I feel like such an idiot. I’ve lost the better part of the last ten years of my life due to constant migraines and crushing fatigue. Thyroid meds gave a short lived boost (like so many other things; well approx 6 other things) and then back to pretty darn terrible. During the latest blood draw to check thyroid levels (maybe my 10th ever) the naturopath added a check for iodine levels. I was at 25% of recommended target levels. My ND recommended kelp snacks which seemed to not cut it so of course I googled. Been supplementing with iodine caps/tablets (favorite has tyrosine added) and the first day hours after taking first capsule, I cleaned my entire kitchen for the first time in, ever. That was about three weeks ago. I’ve since, among other things, taken my son camping twice. Last trip with his ADHD friend. Many other milestones. Excited for the possibility to get to live some normal life rather than limping along feeling like rip van winkle as the world passes by. Fingers Xd.
ADD
Cbd oil
I’ve been a little 2 steps forward, 4 steps back. Some recent hormone tests showed cortisol through the roof, all other hormones tanked. I was told my stress was just too high, which seems ridiculous since I haven’t been able to work for Quite a while and my long suffering husband does his best to pick up all the loose ends. I’ve been resigned to this new normal for quite a while and feel no capacity to ‘stress’ about it. (Though family and friends say it must be stressing me. Believe me I know what stressed out feels like and my MO is more like watching the world go by but breathing in and out. Diaphragmatically whenever the notion pops to mind.) I can meditate really well due to brain fog creating a blank slate. So what gives.
After much research and little improvement, ordered second round of hormone tests but see that even if a referral to an Endicrinologist leads to an answer, it’s nearly guaranteed to not have a good result improving my state of well being.
In the past adding cbd oil could help daily functioning quite a bit but go-to brand had been out of stock for quite a while. Scored 2 bottles this weekend and started trying to recover. It took only a morning to feel 80 percent better. Going to spend the week looking to stock up on the cbd oil; also looking forward to receiving 2 new migraine protocols in the mail this month. One is a vagus nerve stimulator (price tbd but first month trial is free, yahoo) and the new migraine prevention monthly shot. Fingers Xd all around!
Superlearning
Today at lllt treatment the doc mentioned a book ‘Superlearning’ which had a profound effect on his life, going from ADHD barely passing high school to implementing certain techniques during college which helped him graduate with a 4.0. My whole happy family (and our extended families) struggle with ADD inattentive type as well as EDS related poor health. I cannot read this book fast enough (wish it was on Audible) but we have a brand new homework & reading-time ritual: “Alexa, play Super Learning music.”
Luckily there are some bedtime music options available as well, also on YouTube. Excited.
Pediatric EDS POTS MCAD Hypothyroid connection
I’m making progress on CFS symptoms and have found resolving thyroid issues to be a critical component of feeling better. While both my son and I were feeling subpar last week, it occurred to me to hand him one of the Ph strips I use to check urine- we discovered his was also very abnormally alkaline – around 9 when typical is 6-7 range. Since he was feeling better the next day I exited panic mode and this info has been rolling around the back of my head.
Today I was completing ADHD paperwork for his school’s 504 eval and realized I should include the MCAD diagnosis because so many days were missed this past semester. Looking for the allergist doc with the diagnosis I came across blood pressure readings from sons 2 appointments. Early December when symptoms were terrible (he ran out of Drs office thinking he was going to barf, ended up with diarrhea and then felt ok) – blood pressure was 105/62. I googled 11 year olds BP and this is way low, nearly off charts. THEN, I noticed recent January appointment when he was not even symptomatic had bp of 95/55: way off the charts. Can’t believe they didn’t mention it.
Scrambling for next steps for him. During my overalkaline bout I increased thyroid and took care of business. Hard to find thyroid instruction for kids but I’m on the case.
Ldn for ADHD, IBS, Fibromyalgia, Migraine, CFS, MCAD, MCAS
About 6 months ago my brilliant naturopath suggested I research low dose naltrexone or LDN as an optional tool in my healthcare. I gave it a try, and only in hindsight after letting prescription refill linger for 2 months did I realize what a huge positive impact it has had on my health. I restarted taking LDN daily about a month ago and had immediate improved energy, concentration and lessening of food sensitivities. I am attempting to get a prescription for my son (recently diagnosed with inattentive ADHD and MCAD) – it is an uphill battle. There is quite a bit of data online supporting LDN for pediatric chrons, PANDAS and autism behaviors. I am determined to find help for him. Thank goodness for the Internet.
/// Update regarding low dose naltrexone::: the medicine helped in so many ways, my favorite being ending shingles recurrences (10 plus outbreaks last year! Grr) However– since discovering iodine deficiency and supplementing that, I’ve dropped ldn and have even better results. Ldn did bridge the gap! ///
Treading Water 