Omg...i Might Be On To Something

[Ridgewalker]

She didn't say anything about it. I pointed it out to her and it seemed to be a non-issue. She was more concerned about the chronic abdominal pain, thinks its dysbiosis (localized in one spot? ummm... ok), and ordered a stool test for bacteria and parasites. We only had a 1/2 hour to go over everything and it was a new patient appt, so we were really pressed for time. I'm getting a lot of relief from taking the digestive enzymes, so my proof is right there. I've decided to put off that and the other testing she ordered until I see the LLMD on the 28th.

A non-issue? Good grief. You know, I'm pretty sure that low lipase can cause "spastic colon." (Along with CFS, food intolerances, and a bunch more crap.) Would that cause chronic abdominal pain?? In any case, I'm glad the enzyme supplements are helping. You're right, that's definitely proof enough!!

[Nyxie63]

Jin,

Had to giggle about your waiting to find out you're adopted. Reminded me of a friend's mantra: notmyplanet, notmyplanet, notmyplanet.

If you're feeling better when you add salt to your diet, then your aldosterone's probably low. Its an adrenal hormone that regulates the sodium/potassium balance in your body. A lot of folks I've talked to with adrenal fatigue make sure to drink water with some sea salt and a little baking soda in it every day. I've done this for detox, but not as a regular thing. Its supposed to help regulate your electrolytes or somesuch.

$600! Ack! HomeDepot has some water testing kits that are relatively cheap. I think they're less than $20. Hubby bought one. It tests for various minerals and bacteria. Its not as sensitive as the lab tests, but it at least gives you an idea of what's going on. Might be worth looking into at some point.

I picked up some Glutino gluten-free pretzles, some Chebe bread mix, and a few snacky things. Haven't tried any of them yet, but want them on hand "just in case". Haven't really been wanting carbs lately. Been living on salad and broiled chicken breasts. Have this massive craving for KFC that I"m trying to beat. LOL! Also picked up some pasta and will try to make a pasta salad to take to the family gathering this Saturday. Since the pasta salad and the veggie tray I'm taking will probably be all I can eat, I want to make sure there's something there.

Donna,

What did you use when self-treating your adrenals? Have you mentioned that before and I missed it? (no surprise there)

[aprilh]

Humaworm users:

I know a couple of people are on Humaworm. Did anyone find that it made them not sleep? I have been forgetting the night dose and then remembering right before bed, but everytime I take it right before bed, I have a restless night. Its very wierd.

I am on week 2 and am just so tired and drained lately. Hopefully I will feel better soon. Some sleep would be nice! My eyes are red and watery now, too since humaworm.

I guess its doing something in there although I have noticed anything wierd!

April

[CarlaB]

Wow. you guys have been busy. I skimmed, so if I missed anything, please let me know.

Anybody know how long it will take for me to herx? Is that different? Can anyone share their experiences!? Also, does it matter if I take Olive Leaf Extract with the abx or probiotics?

I am taking the probiotics in the morning on an empty stomach and then eating about 30 minutes later...then Olive Leaf 2 hours later. Then abx, then probiotics 2 hours later...then when do I do the olive leaf?

Kassandra, it's different for every person. I immediately got better on abx, but herxed at day 24. Then, whenever starting a new med, I herx for a few weeks afterward.

How many times per day do you take the abx? If it's twice, you want to take it as close to 12 hours apart as you can. Sorry I don't know anything about olive leaf.

Wow Rachel! You have been busy!

Rachel, sounds like a lot of exciting stuff is going on for you. I would expect to feel bad taking the med for the first time .... I know Humaworm knocked me to bed for two days, low grade fever and all. In the end, I detoxed a lot and felt so much better after that first couple days.

Sorry to keep asking so many questions....BUT I was wondering if there may be some reason my LLMD didn't talk to me about an anti-candida diet while on abx? Hmm...should I start one anyway? Does that mean no fruit?

Kassandra

Some docs stress that stuff more ... but yeah, you should try to avoid fungal issues. Some people can eat fruit, others can't. I can easily eat as much fruit as I want, but I generally avoid bananas and other fruits that are too sugary. I also eat no dried fruit or fruit juice. The fruit I eat is with the whey protein, so I think that helps, too.

I'm also okay eating some sugar, but I usually keep it to once per month .... except right now with the holidays ... but I'm still not eating it as much as most everyone else does, I just allow a few more treats than before .... it's not every day ... and I'm certainly not Racheling when I do.

If you're prone to candida, you might even ask to use Nystatin. I started on it from the beginning as a preventative measure. However, Chloe does not take it and is not strict with diet, except for eating no sugar, and she has had no problems.

Again, it's different for every person. I think Chloe and I just aren't too prone to candida .... I wonder if that's because we're so low in metals?

Carla-

What sort of symptoms did you get from the levaquin?

My knee hurt worse and in a different way than it ever did. I felt very fatigued. I got worse brain fog. Basically, all the bart symptoms flared. I lied around most of the time for the first few weeks.

How are you doing with it?

Oh, this is for everyone .... Dr. B recommends Prilosec with Levaquin, so I took it. My GI issues went away and I attributed that to bart treatment. However, I ran out of the Prilosec and didn't buy more when I started Rifampin. I thought it was the Rifampin causing the GI issues (pain, nausea), but I started the Prilosece a couple days ago and now feel fine again.

Kassandra, I'm wondering if this would help you. Your GI issues seem so much like mine.

I am going to get the regular Ambien I think, that way I can take it when I wake up like that--I didn't feel like I could take another CR. My doctor said the regular Ambien is good for about 5 hours and the CR for about 7-8.

The Ambien CR is 12.5 grams .... I take 5 gm. of regular Ambien (but I get the 10 gm pills and break them). That way, some nights I take only five grams, like two nights ago, then other nights I take 15 grams, like last night. Last night I woke up at my normal 3:30 and took the other half ... then Adam woke me up at 5, and I took another half after half an hour of not getting back to sleep. I figured I'd rather sleep till 9:30 than get up at 5. It was a good call because I'm feeling pretty good.

Why are steroids bad for Lyme patients? Is it because they are immune suppressants? Or, is it due to Candida? I was wondering, because you did not say why specifically. This made me curious.

Yes, because they are immune suppressants. They allow the Lyme to really establish itself.

I have to brag a little bit.

Congratulations! Be sure to keep up the exercise even after you get settled in!!

I know a couple of people are on Humaworm. Did anyone find that it made them not sleep?

I can't answer that .... I don't sleep without Ambien anyway ... hope you feel better once you're done with it!

[AndreaB]

Ha, I was so bored yesterday and it seemed like no one was around to talk to.

I thought it was quiet over here yesterday too.

I get along real well with beef too.

Since the move, I've lost another 10 pounds -- the scale said 196 today!!!!!!!!

Congrats on the weight loss! That is exciting.

I really think I'm on the right track (finally!) with the whole Lyme thing. I was reading over at Lymenet and came across this article: www.cassia.org/essay.htm. I couldn't believe it! So many of the things that are currently going on with me are in there! The thyroid, the cysts, the mental stuff. Everything! I just kinda sat there for awhile in awe. Think I'm going to print out a copy and give it to my mom, with a lot of things highlighted. She thinks I'm being a hypochondriac, which is probably where a lot of the self-doubt about all this health stuff is coming from. Guess it doesn't matter how old we get, mom's will still be themselves.

Went out xmas shopping yesterday. OMG! Felt like I'd been hit by a truck by the time I got home last night. This morning, I only feel like I got hit with a couple of bicycles and a wheelbarrow. Guess that's an improvement. Now I remember why I had to quit my job at the florists earlier this year. After about an hour of walking, my knees and hip joints hurt sooo bad! Have to go out again today, but at least it'll be a much shorter trip. On the bright side, everyone was fairly pleasant which was a nice surprise considering how crazy people tend to get this time of year. I also managed to get a LOT done. Yay!

I can't wait to hear how your appointment goes next week.

I'm glad you are only feeling like a couple lightweight vehicles hit you today. I hope you get some time to rest and recoup.

I am glad you enjoy my column! A lot of people are surprised at the details I pick up. If it were not for coffee, I probably would not know anything. I would be completely useless! Sometimes my column takes an hour, other times closer to two to type. Of course, now that the weather is cooler, it takes me longer due to the computer being in the basement.

P.S. Has anyone heard from Kat, Claire, Lisa, Kristina, Susie from the UK, Judy, or Ami?

That's a long time, but I'm not surprised as long as your column's are.

I haven't heard from Claire since she was here...she briefly came back on the thread right after that, but I haven't heard from her since. I haven't seen Susie around the boards at all lately. I've seen Ami on a couple of threads. Haven't seen Kat around either. I think Lisa can't get computer access much. I think I've seen Kristina on a couple of other threads too, but not sure now. Yeah, where is our Judy?!

I'm with Donna.....haven't seen Claire for quite awhile. Haven't seen Susie UK, Ami pops in here once in awhile, Lisa not much computer access, Krisitina posted this morning, Kat is around on other threads, Judy isn't on the computer much anymore but she does pop over at the Oxolate thread occasionally.

[Offthegrid]

I read that Lyme article, too. Wow. Just wow. But still there are some major symptoms I don't have, like joint pain. But so many others fit. The horrible balance. Horrible sense of direction. The occassional, unexplained dizziness. Headaches. Light sensitivity. Digestive problems. Numbness/tingling in the hands. Recent hand numbness that sounded like carpal tunnel (I immediately switched my mouse to the other hand and that's cleared it up). Twitching of my eyebrows. And even occassional heart palpatations. My body temperature is low, and my feet are always cold. Never had a rash, but I remember a few tick bites and we grew up camping in a camper virtually every weekend.

Do you think I should have my regular primary doc test for lyme, and then look for a specialist? I think neurologists, etc., in this area won't see you without a diagnosis.

Also if they put you on long-term antibiotics, then that means the birth control pill won't work. I don't think that would go over too well.

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Donna,

BioSet is less expensive than I expected. Maybe I will pop over onto Scott's site later. Then I can contact him. It will be nice if someone here in the area does practice it. I am glad your insurance has reimbursed you. I am not insured due to not being able to work right now.

Supplements are expensive. I have noticed they do not seem to reduce natural items very often. I could not imagine how pricey yours are. Herbals are a heck of a lot safer. How many people do you hear of being killed from them compared to drugs from pharmaceutical companies?

I wonder what Claire is up to? She sure has been gone forever. I think the last time we saw her was August or September. That seems like an eternity ago! I miss her and everyone else!

Dear Kristina,

I really do believe you have Celiac, but there are a number of other issues as well. Metals, Lyme and bacterial dysbiosis come to mind. Many with Celiac have numerous intolerances come out of the woodwork long after removing gluten. Patti was ill for two years before discovering gluten was only one of many issues.

This is very frustrating, but with your test results, you really do not want to go back to gluten. You finally have a negative antibody count, which means the diet is working.

I hope the endo gives you some answers. At least the doctor will take a biopsy. That might help. I know they can do that with Lyme. Was it Laura that had an intestinal biopsy taken for Lyme? I am pretty sure it was her.

Dear Sarah,

I never thought about low lipase being a cause of trouble for me, but maybe it is. I wonder if there is a connection between having your gallbladder removed and low lipase and other enzymes. Nothing seems to set well with my system for too long. It would be worth trying. I tried digestive enzymes before, but that was quite a while before going gluten-free.

Isn't it amazing how doctors see these things as unimportant? For crying out loud! Their stupidity is perplexing. Small things can add up to something big. I really hope this doctor starts seeing more than just the big picture. Looking a the entire picture is good, but not when you do not see every brush stroke in the painting. If once brush stroke is missing, the painting can suffer for it. The body is a lot like a painting.

Dear Nyxie63,

I love your friend's mantra. I may have to use that one! A guy my brother used to work with used to start saying "Go to happy place! Go to happy place!" if someone said something he did not want to hear. We still love to use that one. I saw a shirt the other day that said "I used to care, but I take pills for that now."

Aldosterone is something I have only heard of since you began speaking of it. I assume they use a blood test for it. Maybe I should try drinking Gatorade or something? That helps with electrolytes. Several years ago, they told me electrolytes were coming out in my urine. Can that be caused by adrenal fatigue as well? I have not done the test yet with the flashlight. I should try that today.

I will check the Home Depot nearby! We only live about 3 miles away. Although we live out in the county, we are still not so far out that we need to be on well water or anything. It is hilarious, because when I was a teenager, some of my friends said I lived out in the boondocks! Incidentally, we have no corn right next to the house. My grandparents are 5 miles further in, and they have it behind them!

Chebe is good. You will like it! Their cinnamon rolls are really nice! I wish I could have the pretzals, but they have yeast. Stupid freakin' yeast!

I have been craving fried chicken, mashed potatoes and all of that, too! KFC was our mainstay at the family reunion every year! You are talking to a Southerner at heart, here! Naturally, everyone left once the food was gone. That is family for you!

Dear April,

I know parasites are more active at night. That might explain your restlessness. Humaworm is stirring them up. So, they probably are trying to fight to resist death at this point. Once they begin dying, things will settle down and you will sleep better again. As they die off, they may release toxins which have a byproduct of insomnia.

Dear Carla,

Kassandra is on Prilosec already, I think. She takes two a day like me. The nausea definitely gets worse without it for me. I am glad you found out your trouble. Prilosec really is something I cannot run out of!

Thank you for clarifying about the steroids and Lyme. I used to be on inhaled steroids for asthma. I do not use an inhaler now. I have not used one since I was 17. Good thing I got off of those!

I was feeling better on abx as far as the nausea went. My colon was crazy, though. I also belched more than usual on the Amoxy. I took it 4 times a day. The TMJ pain, neck stiffness and pain, and feeling like passing out decreased dramatically, though. I am not sure if that constitutes a herx or not, but the first few days, the neck stiffness and pain were worse, and I also felt like I was getting a sore throat.

As far as fruit goes, I do better on it when it is fresh. The canned kind has corn syrup. That does not usually set well with me. We got a fruit basket for Christmas from my grandparents. It has the best fruit!

This was the first gift we got that I actually can eat! I also told Dad "No fingering!" He will just eat toast or something, and finger the freakin' fruit! I am so tired of worrying about getting sick because of my parents' carelessness! That is on top of him messing up everything I clean.

I told him, I am going to handcuff him. My best friend's dad is a paramedic. He knows cops. Someone is bound to have some good handcuffs. He does not think I am serious. It is either that, or I chop his fingers off. I cannot take the clutter in this house anymore!

You know how we were talking about my doctor running into an LLMD at the environmental medicine conference? Well, I was just thinking that you mentioned a Dr. C. I bet it is the same doctor! Is he located in Liberty, Missouri? If so, it is the same one.

Dear Andrea,

It was quiet on here yesterday! I was not on until later. I did not wake up until after 10pm. Then, I have to have some coffee to get with it. Usually, I do dishes or something first.

Yes, my columns can take a while. On a good day, I can type an average of around 60wpm. The cold makes it more difficult lately. There are times I can type up to 65wpm. Now that I realized my fingernails were too long and trimmed them a bit, that has really helped!

Thank you for the update on everyone you could give information on! Poor Lisa, having to go to the library to post! Thank goodness I have my own PC. I am a computer addict. When I cannot get online, it drives me nuts. Surfing is a hobby of mine. My grandfather is like that, too.

I know that hit by a train feeling Nyxie was talking about! I feel that way every single day. You know you are in bad shape when you actually consider the sensation of being hit by a few lightweight vehicles an improvement! This seems to be consistent with Lyme. Maybe someday soon we both will have answers.

Dear Offthegrid,

I have all of those weird symptoms you describe as well. They can really scare you. You having Lyme sounds very likely. I would definitely get tested. If your PCP will go through IgeniX, they may run the test for you. Still, they need to know how to interpret the bands.

You can be clinically diagnosed with Lyme despite a WB. A LLMD is essential to have for this reason. This is the primary concern when testing is being done. Most doctors have no idea what to look for. Specific proteins show up when Lyme is present.

I could see why the abx would be a worry with birth control. Maybe you could do an herbal protocol? Some people fare better on them, anyway. I am on the Depo-Provera shot. I am not sure if that is effected by the abx or not. Since I am not married, and am not sexually active, I do not have to worry about that.

Sincerely,

Jin

[dlp252]

I am utterly confused, as is the doctor. I have an endoscopy scheduled for December 27th - the doctor is going to take biopsies no matter how the intestines look because in addition to villi damage, he is looking for abnormal T-cells.

I supposed it's possible that you have refractory sprue. I don't know...wish it were easier to find answers for this stuff.

If you're feeling better when you add salt to your diet, then your aldosterone's probably low. Its an adrenal hormone that regulates the sodium/potassium balance in your body. A lot of folks I've talked to with adrenal fatigue make sure to drink water with some sea salt and a little baking soda in it every day. I've done this for detox, but not as a regular thing. Its supposed to help regulate your electrolytes or somesuch.

...

What did you use when self-treating your adrenals? Have you mentioned that before and I missed it? (no surprise there)

I've not done the salt water thing, but I ALWAYS eat tons of sea salt, lol. When I don't feel well (which has been most of the time), I crave it even more, so what you said makes sense, for me, lol.

You didn't miss the thing about the adrenals...that was over a year ago. Carla was my expert back then, lol, so I picked her brain a lot and I started reading Adrenal Fatigue 21st century (something like that). Basically all I did was to reduce my sugar intake even more, I cut back on my more vigorous exercise in favor of more even keel stuff, made sure I got as much rest as my stupid insomniac body will allow and took lots and lots of supplements. They (the doctors and other practitioners I see) loaded me up with B vitamins and other supplements specifically formulated for the adrenals and for energy and I took progest, DHEA and another kind of sublingual drops to supplement the stuff that was low on my adrenal fatigue test. The HN doctors (the same ones that Rachel just mentioned), started treating me for the pain in my neck and shoulders...reducing pain takes a level of burden off the body so the adrenals can recover a bit.

I know a couple of people are on Humaworm. Did anyone find that it made them not sleep? I have been forgetting the night dose and then remembering right before bed, but everytime I take it right before bed, I have a restless night. Its very wierd.

I am on week 2 and am just so tired and drained lately. Hopefully I will feel better soon. Some sleep would be nice! My eyes are red and watery now, too since humaworm.

I don't sleep anyway, so it's hard to tell, but I can say that I've had several more bad days since I started taking it. It makes sense though. It's killing whatever parasitic whatever is in there so the body has to detox that. The prime detox hours are while you are sleeping. This is why my doctor is always giving me herbal stuff to take to try to help that process along (none of it works though, lol). Yeah, the first week or so I felt pretty drained, but I also started taking it at a really stressful/hectic time.

The Ambien CR is 12.5 grams .... I take 5 gm. of regular Ambien (but I get the 10 gm pills and break them). That way, some nights I take only five grams, like two nights ago, then other nights I take 15 grams, like last night. Last night I woke up at my normal 3:30 and took the other half ... then Adam woke me up at 5, and I took another half after half an hour of not getting back to sleep. I figured I'd rather sleep till 9:30 than get up at 5. It was a good call because I'm feeling pretty good.

Yay, I'm glad the prilosec is helping!

Yeah, see, I think I need to get the regular Ambien...it's more flexible, lol. The CR can't be broken in two at all, so at least I could break the regular one in half and take it in the middle of the night which is when I need it. I don't need the help in the early part of the night, lol. Stupid sleeping pills. Stupid insomnia!

Do you think I should have my regular primary doc test for lyme, and then look for a specialist? I think neurologists, etc., in this area won't see you without a diagnosis.

Also if they put you on long-term antibiotics, then that means the birth control pill won't work. I don't think that would go over too well.

Well, I wouldn't put much stock in whatever the testing from your regular doc would show unless it was a positive test. He most likely wouldn't use the proper lab or test. Unless he's really out of the box in his thinking, most will run an ELISA test, and ONLY if that shows positive will then order western blots, and then it's not usually through Igenix which is a specialty lab for lyme. Still it would probably be a low cost way to just get a preliminary test and if it's positive no need for further testing.

I'm not sure about the antibiotics/birth control, but there must be SOMETHING they can do.

[confusedks]

Sheesh...you guys have been busy!

Everyone,

I think I am going to try to reduce my sugar intake as much as possible. Someone said something about Nystatin...I'm waiting for it to come in the mail because Dr. H did order it for me. I don't know why he didn't say anything about an anti candida diet...I guess I will try to eliminate as much sugar as I can, although the more raw I am, the less I crave starch/sugar.

No allergic reaction so far to the abx...knock on wood!

And, I'm with Donna, it was REALLY quiet yesterday, but I was busy pretty much all day too..so that's okay. And, I have a busy day ahead of me today...going with my brother to get my mom gifts for Xmas.

Donna,

Where did you have your shot? The lady from the pharmacy said my mom has to give them to me in my butt!

Carla,

I only take the abx once a day...I started in the evening yesterday. I am feeling fine so far today!

OfftheGrid,

Congrats on the weight loss! YAY!

Kassandra

[dlp252]

Kassandra,

Yep, it was in my butt, lol. Actually really more the hip area, kind of where it starts to get "meaty", lol. If I give them to myself I can do it in my thigh. Reminds me I need to call them and ask about getting set up for it.

[confusedks]

Donna,

Okay...so I *MAY* be able to give them to myself! I'd really rather NOT have my mom have to do it....lol!!

[AndreaB]

No allergic reaction so far to the abx...knock on wood!

Yay!

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Donna,

I hope Kristina does not have refractory sprue, either. T-cells can indicate a lot. Maybe she just has something else going on? We can hope! Answers do seem difficult to come by in a simple way.

Gosh, I cannot believe all you had to do for your poor adrenals! It worked, though! Carla is a great expert. Doctors suck. Just because people go to medical school means nothing to me. I told my doctor the last time I saw her, even if she cannot interpret the WBs, my friends on here can!

Maybe you will get the other Ambien. It might be better for you. Each person needs different stuff. I know how complicated it can be. Your neurotransmitters can really screw things up, too. I think in some people, sleep aids might actually aggravate the situation.

It is true that regular physicians rarely run the most accurate tests. Lyme is something that requires special knowledge. Most doctors do not have it, either. My physician is holistic, so that may be why she knew more than most. Still, there is a lot she is trying to learn.

The butt is where I get my Depo shots. They are always supposed to be given in the hip. Apparently, they did not know that at my former physician's. I was told they should always be given in the hip. My former physician said it could be done in the arm or the hip.

Dear Kassandra,

Reducing sugar is a good idea. I am glad the Nystatin is coming. That will help kill the yeast. You might feel rough at first due to a herx. Yeast releases toxins temporarily as it dies off.

Have fun shopping! I would not mind a shopping trip right now. If only I had money! Dad is one person I have nothing for yet. I am at a total loss as to what to get him aside from a gift certificate to Kohl's or something.

I am so glad you are tolerating the Zith so far. We will keep our fingers crossed! It sounds good. Maybe you experienced herxing? That is a possibility if Babs is present.

Giving yourself the shots would probably be better if you can. It just is not fun to have your mother poke your tuckus! I would not trust my mother with a needle! You never know what they are thinking. What if there is this life insurance policy you do not know about... I am just sayin'!

Dear Sarah,

Was it you who said your mother was supposed to do a saliva test for Candida? Is that the one where you spit into a glass upon waking? You are supposed to see if your salive floats or sinks. Mine sunk like a rock. According to what I understand, that indicates Candida. Healthy saliva floats.

Sincerely,

Jin

P.S. Hi Andrea! I see you and Sarah!

[confusedks]

Jin,

I actually did a formal test for Candida...I had to send it in...but it was only $45. That's pretty cheap these days...lol! I am going to buy my mom something and a gift for a teacher of mine (well, ex teacher now ) whom I am really close with, oh and her baby girl!

Oh my...you reminded me I should get something for my Dad and stepmom in NZ! Yikes! They may just have to get a phone call! LOL! I could get them a gift, but it wouldn't make it to NZ before Xmas anyway. Oh well!

As far as the shots...that's funny! I am pretty positive the needles are too small to do any damage! LOL!!!

I am totally putting off calling the Hematologist because I have to go in there to have my PICC line dressing changed! UGH!!!

Kassandra

[confusedks]

Yay! I got an appt and they didn't sound TOO mad...lol!

[Offthegrid]

For those craving KFC chicken ... try McCormick's Montreal Chicken seasoning. It's delicious! We put a little olive oil in a glass pan, then sprinkle seasoning (we like a lot). Then put down the chicken. Then rub a bit of olive oil and top and add more seasoning. Cover with aluminum foil Bake for 30 minutes at 375 or until chicken reaches proper temperature. It is SO YUMMY! Juicy and well-seasoned.

In other digestive news ...

My mother-in-law came over for dinner last night and brought me gluten-free "wild and brown rice." It looked good, but I thought, "uh-oh -- too much fiber."

She says it's good, and it's "so much healthier than plain white rice." I thought, yeah, if you can digest stuff.

But I thanked her very much, cooked some up, and it WAS delicious. But, sadly, two episodes and counting of D later, I know it was too much. It's kind of her to bring it and it wasn't cheap, but I just wish people would understand that simple is better.

Is it common to be able to digest white rice but not brown?

[Green12]

Chatty, chatty OMGers! I can't keep up

Offthegrid, congratulations! That's quite an accomplishment

Kristina, I really am not up on all the scientificness of celiac testing, but as far as not feeling any better after going gluten-free is not unheard of. It takes everyone different amounts of time to heal the gut with everything functioning properly, villi standing at attention, digestive processes cooperating, and so on. Even if it isn't celiac in your case, gluten really taxes a compromised system and since you are exhibiting all the symptoms you are having imo you are probably better off eliminating it for the time being. I do hope you find some answers with this round of appts.

Carla, glad you are feeling better

Donna, glad you are finally sleeping

Rachel, lots of exciting appts I look forward to your posts today about everything.

Jin, sometimes reactions can be delayed, or happen after an accumulation of something. I can often eat something several times in a row without any problems and then that 3rd or 4rth time I start to react.

I know I am forgetting so many things, must go back.....

OH, also about the steroids and lyme- back when we first startd discussing lyme (before anyone had been dx'd just the possibility of it) someone posted about steroids driving the lyme deeper and deeper into the tissues and cells, making it harder to treat.

[dlp252]

Yeah, stupid steroids...I was on prednisone for that three year period I was on the antibiotics...no wonder I kept getting sicker and sicker, lol

.

Donna,

Okay...so I *MAY* be able to give them to myself! I'd really rather NOT have my mom have to do it....lol!!

Yes, I just have to go in and have them teach me how. But first, I really must call them, lol.

I would not trust my mother with a needle! You never know what they are thinking. What if there is this life insurance policy you do not know about... I am just sayin'!

OMGosh, good thing I wasn't drinking something when I came to this...it'd be all over everwhere now.

Yay! I got an appt and they didn't sound TOO mad...lol!

Woo hoo!

Is it common to be able to digest white rice but not brown?

Sometimes. Brown rice definitely has more fiber than white rice. I tested badly for brown rice in BioSET...I can't remember how I did with white rice, but carbs in general are hard for my body to process.

[AndreaB]

OMGosh, good thing I wasn't drinking something when I came to this...it'd be all over everwhere now.

I must have missed that one.....

[Ridgewalker]

Dear Sarah,

I never thought about low lipase being a cause of trouble for me, but maybe it is. I wonder if there is a connection between having your gallbladder removed and low lipase and other enzymes. Nothing seems to set well with my system for too long. It would be worth trying. I tried digestive enzymes before, but that was quite a while before going gluten-free.

Dear Sarah,

Was it you who said your mother was supposed to do a saliva test for Candida? Is that the one where you spit into a glass upon waking? You are supposed to see if your salive floats or sinks. Mine sunk like a rock. According to what I understand, that indicates Candida. Healthy saliva floats.

Sincerely,

Jin

P.S. Hi Andrea! I see you and Sarah!

Jin,

Whew, had to run and pick the boys up from their schools.

Lipase is indirectly related to the gallbladder in that-- if the gallbladder isn't secreting enough bile, fats remain in such large particles that the lipase has a hard time combining with them. I am no expert!!! The liver produces bile, and it's stored in the gallbladder... if your gallbladder is out, I don't know how this process is affected. It certainly sounds like this is why people who've had their GB out must limit fat intake...

Also- I'm thinking that Lipase IS related to pancreatic secretion, Nyxie. Urgh, this is the problem with random, tangential reading. You remember a little bit, but not enough when it comes up. I'll have to do some more looking around. I think that all three of the "major" digestive enzymes are found in pancreatic juices.

Edit-- One site I just looked at said that "the pancreas and other endocrine glands" are responsible for most of the enzyme production in the body. Open Original Shared Link

If you google "digestive enzymes" you should find some more info.

General info that I remember off the top of my head--

The following three digestive enzymes are general terms for groups of specific enzymes:

Lipase-- for digesting fat.

Amylase-- for digesting carbs.

Protease-- for digesting proteins.

Those are the 3 biggies, but there are others... trying to remember...

Lactase... cellulase... bromelain.... there are more. Bromelain is a plant-source enzyme found in pineapple.

Lipase and Amylase work very closely together in relation to blood sugar (among other things.) Protease actually digests/breaks down intestinal parasites, fungi, bacteria, etc- sparing your immune system some of that work.

Some digestive enzymes, we produce within the body. Others are ingested from food. But the ones you get in food are killed upon cooking. And that's about everything I can remember right now!

Jin,

Yeah, I told Mom how to do a simple, at-home Candida spit test. She never ended up doing it though, because the doctor confirmed the next day that she had a Candida infection in her mouth and throat, at least. That is what I've read too- healthy saliva just floats at the top. If it floats, but thick strings drag down, that also indicates Candida. Also, if the water turns cloudy, or speckly.

She finished that bottle of Magic Mouth, and her mouth is only a little better. The nausea is much better. I've advised her to stick to the anti-Candida as much as she can, and to take a probiotic (Theralac or Threelac) and to rotate anti-fungals- I gave her a list.

I looked up Nystatin (you guys probably already know this) and it's an anti-fungal. From my reading, I'm seeing that anti-fungals are only a bandaid, and you MUST have a GOOD probiotic along with it to rebalance the bacterias.

I thought you could do one or the other, now I'm seeing you really need both to work together.

And the learning process continues!

[Ridgewalker]

BTW... If I had to have regular shots, I think I'd rather do them myself as well. I trust my Mom with almost ANYTHING, but..... her hands shake when she does delicate things. And my hubby faints at the sight of needles.

[Offthegrid]

I told Mom how to do a simple, at-home Candida spit test. That is what I've read too- healthy saliva just floats at the top. If it floats, but thick strings drag down, that also indicates Candida. Also, if the water turns cloudy, or speckly.

*Looking feverishly through thread* I haven't heard that! Are you spitting in a glass of water?

Well, I'm off to start and finish my Xmas shopping. Wish me luck!

[tom]

Dear tom,

. . . .

It will be really neat if you and Andrea get to meet.

IF??? Heehee it's happ'nin in ~15min!!

I bet you hold the record for meeting the most forum members! You have met a lot of people that are not just from this thread! How cool is that? Are you up near your sister's until the end of the month?

Pretty darn cool yessireebob

In Portland 'til 28th.

New av soon!

[Ridgewalker]

*Looking feverishly through thread* I haven't heard that! Are you spitting in a glass of water?

Well, I'm off to start and finish my Xmas shopping. Wish me luck!

Yes, first thing in the morning when you wake up. Work up some saliva and spit in a glass of water and watch what it does. It'll take no more than 30 minutes for it to do its thing.

Healthy spit should just float at the top.

Candida is indicated if the spit:

- Develops strings that hang/drag down.

- Makes the water cloudy or speckly.

- Sinks like a rock, like Jin's did!

This is a reeeeally old method, that is supposedly pretty reliable. If you google "Candida spit test" you should find info on it. (Might come across ads for tests you have to order, too. Just ignore 'em.)

Good luck shopping!!!

[jerseyangel]

IF??? Heehee it's happ'nin in ~15min!!

OMG!! I'm so jealous--tell her hello for me