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Dr. Diana, both a doctor (therapeutic optometrist), and a recovered POTS and ME/CFS patient, offers help and hope for POTS, Dysautonomia, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Lyme, vascular abnormalities, Fibromyalgia, and Multiple Sclerosis. Dr. Diana is now working full time at POTS Care.

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Food & Drug reactivity

NEW STUDY! Parasym Plus™ for Multiple Sclerosis › Forums › PrettyIll.com Discussion › EDS/MS/Chiari › Food & Drug reactivity

  • This topic has 5 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 11 months ago by TrishyPops.
Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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  • April 4, 2016 at 2:46 pm #993
    dardenburns
    Participant

    I suffer from reactions to many foods, drugs and supplements both orally and transdermaly. This began over 40 years ago when I first became sick with chronic fatigue and headaches. Although I have reversed many of the symptoms of my condition I still am highly reactive. My reactions begin within 5 minutes of ingesting something and cause elevated muscle tension and pain around the back of my head, jaw, neck and into the middle of my spin. I feel tired and agitated and am not able to sleep well. (My sleep is usually disturbed but much more so after a reaction). I have slightly elevated levels of tryptase (enough to diagnose me with mast cell activation) however the levels are equally high whether I am feeling well and relaxed or if I am in a reaction.) I was very encouraged when I read Dr. Driscoll’s interview at the Low Histamine Chef website because it made sense to me that the vagus nerve may be involved in my reactions. However I had a bad reaction/agitation to Parasym. Since there are multiple ingredients in the supplement I am wondering if I should just try taking choline. My condition has been interrupted many times when I have tried a new therapy or supplement i.e. quercetin, acupuncture, static and specific frequency micro current modalities, stimulating the vagus nerve by gagging and gargling, etc. however I quickly habituated to all of these interventions, which then aggravated my nervous system. I suspect that I have some sort of connective tissue disorder as I have an elongated tongue and colon and low blood pressure and a slow pulse when resting. I am looking for advice on how to stop my reactivity.

    April 7, 2016 at 5:26 am #5924
    TrishyPops
    Participant

    I suffer from reactions to many foods, drugs and supplements both orally and transdermaly. This began over 40 years ago when I first became sick with chronic fatigue and headaches. Although I have reversed many of the symptoms of my condition I still am highly reactive. My reactions begin within 5 minutes of ingesting something and cause elevated muscle tension and pain around the back of my head, jaw, neck and into the middle of my spin. I feel tired and agitated and am not able to sleep well. (My sleep is usually disturbed but much more so after a reaction). I have slightly elevated levels of tryptase (enough to diagnose me with mast cell activation) however the levels are equally high whether I am feeling well and relaxed or if I am in a reaction.) I was very encouraged when I read Dr. Driscoll’s interview at the Low Histamine Chef website because it made sense to me that the vagus nerve may be involved in my reactions. However I had a bad reaction/agitation to Parasym. Since there are multiple ingredients in the supplement I am wondering if I should just try taking choline. My condition has been interrupted many times when I have tried a new therapy or supplement i.e. quercetin, acupuncture, static and specific frequency micro current modalities, stimulating the vagus nerve by gagging and gargling, etc. however I quickly habituated to all of these interventions, which then aggravated my nervous system. I suspect that I have some sort of connective tissue disorder as I have an elongated tongue and colon and low blood pressure and a slow pulse when resting. I am looking for advice on how to stop my reactivity.

    Hello there!

    I can identify with much of your post. I have had numerous issues with foods and drugs over the years. I have EDS but very late diagnosis in my 50s. I was diagnosed with ME/CFS 8 years after EBV and I was left with autonomic dysfunction. I now have POTS and neuropathy.

    I started to look into MCAS last year and I haven’t pursued a diagnosis as I think it’s doubtful it will happen. I am on the low histamine/anti-inflammatory diet now and taking supplements. I am taking the three vagus nerve support capsules, but noted the Parasym Plus upset me and it wasn’t until I saw it had Acetyl-l-carnitine ingredient that the penny dropped, as I have had issues with this supplement before. I know that over stimulation of my nervous system is a no-no and no longer even use a neurostim as it aggravates everything.

    I would suggest following the diet, but not too much nerve stimulation at once. My gut reacts so much to anything and the neuropathy then gets 10x worse. It is improving slowly and avoiding foods that make matters much worse. I wish you luck!

    April 7, 2016 at 11:15 am #5925
    dardenburns
    Participant

    Have you tried taking choline by itself? Dr. Driscoll says that vagus nerve problems are due to low levels of acetylcholine. I take 2 capsules of ginger root and 2T ACV – the ingredients in vagus nerve support and think they are moderately helpful.

    April 7, 2016 at 12:24 pm #5926
    TrishyPops
    Participant

    Hello!

    Yes, I started to take them soon after I stopped the Parasym. I’m waiting to see if it helps me. I think I’m just about covered for everything else.
    What do you think it helps with? Sometimes results are subtle, aren’t they?
    Thanks for your reply.

    April 7, 2016 at 5:20 pm #5927
    dardenburns
    Participant

    Ginger root helps with gut motility – it is a mild prokinetic agent. Apple cider vinegar helps kill bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Many people with EDS, FMS, etc. have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth which causes symptoms of IBS. Ginger root and ACV are helpful for this.

    April 7, 2016 at 5:23 pm #5928
    TrishyPops
    Participant

    Yes, I’m taking the VNS Soothing Digestive Aid.

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