![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 26 to 50 of 55. Go back in thread:
Posted by ed_uk on August 23, 2005, at 16:24:58
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » headachequeen, posted by Nickengland on August 22, 2005, at 15:16:06
Hi!
Did you see my posts to you above?
Kind regards
~ed
Posted by stresser on August 23, 2005, at 21:53:45
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » Nickengland, posted by headachequeen on August 22, 2005, at 16:29:33
We're doing fine with the topomax here...but I am wondering about something with Nick. How long have you been taking it? I haven't gone back through all of the posts to check to see how long. I went up very slowely, and didn't have any cognative problems. ( that I know of) -L
Posted by Nickengland on August 24, 2005, at 14:19:36
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » Nickengland, posted by ed_uk on August 22, 2005, at 15:46:24
Hi Ed,
I remember when I first starting taking Topamax and read through the list of the side effects, metabolic acidosis was one in particular that caught my eye. (sounded quite serious :-o) That and the kidney stones..
>Don't take bicarbonate tablets unless you've developed metabolic acidosis.
Sounds sensible to me :-)
>Metabolic acidosis can only be diagnosed by a blood test.
I remember my GP when he first gave me Topamax reading through the list of side effects, he didn't mention that one in particular, but he did reassure me in a sense that this drug would be alot safer taking longterm than compared with lithium for example. He didn't mention blood tests and as far as I know my psychiatrist hasnt as of yet (I'm his first patient on topamax lol) maybe i'll remind him of this side effect and also enquire about whether a blood test should be done to check electrolytes etc and this specific side effect before I go to Australia.
As far as I know this kind of blood test doesnt have to be done routinely like with carbamazepine or lithium does it?..I have read elsewhere on the web though and I think even on the Topamax website the mention that your doctor may want to *occasionally* do a blood test just to check things are okay?
>Symptoms of mild metabolic acidosis are vague........
>Headache
No headaches whatsoever! :)
>Nausea/vomiting
All fine there
>Reduced appetite
Kind of, but I can still eat okay.
Deep and/or rapid breathing
Possibly the oppisite as i'm calmer lol
Lethargy
LOL always!
>Cognitive impairment
I'm fine there so far :-)
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by Nickengland on August 24, 2005, at 14:21:46
In reply to Topamax can cause metabolic acidosis » Nickengland, posted by ed_uk on August 22, 2005, at 15:49:12
Hi Ed,
That you for the education ;-) LOL
Seriously i'm glad you showed me that, I may actually have to educate my psychiatirst on this - it wouldn't be the first time ive had to teach him something! lol
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by Nickengland on August 24, 2005, at 14:27:18
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » Nickengland, posted by headachequeen on August 22, 2005, at 16:29:33
Hi Kat,
I'm very glad to hear you now have managed to achieve such a good recovery with the aid of Topamax from those seizures...
>when I waken I relive the day previous until something calls the actual day to my attention, so that I sometimes stay on one day for several days at a time... it can be truly confusing...
and exhaustingI can only imagine, that sounds very exhausting :( Do you still go through this since you've been on Topamax?...or have you been more or less seizure free so to speak since you started topamax?
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by Nickengland on August 24, 2005, at 14:29:53
In reply to To Nick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » Nickengland, posted by ed_uk on August 23, 2005, at 16:24:58
Hi Ed!
All seen & replied - and very much appreciated too :-)
My posting has been sporadic lately! :-O
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by Nickengland on August 24, 2005, at 14:34:18
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying!, posted by stresser on August 23, 2005, at 21:53:45
Hi Stresser!
Good to see you and hope you are well :-)
I've been on Topamax a couple of months...everything is fine and going great i'm pleased to say!
Might be some slight confusion, the topic of this tread "Topamax increase - stupifying!" - is from another poster, but I joined in...In case you thought it was my thread and that was my side effect lol I could be wrong though?!
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by ed_uk on August 24, 2005, at 14:57:57
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » ed_uk, posted by Nickengland on August 24, 2005, at 14:19:36
Hi Nick,
AFAIK, the kidney stones may be related to the metabolic acidosis.
Blood tests probably aren't routine with Topamax, although they might be helpful.
Kind regards
~Ed
Posted by headachequeen on August 24, 2005, at 15:17:23
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » ed_uk, posted by Nickengland on August 24, 2005, at 14:19:36
> Hi Ed,
> >Reduced appetite
>
> Kind of, but I can still eat okay.
>
The appetite suppressant factor associated with the use of T is the side effect that makes it useful for people with weight problems.
I know that when it was prescribed for me because of the migraine problem I have had for years, one that was not responding to anything but a medication called sibellium - and that was something that my neurologist was not familiar with so did not want to continue prescribing - the neurologist told me that there was one significant side effect, it was known to cause weight loss.
I had gained a lot of weight from meds that did not work in the past, so it took me all of a couple of seconds to decide to try it.
If it would help control the seizures and beat the migraines (the migraine and epilepsy are related, both being electrical malfunctions, or so I have read) then it was worth a little weight loss...
:)
Shortly after I started taking T I noticed that I had lost interest in chocolate and other of the junk food groups. In a few weeks I was actually disinterested in foods other than protein foods, choosing chicken and fish and raw vegetables over the foods I had been accustomed to eating...the change was really sudden and unplanned.
Yesterday I accompanied my mother to see the surgeon who operated to replace her hip; he informed me that I had to gain weight... this man is not my doctor and I was there to learn about Mother's condition and the first thing he said was that I was drastically underweight, in fact he said I was *skinny* and should see a nutritionist, then asked if I had a physician who could provide guidance... which one of several did he want???? <gg>
Food does not have a lot of appeal ... and even when I eat a carefully planned diet(I had already been seeing a nutritionist who had planned my meals and calorie intake to try to overcome the fact that the meds I was taking caused weight gain and that didn't help, I do not gain weight, but actually have lost 12 pounds in 22 days --
I have been told that if one quits taking Topomax one will gain back the weight very quickly, and I confess that I do not have any desire to regain all the weight I gained
Aside from that I enjoy being almost seizure-free, something that only Topomax provides me...so the appetite suppressant thing is something that I have to live with and find a way around...
that means meal replacements added to my day's diet... oh such fun... these beverages are not appealing and smell worse than they taste, but now that the size seven is too big, it is time to do something...I needed to control the seizures and I will always need that control;
I needed to lose the weight I gained through taking steps to try and gain that control; the weight is gone;
now I have to find a way to balance control and not fade away to the proverbial shadow...it is certainly not dull around here....
kat
Posted by headachequeen on August 24, 2005, at 15:28:43
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » headachequeen, posted by Nickengland on August 24, 2005, at 14:27:18
> Hi Kat,
>
> I'm very glad to hear you now have managed to achieve such a good recovery with the aid of Topamax from those seizures...
>
> >when I waken I relive the day previous until something calls the actual day to my attention, so that I sometimes stay on one day for several days at a time... it can be truly confusing...
> and exhausting
>
> I can only imagine, that sounds very exhausting :( Do you still go through this since you've been on Topamax?...or have you been more or less seizure free so to speak since you started topamax?
>
> Kind regards
>
> Nick
>
Salut Nick!When I started taking Topamax it was as backup to the tegretol. At first the neuro was going to increase the tegretol still more and, as he said, forget about the blood results... oh joy. With my most recent discoveries about that stuff, I am so happy for the migraine headache involvement!!!
The topamax not only controlled the migraines, but it slowed down the seizures, boosting the effects of the tegretol.
While I still had seizures, it changed from several a week, sometimes two or more a night, to one or two a week...
For the longest time I had been fortunate, in that I had perhaps one or two a month, sometimes with months between, but for some reason the situation changed and the intensity increased seven or eight years ago.
I have been on Topamax for almost three years now and it made a huge change. In fact given the intensity of some of the seizures, I don't like to think what might have happened without T.
There have been two massive episodes that resulted in hospital time, the first time, before T, I spent almost a month in hospital until they managed to find a way to balance things, the second was a matter of a few days and I think the Topamax was a part of the difference, a big part.
That time the new neuro prescribed the clobazam...
which I have quit taking as well...since I quit taking Tegretol and Clobazam (May) I have had three seizures ... the tegretol was causing as many seizures as it prevented, as it turned out...
and because of extreme stress in my life in the past two or three weeks I have had couple of seizures as well but nothing in comparison to what I would have had with the tegretol to interfere...
Topomax really modifies the situation -- there has been only one of the lost days episodes when given the circumstances, it would have been expected that I would have had many seizures and probably had to be admitted to the emergency department if not hospitalised...
I know this med has its problems and that others have side effects from it...
but I do think it comes from titring up too fast and not following instructions in most cases...
it certainly can help if used properly...I hate to think where I would be without it...
kat
Posted by headachequeen on August 24, 2005, at 17:18:47
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » Nickengland, posted by ed_uk on August 24, 2005, at 14:57:57
>
> Blood tests probably aren't routine with Topamax, although they might be helpful.
>
> Kind regards
>
> ~EdThe protocol may change with location and with the doctor;
my neurologist and my primary care physician both require regular blood tests to check on the topamax levels;
admittedly there are not as frequent checks on the topamax levels as there were for the tegretol...
but as yet I have not read that it can kill me...of course it has not been around as long I realise before someone decides to burst that bubble <s>
kat
Posted by ed_uk on August 25, 2005, at 14:41:35
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » ed_uk, posted by headachequeen on August 24, 2005, at 17:18:47
>The protocol may change with location and with the doctor...
Very true :-)
~Ed
Posted by Nickengland on August 26, 2005, at 6:45:37
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » Nickengland, posted by headachequeen on August 24, 2005, at 15:28:43
Hi Kat!
>I know this med has its problems and that others have side effects from it...
but I do think it comes from titring up too fast and not following instructions in most cases...
it certainly can help if used properly...I totally agree. I think that maybe for some this drug will just make people worse and not help at all. At the same time there are some people it will help, but yep... I've certainly found you have to have alot of respect for this drug and use it properly ~ use it the wrong way and it can give you some unwanted side effects that you need not have, if you time the dosage carefully and again go very slowly with the increase things work out great.
I've learnt theres quite a difference for me taking the dosage all at once at night, than there is taking it in the daytime for example. Just little things like that can really make the drug work better and reduce side effects, at least thats what i've found for myself so far..
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by headachequeen on August 26, 2005, at 14:19:20
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » headachequeen, posted by Nickengland on August 26, 2005, at 6:45:37
> Hi Kat!
> I've learnt theres quite a difference for me taking the dosage all at once at night, than there is taking it in the daytime for example. Just little things like that can really make the drug work better and reduce side effects, at least thats what i've found for myself so far..
>
> Kind regards
>
> Nick
>Hi Nick!!
I have to grin as I read this post. When I started taking T, i really *did* read the directions I was given. The neurologist handed me two pages of closely-spaced typescript with a schedule for the first six months or so which would take me up to the complete dosage he had prescribed...
if I had absorbed what I read (and to my embarrassment I had read it twice) I would have realised that there was a protocol carefully spelled out and I was supposed to follow it;
that protocol probably existed for a reason and I would have been wise to follow it.
I was careful about the dosage and the time period between increasing the amount I was taking but I missed that crucial element of time of day and I was so sick...
it wasn't bad enough that I had to take two medications to prevent the nausea and vertigo that the tegritol caused???Simply following the destructions would have made life so simple....
sigh
Cheers!!!
kat
Posted by Nickengland on August 27, 2005, at 16:33:20
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying!, posted by headachequeen on August 26, 2005, at 14:19:20
Hi Kat!
I was wondering what time of the day do you take yout Topamax dose?...and do you take it twice or once a day?
Also, what supplements do you take along side the Topamax? (which maybe possibly due to what you feel topamax depletes?)
Thanks if you can answer this :-)
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by headachequeen on August 27, 2005, at 17:39:52
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » headachequeen, posted by Nickengland on August 27, 2005, at 16:33:20
> Hi Kat!
>
> I was wondering what time of the day do you take yout Topamax dose?...and do you take it twice or once a day?
>
> Also, what supplements do you take along side the Topamax? (which maybe possibly due to what you feel topamax depletes?)
>
> Thanks if you can answer this :-)
>
> Kind regards
>
> Nick
>
>
Allo Nick!I take the topamax twice a day, half the total dosage around eight o'clock in the evening and the other half twelve hours later. The twelve hour time frame is to ensure that there is a constant supply in my blood stream, thereby providing for a constant amount to fend off the seizures and migraines.
The only supplements I take are vitamin C because I am a firm believer in what it does (natural analgesic, and so many other things; I give it to my dogs in mega-doses so the follow through was a natural evolvement), 400 IU of vitamin E, again I was giving it to my dogs and take it for the same reasons along with zinc to ensure that the E is absorbed properly, Biotin, and olive oil...
Now, laugh all you want, but I also make sure that I eat a couple of tablespoonsful of peanut butter twice a day as I have a hard time digesting other proteins... I am allergic to grains of any sort and have to limit beef and red meat as well as pork...
so it is chicken or poultry and fish and I am really not a great fan of fish...other than properly battered fish as in fish and chips done correctly, but batter means grains of some sort and that is out of the picture...
I can eat eggs for protein but that is boring after a while, so I do have peanut butter...
peanut butter on apple slices has become a snack I rather like although my husband rolls his eyes heavenward at the mention of it...
it is a protein that I can manage easily and some days it is the only protein that I eat... with fruit.
I have been investigating the raw diet that is becoming trendy but I think that may be all it is, a trend...
and it seems like a lot of work..
why not just have a salad with lots of fun things in it...
another supplement if such it may be described that I eat daily, is cashews or pecans or almonds
and for anyone taking topamax to lose weight, this will help. It is not only helpful to eat this kind of nut as an antioxidant, but an ounce or two of the nuts before a meal will help prevent over-eating.. and they taste good too!!!I am not a great one for vitamins.. someone told me that I should take selenium as there is none in the soil here... and I did buy it.. the bottle is still unopened...
I meant well...Cheers!!
kat
Posted by stresser on August 27, 2005, at 20:54:56
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » Nickengland, posted by headachequeen on August 27, 2005, at 17:39:52
Kat must have read or heard the same thing I did, because I also eat almonds, peanute butter, olive oil, and fish. (or seafood, at least four or five times per week) I take Biotin and Selenium, as well as a multi-vitamin. I was told on this board to take the Biotin along with the Topomax, and do like how my hair and nails have improved. I remember being told to take Zinc, and I have, but ran out of it lately. One more thing...I also don't eat meat, so I try to eat Zone, or Marathon, etc. protein bars. When my daughter first started taking Topomax, she was light headed, and the protein bars were great for her. (We all eat them now)
I guess I hadn't thought about giving Vit.C to my dog. I will give it a try!
Open the bottle of Selenium!!!
L
Posted by headachequeen on August 28, 2005, at 9:07:14
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying!, posted by stresser on August 27, 2005, at 20:54:56
>
>
> I guess I hadn't thought about giving Vit.C to my dog. I will give it a try!
>
> Open the bottle of Selenium!!!
> L
>
Stresser!!
I have missed you and I do worry and wonder about M...
and I shall open that bottle <g>
dogs do not manufacture enough C for their needs... only about 40mg/day as opposed to needing upwards of 4-8000 mg a day so I really belt it to mine but you have to start with 500 and give it twice a day or it is not going to help...and I forgot to mention that one of the 'supplements' I take with topamax is water, LOTS and LOTS of water. While I confess to being a coffee addict, going to check into addiction rehab someday, it is not a true liquid, considered a solid liquid in dietary circles actually and if you are on a liquid diet in hospital you will likely not be allowed coffe...
but Topamax or Topomax however you choose to spell it <g> requires that you drink lots of water so that no build up of anything toxic occurs in the kidneys... and having been on tegretol I would suggest that you think of your liver too just as a precaution...
so add water to your list of 'supplements'...
and your skin will be radiant and from something I read or heard you may even lose weight because water is supposed to help that too....anything that helps, right????
Salut, mes amis!
kat
Posted by sunsplashinwaves on August 28, 2005, at 9:57:34
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » headachequeen, posted by Nickengland on August 27, 2005, at 16:33:20
Hi, I know the question below was not directed to me but I take my Topamax at night, once a day. And take Flintstone Vitamins. I can't swallow those big horse pills...
> Hi Kat!
>
> I was wondering what time of the day do you take yout Topamax dose?...and do you take it twice or once a day?
>
> Also, what supplements do you take along side the Topamax? (which maybe possibly due to what you feel topamax depletes?)
>
> Thanks if you can answer this :-)
>
> Kind regards
>
> Nick
>
>
Posted by headachequeen on August 28, 2005, at 10:33:16
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » Nickengland, posted by sunsplashinwaves on August 28, 2005, at 9:57:34
> Hi, I know the question below was not directed to me but I take my Topamax at night, once a day. And take Flintstone Vitamins. I can't swallow those big horse pills...
I never thought of that sort of vitamin...
my orthopaedist has this health equation blood test he believes in very strongly. He orders it periodically (and now has the meds I am on factored in as well as he does not trust my regular physician, a new guy replacing the one I trusted so totally who has moved to a larger centre.. who can blame him I want to do that too.. and the neurologist to monitor things properly)
According to the equation test I am lacking in certain trace elements and certain other minerals and vitamins...
so I am ordered to take a multi-vitamin with minerals added or something or other, it has a name and one buys it at the pharmacy and it is not a 'horse pill', it is the size of the flaming horse!!! swallowing one requires advanced planning, especially for a person who has trouble swallowing an aspirin.. the wretched things dissolve before I manage to swallow them and the taste lingers for hours...
these multi-vitamin and mineral things which are so vital to my continuing existence apparently, are absolutely awful... bought the first and only bottle the same day I bought the selenium, Stresser <s>... and I am not doing very well with them at all...
shall have to see if I can get a chewable version or a flavoured version at the very least...he also found out that I am lacking in salt...
according to him many people have too little of it in their systems... and need it so he recommends Celtic salt..
now that I think is appropriate given my ethnic persuasion...with the Topamax to eliminate the migraines and control the seizures so very effectively, the elimination of grains from my life eliminating so many of my breathing and digestive problems, and the addition of the salt, I am dangerously close to becoming a healthy person...
One wonders if the world is ready for this?????
Now if this surgeon chap can but settle the crushed nerve situation on Thursday I shall be over the moon and back again for dinner...
Oh, by the way, those of you who, comme moi, are using Topamax to try and regain control of your lives because of the invasive behaviours of epilepsy:::::
I have all but cast aside the rule book I was given when I was released from hospital last November...
indeed it is becoming difficult to remember that person and to equate her with myself.
At this point the only limitations on me are the ones the crushed nerves in my back create. (Should have let that wretched boat go and get wrecked in the storm on the lake; that is what insurance is for!)While I have not tried hang-gliding, I must admit, I never really wanted to try it anyway. I DO scramble out into the middle of the rocks in the river to get the shot I want when I am out and chasing elusive birds and other photos.
I DO trek out into the woodlands that surround our small town, up hill and down dale, through rocky areas and heavily treed areas, well away from human habitation after shots that I hope will be treasures.
I have taken up target shooting again, purely for pleasure, and because our government is being so anal about people who like to use weapons for hunting (could never shoot at an animal but any paper target at which I take aim is in deep trouble) or sport and because I am good at it.
I am working hard at the music again and planning to record a CD in the very near future.
I am out on the agility practice field and I am working really hard at tracking with dogs and even harder training other people and their dogs.
The list of DOs is very long.
In short, I have quit sitting around waiting for life and watching life, I am doing it and having a great time.
Life is meant to be lived and it is more fun when one is doing it...
Tegretol was increasing the seizures in number and in intensity...
the topamax did moderate the effect of the tegretol and to some extent moderated the seizures, but it could not be expected to do both...
at this point it is giving me back my life...So, those of you who are working along the same road, it will happen...
Bon voyage!
and happy landings!
kat
Posted by Nickengland on August 29, 2005, at 12:25:48
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » Nickengland, posted by headachequeen on August 27, 2005, at 17:39:52
Hi Kat,
Thanks for your response!
>Now, laugh all you want, but I also make sure that I eat a couple of tablespoonsful of peanut butter twice a day as I have a hard time digesting other proteinsLOL - Dont worry I'm actually known to get a spoon and just eat peanut butter straight from the jar myself!
I'm going to look in to taking vitamin E for my skin, and I think i may go for Biotin too..
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by Nickengland on August 29, 2005, at 12:29:53
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » Nickengland, posted by sunsplashinwaves on August 28, 2005, at 9:57:34
>Hi, I know the question below was not directed to me but I take my Topamax at night, once a day. And take Flintstone Vitamins. I can't swallow those big horse pills...No worries, comments always welcome :-)
I take my dosage all at night too at the moment.
What are Flintstone Vitamins?..I've never heard of them before..i'm guessing their very easy to swallow type tablets?
Hope the Topamax is going for you.
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by Nickengland on August 29, 2005, at 12:32:58
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » sunsplashinwaves, posted by headachequeen on August 28, 2005, at 10:33:16
Hello again Kat!
>the elimination of grains from my life..
What are the symtoms of your grain allergy if you don't mind me asking?
Kind regards
Nick
Posted by headachequeen on August 29, 2005, at 14:36:15
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » headachequeen, posted by Nickengland on August 29, 2005, at 12:25:48
> Hi Kat,
>
> Thanks for your response!
>
>
> >Now, laugh all you want, but I also make sure that I eat a couple of tablespoonsful of peanut butter twice a day as I have a hard time digesting other proteins
>
> LOL - Dont worry I'm actually known to get a spoon and just eat peanut butter straight from the jar myself!
>
> I'm going to look in to taking vitamin E for my skin, and I think i may go for Biotin too..
>
> Kind regards
>
> Nickbe sure to take zinc too as the body cannot absorb E properly without it and drink lots of water....
it is vital when taking Topomax and for the skin too....
kat
Posted by headachequeen on August 29, 2005, at 17:59:13
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » headachequeen, posted by Nickengland on August 29, 2005, at 12:32:58
> Hello again Kat!
>
> >the elimination of grains from my life..
>
> What are the symtoms of your grain allergy if you don't mind me asking?
>
> Kind regards
>
> NickAllo Nick!
The grain allergy is apparently something I have lived with since forever, but that I have discovered to exist only in the last four months or so and what a difference came with eliminating grains! (by 'grains' I mean corn, wheat, oats, rye, soy, alfalfa, barley, and any other sort of grain as well as any side products... flower, starch, oil, sauce, and so on)
I had always known some people were allergic to the gluten in wheat flour, however, I do not have a problem with gluten, so I never worried about it.
In the early spring my husband pointed out an article in The National Post about grain allergies other than celiac disease that is associated with gluten, commenting that I really fit the profile.According to the feature, if you suffer from a condition such as osteoporosis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis or depression, for that matter any of more than 192 disorders, ranging from Addison’s disease and asthma to sperm abnormalities, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis and hyperthyroidism, among them upper respiratory tract problems such as sinusitis, “allergies”, and “glue ear” (whatever that is), you are likely to be sensitive to grains. It went on to list
-Symptoms related to malabsorption of nutrients such as anaemia and fatigue (lack of iron or folic acid), osteoporosis, insomnia (lack of calcium)
-Bowel complaints: diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and distention, spastic colon, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis
-Autoimmune problems: rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, Crohn’s disease
-Diseases of the nervous system: motor neurone disease, certain forms of epilepsy
-Mental problems: depression, behavioural difficulties, ADDSeveral heavyweights in the research and treatment field were interviewed and quoted, and there was a great deal of information. As my favourite husband pointed out, I did fit the profile.
- I have epilepsy, a form that was singled out for discussion in the feature;
- I have autoimmune problems that defeat medical practitioners with great regularity;
- I suffer fatigue and insomnia;
- I have to have B-12 injections because I have been diagnosed with pernicious anemia despite the fact that I have haemachromatosis, an overabundance of a certain category of iron (just not a very useful iron, it would seem);
- I go through periods of time when my energy levels are excrutiatingly low, but I have ADD;
- Specialists have decided that I must have Crohns' although there is no real determination of it, but they said it had to be Crohns' because some of the symptoms are there... ;
-I have severe allergies, especially during 'hay fever' season;
- I have respiratory problems and have to see a laryngologist (sp?) for treatment as well as a respirologist and have to carry emergency inhalers with me at all times, as well as rely on regular inhalers morning and night to expand whatever it is in my lungs to help me breathe;
- I did have bouts of diverticulitis, stress-related as my work is high stress....
- I have on several occasions had to see a specialist about problems with waxy buildup in my ears, something he said was related to allergies and I forget what else... probably a food allergy cause though....My husband and I looked at this, did some further research and decided it was worth a try...
Not only did my breathing improve and my so-called Crohns' symptoms disappear, but within the first two weeks of the elimination experiment I lost eleven pounds... all the refined sugars and flours and stuff...
Sleep apnea was no longer a threat... within a few weeks.. or it may have been days, I was no longer doing the let's stop breathing in the middle of the night and drive the husband person out of his mind routine...
and what made him even happier, I stopped snoring...now if I could but get him to quit eating grains, maybe his snoring would stop, although I must admit that he snores only when he lies on his back which is seldom... <g>
my inhaler use has dropped dramatically; I turn to the emergency inhaler with far less frequency even in the recent and long heat wave and have not needed to rush off to Emerg for help in the worst of the humidity...
I have been able to change to a once-a-day regular inhaler too...the so-called Crohns' symptoms are gone...
and I am now discovering that a size six is too big... among many other very positive changes...
it means a lot of label reading, no more Chinese food as they use so much soya sauce and there are noodles and wraps in so many dishes that I like but there is a restaurant we frequent where the chef will prepare dishes that do not have any grains in them (if only he prepared Chinese and Thai food...)
some days I find it is just too much trouble to even eat and I have to make it a point to at least have some fruit... but it has made such a difference...
even cuts heal better and I have not even had an infection develop when I might have expected it...
it works!!!
cheers!
kat
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Script revised: February 4, 2008
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