My Name is Justin J. My story starts last January during the swine flu scare. I caught what I figured to be swine flu, I got pains in every part of my body massive amounts of mucous and was sick for at least 2 weeks.
During this period I totally lost my sex drive and started having problems with erections, I'm 18 and its slightly unnerving. I think its a result of either too much mountain biking which I just took up the previous year causing delayed signs of impotence and the flu totally killing my sex drive.
So I go to the doctor they prescribe antibiotics, which kills my gut intestinal flora. I get a urinary tract infection nearly 2 weeks later, more antibiotics, I get a yeast infection, it appears to go away, I get an infection in my eyes white puss is coming out of them more antibiotics.
5 months on I still have erectile problems lowered sex drive and the meanest post nasal drip you ever saw, plus generalized fatigue. loss of muscle mass and no feelings of creativity or self worth.
So what do I do I research cures for Erectile Dysfunction
I decide on taking ginkgo, so a month in on taking ginkgo I'm feeling great, confident, but I'm starting to feel high, my arms are shaking and I have nausea, I have chronic insomnia, and diarrhea, I contemplate suicide. My mind feels like I'm getting Alzheimer's my pupils are dilated.
I go to the doctors they do a routine blood and urine test and find amphetamines! I'm seriously shocked My ginkgo wasn't ginkgo it was worse. I figure it was either a potent form of ephedra or just meth. As I research the effects of meth I become deeply sickened.
I go to the doctors and they do a million blood tests
Liver fine, kidneys fine, extremely elevated cortisol levels and catecholamines, alkaline urine pH and slightly elevated calcium levels. normal heart, normal blood pressure. normal weight blah blah blah
Everything is fine Justin! don't worry we feel you will be fine. Ce n'est pas normal you a**ho**s!
However I feel things are not fine, I have no sex drive, post nasal drip, amphetamine withdrawals, chronic insomnia, chattering teeth,Parkinson's and Alzheimer's like symptoms an apathetic mind and urine that smells like ammonia that froths and I'm FINE ! My skin has lots of acne my hair has decided to start falling out. I'm knocking on deaths door.
From my research I figure the main problems are hypothalamus
Pituitary, Adrenal gland axis problems, low serotonin levels, a calcified pineal gland, high levels of heavy metals, possible long standing parasites, toxic liver, toxic kidneys toxic gallbladder, fried adrenal glands, dopamine depletion, high prolactin levels, lots of pseudo-estrogens.
metabolic acidosis possibly? or even renal tubular acidosis caused by elevated calcium caused by elevate cortisol levels. thrown in candida too and gluten sensitivity digestive problems. I drink fluoridated water :( and live in america.
I'm at my wits end with doctors and feel they would rather m just let me die than truly try looking for an answer.
I feel like eventually if I don't make some radical life style changes I will end up dying at a young age late 30's would be my guess.
I don't know where to begin I remember something happened to me early on I was a really healthy baby and then as the years passed when I was like 9 I realized my mind wasn't as sharp as it used to be. I would always get tired easily.
Adrenal burnout would be my guess, I grew deeply depressed as a young teen but was healthy otherwise.
so anyway I need a hail marry pass from some people that are really intuitive and helpful in the means of naturopathic, homeopathic medicine
I need some help as I feel my case is one of uniqueness and bizarreness, but maybe not. I put my faith once again in medicine because oddly enough I have hope I can feel better if I work at it. I'm willing to work very hard. I think were all being poisoned and my case is one of poisoning, maybe its radical or slightly off to think this way and maybe I'm ranting but all I ever wanted was a normal healthy life.
faced with feeling tired yet not being able to sleep I go through hell everyday and it doesn't end when I go to bed.
I sympathize much more with people who are faced with health problems, there is definitely a way to fix unfixable things
we are flesh we are living, not machines, I choose life not death.
So I guess where do I begin? also I'm sorry for writing so much I guess I'm just desperate and need help like many others
Hi Justin - You might want to check out the FAQ section of the adrenal fatigue forum. I recommend you get a saliva test to find out whether or not you have AF, and if so, how severe it is. I also recommend you find a ND in your area who can test you to find out what else you do and don't have.
To learn about cleansing and detox, you might want to read "The Detox Book" by Bruce Fife, ND.
And patience. We at the adrenal fatigue forum say "start low and go slow" (when trying new supplements). Add one thing at a time and give each thing a few days so that you can tell what is causing what.
I figgure I have been exposed to every metal thats bad lol
This is a bit of a hypochodriac tendency
but atleast I can start there everythings wrong then findout hmm this is okay this is okay lol
I figgure the main probs are me living in a modern society, I would prefer being a paleo- indian I'll take giant terror birds and lamas and giant ground sloths over plastic, Cell Phone s, and modern Science anyday
I appreciate everything and I'm researching adrenal fatigue and saving everything on a word file lest I lose it. Sadly there are no naturopathic doctors around here believe me I would have went to one already ^^
I'll research the spit test and try to find the book XD
I applaud you for diligently researching to make a list like you did. There are many people here who have lists like yours. You are definitely not alone. A few questions: why do you think you have heavy metal toxicity? Do you have Amalgam fillings? Why do you think you might have parasites? What is your diet like? Are you taking any supplements?
You definitely have symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue and high cortisol. Have you read any of the articles on Dr Lam's site? I'm sure that other people here can refer you to a few more articles by other doctors...
Anyhow, stick around here and I am sure that you will find the answers that you're searching for. Please be careful (full of care, not full of fear) though. Do as much research as you can into the safety of something before you embark.
Your symptoms are really common here and loo alot like AF
There is alot of things you can do to help yourself.
Are you leading a active lifestyle : working , going out etc ?!!
The first thing you should deal with Is eat a really clean AF Diet. Then there is a myriad of natural and pharmaceutical treatment avaible for AF.
I am struggling with similar symptoms and I am 26 , been dealing with those issue for a couple of years now. I know how debilitating it can be. Basically If I did not took care of my health like a maniac with food , relaxation rest and did not have an amazing familly to support me I do not know where I would be.
It's very nice not feeling alone. I like to think my lifestyle is semi-active, I try jogging at least 30 minutes a day lately that has fallen by the wayside. I do go out with friends I try having a purpose and goals in life. I'm attempting to get my drivers license. For me its the scariest thing in my life ! I have been told I'm a good driver but eh I have generalized fear about that, but I'm calling the drivers license people today and scheduling my test!
I'm really confident oddly enough in my ability to get a job and have a job. I have worked since I was 16 at a plant nursery but quit because I couldn't deal with having to get a ride there. I felt like I was less than independent and I hated that.
My family is moving from michigan to south carolina in the comming weeks. I think I would love having a job living in a warmer place and maybe going to school.
What is a really clean AF Diet haha I'm sure I'll find it researching but its always nice to learn from someone else haha!
By the way this is completely off topic but Etienne was my name in French class. I took two years of it haha and loved every bit of it. Alas I'm off topic but eh its a good name lol
I think I'm not using the reply response correctly lol
confusing website >_<
Well basically I figure we all have a degree of heavy metal poisoning, I have been drinking lake water that is piped right next to a massive coal plant. Eg. mercury we have old lead pipes in our house along with copper ones, I have used deodorant with aluminum for quite a while, When I was little I lived in northern Ohio a place were all the frogs turned into females and nearly everyone in my family got cancer. I currently live in The upper peninsula of michigan next to a coal plant, a knife manufacturing plant, and a paper plant :P
Also did I mention the EPA had to come to our town and do an investigation because Chemicals used in wood manufacture from and old saw mill were leaking into lake michigan. The basically had to dig twenty feet down rope off the area including the water and dispose of the soil. This is next to the beach I swam in every year, Also my mom takes enough medication to make someone who takes allot look normal, I figgure this couldn't be too helpful.
As far as parasites go perhaps I'm just a hypochodriac!
But I have seen far too many discovery shows about parasites to think that I don't have any.
I like your picture is radiant and happy!
I figure since you take the time to say something I say something positive back lol
Thank you Justin! You will get far around here with complements and a positive attitude. We like that.
So yeah, you're probably right about the toxic organs and heavy metal toxicity. Hopefully where you are moving will be less poluted. In fact, if I were you I would get the hell outa there fast!! Gross!!!
As far as a healthy AF diet goes, it really depends on how severe your AF is but in your case I would say that well rounded is good. No sugar, no alcohol, no caffiene. If you eat grains, nuts and seeds soak them first to get rid of the phytates so that they are digesting properly. If you eat dairy, stop and see if your post nasal drip goes away. If dairy doesn't seem to affect you negatively then continue, but I suggest raw cheese and goat milk if you can get a hold of them. Chicken bone broth is an excellent source of minerals that are easily assimilated. This is especially important if you don't consume dairy. I suggest protein and good fats like butter, coconut oil or lard with every meal. Coconut oil is antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral as well.
No more antibiotics!!!! There are lots of natural foods and herbs that are antibiotic. I personally like olive leaf, but there are many more.
Do you (your parents) have money to spend on labs? If so, we can recommend a slew of them for you.
Are you currently taking any medication or supplements?
Also, I think a strong enteric coated probiotic would be really good to start with since you took all those antibiotics.
I *think* that it is probably best, based on your history, to start with getting your gut flora back in line and also start doing some gentle detoxing. Sweating in a sauna might be good to do regularly. Make sure to replace electrolytes with good himilayan Sea Salt or Real salt in water during and after the sauna. There are many detox protocols worth considering. I might post in one of those forums for suggestions. Remember, with AF, slow and steady wins the race. Choose carefully.
I *think* your hormonal issues will naturally rebalance with a good diet, replacement of flora and a little careful detoxing. I think it's a bad idea to do any supplementing focusing on your hormones at this point. It is possible to throw things off much worse.
I think we can spend money on labs good insurance ^^
Recommend a slew of them
ha ha
Currently I'm not taking any medication or supplements, I have been eating very basic things like eggs, salads, olive oil, trying to avoid sugar, pomegranates, fish, trying to stick to simple whole grains for breakfast, been eating a but load of turmeric. cheese, plain greek yogurt
Also I'm trying to maintain a high percentage of gluten free food in my diet. I figure I'm not getting enough protein and that I'm not eating enough good fats. Also whats the deal with saturated fat. I have been told its terrible clogs your arteries yet is seems to be necessary for you gallbladder and synthesis of cholesterol, lol anyway I drink mainly water that I have been getting from snow that is filtered LOl I'm just a crazy hippie I guess but I notice my body feels better.
also I think I eat way too many fruits of a tropical nature
they seem to be dead to me.
I can almost tell if food is living by looking and feeling it. I think there is something to this, Homegrown food tastes better and seems to be more living.
I bought Sea Salt at the store and would you believe they add yellow prussic of soda anti caking agent also know as "Ferrocyanide"
which sounds to me like iron + cyanide
further research reveals it reacts with sunlight and forms cyanide gas HOW LOVELY! thats why I can't get the lid off
any its advertised as all natural sea salt from the coasts of spain hahaha
really? anyway
Are you currently taking any medication or supplements?
I think you have good intuition about food. I'm glad. Everything that they have ever told you about saturated fat is a lie!!! Unfortunately. A terrific cook book that explains in detail about what different fats do and also how to properly prepare grains is called "Nourishing Traditions" by Sally Fallon. I highly suggest that you get a copy. It's based on the work of Weston Price. I also highly suggest that you do a google search and learn about him. He studied indigenous cultures and what they ate. I thunk you will like it.
Let's see. I take alot of supplements...
HCL and enzymes with meals
olive leaf
multimineral
I sunbathe every day to get vit D (yes in the winter... But I'm
in Florida)
triphalla
2 different kinds of vitamin c: C Support, Quantum
pantothenic acid
pantothine
b complex
L-glutamine
critical care probiotic with 50 billion bacteria and 10 strands
coconut oil and butter (I consider these in the list)
I think it would be helpful if I was taking D3, E, and A, but I just can bring myself to add on another pill. Since you are up north I thunk it's critical to get some vit D in you. Cod liver oil would be a good source.
As far as tests go, I'm gonna have to reread your initial post... I'm on my little phone so I will get back to you on that. In order to get other people's advice you might wanna start a new thread with a link to your original post.
Eating snow sounds good. Just no yellow snow, kay? :)
Beth
Oh wait! I also take isocort 5mg, which is an adrenal glandular. I don't suggest it for you at this point, but it could be beneficial if you got worse. It is for folks with low cortisol.
Also, I HIGHLY suggest the chicken broth (homemade) with a teaspoon of butter, a teaspoon of nutritional yeast and some Real Salt (it's a great brand). This gives me energy and soothes any AF related tension really well. I try to have 1-2 mugs worth every day.
Well, we know you have high cortisol, so I don't know if it makes sense to spend money on another cortisol panel. But if you want to make sure it's best to do a saliva panel where they take samples throughout the day and night. Then you can see what your curve is. It should be highest in the morning and then gradually decrease with the lowest at night. You can order your own without a doctor from http://www.mymedlabs.com.
I don't personally suggest that you get a hormone panel done, because I think that that will take care of itself once the rest of you is healed, but if you want to make sure then you can have blood work done for that. I don't suggest that you supplement for hormones though, especially at your age. I think that doing so would be like playing with fire. That is part of how I got so sick.
You can have a comprehensive stool analysis that will test for Candida levels, other fungus issues, parasites, blood in your stool, Gluten sensitivity, etc. That might give you some clues.
You can have a mineral hair analysis done by Analytical Research Labs which will tell you your mineral and heavy metal levels. I highly suggest this test. If you call them they will send you a list of practitioners that use them.
You could test for iron, ferratin, D3, B12.
I suggest that you find a naturopath or a DO in your area that is well versed in adrenal fatigue. If you can't find anyone like that, there are some folks that do phone consults that you might consider working with.
Thankyou you have been incredibly helpful
I was like where do I begin! I know I have a long way to go to right the many imbalances in my body
I'll try finding a good entric coated probiotic
I think I'm going to optimize my diet like you suggested
What do think about exersize? I'm guessing slow deliberate exersize eg hatha yoga
drinking lots of water
I'll research allot of the supplements you take
save and compile everything and keep researching Lol
do a bunch of tests find a natropath in south carolina ^^
YAy I have been rese
researching and think I found one in columbia
And you and the many other people who have commented are helpful this whole site is wonderful
Its a tad confusing posting on here
How do you suggest I make a new thread and repost my orginal message to get more peoples ideas LOL?
I'm lost I barely know how to reply here haha
again train of thought is getting terribly muddled LOL
Seek out a chiropractor/natural healer. Mine has helped me tremendously. He took the guess work out and confirmed my suspisions. I ordered my saliva and blood tests from an independent lab. My doc provided me with my ICD-9 codes (diagnosis codes). I brought the lab kit to the local hospital with the paperwork and my saliva samples. They drew blood for me and I mailed it in. My insurance company paid for the tests (shockingly).
During the course of the past year my family practice doctor ordered routine tests such as TSH with T3 and T4. This helped to reduce cost as I requested copies for my Natural health doc. Hope this helps.