Re: Ulimate Success Guy Trashing this group in Paxil Progress

[Guest guest]

Are you serious right now? Are you trying to start a forum war of somekind. I

was simply saying if you were looking for hope of recovery, you should try a

forum where people have hope and believe in recovery like paxilprogress. Most

people here wallow in self pity and assume they are screwed for life. I am not

interested in that negativity.

Some of you here are great people with a lot of good things to offer, but a lot

of you are reckless and want to use more and more pharmecuticals, the same

things that destroyed you in the first place.

Then you post silly posts like this. How petty is your life? I am sorry things

are this way for you.

-Ben

>

> Just to let this group know, the guy who broke through with the success this

week has now trashed this entire group in PaxilProgress. He said he received a

" hail storm " of negativity here. One person questioned the use of yohimbe and

now we're all terrible people.

> By the way, I am a member of both groups and and have gained tremendous

information and support from both. I just think that someone trashing this place

and the people here should be addressed. Thank you fellow supportive and NOT

negative members of SSRIsex! Mike

>

[Guest guest]

Ben,I have neglected this group for several weeks, in part because I had to make some changes in my own life.I am finally employed again and I'm trying to spend more time with my family.I wanted to congratulate you personally.I remember reading some of your posts on paxilprogress and I really felt for you, man.What a wonderful experience for you! And her. I am happy for both of you - you really deserve it.It is completely natural for other people to caution you, however. It is also natural for you to act defensively - as if they could pull you right back into your previous state. Not only do they have their own realities to deal with, but they may recognize that the whole process is a BIG cycle. One awesome experience does not spell the end for you, my friend. BUT, it is a very good sign!You have been suffering for so long, that you feel

threatened by the possibility of going backwards again. You are angry and afraid, both of which are understandable. You should try to be more understanding about the misery of others, though. There are indeed many people that have it much worse than you. Some of them could use a change in attitude, but for others it would make no difference. These people have already been told by family members or doctors the wrong things. They have been told to change their thinking patterns and lifestyles. They have been told to 'get over it'. They come here because this group offers a type of support they simply cannot find anywhere else. No amount of good attitude will fix the core problem, which is a profound type of nerve damage to the 'gut-brain' circuitry. I want you to understand that this recovery is a

combination of MANY factors. Attitude is an important one, but it does not override some of the predominant factors involved. All the positive attitude in the world will not change the fate for some people. However, I believe that a strong enough 'negative' attitude actually makes the most difference...As you know, I have done a LOT of research regarding the 5-HT system. I am now SIX months into my recovery from MDMA, and I continue to do better every few weeks - but I can tell this is going to be a long long process. I expect this to take at least one year. I have mentored other people in recovery from ecstasy, and I have been able to translate the science into plain english for them. I have also reached out to a few people in this group.The symptoms described by the two groups are remarkably similar. Also, in both groups there seems to be a misunderstanding on the part of family members or health care workers. Many of us simply have no

one to turn to for answers. Nobody seems to understand the detachment, the hopelessness, the

'utter destruction of my soul' - as one MDMA user put it.However, there is a LOT of research regarding MDMA, and I have found it to be very informing. I recommend reading it to anyone here that wants more answers. MDMA also works primarily on the serotonin system, but it is much more potent than SSRIs. Because of this, scientists can very quickly induce changes in the 5-ht network that are long-lasting. Simply put, MDMA allows them to study what SSRIs would take many extra years of research to do!The serotonin network is the connection between the intestines and the brain. Yes, serotonin does many other things, but this is its primary function.Did you know that 95% of your serotonin AND serotonin receptors are in the intestines, not in the brain?Whoah. Serotonin AND stomach bile are BOTH made from the same singular dietary source - Tryptophan. This is an amino acid found in many types of protein. The chemical process that

turns tryptophan into serotonin is not simple, or quick.Although this chemical has a profound influence on regulation of mood and other bodily functions, digestion is the primary purpose. Somehow, our bodies turn this protein acid into extremely acidic digestive enzymes AND a potent neurotransmitter that is easily found in Cerebral Spinal Fluid. In the brain, serotonin has an amazing impact upon blood distribution!Even before MDMA and SSRIs, this was understood. Your intestines literally inject serotonin into your brain-stem. From the back of the brain, it flows down the many branches of the network. Unlike other organs, the intestines are not connected to the brain in just one spot. This network has an amazing 'grip' on the entire brain. Indeed, the 5-ht network is among the MOST complicated of ALL nerve systems in biology!Many doctors call the intestines the 'second brain'.

They

literally view it as an extension of the brain itself.Whoah.I have come to believe it is the OTHER way around: The brain is an extension of the intestines!Quite a bold statement, I know.The intestines evolved first, right?Regardless of how advanced the brain is, ALL living creatures are gifted with the ability to digest food. The miracle of turning food into chemical energy HAD to evolve before higher thinking evolved. So, the brain has always relied on this digestive process to survive. The intestines wire themselves into the brain like no other organ. When serotonin finds its way into the brain-stem and flows down the branches, it plays a tug-of-war with blood vessels.Tiny capillaries respond to this and they grow towards this 'brain juice'. When a certain brain region gets a rush of serotonin, it also gets a rush of blood and glucose. Serotonin is acidic, like its cousin

- stomach bile. That means this

juice literally 'drills' its way through fatty brain tissue. These 'pre-drilled' pathways are established during fetal development, but I believe they are modified after birth. When a baby starts to drink its mother's milk, the intestines begin pumping this acidic, blood-selfish neurotransmitter directly into the brain-stem. Although the pathways are already in place, who are we to say there are no further adjustments? I would argue that babies experience a lot of anxiety related to digestion, and eventually their brains are wired by this process.In brain scans of former MDMA users, they have found decreases in blood flow to many regions of the brain. In some users, they have also found subsequent INCREASES that can last many months. This is believed to be a marker of neurotoxicity - the increases seen correlate with major symptoms such as anxiety. Many MDMA users AND SSRI users describe a phenomena known as 'brain zaps' or

'head-pressure'. I have had both. Also, I have noticed a lot of activity on the nerves of my face and scalp. I can literally sense the increases in regional blood flow in my brain ON my face and head! Some would call me crazy for this, but I dismiss them easily. I know what I know. The nerves of the facial muscles and scalp are connected directly to different brain regions. This is why strokes can sometimes result in facial paralysis. The 'head-pressure' is real, and it can be felt. Sometimes it reaches a crescendo rather quickly, and it can be very disabling. Note: former MDMA users are at an increased risk of stroke. I believe the same can be true of SSRI users. I also believe that small strokes may be necessary to the recovery process! Remember - the brain is attempting to restore blood distribution to normal.For those experiencing this symptom, allow me to add a personal observation:

When I feel drastic changes in blood flow....when I sense something playing with the nerves on my face.....I can feel VERY subtle sensations in my gut. I have repeated this observation repeatedly over many months. Sometimes I notice it straightaway. Sometimes I am overcome by anxiety and ignore the patterns I have seen before, only to be surprised when my anxiety peaks and my intestines flush. From one chamber to the next....and as the food/bile/serotonin rushes from one section of intestine to the next, I can FEEL it on my scalp....in my brain! It's like the villi in my intestines are being tickled, and this sensation is directly linked to tickling in my brain. This is the point where some people's eyes glaze over. I hope that is not happening here.The link between the gut and the brain is highly complex. It also has astonishing effects upon blood distribution in the brain. Having a 'gut feeling' is no longer a figure of

speech for me. This seems to be what is really lacking for all of us.We don't have the visceral reaction to life that we used to - and this evokes the ONE true emotion left - sadness.We feel empty inside, hollow. Maybe some of us don't even feel sadness enough anymore. We are abandoned....adrift. The advice I have given to the MDMA group I would like to share with everyone here.Sadness and anger, the primal emotions that come from the limbic system....they can HEAL you.I can't count the number of times that my rage has set me free!If you embrace your fear, your sadness, your dark side....you might be able to establish some new connections.Any good therapist knows that, quite often, depressed people are simply very ANGRY. Depression may be a survival mechanism invoked by the brain to handle extremely disabling anger.A lot

of therapy focuses on this, and it is oddly successful. Physical exercise and anger seem to be very effective in both groups. They are the key, the path to healing.For some of us, it is the only hope. Maybe their pathways are simply too far apart, too separated for time alone to heal them.This why a 'good attitude' will fail. I do not believe members of this group need to practice only positive outlooks. Haven't we all been trying for too long?Rather, we need to embrace the anger boiling beneath the surface. Stoke your fires of depression until they burst into flames! Then you will feel a change. Then you will make some new connections.I promise.Until next time...Take care of yourselves.SamTo: SSRIsex Sent: Tue, May 3, 2011 4:51:58 PMSubject: Re: Ultimate Success (Finally)

Everyone here is desperate, as I was too - to latch on to anything. I came here to provide a success story plain and simple. I also made it abundantly clear that I believe that my positive attitude and time has contributed to my recovery. I still firmly believe this.

People at this point (ALL of us) should know to research everything before they take it, so I am not going to take responsibility for supposedly leading anyone on.

Furthermore, for your own curiosity, I take it 2 days in a week. I actually did read the warnings and understand the risks. Fortunately for me things have gotten better without supplements and this yohimbe serves as a bandaid. It is a serotonin partial agonist, like inositol.

Anyway as for the other accusations that I am somehow gloating, I will not apologize for posting my success story.

IN CONCLUSION:

I have said it before, and I will say it again. But I will not repeat myself again, because people are inclined to think positive or negative, hope or sorrow. I for one believe in hope, against all odds.

I had the worst PSSD possible. I literally could not feel my genitals at one point. It felt like my lower body was not part of me. You can go back and read my posts. I wanted to commit suicide, read my posts.

But if you read my posts. Did i EVER once say I thought I was permanently screwed? No. Never. Not once. So you sit here, , and tell me that it isn't 95% mental. That the brain is not the most complex and powerful thing in the world. Sit there and tell me you are permanently screwed. Believe it and it shall be true.

Or think outside the box, outside the realm of what you yourself understand of your capabilities. I never once thought this was permanent, even when I couldnt feel my genitals. Even when my penis didnt work at all, when I couldnt reach orgasm. I never thought I was screwed. Desperate and AFRAID at the possibility that it was permant? Yes. But i never actually believed i was.

So yes, you can all sit here and tell me you are screwed, and I am mean because I am recovering and I am somehow making the non-recovers feel bad. But I will not apologize for taking this issue head on and facing it.

I challenge you all to read biologic1981's posts. I followed almost exactly his protocol of confidence and what he called "social dominance". (BTW His theories of libido when you are masturbating vs with a girl is 100% true. I cannot really get a good erection for masturbation, but i can for sex now!) It has worked almost to a T. Think outside the box folks. Wake up and beat this bullshit. Don't give up, please guys do not give up. I want you all to be right here with me so we can have a fucking party and celebrate our lives. Don't give into the idea that your lives are over. They aren't.

I love of all you, and I pray your suffering ends. Just know I understand the same suffering.

If you believe in God ( I don't ), God bless you. If not, good luck.

I will come back from time to time.

-Ben

> > > >

> > > > So it finally happened. I wouldn't go so far as to say the nightmare is finally over, but it is almost over. I finally did it last night. I had sex, I had awesome sex.

> > > >

> > > > My penis was a bit numb, but when I got it in, the feelings came back, I was fucking. And it felt fucking awesome. And I fucked her until I came in her. And it felt amazing.

> > > >

> > > > I literally started crying right afterwards. I took some yohimbe that day and I would attribute my being able to get/keep it up to that. That and its dopamine properties. A lot of it is time though and getting healthier. I responded to the intimacy very well.

> > > >

> > > > I was a little drunk, and (she is very understanding and thought we might never fuck) i got it up, and all the sudden I was like OK man up buddy its time. I put it in, and it stayed hard, numb, but still felt great. Then we switched and she got on top, and fucked me until i came!

> > > >

> > > > HELL YES. I am going to be fucking OK.

> > > >

> > > > Nobody deserves this hell, apart from pedophiles and rapists. But seriously It has been 1 year and 5 months since I last had sex, and I did it. And it was amazing.

> > > >

> > > > Now, my penis is still numb, I still have a lot of libido problems and erection problems, but with the right atmospher I can do it.

> > > >

> > > > Things I have been taking and things that worked vs not working.

> > > >

> > > > -Fish Oil (helps with anhedonia, mental)

> > > > -Yomimbe (best thing so far for libido/erection/anhedonia)

> > > > -Feverfew (didnt notice anything)

> > > > -Tumeric (who knows if it helps)

> > > > -choline (who knows)

> > > > -piracetem (stopped that like 2 weeks ago, ran out)

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > So anyway, the libido has gotten a lot better, that is the best part. And with this girl I can finally fuck.

> > > >

> > > > Thank you so much for everyones support on this forum. I honestly thought this day may never come.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > FUCK YOU PSSD.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Let's not cause a war between ourselves. We're all going through our own hell

and its a tough battle we're dealing with. I would agree that it's not nice

hearing that this group gets bad mouthed on pp, the owners of that site are

arrogant and dismissive as it is of any outside help from their forum.

Certainly there are members on here that are negative but you can understand the

loss of hope when they feel stuck with this horrible condition and go seeking

help with socalled professionals but get no answers or validation. The one's who

see improvement can help those members and encourage them to be positive and not

give up hope. We've all been in that dark place where you think there is no way

out but death. There is nothing better than coming on here and reading a post of

a success story to give us hope and an option to try out to get better. I'm sure

a lot members feel the same

There e are great members on here like kaivey that offer great advice, knowledge

and support aswell as being open minded and tolerant of others ideas and

treatments that you won't find on pp because on there, only way is to let time

solve everything without trying anything new. Which is good but it doesn't need

to be that way for everyone. If you do you try an alternative to time, you come

up against a whole load of doubt and discouragement from the admin trying to

make you feel bad for your choice of taking something.

I was banned for the most dumbest of things on that site because I disagreed

with a simple point after a thread I created. Got warned that I would get banned

because I felt suicidal at one point. So I prefer this site to pp because varnon

gives it's members more leeway and freedom of speech to say what they feel

without the fear of being dictated or looked down upon.

> >

> > Just to let this group know, the guy who broke through with the success this

week has now trashed this entire group in PaxilProgress. He said he received a

" hail storm " of negativity here. One person questioned the use of yohimbe and

now we're all terrible people.

> > By the way, I am a member of both groups and and have gained tremendous

information and support from both. I just think that someone trashing this place

and the people here should be addressed. Thank you fellow supportive and NOT

negative members of SSRIsex! Mike

> >

>

[Guest guest]

you recovered using supplements, that's great, but what does that mean?

supplements are often unpredictable, they stop working and you have to move on

to something else. it's like taking viagra and saying you're cured. we've all

found temporary fixes. but how do you know that this is a long term solutioN?

i'm just speaking from experience.

> >

> > Just to let this group know, the guy who broke through with the success this

week has now trashed this entire group in PaxilProgress. He said he received a

" hail storm " of negativity here. One person questioned the use of yohimbe and

now we're all terrible people.

> > By the way, I am a member of both groups and and have gained tremendous

information and support from both. I just think that someone trashing this place

and the people here should be addressed. Thank you fellow supportive and NOT

negative members of SSRIsex! Mike

> >

>

[Guest guest]

thanks for the post, its given me more encouragement to start exercising more

seriously again. One time I was so sad and angry I started lifting weights like

there no tommorow, taking my anger out on the weights. It did calmed me down

afterwards. do you think there would be a difference between ruuning vs.

walking. I personally prefer walking because it is less stressful and more

peaceful. Ive heard it has the same benefit as running.

>

> Elaborate? Um...

>

> Have you ever been searching for something for a long time only to discover it

> is right in front of you?

> The answer seems to be right in front of your nose.

> Its like that...

>

> This is really a basic premise of serotonin:

>

> SSRIs, as well as drugs like MDMA, LSD, mushrooms, mescaline, and

> piperazines....these ALL target the serotonin network.

>

> Well, what is the serotonin network?

>

> Simply put, it is the connection between the intestines and the brain!

>

> There are many sections to the digestive tract:

> You have the mouth and esophagus.

> The stomach and biliary system (liver and gall bladder)

> Then the small intestine - made up of three sections known as the duodenum,

the

> jejunum, and the ileum. Each is separated by a highly innervated valve. I

> believe these valves represent transitions in the brain....from one region to

> the next.

> The large intestine is divided into the cecum and the colon.

> Then, of course, comes the rectum.

>

> From the mouth all the way to the rectum are many many nerve endings.

> Did you know that your rectum and genitals contain nerves that are connected

to

> your eyes?

>

> That's right - known as the 'occipital-anal' nerve. This is relatively new....

> It is said to give one a 'shitty' outlook on life. :-)

>

> No, seriously, the nervous system really does connect your anus/genitalia to

> your eyes! Amazing shit, right?

>

> So, back to the small intestines...

>

> The intestines are richly innervated and endowed with blood vessels like no

> other organ in the body!

> When you eat food, blood rushes to the digestive tract in response.

>

> The intestines are a mystery to science due to their complexity. Many doctors

> consider gastroenterology to be a difficult area of study, because there is

> much we do not understand about them. There are a variety of intestinal

> diseases that turn out to be VERY difficult to treat.

>

>

> Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients are known for 'over-using' medical

resources.

> They constantly return to the doctor for help with a condition that is poorly

> understood. Doctors have proven that IBS patients exhibit extreme anxiety at

> times, and this anxiety is directly linked to pressure in the gut. They

> actually inserted air balloons to apply local pressure just to prove this

> point. They also proved that psychological stress could induce changes in

> digestion and bowel movements. Doctors all over the country are shaking their

> heads...

>

> That is just one easy example.

>

> When surgery is performed on the intestines, such as dissection, the surgeons

> try to remove as little tissue as possible and stitch it back together. They

> wait to 'see if it still works'. Scary...

>

> There are many involuntary muscles in the body, but NONE equals the size and

> complexity of the smooth muscle surrounding the intestines.

>

> Did you know that if all the villi in your intestines were stretched out

until

> they were flat, your small intestines would cover a football field?!

>

> Whoah.

>

> Well, the only way that this amazing organ works is through a network of

nerves

> that is more complex than any other: the serotonin or 5-HT system.

>

> Tryptophan is turned into bile by the liver. This bile is so acidic it will

> dissolve a nail!

> Typtophan is also turned into an acidic chemical known as serotonin. Nearly

all

> of this serotonin is stored in the intestines.

>

> But some of it is sent into the brain stem.

> In the rear of the brain lies a precious little bundle of serotonin nerves

> known as the Raphe Nuclei. This is the beginning of the nerve bodies, which

> stretch and branch out into ever smaller fibers. The Raphe Nuclei is not only

> connected to the brainstem, but it also communicates with the Super

Chiasmatic

> Nulcei, which receives light directly from the eyes! Your 'gut' is actually

> connected to your eyes! Take a moment to think about that...

>

> From the Raphe Nuclei, the 5-HT network branches out to the rest of the brain.

> What is amazing is how far reaching these nerves are. They appear to invade

the

> entire brain!

>

> Even in the distant reaches of the pre-frontal cortex....which is right behind

> your eyes, the serotonin nerves are quite dense.

> This is the part of your brain that is the farthest away from your

> brainstem....it is the home of our higher thinking processes.....and yet our

> 'gut'....our intestines are wired into this too!

>

> That means when we have a visceral feeling....like having sex or taking a

> shit....it involves very complex thought pathways.

>

> Your gut is attached to all of your mind. All of it.

>

> That is amazing. Absolutely incredible...

>

> Serotonin is acidic and it also has an inhibitory effect upon brain pathways.

> That means it tends to interrupt the flow of electrical impulses. That makes

> sense, right? Acid being injected into fatty tissue will interrupt the flow of

> electricity across cell membranes...

> Somehow, the brain reacts to this by increasing blood flow and glucose

> consumption in the area. The tissue is responding to the invasion of

serotonin.

>

> I think of it like a rubber band being pulled back.

> As your intestines move food and bile through.....your intestines inject

> serotonin into different regions of the brain.

>

> At first, this serotonin causes an inhibition....an interference with normal

> activity. This is perceived as stress.

> This 'stress response' results in an increase in blood to the brain tissue,

> which is like the rubber band snapping back in response.

>

>

> Don't you remember feeling that an orgasm was almost painful?

> That the height of pleasure was associated with pain?

> It is well established that a person experiencing an orgasm does not display a

> look of happiness on their face! It is a look ofpain! If you don't buy

> this....look into sex research. Observing facial expressions during sex is not

> very difficult for scientists. During orgasm, people display a look of pain.

> Proven. Done....moving on.

>

> I believe that the experience of orgasm sends a charge of serotonin into the

far

> reaches of the pre-frontal cortex.

>

> This rush of inhibitory, acidic fluid causes a 'snap' response. The shock of

> pleasure is very close to the experience of pain.

>

> Brain scans have revealed that people, especially men, experience a sudden

> change in brain activity during orgasm. The rest of the brain goes quiet

while

> the PFC goes mad. Why is it that the most advanced part of our human brains

> react so violently to orgasm?

>

> There is a precious pathway that leads from the PFC all the way into the

limbic

> system....the primal brain which lies beneath the cerebral cortex.

> Known as the 'meso-limbic reward pathway' - nearly all pleasurable experiences

> utilize this highway.

> Whether it is drug use or sex, this pathway is very important. Even basic

> functions like eating require this, too. It is critical to our survival.

>

> Serotonin itself may not be the key to this pathway. Remember, it has an

> inhibitory effect....it causes reactions in the brain tissue. Serotonin is

> known as a 'modulator' of other neurotransmitters.

>

> Dopamine, however, plays a direct role.

> Dopamine is indeed the cause of most pleasure....but many of the dopamine

> receptors rely on the serotonin pathways....the inhibitory effect.....the

> rubber band. Make sense?

>

> When the serotonin pathways are eliminated, the nearby dopamine receptors no

> longer get the 'snap' effect.

> The rush of blood and glucose stops....and the dopamine ceases to flow.

> The 'meso-limbic reward pathway' is no longer able to experience the cascade

> reaction of dopamine release that it once did!

>

> Without the blood-selfish, electricity inhibiting, acidic invader known as

> serotonin....these poor pathways simply do not function anymore.

>

> Without this 'brain-gut' connection, your visceral reactions to pain or

pleasure

> are altered.

> Without serotonin, dopamine has a lot less meaning.

>

> This is why many dopamine agonists, such as yohimbine, Wellbutrin, or even

Meth

> have a profound effect. They directly increase dopamine to such an extent

that

> it compensates for the loss. The fact that these work at all is evidence for

> this theory of 'serotonin-dopamine' dependence. MDMA and SSRIs likely work by

> indirectly causing a release of dopamine through the 'rubber-band' response.

>

>

> During the recovery process from SSRIs or MDMA, I believe this injection of

> serotonin becomes erratic.

>

> The intestines are still pushing the chemicals through, but the nerve

receptors

> in the brain no longer exist.

>

> The cell body....the actual serotonin nerve itself is intact. But it no

longer

> has the normal 'branches' extending from the tree. Make sense? The trunk is

> intact, and so are the big branches, but the tiny branches and leaves have

been

> damaged.

>

>

> The nerve is pulsating with acidic serotonin, but it cannot distribute it

> properly.

>

> So now, the inhibitory effect is rather extreme in certain areas.

> Brain tissue that would normally receive this 'gut juice' is no longer

getting

> any....while other areas closer to the cell body are getting WAY too much.

>

> As a result, the 'inhibitory' effect is rather pronounced, and the brain

tissue

> near the cell body is being tortured!

> This is the cause of anxiety and depression. Your intestines are literally

> digesting parts of the brain!

>

> In MDMA research it has been shown that in the Pre Frontal Cortex, the

> re-innervation of serotonin is abnormal. Not only is the quantity of nerves

> reduced, but there is a gradient. This gradient shows a decrease in density

as

> the nerves get closer to the face. The part of the PFC closer to the back of

> the head displays a higher concentration of serotonin nerves. It is a 'back to

> front' gradient.

>

> Serotonin is injected from the brain stem into the Raphe Nuclei in the back of

> your head.

> It flows down the tree of nerves, but some areas of our brains are not able to

> handle this.

> The serotonin begins to inhibit normal electrical impulses in these areas,

> causing anxiety.

>

>

> This anxiety is possibly linked to an increase in dopamine production.

> This extreme local inhibition by serotonin is causing a global dopamine

> response.

> Eventually, dopamine finds the pathways it is looking for and it spills over,

> causing relief.

>

> Also, new serotonin receptors pop up. These are SERT binding sites, and they

> establish a new and permanent storage site for further serotonin injection.

>

>

> MDMA research dose show that much of the brain recovers its SERT function,

but

> it also shows some areas of reduced function, while others have

> hyper-innervation. OK...

>

> Here is another mystery: this should result in permanent malfunction in blood

> distribution!

> Because serotonin plays such an important role in the distribution of

> capillaries around the brain, this MDMA induced damage should cause a major

> disruption in blood distribution.

>

> BUT THIS IS NOT WHAT IS OBSERVED!

>

> Why????

>

> Eventually blood distribution in the brain DOES RETURN TO NORMAL.

> In the research I have seen, this can take well over a year.

>

> They do not understand why.

> It is believed that re-innervation of serotonin fibers plays an important

role,

> but they also suspect that other neurotransmitter systems are also being

> modified, such as GABA receptors.

>

> I know this is confusing.....even to the scientists.

> Neurology is in its infancy. We have a LONG way to go.

> But one thing that neurologists know for SURE is that even average blood

> distribution is CRITICAL to healthy brain function. Any patient that shows

> disruptions in blood distribution tends to have problems.

> This means that the brain is fighting to restore this balance of blood and

> glucose everywhere in the brain.

>

> The intestines may get all the credit for this, if my theory is correct. But

one

> way or another, the brain fights and fights for this re-distribution to take

> place. Month after agonizing month, it never ever stops. Ever....

> If this isn't a sign of hope, I don't know what is.

>

> I have only provided a crude theory for a much more complex process.

> This is a combination of months of research as well as conjecture on my part.

> I cannot claim to be a doctor, but I have read hundreds of time-consuming

> studies done by actual doctors.

> I hope that some of you gain more understanding as a result.

>

> The restoration of blood distribution around the brain is a profound

discovery!

> It is a source of hope to all of us. Each and every one of us.

>

> Another bit of hope:

>

> Cardio exercise, when done daily for many months, will cause new capillaries

to

> pop up!

>

> This is proven in research, even in elderly patients. Total brain volume goes

> up....the brain literally weighs more!

> But it takes many months to make a big difference. This is not achieved

quickly.

>

> Regardless of the extent of brain function left, it is understood that

increased

> blood flow is ALWAYS good.

> Also, exercise produces dopamine!

>

> For maximum effect, I recommend a combination of cardio and weight lifting.

> Increases in dopamine, even if temporary, can be delightful for even the most

> disconnected among us! I cannot count the number of times that I almost felt

> completely normal in the hours after an intense workout.

>

> Finally, exercise increases a key protein in the brain known as BDNF. Brain

> Derived Neutrophic Factor is a protein that causes new STEM CELLS to become

> available to key areas of the brain. The areas proven to benefit so far are:

> the hippocampus, the basal forebrain, and the CORTEX. The cerebral cortex.

The

> home to the PFC and all the higher thinking centers...

>

> I cannot recommend exercise enough.

>

> Science is not yet advanced enough to understand the 'brain-gut' connection.

To

> me this means doctors have no business prescribing Selective Serotonin

Reuptake

> Inhibitors, to any patient.

>

> And it certainly isn't advanced enough to understand the brain's plasticity.

> For many years, scientists said that we could never grow new nerve cells in

the

> brain. We were born with a fixed supply, they said. That simply is not true,

and

> it has been proven. To me this means there is hope for all of us.

>

>

> I guess I'm done for now.

> Good luck to all of you.

>

> Until next time...

>

>

> Sam

>