GOOD NEWS!
The heavy metal provocation tests revealed no arsenic toxicity. Lead was elevated, but not enough to be considered a problem, so I won’t have to take that chelation drug for months and months.
And while the pituitary hormone levels were within the normal range, my thyroid numbers were not. Over the years it’s been gradually slowing down, and now is within treatable range. So the doc has started me on low-dose natural thyroid, which is starting to make a definite difference.
The improvements so far include:
Muscle cramps have reduced by 90%, muscle twitching by 70%.
A little less swelling (edema) in my feet.
Digestion is starting to improve. I’ve been able to tolerate some of the antimicrobials that I couldn’t last year, and have also been able to add some new foods to my diet.
And these improvements have remained consistent for the last three weeks.
There’s also a negative, but I actually think of it as a ‘positive’ as well.
My latent, chronic sinus infection is flaring big time, but that may be due to the thyroid glands effects on immune function, which is ‘dysfunctional’ in ME/CFS. I’ll ask the doc if increasing the dose might help gradually clear this, as it has in other patients.
Now this is probably about a 5-10% improvement, but it’s lasting and consistent, so I’ll take it. It took me 22 years to get this sick, so I know I can’t expect to turn this around instantly.
Unfortunately, funds are getting quite low due to the various tests, drugs and office visits not covered by Medicaid. Also, the price gouging during the lockdown was incredible, with some supplements almost doubling in cost.
I invite you to consider donating today, so we can together reach the Summer Fundraising Goal, and I can continue seeing this specialist and build on these treatments that have been so helpful. I know these are challenging times for everyone, so whatever you can give is always appreciated.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TREMENDOUS SUPPORT!