Category: Medical

The Haunting Legacy of Lyme, Connecticut
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

The Haunting Legacy of Lyme, Connecticut

Looking for the Light4 Comments

Important Read

The ‘Polly Murray Papers’ reveal the horrific symptoms of ground-zero Lyme disease sufferers.

By Kris Newby

Sadness washed over me as I walked through the house in Lyme, Connecticut, where Mary Luckett “Polly” Murray used to live. Built in 1853, it was located in a rural area surrounded by forests, rolling hills, and cranberry bogs. The house needed a fresh coat of paint, and the yard had gone to seed.

The new owner had recently divorced and hadn’t replaced the furniture his ex-wife had taken. There were mattresses on the floor and unfinished projects spilling out of the garage. The owner and his dog seemed unwell. Taking in the scene, I thought, this looks like the flotsam and jetsam of another family destroyed by Lyme disease.

The previous owner, Polly Murray, was an artist, a mother of four sick children, and the disease’s first unofficial epidemiologist. She died in 2019 of Alzheimer’s disease. In the 1960s, she began documenting the bizarre constellation of symptoms that afflicted her family and neighbors living along the Connecticut River. In April, I visited the Medical Historical Library at Yale University to review her original Lyme patient case histories, turning back the pages of time in search of the origins of this mysterious outbreak.

So many questions

These first-hand accounts raised a lot of questions for me. Why did it take 11 years, from 1964 to 1975, for the medical system to take notice and take action?

In 1975, the investigation was assigned to Allen Steere, MD, a young Yale rheumatology fellow who had just returned from a CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) assignment in Liberia. Why did Steere narrow the symptomology so soon in the investigation and downplay most of the neurological symptoms? Why did it take six more years to identify the underlying tick-borne bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi? Did CDC-EIS, the U.S. organization that investigates suspicious disease outbreaks, find it strange that three tick-borne diseases suddenly appeared a few miles from the Plum Island biological weapons lab?

As I looked through the boxes of her notes, I was struck by the unusual nature of the symptoms and the point-source geographic origin. What happened there, and what can we learn from Polly’s eyewitness account?

A map from an early survey of Lyme disease in Connecticut, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. [1]

Polly’s case histories

Polly’s family had been sick for decades, and the many doctors they visited couldn’t figure out what was wrong—they’d never seen this combination of crazy symptoms before. In a letter to a journalist, she explained why she became the medical scribe for her community:

“Early in the history of our problems, I realized that my only salvation would be in keeping accurate records of what was going on, as unbelievable as it was. I intuitively felt it very important for anyone with baffling chronic symptoms to put the information down on paper.” [2]

Polly Murray, 1954, on graduation day at Mt. Holyoke College, before her strange symptoms began. [3]

Polly filled boxes with notes on her neighbors’ unusual histories, which included relapsing pain, brain fog, mental breakdowns, kids on crutches, children with developmental problems, seizures, lost jobs, broken marriages (including her own), and children too sick to go to school. As a Lyme-area insider, neighbors told her their heartbreaking stories, from personality changes to suicides. Each family’s tragic history read like crib notes for a Stephen King horror novel.

Huge toll of neurological and psychological symptoms

In one list of 35 cases from the 1990s, I was struck by the large number of patients who reported serious neurological and psychological problems. [2] Here’s a sampling:

Patient No. 1.
Diagnosed Lyme disease. Foot problem, arrhythmia, leg weakness.
Neurologist. Lyme encephalitis?
Psychiatric problems. Paranoia.
Hospitalization. Attempted suicide.
Nursing home with weekends home.

Patient No. 2.
Diagnosed Lyme disease. Mental problems. Seen in Boston. Psych tests, Lupus IV treatment. Alzheimer’s? Stroke? Lyme?
Nursing home.
Died 7/1991. No autopsy.

Patient No. 3.
Lyme disease history. Found outside in a nightgown one winter night, disoriented. Nursing home. Positive Lyme titer.

(You can read the complete list here.) 

In another document, she noted that 22 of her neighbors had heart issues, 26 had neurological symptoms, seven or more suffered from psychosis or depression, and seven had suicidal ideations. [2]

Yet none of these potentially life-threatening symptoms were mentioned in Steere’s “I solved the Lyme mystery” announcements, first at a 1976 conference [4], then in the 1977 article “Lyme arthritis: an epidemic of oligoarticular arthritis in children and adults in three Connecticut communities.” [5] (To be fair, subsequent publications documented some of the neurological symptoms.)

The wrong path

In a move that would send researchers down a dead end for years to come, Steere declared that Lyme disease was primarily a problem of swollen joints, not a disease that affected the nervous system, the brain, the heart, and other organs.

Steere’s letter to Polly Murray on the nature of Lyme disease.

Other medical experts criticized his premature labeling of this disease as a “relatively minor type of arthritis,” including:

—Franz J. lngelfinger, MD, the editor of The New England Journal of Medicine, who rejected Steere’s discovery article, wrote, “Although reviewers and editors were impressed by the interest your studies have generated, you were unable to identify an etiologic agent and apparently actually saw yourself only 20 symptomatic patients.” [6]

—William E. Mast, MC and William, M. Burrows, MC, the Groton military physicians who published the first Connecticut Lyme case studies, wrote in a JAMA rebuttal letter: “On exchange of patients and information with Dr. Steere and the group at Yale investigating “Lyme arthritis,” it is the consensus that we are all dealing with the same process. It is apparent that the term “Lyme arthritis” is much too restrictive since there have been cases from the Connecticut and Rhode Island shores and the incidence is expected to be more widespread.” [7]

—Raymond Dattwyler, MD, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Medicine, and Pediatrics at New York Medical College said, “It’s unfortunate that in the U.S., the rheumatologists studied Lyme disease first. Lyme disease is a multisystemic infectious disease that impacts many organs. But because the early work was done by rheumatologists, the prism through which we view the disease was artificially narrow, and impeded research for years.” [8]

Words from the grave

Polly wasn’t a trained epidemiologist, but she approached the problem like a true scientist—she wrote everything down so nothing would be missed. And as the people around her got sicker, she doubled down on her resolve to get help for these very sick people:

I firmly believe in the politics of numbers. One person, or even six in a family such as ours, does not have the power that was acquired by the ever-increasing number of people eventually involved. Proper diagnosis was further hampered by the fact that the patients from our area did not go to just one medical center, where, if we had, the high incidence of these strange symptoms might possibly have been picked up earlier. Instead, because of our geographic location, we, in fact, went to specialists in New Haven, Middletown, Hartford, and even New York and Boston. Perhaps it was the adversity that I encountered in the early pursuit for knowledge concerning our constant maladies that made me persist more than I would have otherwise.

Despite her efforts, it’s still difficult for patients to get diagnosed and treated, especially in the later stages of the disease. According to MyLymeData’s registry of 12,000-plus Lyme patients, about half had to see 5 or more clinicians over 3 or more years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. [9]

Little progress in 43 years

Forty-three years after its discovery, we still don’t have a reliable Lyme screening test, and about a quarter of patients treated with the standard dose of antibiotics go on to suffer from ongoing symptoms. [10] The CDC estimates that there are almost 500,000 new cases a year and growing. [11] And an analysis of NIH Lyme-related research grants from 2013-2021 revealed that less than 1% was spent on looking for better treatment protocols. [12]

Regrettably, Polly’s perspective on what went wrong in the 1970s still holds true today. The medical system still hasn’t figure out how to deal with complex chronic diseases like long COVID, Lyme disease, or ME/CFS (chronic fatigue).

It is only in looking back on the discovery of this disease that I see that it fit into the classic pattern of denial and resistance to the unknown until it reached a point where it could no longer be ignored. Most doctors are overloaded in just trying to alleviate known problems, thereby making it difficult for anyone with a new set of symptoms to compete for the clinician’s time. It is easier to decide that the patient is hypochondriacal than to deal with the unknown. Furthermore, in this age of specialization, the total picture of the patient’s health is often lost when the patient goes from specialist to specialist to be treated for individual symptoms.

This history shows that the definition of Lyme disease went off track early on and then diverged further from reality under the influence of vaccine developers and medical insurers who found it more profitable to deny the chronic, relapsing manifestations of the disease. The legacy of Lyme disease, which continues to spread unabated, will continue to haunt us unless we address this problem in a more honest and effective way.

  Good Housekeeping, March 1977. [13]  

Kris Newby is an award-winning medical science writer and the senior producer of the Lyme disease documentary UNDER OUR SKIN. Her book BITTEN: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Weapons won three international book awards for journalism and narrative nonfiction. Previously, Newby worked for Stanford Medical School, Apple, and other Silicon Valley companies.

This article is republished by permission from The BITTEN FILES on Substack, July 12, 2024. Learn more here.

References

1.        Petersen LR, et al. “Epidemiological and clinical features of 1,149 persons with Lyme disease identified by laboratory-based surveillance in Connecticut.” Yale J Biol Med. 1989 May-Jun;62(3):253-62.

2.        Polly Luckett Murray Papers, Medical Historical Library, Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University.

3.        Photo courtesy of Polly’s son, David Murray.

4.        https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24791517-1976-steere-lyme-definition-presentation

5.        Steere AC, et al. Lyme arthritis: an epidemic of oligoarticular arthritis in children and adults in three Connecticut communities. Arthritis Rheum. 1977 Jan-Feb;20(1):7-17.

6.        Stephen E. Malawista Papers, Archives at Yale. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24797919-1976-jama-rejects-steere-article

7.        Mast WE, Burrows WM. Erythema Chronicum Migrans and “Lyme Arthritis.” JAMA. 1976;236(21):2392. doi:10.1001/jama.1976.03270220014011 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/349662

8.        Weintraub, Pamela, Cure Unknown, New York : St. Martin’s Press, 2008. (A must read if you want to understand Lyme disease history.)

9.        2019 MyLymeData Chart Book. https://www.lymedisease.org/mylymedata-lyme-disease-research-report/

10.      “Why Lyme disease treatment sometimes doesn’t work.” LymeDisease.org https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-treatment-sometimes-fails

11.      CDC Lyme Disease Surveillance and Data. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/data-research/facts-stats

12.      Kris Newby analysis of NIH RePORTER data: https://report.nih.gov/funding/categorical-spending#/

13.      “Mrs. Murray’s Mystery Disease,” Good Housekeeping, Mar. 1977, 80–86.

I had not heard this story of suffering before but it’s not surprising because Lyme is not a new disease.

Melinda

I Had My Fifith IVG Infusion Treatment For My Hypogammaglobulinemia On Monday
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Music

I Had My Fifith IVG Infusion Treatment For My Hypogammaglobulinemia On Monday

Looking for the Light8 Comments
Hypogammaglobulinemia is an Immune Disorder where my body doesn’t make enough antibodies which can be dangerous. Luckily, I don’t leave the house often and wear a mask when I do. I was diagnosed two years ago but insurance didn’t approve until I reached a record low. I’ve been approved for 12 treatments but I’m not confident that 12 treatments is all I need. Currently, my Imoglobins are at 600 and my doctor would like to see them at 800-900. Hopefully, this week’s treatment will increase my number and I’ll know more once the lab work is back.

The treatments take 4-5 hours and during that time you get to relax in an oversized recliner. For this treatment I packed much lighter, instead of a duffle bag and my handbag, I bought a North Face backpack, and everything fit inside. I took my new book Native American Myths by Matt Clayton, my ancestors were Cherokee and I wanted to learn more about their beliefs. When I wasn’t reading, I indulged in my favorite pastime by listening to music.

Here is what I listen to

Adele 21

Adele 25

John Mayer Born and Raised

One Republic Dreaming Out Loud

REO Speedwagon You Can’t Tune A Fish

Pharrell Williams Happy

Paul Carrack Tempted

Fleetwood Mac Crystal

It was so nice to relax with my feet up with my eyes closed and listen to some great tunes.

The treatments had a few hiccups. The first needle didn’t go in right so she had to use the vein next to it which was successful. It was a very slow morning but my nurse let my first bottle of medication run dry so they had to prime the line and she let it dry again with my saline. A small price to pay to get better.

The first two days after treatment you feel sluggish and can have a headache.

This time my treatment took five hours and by the time I got home I was starving and had not taken my morning medication.

Melinda

Reference:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25195-hypogammaglobulinemia

Do You Know What A Vagus Nerve Stimulator Is?
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Mental Illness · Moving Forward

Do You Know What A Vagus Nerve Stimulator Is?

Looking for the Light11 Comments

My Bipolar Disorder was difficult to manage with medication alone. My Psychiatrist told me about a device that was waiting for FDA approval.

In 2005 the Vagus Nerve Stimulator was approved by the FDA and my doctor had all the information ready to send to my insurance company.

The first time insurance denied the device. Here’s how I got insurance to approve. I wrote a letter explaining what my life was like and how it controls my life and in time the possibility of suicide.

A VNS device looks much like a pacemaker with two leads that attach to your vagus nerves, sending signals to the brain to relieve your depression.

The surgery doesn’t take long, but getting used to the device turned on takes a while.

When you are talking the device makes your voice sound weird but only when the device is sending signals to the brain.

When I had my surgery, no one had seen one implanted which meant the Gallery was full of other doctors. My doctor got to see my boobs, that had to settle in.

After you have healed the device is turned on at a low level so you get used to the feeling of the device working. Then we turned up the level until we found what we thought was the right setting.

I kept it on for years but finally admitted it wasn’t working and had it turned off.

The only pain involved is initial surgery.

I thought this device would change my life but it didn’t work out that way.

These are the notes I made on 12/30/05

Received a letter today from the insurance company, they approved.

I can’t wait to call my Psychiatrist to tell him the news and to get my surgery date rolling.

2005 has been a rough year but this news is my beacon of hope.

The greatest news all year.

Unfortunately, I was in the percentage of people that the device didn’t work.

I am waiting to hear about new treatments but nothing new for my mental illness.

Melinda

This is a repost from 2023.

Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator Device: A Breakthrough In Medical Technology
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Mental Illness · Self-Care

Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator Device: A Breakthrough In Medical Technology

Looking for the Light9 Comments

The FDA approved the Vagus Nerve Stimulator in 2005 and I was fortunate enough to get approval for it. It’s implanted in my upper left chest, looks like a pacemaker, and the lead wires attach to my Vagus Nerve. I prayed the device would deliver a miracle for my Bipolar Disorder but that was not the case. After several years of adjusting the stimulation, my doctor and I made the decision to turn it off. Almost 20 years later it has become painful and I plan to have it removed this Fall.

The technology has advanced with implants showing better results. I don’t plan to have another implanted but I did find the research on non-invasive VNS devices very interesting. I am researching several brands and will purchase one that vets out. What I find most interesting is the non-invasive devices can help with many other conditions like anxiety, pain, stress, and even migraines. I could use help in many of the areas they tout.

———————

Last updated on July 24th, 2024 at 11:22 am

The human body is a complex and intricate system, with various nerves and pathways working in tandem to maintain optimal health. Among these nerves, the vagus nerve stands out as a key player in regulating numerous bodily functions. Thanks to recent advancements in medical technology, a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device has emerged as a breakthrough in the field of medicine. This device has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various health conditions and enhance overall well-being.

Understanding the Vagus Nerve and Its Functions

The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, is the longest and most vital nerve in the human body. It extends from the brainstem to various organs, including the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating essential bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory function.

But what exactly is the vagus nerve, and how does it carry out its functions? Let’s dive deeper into the fascinating world of this remarkable nerve.

The Role of the Vagus Nerve in the Human Body

With its extensive reach and influence, the vagus nerve acts as a communication channel between the brain and various organs. It carries signals that control the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and digestion functions. This means that the vagus nerve helps to slow down heart rate, stimulate digestion, and promote relaxation.

But that’s not all. The vagus nerve also plays a role in modulating inflammation and immune responses. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to regulate the body’s immune system and reduce excessive inflammation. This connection between the vagus nerve and the immune system opens up new possibilities for treating inflammatory diseases.

The Connection Between the Vagus Nerve and Various Health Conditions

Research has shown that abnormalities in vagal nerve activity can contribute to the development and progression of various health conditions. For example, chronic pain has been linked to dysfunctional vagus nerve signaling. By understanding and targeting the vagus nerve, researchers hope to develop new treatments for chronic pain that go beyond traditional pain medications.

Depression and anxiety disorders are also closely tied to vagal nerve activity. Studies have found that stimulating the vagus nerve through techniques like vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can have a positive impact on mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. This has led to the development of VNS as a potential treatment option for individuals who do not respond to traditional antidepressant medications.

Migraines, too, have been linked to vagal nerve dysfunction. The vagus nerve is involved in pain modulation, and abnormalities in its function can contribute to the development of migraines. By understanding the role of the vagus nerve in migraines, researchers are exploring new ways to prevent and treat these debilitating headaches.

Furthermore, the vagus nerve’s influence extends to inflammatory diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions characterized by excessive inflammation have been associated with vagal nerve dysfunction. This connection has sparked interest in developing therapies that target the vagus nerve to regulate inflammation and potentially provide relief for individuals with these conditions.

As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the vagus nerve, its importance in maintaining overall health and well-being becomes increasingly evident. By understanding its functions and connections to various health conditions, researchers are paving the way for innovative treatment approaches that could improve the lives of millions.

The Evolution of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy has been used for decades as a treatment option for certain conditions. Traditional VNS involves the implantation of a device that delivers electrical impulses directly to the vagus nerve. While effective in some cases, this invasive approach has limitations and potential complications, leading researchers to explore alternative methods.

The Traditional Approach to VNS

In the past, VNS therapy involved the surgical implantation of a device that connects to the vagus nerve. This device typically delivers mild electrical impulses to modulate the nerve’s activity. However, the invasiveness of this method poses risks such as infection, nerve damage, and complications related to device placement.

Despite these risks, the traditional approach to VNS has shown promising results in the treatment of epilepsy and depression. Studies have demonstrated a reduction in seizure frequency and improved mood in patients who underwent VNS therapy. However, the limitations and challenges associated with invasive VNS have prompted researchers to explore less invasive alternatives.

The Limitations and Challenges of Invasive VNS

Despite its positive outcomes in certain cases, invasive VNS therapy presents several challenges. The necessity for surgical implantation limits its accessibility and increases the potential for complications. Additionally, adjusting the stimulation parameters requires medical intervention, making it less flexible for patients who may benefit from personalized treatment regimens.

Furthermore, the invasiveness of the traditional VNS approach may deter some patients from seeking treatment. The fear of surgery and the associated risks can be a significant barrier, especially for individuals with comorbidities or those who are more risk-averse. As a result, researchers have been actively exploring non-invasive or minimally invasive alternatives to VNS therapy.

One such alternative is transcutaneous VNS, which involves the application of electrical stimulation to the skin overlying the vagus nerve. This non-invasive approach eliminates the need for surgical implantation, reducing the associated risks and complications. Transcutaneous VNS has shown promising results in the treatment of various conditions, including migraine, depression, and chronic pain.

Another emerging technique is minimally invasive VNS, which utilizes a smaller, less invasive device for nerve stimulation. This approach involves the placement of a tiny electrode near the vagus nerve, allowing for targeted stimulation without the need for extensive surgery. Minimally invasive VNS offers a middle ground between traditional invasive VNS and non-invasive alternatives, providing a balance between effectiveness and safety.

As researchers continue to explore and refine VNS therapy, advancements in technology and medical understanding are driving the evolution of this treatment modality. The development of novel devices, improved stimulation parameters, and a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms are all contributing to the expansion of VNS therapy options.

In conclusion, while traditional VNS therapy has been a valuable treatment option for certain conditions, the limitations and potential complications associated with invasive approaches have prompted researchers to explore alternative methods. Non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques are emerging as promising alternatives, offering improved accessibility, reduced risks, and increased flexibility for personalized treatment. As the field of VNS therapy continues to evolve, patients can look forward to more effective and safer options for managing their conditions.

The Advent of Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS)

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) has emerged as an exciting alternative to traditional VNS therapy. This innovation allows for the stimulation of the vagus nerve without the need for surgical procedures or implantation.

The vagus nerve, also known as the “wandering nerve,” is the longest cranial nerve in the body. It plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and inflammation. Traditionally, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been used as a treatment option for conditions such as epilepsy and depression. However, the invasive nature of VNS therapy has limited its accessibility and acceptance.

nVNS offers a non-invasive solution to harness the therapeutic potential of the vagus nerve. By utilizing mild electrical stimulation, nVNS can activate the vagus nerve and modulate its activity, providing a promising avenue for the treatment of various health conditions.

The Science Behind nVNS

nVNS operates on the principle that mild electrical stimulation can activate the vagus nerve and modulate its activity. By placing electrodes on the skin over specific nerve pathways, nVNS devices deliver targeted electrical impulses, stimulating the vagus nerve indirectly. This non-invasive approach has shown promising results in clinical trials

Research has demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation can have a profound impact on the body’s autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions. By modulating the vagus nerve’s activity, nVNS can influence heart rate, blood pressure, and even the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Furthermore, studies have suggested that nVNS may have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is a key component of many chronic diseases, and by reducing inflammation through vagus nerve stimulation, nVNS could potentially offer a novel therapeutic approach.

The precise mechanisms through which nVNS exerts its therapeutic effects are still being explored. However, the growing body of research indicates that this non-invasive technique holds great promise for the future of medical treatment.

The Design and Function of nVNS Devices

nVNS devices consist of a handheld stimulator with attached electrodes. When applied to specific areas, such as the neck or tragus, these devices deliver precisely calibrated electrical impulses. The stimulation triggers a response in the vagus nerve, which can have therapeutic effects on various health conditions.

One of the advantages of nVNS devices is their portability and ease of use. Patients can conveniently carry the handheld stimulator with them and apply the electrodes whenever needed. This flexibility allows for on-demand stimulation, enabling individuals to tailor their treatment according to their specific needs and symptoms.

Additionally, nVNS devices are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive controls and adjustable settings. This ensures that patients can easily customize their stimulation parameters, optimizing the therapy’s effectiveness and comfort.

As the field of nVNS continues to advance, researchers and engineers are exploring innovative ways to enhance device design and functionality. Efforts are being made to develop smaller, more discreet devices that can be worn comfortably throughout the day, allowing for continuous vagus nerve stimulation without disrupting daily activities.

Moreover, advancements in technology are enabling the integration of nVNS devices with smartphone applications and wearable devices. This integration offers the potential for real-time monitoring and personalized treatment plans, further optimizing the therapeutic benefits of nVNS.

In conclusion, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) represents a groundbreaking development in the field of medical treatment. By providing a non-surgical and easily accessible alternative to traditional VNS therapy, nVNS holds immense potential for improving the lives of individuals with various health conditions. With ongoing research and technological advancements, the future of nVNS looks promising, paving the way for a new era of personalized and effective medical interventions.

The Potential Health Benefits of nVNS

nVNS has the potential to offer significant health benefits across a range of conditions, opening up new possibilities for treatment and management.

With its ability to modulate the vagus nerve’s activity, nVNS holds promise in revolutionizing various areas of healthcare. From chronic pain management to mental health treatment, this innovative approach has garnered attention and sparked excitement among researchers and medical professionals alike.

The Impact of nVNS on Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain is a widespread and challenging condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Traditional pain management approaches often involve pharmacological interventions, which may come with unwanted side effects and limited efficacy. However, studies have shown that nVNS can provide effective pain relief by modulating the vagus nerve’s activity.

The vagus nerve, a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system, plays a crucial role in pain perception and inflammation. By targeting this nerve through non-invasive nVNS, it is possible to reduce inflammation and alter pain perception, offering a non-pharmacological approach to pain management. This opens up new avenues for individuals suffering from chronic pain, providing them with a potential alternative or complementary treatment option.

nVNS and Mental Health: A New Frontier

Mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, affect millions of people worldwide. While various treatment modalities exist, there is a constant need for innovative approaches that can enhance therapeutic outcomes and minimize side effects. nVNS has emerged as a potential game-changer in the field of mental health treatment.

Research has shown that nVNS can modulate the vagus nerve’s activity, influencing neurotransmitter release and mood-regulating pathways. By doing so, it offers a novel and non-invasive approach to mental health treatment. This exciting development has the potential to transform the lives of individuals struggling with mental health disorders, providing them with a new frontier of hope and possibilities.

Furthermore, the non-pharmacological nature of nVNS makes it an attractive option for individuals who may be hesitant or unable to tolerate traditional medication-based treatments. By harnessing the power of the vagus nerve, nVNS opens up a world of potential for personalized and targeted mental health interventions.

As research continues to unfold, the potential health benefits of nVNS become increasingly evident. From chronic pain management to mental health treatment, this innovative approach holds promise in revolutionizing the way we understand and address various health conditions. With its non-invasive nature and ability to modulate the vagus nerve’s activity, nVNS offers a glimpse into a future where personalized and effective treatments are within reach for individuals worldwide.

The Future of nVNS in Medical Technology

As the field of medical technology continues to advance, researchers are exploring additional applications and potential benefits of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS). This innovative therapy has shown promise in various areas of healthcare, and ongoing research is shedding light on its potential to revolutionize personalized medicine.

Ongoing Research and Potential New Applications

Researchers are actively investigating the effects of nVNS on various health conditions and exploring its potential to improve outcomes. One area of focus is epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Preliminary studies have shown that nVNS may help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in some patients, offering a new avenue for managing this challenging condition.

Another area of interest is migraines, debilitating headaches that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Early research suggests that nVNS may provide relief for migraine sufferers by modulating the activity of the trigeminal nerve, which is involved in the development of migraines. This non-invasive approach could offer a promising alternative or complement to existing treatments.

Inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, are also being explored as potential targets for nVNS therapy. These conditions involve an overactive immune response, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. By stimulating the vagus nerve, nVNS may help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, offering a novel approach to managing these complex diseases.

Furthermore, researchers are even investigating the potential cognitive enhancement effects of nVNS. By stimulating the vagus nerve, nVNS may modulate brain activity and improve cognitive function. This could have implications for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline, where maintaining cognitive abilities is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life.

The Role of nVNS in Personalized Medicine

One of the most exciting aspects of nVNS is its potential to be tailored to individual patients. With adjustable settings and personalized parameters, nVNS therapy can be optimized to meet each person’s unique needs. This personalized approach has the potential to enhance treatment effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.

For example, the intensity and frequency of nVNS stimulation can be adjusted based on the severity of symptoms and individual response. This flexibility allows healthcare providers to fine-tune the therapy to achieve the best possible results for each patient. Additionally, the ability to remotely monitor and adjust nVNS devices further enhances the personalized nature of this therapy, allowing for real-time optimization and improved patient convenience.

Moreover, the integration of nVNS with other medical technologies holds promise for personalized medicine. By combining nVNS with wearable devices, such as smartwatches or biosensors, healthcare providers can gather real-time data on a patient’s physiological responses and customize nVNS therapy accordingly. This integration could lead to more precise and effective treatment strategies, tailored to the specific needs of each individual.

In conclusion, the emergence of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation devices represents a breakthrough in medical technology. By harnessing the power of the vagus nerve, these devices offer new possibilities for the treatment and management of various health conditions. The potential benefits of nVNS in chronic pain management, mental health treatment, and other areas are particularly promising. As further research unfolds and technology continues to advance, the future of nVNS holds great potential for revolutionizing personalized medicine and improving the lives of countless individuals.

This is a huge breakthrough for so many people.

Melinda

Reference:

https://vagus.net/non-invasive-vagus-nerve-stimulation-device-a-breakthrough-in-medical-technology/#
National Wellness Month
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

National Wellness Month

Looking for the Light12 Comments

National Wellness Month speaks to me as I try to live a healthier life, work daily on my mental health, rest my mind, and eat healthier. I believe strongly in self-care daily for my overall health and well-being.  Maybe you too will make August a wellness month for you.

Every August, celebrate National Wellness Month! Prioritize your self-care, reduce stress, and create healthier habits to feel like your best self!

We can often put our health and wellness on the back burner due to work deadlines, traffic, family obligations and other stressors. Research has shown self-care can help increase happiness by up to 71%. National Wellness Month was born out of the idea that if we are going to do big things in the world— build our careers, raise a family, further our education, create new ideas, and nurture our bodies — we need to take care of ourselves.

 

This August, take the “I choose wellness” pledge, a promise to yourself that you’re prioritizing your self-care. Choose one small daily habit (like drinking 64oz of water daily or walking 10,000 steps), take the 31 day Wellness Month challenge to discover a new way you can take care of yourself each day, or explore different offers at your local spa and wellness business to try something new! Learn more at wellnessmonth.com

HISTORY OF NATIONAL WELLNESS MONTH

The concept of self-care has a long and varied place in human history amongst different cultures and time periods. Ancient philosophers like Socrates and Plato emphasized the importance of self-care and self-reflection as part of a virtuous life. Taoist principles also promoted self-care through practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, and herbal medicine. The 19th and 20th centuries also saw the emergence of movements focused on mental health and self-care. Many of these practices have been successful in creating a healthy mind and body for many generations and have carried over into modern day ideas of self-care.

Today, the concept of self-care encompasses various practices aimed at holistic well-being, including physical exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness, stress reduction techniques, and more. Self-care and wellness is a personal and subjective concept but the underlying idea of taking deliberate actions to care for oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally remains central.

I’m all for any awareness of taking care of your health, self-reflection, self-care, and healthy eating.

Melinda

Things I’m Loving-Health, Food And Drink Items
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Things I’m Loving-Health, Food And Drink Items

Looking for the Light12 Comments

Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list can give you ideas for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon. I am not an Amazon Affiliate; any links provided don’t cost you more and take you right to the product brand. I am proud of my Affiliate relationships and will always let you know if I make a small commission on a product.

 

For the past two months, I’ve been nursing myself back to better health. I have low potassium, anemia and have updated my self-care routines. These are the new products I’ve added to help me.

Evolution Fresh


Evolution Fresh® Mighty Watermelon Cold-Pressed Vegetable & Fruit Juice Blend 32 oz.

  • Natural source of hydration 
  • Carefully sourced ingredients from farm to press 
  • Cold-pressed using high pressure processing to preserve taste and nutrients and ensure safety

Evolution Fresh

WTRMLN WTR

Cold Pressed Watermelon Juice [Original HYDRATION]| Natural Electrolytes + Antioxidants | No Added Sugar | 1 liter bottles 

  • DELICIOUSLY HYDRATING each bottle is bursting with fresh pressed watermelon packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants like Lycopene and L-citrulline to quench your thirst 
  • NO ADDED SUGAR, preservatives, or artificial ingredients in any of our functional flavor boosts, only the delicious taste and hydration from real fruit 
  • REAL, SIMPLE, CLEAN INGREDIENTS that are Vegan, Gluten Free, OU Kosher, Non-GMO Project Certified and naturally power-packed for hydration, immunity, muscle recovery and detoxing

WTRMLN WTR

Mooala Organic Vanilla Bean Almond Milk

Mooala’s Vanilla Bean Almondmilk isn’t your regular, plain ol’ vanilla almondmilk. Our recipe blends blanched almonds, real vanilla beans, and a touch of sugar cane juice with the best organic vanilla flavors we could find. The result is a creamy, delicious taste that would rival your grandma’s homemade ice cream. But with way less calories. Gluten free.

This is the best Almond Milk I’ve ever tasted and we drive across town to buy it since Central Market is the only place we can find it. My husband doesn’t drink it but knows how much I love it. The touch of pure cane sugar juice makes all the difference. It’s so creamy, you can taste the vanilla beans and the top of of pure cane sugar makes it addictive.

Easy Morning Overnight Oats

Organic Mix of Rolled Oats, Flax, Chia, Steel Cut Oats ⎸ Make in Overnight Oats Containers with Lids, Then Wake Up to Your Perfect Breakfast (10 Serving Bag, 15oz) 

I make mine with Almond Milk, add a few chopped pecans, and add fruit on top. In the morning I have to add a little extra milk since I don’t like mine dry. I have used strawberry and mango both of which taste great. I did buy some Overnight Oat jars with lids since I didn’t have anything that would work and they are dishwasher safe. Also bought it on Amazon.

Visit the Easy Morning Store


Lavender & Eucalyptus Dried flower mix for shower

26 PCS Mix Dried Eucalyptus & Lavender Flowers Bundles for Shower, 17” Natural Real Hanging Silver Dollar Eucalyptus Leaves Stem, Fresh Shower Plants, Fragrance, Wedding Decor (26 pcs)

Eucalyptus & silver dollar leaves have a menthol-like distinct scent that is used in aromatherapy to encourage relaxation and anxiety relief. Dried lavender has a calming scent, soothing effect. Enjoy a moment of peace in your busy day with this Shower Plants Set and enjoy the simple pleasure of aromatherapy in every shower！

Visit the beerfingo Store

Korres Pure Greek Olive Hand Cream Sea Salt

They are 88.1% Carbon Neutral

A moisturizing non-oily hand cream enriched with extra-virgin olive oil and olive leaf extract with aromatic notes of the sea. The list of good-for-you ingredients is long, and it soaks in fast leaving your hands completely moisturized and soft. I have no problems working on the computer right after applying.

I also use their body lotion and shower gel in my bath, it smells good and leaves your skin soft.

Visit the KORRES Store

Clovertree Apothecary

Clovertree Apothecary was founded in 2009 by Amy Bohn – massage therapist, herbalist, breast cancer survivor, and co-founder of one of the top organic spa companies in the world. Amy and her team of herbalists and chemists have spent more than a decade developing authentic, pure, plant-powered products, specifically formulated to remedy the various skin and body concerns that are common to today’s spa-goers and consumers. These products have now been tested and perfected by hundreds of estheticians and massage therapists on hundreds of thousands of satisfied spa customers, and are proven to provide real results and a beautiful, luxurious experience.

Clovertree products are Plant Powered® – packed full of pure plant ingredients and formulated to remedy specific skin and body concerns common to spa customers. It is a true “clean beauty” line, containing no artificial colors or fragrances, and no harmful chemicals or preservatives. All products are gluten-free and “beegan” (vegan + bee products) and never tested on animals.

I recently discovered Clovertree and was so impressed with their background, that I stocked up on several items and see myself buying many more good-for-you products from them. They are not far from where I live but I buy online since I’m immune compromised.

Skin Rescue Balm × 1
Muscle Relief Bath & Body Oil × 1
Limoncello Signature Candle × 1
Triple C Repair Serum × 1
Hibiscus Rose Lip Balm × 2
Balance Me Centering Oil × 1

Melinda

10 Ways to Find Support When You Live Alone with Chronic Illness
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

10 Ways to Find Support When You Live Alone with Chronic Illness

Looking for the Light6 Comments

by Beth Ann Mayer

•••••

Medically Reviewed by:

Tiffany Taft, PsyD

Living alone with a chronic illness can make it hard to get support. Some may worry about burdening others or explaining their condition, but there are people who want to help.

Not all chronic conditions are apparent, and their “invisibility” can make asking for help a challenge.

People living alone may feel this most, without a partner, family, or roommates who understand their daily routines and consistent needs. 

If this describes you, you may find yourself with another task on your to-do list: finding the support you need.

Read on for tips on how to get your needs met, even when living alone with chronic illness.

1. First, know it’s OK to need help (and you’re not a burden)

People with chronic illness may be reluctant to seek help for several reasons.

“People don’t want to be a burden on others,” says Marzena Gieniusz, MD, an internist. “I hear this a lot in my practice, even when there are people willing, able, and happy to help available.”

Part of this involves cultural expectations and norms.

“Our culture places high emphasis on independence and autonomy,” says Rehan Aziz, MD, a psychiatrist. 

Sometimes the issue is communicating what you need.

“Many people with chronic illnesses also face the challenge of their conditions being ‘invisible,’ which can lead to misunderstandings about the severity of their needs,” says Clorinda Walley, president of Good Days.

Still others may simply prefer being alone.

“Living alone can provide a moment of solitude — a reprieve from the intensity of medical spaces and constant interactions with others,” says Gabriel Cartagena, PhD, a clinical psychologist. “Living alone can also provide individuals with space to pause, reflect, and process their thoughts and experiences.”

2. Reflect on your relationship to asking for help

Cartagena recommends starting with self-reflection as you embark on your journey to find the support you need.

You can ask yourself questions like:

  • Has it been uncomfortable for me to ask for help? If so, why?
  • What does it mean for me if I do ask for help?
  • What do I worry about losing if I ask for help?
  • What difficulties might I have if I don’t get the help I need right now?

This reflection can be a key first step to understand what it means to you to ask for help, and why you may feel reluctant to do so. 

Cartagena says the next question to ask yourself is: “Who do I feel I can trust?”

The answer may be a family member or friend. It may be challenging to ask, but you can try reframing your thoughts.

“People like to feel useful and will often be happy to be able to help in a practical way,” says Hannah Carmichael, the director of the Living Well Alone Project. 

3. Be specific about your needs

While people may be eager to help, they’ll likely look to you to hammer out the what, when, and how. The good news? You’ll be able to advocate for your actual needs.

“The more specific you can be, the easier you make it for others to help you,” Carmichael says. “This gives the person you’re asking much more certainty about exactly what you need and clarifies their role.”

For example, “Rather than ‘I’d really appreciate some help with a bit of shopping at some point,’ try, ‘Next Thursday, would you be able to drive me to the shopping center at 3 p.m., and stay with me while I pick up a couple of birthday presents?’” says Carmichael.

Carmichael suggests asking different people to help with different tasks. Think of assembling a village like a coach putting together a team — everyone has a unique skill set and availability. This step can also prevent overloading one person.

For instance, a person who loves cooking may be able to assist with meal prep. A friend who enjoys driving might be willing to give you a lift to the doctor. An assertive but tactful friend could be a good advocate for you in the emergency room.

Think of assembling a village like a coach putting together a team — everyone has a unique skill set and availability.

5. Build a village near your hometown

You may not have family and friends around who can help, or perhaps you’re looking for new connections.

“When you live alone, you don’t have anyone ‘on hand’ to keep you company,” Carmichael says. “That means that the responsibility is on you to find people to be friends with, and it’s also on you to grow and maintain those relationships.”

Here are some tips to get you started.

Look online

Online resources can help set you up for in-person social support.

“Look on Meetup [and] on local Facebook groups for activities taking place that don’t need you to travel too far from home,” Carmichael says. “You might be surprised at how much is going on.” 

Local notice boards at a library or community center may also spark ideas.

Keep an open mind

It can be beneficial to try something different. 

“You never know, that local talk on the history of bridges in your area might turn out to be a lot more interesting than you think, or at least, a chance to meet new people,” Carmichael says.

Get into a routine

One of the easiest ways to build new connections is to encounter the same people daily. It’s not always luck. 

“Try to walk the dog or go for a stroll at the same time each day, and see how quickly you start to spot familiar faces,” Carmichael says.

6. Look into community-based programs

You may have organizations within your community with people who have already volunteered to help.

“Some communities have volunteer programs that offer free assistance with tasks like grocery shopping, transportation, and home maintenance for individuals with chronic illnesses,” says Aziz.

Aziz recommends services like Meals on Wheels. However, the nonprofit generally serves people 60 and older. 

Local churches, mosques, synagogues, and other volunteer-based organizations may also have services accessible to people regardless of age. A healthcare professional can point you to organizations within your community.

7. Find support online

One of the benefits of living in the Digital Age is that it can connect you with people you might not normally meet. 

“Face-to-face interactions are great, but they’re not always possible when you’re living with a chronic illness,” says Carmichael. “There are some brilliantly friendly, supportive groups on Facebook, for example, if you take the time to look for them.”

Carmichael suggests searching for groups geared toward people with your condition or even hobbies and interests.

Aziz agrees that online groups can be a useful tool.

“Virtual support groups and forums can be valuable resources for connecting with others who share similar challenges and experiences,” Aziz says.

If you haven’t already, give Bezzy Communities a try.

8. Use delivery pharmacies 

Gieniusz says it can be a challenge to stay up to date with medications, which can be critical to managing a condition. Compounding matters, you may be using different pharmacies for different medicines.

“Using a delivery pharmacy to ensure medications are at your door and on time can help make managing chronic illness easier,” Gieniusz says.

Major pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS also offer delivery services. 

9. Let them know you value their help

Simple acknowledgments of someone’s efforts to help you can go a long way in community-building.

“It’s important because it not only shows recognition but also encourages a continued support network,” Walley says.

Carmichael agrees.

“Think about what you can offer in return so that the relationship feels more reciprocal,” Carmichael says. “Even if your condition means you won’t be able to help them with practical tasks, you could perhaps offer a cup of tea and a chat about something on their mind.”

Walley says thank you notes or simply saying or texting “Thank you” are often enough.

Simple acknowledgments of someone’s efforts to help you can go a long way in community-building.

10. Enlist help through national nonprofits 

National nonprofits can connect you with organizations in your area.

Some options include:

Aziz says you may also find help through organizations specific to your condition(s), like the American Chronic Pain Association and American Cancer Society. Some also offer support groups. 

Takeaway

Living alone with a chronic condition can be both practically and emotionally challenging.

Even if you can’t afford in-home aid, resources are available. 

From the wider community to national organizations, there are people out there who want to provide support. Sometimes, but not always, all it takes is asking.

Medically reviewed on March 20, 2024

5 Sources

These are some great ideas and many will take time but the payoff can make all the difference in your life.

Melinda

August Awareness Days
Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

August Awareness Days

Looking for the Light7 Comments

The main days and months you should know about for August are:

National Black Business Month August 1
World Lung Cancer Day August 1
Esther Day August 3
World Elephant Day August 12
National Nonprofit Day August 17
Remember Slavery Day August 23
Women’s Equality Day August 26
Anniversary of the March on Washington August 28
National Grief Awareness Day August 30

National Breastfeeding Month

National Civility Month

National Dog Month

National Hair Loss Awareness Month

National Immunization Awareness Month

National Make-a-Will Month

National Road Victim Month

National Traffic Awareness Month

National Wellness Month

Psoriasis Awareness Month / Psoriasis Action Month

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Awareness Month

Transgender History Month

World Cancer Support Month

‍Melinda

Reference:

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/august-awareness-days-months

True Crime As True Lyme: Tick Bite Leads To Murder-Suicide
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness · Tick Borne Illnesses

True Crime As True Lyme: Tick Bite Leads To Murder-Suicide

Looking for the Light9 Comments

Tortured by Lyme disease, a young man killed his friend and himself. He is not alone.

by Mary Beth Pfeiffer, Trial Site News

For decades, Lyme disease physicians have seen a small share of late-stage patients with symptoms far beyond the physical ravages of a tick bite.

These patients, estimated to be 1 percent of chronic Lyme psychiatric cases, manifest brain disorders so intractable that they become violent, even homicidal.

Now, a new article in the science journal Heliyon validates these observations and reveals possible mechanisms driving them. It tells the horrific story of a 32-year-old man whose tickborne infection at age 14—one of several—went unrecognized until it was unresponsive to treatment.

Failed by short-course antibiotics that mainstream medical guidance swears by, he descended into substance abuse, as many chronic Lyme patients do, to ease his anxiety, depression, and physical pain. READ MORE  

A patient with psychiatric manifestations of Lyme depicted his pain in this painting. He would later commit suicide. (Photo by permission of Dr. Robert Bransfield.)

Mary Beth Pfeiffer is an investigative journalist and author of Lyme: The First Epidemic of Climate Change. 

(Note: The important work discussed in this article came about because the family trusted the Lyme Disease Biobank with this young man’s body. Furthermore, Bay Area Lyme Foundation funded this research. Click here to learn more about the biobank.)

I have never heard of the psychiatric manifestations of Lyme but can certainly understand it. When your body is invaded and attacked every minute causing severe pain in many areas of the body, understand the feeling of losing your mind. The Lyme Spirokeetes set up house in my brain, eating away at my memory, and balance and causing havoc on my entire body. No amount of pain medication can give relief, it’s non-stop. Thank goodness it’s a very small percentage of Lyme patients that are affected by Psychiatric Manifestations.

Melinda

Anemia: How I Handle It And The Different Types
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Anemia: How I Handle It And The Different Types

Looking for the Light13 Comments

Anyone can have a short bout of Anemia during their life, young girls and women can also get Anemia from their menstrual cycle, vegans have to ensure they eat plenty of alternatives to red meat and there are health conditions that can be serious to your health. I’ve had Anemia on and off most of my life but in recent years it’s an ongoing problem. I don’t eat enough red meat although I’m not vegan and I don’t eat many leafy greens.

Many people may not even know they are Anemic because they have a mild case and they bounce back. I on the other hand can’t seem to shack it even while taking an iron supplement, a good one at that. I have taken prescription iron but it doesn’t help any better than over-the-counter. Three key symptoms are hard to deal with, severe leg cramps, fatigue and I’m always freezing. When I sleep at night, I pull the covers over my head and this week started wearing wool gloves to bed. It’s way into the early morning before my hands thaw and no longer feel like ice.

During the day I wear a tee and sweatshirt and when I’m in my office I have a wool blanket over me and wool gloves on and still shiver. I have a sheepskin run over the back of my chair to add warmth and have my vent half closed. Nothing seems to matter and it’s in the dead of summer here in Texas.

I eat red meat a couple of times a month but I like a variety of meat and eat fish every week as well. It’s not like I don’t eat greens but because I’m so cold salads haven’t been on my menu and I prefer hot foods. I’m eating soup for lunch most days to keep me warm.

I also have the Immune Disorder Hypogammaglobenlemia which is the lack of red blood cells and hemoglobin to carry oxygen to my body. I’ve been taking monthly Antibody Infusion treatments since the Spring. My red blood count is still very low and I may have to continue to take Infusion Treatments for years maybe all my life.

An Overview of Anemia

Anemia is a problem of not having enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all other organs in the body. Having anemia can cause tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath.

There are many forms of anemia. Each has its own cause. Anemia can be short-term or long-term. It can range from mild to severe. Anemia can be a warning sign of serious illness.

Treatments for anemia might involve taking supplements or having medical procedures. Eating a healthy diet might prevent some forms of anemia.

What Are The Different Types Of Anemia?

  1. Aplastic anemia
  2. Iron deficiency anemia
  3. Sickle cell anemia
  4. Thalassemia
  5. Vitamin deficiency anemia

Here Are The Symptoms Of Anemia

Anemia symptoms depend on the cause and how bad the anemia is. Anemia can be so mild that it causes no symptoms at first. But symptoms usually then occur and get worse as the anemia gets worse.

If another disease causes the anemia, the disease can mask the anemia symptoms. Then a test for another condition might find the anemia. Certain types of anemia have symptoms that point to the cause.

Possible symptoms of anemia include:

  • Tiredness.
  • Weakness.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Pale or yellowish skin, which might be more obvious on white skin than on Black or brown skin.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Chest pain.
  • Cold hands and feet.
  • Headaches.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, check with your doctor right away.

Melinda

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360

My No Diet Weight Loss Journey Started 25 Months Ago-What A Ride It’s Been
Celebrate Life · Cooking · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

My No Diet Weight Loss Journey Started 25 Months Ago-What A Ride It’s Been

Looking for the Light12 Comments

I’m 5 ft 7 inches and was a normal weight until I turned 28 years old. At 28 I was diagnosed with Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety. The diagnosis wasn’t a huge surprise since my father had committed suicide months earlier and we both had struggled with depression. One of the downsides of having a mental illness is that many medications make you gain weight, with each medication I tried, it was 20-25 pounds. That can weigh you down but I learned quickly that my vanity was not as important as my mental health.

I tend to be more depressive than manic so my protocol includes many stimulant medications. There were many times I would lose large amounts of weight and was skinny again. Although short-lived, once your body adjusts to the stimulants the weight loss stops. The last medication that brought me out of a deep depression caused me to gain 40 pounds and it took effort to lose that amount of weight. I lollygagged for a couple of years until I went to see one of my doctors and had to weigh. I was shocked at what the scale said.

You also need to know I have some baggage here because my mother is obese and my abuser. I wanted to be nothing like her, I must have seen her that day on the scale.

I was determined to lose weight the right way this time, with no diet, no program food just eating what I liked but in smaller portions. I set a goal of losing 40 pounds with 50 pounds in the background. First, I cut all meals in half and cut out snacking unless I was truly hungry. When I needed a snack it was nuts because they are good for you.

The first 20 pounds were hard but not nearly as hard as the next 20 pounds. After reaching 20 pounds, I cut my meals in 1/3 and continued to eat a piece of chocolate at lunch and dinner. I also allowed myself dessert on the weekends. There was no depriving myself of the foods I loved, my diet didn’t change just the amount of food I was eating.

Last August, I had reached my goal of 40 pounds and was working on 10 more pounds. Then life got in the way. I was hospitalized in December of 2023 and had a traumatizing experience by being told that my kidneys were shutting down and that I would not live until my check-out date. Logically I knew better but we were in complete shock. I called my brother to say goodbye which was very difficult and my husband and I just cradled each other. A short time later, I came to my senses and said there was no way my GFR was 20! Of course not, a lazy lab tech didn’t run the test a second time and the doctor didn’t even question it. I never received an apology.

After leaving the hospital I continued to lose weight and after 25 months I am 70 pounds down. Being this skinny is not a choice, you would be surprised at what I eat although I can’t eat as much as I did in the beginning but that’s expected. I’ve been having major issues with my Esophagus for a couple of months and a month after going to the ER, I’m worse. I’m taking two additional medications but still have problems eating or keeping food down. It doesn’t seem to be as urgent to my doctor. I’m still working on it.

Yes, you can lose weight the right way without restricting yourself and in turn, sabotaging your efforts. There are no shortcuts, no quick fixes, and only one permanent solution. Set your goal for the long term, change your eating habits, and pay attention to why you eat and enjoy yourself at the same time. I can’t imagine lunch or dinner without chocolate, I just eat one piece.

You can do it.

Melinda

The strong voice of a teenager with Lyme disease
Chronic Illness · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

The strong voice of a teenager with Lyme disease

Looking for the Light10 Comments

When my daughter Rachel was 13, she suffered a seemingly simple injury that led to an outbreak of inexplicable, debilitating, body-wide pain. This left her bedridden and needing a wheelchair.

Refusing to believe doctors who claimed either that she was “faking it” or that nothing could be done, our family searched for answers until we at last found the underlying cause—unrecognized chronic Lyme disease and co-infections.

We were lucky enough to find a knowledgeable Lyme doctor within two hours of our home and we started on the long hard slog to getting her better. But we soon found that medical treatment was only part of what our family needed.

There were so many other needs: how to keep Rachel from spiraling into depression, how to continue her education when she was too sick to attend school, finding out what foods supported the healing process best—and which of those she was willing to eat.

As it turns out, one of the most helpful therapies Rachel undertook was something she figured out on her own. Throughout those dark days, she recorded her daily experiences in a journal. It chronicled the bad—her anger at the doctors who didn’t believe her, her despair at ever getting past the pain. It also recorded good times with friends—lip-synching to Hannah Montana songs, visiting the beach to try out a beach wheelchair (yes, those are a thing.) That journal became a lifeline for her, and in my view, was as important as the many different treatments she went through.

In time, Rachel’s health improved—she left the wheelchair behind, graduated from high school and college, and embarked on a career and marriage. For many years, she avoided even looking at the journal, not wanting to revisit those traumatic times.

But then, she decided to share the story with others, and the two of us collaborated on Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease. The main narration is based on the journal, interspersed with additional passages by me, giving the mother’s perspective of what was going on.

Capturing the right voice

In the months since publication, we’ve garnered a lot of positive feedback. Here’s one of my favorite reviews, by a judge from the Benjamin Franklin Award competition:

Finding Resilience is a wonderfully written book (by both mother and daughter) that chronicles a teenager’s struggle with both Lyme disease and the medical establishment too unwilling to consider the—at the time—difficult diagnosis. What makes this book so strong is the voice. It’s often difficult for an adult to capture the right voice when writing about earlier experiences, but Rachel Leland does it expertly. At no time did I waver in believing that a teenager was talking to me in real time, as a teenager. This is hard—exceptionally hard—to do well…The mother’s voice, too, is appropriate throughout. All of this worked so effectively that I found myself as a reader on the same emotional rollercoaster they were on.

That’s exactly what we were going for—the shared perspective of a teenager and her mom on this hideous disease and what it takes to get through it. We hope you’ll find it informative and inspiring. Click here for more info about the book.

TOUCHED BY LYME is written by Dorothy Kupcha Leland, President of LymeDisease.org. She is co-author of Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease and of When Your Child Has Lyme Disease: A Parent’s Survival Guide. Contact her at dleland@lymedisease.org.

A story that pulls all the heartstrings, such anguish, and a parent’s worst nightmare for their child.

Melinda

I’m Slowing Down, Way Down
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness · Moving Forward

I’m Slowing Down, Way Down

Looking for the Light58 Comments

I’ve been slowing down the past 6 months by working hard to stop multi-tasking and be in the moment, listen, and communicate clearly. My new medication is at full power, I’m feeling better than I have in over 5 years, and taking in every minute. I’ve kickstarted my indoor and outdoor plants, and have been repotting those who are long overdue. I’m a plant and flower person and treasure my outdoor standbys that come back every year. I am testing my skills to revive a Gardenia plant.

I had the same amount of time before but it was spent aimlessly on health crises, new diagnoses, unstable mood, and Infusion Treatments. I was not able to mentally or physically do it.

                                                                                                                                                     My favorite Rose

This idea started when I looked at the number of posts I’ve written since 2014. The numbers show I am slowing down, and it feels great.                                                                                                                                                     

Here’s a quick look at the numbers

2014 25

2015 1,031

2016 4,812

2017 5,984

2018 7,041

2019 21,414

2020 52,466

2021 45,619

2022 42,787

2023 23,814

2024 as of June 18th 14,312

I’m proud of the post I’ve written and at 61 years old next month, I’m glad I got in touch with what is important to me, and slowing down is important for my ongoing health issues, Bipolar Disorder, Cognitive Impairment, and Immune Disorders. Above all my Mental Health.

Thank you to all who have visited my blog over the years, it’s been a wild ride, you’ve seen me grow as a person, shared my health struggles and all that life has brought my way for 10 years. Your posts and connections have opened my mind, warmed my heart, reinforced what is important and you have filled my life with joy. I don’t plan on stopping, just writing at my own pace, not my uber-driven mind. You can look for more posts on travel, art, and photography.

                                                                                                                                  Peter the Great in St Petersburg Square

Hoofs up means they lost their life in battle, my friend Gavin taught me.

Melinda

 

 

New Medication Ramp-Up Time Period Is Called Efficacy
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness

New Medication Ramp-Up Time Period Is Called Efficacy

Looking for the Light10 Comments

Many if not most prescribed medications require a ramp-up period called efficacy, this is the time it takes for the medication to reach a therapeutic level. 

For example:

I started Trintellex several weeks ago for my ongoing depression. The Prozac wasn’t working any longer which is common when you take a drug for a long time. The efficacy of Trintellix is 6-8 weeks, during this period you can experience common side effects and they often subside once the drug reaches efficacy. It’s important to track these symptoms but it’s not always time to call your doctor. Never stop taking medication before talking to your doctor, stopping medication abruptly can send your brain into a tailspin. If you can’t wait to hear back from your doctor, go to your nearest ER for help ASAP. It may save your life. 

The most important side effects to be aware of are adverse side effects, which are the worst side effects that can be deadly and require immediate attention. It’s easy to forget the side effects after reading the prescribing instructions the first time so I keep them handy.

The past week I was overcome by nausea and vomiting and thought I was getting sick. After reading the prescribing instructions again I was reminded that those are common side effects, not ones to be alarmed about. I have experienced sparks in the brain as the medication reaches efficacy, like crying, returned energy, improved cognition, and feeling better overall. 

All medications including over-the-counter items still have side effects, especially for children. 

Always call your doctor if you are concerned about anything, not just medication side effects. 

Melinda

Do You Understand How Inflammation Affects Your Body?
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Do You Understand How Inflammation Affects Your Body?

Looking for the Light4 Comments

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a process by which your body’s white blood cells and the things they make protect you from infection from outside invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. But in some diseases, like arthritis, your body’s defense system — your immune system — triggers inflammation when there are no invaders to fight off. In these autoimmune diseases, your immune system acts as if regular tissues are infected or somehow unusual, causing damage.

Inflammation can be either short-lived (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Acute inflammation goes away within hours or days. Chronic inflammation can last months or years, even after the first trigger is gone. Conditions linked to chronic inflammation include:

Outside of inflammation, these come with a host of other side effects on you and have a tremendous impact on your life. It could lead to you wanting to buy metformin and similar medications, but fruit and vegetables can help, too.

Many fruits and veggies help with inflammation

Juicy Berries, (BlueBerries, strawberries, and Black Berries)

Yummy Avacodos

Mouthwatering dark chocolate

Apples

Grapes

Tomatoes

Olive Oil

Leafy Green Veggies

Oily Fish

Whole Grains

Unsaturated Fats

This is a short list, you can find the complete list. Click on the link below.

I’m reading Calm Your Inflammation by Dr. Brenda Tidwell and will update you as I read more.

Reducing inflammation is critical to people with Chronic Illnesses. We need all the help we can get.

Melinda

Ref.

https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/about-inflammation

Do You Know What A VNS Device Is?
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Mental Illness

Do You Know What A VNS Device Is?

Looking for the Light6 Comments

My Bipolar Disorder was difficult to manage with medication alone. My Psychiatrist told me about a device that was waiting for FDA approval.

In 2005 the VNS device was approved by the FDA and my doctor had all the information ready to send to my insurance company.

The first time insurance denied the device. Here’s how I got insurance to approve. I wrote a letter explaining what my life was like and how it controls my life and in time the possibility of suicide.

A VNS device looks much like a pacemaker with two leads that attach to your vagus nerves, sending signals to the brain to relieve your depression.

The surgery doesn’t take long, but getting used to the device turned on takes a while.

When you are talking the device makes your voice sound weird but only when the device is sending signals to the brain.

When I had my surgery, no one had seen one implanted which meant the Gallery was full of other doctors. My doctor got to see my boobs, that had to settle in.

After you have healed the device is turned on at a low level so you get used to the feeling of the device working. Then we turned up the level until we found what we thought was the right setting.

I kept it on for years but finally admitted it wasn’t working and had it turned off.

The only pain involved is initial surgery.

I thought this device would change my life but it didn’t work out that way.

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Navigator on Pexels.com

This is the notes I made on 12/30/05.

Received a letter today from the insurance company, they approved.

I can’t wait to call my Psychiatrist to tell him the news and to get my surgery date rolling.

2005 has been a rough year but this news is my beacon of hope.

The greatest news all year.

Unfortunately, I was in the percentage of people that the device didn’t work.

I am waiting to hear about new treatments but nothing new for my mental illness.

Melinda

Do You Know A Person With Bipolar Disorder? This Is My Personal Experience
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness · Moving Forward

Do You Know A Person With Bipolar Disorder? This Is My Personal Experience

Looking for the Light18 Comments

If you care for someone with Bipolar Disorder, know the basics about the illness and side effects. You’ll learn as you go. It’s important that you don’t keep asking how they’re doing; that will stress them out. You will have to up your game to catch the nuances of body language and conversations. 

Different types of Bipolar Disorder.

There are three types of bipolar disorder. All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.

Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last for at least 7 days (nearly every day for most of the day) or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate medical care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depressive symptoms and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible. Experiencing four or more episodes of mania or depression within 1 year is called “rapid cycling.”

Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. The hypomanic episodes are less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder.

Cyclothymic disorder (also called cyclothymia) is defined by recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.

Until the doctor gets the medication balanced, you might have to take a medication for a month or longer to see if it works; if not, the doctor tries another. Changes in medication will continue until the Psychiatrist finds the right mix of medication. I went through many drugs in the beginning because I’m treatment-resistant, which means many medications do not work on me. It’s important to note that over time, medication can stop working, and the Psychiatrist has to find another medication. I’m currently taking a cocktail of 6 different medications.

In the 32 years since I was diagnosed, I’ve experienced rapid cycling, mixed features, hypomania, and depression. The most difficult for me to manage is rapid cycling. One minute you feel great, and 15 minutes later depressed. This is a very unstable time. Make sure you let your Psychiatrist know about your rapid cycling.

If possible, find a Psychopharmacologist over a Psychiatrist if you can find one. The difference is that a Psychopharmacologist spends extra years of education focusing on how medication and the brain work. It can be difficult to find one.

I thought my doctor didn’t like me for a long time. Over time, I learned how to talk to him, and now he’s like family. You don’t have to like your doctor if they listen and share details about the drugs and answers to your questions, and you trust them, keep them as your doctor.

Personal Experience

The backstory starts with the DEA, which is limiting the amount of medication each pharmacy receives each month. This is an experience I have been dealing with for the past year. This month, my pharmacy only had 25 pills, and I had to wait 3 weeks for a refill because they had not received a shipment. Pharmacies are NOT making these rules. Get to know your pharmacist; they may be able to help you through this crisis. Don’t take your anger out on the Pharmacy. Until the DEA backs off, this problem will continue.

Here’s one of the challenges I face. One medication is what I call my anchor medication. This past month, it took 3 weeks to get my medication in stock. In those 3 weeks without the medication, it is no longer in your system. After going three weeks without the medication, my body has to start over. So far, I have not been able to see if it works because I can’t take the medication long enough to work.

My new Psychiatrist is cutting my Xanax to 3 per day, not the 4 per day that I have been taking for so long. The bottom line is I’m in withdrawal as my body adjusts to only 3 a day. You stack that on top of the problems with refills; it’s frustrating. This means my anxiety is higher during certain hours when I don’t take my Xanax. It’s a very addictive medication, and one of the worst withdrawals I’ve been through.

It’s important to have someone that you can reach out to if you need help. 

This happened two evenings ago due to my anxiety being very high. To better communicate, you can say certain words to help them understand where you are at and when you are falling into depression or higher than a kite. 

I was so truly happy, and I haven’t been happy in so long. I was soaking in every moment because my mood could change. Feeling joy in my heart felt so good, and I didn’t want it to end.

My husband said I was jacked up, and I said I knew. The key word here is I KNOW. For me, that means I know and am keeping tabs on your mood. If it’s a problem after that, I’ll let you know. 

I went upstairs to get ready for bed, and when he came into the room, I continued the conversation in a combative way. I was jacked and angry, raising my voice much higher and even pointing my finger at him. I could not believe what was coming out of my mouth and my behavior. In the last 22 years, we’ve had a handful of fights.

We have established words to use when my mood changes and is concerning. When he tells me I’m jacked up, the keyword is I KNOW, which means I’m keeping an eye on it. When I’m feeling suicidal, I let him know. This is how we communicate about my Bipolar Disorder when he observes a behavior change. 

If you are newly diagnosed, be patient. When you start the journey, it can be rough and frustrating. 

Don’t obsess over your new diagnosis; learn the basics of your illness and symptoms for now. The most important thing I can say is to only read about your illness or symptoms of Bipolar Disorder from trustworthy websites. When you read anything else, you risk getting the wrong information. It’s critical to read a respected source. Right now is not the time to read the wrong information. On my website, there is a pull-down menu called Organizations That Can Help. There, you can find resources under Mental Illness. In the beginning, you may feel overloaded; remember this is a long journey.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder

Melinda

Have A Chronic Illness? Take Control By Shaving Your Head
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Survivor

Have A Chronic Illness? Take Control By Shaving Your Head

Looking for the Light9 Comments

*This post is from 2017 and I’ve updated it to capture the years between 2017 and 2023.

There are times when Chronic Illness can get the better of you. I had such a week resulting in shaving my hair off. I’m no GI Jane but do have a nice head minus the scars from brain surgery.

For the past 13 years, I’ve been a caregiver to my grandparents and spent time in Psychic Hospital twice for ECT treatments. Finding an answer to my heart problem took three years, two cardiologists, and a trip to The Mayo Clinic I had a diagnosis in four days.

The search for ?? (Lyme Diseases) started in 2012 and the diagnosis in 2014. It took two attempts to find a competent doctor and tons of frustration. I’m not driving, my cognitive abilities like balance and memory were taken by Lyme.

Last week I discovered a total knee replacement is required and scheduled for 11/14/17. All the falls from Lyme blew out my right knee.

                                                                                            Wild Crazy Hair

I’m not one to have a pity party but the weight on my shoulders became too much. I gave my husband many reasons why I shaved my head, the truth is CONTROL. I have four chronic illnesses and have to manage my health every day and every day can be different. There are many days I don’t have the strength to bathe, on those days I use medical-grade body wipes.

I’m 54, my mental illness is close to balanced, was looking forward to driving after several years, and most importantly I want to know who I am.

Shaving my head was liberating, a part of the new me came out. I can control some things and have to roll with the punches on others.

Can you imagine coming home from work to find your wife has shaved their head? My husband wasn’t surprised.

Melinda

Eating Disorders Often Undiagnosed In Boys And Men
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Eating Disorders Often Undiagnosed In Boys And Men

Looking for the Light1 Comment

It may surprise you that more boys and men are diagnosed with Eating Disorders than girls and women? Part of the reason for not reaching out is the stigma around Mental Health support and the lack of education about the disorder.

Eating Disorders are complex and treatment directed toward males can be limited. Helping someone overcome an Eating Disorder requires patience, therapy, or a stay at an in-house treatment center. I’ve only read a couple of books on Eating Disorders and will say it’s a very long road of relapses to reach recovery.

Due to their own stigma parents and family often overlook the early warning signs and do not reach out for help until it’s a crisis.

EATING DISORDERS IN MEN & BOYS

In the United States alone, eating disorders will affect 10 million males at some point in their lives. But due in large part to cultural bias, they are much less likely to seek treatment for their eating disorder. The good news is that once a man finds help, they show similar responses to treatment as women. Several factors lead to men and boys being under- and undiagnosed for an eating disorder. Men can face a double stigma, for having a disorder characterized as feminine or gay and for seeking psychological help. Additionally, assessment tests with language geared to women and girls have led to misconceptions about the nature of disordered eating in men according to the National Eating Disorder Association.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF AN EATING DISORDER

Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms

  • In general, behaviors and attitudes that indicate that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns
  • Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, carbohydrates, fat grams, and dieting
  • Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions against whole categories of food (e.g., no carbohydrates, etc.)
  • Appears uncomfortable eating around others
  • Food rituals (e.g. eats only a particular food or food group [e.g. condiments], excessive chewing, doesn’t allow foods to touch)
  • Skipping meals or taking small portions of food at regular meals
  • Any new practices with food or fad diets, including cutting out entire food groups (no sugar, no carbs, no dairy, vegetarianism/veganism)
  • Withdrawal from usual friends and activities
  • Frequent dieting
  • Extreme concern with body size and shape
  • Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance
  • Extreme mood swings

Physical Symptoms

  • Noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down
  • Stomach cramps, other non-specific gastrointestinal complaints (constipation, acid reflux, etc.)
  • Menstrual irregularities — missing periods or only having a period while on hormonal contraceptives (this is not considered a “true” period)
  • Difficulties concentrating
  • Abnormal laboratory findings (anemia, low thyroid and hormone levels, low potassium, low white and red blood cell counts)
  • Dizziness, especially upon standing
  • Fainting/syncope
  • Feeling cold all the time
  • Sleep problems
  • Cuts and calluses across the top of finger joints (a result of inducing vomiting)
  • Dental problems, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity
  • Dry skin and hair, and brittle nails
  • Swelling around area of salivary glands
  • Fine hair on body (lanugo)
  • Cavities, or discoloration of teeth, from vomiting
  • Muscle weakness
  • Yellow skin (in context of eating large amounts of carrots)
  • Cold, mottled hands and feet or swelling of feet
  • Poor wound healing
  • Impaired immune functioning

The list of symptoms is long because it’s all-encompassing.

I encourage you to visit National Eating Disorder Association for a breakdown of the seven types of Eating Disorders and other behavioral and food concerns. Finding the underlying causes requires a trained professional in the right setting, an individual plan, and most importantly support from family and friends.

When looking for the right professional, talk with them about their approach and experience before introducing them to the patient. Finding the right approach may require research and time. It’s important to do this on the front end if possible. An approved method and training will make all the difference on the road to recovery. Disruptions during treatment can interfere with the recovery process making the patient resistant to continued treatment.

Melinda

References

National Eating Disorder Org.

Do You Have Painsomnia?
Chronic Illness · Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

Do You Have Painsomnia?

Looking for the LightLeave a comment

You’ve probably heard the term or worse yet suffer from Painsomnia yourself. If the term is new to you, here’s the short version. A person experiences insomnia due to pain preventing them from falling asleep or staying asleep.

“Sleep helps our bodies rest and heal, so good-quality sleep is vital for people with chronic illnesses. However, painsomnia can make a good night of sleep feel like a pipe dream. Fortunately, medical researchers are starting to learn more about the condition and how patients can cope.”

I have the type of Painsomnia that keeps me up after waking from pain and makes it impossible to go back to sleep. My sleep medicine has worn off by then and no it’s just pain against sleep, and sleep rarely wins.

I have tried several hacks to help go back to sleep with mixed results. I have an essential oil stick with a Lavander fragrance that’s supposed to relax you but I can’t tell it does any good. The one item that has worked this past week is Delta 8 gummies. I take one right after waking up and they do relieve stress and keep my mind from wondering allowing me to go back to sleep.

I have to point out that I’m living without pain medication right now so it can be a challenge when I have to sleep on my shoulders and hips. No back or stomach sleeping for me.

What can you do if you are struggling with Painsomnia?

Better Sleep Habits

The MD Anderson Sleep Center recommends that people adopt new habits into their nightly routine. These habits help form the foundation for good sleep hygiene:

  • Don’t use phones or computers before bed, as the blue light from the screen can disrupt sleep and cause eye strain.
  • Avoid taking long naps during the day.
  • Make your bedroom cool and dark.
  • Avoid eating heavy foods or exercising right before you sleep.

Sleep Aids

If you have trouble sleeping, your healthcare provider may prescribe sleep aids or encourage you to try over-the-counter medications. These drugs can help regulate your circadian rhythm and lull you into slumber. Melatonin supplements help regulate your sleep cycle.9

A study from Cureus journal found that ashwagandha, a medicinal herb, can help people fall and stay asleep.10

Prescription drugs may include benzodiazepines, which are often used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Before you try any new supplements or prescriptions, make sure to consult your healthcare provider.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a treatment that encourages people to rethink and change their behaviors. For people with insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy may help,11

For example, a person without a sleep routine can work with a therapist to start better habits before bed. If anxious thoughts are keeping you up at night, cognitive behavioral techniques can teach you to stop those spiraling thoughts and focus on other, more restful thoughts.

If your painsomnia makes you feel helpless, those worries can make it even harder for you to get sleep. You may blame yourself or blame your body if you’re struggling with painsomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you cope with some of that frustration.

Hypnotherapy

While hypnotherapy is not a proven cure for painsomnia, some researchers have found that hypnosis might improve insomnia.12Hypnotherapy is an alternative medicine where practitioners use hypnosis and the power of suggestion to guide patients through various concerns.

Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for your healthcare provider or your current medications. Some researchers describe hypnotherapy as a sort of placebo. In either case, hypnosis can lull you into deep relaxation. This relaxation may help people with painsomnia fall asleep.

There’s no one size fits everyone but there are options for those who suffer from Painsomnia. I haven’t found the answer yet but did sleep until 2:00 AM this morning.

What hacks do use to help you go to sleep?

Melinda

Ref:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/painsomnia-5093183

Here’s how you can connect to friends who are depressed
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Here’s how you can connect to friends who are depressed

Looking for the Light3 Comments

IDEAS.TED.COM

Dec 15, 2017 / Bill Bernat

Some heartfelt advice from writer Bill Bernat, who’s been there

When I lived with severe depression and social anxiety, I found it extremely difficult to talk to strangers. Yet the one conversation that uplifted me more than any other occurred in the dining hall of the mental health wing of a mountain-town hospital. I met a woman who told me that a few days earlier, she’d driven her Jeep Wrangler to the edge of the Grand Canyon. She sat there, revving the engine and thinking about driving over.

Photo by Maria Orlova on Pexels.com

She described what had been going on in her life in the days and months leading up, what her thoughts were at that exact moment, why she wanted to die, and why she didn’t do it. We nodded and half-smiled, and then it was my turn to talk about my journey to our table in that fine dining establishment. I had taken too many sleeping pills. After the doctors treated me, they were like, “Hey, we’d love it if you would be our guest in the psych ward!”

That day, she and I talked shop. She allowed me to be deeply depressed and simultaneously have a genuine connection to another person. For the first time, I identified as someone living with depression and I felt, oddly, good about it — or rather, like I wasn’t a bad person for having it.

Now, imagine one of the people at that table was a member of your family or a close friend who told you they were really depressed. Would you be comfortable talking to them?

Depression doesn’t diminish a person’s desire to connect with other people, just their ability.

The World Health Organization says that depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, affecting more than 300 million people. In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health reports 7 percent of Americans experience depression in a year. But while depression is super common, in my experience most folks don’t want to talk to depressed people unless we pretend to be happy. So we learn to put on a cheerful façade for casual interactions, like buying a pumpkin spice latte. The average barista doesn’t want to know that a customer is trapped in the infinite darkness of their soul.

Depression doesn’t diminish a person’s desire to connect with other people, just their ability. And despite what you might think, talking to friends and family living with depression can be easy and maybe fun. Not like Facebook-selfie-with-Lady-Gaga-at-an-underground-party fun — instead, I’m talking about the kind of fun where people enjoy each other’s company effortlessly, no one feels awkward, and no one accuses the sad person of ruining the holidays.

There’s a chasm that exists. On one side are people with depression, and on the other side is everyone else and they’re asking, “Why you gotta be so depressed?”

I’ve noticed there’s a chasm that exists. On the one side are those people living with depression, who may act in off-putting or confusing ways because they’re fighting a war in their head that nobody else can see. On the other side is everyone else, and they’re looking across the divide, shaking their heads, and asking, ‘Why you gotta be so depressed?’

I began battling depression when I was eight, and decades later, to my surprise, I started winning that battle. I shifted from being miserable much of the time to enjoying life. Today I live pretty well with bipolar disorder, and I’ve overcome some other mental health conditions, like overeating, addiction and social anxiety. As someone who lives on both sides of this chasm, I want to offer you some guidance based on my experiences to help you build a bridge across. I’ve also talked to a lot of people who’ve lived with depression to refine these suggestions.

Please don’t let our lack of bubbly happiness freak you out. Sadness doesn’t need to be treated with the urgency of a shark attack.

Before I get to the do’s, here are some some things you might want to avoid when talking to someone who’s depressed.

Don’t say “Just get over it.” That’s a great idea – we love it —  but there’s just one problem: we already thought of that. The inability to “just get over it” is depression. Depression is an illness, so it’s no different from telling someone with a broken ankle or cancer to “just get over it.” Try not to fix us — your pressure to be “normal” can make us depressed people feel like we’re disappointing you.

Don’t insist that the things which make other people feel better will work for us. For example, you cannot cure clinical depression by eating ice cream, which is unfortunate because that would be living the dream.

Don’t take it personally if we respond negatively to your advice. I have a friend who, about a year ago, messaged me saying he was feeling really isolated and depressed. I suggested some things for him to do, and he was like, “No, no, and no.” I got mad, like, “How dare he not embrace my brilliant wisdom!” Then I remembered the times I’ve been depressed and how I thought I was doomed in all possible futures and everybody hated me. It didn’t matter how many people told me otherwise; I didn’t believe them. So I let my friend know I cared, and I didn’t take his response personally.

Don’t think that being sad and being OK are incompatible. Please don’t let our lack of bubbly happiness freak you out. Sadness does not need to be treated with the urgency of a shark attack. Yes, we can be sad and OK at the exact same time. TV, movies, popular songs and even people tell us if we’re not happy, there’s something wrong. We’re taught that sadness is unnatural, and we must resist it. In truth, it’s natural and it’s healthy to accept sadness and know it won’t last forever.

Talk to a depressed person as if their life is just as valuable, intense and beautiful as yours.

And here are some do’s.

Do talk to us in your natural voice. You don’t need to put on a sad voice because we’re depressed; do you sneeze when you’re talking to somebody with a cold? It’s not rude for you to be upbeat around us.

Do absolve yourself of responsibility for the depressed person. You might be afraid that if you talk to them, you’re responsible for their well-being, that you need to “fix” them and solve their problems. You’re not expected to be Dr. Phil — just be friendly, more like Ellen. You may worry that you won’t know what to say, but words are not the most important thing — your presence is.

Do be clear about what you can and cannot do for us. I’ve told people, “Hey, call or text me anytime, but I might not be able to get back to you that same day.” It’s totally cool for you to make a narrow offer with really clear boundaries. Give us a sense of control by getting our consent about what you’re planning to do. A while back when I was having a depressive episode, a friend reached out and said, “Hey, I want to check in with you. Can I call you every day? Or, maybe text you every day and call you later in the week? What works for you?” By asking for my permission, she earned my confidence and remains one of my best friends today.

Do interact with us about normal stuff or ask us for help. When people were worried about a friend of mine, they’d call him and ask if he wanted to go shopping or help them clean out their garage. This was a great way to reach out. They were engaging with him without calling attention to his depression. He knew they cared, but he didn’t feel embarrassed or like a burden. (Yes, your depressed friends could be a good source of free labor!) Invite them to contribute to your life in some way, even if it’s as small as asking you to go see a movie that you wanted to see in the theater.

This is, by no means, a definitive list. All of these suggestions are grounded in one guiding principle: speaking to someone like they belong and can contribute. That’s what allowed the woman in the Jeep Wrangler to start me on my path to recovery without even trying: She spoke to me like I was OK and had something to offer exactly as I was at that moment. Talk to a depressed person as if their life is just as valuable, intense and beautiful as yours. If you focus on that, it might just be the most uplifting conversation of their life.

This piece was adapted from a talk given at TEDxSnoIsleLibraries2017. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bill Bernat is a technology marketer, Comedy Central comedian, and The Moth Radio Hour storyteller living in Seattle. He brings awareness and humor to mental health in his award-winning show, Becoming More Less Crazy. He also leads storytelling workshops and fundraisers for nonprofit organizations.

Melinda

Repost

Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Aromalief Hemp Cream vs Voltaren Gel

Looking for the Light4 Comments

From the Aromalief Blog, you might be surprised at the difference between the two.

Aromalief Team

In February of 2020, the popular prescription pain relief cream Voltaren changed to Over the Counter through a process at the FDA called Rx to OTC. This cream was first approved in 2007 to help temporarily relieve arthritis pain. In this blog post, I would like to share with you the ingredient differences between our cream Aromalief and Voltaren made by Novartis. 

Aromalief Hemp Pain Relief Ingredients

Aromalief Hemp Pain Relief Cream combines the cooling power of naturally derived menthol with a blend of botanicals and nutrients. The preservatives used in Aromalief are non-toxic and help to prevent bacteria from growing in it. 

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

MENTHOL

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS

ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, WATER, STEARYL ALCOHOL, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, MENTHYL LACTATE, GLYCERIN, PEG 100 STEARATE, CANNABIS SATIVA SEED OIL, ULVA LACTUCA LINNAEUS, FUCACEAE FUCUS VESICULOSUS, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, FRAGRANCE, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) FLOWER OIL, MALTODEXTRIN, GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE, DIMETHYL SULFONE (MSM), L-ARGININE, GLYCOL STEARATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL

Voltaren Gel Ingredients

Voltaren Gel’s active ingredient is Diclofenac Sodium which is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs also known as NSAIDs. Also included in the formula is Ammonia. 

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

DICLOFENAC SODIUM

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS

AMMONIA,  CARBOMER HOMOPOLYMER TYPE C, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE,  ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL,  MINERAL OIL, POLYOXYL 20 CETOSTEARYL ETHER,  PROPYLENE GLYCOL, WATER

Annabell wrote this post in response to the questions she received on their Facebook page. 

I can speak from personal experience: Aromalief works like no other topical cream I’ve used. Soon after I rub the cream on, it begins to warm up and has a light menthol and lavender scent. Nothing overpowering. I joke all the time that my dogs would not know it’s me without the Aromalief scent. 

Aroalief is for tired, achy muscles, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. I even use it for my carpal tunnel in both hands.

Three things I’ve learned since having the opportunity to review Aromalief for Chronic Illness Bloggers are that she strives for excellence, guarantees 100% customer satisfaction, and is committed to the pain community. The bonus for me is that Aromalief is WOMEN-owned and made in America.  

Here’s a copy of my review for Aromalief Lavender Hemp Pain Cream.

If you have any questions for Annabell, please write to her at Aromalief.

Melinda

Repost

 

 

 

What is Hypocalcemia? My latest diaognosis
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

What is Hypocalcemia? My latest diaognosis

Looking for the Light3 Comments

Earlier in the month I was diagnosed with persistent Hypocalcemia. The lack of calcium can cause many problems but the most troubling to me at this time is more Osteoporosis which I already have in my hip and heart complications, which I already have several heart issues.

Like everyone my appointment was pushed out and we wait out the social distancing to get back to normal. I’m lucky that I don’t have the worst symptoms yet.

Hypocalcemia (Calcium Deficiency Disease)

What’s calcium deficiency disease?

Calcium is a vital mineral. Your body uses it to build strong bones and teeth. Calcium is also needed for your heart and other muscles to function properly. When you don’t get enough calcium, you increase your risk of developing disorders like:

Children who don’t get enough calcium may not grow to their full potential height as adults.

You should consume the recommended amount of calcium per day through the food you eat, supplements, or vitamins.

What causes hypocalcemia?

Many people are at an increased risk for calcium deficiency as they age. This deficiency may be due to a variety of factors, including:

  • poor calcium intake over a long period of time, especially in childhood
  • medications that may decrease calcium absorption
  • dietary intolerance to foods rich in calcium
  • hormonal changes, especially in women
  • certain genetic factors

It’s important to ensure proper calcium intake at all ages.

For children and teenagers, the recommended daily allowances for calcium are the same for both sexes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the daily allowances are:

According to the U.S. government’s dietary guidelinesTrusted Source, calcium requirements for adults are:

Women need to increase their calcium intake earlier in life than men, starting in middle age. Meeting the necessary calcium requirement is particularly important as a woman approaches menopause.

The hormone disorder hypoparathyroidism may also cause calcium deficiency disease. People with this condition don’t produce enough parathyroid hormone, which controls calcium levels in the blood.

During menopause, women should also increase their calcium intake to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and calcium deficiency disease. The decline in the hormone estrogen during menopause causes a woman’s bones to thin faster.

Other causes of hypocalcemia include malnutrition and malabsorption. Malnutrition is when you’re not getting enough nutrients, while malabsorption is when your body can’t absorb the vitamins and minerals you need from the food you eat. Additional causes include:

  • low levels of vitamin D, which makes it harder to absorb calcium
  • medications, such phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin, corticosteroids, and drugs used to treat elevated calcium levels
  • pancreatitis
  • hypermagnesemia and hypomagnesemia
  • hyperphosphatemia
  • septic shock
  • massive blood transfusions
  • renal failure
  • certain chemotherapy drugs
  • “Hungry bone syndrome,” which may occur after surgery for hyperparathyroidism
  • removal of parathyroid gland tissue as part of surgery to remove the thyroid gland

If you miss your daily dose of calcium, you won’t become calcium deficient overnight. But it’s still important to make an effort to get enough calcium every day, since the body uses it quickly. Vegans are more likely to become calcium deficient quickly because they don’t eat calcium-rich dairy products.

Calcium deficiency won’t produce short-term symptoms because the body maintains calcium levels by taking it directly from the bones. But long-term low levels of calcium can have serious effects.

What are the symptoms of hypocalcemia?

Early stage calcium deficiency may not cause any symptoms. However, symptoms will develop as the condition progresses.

Severe symptoms of hypocalcemia include:

Calcium deficiencies can affect all parts of the body, resulting in weak nails, slower hair growth, and fragile, thin skin.

Calcium also plays an important role in both neurotransmitter release and muscle contractions. So, calcium deficiencies can bring on seizures in otherwise healthy people.

If you start experiencing neurological symptoms like memory loss, numbness and tingling, hallucinations, or seizures, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.

How’s calcium deficiency disease diagnosed?

Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of calcium deficiency disease. They’ll review your medical history and ask you about family history of calcium deficiency and osteoporosis.

If your doctor suspects calcium deficiency, they’ll take a blood sample to check your blood calcium level. Your doctor will measure your total calcium level, your albumin level, and your ionized or “free” calcium level. Albumin is a protein that binds to calcium and transports it through the blood. Sustained low calcium levels in your blood may confirm a diagnosis of calcium deficiency disease.

Normal calcium levels for adults can range from 8.8 to 10.4 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), according to the Merck Manual. You may be at risk for calcium deficiency disease if your calcium level is below 8.8 mg/dL. Children and teens typically have higher blood calcium levels than adults.

How’s hypocalcemia treated?

Calcium deficiency is usually easy to treat. It typically involves adding more calcium to your diet.

Do not self-treat by taking a lot of calcium supplements. Taking more than the recommended dose without your doctor’s approval can lead to serious issues like kidney stones.

Commonly recommended calcium supplements include:

  • calcium carbonate, which is the least expensive and has the most elemental calcium
  • calcium citrate, which is the most easily absorbed
  • calcium phosphate, which is also easily absorbed and doesn’t cause constipation

Calcium supplements are available in liquid, tablet, and chewable forms.

Shop for calcium supplements.

It’s important to note that some medications could interact negatively with calcium supplements. These medications include:

  • blood pressure beta-blockers like atenolol, which may decrease calcium absorption if taken within two hours of taking calcium supplements
  • antacids containing aluminum, which may increase blood levels of aluminum
  • cholesterol-lowering bile acid sequestrants such as colestipol, which may decrease calcium absorption and increase the loss of calcium in the urine
  • estrogen medications, which can contribute to an increase in calcium blood levels
  • digoxin, as high calcium levels can increase digoxin toxicity
  • diuretics, which can either increase calcium levels (hydrochlorothiazide) or decrease calcium levels in the blood (furosemide)
  • certain antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines, whose absorption can be decreased by calcium supplements

Sometimes diet changes and supplements aren’t enough to treat a calcium deficiency. In this case, your doctor may want to regulate your calcium levels by giving you regular calcium injections.

You can expect to see results within the first few weeks of treatment. Severe cases of calcium deficiency disease will be monitored at one- to three-month intervals.

What are the possible complications of hypocalcemia?

Complications from calcium deficiency disease include eye damage, an abnormal heartbeat, and osteoporosis.

Complications from osteoporosis include:

  • disability
  • spinal fractures or other bone fractures
  • difficulty walking

If left untreated, calcium deficiency disease could eventually be fatal.

How can hypocalcemia be prevented?

You can prevent calcium deficiency disease by including calcium in your diet every day.

Be aware that foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, can also be high in saturated fat and trans fat. Choose low-fat or fat-free options to reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease.

You can get 1/4 to 1/3 of your RDA of calcium in a single serving of some milks and yogurts. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)Trusted Source, other calcium-rich foods include:

While meeting your calcium requirement is very important, you also want to make sure you’re not getting too much. According to the Mayo Clinic, upper limits of calcium intake in milligrams (mg) for adults are:

  • 2,000 mg per day for men and women 51 years of age and up
  • 2,500 mg per day for men and women 19 to 50 years of age

You might want to supplement your diet by taking a multivitamin. Or your doctor may recommend supplements if you’re at high risk for developing a calcium deficiency.

Multivitamins may not contain all of the calcium you need, so be sure to eat a well-rounded diet. If you’re pregnant, take a prenatal vitamin.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important because it increases the rate calcium is absorbed into your blood. Ask your doctor how much vitamin D you need.

To increase your calcium intake, you can add food rich in vitamin D to your diet. These include:

  • fatty fish like salmon and tuna
  • fortified orange juice
  • fortified milk
  • portobello mushrooms
  • eggs

As with calcium-rich dairy products, some vitamin D-rich dairy products can also be high in saturated fat.

Sunlight triggers your body to make vitamin D, so getting regular exposure to the sun can also help boost your vitamin D levels.

Melinda

What is Hypogammaglobulinemia?
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

What is Hypogammaglobulinemia?

Looking for the Light10 Comments

I’ve recently been diagnosed with the immune disorder Hypogammaglobulinemia which requires the expertise of an Endocrinologist. My doctor isn’t sure how I contracted it since I don’t fit any noted categories. 

Infusion treatments may become necessary for Hypogammaglobinemia, some patients only require one treatment and others require ongoing infusion treatment for life.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Overview

Hypogammaglobulinemia is a problem with the immune system that prevents it from making enough antibodies called immunoglobulins. Antibodies are proteins that help your body recognize and fight off foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Without enough antibodies, you’re more likely to get infections. People with Hypogammaglobulinemia can more easily catch pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections that a healthy immune system would normally protect against. These infections can damage organs and lead to potentially serious complications.

Causes

Several gene changes (mutations) have been linked to Hypogammaglobulinemia.

One such mutation affects the BTK gene. This gene is needed to help B cells grow and mature. B cells are a type of immune cell that makes antibodies. Immature B cells don’t make enough antibodies to protect the body from infection.

THI is more common in premature infants. Babies normally get antibodies from others through the placenta during pregnancy. These antibodies protect them from infections once they’re born. Babies that are born too early don’t get enough antibodies from their mothers.

A few other conditions can cause Hypogammaglobulinemia. Some are passed down through families and start at birth (congenital). These are called primary immune deficiencies.

They include:

  • ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T)
  • autosomal recessive agammaglobulinemia (ARA)
  • common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)
  • hyper-IgM syndromes
  • IgG subclass deficiency
  • isolated non-IgG immunoglobulin deficiencies
  • severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
  • specific antibody deficiency (SAD)
  • Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
  • x-linked agammaglobulinemia

More oftenTrusted Source, Hypogammaglobulinemia develops as a result of another condition, called secondary or acquired immune deficiencies. These include:

Certain medications can also cause hypogammaglobulinemia, including:

  • medicines that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids
  • chemotherapy drugs
  • antiseizure medications

Treatment options

If your Hypogammaglobulinemia is severe, you may get Immune Globulin replacement therapy to replace what your body isn’t making. You get this treatment through an IV. The immune globulin comes from the blood plasma of healthy donors.

I’ll keep you posted. 

Melinda

 

Agoraphobia Is Not Logical
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

Agoraphobia Is Not Logical

Looking for the Light19 Comments

Whatever this obstacle is, it started 18 months ago, there wasn’t a moment I can pin this inability on. Inability is the right word, I’m not afraid to leave the house, I’ve driven a few times in the past year, I know how to drive and live in the same town.

Yet I have my husband take me to all my appointments even if there just a mile or two away. I never feel nervous when we’re getting ready to go, no uncomfortable feelings on the way there and no sigh of relief when we’re back home.

For the longest time, I denied I had Agoraphobia but now understand people drive while suffering from Agoraphobia. The famous Chef Paula Dean was Agoraphobic for years, she drove and took care of business as needed but she feared it, didn’t want to drive, couldn’t even walk around the block at one point. Her book helped me understand you can function but it still didn’t convince me I have Agoraphobia.

I feel tremendous pressure to drive to my doctor’s appointments so my husband won’t have to take off work. He has to take an average of five days a month to drive me, sometimes very short distances. Even thou he’s been with the company 20 years that is still a lot of days off. I hate to think of how many days off since 2012 when I first got sick.

There is only one factor I can come up with, my dementia. I have lost big chunks of knowledge, simple things like where I used to go shopping. I don’t remember how to get there. One other factor is our city has grown so big since I got sick nothing looks the same. We passed a restaurant we use to frequent and I barely noticed it because everything had grown around it.

I’m not sure I could drive the 30 miles to my grandparent’s house. I had to really think hard about what streets I would take, exits, what freeways and then doing in reverse. My husband said he wouldn’t feel comfortable with me driving to their house.

I am afraid of getting lost, not being able to take care of myself as before or forgetting my phone, which I did the first appointments I drove to. Not only did I get lost but forgot my phone. Another small part is I have a different car than before. My previous car was a sexy BMW hot rod and I knew how fast it could get to the on the freeway ramp. I now have a Suburu which is really cool but not the same get up and go. I’m still adjusting to how fast I have to turn in front of someone and all the good things you learn when you get a new vehicle. My Suburu is two years old and has 1300 miles on it. I have driven about 15 of those miles.

Does any of this make sense, is the real issue my dementia and I’m trying to avoid admitting?

Please give any feedback you have, I want to hear every thought and idea. Thanks a million.

Melinda

Repost from 2019

Throat got You down? Updated!
DIY · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Throat got You down? Updated!

Looking for the Light3 Comments

alone bed bedroom blur
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

Magnolia Issue #10

Throat Soother

1 large lemon

Ginger root, fresh 2″ knob

Turmeric root, fresh 2″ knob

2 cinnamon sticks

1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup honey

Slice

lemon, ginger, and turmeric paper-thin using a mandolin or sharp knife. Layer slices in a half-pint jar. Break cinnamon sticks lengthwise into several pieces and tuck them in jar. Add apple cider vinegar.

Pour

Pour honey into the jar, covering the other ingredients. Place jar in the refrigerator. The honey becomes thin syrup and read to use in 12 hours.

To Use

Stir up 1/4 cup into a hot tea or water: or take 1-2 tsp. syrup each hour as needed to soothe sore throat or cough. Shake the jar occasionally. Keep Refrigerated for up to three weeks.

BONUS Grannies Recipe

Mix equal parts honey, whiskey and lemon. Refrigerate in a pint jar, leave a spoon in and take a spoonful or two every time your throat needs it.

Super Bonus Gramps Recipe

Keep the bottle of Black Velvet on the nightstand, when you wake yourself up coughing, take a sig.

Children · Chronic Illness · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Medical

MANAGING FIBROMYALGIA IN CHILDREN

Looking for the Light1 Comment

Welcome to Remedy, a blog by U.S. Pain Foundation. Remedy aims to provide people with the support they need to thrive despite chronic pain. It features the information about promising treatments, tips and strategies for self-management, resources for coping with the emotional and social effects of pain, unique perspectives from patients, clinicians, and caregivers–and much more. To submit an article idea, email contact@uspainfoundation.org.

Posted: January 14, 2019

 

By Brent Wells, DC, a chiropractor and founder of Better Health Chiropractic and Physical Rehab

If your child feels tired and achy, you may not worry initially. After all, there’s nothing urgent about what seems to be mild, general discomfort. However, if your child is constantly in pain, exhausted, having trouble sleeping, and experiencing intense moods, he/she may have fibromyalgia.

This condition is fairly common in adults, but parents and clinicians may overlook the possibility of juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome — that is, fibromyalgia in children.

JUVENILE FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by pain and fatigue. According to experts, children will often describe this pain as “stiffness, tightness, tenderness, burning or aching.” This pain can last for months and is often accompanied by other symptoms that affect a child’s overall well-being, energy level, and emotional health, including:

  • Tender spots on muscles
  • Difficulty sleeping and fatigue
  • Aches, including stomachaches and headaches
  • Lack of focus or memory
  • Anxiety and depression

If your child is experiencing these symptoms, you should see a doctor. There’s not one test to confirm it, so he/she will go through a range of tests to rule out other conditions.

Unfortunately, there is no one “cure” for fibromyalgia, which can be frustrating for patients, especially children. If left untreated, symptoms can lead to issues at school or making friends. Many parents describe this as a “vicious cycle” where symptoms continue to feed the condition.

Experts still aren’t sure what causes fibromyalgia or how it develops in the body. Some believe that mixed-up pain signals in the brain cause greater pain chemicals and/or overactive pain receptors. Others think it might be triggered, in part, by an emotional event like an illness, injury or psychological stress. But even if the cause involves emotions, the pain is still real.

HOW CHILDREN CAN COPE WITH FIBROMYALGIA

It’s important to create a support team and get your child’s primary care doctor, pain specialist, psychologist, physical therapist, and teachers on board. The more people are aware of your child’s condition, the more they can help him/her cope with symptoms at home and school. You may also want to look for pain support groups near you, for both your child and you as a parent.

Your doctor can help you decide whether medication, such as anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, or nerve pain medications, may be right for your child. He or she also may recommend therapies like injections or topical creams. In conjunction with these interventions, your doctor will probably prescribe treatments like physical therapy and behavioral changes, which are crucial to long-term management of fibromyalgia.

Let’s go over some nonpharmacological strategies for coping with fibromyalgia.

FIVE STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVED SYMPTOMS

Although fibromyalgia may disrupt your child’s life, affecting school and friendships, you may be able to improve your child’s quality of life with these natural therapies and changes. Of course, there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, but by managing symptoms, you can help your child get back to some sense of normalcy.

  1. Get moving!

Exercise can be incredibly valuable for managing your child’s fibromyalgia symptoms. Exercise can relieve muscle stiffness and tire out the body physically so that your child can fall asleep more easily. In particular, pool exercises have been shown to help patients because the warm water can have a soothing effect on pain and also promote blood circulation.

Consider signing up your child for swim class to get regular exercise that is both fun and good for symptoms. Start with limited intervals of exercise at first, and slowly increase them as symptoms allow. Aquatic physical therapy can be extremely beneficial for patients whose fibromyalgia is too severe for regular pool activities.

  1. Incorporate meditation methods

While your child may not be interested in meditation, try to incorporate some of the practices in your child’s daily life. After playtime, encourage your child to take a moment to relax and reset. In addition, teach your child how to use relaxing breathing exercises when he/she feels overwhelmed during school or before bed.

Studies show that meditation can help reduce fibromyalgia patients’ stiffness, anxiety and depression. In the least, promoting a stress-free environment and creating a sense of relaxation will help your child feel less anxious.

  1. Say goodnight to fibromyalgia

Your child’s sleep routine is essential for improving fibromyalgia symptoms. Chart out the best routine for your child together. Make sure he/she goes to bed at the same time every day and start “sleep-ready” habits an hour before bed. This routine could include a break from screen time, reading a story together, listening to a relaxing song and/or taking a hot bath. Promoting a relaxing environment will help your child get to sleep.

Make sure you’re not giving your child food late at night, especially items with any caffeine or sugar. Also, be sure take away tablets and cell phones. The blue light can wake up your child instead of helping him/her get sleepy. Sufficient sleep is essential to managing pain.

  1. Change your child’s diet for success

Some experts recommend following an anti-inflammatory diet to prevent aches and pains. In general, an anti-inflammatory diet is based on the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fish, fish, vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil.

Update your child’s lunch to include a handful of nuts, or add an apple for a snack. Anytime you can add fruits and vegetables to his/her diet, do it! This boost of nutrients will fuel your child for success. Try to limit junk food as well, which has no value and could actually inflame your child’s pains.

  1. Schedule your child for a physical therapy session

Your child could benefit from seeing a physical therapist or chiropractor near you. Recent studies show how physical therapy or chiropractic can have a positive impact on fibromyalgia patients. Finding the right physical therapist is important. Call in advance to ensure they have experience with fibromyalgia and/or with children. Specific exercises in physical therapy can help to improve your child’s core strength and incorporate techniques to soothe muscle aches and pain. Similarly, regular massage therapy sessions with an experienced masseuse can improve your child’s exercise, sleep and mood.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

A fibromyalgia diagnosis can be challenging, but doesn’t have to take over your child’s life. It’s a good idea to talk to an expert to come up with the most effective care plan for your child, one that ideally includes a diverse range of strategies, like those listed above. Together, you can talk about your child’s specific issues and needs, and figure out the best way to improve symptoms.

About Dr. Brent Wells

Dr. Brent Wells is a graduate of the University of Nevada where he earned his bachelor of science degree before moving on to complete his doctorate from Western States Chiropractic College. He founded Better Health Chiropractic and Physical Rehab in Anchorage in 1998. He became passionate about being in the chiropractic field after his own experiences with hurried, unprofessional healthcare providers. The goal for Dr. Wells is to treat his patients with care and compassion while providing them with a better quality of life through his professional treatment.

Melinda

 

Eight Benefits to Tamanu Oil
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Eight Benefits to Tamanu Oil

Looking for the Light7 Comments

Tamanu oil is derived from the Tamanu tree, which originates in the Polynesian islands, tropical Southeast Asia, south India, and the tropical African Coast. With antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-inch, and healing properties, it has been used for skin care as well as hair care. The smell is slightly sweet and someone nutty, the color is greenish-yellow, and the shelf life is normally two years, depending on how it’s stored. Here are eight ways this oil benefits your overall health.

  • Treats Acne by reducing bacterial growth.
  • Soothes dry skin by moisturizing and adding antioxidants.
  • Smooths wrinkles with fatty acids and antioxidants.
  • Heals wounds, cuts, and abrasions with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
  • Reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks thanks to the cell regenerating and renewal characteristics.
  • Treats ingrown hairs with antibacterial property.
  • Fights scalp irregularities and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents.
  • Restores hair health and shine by sealing in moisture.

Notes

Before using Tamanu oil, test it on a small area of your skin to make sure you’re not allergic or sensitive to it. 

Avoid using Tamanu oil if you have a tree nut allergy.

For deep, infected wounds, please seek immediate care from a healthcare provider.

Melinda

Reference:

Willow & Sage

 

Once unwanted, these dogs are now on the front lines of wildlife conservation
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Once unwanted, these dogs are now on the front lines of wildlife conservation

Looking for the Light6 Comments
These incredible pups catch poachers, sniff out invasive plants and diseases, and more, thanks to the work of wildlife biologist and conservation-dog expert Megan Parker.

What happens to those dogs that are just too much dog for people to handle? “You know them — you go to your friend’s barbecue, their dog is so happy to see you that she pees on your feet, and she drops a slobbery ball in your lap,” says Megan Parker (TEDxJacksonHole talk: Dogs for Conservation), a wildlife biologist and dog expert based in Bozeman, Montana. “You throw it to get as much distance between you and the dog as possible, but she keeps coming back with the ball. By the 950th throw, you’re thinking, Why don’t they get rid of this dog?” All too often, their owners reach the same conclusion and leave their pet at a shelter.

Thanks to Parker and the team at Working Dogs for Conservation (WD4C), some of these dogs have found a new leash lease on life. They’re using their olfactory abilities and unstoppable drive in a wide variety of earth-friendly ways, working with human handlers to sniff out illegal poachers and smugglers, track endangered species, and spot destructive invasive plants and animals.

Chai is shown here with a trainer. After a dog learns to recognize a particular scent, the education isn’t over — their handler works with them regularly so they maintain their skills. These days, you can find this sweet German shepherd protecting wildlife in Zambia, along with her brother Earl.

Parker first considered using dogs in conservation when she worked on the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone Park and was asked how researchers could track wolves through their scat, or droppings. “I started thinking how best to detect their scat off a large landscape, and the idea came up for dogs,” she says. In 2o00, she cofounded WD4C to train and use canines in conservation work. Most of their dogs are adopted from shelters or from organizations or work settings where they didn’t quite fit in.

While it’s fair to say almost all dogs love toys, wildlife-detection dogs areobsessed with them. “They’ll do anything to chase a ball or a tug toy,” says Parker. If their preferred plaything is thrown far into the brush or buried in a massive pile of leaves, no worries — they won’t stop looking until they find it. No food, obstacle or distractions can deter them, and WD4C staff have turned this single-minded focus into a powerful incentive. Their canine friends are rewarded with their favorite toy every time they locate a desired wildlife-related scent, anything from elephant ivory and poachers’ guns in Zambia and trafficked snow leopards in Tajikistan to predatory Rosy wolf snails in Hawaii and invasive Argentine ants on California’s Santa Cruz Islands. The dogs are careful not to disturb or touch any specimens they pinpoint; it’s all about the toy.

Lily, a yellow Lab, is one of the group’s many sad-start-happy-ending stories. When the then-three-year-old came to the attention of WD4C trainers, she’d already bounced her way in and out of five different homes. She couldn’t sit still and she never, ever wanted to stop playing. Oh, and she was a bit of a whiner. Since joining WD4C in 2011, she has been trained to recognize a dozen different conservation-related scents and been deployed to track grizzly bears and sniff out the eggs, beetles and larvae of emerald ash borers, an insect that has killed millions of trees in the US and Canada.

Hilo was originally meant to be a guide dog for the blind, but when that didn’t work out, he found a place at WD4C. Here, he wears the standard orange vest that tells conservation dogs it’s time to get to work. Hilo helps detect quagga and zebra mussels on boats.

The three-dozen-strong WD4C pack also includes purebred working dogs who weren’t right for their intended occupations. Orbee, a border collie, had the enthusiasm and live-wire energy required of ranch dogs, but there was one problem: he had zero interest in herding sheep. He also barked a lot. Since joining WD4C in 2009, Orbee has had a globe-trotting career — he has spotted invasive quagga and zebra mussels on boats in Alberta and Montana, monitored the habitats of the endangered San Joaquin kit fox in California, and assisted scientists in northern Africa in counting up Cross River gorillas, the world’s rarest gorilla.

Jax is a Belgian malinois, a sturdy breed frequently used by the police and military. He was in training to serve with the US Army’s special unit, the Green Berets, until his handlers realized Jax doesn’t like to bite people — just toys. And, boy, does he loves toys; he’s even tried to climb trees to reach prized objects. Since 2017, Jax’s athleticism and high spirits have been used by the WD4C to perform tasks such as mapping the movements of bobcats in the western US.

Tule gets to roam the great outdoors for WD4C, using her keen nose — dogs have around 300 million olfactory receptors compared to humans’ 6 million — to track animals such as the endangered black-footed ferret in Wyoming.

“Different dogs have different strong suits,” says Parker. She and the WD4C team try to place their charges in environments that match their skillset, likes and dislikes. Unlike many dogs, Tule (above), a Belgian malinois who flunked out of a job with US Customs and Border Patrol, has absolutely no desire to chase small animals such as cats, squirrels and rabbits. This made her the perfect fit to help researchers monitor black-footed ferrets, which live in the same territory as a large, scampering prairie-dog population. The ferrets, once thought extinct in the US, were reintroduced in Wyoming in recent years. Tule alerts her handlers to the scent of live ferrets or their scat, information that allows state wildlife officials to map their distribution and see if the population is recovering. Without Tule and her pack, researchers would be forced to study the elusive creatures with cameras or live traps, undependable methods at best.

The dogs’ efforts have resulted in positive, substantial changes. The organization teamed up with the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Society so their dogs could track the scat of four keystone carnivores (grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions and wolves) through the Centennial Mountains in Idaho and Montana. Five years of doggie data showed that all four species depended on the mountains to move between the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem and central Idaho wilderness areas. Thanks to this information, activists were able to stop construction of a housing development that would have interrupted their migratory pathway.

Tobias is a former stray who was found on the streets of Helena, Montana. He has searched for Argentine ants on California’s Santa Cruz Island, and now he spots invasive mussels on watercraft in and around Glacier National Park.

Some dogs are searching for animals and plants that are most wanted for the opposite reason: they’re invasive species proliferating where they don’t belong and driving out native flora and fauna. There’s the previously mentioned zebra and quagga mussels, which spread by clinging to boats and watercraft, and which clog water and sewage pipes, foul up power plants, and destroy good algae. Tobias (above) is a specialist in finding them. In one test, WD4C dogs identified 100 percent of the boats with mussels aboard (human screeners spotted 75 percent). The dogs did the job more quickly, and they could also detect the mussels’ microscopic larvae.

Former shelter dog Seamus (shown at the top of the post), a border collie, is an expert in searching out dyer’s woad on Mount Sentinel in Montana.Humans have tried to eradicate the invasive weed by spotting its flowers and pulling out plants by hand, but these attempts barely made a dent. By the time it’s found, it’s often already seeded (and a single plant can produce up to 10,000 seeds). Seamus’s keen nose, along with those of three canine colleagues, learned to sniff out woad before it flowered, a time when it’s extremely hard for human eyes to see. They also found root remnants left in the ground. At a recent checkup, just 19 of the invasive plants were found on the mountain. “It will be a complete extermination,” says Parker. “It’s just going to take a long time because we don’t know how long their seeds last in the soil.”

The dogs’ hunting grounds even extend into the water. Although prized in their native habitat, brook trout are an invasive species elsewhere; in some places in the Western US, they are pushing out the native cutthroat trout. WD4C was brought to Montana by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Geological Survey and the Turner Endangered Species Fund to see whether their animals could learn to sniff out live fish in moving water. Reports Parker, “This project confirmed what we long suspected: that dogs can detect and discriminate scents in water.”

Pepin can recognize 20 wildlife scents, including the scat of snow leopards, wolverines and cheetahs. In one cheetah study, he and another conservation dog located 27 scats in a 927-square-mile area. How many did humans find in the same territory? None.

Pepin (above), who worked on the brook trout project, is part of an ambitious charge to train the dogs to detect infectious diseases in animals.“He’s done the first of a lot of things for us, because he’s so game,” says Parker. Some wildlife carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease that is particularly harmful to cattle. It’s difficult to tell when animals are first infected because they typically don’t display symptoms, so in areas where the disease is prevalent, ranchers tend to keep livestock and wildlife as far away from each other as possible — severely limiting the territory and movement of both kinds of animals. The hope is that dogs could provide a fast, reliable way to identify infected herds. So far, Pepin has shown he can discriminate infected elk scat with higher and lower concentrations of the bacteria, and W4DC is eager to explore this use of dog power. “We have proof of concept,” says Parker. “I’d like to move that work forward.”

There are so many other unexplored capacities and environments where dogs could help, Parker believes. To that end, WD4C started a program in 2015 called Rescues 2the Rescue, which aims to help shelters around the world identify would-be detection dogs and place them with wildlife and conservation organizations. What kind of dogs are they looking for? Ones that are, uh, crazy.

To clarify that adjective, we’ll close by telling you about Wicket, a black Lab mix who retired from WD4C in 2017 at the top of her game, having detected 32 different wildlife scents in 18 states and seven countries. Wicket languished in a Montana shelter for six months, barking up a storm and scaring away potential owners, until WD4C cofounder Aimee Hurt found her there in 2005. When she went to adopt her, the shelter director said, “You don’t want that dog — that dog’s crazy!” To which Hurt replied, “I think she might be the right kind of crazy.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebekah Barnett is the community speaker coordinator at TED, and knows a good flag when she sees one.

Melinda
Reference:
Ideas TED Talks
Nov 6, 2018 / 
Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Lyme Disease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

Dr. Jemsek “Speaks the Truth”About Lyme Disease

Looking for the Light3 Comments

Dr Jemsek is an Infectious Disease Doctor who played a pivotal role identifying AIDS in N. Carolina. He is my hero and Lyme Doctor.

 

There are several treatment methods, every doctor is different. I’m on Antibiotic IV Therapy 5 days a week, and a Lactose Ringer when not on IV Therapy, close to 30 supplements, a Morphine Patch, two horrible liquid Rx’s, and close to 35-40 prescriptions.

YouTube is an awesome source for Lyme information.

Xx  M