Posted by KarenB on April 20, 2001, at 14:19:31
In reply to Re: Candida causing mood swings, etc?, posted by Pamela on April 20, 2001, at 9:53:43
Hello Everyone!
Let me start by saying that my current meds for Bipolar Disorder are WORKING (Trileptal, Lamictal and Geodon). I thank God for this and for having a wonderful doctor to help me. I have no intention of going off my meds UNLESS on this Candida diet and medication, I feel better and more emotionally stable than I EVER have, for at least three consecutive months or so. Only then will I consider titrating down, with my p-docs supervision. I am well aware of the dangers of going off my meds. The naturopath/OB-GYN suggested I take a cautious approach as well.
My PMDD symptoms, and they are VERY BAD, are still present even on the meds. I went on oral contraceptives for four months, at the recommendation of Janice from this board and the urging of my OB-GYN, to ease the PMDD. They have definetly not worked but it has allowed me to chart rather acurately on a calender what days I will be fatigued beyond imagination, when I will be utterly insane and when I will be extremely emotional and weepy. I can predict the symptoms now to the day. I plan my schedule accordingly.
My conventional gynecologist has been no help whatsoever in this issue - she suggested Prozac, not taking into account my illness or current meds. I have a hormonal imbalance and have known that for years but have gotten no help from a long list of medical doctors. It was time to try something else.
It is my opinion that we don't give Eastern medicine enough credit. It has been in practice and effective in certain countries for thousands of years. I do, however, avoid the spiritual implications involved with some of these types of medicine, as I have very different beliefs (JC). I think the reason, for the most part, that there are not enough research studies in these methods (acupunture, herbals, etc.) is that most in the medical field will not even give them a chance and the FDA is simply not interested. Maybe I'm wrong and someone else can answer these questions? I don't know.
In a sidenote, my mother in law was telling me about a documentary on one study (this was on A&E Channel) about a substantial group of cancer patients with recurring cancer after remission. They were apparently treated with Indian herbal formulas with excellent results. I don't know the details but that was the jist of the segment.
Don't worry guys - I am going into this with healthy scepticism. I would not even consider dropping the meds and going headlong into something that's a maybe. My illness is a dark and frightening place and I definitely don't want to go back there.
Thanks for your input everyone - and Chris for your care and concern, my friend. I'm going to give it a try--with my eyes wide open.
Pamela, please e-mail me with the info. After I have given this a serious trial I'd be willing to give it a try if this doesn't work the way I'd hoped. Thanks!
Karen
poster:KarenB
thread:60376
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010417/msgs/60599.html