natural girls
Comments
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vivre ~ I don't know if the soy crop in China is as GMO & sprayed as it is in the U.S. I suspect not, but that's a good point, and something to look into.
The two points I got out of this article that I think are worth quoting here for those who didn't take the time to read it are:
"... most of us in the developed world have too much estrogen in our systems because of exposure to the petroleum-based xenoestrogens that come from sources like plastics, food preservatives, insecticides, and contamination, even in the air we breathe and the water we drink. These powerful and destructive synthetic estrogens, potent in amounts as small as a billionth of a gram, fill the body's estrogen-receptor sites, taking the place of both the body's own estrogen and the more gentle estrogens naturally occurring in plant foods..."
"...given the other problems with soy, you might want to complement your estrogen balancing program by using a natural balancing creme that contains a minimum of 500 milligrams per ounce of 100% pure, USP grade progesterone..."
Funny, but as long as I've know that plastics are bad for us, I didn't grasp the plastic-estrogen connection. I also thought it was interesting that he's recommending the use of a progesterone cream to balance estrogen levels.
Glad you're still feeling good, Merilee! I'm telling you, you might just sail through this chemo trip!
Julie ~ Good question about magazines. I'm curious to see what others recommend. I mostly pick up the freebees at the natural foods market I frequent.
Koryn ~ I'm postmenopause -- reluctantly tried Femara which made me so nauseous that I literally passed out one day while on it. So I am now using I3C, after trying both it and DIM, and my estrogen levels the last time I had them checked were <10. But I like to stress that each of us and our bcs are very individual, and I don't suggest that anyone simply substitute a natural estrogen modulator like I3C for an A/I. I also got off HRT, changed the way I eat, get a lot more exercise, have lost 10 lbs., use some different supplements, etc., all of which, I think, contribute to the total picture. Deanna </p>
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Koryn... I'm so sorry for how your experience has been... thank you for sharing honestly how it's been for you. (((hugs))) Were they able to do skin- and/or nipple-sparing? I told my surgeon that's how I wanted to do it or I wouldn't do it, hoping that that might make a difference re: sensation, but who knows. I'm SO glad you didn't have the other one removed too -- GREAT decision -- there's absolutely no way I'd consider that either!
Crunchy-I always wonder if those whose dcis turns to mets is because of the treatments themselves. I have been reading more and more that often times dcis would not even develop into cancer, but they never promote lifestyle changes or check for hormonal inbalances or mineral deficiences to see if that is causing it. I keep reading that many of these early stage cancers might even go away on their own.
Vivre, that's my thought exactly. I even asked on the DCIS board when they were talking about recurrence rate studies if there were any studies that compared those who did radical diet/lifestyle changes vs. those who kept on eating/living the way they did before they were diagnosed, and of course there are no studies that look at that.
I know there are a few meanies, but it was actually quite a few "nicies" over there -- kind, intelligent forum members who took time to write very detailed and well-thought-out responses to my questions. They had good points: 1) ER+ DCIS can run rampant during pregnancy, and 2) you never know if/when DCIS will turn invasive especially during pregnancy. A couple of women reminded me how horrible it would be to have a baby then several years down the road get invasive cancer, and leave behind this child and not be there for high school graduation etc., when I could have so easily prevented any risk of that by getting a mastectomy. And yes, the idea of that sickens and terrifies me.
I wish there were something in between re-excision and mastectomy. Why does he have to scrape out every bit of breast tissue throughout the entire breast -- why can't he leave the completely clear side alone?? I left a message with the dr's office to ask about this... if he can do a partial mastectomy that will leave my nipple and skin alone (he already said he can do nipple-sparing which is a biggie to me), I will go ahead and do it. I feel good about all the lifestyle changes I've made, but if/when we're able to have a baby, I have a hunch that the very thought of my DCIS turning invasive because of the flood of hormones during pregnancy would haunt me.
Vivre, I started Iodoral three weeks ago and am SO thankful for the great info you and everyone here have shared on iodine -- I wish I'd known about it years ago!! (I've mentioned this before, but all the changes I've made to fight cancer have ALSO made me more fertile -- I can tell because of certain very distinct symptoms -- hoping iodine does even more so!!)
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Vivre - I'm thrilled you finally set a date!!! That date will work for me. I am afraid to commit because we will be driving so if the weather is bad we won't come. I checked out the resort, it looks very nice. I am a germaphobe and hate staying at hotels so this will be a stretch for me! I am hoping for no bed bugs
and no germs, lol. Please keep the details coming. My home computer is down and I'm not sure for how long. We will probably have to buy a new one. If it's not one thing....... Merilee - I have been praying for success with your chemo!!!! I don't understand how long will you be on it, 10 days??? Will you lose your hair? How is that boy of yours doing????
Patty
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Thanks to you all for the great info on iodine. I have been taking kelp capsules...Is that good? or should I be taking Iodine in some other format?
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Julia-When we are pregnant, our hormones get whacky. I wonder it that is why sometimes women get bc with breast cancer. Maybe you could try to find a doctor who understands hormone balance. If you can stay balanced while pregnant, I bet your pregnancy will be more successful and you will not have to worry about bc. It is the inbalance of everything that causes the cancer.
I was reading last night about how everything in nature has a partner. Male/female, one good herb to battle a poisonous herb, a poisonous herb may be useful in some cases but toxic in others, a good bug to eat a bad bug, etc, etc. The point is, when we mess with mother nature, we get into trouble. What we need to do is keep everything in balance the way nature intended. Our bodies are so amazing. The way all our systems work together to keep us alive is miraculous. But we too often let our systems get out of whack, and then it all breaks down.
You are right Crunchy, the never do a study comparing us who choose alternatives. They may isolate ONE aspect of lifestyle change, but not the whole picture like we are all trying here. We are trying to put it all back in balance. That is why we feel so much better. And that is why I do not worry about the return of bc. I know my body is firing on all cylinders now, and less likely to break down. I wish you could find a good doctor before you make this decision. Even if you have to travel, try to find a hormone doctor before you make this drastic decision. Mine is a former obgyn.She just does hormones now. If you come to the prevention convention, maybe you can meet with her. I am sure she can do phone consults to follow up. I know these decisions are hard. Make sure you get all the information from every direction before you make this one. In the meantime, keep up with your health regime. I am so proud of you. And I cannot wait to see that little addition to your family one day. I know it is going to happen. Didn't, Jane Seymour have twins in her late 40's?
Patty, I will keep you posted, and pray we get good weather so you can come. Your dh will enjoy himself too, even if he does not want to spend time with a bunch of women at the seminars. And I know what you mean about hotels. They creep me out too. That is why I picked this place. They are privately owned, not part of a chain and have been in business for decades. Plus it is a nice resort, not a dumpy hotel. I will give you all more details later this week.
Suzanne, the iodine from kelp is not nearly enough to bring up your iodine levels. Also, kelp could be tainted with mercury, so you have to look out for that.I know we have links that explain this on the iodine thread. You can also google Dr. Brownstien on youtube and see him give talks where he speaks about these issues.
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Seaotter
My son is doing very well. Makes me proud everyday.
I will do 6 doses of chemo 3 weeks apart. the chemo stays in the body about 10 days, that is when I am off anti oxidants. The remainder 10-11 days I can rebuild my immune system with out compromising the work of the chemo. They tell me with the CMF I most likely will not loose my hair but it will thin some.
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Hi Girls! I haven't posted here in a long time, but I do check in periodically. Glad to see everyone is doing WELL!
Do any of you know anything about mistletoe, and modified citrus pectin? I see my naturopath on Thursday and I want to bring up these two preventative supplements. I don't know much about them, these were recommended by someone who is seeing a different naturopath. I have never read about these here, so just curious....
Also, saw my oncologist today to discuss zometa. Is anyone pre-menopausal, on tamoxifen and having zometa for bone prevention? My onc isn't sold on it, although I can have it if I want, but I'm backpedalling for now...
LASTLY, I read through the D thread and now I'm a bit worried I take too much. My naturopath has me on 10,000/day (5M morning, 5M dinner). Has anyone ever heard of this much D?
I know I stay away and then I bomb everyone with a ton of questions. If anyone can help, MUCH APPRECIATED!
Have a good night,
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Merilee.. Hang tough and good for you in preparing your body as you are.. did the same thing for each of m tx's! You will get thru it so much easier and with the right attitude as you have!!
Vivre.Actually i work part time as a Guest Teacher... i am on schedule for WED... but it could change.. will let you know if it does. ALSO.. i know.. i am working to keep my sanity and at times need to feel a good distraction. Physcially it is hard but i need to know i have purpose and know the balance is coming helps. I was off enough for 9 mos with my BC and miss my kids.You are right though!!!!
GREAT info to read here!!!!
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Good morning Ladies,
Christine-I am interested in the mistletoe as well. I read on "Natural News" that a form of this cured a lady in her 50's of cancer. I believe it was the extract of the Europe Mistletoe that she injected. The name of the Extract is ISCADOR. I have an appointment with my Accupuncturist this Thursday and I will ask him as well. Oh, and you can come her anytime for questions, help or just to vent, remember... knowledge is power
. Oh, and I also wonder about the Vit D amount. I need to find that out too. LOL, this is why I am getting my Bachelor's in Science in Holistic Health. Take care and big hugs. MERILEE- That is good about your hair. Mine is growing ever so slowly for me. About how long does it take before it at least covers your scalp?
We are going on a trip in mid February for my DH birthday and I would so like to not wear a wig.Big hugs to all.
Jenny.
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Hi Jenny, yes, that's the one. You inject it in your belly apparently. I will see what I find out Thursday from my naturopath and post here.
Great job getting your degree in holistic health, way to go! The world needs more of this field that's for sure!
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Jenny - It seems like forever for hair to come back after chemo. I took biotin for hair growth. It seemed to work. Mine came back somewhat curly and thicker. It also came back more gray but I'm fine with that, I have earned everyone of them, lol. I won't color again with that toxic stuff. I stopped wearing a scarf when my hair was about an inch long. Everyone told me I looked artsy! I had paid big bucks for a wig and wore it twice. I liked the scarfs better. I think it took about 3 months to get to an inch. Here's wishing you lots of locks!!!!!!
Patty
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Let-It-Be, I am on tamoxifen and do the Zometa infusions to hopefully prevent bone mets - I was also dx's w/ Osteopenia. I hope it is the right thing... but who knows.
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Has anyone heard from PS73? I see her last post was on this thread on 1/8, the day she went in for surgery. I wish we'd made arrangements for someone to let us know how she's doing!
I've found a really delicious pomegranate juice, if anyone's interested. It's called Pomegranate Cranberry Delight, by L&A. It's an apple-pomegranate-cranberry combo. No sugar added, not expensive, tastes great, and hopefully contains enough pomegranate to have the benefits noted in that recent research. D.
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For any of you who did chemo what things did you use to detox between and after treaments?
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When I went through chemo, I thought detoxing was for people in rehab. lol I do remember being thirsty ALL the time. The water quality where I live smells like a swimming pool on a good day, and after the hottest driest summer on record, the water reallly tasted bad and I had days of feeling seriously bad. I been buying water from a kiosk where they use reverse osmosis, two sizes of filters, charcoal filter, and some other things I can't remember. I also use a big 1.5 liter glass jug to hold the water. The water tastes better, I feel better, and I don't have to worry about the xenoestrogens that plastics contain.
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Hi Jenny,
I think I am more the one that has chemo brain.... the answer to my question is probably right in front of my face.... some of you are talking about a gross website or movie on junk food and water bottles, and I wanted to know what it was. I looked through the posts but couldn't find it. I thought it would be good to show my family.
Thanks!
Have a good day.
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I was wondering the same thing about PS73... We will say a little prayer that all went well and she is enjoying a little R&R.
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Julia,
Sorry for the turmoil you are going through, but don't let anyone talk you into anything you aren't comfortable with. I did have a double mastectomy and reconstruction with implants under the pectoral muscle.... you are right the expanders felt disgusting and were very uncomfortable near the end. I will say I am 5 1/2 months out since I had the implants put in. They are starting to feel much more normal under the pectoral muscle, and I am able to lift weights and do my girl push ups. However, I didn't have any nipple conservation done and I really have very little sensation even to the point that I can't feel a touch. It has gotten better, but my mastectomy was done a year ago in February. I am comfortable with my decision, but I made it on my own and wasn't persuaded either way by anyone. Good luck Hang in there.
Julie
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Hi everyone,
Still relatively new to this thread and usually just lurking...
The modified citrus pectin was given to me by my naturopath for awhile prior to and jsut after mx. It helps with the cells that might "get away" during surgery...makes things "sticky" and gives things less chance of nesting and sticking together to metasticize later. It is powder, and does not taste too badly. It is very commonly used in Europe. I don't know anything about Iscador..other than it is very controversial. I do know there is ab bit about it in Suzanne Somer's new book, KNOCKOUT.
Merilee, I am currently about 1/2 way through chemo. I have relied heavily on herbal supplements and chinese herbs. Some, its hard to tell if they really have any effect. I do coffee enemas quite often to detox. I know it sounds gross...but if I am ever feeling any pain from chemo...its gone within absolute minutes of the coffee treatment. I also know it is cleaning my system, without being a more dangerous upper GI cleaning. I also take a sauna 2 times a week. After working out, it makes me feel like I am sweating out every last ounce of poison that I can. I still see SE's occasionally --light swelling, cramping, light flulike stuff. But overall, I am doing pretty well.
Does anyone else have any suggestions for getting us that worked for them to through this mess?
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Merilee,
I drank as much water as I could hold, and tried to let my body do the rest, I was afraid to risk anything interfering with what the chemo was doing.
Julie
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crunchy, I really feel for you as you negotiate the waters of trying to have a child and battle bc at the same time. The waters are very muddy imo. You were pursuing the benefits of a clean diet before you even got your bc dx, so you must know already that mainstream medicine and alternative therapies have diametrically opposed models. Mainstream focuses on eliminating symptoms, alternatives focus on seeking and healing the root cause of illness. There is precious little cooperation between the camps. For those of us who just want the truth and vibrant health, well, it's just way more difficult than I think it should be. In the world according to ME, the truth would be much easier to find!
I'm just wondering if you follow Kris Carr's blog and/or read her books? She's about your age with inoperable stage iv some of kind of disease you can't even pronounce. When I read her first book, I was impressed at her discernment in separating the wheat from the chaff while exploring all the alternatives out there. As we all know, there's some whack jobs out there. She has an impressive 'posse' of guests who provide content for the blog at crazysexylife.com. bc.org can be a tremendous resource for finding doctors, learning about treatments, and seeking support. And even though we have this little corner of the forum for 'alternatives', you've probably noticed by now that most of here are early stagers who are searching for vibrant health through lifestyle changes.
I can't think of anyone who posts at this time who has followed alternative therapies only after a dx. I wonder if you might benefit from reading the authors who have the opinion that dcis isn't really cancer? I suspect this is a hot topic in the dcis world. I suspect women feel marginalized when dx'd with dcis and then read that some people don't even consider it cancer. But looking from the other side of the same sentence, that could potentially be some really good news for a whole lot of people. And in your shoes, I too would be worried about hormones kicking into high gear midway through a pregnancy. But we'd all be paralyzed into complete inaction if we failed to act for fear of any chance of complications.
What's worked for me in difficult situations is to make a lengthy list of ALL kinds of options, and be sure to include some you really don't even like, and at least one fairy tale fantasy, and many inbetween that are within the realms of realism. Take some quiet time and meditate on each of the options. In my experience, my heart feels heavy or light depending the option being contemplated. Do not be deterred if the option that 'feels' right seems out of reach.
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" .....I always wonder if those whose dcis turns to mets is because of the treatments themselves....."
And I wonder the same thing about ALL tumors. When I see ladies on the Stage IV forum talking about the incredible large numbers of CAT/CT/Etc.. scans they take on a regular basis (not to mention other toxic treatments), I cannot help but wonder whether their doctors are really helping them live longer, as they claim it.
Crunchy: I feel you are on the right track. I know this is hard, but keep on fighting for what you want (no: I should say what you NEED).
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Julia,
Sorry for the turmoil you are going through, but don't let anyone talk you into anything you aren't comfortable with. I did have a double mastectomy and reconstruction with implants under the pectoral muscle.... you are right the expanders felt disgusting and were very uncomfortable near the end. I will say I am 5 1/2 months out since I had the implants put in. They are starting to feel much more normal under the pectoral muscle, and I am able to lift weights and do my girl push ups. However, I didn't have any nipple conservation done and I really have very little sensation even to the point that I can't feel a touch. It has gotten better, but my mastectomy was done a year ago in February. I am comfortable with my decision, but I made it on my own and wasn't persuaded either way by anyone. Good luck Hang in there.Thanks, Julie! That is good to know that you're still able to lift weights... I'm so sorry about the lack of sensation. I'm starting to think that being FLAT but with my own nipples (since my doctor said I could do nipple-sparing) might be better than getting implants. *sigh* I just don't know. If I were to do implants, I wouldn't want huge ones... just a nice B cup for me would be fine.
crunchy, I really feel for you as you negotiate the waters of trying to have a child and battle bc at the same time. The waters are very muddy imo. You were pursuing the benefits of a clean diet before you even got your bc dx, so you must know already that mainstream medicine and alternative therapies have diametrically opposed models. Mainstream focuses on eliminating symptoms, alternatives focus on seeking and healing the root cause of illness. There is precious little cooperation between the camps. For those of us who just want the truth and vibrant health, well, it's just way more difficult than I think it should be. In the world according to ME, the truth would be much easier to find!
So true, althea... so true!! The thing I keep going back to that always leads me back to the alternative approach is that the alternative approach heals EVERYTHING. It will help not just with cancer but my infertility, insomnia, the weight I gained in last few years, depression, everything! It's hard to "argue" with that!
Choice A is: Tamoxifen and rads to prevent a recurrence, Clomid or gonadatropins to "fix" my infertility, Ambien for my insomnia, Zoloft for my depression, etc. etc. etc.
Choice B is: eat wonderful organic whole foods... get sunshine and good sleep... get some good, exhilharating exercise every day... maybe a few supplements where I'm nutritionally lacking (iodine, vitamin D since sunshine isn't much of an option right now, etc.). Bam, ALL problems cured simultaneously, without the unknown interactions and side effects of drugs and total hormone suppression. It's just a no-brainer when I think of it that way (especially knowing that all of the times I've been able to become pregnant, it was ALWAYS thanks to diet/lifestyle changes -- that did what drugs couldn't do!!)
I'm just wondering if you follow Kris Carr's blog and/or read her books? She's about your age with inoperable stage iv some of kind of disease you can't even pronounce. When I read her first book, I was impressed at her discernment in separating the wheat from the chaff while exploring all the alternatives out there. As we all know, there's some whack jobs out there. She has an impressive 'posse' of guests who provide content for the blog at crazysexylife.com. bc.org can be a tremendous resource for finding doctors, learning about treatments, and seeking support. And even though we have this little corner of the forum for 'alternatives', you've probably noticed by now that most of here are early stagers who are searching for vibrant health through lifestyle changes.
I do have Kris's book (it's one of about 30 cancer books I bought when I was first diagnosed! LOL) and remember being impressed with her approach. It was very similar to the approach I have been trying to take.
I can't think of anyone who posts at this time who has followed alternative therapies only after a dx. I wonder if you might benefit from reading the authors who have the opinion that dcis isn't really cancer? I suspect this is a hot topic in the dcis world. I suspect women feel marginalized when dx'd with dcis and then read that some people don't even consider it cancer. But looking from the other side of the same sentence, that could potentially be some really good news for a whole lot of people. And in your shoes, I too would be worried about hormones kicking into high gear midway through a pregnancy. But we'd all be paralyzed into complete inaction if we failed to act for fear of any chance of complications.
One thing that struck me about Dr. Lee's book is a line where he bemoaned the shame of many women getting unnecessary mastectomies for the non-cancer known as DCIS. That was reassuring to me, actually, even though I'm still considering a mx (because of my hopefully future pregnancy(ies) -- I worry so much about losing the baby anyway, since that's happened 100% of the time for me, the last thing I need is the added worry that my ER+ DCIS might be running rampant due to the onslaught of hormones).
What's worked for me in difficult situations is to make a lengthy list of ALL kinds of options, and be sure to include some you really don't even like, and at least one fairy tale fantasy, and many inbetween that are within the realms of realism. Take some quiet time and meditate on each of the options. In my experience, my heart feels heavy or light depending the option being contemplated. Do not be deterred if the option that 'feels' right seems out of reach.
Great plan... that always helps me too... I've kind of decided to go ahead and do the mx IF the doctor can do a partial one, not a scrape-every-millimeter-of-healthy-breast-tissue mx.
Thank you, Yazmin! I always wonder that too... especially when it's a woman who dutifully did "everything right" (i.e. everything her doctor instructed to do) in the first place... and now they're dutifully doing all their CT scans... it makes me so sad.
Anyway. Thank you for your helpful opinions. You girls are wonderful!
Merilee, still keeping you and PS73 in my thoughts! Hugs and healing as you go through this!
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Crunchy, did I just read you are considering zoloft with tamox? Check with your onc on this combo. My onc said many anti depress. interfere with tamoxifen.
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Hello ladies,
JDUFORD:
, I'm so sorry. I looked back on the site as well and I can't find anything about a movie. The only one that I remember discussing is a movie that is ordered thru Netflix called, "food matters". I can't remember who actually suggested it here, but I know that it is a great show. A Lady I work with suggested that I also watch a movie called, "I wore red lipstick to my double Mastectomy". I haven't seen that one yet, but I am told it is a great show as well. Hope you at least watch the "food matters" one. Have a great day. Let-it-be: thank you, I can't wait to get my Bachelors and open up a practice
. Please let me know what you find out about ISCADOR. Thanks again.Patty: Thank you. I am going to get some Biotin ASAP. It just seems like it is taking forever
. My eyebrows and lashes are a bit sluggish as well, but at least there is enough that you can see them and it looks pretty good with make-up.Praying for PS73.
Big hug ladies.
Jenny.
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Since the lists of most drug SEs are lengthy and often include death, this kind of makes you wonder what they thought was so bad it had to be left out!
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Crunchy, it was so interesting to hear your perspective about mastectomy.
Whatever decision you ultimately make, be sure it's not because you were pressured by anyone.
Do what feels instinctively right for you. We all can agree on this - it is a VERY hard decison to make. <<<hugs>>>
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Hi Ladies!
I just got a PM from PS, she is doing well, just very tired and sore from the surgery. She wanted me to let you all know that she will be online soon, and thanks for all of the prayers!
L
ox
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Hi everyone, just as an update to my "blood issue" on the recommendation of the Hematologist, I went to see a liver specialist. After evaluating my liver panel results he doesn't think that's what caused my blood to have a very low Factor V (has to do with slow clotting). He asked me which supplements I was taking at the time I had the blood test and I mentioned all of them and when I got to the fish oil he looked at me and smiled. He asked me what dosage I was taking and when I said it was 4560mg he's convinced that's the cause of my problem. He referred to an article written a couple of years back and actually pulled it up on his computer that stated that high doses of fish oil can affect Factor V. As expected, he told me a story of a friend of his who's a Homeopath and prescribes high doses of fish oil and he told him that he's "going to kill someone one day".
Anyway, I'm to wait 3 weeks and then re-test to see if my levels are normal again. Let's hope that it was the fish oil and not something more serious. He actually said that he's not an advocate of the oil and prefers that for liver health it's better to get it from natural sources such as salmon etc... I guess that assuming you're eating a steady diet of foods rich in Omega 3. I can't say that I always do.
I re-started my supplements (Vit D, Vit C, Calcium d-Glucarate, DIM, Green Tea) and am going slowly as suggested before adding a new supplement to see if I get the neck swelling reaction again.
Terri
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Terri, how come you were taking so much fish oil? Glad they figured that out for you!!!
L
ox
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