New member

[Guest guest]

Hello all:

I am not really all that new, as I joined the group in 2007... I just never

had the energy to write!

 

A bit of my history: I have always been rather sensitive to medications and

other substances such as caffeine. I was abused as a child and starved, and it

probably led to adrenal issues and other nutritional problems. When I got older

I married into an abusive relationship and ended up trying a lot of

antidepressants before I landed on Nortriptyline and Klonopin for a lot of

years.

 

I got divorced ten years ago and during the process I was in a relationship

and got pregnant, at which time I had to withdraw from the psych meds cold

turkey. I had been on 75mg Nortriptyline and 6mg of Klonopin, which was an

enormous dose, especially since I am a small person.

 

Anyway, going through the drug withdrawal was absolute hell for several years.

While in the midst of that, doctors diagnosed me as hyperthyroid and removed

most of the gland. After that they gave me no medication for replacement for six

years.

 

I became more and more ill over the years but I didn't have health insurance

for a long time and when I did manage to see a doctor they told me my thyroid

test results were fine. I finally pushed a doctor into giving me thyroid

medicine a couple of years ago. Since then my symptoms have improved but not

enough. I still suffer from fatigue, hair loss and a lot of sleeping

difficulties, among other things.

 

Finally a couple of months ago I gave up on endocrinologists and began seeing

a naturopathic doctor. She is testing all the things I've wanted to have checked

for so many years- adrenals, vitamins, neurotransmitters etc. I am low in iron

(ferritin) and Vitamin D, and many of my neurotransmitters are out of balance,

as well as my adrenals.

 

My biggest difficulty is that my sensitivities are so much worse than they

were before I had to deal with the psych meds and withdrawal. Everything my

doctor tells me to try that is supposed to help I am sensitive to and have

reactions so I can't take it!

 

Well, I am taking 50mg iron daily and 1000 IU Vitamin D as well as getting out

in the sun for more D. I was already taking 100-300 mg 5HTP to help me sleep at

night, as well as a multivitamin/mineral supplement in the morning. I also take

a calcium/magnesium/zinc supplement at night to help with sleep...

 

But my doctor has suggested rhodiola, dhea, ashwagandha and l-theanine, all of

which I react negatively to. This is so frustrating!

 

How can I heal if I can't take any of the substances that are supposed to help

me heal?

 

Anyway, sorry such a long message but wanted to introduce myself.

 

Kim

St. Louis, MO