Guest guest Posted December 15, 2004 Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 Hi! I'm going to attempt to give a brief summary of why I am here--one reason is that a wonderful friend encouraged me to join, so here I am! I am recovering from a Total Hip Replacement, performed on Sept 28. I had to have it replaced due to Osteoarthritis, which had invaded and was taking over and eating my hip joint alive, despite an operation for Avascular Necrosis 13 yrs ago which helped, but did not solve my problem. Of course I kept putting off the THR--I had young children, and the burden of being " down " for so many months (as it would have been in 1992) was too much to bear. My kids are older now, so I swallowed my fear, listened to my Western Doctor, and went ahead and had it done. I can't describe the difference! The OA is gone, implant in, and I am feeling much healthier without that diseased joint in my body! My question: I must now get off the narcotic pain relievers I have been on since my 1st operation; getting progressively stronger in the last 3 yrs or so as the OE set in. I had no idea I had OE, I just assumed the AVN was causing this increased pain. Fortunately I switched Drs, had another MRI, and discovered the OE was quite bad. So, I " took the jump " and had the surgery, as I said. I am 12 or so weeks post-op, and must detox from these meds, as I don't need them anymore except to keep the withdrawl-wolf at bay. My questions are: Does anyone have any suggestions to make this transition easier, any herbal remedies or healing practices that would make my fear and w/d symptoms tolerable and I would like any remedies for muscle pain as well. OUCH! I also would like information on nutritional guidelines that help regenerate bone and generally boost me to good health. I'm sure someone could help, or my good friend would not have suggested I join this forum! I have 2 boys, 13 and 10--they are exceptional, gifted children! I am also on a very tight income, I am on welfare because of the pain, and my eldest is on SSI because of behaviour issues beyond my control, (or anyone's, least of all himself--but he's working on it.) So, money is a HUGE issue. If I can find some herbs that are cheap and/or easy to come by in a garden or weed-patch, or are cheap enough for my budget, I would be most grateful to you for pointing me in the correct path. I have practiced crystal healing, mind-over-matter exercises, meditation, and various metaphysical experiences have I encountered--all which have helped, but I am certain this Forum can give me the missing pieces I so need to rejuvenate my body, mind and spirit--not to mention I need ways to decrease withdrawl symptoms, end the muscle pain associated with exercising these giant muscles, and boost my immune system (I also have HepC). I thank you for your aid in advance, and hope I will get to know some of you and know you have a wealth of information on these subjects (my friend told me you do, and he has been a member for quite some time.) -Glenna/Seattle --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.769 / Virus Database: 516 - Release 9/24/2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2004 Report Share Posted December 17, 2004 I looked through my notes and couldn’t find anything specifically about how to get off of pain killers. It might help to know the name and then search the group archives. Perhaps someone else has some advice on the subject. I have heard it is very hard and can take some effort to get off them, so don’t be hard on yourself for feeling rotten while you are going through the process. A liver cleanse would help detoxify the drugs from your body. See http://www.curezone.com for recipes. Here are a few ideas and some overall nutritional information for you and your sons. Take care. Some ideas: Get Out of the City A smaller, rural school will have less stress and more opportunities on the sports teams, etc—the overall competition and stress of life is a lot less. There is far less opportunity for getting into trouble. As for nutrition, there are many suggestions at the bottom of this page. Since you can’t afford a lot, you can help yourself by not eating processed foods, which will just increase your need for vitamins and make you feel worse. Try to eat whole foods such as beans or oatmeal. These are actually very inexpensive compared to processed foods. Colloidal Minerals If you can afford taking colloidal minerals for at least a month or two, just to make sure you have all of the trace minerals, it would be very good. At least make some bone soup and try to eat organ meat a few times. Trace minerals are essential for your body to heal. Buy a zinc supplement at a Dollar or Discount store. A small amount of zinc is required for your body to heal properly and can make a huge difference if you were deficient. Eat More Salmon and Sardines Your sons would benefit from minerals as well. Salmon, sardines, trout, and tuna are very good sources of minerals and the Omega-3 oils which are so helpful with ADD type problems. Stock up on salmon when it goes on sale and try to serve it as often as possible. Cut Out Milk, Pop, and Junk Foods Cut out all milk as a beverage and have only water to drink in the house a beverage, or limit the milk by buying a half of a gallon at a time. Over consumption of milk can throw off the Magnesium and make the child hyper. If at all possible, cook meals from scratch and do not have chips, cake, pop, fried foods, or other prepared foods in the house. Beans are an excellent food. Boil a bag of beans in water for 2 ½ minutes. Let sit for 2 hours turned off. Then simmer for around an hour to finish cooking. Some people live their whole life on little more than beans and corn. Ask for Help Now is the time to ask your family for help and to get your sons out of the city if at all possible before they reach high school. ADD and Related Conditions Attention Problems Linked to Early TV Exposure http://www.alternativementalhealth.com ADHD Resources http://www.adhd-report.com Article on Vitamins to Combat Depression + recipes http://www.wholehealthmd.com/hk/remedies/disp/1,1459,453,00.html Other Notes Related to Nutrition ADD/ADHD and Nutritional Facts JoAnn Guest Feb 25, 2004 14:44 PST ADD/ADHD and Nutritional Facts Vitamin A (Beta Carotene): Aids Memory, Learning. A study in mice suggests that vitamin A plays an important role in learning and memory, a finding that researchers say underscores concerns about vitamin A deficiency in some 190 million children throughout the world. December issue of the Journal Neuron as quoted in Jan 08 (Reuters Health.) Thiamine: When patients with evidence of thiamine deficiency were supplemented, their behavior improved. Lonsdale D, Shamberger R, Am J Chin Nutr 33(2):205-1 1, 1980. Niacin (vitamin B3): Supplementation may be helpful for the symptoms of hyperactivity, deteriorating school performance, perceptual changes and inability to acquire or maintain social relationships. Hoffer, A, Vitamin B3 Dependent Child, Schizophrenia, 3:107-113, 1971. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): Was found to be more effective than methylphenidate (Ritalin) in treating a group of hyperactive children in a double-blind, crossover study. A Preliminary Study of the Effect of Pyridoxine Administration to a Subgroup of Hyperkinetic children: A Double-blind, crossover Comparison with Methylphenidate, Coleman, et al, Bid. Psychiatry, Vol. 14, No. 5, 1979, pp. 741-751. When B6 Pyridoxine was given to hyperactive children with low blood serotonin levels, their hyperactivity disappeared and serotonin levels returned to normal. The effect of pyridoxine hydrochloride on blood serotonin and pyridoxal phosphate contents in hyperactive children, Pediatrics, 55:437-41, 1975. Magnesium: Deficiency in children is characterized by excessive fidgeting, anxious, restlessness, psychomotor Key Nutrients and Mood Swings Key Nutrients and Mood Swings Why use a Harmful Prescription Drug? - Before You decide to take An Anti-Depressant... Part 1: Depression? - The importance of adequate nutrition! http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com./before.htm Around 25% of the population may experience some form of depression at some point in their lives and statistics show that women are slightly more susceptible than men. There are many contributing factors to depression which include lifestyle, behaviour and relationships. Poor diet can have a disastrous effect on memory, co-ordination, concentration, powers of reason, behaviour and mood although this is very rarely recognised or looked into by medical professionals in the UK. Mental distress is linked to a deficiency of iron, magnesium and B-complex vitamins. Zinc deficiency can also be a major factor in causing depression and leads to loss of appetite, subsequent poor nutrition, inevitable chronic fatigue and finally, depression. Many people who go to their doctor complaining of fatigue are often wrongly assumed to be suffering from depression and prescribed anti- depressant drugs which doctors in the UK often use as a first line of treatment. Unfortunately, many of these drugs can interfere with zinc absorption. Low levels of zinc in the body can not only lead to a loss of appetite and fatigue (which can be exacerbated by anti-depressants) but can also be a factor in the cause of depression itself. It is therefore important to get adequate amounts of zinc in your diet in order to prevent a downward spiral from forming. Sources of zinc include: pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, non-gmo soya beans, organic wheat products (especially wheatgerm and wheat bran), sesame seeds, organic wholemeal bread, oats, legumes (especially aduki beans), peas, barley, nuts (especially almonds), peanuts and natural (unhydrogenated) peanut butter, organic wholegrain flours, buckwheat and brown rice. The majority of women and many children have diets that are deficient in iron, and zinc levels appear to be falling as the consumption of 'convenience' foods rises. Consequently, it is hardly surprising that depression is becoming more common. Excessive consumption of caffeine which can be found in coffee, fizzy drinks or chocolate interferes with mineral 'absorption' and can therefore trigger the onset of depression. Overstimulation of the central nervous system by caffeine can cause 'extreme' mood swings. A diet that is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars is a common factor in depressive illness and alcohol can also have a severe depressant effect. Vitamin deficiencies may have specific effects on mental states. These are detailed below: Vitamin C: generalised depression, extreme tiredness, outbursts of hysterical behaviour. Vitamin C may be found in oranges, kiwi fruits, broccoli, blackcurrants and potatoes, red pepper, parsley, green leafy vegetables (especially kale), green pepper, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage (especially savoy), strawberries, watercress, spinach, grapefruit, melon (all types), peas, raspberries, spring onions, swede and turnip. Vitamin B12: general mental deterioration; psychotic behaviour, depression, loss of memory and paranoia. Vitamin B12 can be found in organic goat cheeses, fortified yeast extract such as marmite and organic milk. Vitamin B1 (thiamine): depression, irritability, loss of memory, loss of concentration and exhaustion. Sources of Vitamin B1 include organic breakfast cereals, peas, sunflower seeds, millet, wheat germ, sesame seeds, organic soy beans, nuts (especially brazil, cashew nuts, almonds and walnuts), legumes (especially split peas, blackeye beans, kidney beans, lentils, chick peas), organic whole grains (especially brown rice and oatmeal), rye and organic potatoes. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Psychosis, mental deterioration and depression. Sources of Vitamin B6 include wheat products (especially wheatgerm and oatmeal), nuts (especially walnuts), legumes, (especially organic non-gmo soy beans, lentils, butter beans, haricot beans), barley, bananas, peanuts, avocados, buckwheat, organic wheat and rye, raisins and brussels sprouts. Folic Acid: fatigue, irritability, insomnia, forgetfulness and confusion. Folic Acid can be found in dried baker's yeast, fortified yeast extract such as marmite, blackeye beans, kidney beans, endive, broccoli, legumes (especially chickpeas), organic soy beans, vegetables (especially spinach, brussels sprouts, spring greens, okra, cabbage), almonds, beetroot, parsnips, walnuts, oatmeal, brown rice. Vitamin B3 (niacin; niacinamide): loss of memory, mood swings, depression and anxiety. Sources of Vitamin B3 include fortified yeast extract (such as marmite), brewer's yeast,peanuts, sesame seeds, brown rice, wholemeal flour, wheatgerm, wholemeal spaghetti, organic wholemeal bread, barley, legumes (especially split peas). Biotin: severe lethargy, depression and constant sleeping. Biotin can be found in organic eggs. Pantothenic Acid: insomnia, fatigue, depression and psychosis. Sources include broad (fava) beans, peanuts and peanut butter, legumes (especially split peas and organic soy beans), buckwheat, mushrooms, nuts (especially cashews and hazelnuts), avocados, broccoli and oatmeal. Although many people claim that they smoke to relieve tension, nicotine is another chemical which combined with raised blood levels of carbon monoxide, can have a detrimental effect on mood and brain function. Improved nutrition can be used to relieve depression and enhance overall mental health, mental ability and performance. Key nutrients can be obtained from a variety of sources which include eating a wide variety of vegetables, fruit and salads, plenty of wholegrain organic cereals, all types of unprocessed beans, pasta and brown rice. Grapes, millet, wheatgerm, brewer's yeast, oats, buckwheat, blackstrap molasses, berries, figs (fresh or dried), raw unsalted seeds and nuts, ginger, basil, and rosemary all have a key role to play in eating to beat depression. .. In order to function properly, the brain needs a constant regular supply of natural sugar from whole organic fruits but when the level plunges from hyper (too much) to hypo (too little), the effects on mood and behaviour can be devastating. Consequently, eating chocolates can cause one's mood to plummet as the high sugar content plays havoc with the blood-sugar levels.Chocolate contains the chemical theobromine which triggers the release of endorphins in the brain. Of all the potential triggers, attention to nutrition is the easiest and most basic first step to recovery. Ideally, investigating the nutritional aspect of one's diet should be the first step that is taken by any medical practitioner when someone presents with such conditions but in practice, this is very rarely the case. Keeping blood-sugar levels on an even keel is a primary requirement in order to avoid hypoglycaemia, as well as eating the vitamin B-rich foods previously mentioned. An adequate supply of good calories, healthy proteins and all the essential minerals are all essential in maintaining good mental health. However, it can sometimes be very difficult to persuade someone who is feeling extremely depressed to eat or to dissuade them from binging on high-fat, high-sugar foods of poor nutritional quality. Frequent small meals that are appealing, attractive and nourishing for example home made soups, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices and plenty of good wholegrain cereals could help to form the ideal basic menu. _________________ Post subject: Foods to alleviate Depression: Food & Mood -- A link between food and mood can be traced to neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Complex carbohydrates as well as certain food components such as folate (folic acid), magnesium, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and tryptophan may decrease symptoms of depression. Mega-Recipes We believe that it's possible to manage and/or improve certain conditions through what you eat. When we create " Mega-Recipes " for an ailment, we strive to include the maximum number of the nutrients that are shown to have benefit for that ailment. We also expect the Mega-Recipe to contain at least 25% of recommended intakes for those nutrients. See the list of recipes that have met our criteria for these ailments. What You Should Eat & Why: Complex carbohydrates- Consuming foods that are high in *tryptophan* along with foods high in 'complex' carbohydrates will help enhance the proper absorption of typtophan more effectively. Carboydrates may also boost *serotonin* activity in the brain. Foods that are often referred to as " comfort foods " tend to be high in complex carbohydrates. Leading Food Sources of complex carbohydrates: Broccoli, Brown Rice, Organic Potatoes, Blackberries, Pasta, wheat, organic Squash, (winter) Folic acid- Because folic acid is often deficient in people who are depressed, getting more of this vitamin through foods may help. The vitamin appears to have the ability to *reduce* the high levels of *homocysteine* associated with depression. Leading Food Sources of folic acid: Asparagus, Beets, Spinach, Avocados, Brussels sprouts, Bok choy, Cabbage, Savoy, unprocessed Beans, dried, Chick-peas, non-gmo Soybeans, Lentils, Oranges, Split Peas, fresh, free range Turkey and Broccoli Magnesium Magnesium is a mineral that may ease symptoms of depression by acting as a muscle relaxant. Leading Food Sources of magnesium: Spinach, Pumpkin seeds, Oysters, Sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, Amaranth, Buckwheat, Avocados, Quinoa, Almonds, Barley Niacin Based on niacin's well-recognized role in promoting sound nerve cell function, some experts recommend this B vitamin for relieving depression as well as feelings of anxiety and panic. Most B-vitamin complexes contain niacin in sufficient amounts for this purpose; they also offer the mood-enhancing benefits of other B vitamins. Leading Food Sources of niacin: Rice, brown, Amish Chicken, Pomegranates, Free-range Lamb, organic whole Wheat, Omega-3 fatty acids- Certain omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for depression. www.udoerasmus.com Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)- is an omega 3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid that is the building block of human brain tissue. Low levels of DHA have been associated with depression. Leading Food Sources of omega-3 fatty acids: Alaskan Salmon, Trout, Tuna (no-sodium with no msg- which also masquerades under the name of hydrolyzed chicken broth) http://www.wholehealthmd.com/hk/remedies/disp/1,1459,453,00.html _________________ Get Smart With Fats -- Fish oil has been a hot topic since the 1970s when it was discovered that the Greenland Eskimos had an extremely low rate of cardiovascular disease despite their high-fat diet. We now know why: the fats in their diet — omega-3 fatty acids with the tongue-twisting names of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels and help prevent dangerous blood clots that can trigger a heart attack. Today, exciting new research is showing that omega-3s are not only vital for heart health, but that DHA in particular plays a central role in brain function. Over half of your brain consists of fats, and DHA is the most abundant. It is particularly crucial in the synapses, the spaces between *neurons* where communication between nerve cells takes place, and the neurons' mitochondria, or energy-producing factories. When your brain cells receive inadequate amounts of DHA, they are forced to make do with inferior fats, and as a result, they are unable to function at their peak. DHA plays a critical role in brain development in infants and children and affects cognitive functioning throughout life. Low levels of DHA are associated with an increased risk of memory loss, and according to data from the long-term Framingham Heart Study, people with low levels are more likely to develop 'dementia' in their later years. A recent study at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, found that Alzheimer's sufferers as well as elderly subjects with other forms of cognitive impairment all had lower levels of DHA than did elderly subjects with normal cognitive functioning. DHA Combats Depression - Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have also been observed in depression and other psychological disorders. Studies suggest that some patients with these disorders cannot properly metabolize certain fats, and fish oil supplementation can have a positive effect in their treatment. Researchers from Harvard Medical School conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study which found that manic-depressive patients taking omega-3-rich fish oil capsules were symptom-free for a significantly longer time than those taking a placebo. The evidence linking psychiatric illness with low levels of omega-3s continues to grow, and some researchers have even suggested that the documented rise of depression in the Western world may be linked to decreasing fish consumption. Of course, the corresponding increase in our intake of saturated fats and trans fatty acids (transfats in margarines and other processed foods) probably plays a role as well. Feed Your Brain- How can you ensure that you're giving your brain the fats it needs for optimal functioning? One option is to eat fatty, cold-water fish two or three times a week. The healthiest varieties include alaskan salmon, trout, sardines, herring, shrimp, pollock, cod, catfish, clams, flatfish, crabs, scallops, and anchovies. Larger, longer-lived species (such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and very large tuna) can contain dangerously high levels of mercury, and should be eaten no more than once a month. www.drwhitaker.com T Read only the mail you want - Mail SpamGuard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Hi Glenna, welcome aboard and wishing you the best in your recovery. By joining this group, you are definitely in solution mode. Nothing like empowering ones self to take more responsibility around personal health issues. I hope that you will find information here that will help. I also would also recommend that you give the Liver some support by nourishing, toning and cleansing it. B-12 is a good start along with Vitamin C. I recommend the crystal form with backing soda added. 1 teaspoon crystals to 1/2 baking soda. I buy my C crystals from Trader Joe's. It cost about $10 for a 1 lb. jar. Try to eat as much raw food as you can. This will provide valuable enzymes and nutrients for restoration and healing. Be sure to watch portions and become more aware of what you eat. Remember we are what we eat. I also recommend herbs. Arthritis and joint pain are common symptoms of hep-C. The liver is a very powerful and important organ and hep-c can damage and prevent it from doing the many jobs our body depends on it doing. Good to here that you no longer drink alcohol. Opiates are really hard on the liver. They can be a damaging as alcohol when taken for long periods of time. Things will get much better once you get past the detox from the opiates. Helping the liver to cleanse itself by removing toxin overload, will allow it to do a better job taking care of the many other responsibilities that it is required to do for us to experience good health. If these Toxins are not removed, they will find there way to the joints or come out to the surface a cancers or growths. The Liver is called that (Liver) because when it's not functioning properly we experience that dying feeling or not to Live. The liver has to most responsibilities of any other organ for our feeling of well being. Traditional has been treating hepatitis for thousands of years with herbs. The virus has a tendency to create dampness and heat, which cause inflammation that may show up in the liver or move out to the joints or skin. Herbs that can dry up the dampness and cool down the heat are used, thereby treating the cause of the symptom of inflammation. Here are some herbs that are used in formulas for treating Hep-C. Herbs work better when used with other herbs that compliment. The example below is just one example of an excellent hep-c formula that is effective in treating Hep-C. I suggest taking a trip to Chinatown in Seattle for a first hand look at the many herbs used in healing and have and herbalist check to see if the formula below or another one will be useful. 1.Raix Salvia Miltiorrhizae--------dan shen 2.Sclerotium Poria Cocos-----fu ling 3.Sclerotium Polyporus Umbellati---zhe ling 4.Herba Artemisiae Capillaris---yin chen hoa 5.Herba Taraxicum Magnolici----pu gong yin ---Dandelion 6.Radix Paeonia Lactiflorae------bai shao 7.Panax Psuedoginseng---------san qi 8.Radix Bupleurum------------chai hu 9.Fructus Crataegus---------shan zha 10.Rhizoma Curcumae Longa----jiang huang 11.Radix Astragalii--------huang qi 12.Radix Condonopsis-----dang shen 13.Ramus Loranthus seu Visci---sang ji sheng 14.Lycium barabarum----gou gi zi 15.Radix Glycyrrhiza Uralensis-------gan choa 16.Herba Polygoni Avicularis---bian xu 17.Frucus Zizphyii Jujubae------da zhao 18.Gentiana Macrophyllae-------qin jiao In a future post I will provide more info regarding Traditional Chinese Herbals used for detoxing and Hep-C, (Including the Minor Bupleurum Decoction as well as the Gentiana Longdango Decoction) as well as some good books to help educate yourself to the basic of herbals and TCM. A special note; these are powerful herbs and should be researched and practice with the support of professionals when necessary. I spend lots of time reading books and consulting with some of the best in the field of TCM. It is important to know the actions of each herb that you use because if it is misused it can make matters worse. Hope this helps. Wishing you the best. Vester Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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