Re: Simple & minimal approach to healing

[Guest guest]

Normal iron levels? How did you manage that ;-). I think you might be in the

minority here!

I need to work on getting my doctors to give suggestions instead of orders. It

seems like most of them would prefer you not research anything and just blindly

follow them. They probably detest the internet! It makes it too easy for us to

learn all the pros and cons of meds and treatments.

Holly

Crohn's

SCD 12/01/08

>

> Holly

>

>

>

> I generally use my body's reactions and symptoms as a guide to what

> supplements I need - in combination with research, of course. It usually

> takes some work to discover what form of supplement works best for me,

> meaning whether it is oral or by injection, and if oral, mixed in water or

> swallowed in a tablet or capsule. I have to try different brands that

> contain different dosages and ingredient sources, as all make a difference

> to how my body reacts, and how effective the supplement is.

>

>

>

> Kind of mind-boggling, I agree [grin]. I just work methodically through the

> options. Was I this organized when I was at my sickest and just starting

> SCD? Definitely not. I just focused on food and didn't take any

> supplements for 4 to 6 months, then I started off with just one, L.

> Acidophilus. As I've healed, I've had more energy to spare and could deal

> with the subtleties of supplementation. Of course I've also had more health

> issues develop, so that is a good thing.

>

>

>

> My doctors give me advice based on what my lab results are, and what other

> tests indicate is going on. Then I do the research. Because of my history

> of bad reactions, I only try things that are absolutely critical. Then I

> begin the trial period, seeing how much is too much and what the

> side-effects become, if there are any. There usually are [sigh]. It

> usually comes down to a supplement or medication triggering worse

> side-effects than the original problem. Sometimes I can just find a

> different source or form, or cut back on the frequency of use; but most of

> the time I end up stopping the supplement or medication and just learn how

> to cope with the symptom.

>

>

>

> What is interesting to me is that over the past five years I've gravitated

> to taking nearly all my supplements mixed in water. I tend to be deficient

> in a number of minerals, so I can take just those I need the most. I also

> go through a lot of ELyte for other symptoms. All in water, and all but my

> daily dose of Miralax taken alone, between meals, so there aren't any

> interactions to worry about. My iron levels are good, so I don't have to

> worry about needing extra vitamin C when I eat iron-rich foods. I get B12

> by injection every 4 to 6 weeks. The other two supplements I swallow are L.

> Acidophilus in capsule, and a multivitamin once every few weeks.

>

>

>

> I just eat healthy and supplement a few critical things. The more I learn

> about supplement manufacturers, and food processors, the more cautious I

> have become. I've learned to hold my own with my doctors, as well - it

> helps to know the medical terminology.

>

>

>

> Works for me anyway.

>

>

>

> Kim M.

>

> SCD 6 years

>

> Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction 6+ years

>

> neurological & spinal deterioration 3+ years

>

>

>

> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

>

> But what about foods? Do you avoid eating certain things together that might

> keep you from absorbing the vitamins and minerals well? Or do you just throw

> caution to the wind ;-). My big concern right now is getting enough calcium

> for my bones (osteoporosis diagnosis), yet doing so away from any foods that

> contain iron (my ferritin is low again).

>

> Holly

> Crohn's

> SCD 12/01/08

>