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Joyful
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Posted: Mon Nov 24th, 2008 05:13 |
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Just a quick summary of all my 25-D test results to date:
Test #1 04Jun07 25D= 32 ng/mL {Pre-MP, D supplemented}
Test #2 06Aug07 25D= 26 ng/mL {1 month on MP}
Test #3 05Oct07 25D= 39 ng/mL {3 months on MP}
Test #4 05Dec07 25D= 27 ng/mL {5 months on MP}
Test #5 05Feb08 25D= 29 ng/mL {7 months on MP}
Test #6 05Apr08 25D= 18 ng/mL {9 months on MP}
Test #7 12Jul08 25D= 17 ng/mL {11 months on MP}
Test #8 24Oct08 25D= 15 ng/mL {14 months on MP}
So far, it seems to keep going in the right direction! 
Details from last Vitamin D test (Quest, most likely):
Value Component Reference Range
15 VITAMIN D, 25-HYDROXY Range 30-100 ng/mL Result (L)  Yeay!
15 VIT D, 25-OH, D3 NOT ESTABLISHED ng/mL
<4 VIT D, 25-OH, D2 NOT ESTABLISHED ng/mL
I think the D2 of <4 ng/mL means I have succeeded in avoiding supplemental forms of Vitamin D.
Last edited on Wed Nov 26th, 2008 10:44 by Joyful
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Mon Nov 24th, 2008 08:41 |
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Yogurt discussion didn't move to mp-lifestyles site.
Instead, see Dr. Marshall's Perspectives forum here:
http://www.marshallprotocol.com/view_topic.php?id=12969&forum_id=39.
Thanks. 
Last edited on Mon Nov 24th, 2008 09:16 by Joyful
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Wed Nov 26th, 2008 09:34 |
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Tuesday, 25Nov08 ~ 118 days in Phase 3 ~
Something to Celebrate!
Life is good! My heart is happy!
________________________________________________________________
Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, without NoIRs.
Ventured out early evening on day {6} and had major neurological reaction to overhead fluorescent lights.
________________________________________________________________
Symptoms
8 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 2/4/6/4/2/2/2/2/2/8
8 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 2/2/6/6/4/8/6/8/6/4
6 • lymph (stiff neck, swelling)
~ levels by day: 4/2/6/6/4/4/2/6/6/4
Other ‘baseline’ symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Marked increase in back pain when active, i.e., doing food prep in kitchen; ears hurt and feel swollen on the inside; swelling around upper right molar; post nasal drip; light sensitivity; difficult to get to sleep; skin: more itchy, oily, gritty, various minor eruptions; gummy/stinging eyes after sleeping; tire easily from simple activities; abdominal cramps; dizziness on standing; numbness in arms upon waking in morning.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours per night
{1} 6, {2} 14, {3} 6, {4} 9, {5} 13, {6} 12, {7} 12, {8} 13, {9} 8, {10} 8.
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Comments
> New symptoms with small increase in third antibiotic in Phase 3: dark circles under eyes on days {2} and {3}, along with minor/transient pain in my finger joints.
> The eye irritation symptoms have dropped in intensity (still present). Yeay!
> Itchy shins are gone, but minor skin blemishes are still around various areas including a couple of small new raised rough patches.
________________________________________________________________
Ph1: Jul07; ModPh1: Sep07; Ph2: Feb08; Ph3: Aug08
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Mon Dec 15th, 2008 10:33 |
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Friday, 5Dec08 ~ 128 days in Phase 3 ~
Something to Celebrate!
So much to be Thankful for! So much to be Joyful about!
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Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, without NoIRs.
Daytime doctor's appointments on day {7}, {9} and {10}, used extra Benicar, more careful with NoIRs, didn't have as bad a time afterwards. Used 2% fitover NoIRs on top of 2% wraparound NoIRs when outside or in the car.
________________________________________________________________
Symptoms
8 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 4/6/4/4/4/4/8/8/6/6
8 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 6/6/6/6/8/6/8/8/6/4
8 • lymph (stiff neck, swelling)
~ levels by day: 2/6/6/6/6/6/8/6/4/6
Other ‘baseline’ symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Marked increase in back pain when active; not rested after sleeping; awake nights, sleeping during day; ears hurt and feel swollen on the inside; swelling around upper right molar; post nasal drip; light sensitivity; difficult to get to sleep; skin: gritty, various minor eruptions; gummy/stinging eyes after sleeping; tire easily from simple activities; dizziness on standing; numbness in arms upon waking in morning.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours per night
{1} 8, {2} 8, {3} 8, {4} 11, {5} 11, {6} 9, {7} 10, {8} 5, {9} 6, {10} 15.
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Comments
> This second cycle with a small increase in Phase 3 antibiotic (3rd) proved to be too much. Muscle spasms, neurological symptoms increased beyond tolerable on day {7) and I spent the rest of the cycle practicing some my less familiar 'tools' to lower the IP/herx. These included frequent low dose Minocycline (it helped) and then Quercetin (also seemed to help).
> My body seems to be working very, very hard dealing with the level of IP and I have spent a lot more time in bed resting with very low lighting. I'm wanting to do things in kitchen, but quickly in pain in the mid-back and feeling exhausted, needing to lay down.
> For some of this cycle I could not sleep at night very well, if at all. Even more than usual I feel tired even when I have had some deep sleep.
> Early morning (2am) on day {7} I was feeling chest pain and decided to visit the emergency room for to check it out as it didn't feel like the typical muscle spasms I experience. Their testing didn't find any heart issues (whew!). In retrospect it seems it could have been a mild case of pleurisy (inflammation around lungs). Advil seemed to relieve the inflammation pain (only took it for two days). I had a couple of days dealing with reflux after the E.R. trip.
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Ph1: Jul07; ModPh1: Sep07; Ph2: Feb08; Ph3: Aug08
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Mon Dec 15th, 2008 11:38 |
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Saturday, 13Dec08 ~ 136 days in Phase 3 ~
Something to Celebrate!
So much to be Thankful for! So much to be Joyful about!
________________________________________________________________
Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, sometimes NoIRs.
No trips out.
________________________________________________________________
Symptoms
8 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 4/4/2/4/2/4/6/8
8 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 4/4/4/4/2/4/8/6
8 • lymph (stiff neck, swelling)
~ levels by day: 4/8/4/4/2/4/6/4
Other ‘baseline’ symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Increase in back pain when active; not rested after sleeping; canker sores developing; ears hurt and feel swollen on the inside; swelling around upper right molar; post nasal drip; light sensitivity; tire easily from simple activities; dizziness on standing; numbness in arms upon waking in morning; TMJ pain; skin: gritty, various minor eruptions; gummy/stinging eyes after sleeping.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours per night
{1} 8, {2} 7, {3} 11, {4} 14, {5} 15, {6} 8, {7} 11, {8} 11.
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Comments
> Still spending a lot more time in bed resting with very low lighting. I'm trying to do things in kitchen, but quickly find myself in pain in the mid-back and feeling exhausted, needing to lay down.
> I had some acid reflux (GERD) and constipation. I can hardly remember ever having these before, so I researched causes and did my best to clear these symptoms quickly. I found that Valium can contribute to GERD, and I had taken quite a bit extra during the last cycle, so I dropped it completely for a few days. Also, I remembered that hydroxyzine could be used as a anti-nausea drug--so, since I already had it, I took more until the reflux stopped. I used stevia w/ inulin in warm milk & cocoa to sooth my throat and help get things moving. I can't imagine the misery of having these symptoms constantly--rough for sure.
> Lots of feelings of 'full lymph' all over, but especially around the neck. I tried stretching out one of the 48 antibiotic cycles, and dropping the 3rd antibiotic one cycle to lower IP/herx without success. These seem like more clues that my immune system is starting to work on it's own and I need the antibiotics for their modulatory effect now.
> Decided to decrease Phase 3 antibiotic (3rd) by half, shorten cycles from 10 down to 8 days each, and continue to keep Quercetin as an option if needed.
________________________________________________________________
Ph1: Jul07; ModPh1: Sep07; Ph2: Feb08; Ph3: Aug08
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Mon Jan 5th, 2009 03:06 |
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Tuesday, 23Dec08 ~ 146 days in Phase 3 ~
Something to Celebrate!
Happy New Year! So much to be Joyful about!
________________________________________________________________
Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, sometimes NoIRs.
One trip out on day {6}. All usual coverings, precautions.
Exposure only to and from appointment (30 minutes total as passenger).
________________________________________________________________
Symptoms
6 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 4/4/4/6/6/4/6/4/4/2
6 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 4/4/4/2/4/4/6/4/2/2
8 • lymph (stiff neck, swelling)
~ levels by day: 8/8/6/4/6/4/6/4/4/6
Other ‘baseline’ symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Increase in back pain when active; TMJ pain; ears hurt and feel swollen on the inside; not rested after sleeping; swelling around upper right molar; post nasal drip; light sensitivity; tire easily from simple activities; dizziness on standing; numbness in arms upon waking in morning; skin: gritty, various minor eruptions; gummy/stinging eyes after sleeping.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours per night
{1} 14, {2} 6, {3} 15, {4} 6, {5} 9, {6} 8, {7} 10, {8} 7, {9} 10, {10} 12.
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Comments
> Everything is just about the same with the exception that the end of the cycle seemed to be a little more tolerable using some hydroxyzine (antihistamine for itchy skin).
> Plan is to take a short break from antibiotics for next couple weeks.
________________________________________________________________
Ph1: Jul07; ModPh1: Sep07; Ph2: Feb08; Ph3: Aug08
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Sun Jan 11th, 2009 07:09 |
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Saturday, 10Jan09 ~ 163 days in Phase 3 ~
Something to Celebrate!
A Hope-filled Healthy New Year To All! So much to be Joyful about!
________________________________________________________________
Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, sometimes NoIRs.
Trips out on days {12}{16}{20}{22}{23}{25}{26}{27}.
All usual coverings, precautions.
________________________________________________________________
Symptoms
8 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 4/6/4/4/4/8/6/7/8/8/6/4/6/6/4/6/6
6 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 4/2/6/4/4/4/2/2/4/6/2/4/6/4/4/2/4
6 • lymph (stiff neck, swelling)
~ levels by day: 4/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/4/6/4/2/6/2/2/2/6
Other ‘baseline’ symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Back pain (left side, near liver/kidneys) all the time; skin: itchy, various minor eruptions; not rested after sleeping; tire easily from simple activities; post nasal drip; TMJ pain; ears hurt and feel swollen on the inside; gummy/stinging eyes after sleeping; short periods of joint pain (fingers, knees); light sensitivity; dizziness on standing; numbness in arms upon waking in morning; swelling around upper right molar.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours per night
{11} 10, {12} 9, {13} 12, {14} 10, {15} 13, {16} 6, {17} 12, {18} 8, {19} 8, {20} 6, {21} 8, {22} 7, {23} 9, {24} 12, {25} 4, {26} 11, {27} 6, {28} 15.
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Comments
> Something interesting. In the past week I have enjoyed some homemade salad dressing containing fresh-pressed raw garlic a couple of times. Within 3-6 hours after eating it, I would have a short period of joint pain in my fingers or knees.
> During days {11} thru {28} of this cycle, I was on an MP break. Symptoms continued while on my break, giving me hope that my immune system is starting to function on it's own.
> Plan is to return to same Phase 3 antibiotic levels as before this short break.
________________________________________________________________
Ph1: Jul07; ModPh1: Sep07; Ph2: Feb08; Ph3: Aug08
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Mon Jan 19th, 2009 06:59 |
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Sunday, 18Jan09 ~ 171 days in Phase 3 ~
Something to Celebrate!
The new MP knowledge base is almost 25% populated!
________________________________________________________________
Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, sometimes NoIRs.
Trips out on days {1} 7 hours; {2} 4 hours.
All usual coverings, precautions.
________________________________________________________________
Symptoms
6 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 4/6/4/4/2/4/4/4
5 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 2/4/5/4/4/2/2/2
4 • lymph (stiff neck, swelling)
~ levels by day: 2/4/2/2/4/2/2/2
Other ‘baseline’ symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Skin: very itchy, various minor eruptions; not rested after sleeping; light sensitivity; dizziness on standing; tire easily from simple activities; back pain (left side, near liver/kidneys) only when sitting up or active; watery/stinging eyes after sleeping; post nasal drip; swelling around upper right molar; ears hurt and feel swollen on the inside; TMJ pain; short periods of joint pain (fingers, knees); numbness in arms upon waking in morning.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours per night
{1} 8, {2} 12, {3} 12, {4} 11, {5} 8, {6} 12, {7} 10, {8} 7.
________________________________________________________________
Comments
> Overall, much less inflammation now that I am back on the antibiotics.
> I am trialing the use of Quercetin as suggested in this article on Managing immunopathology (IP).
> I seem more mentally alert in the evenings and then find it hard to get started before noon each day. Still trying to keep to 'normal' sleeping hours as much as possible, but I'm back to using small amounts of hydroxyzine and Valium to get to sleep and stay asleep. 
________________________________________________________________
Ph1: Jul07; ModPh1: Sep07; Ph2: Feb08; Ph3: Aug08
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Tue Jan 27th, 2009 06:58 |
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Sunday, 25Jan09 ~ 178 days in Phase 3 ~
Something to Celebrate!
Life is good! My 25-D tested below th 12 ng/mL threshold!!! (Quest)
________________________________________________________________
Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, sometimes NoIRs.
Trips out on days {2}{5}. In sun only to/from stores, etc.
All usual coverings, precautions.
________________________________________________________________
Symptoms
8 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 2/2/6/8/8/8/8
6 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 2/4/6/4/4/6/4
6 • lymph (stiff neck, swelling)
~ levels by day: 2/2/4/4/4/6/6
Other ‘baseline’ symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Back pain (left side, near liver/kidneys) only when sitting up or active; skin: lower legs itchy, various minor eruptions; tire easily from simple activities; not rested after sleeping; light sensitivity; short periods of joint pain (fingers, knees); dizziness on standing; watery/stinging eyes after sleeping; post nasal drip; swelling around upper right molar; ears hurt and feel swollen on the inside; TMJ pain; numbness in arms upon waking in morning.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours per night
{1} 10, {2} 12, {3} 13, {4} 8, {5} 10, {6} 12, {7} 9.
________________________________________________________________
Comments
> Just got email from my doctor with the last 25-D results: 11 ng/mL.
> Quercetin seems to be helping with neurological symptoms. Guaifenesin seems to be keeping sinuses almost completely clear.
> Day {2} my ankles got unusually itchy. Ugh. Felt pretty irritable all around. Might have been the natural light exposure—it didn’t seem too bad at the time as it was overcast that day.
> On day {3} I bit the inside of my cheek really hard. The good news is that it healed much more rapidly than I am used to after getting ill (<4 days).
> Pain in back is still above the tolerable level, even with new palliatives. Will next try to lower IP by adjusting the antibiotics.
________________________________________________________________
Ph1: Jul07; ModPh1: Sep07; Ph2: Feb08; Ph3: Aug08
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Sun Feb 8th, 2009 04:13 |
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Thursday, 5Feb09 ~ 189 days in Phase 3 ~
Something to Celebrate!
Life is good!
________________________________________________________________
Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, sometimes NoIRs.
Trips out on days {1}{3}{4}{11}. Direct sun only to/from buildings.
All usual coverings, precautions.
________________________________________________________________
Symptoms
8 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 6/4/6/4/6/2/6/6/6/6/8
6 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 2/4/6/4/6/2/4/6/6/4/4
6 • lymph (stiff neck, swelling)
~ levels by day: 4/4/6/4/4/6/4/4/4/4/2
Other ‘baseline’ symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Back pain (left side) only when sitting up or active; short periods of joint pain (fingers, knees, elbow); hair: strands thinner, increased loss; skin: lower legs itchy, various minor eruptions; temp: feeling cooler all the time; low initiative; tire easily from simple activities; not rested after sleeping; numbness in arms upon waking in morning; swelling around upper right molar; light sensitivity; dizziness on standing; watery/stinging eyes after sleeping; post nasal drip; ears hurt and feel swollen on the inside; TMJ pain.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours per 24-hr period
{1} 11, {2} 8, {3} 11, {4} 12, {5} 8, {6} 11, {7} 12, {8} 10, {9} 9, {10} 11, {11} 10.
________________________________________________________________
Comments
> I am so grateful that a small dose of hydroxyzine (antihistamine) is all I need to take when my ankles and/or shins get too itchy. I try to take as little as possible to palliate symptoms, but if I don't take it at bedtime I can't seem to get the brain to shut down for the night.
> Ended trials of both Quercetin and Guaifenesin. Now I know how useful they can be if needed, but I stopped both as my symptoms aren't that bad right now.
> My chiropractor looked over December's chest X-ray and recommended a DEXA scan. (I tried to get a referral for one at the start of the MP, but my PCP thought I was 'too young' to need it.) The X-ray showed both calcification around some lumbar and a pocket of calcification in my right lung. I don't ever in my life remember having pnuemonia or major lung issues, so that is interesting.
> A new upper body Thermographic Study done this past week confirmed continued infection in upper right molar (#2). Also confirmed excess heat over mid-back lumbar. The surprise finding was mild thyroid hypertrophy of the right-hand thyroid. I will discuss the results with both my doctors during appointments this week.
> Adjusting antibiotic doses has helped some with bringing symptoms levels lower into the tolerable range. But, as others have previously mentioned, when you start to feel good it is hard to want to return to feeling bad (more IP) again.
________________________________________________________________
Ph1: Jul07; ModPh1: Sep07; Ph2: Feb08; Ph3: Aug08
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Mon Feb 16th, 2009 05:00 |
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Sunday, 15Feb09 ~ 199 days in Phase 3 ~ Cycle 18, day {10}
_________________________________________________________________________
Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, rarely NoIRs.
Trips out on days {1}{4}{7}. Direct sun only to/from buildings.
All usual coverings, precautions , doubled 2% NoIRs in sun.
_________________________________________________________________________
Symptoms
8 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 6/6/4/6/6/4/4/4/4/4
6 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 6/6/4/2/2/4/4/2/2/4
6 • lymph (stiff neck, swelling)
~ levels by day: 6/4/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/4
• all other baseline symptoms were level 3 or less •
Other ‘baseline’ symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Back pain (left side) only when sitting up or active; dry lips; numbness in arms upon waking in morning; skin: lower legs itchy, various minor eruptions; tire easily from simple activities; not rested after sleeping; light sensitivity; short periods of joint pain (fingers, knees); dizziness on standing; watery/stinging eyes after sleeping; post nasal drip; swelling around upper right molar; ears hurt and feel swollen on the inside; TMJ pain.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours per 24-hr period
{1} 8, {2} 14, {3} 12, {4} 8, {5} 13, {6} 8, {7} 6, {8} 10, {9} 11, {10} 8.
_________________________________________________________________________
Comments
> The results of DEXA scan are in (see below). My doctor was very concerned and wanted me to supplement with vitD or take Fosamax. I was successful in getting him to consider: (1) Fosamax is known to make bones brittle, (2) since being ill I have had low estrogen (peri meno-pauseal) & but now my cycles were regular for last 5 months, (3) I had high 1,25D prior to staring MP & this may have affected bone density, (4) my risk of fracture is low because I am careful & mostly sedentary, (5) I have not been taking my cal/mag supplement faithfully (hardly at all). So he agreed with plan to actually take (not just have on shelf) Cal/Mag @ RDA levels & retest in 2 yrs.
> The latest TSH lab value was high at 7.49 mIU/L. Some more tests were ordered but I think the best plan now is to do no more than try to keep IP low in the confidence that the hormones will rebalance as the MP does it's work.
_________________________________________________________________________
DEXA scan results: 2/9/2009
L1-L4 Spine: 0.903 g/cm2 (T: -2.4, Z: -2.1).
Left Femur/Neck: 0.767 g/cm2 (T: -1.9, Z: -1.2).
Left Femur/Total: 0.793 g/cm2 (T: -1.7, Z: -1.3).
Right Femur/Neck: 0.683 g/cm2 (T: -2.6, Z: -1.8).
{note: right hip is only joint that has ever had pain}
Right Femur/Total: 0.742 g/cm2 (T: -2.17, Z: -1.7).
_________________________________________________________________________
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Mon Feb 16th, 2009 06:27 |
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Looking up more information on the thyroid at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists site...
Clues To Solving The Thyroid/Menopause Mystery
Understanding The Thyroid - Cholesterol Connection
Article on thyroid disease's statistical association with diabetes, arthritis & anemia.
This all reminds me of Amy Proal's talk in Porto last year!
____________________
Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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thelymelight
Member in Phase 1
| Joined: | Fri Nov 4th, 2005 |
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Posted: Mon Feb 16th, 2009 16:25 |
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Joyful,
Have your DEXA scan results improved or become worse since being on MP and no Vit D?.
I have Osteopenia and see an Endo who specializes in Bone Health/Densities..she too is concerned that my D levels are so low and thinks my bone health will get worse b/c I am avoiding D...But my estrogen levels are good, and I believe both calcium and estrogen play a larger part in bone density than does Vit D.
B/c you are peri-menopause have you considered using bio-identical hormones (in cream form compounded by a pharmacist) to keep your estrogen levels normal and thus prevent further bone loss and menopausal sxs?
I have also read that sometimes Progesterone alone can help control menopausal sxs...as often the issue isn't not enough estrogen, but too much estrogen in relation to progesterone, (not enough progesterone in the body) causing estrogen dominance, due to xenoestrogens from our environment, mimicking estrogens in our body.
Lisa
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Lyme, Babesia,19+ yrs, neuro-psych-cogni|Sept08-125D/30.42; 25D/8.40; Feb09/10.40; Jul09/5.60 Feb08~Olmesartan, Feb09~Ph1. Low lux-some areas of home. MEDS: Cipralex 10mg, weaned Hydrocortisone. Cal/Mag 150mg each.
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Joyful
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Posted: Tue Feb 17th, 2009 05:11 |
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Hi Lisa!
I have never had a DEXA scan before this month. I asked for one before starting the MP. And I should have pushed for it because my 1,25D level was high enough to indicate that I was at risk for calcium to be freed from the bones and subsequently redepositing in the soft tissue (for example, in the kidneys (stones) or adrenal glands, etc.).
Endocrinologists worry about low D levels because they have been exposed to studies that show correlation to disease states. Sometimes you can reason with them by reminding that the disease state may be the cause of the low D, not the result. By definition "correlation is not equal to causation."
Based on the research Dr. Marshall has done, I am convinced that the chronic excess 1,25D in my body from years of this unresolved infection by the Th1 microbiota is the reason for my lower bone density at this time.
Failing to get sufficient calcium on a regular basis is the biggest mistake I have made. At the beginning of the protocol I had checked over my diet and thought I was probably getting enough, but with the IP symptoms of fatigue and low initiative I was no longer eating the same diet. I have started my new level of supplementation as of 4 days ago and I am already noticing some changes (less cravings for milk, salt, cheese).
In the past five months I have not had any 'hot flash' type symptoms (high FSH) or other 'menopausal' symptoms. My estrogen and progesterone seem to be normalizing on their own. My cycles have been about 4 weeks long with all the right 'signs' during each part of the cycle. I don't think using hormones to help my bone density is the right approach. I believe I need to get rid of the infection that feeds the chronic inflammation so my own body will produce the right hormones.
Thank you for your input on bio-identical hormones. I did read Dr. Lee's book about 10 years ago and I understand a little about estrogen dominance and that environmental sources of chemicals that mimic estrogen can be a problem. At that time I eliminated as many of those sources as possible, as I continue to do to this today.
At that time I also tried natural progesterone cream. I had no idea back then that progesterone suppresses your immune system (lowering inflammation, making you feel better). So I was confused when I had my friend try it and she got horrible fungal infections in her throat (thrush) from using it. I now know her immune system was already compromised so badly that adding the progesterone simply allowed the fungus to get the upper hand. 
Isn't great that the MP is addressing the actual source of our hormonal imbalances (chronic inflammation due to unresolved infection)?
Better than just covering up stuff, I think.
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Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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thelymelight
Member in Phase 1
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Posted: Sat Feb 21st, 2009 04:06 |
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Joyful,
Yes, the elevated 1-25D levels do cause low bone mass. I was speaking with my MP Dr. this week and they said that my Osteopenia will resolve as the infections are eliminated and the D levels normalize...They actually said that taking calcium right now in the early phases of the MP for me would not be helpful, but may in fact deposit it into areas other than the bones....That's interesting, b/c I had been on calcium for many years and tolerated it just fine...I stopped it briefly when starting on Benicar and then re-started it again and find I cannot tolerate it right now...it makes me feel very drugged up and groggy....So I shall just wait till things improve...before I take calcium again.
Lisa
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Lyme, Babesia,19+ yrs, neuro-psych-cogni|Sept08-125D/30.42; 25D/8.40; Feb09/10.40; Jul09/5.60 Feb08~Olmesartan, Feb09~Ph1. Low lux-some areas of home. MEDS: Cipralex 10mg, weaned Hydrocortisone. Cal/Mag 150mg each.
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Joyful
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Posted: Sat Feb 21st, 2009 05:12 |
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Thanks Lisa.
That's interesting about the Calcium making you feel drugged. I think I have experienced that before, but right now it actually seems to be helping with the fatigue. But I can't say for sure because I also changed to a much lower dose of the Z+C just about the same time. Somehow it 'feels like' it was the addition of the RDA of Calcium+Magnesium.
Not very scientific really.
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Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Wed Feb 25th, 2009 06:35 |
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Monday, 23Feb09 ~ 207 days in Phase 3 ~ Cycle 19, day {8}
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Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, rarely NoIRs.
No trips out.
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Symptoms
8 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 4/4/2/2/2/6/8/6
8 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 4/4/4/2/8/4/8/8
6 • lymph (stiff neck, arms numb a.m., swelling)
~ levels by day: 2/2/2/2/2/4/6/6
• all other baseline symptoms were level 3 or less •
Other ‘baseline’ symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Leg cramps (like RLS); cold hands & feet; back pain with activity; hypersensitivity; dry lips; feeling spacey; light sensitivity; short periods of joint pain (fingers, knees); numbness in arms upon waking in morning; GI unrest, bloated; irritable bladder; lower legs itchy; various minor skin eruptions; tire easily from simple activities; not rested after sleeping; dizziness on standing; watery/stinging eyes after sleeping; ears hurt & feel swollen on the inside; post nasal drip; jaw clenching.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours past 24-hr period
{1} 10, {2} 10, {3} 10, {4} 8, {5} 10, {6} 10, {7} 8, {8} 2.
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Comments
> Days {7} & {8} came with increasing to intolerable symptoms of hypersensitivity, muscle spasms, light sensitivity, dizziness & sleep problems, so I cut the cycle short at 8 days. Today (after taking new cycle doses of antibiotics) is much, much better. I also took 3 quercetin yesterday afternoon to help get things calmed down and I did have a more restful sleep afterward.
> On day {5} I successfully used a couple halves of Benicar sublingual to resolve a unique symptom. A round spot (with zigzag edges like a medallion) showed up in the vision of my right eye. It was strobing black & white with my eye open or closed. It started out small and slowly grew larger until it was no longer in my field of vision. Another one of those ‘strange IPs’ I guess.
> A recent neurological symptom is a strong need to organize/rearrange/neaten. Sometimes that can lead to being too active physically and that can lead to more fatigue
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Something to Celebrate
Two Key Papers Published in Autoimmunity Reviews
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Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Wed Mar 4th, 2009 11:25 |
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Tuesday, 3Mar09 ~ 215 days in Phase 3 ~ Cycle 20, day {8}
_________________________________________________________________________
Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, rarely NoIRs.
No trips out.
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Symptoms
6 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 4/6/6/4/4/4/6/4
6 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 2/6/6/4/6/4/6/4
6 • lymph (stiff neck, arms numb a.m., swelling)
~ levels by day: 4/2/6/4/6/6/6/6
• all additional symptoms at level 3 or less •
Additional symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Mid-back pain that increases with activity; numbness in arms upon waking in morning; tire easily from simple activities; short periods of joint pain (fingers, hips); not rested after sleeping; light sensitivity; dizziness on standing ; irritable bladder; dry lips; skin: lower legs itchy, various minor eruptions; watery/stinging eyes after sleeping; post nasal drip; swelling around upper right molar; ears hurt and feel swollen on the inside; TMJ pain.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours past 24-hr period
{1} 10, {2} 10, {3} 12, {4} 11, {5} 10, {6} 9, {7} 12, {8} 9.
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> Because last Fall I was having higher levels of neurological symptoms—I dropped the use of the Swing Machine from October to February—the motion was just too much when I was so hypersensitive. I now suspect that this may have contributed to the bone loss as the gentle motion the only activity I had that might stimulate bone formation. This is because I do not have the ‘typical’ weight bearing exercise an active person does. I have gone back to using the Swing Machine, along with a very short stretch floor routine 4-5 days a week.
> This past week I added in the use of a ‘relaxation’ CD that claims to help the brain synchronize and relax using ‘harmonically layered brainwave audio technology.’ It seems to be doing something that is kind of relaxing—I think. At least the gentle sound of ocean waves is nice.
> I am now taking extra hydroxyzine as needed--both to sleep longer at night and to lessen feelings of bladder irritation during the day.
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Some things to Celebrate
• Budding trees, birdsong, a friend's laughter, joy around the table!
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Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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Joyful
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Posted: Mon Mar 23rd, 2009 07:31 |
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Friday, 13Mar09 ~ 225 days in Phase 3 ~ Cycle 21, day {10}
MP Meds 40mg Beni: q4/or/6h ~ 100mg Mino q48h
+ very low doses of the other two main Phase 3 antibiotics
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Palliative Meds
Extra Hydroxyzine: 12mg, 1x on day: {3}{5}
Extra Valium: 0.67mg, 1x on day: {3}
Guaifenesin: 200mg, 3x on day: {1}thru{4}
Aspirin: 325mg, 1x on day: {7} > administered by E.R. nurse
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Light Exposure
Staying @ home; Most of the time in low to medium lux, rarely NoIRs.
Trips out on days {3}{6}{8}. Direct sun only to/from buildings.
Bright light in dilated eyes for retina exam on day {3}.
All usual coverings, precautions.
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Symptoms
8 • neuro (hypersensitivity, cognitive, insomnia)
~ levels by day: 4/4/6/8/6/7/8/7/7/6
6 • muscle (pain, spasms, fatigue)
~ levels by day: 4/4/4/2/2/6/2/4/6/4
6 • lymph (stiff neck, arms numb a.m., swelling)
~ levels by day: 4/4/4/2/6/6/4/6/2/2
• all additional symptoms at level 3 or less •
Additional symptoms (From most to least noticeable)
Nausea; numbness on right side of face; right eye droopy or more open than left; very dry skin; word salad (writing or typing wrong letters in words); mid-back pain that increases with activity; numbness in arms upon waking in morning; tire easily from simple activities; short periods of joint pain (fingers, hips); not rested after sleeping; light sensitivity; dizziness on standing; irritable bladder; dry lips; skin: lower legs itchy, various minor eruptions; watery/stinging eyes after sleeping; post nasal drip; swelling around upper right molar; ears hurt and feel swollen on the inside; TMJ muscles tight, also clenching of teeth.
Sleep {cycle day} total number hours past 24-hr period
{1} 8, {2} 7, {3} 8, {4} 12, {5} 8, {6} 10, {7} 10, {8} 6, {9} 11, {10} 7.
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> About 2 weeks ago I had what I now understand was an opthalmic migraine (without headache, just tension around back of head and zigzag visuals). A week ago (day {3}) I had a retinal exam by the optometrist, with dilation & bright lights. This seems to have triggered a lot of neurological symptoms including a hemiplegic migraine. (My optometrist noted the blepharitis is still present--I'm having a ‘flare’ right now.)
> The decision to get a work-up via the E.R. was made on Tuesday (day {7}) to rule out a stroke. The CT scan didn’t show anything, but they kept me overnight for ‘observation’. The next day the neurologist cleared me to go home, but did agree to order an outpatient MRI of the brain & brain stem. My doctor will have the results in the next week or so.
> For my overnight stay, the hospital didn't have Benicar in their formulary and I had to give them my own pills to send to the pharmacy so they could inventory them, package them, and send them back up to the nurse to 'administer.' During my intake to the E.R., my BP was 98/64 (6pm). The next morning it was closer to my ‘usual’ numbers 84/54 (9am), 88/54 (10am), and 91/54 (11am).
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Something to Celebrate
• Huge gratitude for health insurance that will cover all my testing, doctor visits & E.R. stay!
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Lyme?1980 Lyme/Babs/Bart?05 CFS?06 | Start 125D(50) 25D(32) Jun07 | Ph1Jul07 ModPh2Sep07 Ph2Feb08 Ph3Aug08 | Latest 25D(9) Apr09 | ABC of MP
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BARNEY
Moderator
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Posted: Tue Mar 24th, 2009 05:19 |
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Joyful,
Glad that your ER visit went so well.....hoping you get a great report from your MRI.
HANG IN THERE, WE WILL MAKE IT!!!!!BARNEY
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64jointsarc77skinsarc80lungsarc81asthma/migranes
95rkidneyremoved(cyst)diabetic/gallbremoved,96
totalhyst(cysts,endom)01fibro,Benicar40/20mg&xtra
as needed,stage5,
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