When I was on this message board searching for answers and taking antibiotics I THOUGHT I had lyme disease (which I now KNOW I did NOT because of my amazing, practically-overnight recovery) and I was scared.
I have been living in fear and scared like this for MANY years without even knowing it ...probably 9 or 10 years (I'm a 28 yr old male now and loving every minute of it).
MARIJUANA was the ABSOLUTE BUST DRUG for me since I've tried smoking it, which was about 1.5 years ago.
When I smoke I get a sensation of FREEDOM--It's the best depression medicine in the world to me. I have been taking effexor 112.5 mg since the a few months before starting weed until now. I am currently weening myself safely off of that and it has not been a problem at all. I continue to smoke weed when I want to have fun, be creative (i'm a freelance cameraman) or in social situations with other people who enjoy it. My girlfriend and I smoke together all the time and we have the most amazing conversations and sexual experiences.
NOW, weed is not the "ANSWER", weed is not the "CURE" but weed helps you THINK and this should NOT be scary. Sometimes we are so lost in our physical pain and depression that we don't even realize that we don't know how to think clearly anymore. Marijuana CAN take your mind to a very relaaaaxed place if you LET IT. You have to embrace the HIGH and embrace the TRUTH that's running through your head.
Weed has been the vessel that has helped me reach my OWN PERSONAL ENLIGHTENMENT.
I didn't solve the worlds problems, I didn't become invincible I became ME AGAIN. When I had my EPIPHANY I was high.
NOW I know how to feel that high without weed but I still am entitled (Just like ANY beer or liquor drinker of any kind) to indulge when I care to.
I am NOT addicted to Marijuana. I am NOT ADDICTED BECAUSE I HAVE TAKEN POSITIVE, SOBER ACTION ON THE THINGS I THOUGHT ABOUT WHEN I WAS HIGH.
I UNCOVERED the TRUTH for MYSELF.
EVERY SINGLE PSYCH MED IS PROVENLY FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR MORE ADDICTIVE THAN MARIJUANA.
CAFINE has been PROVEN to be MORE ADDICTIVE THAN MARIJUANA GLM--Watch the documentary called "The Union - The Business Behind Getting High" and make a decision for YOURSELF.
"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense."
-Buddha
Psych meds can REALLY work as well but in hinds site, I would have stayed away from them as I don't like the addictive qualities.
There is not ONE PROVEN record of ANYONE dying from MARIJUANA ALONE!!
I can be this PASSIONATE about any subject that I've encountered through my BATTLE with "CHRONIC ILLNESS". I NEVER had lyme and there are A LOT of people like ME on THIS BOARD.
Posts: 124 | From Toronto | Registered: Aug 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hey guys you know some of us like to be able to share some of the thoughts on these forums w/our family/kids to help them understand. I won't be sharing some of these insights of your getting high days. When I post its because i'm looking for answers-not who had a good trip
Posts: 146 | From Vancouver, BC | Registered: Dec 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Knobs, how can you be so sure you have had an overnight recovery? It really hasn't been long enough I don't think for you to be so sure about it. If I remember right you were posting around the 1st of November and were really sick.
For your sake, I truly hope you are right. So many of us have gone through times when we think we are well enough that we won't ever be that sick again only to find out differently.
I've been thorough it so many times myself. Here I sit sick once again. I have had months where I felt good and thought it won't happen again and BAM! So very disappointing and frustrating.
I really wish you well and hope you never had lyme to begin with.
Sapphire
Posts: 495 | From KY USA | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
JOLA--Don't read this thread then. If you get NOTHING from me, please don't read this or get inspired by it.
IF, however, you come to this thread with an OPEN MIND, then please, continue to read.
Sapphire--I know for a fact that I never had lyme now. Hindsight is a beautiful thing.
How can I be sure? Because everyday I am learning MORE about my life and why I am on this planet. Sound like hippy, high, nonsense? Call it what you will. I have moved on with my life and many here haven't.
Bless.
Posts: 124 | From Toronto | Registered: Aug 2009
| IP: Logged |
METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
quote:knobs How can I be sure? Because everyday I am learning MORE about my life and why I am on this planet. Sound like hippy, high, nonsense? Call it what you will. I have moved on with my life and many here haven't.
For most of us who haven't moved on, it's not for lack of doing everything we're supposed to.
Additionally, perhaps it's just me, but I feel as though I'm being condescended to when I read some of your posts. Just letting you know in case it's unintentional. It doesn't bother me personally, but others might.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
glm1111
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 16556
posted
JOLA,
What I posted wasn't meant to be about a "HIGH" from marijuana. Sorry if it was offensive to you or anyone else.
I have a medical background and was really looking at it as more of a medicinal drug since it seems to have kept this disease at bay from me for an extended period before I got sick.
knobs,
I was looking for a more medicinal insight from you as far as the anti=inflammatory, antibiotic, antispasmotic effects of this drug, and the possibilities of it putting you into remission.
Given all of the symptoms that you had prior to smoking MJ, I suspect that you could have definitely had Lyme disease as I did and still do.
I have been to the "therapy" sessions" where the psych community will tell you that peoples symptoms from a chronic illness are psychosomatic due to past anger, family abuse etc. That does feel condescending to me.
Sorry, but when a vulgar tick spits parasites, bacteria, mycoplasma etc into your body I just can't quite grasp the "psych communities" rationale that our suffering is from past trauma.
I will admit that a lot of us have to heal that part, but I just can't buy that is the whole ball of wax. It's like saying, if a snake bites you and you are dying from the venom, you can't survive because of past abuse. Just doesn't fit. Actually feels a little cultish to me.
So again I ask you that you take a look at the medicinal properties of mj and the possibility that it has put you into remission???
Gael
-------------------- PARASITES/WORMS ARE NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE NUMBER 1 CO-INFECTION IN LYME DISEASE BY ILADS* Posts: 6418 | From philadelphia pa | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Gail no problem w/anything you've said. enjoy reading your posts. think knobs has gotten off track w/what most of us are looking for all the best to you
Posts: 146 | From Vancouver, BC | Registered: Dec 2009
| IP: Logged |
quote: When I was on this message board searching for answers and taking antibiotics I THOUGHT I had lyme disease
Your Igenex WB was negative IMHO. You also been on ABX for 10 months.
And ,no offence, but some of your posts do look like you are really high.
quote: When I smoke I get a sensation of FREEDOM--It's the best depression medicine in the world to me.
Well what I can say. lol. Enjoy your newly found "discovery" of marijuana!
quote: I can be this PASSIONATE about any subject that I've encountered through my BATTLE with "CHRONIC ILLNESS". I NEVER had lyme and there are A LOT of people like ME on THIS BOARD.
Lol. This board is full of weird people. So yeah I guess you are correct in this regard! I haven't seen anyone posting who was so obviously high though!
posted
Wanting to comment on glm111's post regarding the "Psych Community";
As someone who is professionally a part of the "Psych Community" (I am a practicing Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology/Behav.Medicine,) it is important to note that any good/ethical Psychologist or Licensed Mental Health Professional SHOULD always rule out an underlying medical condition prior to slapping on a mental health diagnosis of anxiety or depression or somatic disorder etc..
While I have seen physical manifestations of latnet psychological issues, to assume this is true with someone with a chronic illness does a great dis-service to the client.
Of couse many medical illness will bring with them psychological symptoms but these are secondary to the medical problem and should not be looked at as the primary cause.
Also "Psychosomatic" does not imply that an illness or set of symptoms is all in someone's "head".
Psychosomatic disorder implies a symbiotic relationship between the mind and body - that a set of symptoms involves both the mind and the body. A psychosomatic illness originates with emotional or psychological stress or environmental stressors which eventually progresses to physical symptoms, usually when a person's immune system is compromised due to such stress.
But I agree too many Psychologist want blame past unresloved issues on current physical symptoms and too many MD's want to play Psychologist without proper training and do a psychological evaluation in 10 minutes! Gee even those of us who have Doctorates in Psychology can't do that! We need at least 2 hours to do a full evaluation, so I often wonder how a PCP or otherwise can diagnose a mental health condition in 10 minutes or less....."oh you don't have Lyme you are just depressed and I know this without even doing a Psych eval!!!!"....An all to familiar scenerio..
Okay I will jump off my soap box now as I think I have gotten a bit off topic. TG
Posts: 376 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jun 2009
| IP: Logged |
glm1111
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 16556
posted
trigal2,
Point well put and well taken. I agree that people with a chronic illness can be depleted in certain areas such as serotonin.
Unforunately, there are not enough doctors in the psych community who are as "aware" as you seem to be.
Partial Quote
"While I have seen physical manifistations of latent psychological issues"
How do doctors know that there isn't some kind of dis-ease process that brought the psychological issues on such as undiagnosed brain parasites?
Well, I guess there isn't any pat answer and we can only hope for the best, Thanks for your post,
Gael
-------------------- PARASITES/WORMS ARE NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE NUMBER 1 CO-INFECTION IN LYME DISEASE BY ILADS* Posts: 6418 | From philadelphia pa | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
glm111; Thannks for your reply and great question. I think it is one that can be debated (in a productive manner!)from many stand points.
I agree it is hard to know which is causing which and I can only comment on what I see in my own practice.
For example, I do find that alot of people who are going through loss/grief or working through old unresolved loss issues sometimes, during therapy, present with an onset of headaches, neck pain, and back pain. I find the same with clients who have issues with abuse etc.
Posssibly this is simply where their body holds the tension of the emotions - but possibly not.
The important thing, IMO, is to NEVER assume any physical symptoms is of a psychosomatic origin -even if the timing suggests that it is.
I sit on the same side of the "couch" in a sense and would never want someone to tell me that my symptoms are being caused by an emotional/psychological issue without first ruling out the possiblity of something else.
Plus....how do we not know that the stress of therapy or any given situation has not caused a flare up of some auto-immune problem or otherwise. It happens all the time! I went through a terrible loss a few years ago and BOOM my old lyme issues came flaring up again...
So I agree...there is no easy answer - that is why I think it is soooo important for ANY medical or mental health professional to really be aware of these dynamics before they just slap some psych. diagnosis on someone. TG
Posts: 376 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jun 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Metallic Blue....I love reading your posts. Very informative and articulate. Thank you.
Posts: 212 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
PAST EMOTIONAL SCARING IS BY FAAAAAR THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR HEALING.
I want ALL of YOU to continue on the path that you are going on and PLEASE, PLEASE work towards recognizing previous emotional trauma in your life and COME TO TERMS WITH IT!!!!!
I can GUARANTEEEEE THAT WILL BE THE BIGGEST STEPPING STONE TOWARDS YOUR RECOVERY.
I am NOT writing this post while high. I have an abundance of positive energy that needs to be spread.
For those that ridicule my use of marijuana, I believe you need to take a LONG, HARD look at YOURSELF in the mirror. I DON'T drink alcohol, coffee or indulge in ANY other substances. I am now OFF my 112.5 mg of EFFEXOR and have NEVER FELT BETTER.
I will NOT continue this post anymore. This thread is obviously proving to be NO benefit to anyone anymore.
PM if you want to talk. I'm always here.
With love,
Scott
Posts: 124 | From Toronto | Registered: Aug 2009
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by knobs: PAST EMOTIONAL SCARING IS BY FAAAAAR THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR HEALING.
I can GUARANTEEEEE THAT WILL BE THE BIGGEST STEPPING STONE TOWARDS YOUR RECOVERY.
I am NOT writing this post while high. I have an abundance of positive energy that needs to be spread.
You sure are self righteous though if you are not on drugs. How can you "GUARANTEEEEE THAT WILL BE THE BIGGEST STEPPING STONE TOWARDS YOUR RECOVERY" (no less) ?
I mean really think about it just for a minute(preferably while not on drugs ) - you cant extrapolate your personal experience and your own psychological problems, nor their solution on everybody else.
quote: For those that ridicule my use of marijuana, I believe you need to take a LONG, HARD look at YOURSELF in the mirror. I DON'T drink alcohol, coffee or indulge in ANY other substances. I am now OFF my 112.5 mg of EFFEXOR and have NEVER FELT BETTER.
You know you could be better because you are off Effexor .
I dont believe marijuana has much benefits besides being an anti depressant. It does have potential for negative effects though - reason for me to not touch it .
Like majority of people in US I have recreational experience with pot, and I dont think its solution for anything or helps anything but making you feel good
Posts: 856 | From MA | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
quote: Posssibly this is simply where their body holds the tension of the emotions - but possibly not.
WHAT? WHAT? I mean "tension of emotions"? How do you measure it? How do you tell where its "located"? You SPECULATE! And on basis of this speculation you guys prescribe anti depressants. (or worse -anti psychotics) which are proven to cause serious permanent damage!
I am aware of psychiatrists looking at MRIs of "depressed" patients and seeing hypoperfusions and there declaring "depression causes brain changes". This is such blatant and criminal speculation without based on just correlation
The whole history of psychiatry (and I will clump it with "clinical" psychology as well -which is less abusive but imho no less detrimental to the overall progress in solving mental health issues) is one of the abuse .It never cured or really helped anybody
quote: The important thing, IMO, is to NEVER assume any physical symptoms is of a psychosomatic origin -even if the timing suggests that it is.
Yet everybody is so ready to jump on psychosomatic bandwagon! I mean I can get any diagnosis I want if I go and see psychiatrist/psychologist. Your score rated "tests" and DSM IV diagnostic criterias are complete junk, there is no objectivity whatsoever
quote: Plus....how do we not know that the stress of therapy or any given situation has not caused a flare up of some auto-immune problem or otherwise. It happens all the time! I went through a terrible loss a few years ago and BOOM my old lyme issues came flaring up again...
So I agree...there is no easy answer - that is why I think it is soooo important for ANY medical or mental health professional to really be aware of these dynamics before they just slap some psych. diagnosis on someone.
Its great you understand that. Problem is majority of people in your field dont
Posts: 856 | From MA | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
I think Psychiatry and Psychology are great resources. They hold far more value than most people think. Like most tools or "specialties" -- the value of the tool is independent of the user of the tool. The user of these tools have too often been incompetent, inexperienced or too speculative.
Most that I've met -- and I've met enough to make a reasonable assessment, is that they run few if any tests in the actual "practice" of their specialty. They see what they expect to see rather than delegating responsibility to other specialists who can help them make a better assesment of the patients health and needs. Almost every single one prescribed anti-depressant medications, or tried to give me advice that was entirely out of line with the context of my situation.
While their ignorance was no different than other physicians -- which is something completely understandable given how poor tick-born disease is understood -- they didn't make any attempt to even try to distinguish the underlying cause. They just "assumed" it was best to treat the symptoms. When asked about searching for an underlying cause, they usually said "Not necessary, you're depressed, it's clear." Well, yes, but why? Who, what, when, where, why, and how?
The tools available to them are vast. There is abundant research in the field of psychology and psychiatry to be effective, but rather than choosing specific aspects of their field to train in, they try to treat patients who they are not qualified to treat other than the fact they have an M.D.
That is my gripe in respect to Coltman's post. The only psychiatrist who even remotely tried to help me, recently -- after 5 years of interaction -- told me that since I wasn't getting better from Lyme Disease treatment, that I needed to "get on with my life" and start thinking about accepting my illness and stop searching for a solution.
Is she out of her mind? Absolutely. Worst advice ever. You don't tell someone with a persistent infectious disease that is crippling them to "stop" searching just because the patient has struggled for many years. It's impossible for the patient to accept that, because you can't accept the unacceptable. If something is tolerable, ok, fine, but if it's intolerable and something you can't live with, you can't stop!
Now for the good news. Although she made these comments, she did "investigate" early on when I told her I felt I had Lyme. She even contacted a Lyme Literate Psychiatrist in New Jersey and was given advice on which medications to use to attempt to treat my symptoms while I was receiving other antibiotic therapies from my Infectious Disease specialist. The therapies were tough at first since we had a few trial and error issues. Eventually I found a treatment that helped stabilize some symptoms to a "minor" degree. That was a big thing though. Minor progress in treating intolerable symptoms is a very big step.
I'm disappointed with her last piece of advice to me and thus haven't returned for now. I only have to see her every 6 months. If I chose I could avoid it all together and receive the prescriptions from my primary. I've been stable on the drugs for many years and get blood work on schedule -- so I'm quite safe.
In the end, psychiatrists and psychologists need "more" training, and need to specialize rather than generalize which is what they tend to do -- from my personal observation. They also need to advertise their specific specialty/sub-specialty upfront instead of the poor patient having to come in, go through hours of examination and discussion only to find out the counselor wasn't even capable of helping the patient (Though the counselor usually thinks they "are" capable when the patient disagrees).
To top it off, most counselors and psychiatrists tend to send out messages that I usually perceive as pompous (know-it-allism). This trend is not helpful. I've told them directly that I felt this way, and do you know what their response was? "I'm sorry you feel that way." Are you ****in' kidding me? Even their response to being told that they "might" be giving the impression of being pompous, they respond with a pompous deflection.
There are some great psychologists/social workers/and other mental health care professionals, but in my experience they are far and few. This is why when I come across one -- usually from other patients -- I make notes and record their information so other patients can be referred.
Fortunately for me, I did eventually find a counselor who was able (by a great deal of failures) to handle my mental health care. Instead of advising me and trying to label me, she simply said she was there to just listen and would give some advice only when asked. She also would never judge me if I rejected the advice. She would listen to my reasons why. If she disagreed she would say so, but she wouldn't argue it. She would let me discover on my own whether what she said would ring true. Often it didn't, but sometimes it did and so I learned and I came to trust her. She was very unhelpful at times but I could tell she was trying very hard which meant she was invested. That's the difference. Even someone incompetent can be useful along the way as long as they believe in "you" -- and are willing to admit they don't know everything but they're willing to help you find answers or to even self educate themselves.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
quote:Originally posted by METALLlC BLUE: I think Psychiatry and Psychology are great resources. They hold far more value than most people think. Like most tools or "specialties" -- the value of the tool is independent of the user of the tool. The user of these tools have too often been incompetent, inexperienced or too speculative.
The tools available to them are vast. There is abundant research in the field of psychology and psychiatry to be effective, but rather than choosing specific aspects of their field to train in, they try to treat patients who they are not qualified to treat other than the fact they have an M.D.
Well its true there is large amounts of research in that field. But in this case one has to question outcomes .- There is no progress made by that field whatsoever! -at best they provide short term fixes and most likely on their drugs for life
It is similar in many way to cancer research -treatment is worse than disease and the bottom line (outcomes ) are marginally better than placebo (and sometimes worse)
Psychoactive drugs are one of the few areas I have interest in, and I researched enough to see that majority of drugs for psychiatric disorders could be extremely harmful , especially if used long term
I d say be very very wary of their "tools" -they have a few which could be useful, but its a very dangerous territory
In many ways its because their field is very reluctant to do honest research of the long term and negative sides effects and bulk of peer reviewed papers are junk produced by pharma companies when pushing the drug to the market
For many drugs the precise mechanism of action is unclear or even worse - unknown. Consider they do not have any proper controls to measure effectiveness for most anti-psychotics and anti depressants and you basically gamble your brain for unknown benefits
I would frankly go with thread starter's advice here and use THC before going on any antipsych/antianxiety/antidepressant med.
There is 2 drugs I think which have value for occasional use, but thats about it ( its ritalin and provigil)- they have some real research showing their benefits.
Posts: 856 | From MA | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
djf2005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11449
posted
Provigil is one of my favorite all time RX drugs.
It was a miracle for me when I was 70%, it helped push me more towards 100% and kept me functioning.
I won't hesitate to use it again once I am back there.
It was on of the few meds my LLP wanted me to try I did not take issue with, and was pleased when I was told I could stay on it for whatever length was needed.
Medicating w/ physc meds IMO is a delicate dance, but again, I think stating that "all physc meds are harmful" or "all physc meds are miracles" are too broad and general statements.
If a given individual has success w/ a given practitioner and/or med, who am I to say if it's right or wrong?
And on the other hand, if an individual has a bad experience and does not see benefit or even worse feels even less of himself/herself after medicating, again, who am I to say what's right or wrong?
Granted, I do believe that these medications are not tested in a well enough manner usually and have the potential to do a great deal of harm. I also believe they have the potential to do a great amount of good. Unfortunately, the sale of these substances as with most in this country are pushed so heavily upon the unsuspecting sick consumer that it takes a very prudent patient to know what he/she is getting themselves into.
Knowing what we collectively are getting ourselves into in advance can save a lot of heartache in the long run.
Too often we blindly accept whatever words are uttered from a "MDs" mouth and just swallow whatever pill was written down on the RX pad w/o knowledge of the drug nor the real issue in our own body causing the disharmony.
Physc meds should be discussed at length w/ well informed Drs who are trained and I think our perception of them should be based upon personal and individual experience while not creating a bias from. Albeit it hard to do so. I struggle with this often; one's own perception and experience is a powerful influence and not something that is easily overcome.
Best
Derek
-------------------- "Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."
Sounds like certain people are taking recognition in the power of emotional trauma.
Colt--glad to see you accept THC over other things.
p.s. I'm on day 5 of quitting 112.5 mg of Effexor cold turkey. No mental instability at all.
Only smoke a couple puffs of weed a day.
Life is beautiful.
Posts: 124 | From Toronto | Registered: Aug 2009
| IP: Logged |
lymielauren28
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13742
posted
I smoked a lot of pot when I was younger and I found it to have the complete opposite effect than you are describing Knobs. It didn't make me THINK, it made me unable to think clearly - and that's a big part of why I smoked so much of it. I couldn't effectively deal with all of my problems and the many things that were going on in my life and I used marijuana as a means of escape.
In the end I quit smoking it because it made me a lazy, mindless slob and I started having heart palps every time I was high.
I appreciate thinking with a clear mind and as someone who smoked for years you cannot tell me that that's possible while under the influence of marijuana.
Emotional healing has it's place but it's not the be all end all in the treatment of Lyme disease. It's only one piece of the puzzle. To suggest that it IS the be all end all is irresponsible.
I'm glad that you've had an awakening and figured some things out for yourself, but I don't think that'll work for most here.
Smoke weed and forgive your parents and you'll regain your health... Nope. Just doesn't work that way. We could only wish it were that easy...
posted
"Smoke weed and forgive your parents and you'll regain your health."
^^^^^^^ NEVER did I say something so simple. Don't ever use quotations to "quote" something I did NOT say. Shame ....
Posts: 124 | From Toronto | Registered: Aug 2009
| IP: Logged |
lymeHerx001
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6215
posted
quote:Originally posted by knobs:
"I've been scared to truly love (people, myself, LIFE) because of the fears of failure and/or loss that I will face ...The question of "when one of those two things defeat me, what do I do next?"
The reason for this problem stems from many things. Observing (and being influenced by) my fathers behavior for 26 straight years has taken its toll on me. His relentless negativity (whether intentional or not) buried my self worth and love deep into my gut, joints, brain and heart. To be fair to my father, many other stressors acquired through my 'functional' life have contributed to my overall health, but none nearly as potent as the wrath of my fathers verbal weapons. My toxic relationship with my ex-girlfriend also encouraged me to bury my hate and allow myself to sink deeper into oblivion. I believe the sickness I have been dealing with for the past 5-6 years has been a direct result of those things.
I feel the same %100/ Its the ontological problem that every human presents with. Thoght those suffering seem more needy then those appearing to do quite well. We all expire in the end. So have a laugh a hug or what ever is the kindest thing to yourself.
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
| IP: Logged |
lymeHerx001
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6215
posted
Ahh the infamous "floaters" Always hated those
quote:Originally posted by Lymeorsomething: Djf is right. These problems should never be oversimplified. Many people here have already heard the "it's all in your head" thing and knew it to be preposterous.
You don't get floaters or complex endocrine disruption because of a deficiency in soul searching...one could go on and on...
Don't profess to have had an epiphany and then come on here and stigmatize an already stigmatized disease further.
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
| IP: Logged |
lymielauren28
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13742
posted
Knobs, I deleted the quotation marks so it wouldn't appear as though those were your exact words. I apologise.
I do think your heart is in the right place and that you're truly trying to help others here. I can feel the excitement and enthusiasm in your posts over some of the things you've discovered about yourself and your life and there's nothing wrong witn that.
I simply wanted to share my experiences with marijuana and point out that for those that are truly sick, soul-searching is not going to cure their disease. Will it help? Absolutely. But at the end of the day they will still suffer from Lyme disease.
-------------------- "The only way out is through" Posts: 1434 | From mississippi | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
.
Posts: 124 | From Toronto | Registered: Aug 2009
| IP: Logged |
julielynne4
Unregistered
posted
Ok, I know this doesn't exactly go along with the discussion but.....(I am not sure if knobs is still reading this, as I noted the dramatic period in the last post but...
Knobs, I really was shocked to read that you are on day 5 of going off Effexor cold turkey with no mental instability! WOW that is awesome...
I was on Effexor about 10 years ago and started to wean off it, then just stopped. I thought I was dying - it was hell. I had to stay home from work for 5 days due to the INSANE mental issues. It was a total nightmare.
It scares me just thinking about it. I am glad that you did not experience these Sermptoms! Phew! I wish you continued health and wellness! julie
IP: Logged |
If you are still reading this I wanted to say that I am glad that you are feeling better no matter what the cause of your illness was/is. Because in the end all that really matters is getting well again. I do hope that continues for you.
I do also want to say though that I am a bit concerned that you seem to be making major medical and life decisions while under the influence of marijuana. Making these sorts of decisions while under the influence of drugs does not seem like a good idea.
People do not think clearly when they are high or intoxicated (even if they think they are). From reading your posts you do not sound clear headed in my opinion.
I agree that people need to keep an open mind. And there very well may be people here who don't actually have lyme. BUT I think keeping an open mind works both ways. I hope that you will also keep an open mind when it comes to lyme disease.
I hope that you continue to get well BUT if you find that you are not progressing anymore or that you are getting worse please consider that you still could have lyme disease.
From reading your current posts and your past posts I do think it could be possible for you to have lyme disease.
As others pointed out...there are symptoms that you experienced that don't seem to fit if your illness was due to depression or emotional problems.
Also you had a very strong response to abx which seems to be consistent with lyme disease. I am no doctor so I can't say for sure but it seems that your reaction to abx would be more than just side effects. But as I said I am not a doctor so this is speculation on my part.
In reading your past posts you seemed to have legitimate reasons why you felt that your illness was NOT being caused by depression so keep that in mind as well.
I saw your test results and you had a lot of IND bands show up. I just wanted to share with you my own experience.
I tested CDC positive for lyme disease through Quest AND Igenex. And some of the bands that were absolute positives on Quest were IND on Igenex. So I know that in MY case those IND on Igenex were positives. So it is my personal opinion that IND can mean that you are positive for those bands. Just keep that in mind.
Just a suggestion...maybe you could quit smoking pot for a while and see how you feel. See if you still feel well or if you feel ill again. And see if you still have the same thoughts about all of this. It just concerns me that you are making such important decisions when your judgment could be clouded.
Also keep in mind what other people here said. Like they said...there could be many reasons that pot may be helping you.
It could be that you have lyme and pot is having antibacterial effects on you or that it is working as a pain reliever (or both). There are many people that do have lyme disease that see benefits from marijuana so the fact that it seems to help you does not rule out lyme disease.
OR it could be that you don't have lyme and pot is having antidepressant effects on you.
OR it could just be that you feel better because you are high.
So just keep in mind that there could be a number of reasons why you see some benefits from pot.
Lyme Disease can cause depression as well as many other emotional problems so please be absolutely sure that the depression you were experiencing was actually the cause of your illness and not just a symptom of lyme disease or some other illness.
Oh and please get the black stool issue checked out. As someone else mentioned that can be very serious. That can indicate internal bleeding of some sort so PLEASE get that checked.
Anyhow...I really hope that you have found the key to your illness and continue to get well.
BUT in time if you still find that you are ill please remain open minded to lyme disease (as well as other illnesses). Don't just ignore lingering or worsening symptoms if they do happen.
-------------------- Sick since 10/2001. Tested CDC positive for Lyme 10/2008 through Quest and Igenex. Started treatment 1/2009 with LLMD. Lyme, Erichilosis, Chlamydophila Pneumoniae, Q Fever, Strep Syndrome and probably a few others I am forgetting. Posts: 451 | From Virginia | Registered: Feb 2009
| IP: Logged |
As you all read above I definitely have lyme disease and tested CDC positive with both Quest and Igenex. I have been treating for almost a year now and am not even close to being well again. It is a long process and can take a long time to treat.
So lack of improvement does NOT necessarily mean that you don't have lyme and should quit treatment.
-------------------- Sick since 10/2001. Tested CDC positive for Lyme 10/2008 through Quest and Igenex. Started treatment 1/2009 with LLMD. Lyme, Erichilosis, Chlamydophila Pneumoniae, Q Fever, Strep Syndrome and probably a few others I am forgetting. Posts: 451 | From Virginia | Registered: Feb 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Wow Pam. Some weird advice that you're giving me.
"if you find that you are ill please remain open minded to lyme disease (as well as other illnesses)"
Still making improvements everyday. My life is very rich.
I'll say it again. I don't now, nor did I ever have Lyme disease.
Chronic Illness is that 'culprit' in my opinion. Chronic Illness manifests itself into REAL, physical and mental scarring.
What is the cause of your 'chronic illness'? I don't know, but dig deep and you'll probably find the answers in your emotional scarring.
I'm still off effexor without any problems.
I get really tired of coming on here to 'preach', but feel it's still worth it if I reach anyone.
Posts: 124 | From Toronto | Registered: Aug 2009
| IP: Logged |
Metallic Blue, you are AMAZING!!!! Can I send you to my future LLMD appts. in my place? You can be my proxy.
Wild Condor, your short and to the point posts were EXACTLY what I needed to read this morning. Thank you so much!!!
I may have to keep rereading them every day until my next LLMD appt..
Knobs, I am glad you are doing so much better.
-------------------- unsure445 Posts: 824 | From northeast | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
MagicAcorn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8786
posted
Knobs it is very hard to discuss things here as it always turns into a bashing session. You are feeling good and yet some posters have chosen to discount it because it is pot.
It is not a gateway drug as is usually argued all the time, it is usually the drug of choice. Many people who smoke pot are teetotalers because they do not like there judgment impaired.
G-d gave us a wonderful substance that is very helpful in the natural state. No processing or fermenting involved.
Arnold Schwarzenegger smoked in "Pumping Iron" and was seen enjoying it very much. Thanks to his legislation you can now grow it in your homes. To Arnold marijuana "isn't a drug, its a leaf."
Famous Pot smokers off the top of my head...
President Barack Obama Linda McCartney Paul McCartney Mayor Michael Bloomberg Sir Richard Branson Bing Crosby Bob Hope Chrissie Hynde Richard Feynman Carl Sagen Newt Gingrich Michael Phelps Stephen King Ted Turner Montel Williams Whoopi Goldberg Queen Latifah Art Garfunkel Norman Mailer Jack London Victor Hugo Carl Sagen
The list is endless...... Knobs if pot works for you - use it.
posted
I will be honest, I'm all for people using whatever works for them to get well. Just keep in mind the same things don't work for everyone.
I actually got my first panic attack that was the real clue to my relapse WHILE high. Not to mention, with all the smoking I've done in the past 15 or more years, it 9 times out 10 made me groggy, sleepy, and the opposite of clear headed. ALL drugs and chemicals affect people differently. My fiance feels great on it, which is good for him. For me, it is not a drug in which I function well at all and it is not because I haven't come to terms with past demons.
As for emotional healing, thats an important aprt of anyone's life and should be taken seriously and people should use whatever helps them to do such. I have felt at my best with no chemicals in my body except the infrequent .5mg klonopin dose. For some, pot works. Whatever floats your boat as long as your health (that means mental and physical since you can't have one without the other) is your primary focus. I do better facing my demons drug free and trust me it has nothing do with not letting the pot work the way it is supposed to. Its a drug, end of story, some will feel great with it, others won't.
Posts: 594 | From NJ/NY | Registered: Jun 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Still feeling great. Working again, pursuing creative endeavors and indulging in some sweet food along the way.
Posts: 124 | From Toronto | Registered: Aug 2009
| IP: Logged |
seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
Great!
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
Glad to hear things continue to go well.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
Are you saying stop listening to LLMD's and their diagnoses?
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
julielynne4
Unregistered
posted
I saw this thread pop up again and was wondering how you were doing, knobs. I am happy to read that you continue to feel good!!
Not so sure I agree with the Buddha quote, though....actually, 100% certain I don't....but I appreciate and admire your passion!
posted
intesting... i worried that my problems were mental as well, but all 3 psychologist that i saw believed that i actually had a physical problem that was not stemming from my emotional state. i WISH it would have been about dealing with my problems... i'd be feeling a heck of a lot better now!
Posts: 220 | From Kansas | Registered: Mar 2010
| IP: Logged |
METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
Update Knobs? How are you doing bud?
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/