Omg...i Might Be On To Something

[Rachel--24]

Yeah, it makes sense to be off the supplements. The only thing really different in my case though was that this time he didn't find a viral infection...last time I had some sort of viral thing happening.

It could be that something you're taking is working against the virus so it didnt show up. Thats why I stop my Lyme stuff ahead of everything else....I know its probably not necessary to stop that far in advance but I just want a very clear picture of how much its showing up...without any treatment possibly getting in the way.

I thought one of the main purposes to NOT taking the supplements before testing was to see how much your body really wants them

I think its probably more to do with the supplements possibly covering up issues that might otherwise show up....but I'm sure this is also a good reason to stop supplements before the testing.

I think its more than just seeing if your body "likes" something or doesnt like it. I think she tests the different treatment options against the infections to see if it makes any difference in how much that infection is stressing your body....PLUS your body's tolerance of the supplement itself.

If she tests something and it totally blocks your system then that wouldnt be good at all. On the other hand she might test something and there is no negative reaction whatsoever BUT....its also not having any desired effect on the infection its meant to target....so basically not a good option to take...even though its not rejected by your body.

So shes looking for the things that dont block your system and are addressing the issue at hand. I *think* thats how it works. So your body may tolerate something but if its not doing its job...no use in taking it.

One example is my Folate supplement. I dont take it regularly because I wasnt too sure if it was casuing me problems or not. It was the one thing I tested low for on my vit/mineral deficiency testing through Dr. S. so I know I should probably take it but I dont necessarily feel any better when I do take it.

I didnt say anything about the folate to her beacuse I didnt think it was important for detox or anything. When she was done testing she said I really need to be on the Folate supplement but when she tests it by itself its not doing me any good. I guess my body isnt able to utilize it.

When she tested the Folate with the B-12 I'll be taking soon...it then became very useful to my body. So she said I cannot take the Folate right now because my body doesnt process it correctly....it doesnt do anything good for me.

Once I've been on the B-12 shots for 2 weeks she wants me to start taking the Folate and at that point it should be able to make a difference. It needs the B-12 in order to be effective.

So the testing is really complicated......not like BioSET where they are just testing the supplements one at a time for tolerance.

Dr. Amy is using different combinations of treatments to see what will work best for removing the metals, or for dealing with the fungal issues, or for handling the Lyme, etc. I dont know all that much about how ART works so I could have it wrong but this is just what I've observed from my appt's. and I try to absorb as much as I can. I sit up whenever I get a chance so I can look at whats going on.

Rachel

How can I get a hold of seeing your doctor in SF?

Lisa,

Are you talking about the Dr. I was just posting about?? The one I just saw yesterday?

She's actually from Washington. Shes not in my area. She only comes here once every 3 months to treat her patients that are in this area. She's only in town for like 4 days.

Gotta go run errands errands...be back later.

[AndreaB]

Ow I think that's the one I almost broke a tooth on from pieces of shells in it.

I think it was months later when ANOTHER jar had shell bits in it too!

Never a problem w/ WhF 365 brand.

I've heard rumors that Whole Foods bought out Wild Oats but I haven't seen any changes up here. There is a Whole Foods up Seattle way somewhere......much too far to drive for almond butter. I've been buying organic.....can you say expensive! That stuff must be gold! It was on sale yesterday.

[tom]

. . . . . almond butter. I've been buying organic.....can you say expensive! That stuff must be gold! It was on sale yesterday.

LOL I could not beLIEVE when I first saw a jar for $18!!

Wouldn't surprise me if it was an oz or 2 shy of the standard either.

I get the WhF one for $6. I think that size of pb goes on sale for $1.79.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

I see you Alison. Why don't you try posting? I wouldn't think you've been locked out.

Hi, Andrea (and the rest of Rachelville)!

I've been trying to keep up with you guys--boy, are you prolific these days! Sounds like lots of answers have been found. Hooray for answers!

Just so we Lymies/Wheaties/Glutenies (Gluttons?) don't think we are alone in the Treated-Badly-By-Doctors Club, a friend of mine had such an awful experience with a PODIATRIST, of all things, you'd think it was a Lyme experience!

She broke a bone in her foot. The podiatrist told her to stay off it, which she did for a month, hobbling around on a pair of crutches a friend loaned her, wearing a boot, and elevating her foot as much as possible.

She went back for her 4-week appointment, and the doctor saw her for maybe a minute, looked at the new Xray, said, "Hmm, healing slowly, see you in 4 weeks, stay off it," and left.

She called him back after she got home, because she never had the chance to ask him if it was healing at all, and should she be doing anything different?

The nurse called back, said the doctor NEVER called patients, he was too busy, and that he had told her at the appointment that the foot was WORSE.

My friend was in shock; he hadn't said anything of the kind. The nurse (who hadn't been at the appointment) insisted that he HAD. And the nurse wouldn't tell her anything different that she ought to be doing, simply said, "It says here in your chart that a friend loaned you crutches, why don't you try using them?"

Finally, my friend decided it was time for a second opinion. Can you believe, they made her jump through hoops to get her X-rays? ("You can only pick them up between 3:00 and 3:30, even though we are open all day and you requested to pick them up in the morning!") And the first orthopedist she called refused to see her if she was the podiatrist's patient!

I'm so glad a lot of you seem to have doctors who actually want you to get well!

Okay, I'm going to try posting this....(holds breath)

[rinne]

Aint that the truth. I ended up drifting away from almost all of my friends.

It made no sense to them that when I felt a little better than usual on a Thursday, I still couldn't make plans for Sunday.

They can't comprehend any of it.

.....

I think it has been hard for people to understand, apparently I was fat before I wasted away and I've received many compliments on my looks since being ill.

They don't understand that they see me at my best or they don't see me at all.

I've also been shocked by some I thought of as friends, one thought that I was on some kind of "food trip".

I think it is a great opportunity to make new friends and friends who do get it.

.....

I think he should be Saxy Spice

...

Exactly.

Hi Jin, it was just my mother and me, my brothers and sisters are scattered (in more ways than one ) and I took lunch and rinne bars out and we visited.

I agree with you about hostility, I feel it in my guts and it hurts - literally. I try to let it go, try to understand that only those who are miserable create misery.

Thanks for the links, I was able to check out the second two, the sound reminded me a little of the Moody Blues, have you ever hear their early music?

Scatological warfare is dangerous, as you said! These excretory explosives from Celiacs and Lymies are deadly! Evacuation is often necessary from the effected area! Gagacious grenades, tird torpedoes, and popping poops are often causes of being decrapitated! (Losing your head while being attacked by poop.) This is extremely important to avoid whenever possible. You have been warned!

This just had to be repeated.

Bev, don't have a clue about ABX herxes, the ones I have had sound mild compared to you. I hope you feel better soon.

Donna, I checked out your toes, very nice. And keep the artwork coming.

Stupid mercury and yeast have turned off my internal heater.

Cant wait to get totally hot and sweaty.

Thank you Rachel, another excellent explanation. I'm sure you will get your heat back.

I don't know whether you tolerate fresh ginger but it is great for internal warming. I simmer a few slices in water for about five minutes, it also helps with digestion.

Carla, I love your romance.

[DingoGirl]

Hold on - I had to respond to a plethora of interrogatory postings!!

He said plethora

[CarlaB]

Well . . . . . . .for a strict candida diet, I'd have to say it's not allowed. (Wish I could say otherwise)

I think the strict diet is 'no glycemic'.

Even a carrot is too sweet.

I didn't touch a dessert for more than a year.

Well, yeah, if you don't eat carrots, you wouldn't eat it. I was that strict when I thought it was candida this go around ... I pretty much ate only meat, eggs and veggies (no carrots, etc.). I even got half-n-half in my lattes to avoid the sugar in milk.

I Googled it, and it looks like it's fine for a less strict anti-candida diet ... I'll have to research it a bit more ...

I've heard rumors that Whole Foods bought out Wild Oats but I haven't seen any changes up here.

They did. I think it's bad. Now there's just one big chain.

[CarlaB]

Carla, I love your romance.

Me, too.

[happygirl]

just emailed all you lovely ladies. xoxo

[jmengert]

Hi, everyone--Just got back from my first appointment with the naturopath. I was there for two hours, plus a four hour round trip to get there, and now I'm very tired.

There was a lot to take in, and he thinks I have a lot of issues (tee, hee--I already knew that), but he thinks he can definitely get me sorted out. He's going to do a work up of my symptoms and come up with a regimen for me.

He definitely thinks I have a leaky gut, which is why I have diarrhea and nausea all the time and react to all foods. Until he gets my stuff worked up, he has me on three things. My question for you all is, have you been on any of these things, and any advice/suggestions?

First, a stomach acid helper--he thinks I basically have no stomach acid, which means my food is leaving my tummy not well processed at all--it's simply HCI and pepsin, manufactured by Pharmax.

Next, is a multivitamin with digestive enzymes in them, to be taken twice a day--it's manufactured by Integrative Therapeutics, Inc, and it's called Nutrivitamin Enzyme Complex.

Last, he wants me on a probiotic because he thinks I have some bad bugs in my tract. It's HLC Mindlinx, also by Pharmax.

I've never taken a probiotic or stomach acids, so I'm a bit nervous, but we'll see what happens. Then, I'll find out soon what he wants to go with. We're keeping in touch via email in the meantime.

I've been sick for three years, and I'm almost scared to get my hopes up....but I'm hopeful for the first time in a long time. And that makes me happy

[tom]

They don't understand that they see me at my best or they don't see me at all.

Well said.

. . . the sound reminded me a little of the Moody Blues, have you ever heard their early music?

Omg maybe my most financially efficient music purchase EVER was "On the Threshold of a Dream" for a quarter!!

(/me hopes that's early enough)

I don't know whether you tolerate fresh ginger but it is great for internal warming. I simmer a few slices in water for about five minutes, it also helps with digestion.

I second that!

[dlp252]

Ha, someone was just telling me this weekend that Agave Nectar was okay...I've been trying to remember who whilst I've been quoting away here...it was the man I met in the waiting room at BioSET on Saturday. Anyway, I've always heard that NO sweeteners were okay except for a little stevia...and even that is usually limited.

Donna, just bring five of your BEST friends (well, second best, WE're your best!!) to the Church. Then sing your solo in front of them.

When you go back to sing for a bunch of people you don't know as well, it will be much easier.

It's always harder for me to play if I see my friends in the congregation so I just don't look.

Well, the first time I had to sing the solo in practice my heart was in my throat, so I can't imagine singing in front of my best friends. I may ask my choir director to listen to me. If I can sing in front of him I can sing in front of anyone.

Donna- YOU ARE GONNA ROCK THEIR SOULS!

Well I'll rock something. Maybe not their souls though. I really CAN'T sing well guys and girls.

Chloe is doing the six hour urine collection. She came to me and said that I didn't tell her what to do if she overflows the cup! I told her to go to the bathroom more often! She's having a blast ... not really, but she's being a good sport about it.

Silly girl! I hope I can be a good sport...I am certain there is an orange jug in my future. Probably not so distant future!

Hope Maranantha almond butter is ok.......

Ow I think that's the one I almost broke a tooth on from pieces of shells in it.

I think it was months later when ANOTHER jar had shell bits in it too!

Never a problem w/ WhF 365 brand.

OMGosh, yes...had the same thing happen with Marantha and shells!!! I also use the 365 brand and have never found a shell and I actually think it tastes better. The one I buy is also organic.

Think I ate a half a jar of the 365 cashew butter yesterday.

If she tests something and it totally blocks your system then that wouldnt be good at all. On the other hand she might test something and there is no negative reaction whatsoever BUT....its also not having any desired effect on the infection its meant to target....so basically not a good option to take...even though its not rejected by your body.

Yeah, the EFA was totally blocking my system. Scott first tested it and it seemed okay, but then I mentioned that that was the one I thought was causing problems for me...he had me do something with my hand, and sure enough it was blocking me. I guess there are three different ways they can check the stuff.

Scott always tries all my supplements by themselves then with whatever my "core" stuff seems to be.

He is having me rotate two kinds of drops and at first he had them both on the plate, but it was not working well for me...then his friend says, well she won't be taking those two together they are meant to be rotated. Yep, both worked well with my other stuff as long as they weren't together.

The whole dang thing is pretty interesting and pretty accurate!

Hi, Andrea (and the rest of Rachelville)!

I've been trying to keep up with you guys--boy, are you prolific these days! Sounds like lots of answers have been found. Hooray for answers!

Just so we Lymies/Wheaties/Glutenies (Gluttons?) don't think we are alone in the Treated-Badly-By-Doctors Club, a friend of mine had such an awful experience with a PODIATRIST, of all things, you'd think it was a Lyme experience!

She broke a bone in her foot. The podiatrist told her to stay off it, which she did for a month, hobbling around on a pair of crutches a friend loaned her, wearing a boot, and elevating her foot as much as possible.

She went back for her 4-week appointment, and the doctor saw her for maybe a minute, looked at the new Xray, said, "Hmm, healing slowly, see you in 4 weeks, stay off it," and left.

She called him back after she got home, because she never had the chance to ask him if it was healing at all, and should she be doing anything different?

The nurse called back, said the doctor NEVER called patients, he was too busy, and that he had told her at the appointment that the foot was WORSE.

My friend was in shock; he hadn't said anything of the kind. The nurse (who hadn't been at the appointment) insisted that he HAD. And the nurse wouldn't tell her anything different that she ought to be doing, simply said, "It says here in your chart that a friend loaned you crutches, why don't you try using them?"

Finally, my friend decided it was time for a second opinion. Can you believe, they made her jump through hoops to get her X-rays? ("You can only pick them up between 3:00 and 3:30, even though we are open all day and you requested to pick them up in the morning!") And the first orthopedist she called refused to see her if she was the podiatrist's patient!

I'm so glad a lot of you seem to have doctors who actually want you to get well!

Okay, I'm going to try posting this....(holds breath)

It really makes so much difference to have someone who is really TRYING to find out what's wrong, who listens! Good to see you back!

Donna, I checked out your toes, very nice. And keep the artwork coming.

Ha, I think I've just about had all the ones I'm willing to post...I may try to scan the Chinese and Japanese stuff I did even though it was just practice stuff.

[dlp252]

just emailed all you lovely ladies. xoxo

Got it!!! I'm printing it now, and when I'm done here I'll read it. (I'm limiting myself to two hours on the computer at night and I've got just a few minutes more, lol)

Hi, everyone--Just got back from my first appointment with the naturopath. I was there for two hours, plus a four hour round trip to get there, and now I'm very tired.

There was a lot to take in, and he thinks I have a lot of issues (tee, hee--I already knew that), but he thinks he can definitely get me sorted out. He's going to do a work up of my symptoms and come up with a regimen for me.

He definitely thinks I have a leaky gut, which is why I have diarrhea and nausea all the time and react to all foods. Until he gets my stuff worked up, he has me on three things. My question for you all is, have you been on any of these things, and any advice/suggestions?

First, a stomach acid helper--he thinks I basically have no stomach acid, which means my food is leaving my tummy not well processed at all--it's simply HCI and pepsin, manufactured by Pharmax.

Next, is a multivitamin with digestive enzymes in them, to be taken twice a day--it's manufactured by Integrative Therapeutics, Inc, and it's called Nutrivitamin Enzyme Complex.

Last, he wants me on a probiotic because he thinks I have some bad bugs in my tract. It's HLC Mindlinx, also by Pharmax.

I've never taken a probiotic or stomach acids, so I'm a bit nervous, but we'll see what happens. Then, I'll find out soon what he wants to go with. We're keeping in touch via email in the meantime.

I've been sick for three years, and I'm almost scared to get my hopes up....but I'm hopeful for the first time in a long time. And that makes me happy

I think you should be hopeful. It may be a long process, but you will get there and this is the first step. Having someone who listens to you and takes an active part in helping you get better is a great first step.

Hum, I'm taking HLC Intensive from PHarmx (a probiotic). I'll probably be switching soon though because this just doesn't test well for me in ART...it's not horrible, but it's not great either.

I haven't heard of the others. Tomorrow I'm going to look up the enzymes...the ones I have do not sit well with me and they tested badly in ART (my confirmation, lol).

[tom]

Wish I remembered which products but I AM positive 1 or 2 were made by Integrative Therapeutics, Inc.

So at least I can chime in w/ a positive experience w/ the company.

[CarlaB]

Donna, that's what I heard ... stevia and agave are okay. Maybe not if you had bad candida though.

Andrea, here's the recipe for the "fudge."

1/3-1/2 cup raw cacao beans (nibs)

1 cup almond butter

4 tbsp. coconut oil

1/4-1/2 cup agave syrup (I used 1/4 and it's plenty sweet for me)

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. sea salt

I used my coffee grinder to turn the beans into a powder, but you could use a blender.

Then blend in the other ingredients, spread in a glass dish, freeze for one hour. Can be stored in the refrigerator.

It's pretty good. At least it's chocolate. Maybe I've been craving it so bad because I've been off my magnesium for four days now. I'm also craving a steak and have been having restless legs from anemia.

Julie, I'm glad you're getting answers.

[AndreaB]

Hi, everyone--Just got back from my first appointment with the naturopath. I was there for two hours, plus a four hour round trip to get there, and now I'm very tired.

I'd be tired too.

Glad it sounds like a good appointment. I don't know about anything you are taking though, so can't help you there.

Keep us posted.

[AndreaB]

Andrea, here's the recipe for the "fudge."

Got it....thanks.

How come your off the magnesium?

[rinne]

....

OMGosh!!! Super hyperventilation going on here... I may have to sing my solo as soon as June 24th! It was scarey enough when I thought I had a couple of months to go...that's like NEXT weekend.

Okay, I need everyone's expert weaseling out techniques!

Got none to offer. Just do it.

I can't imagine an argument against that. Makes perfect sense.

I was cold to the core for yrs. When it finally started going away (candida treatment) I remember hearing a song that became my theme song for that era.

"Coming in From the Cold" by Bob Marley and covered well by many.

Priceless.

for a minute you were about to scare me again....if you made a reference to JONI MITCHELL's Coming in from the Cold.....I would have fallen off my chair.

My spidey sense is tingling.

Heheh since I thought Bob's song had been covered so much, I was SO sure I'd be able to say "I hope u had a strategically placed pillow or fluffy dingo" but no.

Had to look it up and I think hers is "Come in from the Cold"

Dang!

Sounds like the lyrics should apply tho.

Still tingling.

Carla, thanks for the fudge recipe.

Andrea, I buy Nuts To You almond butter, it's a Canadian company.

I've tried the Marantha but didn't like the flavour so well.

Hi, Andrea (and the rest of Rachelville)!

I've been trying to keep up with you guys--boy, are you prolific these days! Sounds like lots of answers have been found. Hooray for answers!

....

Nice to see you.

Sorry to hear about your friend, my sister just went through much the same experience with a broken wrist. I used to think that at least they could fix broken bones.

......

I've been sick for three years, and I'm almost scared to get my hopes up....but I'm hopeful for the first time in a long time. And that makes me happy

I'm so glad that you are feeling optimistic, that is important and I'm glad to know that you felt listened too.

As for the supplements I can't comment on any specific brand, but it does sound like the direction to take when you are having digestive issues.

I know that when I first my digestive system went up in flames that I had problems with everything and it has only been recently that I've been taking a probiotic so if they are too much for you to take right now please don't be discouraged. It is important to try.

The critical thing, I think, is to listen to your body and trust yourself.

Well said.

Omg maybe my most financially efficient music purchase EVER was "On the Threshold of a Dream" for a quarter!!

(/me hopes that's early enough)

I second that!

I love that album, spent many a night listening to it in my younger years, for me it has this cascading quality of taking you ever further out there.

I like out there.

[CarlaB]

How come your off the magnesium?

For the testing ... started the stool testing today, been off everything since Friday (last dose Thursday night).

I feel great. Not 100%, that's for sure, but right now I only have the Lyme symptoms, no die-off symptoms and no abx side effects.

I have no babs symptoms this time off the meds, so it's looking like the babs may be gone. It can be treated in as little as 4 months, and I've been treating it for 5. I'll be switching from Mepron to Malarone, soon. Malarone is weaker, so it will still work on the babs if any is left, but not have as many side effects.

Chloe was very excited when her six hours were up for her urine test.

[jmengert]

Hi, Donna--Thanks for your input. I've heard this term a couple of times--ART. I'm curious--what is it?

Hi, Rinne--Thanks! It's nice to hear that it seems like I'm on the right track!

Hi, Andrea and Carla--I'll definitely keep you all posted. Thanks for thinking of me!

Hi, Tom--At least you have some positive experience with the company. I'm just very wary of putting new things into my body since I seem to react to *everything*. The stomach acid makes me most nervous....

I'm off to bed (and to re-read Harry Potter; I'm such a dork, but I'm re-reading all of the books before the new one comes out )

Be back to check in on the thread in the morning; enjoy your nights, everyone!

[CarlaB]

Carla, thanks for the fudge recipe.

You're welcome, you, too, Andrea.

I think next time I'll try less almond butter and more chocolate. It's not bad ... it all depends how long it's been since you had real fudge.

Now I remember who told me about the agave. When the lady at Wild Oats told me about the fudge, I asked if it could be made with stevia. She was the one who told me agave was also okay for candida.

It is mostly fructose, so it's comparable to eating fruit, rather than sugar. I read that fruit is less glycemic if eaten on an empty stomach ... otherwise the fructose takes on the glycemic index of what you eat it with (i.e. bread, which is higher). So I ate my fudge on an empty stomach.

After years of "Fit For Life" I always ate my fruit on an empty stomach anyway.

[CarlaB]

Hi, Andrea (and the rest of Rachelville)!

I've been trying to keep up with you guys--boy, are you prolific these days! Sounds like lots of answers have been found. Hooray for answers!

Glad to have you back.

[Rachel--24]

I know the constipation comes from mercury stealing our magnesium. It also can cause muscle cramps in legs and such. I am going to the new naturopath. They saY I am a perfect candidate for their mercury treatment. Have you heard of preventium.com?

They have rexonal nf which is needed as a sulfer amino acids for mercury? And magmax for constipation? I want to try these. I hate this lower left and right abdominal pain. I really don't

think my doctor now knows much about mercury treatment.

Have you ever heard of methionine. It helps keep mercury from reaching the brain.

Lisa,

I never heard of preventium .com but I'll definately check it out.

I havent heard of the supplements you named but different Dr.'s use different protocols.

I definately dont think you should have your current Dr. treating you since she doesnt seem to have alot of experience with this. It would be good to have a visit with the new Dr. and see how well you like her....see if she seems to know her stuff. Try to find out if she's treated alot of mercury toxic patients (like you) and if they are well now.

Methionine is a sulfur containing amino acid. There are two....the other one is called cysteine. They are both totally essential for mercury detox.

One of the pathways of detoxification in the body is the methionine pathway.

Those sulfur containing amino acids can bind with mercury and detox it from the body...but the pathways have to be functioning properly.

My main problem is with my detox pathways so the mercury just doesnt leave my body. I cant do any kind of chelation until my pathways are able to clear out the mercury.

[AndreaB]

For the testing

I feel great. Not 100%, that's for sure, but right now I only have the Lyme symptoms, no die-off symptoms and no abx side effects.

It's nice to be able to have a break and see how you're doing isn't it.

Glad Chloe's done with her test.

[Rachel--24]

Laura, looking forward to reading your email. I have to switch accounts (I use my moms while I'm here) to get my mail....but will do so later.

Can agave syrup be used on the candida diet? I've read it's low glycemic, so I'm thinking yes ... but anyone know for sure?

I didnt think agave was allowed on the candida diet but I've only done the very strict candida diet where no sweeteners of any kind were ok...with the exception of stevia.

I did try agave last year and I did not do well with it at all. I actually did way better with my ice cream.

I lasted about 4 days on agave and more than 8 months on ice cream.

I'm so glad a lot of you seem to have doctors who actually want you to get well!

Welcome back Alison.

Yeah....I feel extremely blessed to have my current Dr.'s .....even morseo after the heinosity of the previous 3 1/2 years...and a whole string of incompetent idiot Dr.'s.

I'm still amazed by the effort these Dr.'s put into the patient and trying to do everything they can to put together a very complicated puzzle. They DO wanna succeed in getting the patients well...they have that desire and I dont get the feeling this is just a "job" for them.

I think they see each patient as a new learning experience and there is not that "arrogance" that I was so used to seeing in my previous Dr.'s.

I don't know whether you tolerate fresh ginger but it is great for internal warming. I simmer a few slices in water for about five minutes, it also helps with digestion.

Unfortunately I dont tolerate ginger. I tried it in water exactly the way you describe and reacted horribly....that was like 3 years ago and I havent touched it since. I just dont do well with stuff from the produce dept.

Tom....I could totally relate to your comment regarding making plans. Its very difficult to plan things....and even more difficult for others to understand why I became so flaky. I did try to make plans the first 2 years I was sick....but most of the time I would cancel...eventually people stopped calling and asking me to do stuff because I would never follow through.