have anticholinergic effects etc. etc.

 

Keep in mind, I'm presenting things in a condensed, very general fashion and thus, not detailing at this time since, I'd be typing forever. (lol)

 

Please, I advise you or anyone else reading this post to verify what I'm stating via research. Never rely on one person's opinion on any subject matter. Always research to verify or refute what you hear from another. Also do a search to see if there are any support groups for any given drug. The people who are exposed to such drugs and well as cease and/or WD from such drugs are the evidence of what any give drug can do.

 

It's not just the psychiatric profession that we need to challenge. Medical professionals, in all areas of medicine prescribe toxic drugs, not to mention prescribe psychotropics to treat all kinds of medical conditions. One example: who would think that a Skin Specialist would prescribe an AD for a skin disorder? Well, turns out that some AD are effective in reducing skin sensations. Same goes for migraines.......certain AD can be effective to treat migraines, chronic headaches etc. however, once one stops any of these drugs the rebound skin effects and/or headaches will be worse than the original condition they were prescribed for.

 

These are only two examples of countless ones that I could discuss.

 

We have to research any drug that is recommended to us by any medical profession, regardless of his/her's medical specialty.

 

You are far better staying completely away from these drugs and go the diet route.

 

I landed up on psyche drugs due to gastro drugs that royally messed me up. However, I was labelled as being the problem and not the drugs. Hence, I was then referred to psychiatry and MIS-diagnosed as having "masked depression and double depression" ............which only created another long series of potent drugs and numerous C/T WD nightmarish experiences.

 

I could write pages on this subject. Believe me, I wish I could say I was exaggerating.

 

Worth mentioning: as with any drug, some people can C/T and hardly miss a beat while other people will incur serious negative rebound effects upon cessation of many drugs (not just psychotropics). Then there are those who will suffer mildly or moderately.

 

Question for you. Did you take any of these gastro drugs for any length of time and then C/T from them? If so, did your digestive upsets become worse after doing so?

 

 

But he made one potentially interesting recommendation regarding diet. He said that fiber, in my situation, clogs up the pipes and a temporary low fiber, low fat diet could improve symptoms and help get things back on track.

 

I did some research on this and it turns out I was eating a very high fiber diet, definitely exceeding the recommended g/day. I've been eating a lot of fresh fruits and veggies (typically a good idea). But these foods are high in fiber. Avocado, for instance, is hugely fibrous. This has been a staple food of mine for calories and, unbeknownst, provides 40+% of RDA of fiber. 13g of fiber in a good size avocado (200g)! Who'd have thought?!?

 

Yes, too much fiber can cause problems whereas not enough fiber can also be problematic. What about moderation. Any diet to the extreme can IMHO create ill effects.

 

Even making drastic dietary changes too quickly, can upset a normal person's system, never mind those of us who are in WD, due to hyper-sensitivities to changes of any kind.

 

 

When I uncovered some info on low-fiber diets, my intuitive reaction was "My God! That's the worst diet imaginable." This page outlines a low-fiber diet if you are curious.

 

 

Yes, low fiber diets are not real healthy diets but you could give it a try and see what happens. If you find it is not helpful perhaps you could implement a diet that has some middle ground eg. some fiber but not too high fiber.

 

BTW, gastro motility problems are a WD effect of psyche drugs as well as a rebound effect from some gastro drugs. Oh yes, one the motility drugs I was on made me worse. I could feel the food swooshing through my disgestive system at too fast a pace. It's was the most horrible feeling.

 

 

BTW, I only quickly scanned your posts but I believe you mentioned that some gastro drugs are contraindicated with benzos. Good to see that you are aware of this. Perhaps you're even aware of much of what I have presented and if so, then disregard my protective attempts. (lol)

 

I'm sharing all this with you Alex because I would hate to see you go through the gastro drug nightmare that I went through. Like psyche drugs, these gastrointestinal drugs never cure any condition. They only affect digestive receptors .........only to create rebound effects once the drugs are stopped.

 

I sincerely wish you the best and hope some of the diet modifications help. Tapering slowly from the remainder of the drugs, you are currently taking, is the safest way to go.

 

Wishing you Continued Healing and a Full Recovery!

 

Punar

[alexjuice]

My whole history began with implementing gastro drugs. I was under severe, continuous major life stressors, from multiple sources, simultaneously for a long period of time. Eventually, I developed dyspepsia (indigestion) and thus, was prescribed one gastro drug. It didn't help, in fact, I felt worse (side-effects) so another drug was tried etc. To make a long story short I was prescribed so, so many of these drugs which only caused side-effects and so I stopped them only to become violently ill not realizing that I was experiencing a rebound effect (WD).

 

There were so many cold-switches between these drugs and I just became more ill....

 

Please, I advise you or anyone else reading this post to verify what I'm stating via research. Never rely on one person's opinion on any subject matter. Always research to verify or refute what you hear from another. Also do a search to see if there are any support groups for any given drug. The people who are exposed to such drugs and well as cease and/or WD from such drugs are the evidence of what any give drug can do....

 

Question for you. Did you take any of these gastro drugs for any length of time and then C/T from them? If so, did your digestive upsets become worse after doing so?

 

Yes, too much fiber can cause problems whereas not enough fiber can also be problematic. What about moderation. Any diet to the extreme can IMHO create ill effects....

 

I'm sharing all this with you Alex because I would hate to see you go through the gastro drug nightmare that I went through. Like psyche drugs, these gastrointestinal drugs never cure any condition. They only affect digestive receptors .........only to create rebound effects once the drugs are stopped.

 

I sincerely wish you the best and hope some of the diet modifications help. Tapering slowly from the remainder of the drugs, you are currently taking, is the safest way to go.

 

Wishing you Continued Healing and a Full Recovery!

 

Punar

 

 

Punar,

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this thoughtful post. I've not been participating online much due to the $h!t but have been meaning to thank you. I am deeply appreciative. I'm sorry to hear of your nightmare with digestive drugs. I have had only a taste of what you describe and I realize how dangerous they can be.

 

Luckily, I do not have a history at all with digestive problems. All the issues started this Febuary in response to a fast med change. Very quickly I developed a problem eating, constipation, reflux, pain, voice problems, others. I briefly tried nexium then protonix. Nexium interacted poorly with benzos so I only took once. Protonix relieved symptoms for a short while but made me worse overall. It was clear they were affecting monoamines. Mood, motivation, sleep, sex function all fluctuated. I couldn't stop crying and planning my suicide come the 5th days of protonix. Decided to stop taking and my 'normal' outlook, dispostion and w/d symptoms returned within a week of stopping.

 

I must agree with your point about doing one's research. This is true, IMO, for all patients. It is essential for us. I research everything now and am very cautious do to my hypersensitivity. This last doc wrote me a script for prilosec but I never took a dose.

 

I am trying, as you suggest, a modified version of the low fiber diet. There have been some ups and downs. Overall I am moving in the right direction. I have gained 3 lbs in the last month or two after losing 35 lbs in nine weeks. I am discovering that sugar especially triggers my w/d. I had pancakes with small amount of maple syrup and this went poorly. Afterward I went into a totally dark room (I've got blinders on the window) and calmed down then fell asleep for several hours even though it was not yet noon. So... yes it is much trial and error without an 'expert' to instruct.

 

Thats why I am appreciate of your post and all the others on this board. It's the group's experience and collective research/experimentation that gives any guides towards useful action.

 

I hope you are feeling well today.

 

best wishes

 

alex.i

[stan]

hi Alex and all

 

after years on Psychotropic Substances, the whole chemistry of the stomach and intestines are in chaos

and a bad balance has been established,

but when we reduce the doses, we create imbalance in a bad balance in stomac and intestins muscles, hormones,

the first step is to reach 0mg, and than

there is only time and well eating that can restore a fragile balance

[Punarbhava]

hi Alex and all

 

after years on Psychotropic Substances, the whole chemistry of the stomach and intestines are in chaos

and a bad balance has been established,

but when we reduce the doses, we create imbalance in a bad balance in stomac and intestins muscles, hormones,

the first step is to reach 0mg, and than

there is only time and well eating that can restore a fragile balance

 

 

Stan.......

 

 

We just have to understand what you have mentioned and then hold on.........ride things out and eventually all systems will start to cooperate with each other and symptoms will settle down.

 

So true re: first step is to reach "0" mg.

 

 

Great Post Stan!

 

Punar

[alexjuice]

Felt unusually depressed after 6 days on low residue diet (no fruit/veggies). Tried 1/300th of recommended dose of b12 sublingual. Over response. Highly sensitive to light and noise. Over stimulated going on two days now. Extreme sensitivity to high pitch sounds. Considerable pain in ears. Headache.

 

Yes, 1/300th.

 

Bottle recommends 15 drops under tongue. I mixed one drop in a cup with 20 drops of spring water. cleaned dropper. took ONE drop of diluted drop.

 

Who knows.

[Punarbhava]

Hi Alex...

 

I'm trying to get caught up today and thus, wanted to acknowledge your post to me and BTW, there is no pressure to respond to my thoughts. I know how difficult it can be to engage during WD.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this thoughtful post. I've not been participating online much due to the $h!t but have been meaning to thank you. I am deeply appreciative. I'm sorry to hear of your nightmare with digestive drugs. I have had only a taste of what you describe and I realize how dangerous they can be.

 

Thank you so much for, not only the appreciation you expressed, but also for your sympathies as well as allowing me to realize that you are aware of being extremely cautious about the gastro-drugs. It makes me feel so much better knowing that you will not become lured into another nightmare, over and above the present that you must contend with.

 

 

Luckily, I do not have a history at all with digestive problems. All the issues started this Febuary in response to a fast med change. Very quickly I developed a problem eating, constipation, reflux, pain, voice problems, others. I briefly tried nexium then protonix. Nexium interacted poorly with benzos so I only took once. Protonix relieved symptoms for a short while but made me worse overall. It was clear they were affecting monoamines. Mood, motivation, sleep, sex function all fluctuated. I couldn't stop crying and planning my suicide come the 5th days of protonix. Decided to stop taking and my 'normal' outlook, dispostion and w/d symptoms returned within a week of stopping.

 

So very sorry to hear you experienced all this although I'm not surprised. I'm so glad you decided to cease the drugs after a short time and thus, regained your natural disposition from doing so.

 

 

I must agree with your point about doing one's research. This is true, IMO, for all patients. It is essential for us. I research everything now and am very cautious do to my hypersensitivity. This last doc wrote me a script for prilosec but I never took a dose.

 

Good to hear you've researched and thus, decided not to ingest the prilosec.

 

 

I am trying, as you suggest, a modified version of the low fiber diet. There have been some ups and downs. Overall I am moving in the right direction. I have gained 3 lbs in the last month or two after losing 35 lbs in nine weeks.

 

 

I understand the rapid weight loss since, I myself lost 32 lbs during my severe tolerance WD taper. Glad you're trying the modified diet and have gains a few pounds. I sincerly wish you success with the diet.

 

 

 

I am discovering that sugar especially triggers my w/d. I had pancakes with small amount of maple syrup and this went poorly. Afterward I went into a totally dark room (I've got blinders on the window) and calmed down then fell asleep for several hours even though it was not yet noon. So... yes it is much trial and error without an 'expert' to instruct.

 

Sugar along with refined carbs, can create ill effects during WD. I, along with others, seem to do a bit better by eliminating carbs altogether and sticking to a diet high in protein, veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds, legumes, lentils and dairy (if one can tolerate)

 

Thats why I am appreciate of your post and all the others on this board. It's the group's experience and collective research/experimentation that gives any guides towards useful action.

 

So very true for all of us. It is through sharing info. that we come to understand and learn how to help ourselves through the WD process. BTW, I appreciate your appreciation. (lol) I laugh but it's true.

 

I hope you are feeling well today.

 

 

Thank you for the well wishes Alex. I've been doing quite a bit better these past 5 days since, coming out of a horrible wave. I hope you experience some significant relief soon and able to eat sufficiently enough to regain some weight.

 

 

BTW, as I mentioned, no need to respond okay. Just take care of yourself to the max.

 

 

Much More Healing to You Alex!

 

[Altostrata]

Well, no B12 for you, alex.

[Punarbhava]

Felt unusually depressed after 6 days on low residue diet (no fruit/veggies). Tried 1/300th of recommended dose of b12 sublingual. Over response. Highly sensitive to light and noise. Over stimulated going on two days now. Extreme sensitivity to high pitch sounds. Considerable pain in ears. Headache.

 

Yes, 1/300th.

 

Bottle recommends 15 drops under tongue. I mixed one drop in a cup with 20 drops of spring water. cleaned dropper. took ONE drop of diluted drop.

 

Who knows.

 

Proves just how sensitive some of us can be during WD. I could not tolerate any of the B vitamins nor any other vitamin supplements/minerals during this last WD experience, aside from Vitamin C and Zinc. ( do okay with those two).

 

Sorry you had such an awful reaction to such a tiny dose. It's horrible to be that sensitive.

 

Your system should calm back down soon. I suppose you will have to make some modifications, yet again, in way of diet. We can make recommendations but one must experiment and thus, tailor one's intake based upon how one's system responds.

 

 

Best Wishes.

 

 

Punar

[alexjuice]

Update:

 

I've been improving.

 

I am eating a low fiber diet and have added six pounds. I have significant trouble with my voice, otherwise most of my GI/GERD symptoms have gotten much better.

 

After a weird reaction I can not tolerate the computer as well as before, even with my amber glasses. I need to be quick on the comp or I pay a price. The price is a good pain in within the ears and a burning of the skin of lips and face. This is also improving but too slowly for my taste. Very hard to be without the internet. I also seem to react to cellular phones but this is more of a suspicion at this point.

 

Finally, I intend to drop my primary psychiatrist. This is really stressing me out because I talked to an old doc to see if she would accept me and she declined citing my history and current medication. I have a secondary psychiatrist and I will try to elevate her to position number one... The old doc is overdue for a firing though the current circumstances are not ideal.

 

I thank everyone for their support in the thread over the last months. I see many new folks here and look forward to reading and getting to know.

 

Online is where the others like me reside. Like I said, these computer limitations are challenging as I already feel isolated and misunderstood due to my circumstance.

 

Hope everyone is doing well.

 

Alex.i

[silverkid]

Hi Alex,

 

I just wanted to say that you have done so well to come to where you are now. You have overcome so much! Hang in there. Hopefully the support and advice and new information you can gather here will help you reach your goal.

Take care.

 

Regards,

 

Silverkid

[Altostrata]

So good to hear from you, Alex.

 

It's two steps forward and one step back -- keep walking!

 

Perhaps it's the heat and light of the summer that have exacerbated some of your symptoms. Stay cool, Mr. Ice.

[Hopeful]

Alex, you might want to look into a privacy filter for your computer screen. I use one and it helps.

[alexjuice]

Alex, you might want to look into a privacy filter for your computer screen. I use one and it helps.

 

Hey Hopeful! How are you?

 

I went to Frye's, electronics store by me, and they had nothing like this. (They blast these horrible sounds. Bass vibrating, video game madness... It was a terrifically awful experience.)

 

Did you find the filter online? I haven't looked except briefly.

 

Hope you are doing well.

 

best

 

Alex.i

[Altostrata]

Here's a bunch on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=15782001

 

Office supply stores should have them.

 

The lowbluelights people have them https://www.lowbluelights.com/products.asp?cid=16

 

(As Hopeful says, the privacy filter is probably fine.)

[alexjuice]

Alto-

Thanks for the links on the computer screens.

 

...

 

From another thread I took a comment by you:

 

Pun, you are absolutely right, people do prolong recovery by trying other interventions that cause further "perturbation" of the nervous system.

 

May I ask for your advice about a sitation I'm dealing with relevant to intervention.

 

I have a w/d symptom that I've been told will soon require more effective intervention. My problem, acid reflux, has burned my vocal chords and the damage continues to progress. I did not speak yesterday. I choose not to speak. Just to be clear, I CAN speak but not too well... big bummer.

 

Doc, both ENT and GastroE, say no irreversible damage done as yet, but the reflux need be contained to prevent it.

 

I therefore keep trying interventions, at first medications, then supplements, then diet, then lifestyle, then laxative magnesium... and so on. These interventions have not alleviated anything. Possibly they've prolonged the course...

 

I struggle with the issue. If I do nothing and the situation resolves in short time, I will, as I understand it, regain my normal vocal range and stamina. If I do nothing and the sitation does not resolve, I may develop more chronic vocal chord issues of unpredictable severity.

 

Life.

 

I am tempted to once more try proton pump inhibitors though in granule form such that I can control the dose, starting micro. See, these temptations! Fear is a great facilitator of cloudy judgment.

 

Alex.i

[compsports]

Alto-

Thanks for the links on the computer screens.

 

...

 

From another thread I took a comment by you:

 

 

Pun, you are absolutely right, people do prolong recovery by trying other interventions that cause further "perturbation" of the nervous system.

 

May I ask for your advice about a sitation I'm dealing with relevant to intervention.

 

I have a w/d symptom that I've been told will soon require more effective intervention. My problem, acid reflux, has burned my vocal chords and the damage continues to progress. I did not speak yesterday. I choose not to speak. Just to be clear, I CAN speak but not too well... big bummer.

 

Doc, both ENT and GastroE, say no irreversible damage done as yet, but the reflux need be contained to prevent it.

 

I therefore keep trying interventions, at first medications, then supplements, then diet, then lifestyle, then laxative magnesium... and so on. These interventions have not alleviated anything. Possibly they've prolonged the course...

 

I struggle with the issue. If I do nothing and the situation resolves in short time, I will, as I understand it, regain my normal vocal range and stamina. If I do nothing and the sitation does not resolve, I may develop more chronic vocal chord issues of unpredictable severity.

 

Life.

 

I am tempted to once more try proton pump inhibitors though in granule form such that I can control the dose, starting micro. See, these temptations! Fear is a great facilitator of cloudy judgment.

 

Alex.i

 

Hi Alex,

 

I am so sorry you are suffering.

 

A scientist cured his heartburn with a low carb diet. This is discussed in the book, "Hearburn Cured".

 

Have you tried that yet?

 

CS

[alexjuice]

Hi Alex,

 

I am so sorry you are suffering.

 

A scientist cured his heartburn with a low carb diet. This is discussed in the book, "Hearburn Cured".

 

Have you tried that yet?

 

Hey comp,

 

Thanks for the kind words.

 

I haven't specifically tried it, no.

 

My issue is that raw foods and fibrous foods -- I've been told -- will make my problem worse. I say, 'I've been told', because when I got off veggies and onto low-fiber, my reflux did get better but not near enough. But, also during this time, I stabilized on my medication. A change in my meds was the catalyst for all my digestive problems which began back in Feb.

 

So it's a little complicated as to what made things better.

 

I will look on Amazon today for the book and see the basis of diet he recommends. Maybe I can try that and see.

 

My problem is caused by GI motility dysfunction, evidently, which I do not believe is the typical condition underlying reflux issues generally.

 

I do appreciate your help and I'll definitely look into it.

 

cheers!

 

Alex.i

[Altostrata]

Alex, this is a tough one.

 

First, do not blame yourself for anything you do to help yourself. We're trying to find our way without paths here.

 

As usual, you have to do a risk-benefit analysis and decide what's best for you given the severity of your symptoms. Read up as much as you can on your diagnosis. See if it truly fits your symptoms. Look at alternatives.

 

If I were you, I would try the least-invasive options first.

[ajay]

Hi Alex,

 

Some random ideas based on my husband's experience with acid reflux:

 

- can you sleep at a slight incline or more upright? Say, use a bunch of pillows to make a "ramp" so that your head is well above your stomach? (or prop up the head of your mattress)

 

- does it help if you avoid eating closer than about 4 hours before bed? That can be tricky to arrange, and it may not work with your other symptoms, but it seems to help my husband sleep more comfortably.

 

I think the idea is to minimize the reflux at night, when it does the most damage. I'm not a doctor, of course, but I've read that acid reflux can be one of those paradoxical things where actually there isn't enough acid in the stomach, so stuff sits there for too long & causes problems.

 

It's great that there's no damage to your vocal chords. I do know someone who had vocal chord damage from acid reflux. She did get better, and her voice came back though she says it's a little different than it was before.

 

Good luck. I wish you healing.

[summer]

Alex... I haven't had a chance to read this entire thread, so forgive me if I repeat anything.

 

That said... I have frequent gerd/reflux also. I had the usual tests done for this and happily no big problems were found. It was suggested that I take Prilosec (by several competent doctors) and it makes a huge difference for me. They all said I could take it every day if I need to. Has this been suggested to you?

[alexjuice]

Alto - Yes, it's tough but I appreciate your reply. Funny you mentioned blaming yourself. I just came across the "It's not your fault" scene in Good Will Hunting this morning and told myself essentially that... Couple good scenes relevant to w/d in that movie, at least for me.... I've decided to try a few more things like increasing probiotics, changing enzymes and introducing aloe vera before messing with anything pharmaceutical.

 

Ajay - Thanks for the suggestions. I've been sleeping on a head-elevated bed without great results. I am switching back to sleeping in a reclining chair -- something I had to do back in April. We'll see how it goes.

 

Summer - Hey summer... I can't take Prilosec as it is incompatible with another medication I am on. Actually, I haven't had good results from any proton pump inhibitor so the option of last resort is opening Dexilant capsules and taking some of the granules. Or protonix. Hope it doesn't come to that.

 

***

Aside: I think proton pump inhibitor is the dumbest name ever for a class of drugs. Do they really split atoms inside my gut and then inhibit the protons alone from being pumped?

 

Aside II: If you're a smarty pants and feel compelled to educate me... {complete this sentence instead!}

 

alex.i

[summer]

Alex... please ignore if I'm getting too personal... but I was wondering if the "med" you are referring to is a benzo? Just wanted to mention that I take .5 xanax at nite, and taking both hasn't been a problem at all. Not saying you should do this... just wanted to share.

[alexjuice]

summer - yeah, it's a benzo. This benzo and prilosec don't get along.

 

thanks for the comment, though.

[Altostrata]

alex, did you see this topic? SCD/GAPS/Paleo Diets

 

Rhi just posted something interesting about it controlling acid reflux.

[alexjuice]

I wasn't familiar with it... I'm gonna take a look at the diet. Thanks.

[alexjuice]

I am really frustrated.

 

I tried some stuff for my voice and it got worse. I went a few days without talking at all, but for 10 words or something.

 

My vocal cords are burned plus my throat muscles are rigid and spasming causing pain on speaking.

 

I tried a small dose of a PPI, Dexilent, for only two days. I had to stop because of pain in the bones/joints. I have been off the PPI for several days but have pain in hips/pelvis, wrists, knucles, etc that has not diminished...

 

Voice is better than last week. But I can't do much talking. I also tried a holistic guy and I'll have something on that later.

 

I am doing a group therapy, it's a group that I used to be in, and I restarted it to combat isolation and before my the recent worsening of my speaking ability. Since I was last in the group, I am 75lbs lighter and I can not speak. The leader, a highly overpaid psychologist, treats me like a hypochondriac (and I haven't even gotten specific about the cause of health problems yet).

 

I can't talk much in group so I just listen. It is challenging. I'm in a room with twelve perfectly healthy people (age: 24-34) and it is my pleasure to listen to them talk about their emotions (ie, complain) about feeling fat or feeling like their boyfriend/girlfriend makes insensitive comments. I understand (before anyone says a word) but this makes me want to cry. WAKE UP PEOPLE -- LIVE WHILE YOU HAVE THE CHANCE. Without HEALTH there is no AGENCY, only dependency.

 

I'm tired of doctors. I've lost any pleasure in being right. Knowing that the thing that hit you was an Iceberg... you don't get points (or a lifeboat) for that.

 

I wonder how scarred and screwed up my esophagus is? Food is starting to get stuck more frequently.

 

I am just frustrated. There are no obvious things left to try with a good upside/downside profile. Most every thing I've tried, I wish I could take back, especially every supplement and Rx. I get worse from everything. I looked at the GAPS diet and it seems like a risk considering my situation... I have been, again, losing weight. This is a real problem. I don't think GAPS is a choice for someone in my shoes -- I suspect it'd just accelerate my weight loss ... I'll tinker with my food intake but I am so gunshy after all the adverses that i'm scared to do anything, honestly... dang.

 

I am also weak. I feel mentally drained. Being around people, it's been 6 months.

 

If there is a greater psychological challenge than this w/d ****, name it.

 

Alex.i

[stan]

 

My vocal cords are burned plus my throat muscles are rigid and spasming causing pain on speaking.

 

I'm tired of doctors. I've lost any pleasure in being right. Knowing that the thing that hit you was an Iceberg... you don't get points (or a lifeboat) for that.

 

I wonder how scarred and screwed up my esophagus is? Food is starting to get stuck more frequently.

 

muscles spasm, rigid, pains,tense, digestive motility,tightness, many many symptoms are muscles related

[Baxter]

Alex, I am so sorry to read about these issues. If the gaps diet is too extreme, then by all means give it a miss. But I am wondering if you could get some good nutrition from smoothies, soups and so on while you wait for your throat to relax.

 

Also, if your group therapist is not empathic/supportive perhaps it is time to find a new group! She seems disrespectful/disbelieving and uncaring about your situation. That is the last thing that you need at this point. Find a group for folks with PTSD,cause, buddy, you definitely are traumatized.

 

I'm thinking of you.

[Nadia]

Hi Alex,

 

I understand your concerns with the GAPS or SCD diet and weight loss, but there is a very good chance you would not lose weight at all, but rather gain it. I have seen this happen. My niece has ulcerative colitis, my boyfriend has been diagnosed with it as well, and I have a couple of friends with Crohn's, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, acid-reflux, etc. I am trying the diet now myself. From what I have seen, the diet makes everyone go to an ideal weight... so that if they were too thin, they gained weight, and if they were fat, they lost it. I think the logic is that it heals your intestines and digestion, so that it gets you absorbing the nutrients you need

 

I was having terrible acidity and heartburn after taking an amoeba medication (and have in my life been prone to acidity anyway), and in three days the diet cleared it up! For a severe case like yours, likely this would take longer, but I'm pretty sure it would help you. What I want to reassure you is that there is no harm in trying it for a month. It is hard to follow at first, because it involves changing your eating habits entirely, and on the intro diet you'll want to eat like every couple of hours and each thing you eat is the same thing you just ate and you get sick of it... but think of the healing it will give you! I really encourage you to try it.

 

My mood and anxiety have been better as well... I don't know how much of that has to do with the diet and how much has to do with all the other stuff I'm doing (exercise, meditation, acupuncture, etc.), but the good news is that it has not put any more stress on my system, quite the opposite, and that has to be positive!

 

N.

[alexjuice]

This is how I am feeling today:

 

WARNING: Do NOT View is Sensitive to Movie Violence (Famous Boxing Sequence)

 

... THIS RIGHT HERE...

 

Fall 9 times, stand up 10. Keep getting up.

 

I'm hanging in.

 

Alex

 

ps - thanks for the well wishes.

[alexjuice]

I tried a homeopathic healer.

 

After hearing the short version of my story, he made me a preparation of spring water -- nothing else. He then infused the water with 'essence of effexor' without actually adding anything to the liquid. He gave me a drop under the tongue. I actually felt a lot better. A couple days later I tried another drop and didn't feel better but worse. I waited a bit longer, about 10 days, and tried one more drop and felt a lot worse -- really anxious and uncomfortable.

 

I had a follow up last Friday.

 

I didn't intend to take any more 'water' but was curious how this worked. He put me on the table for an exam then asked me to open my mouth and he felt my throat and larynx. He asked me to lift my tongue. And then he dropped another drop in my mouth. I couldn't believe it.

 

I wasn't prepared, didn't even realize he had anything in his hands.

 

Anyway, after giving it to me, he told me that the previous 'water' must've been the wrong concentration and I will have better luck with this version of 'effexor water'. I was really jarred. And sad actually b/c I know how sensitive I am and would never had allowed it had I known he intended to give me more medicine.

 

I've been weepy and depressed since. In fact, I have cried everyday since Sunday, crying myself to sleep even. Highly unlike me. Also my prostatitis is flaring up so I am avoiding chairs for a while. Also, increased libido with cont'd sexual dysfunction (but lil different).

 

He said his 'water' will mimic Effexor but in a micro-way that will reset my body's energy and cure my w/d. He was really confident in his abilities, said he's helped others with this before.

 

Didn't do me much good. I feel lousy. I regret that I froze as I saw that dropper, but I only had 1-2 seconds. It happened too fast.

 

I feel so weak and sad right now.

 

The timing could not be worse. An internet developer contacted me with interest in a website I maintain. I verified his legitimacy, and he made a no-brainer offer. We both signed a transaction contract. Today the money (mid $X,XXX) was deposited in my account at escrow.com. Escrow will hold it until the domain transfer is confirmed by Godaddy.com and then the $ will be ACH'd to my bank account. But I have several hours of work to do still and I am not even close to up for it tonight.

 

I will try to get my crap together tomorrow. I could use the money, for sure.

 

For now, I am going to try not to succumb to more crying

 

Alex.i

[Altostrata]

Oh, alex, how frustrating.

 

What was in that dropper? Was it really Effexor? I wonder.

 

I'd phone the homeopathic healer and ask him, but I wouldn't go back to him.

 

Congratulations on selling your little Web site. You'll get everything done, I know it.