Guest guest Posted February 7, 2001 Report Share Posted February 7, 2001 Hi Jackie! Did you get all your attic insulation in???? How are you doing now? I hope your depression is lifting. I had a bout of it recently, as a result of some stress and drinking some coffee, a big no-no for me, but thankfully, it has lifted now. I do think it is all related to the stress in our lives, as well as wrong eating. It really felt like a major chemical imbalance. You are going through a very stressful period right now, waiting for your surgery date to be pinpointed, and I know how hard it is to wait. Just focus on happy thoughts and try to get some sunshine and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. I didn't do that enough when I should have. As for the brain fog, that has been one symptom that is really, really hard to describe. I have used so many different terms for it, but for me the best way to describe it is "spacey". I feel like my brain is floating separately from my body, and I find it harder to concentrate on things. My head feels like it is stuffed full of cotton balls instead of hard working brain cells. It is harder to have full, meaningful converstations, and is much easier to just be still and quiet, although everyone around me sees me as acting normal. I want to sort of zone out instead of snapping to it. It feels like my head is inflamed, or something chemically is wrong inside there. It is not a headache, but just a feeling of weirdness that I don't know if anyone can understand unless they have had it themselves. As a matter of fact, I have it right now, and I am not very happy about that! I have alot of energy and am doing OK that way. But when the brain fog hits, (and it does "hit" and come on fairly quickly), it just makes me go into slow motion and want to chill out for awhile, although I can force myself to do things. I just would rather not! It usually hits about an hour after a meal, or later in the afternoon, but hasn't been happening as often lately. I am pretty convinced that the brain fog is a result of allergic reaction to foods, and to hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation. I almost always get brain fog after eating chocolate, corn, B-vitamins by pill, and I am still trying to figure out which other foods do it to me. Usually, high saturated fat foods, or deep fried foods, which I almost totally avoid with an occasional slip here and there. There was a recent posting about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from Ilena that had a description of the brain fog in it, and I was going yes, yes, yes, that is it, somebody knows about this! I need to review that article again. I have heard that the liver flush can really help with allergies. I have done it a couple of times, and it isn't so bad. Take care, I really pray that you hear about the medical insurance soon. Let us know! Patty ----- Original Message ----- From: Jackie Sent: Saturday, February 03, 2001 7:28 AM Subject: Patty Thanks Patty. I know, it is baffling to have to wait so long but I think its all that beaurocratic crap of paper pushing that takes our government forever to get thru. I did call Sue (the recept at my PS's office) and asked her what it would cost me to pay for the surgery. She told me $1250.00 but advised that I wait for the medical insurance to approve it and I guess that is my feeling also right now. She said that I could be looking at surgery at the end of March. I did some more research last Wed night regarding SAM-e for depression and found some other supplement recommendations that would help with the depression and energy. Since I had them in my cupboard I started taking them on Thurs and I don't know if they would improve things that quickly or if it was all in my head but I actually had energy Thurs and Fri. I've been sticking really close to a sugar-free and yeast-free diet and I know that has helped as well. I'm taking SAM-e right now and have for a week but have stepped it up to 3 tablets a day instead of the one I was doing prior to Thurs to let my system adjust to it as recommended. The lousy part is that Canada had banned it off the shelf so if I want to stay on it I have to cross the line and buy it in Washington. St 's Wort has been helpful in the past but since I had the SAM-e here I thought I'd use it. The worst for me is the depression, it seems to sap me of all strength and energy. With the strict diet and supplements, I figure if I can slowly detox my body before the surgery maybe the recovery will be smooth sailing so I am trying to stay positive about the long wait. Are you still having trouble with your energy as well? How's your head doing? Still foggy? When you all talked about being foggy I didn't think I could relate to it. I have known for a long time now that my memory is poor but what I am especially aware of right now is that when I read or learn something, that info seems to drift off into a fog in my brain and I have to try real hard to remember it and lots of time I don't. I have to write everything down and have for a long time but lately moreso. Is that what you all mean with brain fog? Well, today we are putting insulation in our attic so I guess I had better get off my butt and get things started. Yuch! I'd rather be sewing or reading or maybe something fun. lol See ya all later and have a great weekend. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2001 Report Share Posted February 10, 2001 Hi Patty, I'm happy to hear you are not feeling depressed any longer. When you described the brain fog as having a head full of cotton I can identify with that. I also lose my train of thought very easy and unless I have an attentive listener, I'm lost and have to admit it to save face. I hope that will change once I have the operation. Food reactions/sensitivities definately bring this on for me as well. For me, I describe them as almost 'flu like' symptoms. I hope you get this narrowed down or eliminated soon Patty. You've been dealing with this for some time now. At least your energy is much better than it was before. The depression started lifting about Thurs Feb 1, because I started getting more energy and each day has just improved incredibly. We did get our insulation in last Saturday and what a difference it has made in keeping the heat in the house. It took us 5 hrs to complete that task and then we moved my son and then took the couple out for dinner that helped us all day. Whew! I rested all day Sunday and knew that I overdid it. Each day this week tho I have gotten up with a bit more energy and breezed thru my day with not much effort. I am walking about 2 miles a day on my lunch break and look forward to that. I've been eating pretty healthy but ya know why I think this is. I started experimenting with SAM-e 2 weeks ago with just one pill a day to allow my body to adjust and then I increased to 3 pills a day and just felt wonderful with increased energy and happiness, overall wellbeing. I have run out of SAM-e now and have had to go back to SJW because Canada doesn't allow SAM-e across the border. The only way I can get it is to go across the line and smuggle it and that might not be so bad but the exchange rate is horrendous. I have added iron supplements, folic acid, chromium with vanadium, & potassium. I also take alot of vit c and antioxidants, silymarin & evening primrose oil so I don't know for sure if it was the SAM-e that is solely responsible for the mood lift or if it was the combination but I'm sure we'll soon find out. Yes the stress load we tend to put on ourselves can be pretty horrendous to say the least. I'm doing my best to stay positive and have to admit that its been pretty darned easy this past week with the increased energy. I just hope I can maintain this level and keep improving day by day. Thanks for asking Patty. I will check back soon. Take care, Jackie From: Patty Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 11:06 AM Subject: Re: Patty Hi Jackie! Did you get all your attic insulation in???? How are you doing now? I hope your depression is lifting. I had a bout of it recently, as a result of some stress and drinking some coffee, a big no-no for me, but thankfully, it has lifted now. I do think it is all related to the stress in our lives, as well as wrong eating. It really felt like a major chemical imbalance. You are going through a very stressful period right now, waiting for your surgery date to be pinpointed, and I know how hard it is to wait. Just focus on happy thoughts and try to get some sunshine and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. I didn't do that enough when I should have. As for the brain fog, that has been one symptom that is really, really hard to describe. I have used so many different terms for it, but for me the best way to describe it is "spacey". I feel like my brain is floating separately from my body, and I find it harder to concentrate on things. My head feels like it is stuffed full of cotton balls instead of hard working brain cells. It is harder to have full, meaningful converstations, and is much easier to just be still and quiet, although everyone around me sees me as acting normal. I want to sort of zone out instead of snapping to it. It feels like my head is inflamed, or something chemically is wrong inside there. It is not a headache, but just a feeling of weirdness that I don't know if anyone can understand unless they have had it themselves. As a matter of fact, I have it right now, and I am not very happy about that! I have alot of energy and am doing OK that way. But when the brain fog hits, (and it does "hit" and come on fairly quickly), it just makes me go into slow motion and want to chill out for awhile, although I can force myself to do things. I just would rather not! It usually hits about an hour after a meal, or later in the afternoon, but hasn't been happening as often lately. I am pretty convinced that the brain fog is a result of allergic reaction to foods, and to hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation. I almost always get brain fog after eating chocolate, corn, B-vitamins by pill, and I am still trying to figure out which other foods do it to me. Usually, high saturated fat foods, or deep fried foods, which I almost totally avoid with an occasional slip here and there. There was a recent posting about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from Ilena that had a description of the brain fog in it, and I was going yes, yes, yes, that is it, somebody knows about this! I need to review that article again. I have heard that the liver flush can really help with allergies. I have done it a couple of times, and it isn't so bad. Take care, I really pray that you hear about the medical insurance soon. Let us know! Patty ----- Original Message ----- From: Jackie Sent: Saturday, February 03, 2001 7:28 AM Subject: Patty Thanks Patty. I know, it is baffling to have to wait so long but I think its all that beaurocratic crap of paper pushing that takes our government forever to get thru. I did call Sue (the recept at my PS's office) and asked her what it would cost me to pay for the surgery. She told me $1250.00 but advised that I wait for the medical insurance to approve it and I guess that is my feeling also right now. She said that I could be looking at surgery at the end of March. I did some more research last Wed night regarding SAM-e for depression and found some other supplement recommendations that would help with the depression and energy. Since I had them in my cupboard I started taking them on Thurs and I don't know if they would improve things that quickly or if it was all in my head but I actually had energy Thurs and Fri. I've been sticking really close to a sugar-free and yeast-free diet and I know that has helped as well. I'm taking SAM-e right now and have for a week but have stepped it up to 3 tablets a day instead of the one I was doing prior to Thurs to let my system adjust to it as recommended. The lousy part is that Canada had banned it off the shelf so if I want to stay on it I have to cross the line and buy it in Washington. St 's Wort has been helpful in the past but since I had the SAM-e here I thought I'd use it. The worst for me is the depression, it seems to sap me of all strength and energy. With the strict diet and supplements, I figure if I can slowly detox my body before the surgery maybe the recovery will be smooth sailing so I am trying to stay positive about the long wait. Are you still having trouble with your energy as well? How's your head doing? Still foggy? When you all talked about being foggy I didn't think I could relate to it. I have known for a long time now that my memory is poor but what I am especially aware of right now is that when I read or learn something, that info seems to drift off into a fog in my brain and I have to try real hard to remember it and lots of time I don't. I have to write everything down and have for a long time but lately moreso. Is that what you all mean with brain fog? Well, today we are putting insulation in our attic so I guess I had better get off my butt and get things started. Yuch! I'd rather be sewing or reading or maybe something fun. lol See ya all later and have a great weekend. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2001 Report Share Posted February 12, 2001 Hi Jackie, I'd like to hear more about the SAM-e and your experiences with it after you have been on it for some time. This is one supplement that I have not tried yet. Glad to hear that you have had more energy at least! Something you have taken has helped, I would guess. The exercise is good, too, and I am surprised to hear that you are walking up there in Canada, with all that snow and cold! It hasn't been too bad in Vegas lately, but I sure hate cold weather, and I haven't gotten out in the morning with my girlfriend to take our 2 mile walks. We're wimps when it comes to the cold! Patty ----- Original Message ----- From: Jackie Sent: Friday, February 09, 2001 9:16 PM Subject: Re: Patty Hi Patty, I'm happy to hear you are not feeling depressed any longer. When you described the brain fog as having a head full of cotton I can identify with that. I also lose my train of thought very easy and unless I have an attentive listener, I'm lost and have to admit it to save face. I hope that will change once I have the operation. Food reactions/sensitivities definately bring this on for me as well. For me, I describe them as almost 'flu like' symptoms. I hope you get this narrowed down or eliminated soon Patty. You've been dealing with this for some time now. At least your energy is much better than it was before. The depression started lifting about Thurs Feb 1, because I started getting more energy and each day has just improved incredibly. We did get our insulation in last Saturday and what a difference it has made in keeping the heat in the house. It took us 5 hrs to complete that task and then we moved my son and then took the couple out for dinner that helped us all day. Whew! I rested all day Sunday and knew that I overdid it. Each day this week tho I have gotten up with a bit more energy and breezed thru my day with not much effort. I am walking about 2 miles a day on my lunch break and look forward to that. I've been eating pretty healthy but ya know why I think this is. I started experimenting with SAM-e 2 weeks ago with just one pill a day to allow my body to adjust and then I increased to 3 pills a day and just felt wonderful with increased energy and happiness, overall wellbeing. I have run out of SAM-e now and have had to go back to SJW because Canada doesn't allow SAM-e across the border. The only way I can get it is to go across the line and smuggle it and that might not be so bad but the exchange rate is horrendous. I have added iron supplements, folic acid, chromium with vanadium, & potassium. I also take alot of vit c and antioxidants, silymarin & evening primrose oil so I don't know for sure if it was the SAM-e that is solely responsible for the mood lift or if it was the combination but I'm sure we'll soon find out. Yes the stress load we tend to put on ourselves can be pretty horrendous to say the least. I'm doing my best to stay positive and have to admit that its been pretty darned easy this past week with the increased energy. I just hope I can maintain this level and keep improving day by day. Thanks for asking Patty. I will check back soon. Take care, Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 13, 2001 Report Share Posted February 13, 2001 LOL - Patty I live on the west coast 15 minutes from Vancouver. We have probably one of the mildest winters in all of Canada and altho we did have snow last Thurs (only the 2nd snowfall this year) it rained by afternoon and melted away. We are one of the lucky geographical areas in my opinion. I couldn't handle the cold. Our weather is very much like Seattles with all the rain but I believe we get even less snow than they do. I was outside yesterday in just a sweatshirt enjoying the sunshine. So with a nice warm coat we hit the trails everyday for our brisk walk and I LOVE it. Patty I believe SAM-e was the reason for my quick mood lift and increased energy. I have had a taste now of what I can feel like so therefore am pushing myself to maintain that level or at least close to it. It's been about 4 days since I ran out of SAM-e and I feel the difference in my mood. While taking it, it felt like that cloud had been lifted. While taking 3 tablets a day my body just seemed to stop aching in all the right places and I actually had an interest in accomplishing things that I normally love to do. Now I'm back to just thinking about them but pushing myself to do. The only way I can buy these is if I drive across the line into Bellingham which is only about a 20 min drive for me but the exchange rate is really bad right now and I would be smuggling them into Canada. So needless to say I'm not taking them any longer but really wishing I could. I'll see what happens with my mood in the next couple of weeks and see how desperate I become if at all. That's the reason also that I can't order from that Greenbush Co regarding the herbs for breast enhancement....Canada Customs would open the package and send it right back to the sender. It really chokes me that our government is so narrow minded but I can't do anything about it. J ----- Original Message ----- From: Patty Sent: Monday, February 12, 2001 1:17 PM Subject: Re: Patty Hi Jackie, I'd like to hear more about the SAM-e and your experiences with it after you have been on it for some time. This is one supplement that I have not tried yet. Glad to hear that you have had more energy at least! Something you have taken has helped, I would guess. The exercise is good, too, and I am surprised to hear that you are walking up there in Canada, with all that snow and cold! It hasn't been too bad in Vegas lately, but I sure hate cold weather, and I haven't gotten out in the morning with my girlfriend to take our 2 mile walks. We're wimps when it comes to the cold! Patty ----- Original Message ----- From: Jackie Sent: Friday, February 09, 2001 9:16 PM Subject: Re: Patty Hi Patty, I'm happy to hear you are not feeling depressed any longer. When you described the brain fog as having a head full of cotton I can identify with that. I also lose my train of thought very easy and unless I have an attentive listener, I'm lost and have to admit it to save face. I hope that will change once I have the operation. Food reactions/sensitivities definately bring this on for me as well. For me, I describe them as almost 'flu like' symptoms. I hope you get this narrowed down or eliminated soon Patty. You've been dealing with this for some time now. At least your energy is much better than it was before. The depression started lifting about Thurs Feb 1, because I started getting more energy and each day has just improved incredibly. We did get our insulation in last Saturday and what a difference it has made in keeping the heat in the house. It took us 5 hrs to complete that task and then we moved my son and then took the couple out for dinner that helped us all day. Whew! I rested all day Sunday and knew that I overdid it. Each day this week tho I have gotten up with a bit more energy and breezed thru my day with not much effort. I am walking about 2 miles a day on my lunch break and look forward to that. I've been eating pretty healthy but ya know why I think this is. I started experimenting with SAM-e 2 weeks ago with just one pill a day to allow my body to adjust and then I increased to 3 pills a day and just felt wonderful with increased energy and happiness, overall wellbeing. I have run out of SAM-e now and have had to go back to SJW because Canada doesn't allow SAM-e across the border. The only way I can get it is to go across the line and smuggle it and that might not be so bad but the exchange rate is horrendous. I have added iron supplements, folic acid, chromium with vanadium, & potassium. I also take alot of vit c and antioxidants, silymarin & evening primrose oil so I don't know for sure if it was the SAM-e that is solely responsible for the mood lift or if it was the combination but I'm sure we'll soon find out. Yes the stress load we tend to put on ourselves can be pretty horrendous to say the least. I'm doing my best to stay positive and have to admit that its been pretty darned easy this past week with the increased energy. I just hope I can maintain this level and keep improving day by day. Thanks for asking Patty. I will check back soon. Take care, Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2001 Report Share Posted April 21, 2001 , The thing with soy is controversial. A recent issue of Natural Health magazine had a whole dual report about this. One report was totally for soy, and the other totally against. I personally chose against soy milk. I use rice milk, or better yet, almond milk. I felt that the soy milk didn't agree with me when I used it. There are some concerns about soy's affect on people with thyroid problems. Many implanted women have thyroid problems. So, rather than take any chances with it, I just avoid it. However, I do occasionally buy soy products, such as tempeh and miso, for my family. The other consideration with using soy products is whether or not the soybeans used were genetically engineered. This is a BIG issue with me, as I am against all GMO foods. There are just too many unanswered questions about the altered gene combinations and the possibility of toxic proteins that may result in the body from them. You have to really read your labels, and if you use soy products, aim to use only those that have organic soybeans listed on the label. The majority of the soybean crop produced today is genetically modified, so chances are, unless it states organic soybeans, you will be eating " frankenfood " soy! Patty ----- Original Message ----- From: <carina063@...> < > Sent: Friday, April 20, 2001 12:42 PM Subject: Patty > I read over that post and it had some information that I am curious > about. What about soy? do you drink soy milk????? I am off dairy > completely and have been using soy milk, do you think this is a good > substitute or is rice milk better? I had no idea about beans until > recently also. The girl I know who has lupus has had it for 10 years > and she said she has been in remission since following the MS diet > that I refered to and also taking the plaquenil. She doesn't take any > other meds, she said the plaquenil saved her life, she was suffering > from esophageal strictures related to her lupus and the plaquenil > apparently has helped this, and her pain immensly, it also made her > hair stop falling out. I am so confused on this issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2001 Report Share Posted May 1, 2001 My brain fog is not gone yet, but yes it is allot better. However some of my other symptoms are acting up since I was in the sun the other day, I am upset about this. i have a joint on my finger that is slightly swollen and achey, well it has been achey for along time, but not the swelling. I am concerned about this of course. Well I go to get my blood work done tomorrow to check all my autoimmune stuff again. Please if you could all put me in your prayers I would appreciate it. Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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