Tag Archives: proglyco-sp

Day 22 to 6 Months – Week 12

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Overall

Today marks 3 months since I’ve been on this new lifestyle diet – constantly updating as I learn new information.  Inflammation levels still high (high enough for my Rhumetologist to call me), I’ve been battling mid-back, shoulder blade & upper back areas (more during the end of the week).  The “big” tests have been sent & will be ready in under 3 weeks.  Other tests will come sooner & by the end of April, I will understand my body better.  For now, pain & inflammation consumes me, but doesn’t define me.  I’ve also learned how much I’m loved by God, family and friends through this ordeal.  Without them, this lonely journey would not continue.

Info for Week 12

  • Seafood Health Chart

    Best type of fish (low in mercury & high in Omega 3-fatty acids DHA & EPA are:  salmon, mackerel, anchovy, herring, rainbow trout, crab (body meat), sardine & cod liver oil.

  • On 4/5, did a test for papaya & the Magnesium Glucomate (MG).  Papaya is an inflammation reducer & MG is a muscle relaxant.  In the morning, I did not take my ibuprofen and instead took these two around 10am.  By noon, the pain was still there and saw very little improvement (if any).  From now on, I continue to stick with the ibuprofen and keep taking the supplements as requested.
  • On Friday 4/6 I went to US Healthworks in Sarasota to do the blood draw for the Cyrex Test (array 4)
  • On Sunday 4/8, I completed the  Metametrix, and Diagnostechs (Saliva Test) & 4/9 sent it to the labs.
  • Made an appointment with Dr. Allessi in Bonita Springs on April 16th to take the cholesterol, Fruit & sugar test (glucose?), 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Test, Th1 & Th2 (Autoimmune level) tests.
  • 4/9 (Sunday) developed a leg cramp in the middle of the night along with shooting pains while trying to fix the issue (lower shoulder area & right-side rib cage).  I was able to stretch it out in bed, but have found more ways to fix the issue.  Since I took the tests on the same day, I couldn’t have any ibuprofen before the morning.  During the day I took ibuprofen all day long due to my trip back/forth to Naples on Saturday.  That trip gave me inflammation not only on my sides, but parts of my back and the entire upper half of my body was sore.  In the future, I need to use seats that recline back.

My Health in Week 12

  • Sleep, Pain & Inflammation:  In week 9 I am seeing some improvement with my sleep.  Instead of waking up 2-3 times per night, it’s usually twice – about 3 hours after I sleep and then 5-6:30am time frame.  As with the previous couple of weeks, I see inflammation mainly on my sides (rib cage area).  Below & sides of shoulder blades still hurt after waking up plus I always have a stiff back.  On 4/6, I’ve changed my sleep number bed from 40 to 35 & it seems to help the stiffness.  A week ago I was getting shooting pains from my right leg when I was in bed.  As of week 9, those pains are going away (they go on & off, but more off) and I believe that is due to switching positions from the head of the bed to the foot.  I’m also not sleeping diagonal anymore (I get more stiffness, but it’s worth training myself to sleep in a normal position).
  • Progress:  I am starting to be more productive with my workload as I’m getting more time with work without feeling the pain (I work whatever time I can, no set schedule).  My parents are saying I’m looking better & I’m not as exhausted.  And when I do, Ibuprofen & sleep.  On 4/6, I took a 3 hour nap and it carried me through the rest of the day / evening.  The latter part of the week got worse due to traveling in Naples + the forward motion that AS does to my body.  As of 4/8, I’ve dealt with throbbing pain (especially when going to bed), but it’s improving each day (going to the pool & hot tub helps).
  • Swollen ankles – Swelling is down to manageable levels, but still prevalent.  I’m still not sure why it’s happening since this is the 1st time it’s ever happened.
  • Continuing Apex Energetics Proglyco-SP 90 (regulates hypoglycemia’s blood sugar & adrenal glands).  I still get the night sweats, just not as much.  I have a feeling it’s because I’m in the same position all night & the heaviness of the cotton shirt.  Once the bottle is done, I’ve got another one where I will reduce the dosage in half.
  • Continuing to take Magnesium Glucomate (MG).  On it’s own, I don’t see the benefit.  But, like most stuff I’m taking, I’m getting better.  So I’ll continue to take this for another month or so.  When I start weening off the ibuprofen, I’ll start weeing off the Zyflamend & MG.
  • Enbrel:  It has been 7 1/2 weeks since my last shot.
  • My lowest weight was 136 lbs. and a BMI of 19.04 (4/9).

Day 22 to 6 Months – Week 11

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Info for Week 11

  • Tried making Brownies/Chocolate Cake with Stevia (1/2 the amount recommended) & coconut butter – dry as a bone…had to throw it away.  Next time will use the Stevia full amount requested + a 1/4 cup of apple sauce.
  • Ordered 4/4 the Cyrex Test (array 1-4), Metametrix, and Diagnostechs (Saliva Test).  Although it ran me almost $715 (normal price is around $2100), it’s going to let me know what I can & cannot eat .  I also completed blood work for CBC, CMP & Sed Rate from my Rhumetologist (results next week).  I’ll take the tests on Sunday & the Cyrex (blood test) this week / early next week (after submission will take 3 weeks for results).
  • Still waiting on my D.O. to call me back about my other tests – cholesterol, Fruit & sugar test (glucose?), 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Test, Th1 & Th2 (Autoimmune level) tests.
– Edimame Makes Me Flare-Up:  Although soybeans are one of the least-starchy beans, I made the mistake of having an entire bag of them.  Either it’s too early to eat these or I just can’t eat them at all.  Regardless, I had a flare-up that lasted after lunch on 4/3 & ended after breakfast on 4/4.  I have a feeling that the Pyloricin may have killed off the starch-feeding bacteria.
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My Health in Week 11

  • Overall:  I’m breaking through in week 8 after deciding to add ibuprofen when I need it.  On Thursday 3/29, I went to the chiropractor and had another horrible experience with pain.  Although the next day I was feeling better, I just couldn’t deal with another day of a draining and (in many cases) a non-functioning body.  During a typical day, I’m taking around 4-5 pills and I believe my stomach has healed enough to allow it.  I’m also taking 3 Zyflemends a day and always trying to focus on anti-inflammation foods.  4/4 went to the chiropractor with better results (2X easier than on 3/29).  Sleep continues to be horrible as I wake up 1-2 times per night and I have a very hard time getting out of bed.
  • Swollen ankles –  Both of my ankles are now swollen (right is worse than the left).  We have a theory that it is something missing in my diet and hope the tests will help out.  The swelling by 4/4 has gone down, but still prevalent.
  • Continuing Apex Energetics Proglyco-SP 90 (regulates hypoglycemia’s blood sugar & adrenal glands).  I take 2 in the morning, 2 whenever during the day & 2 before I go to bed.  I don’t get the “must go” feeling in the middle of the night & I don’t get my nightly sweats.
  • On 4/2 started taking Magnesium Glucomate.  The ND states it works as a muscle relaxant.  It can be difficult to take with any meal because it requires 8oz. of water per serving with food (I don’t drink water when I eat).
  • Enbrel:  It has been 6 1/2 weeks since my last shot.
  • My lowest weight was 136 lbs. and a BMI of 19.04 earlier on in the week, but have increased to 138lbs. & a BMI of 19.38.

Day 22 to 6 Months – Week 9

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Although I normally post on Tuesday, week 6 was definitely not a normal week.  While I found bouts of feeling “normal”, I also had inconsistent sleep (usually got up 3 times per night, every night), my body locked up one night while laying on my side (had to be pulled up out of bed by someone else in order to get out of bed…at 3:30am), developed a Canker Sore (probably due to my immune system), a swollen / sprained foot, trying to gain weight, difficult chiropractic visits (once finished I felt like I got done with a boxing match), and LOTS of information to sift through.  Without further ado, here are some of the things I found out:

Advice I’ve Received in Week 9

  • Is it better to eat vegetables raw or cooked?  VIDEO from Dr. Furhman
  • Proteins, calories & fat – increasing the healthy way (great advice for athletes who question a whole foods diet):  VIDEO from Dr. Furhman
  • Adding meats back in my diet, I need to remember what organic vs. natural means.
  • Inspiration:  The latest video, “Hungry for Change” from the “Food Matters” team is free to watch until the end of the month.
  • What’s the right balance of food?  Besides Furhman’s “Eat to Live” & the low-starch diet (LSD), I’ve learned about the GAPS diet (discussion on NSD forum).  GAPS have emphasis on fermented foods including yoghurts and vegetables and bone broth.  It also allows for starches such as certain types of beans, also bananas (ripe only), and some root vegetables.  There are others (vegan, vegetarian, etc.), but these nutritional lifestyles seem more appropriate for my body type & lifestyle.

 My 1st Desert Since the Diet – Chocolate Azteca (Mi Pueblo)

Mexican Chocolate Mousse Tart drizzled with macadamia cream and garnished with berries.  It was delicious & (I think) no flare-ups!

Other Foods Tested & No-Flare-Ups:  Small cup of chili (ground beef) with black beans, yogurt, soybeans / edamame, fish & chicken.

My Health in Week 9

  • I Have Hypoglycemia:  Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, uses hormones to keep your blood sugar in a normal range. But a long-term health problem that needs treatment can cause blood sugar to drop too low.  I usually refer this as a sugar drop – I get jittery, the sweats, achy (inflamed), short-tempered and sometimes nervous.  DEFINITION & SYMPTOMS It’s also an adrenal disorder that has too much/little cortisol that increases inflammation.
  • Hypoglycemia Test & Fix:  First, I know I’ve had sugar drops in the past + my mom has it, but never knew it could lead to chronic inflammation until my consultation with Dr. Jeremiah Joseph.  On 3/16 I switched my diet – breakfast was my normal smoothie (1/2 fruit, 1/2 veggie) and was still quite inflamed.  During lunch, however, I had a large 12 oz. portion of salmon along with 2 sides of broccoli.  Afterwards I felt much better than breakfast.  Dinner consisted of fajitas (w/o the wraps) – again more meat & veggies.  Two things happened here:  my blood sugar normalized and I introduced more protein in my diet than I did for almost the whole week.  Not only does this follow the Hypoglycemic diet, but the low-starch diet (LSD discussion).
  • Modifying the Diet:  Although I don’t have it all figured out yet, I need 20% of my diet in meat, find more protein sources, and combine meat while decreasing the dosage of the smoothie.  Currently, here is my list of protein sources (keep in mind I also need to maintain / increase my weight):
  • Almond butter – 7g protein, 180 calories, serving size: 2 Tbsp
  • Salmon – 34g protein, 241 calories, serving size: 6 oz.
  • Beans – List of Protein (will start trying beans in the next week or two)
  • Edamame (Soybeans):  12g protein, entire bag contains 3 servings.
  • Kale, Spinach, & Swiss Chard – 1-2g protein, serving size: 1 cup (look up other veggies)
  • Enbrel:  It has been 4 1/2+ weeks since my last shot
  • My lowest weight was 138 lbs. and a BMI of 19.28.  To gain weight, I need to gain healthy fats.  Here are the things I need to do:
  • Daily calories 2220 X .20 (min) or .35 (max) = 444 (min) – 777 (max) calories of fat.  To get grams of fat, divide by 9.  444/9 – 777/9 = I need 49g – 86g of fat per day.  MORE INFO
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil on salads & edamame.  Contains 14g fat per Tbsp.  Look for organic and/or from one country producing it.
  • One Avocado contains 14.66g fat (9.80g monounsaturated / good fat)
  • Supplement Modifications:  Need to add in:
  • Magnesium Glycumate – 6-800mg. It will strengthen bones, muscle, and helps with 300 reactions per cell.  Individuals suffering from malabsorption conditions like celiac and Crohn’s disease will benefit from this form of magnesium.  AS has similar gut issues as Crohn’s.
  • Vegetable-based protein powder (can contain hemp or quinoa)
  • Apex Energetics Proglyco-SP 90 (regulates hypoglycemia’s blood sugar & adrenal glands).  Take 2 in the morning, 2 whenever during the day & 2 before I go to bed.
  • Removed Organic India’s Fiber Harmony Orange Flavor as the protein / meat is binding “things” just nicely.
  • Advil:  I stressed again that I need 2-4 Advil to keep me asleep over the night. While the ND would suggest not taking any medications, he mentioned that the recovery from sleep outweighs the issues with taking Advil.
  • TH1 vs. TH2 Immunology: Still reviewing the theory.  But a correct balance can reduce / remove the inflammation.
  • Daily chiropractic work:  Using the Denny Roll 1X/day should be sufficient as I progress.  I can add more once I get better.
  • Papaya Seeds:  I have been taking them everyday for 1 1/2 weeks with no effect.  Although it may not work for me, it could work for anyone who has intestinal worms in their system (no one knows if they do unless they take a probe to see or test).  The ND is fine with doing this.  MORE
  • Blue Fingers:  I’ve heard it before, but the ND confirmed I have Raynaud’s Syndrome.  It’s quite harmless and I only get cold quickly in air conditioned rooms.
  • Hair Thinning:  This could be due to my Thyroid, but mostly due to my Hypoglycemia / blood sugar issues.

What allergy tests should I take and how does insurance work?

  • Cyrex Test (array 1-4) – measures auto immune & cross-reactivity.  At this time, Cyrex Laboratories is not contracted with any insurance provider, including Medicare. Patients are given invoices/statements, which can be sent to their insurance provider for possible reimbursement.
  • Metametrix – Comprehensive testing – I choose what to test for (heavy metals for example).  I pay up front, they send the bill to insurance, and whatever Golden Rule covers is the money I would get back.  Their providers they deal with are Blue Cross / Blue Shield. 
  • Diagnostechs (Saliva Test) – SIGA test, cortisol & DHA levels.  Since Diagnos-Techs is a non-contracted provider with all insurance companies except Medicare, some insurance companies will send the reimbursement to the member. In this case, the patient will be responsible for forwarding the insurance checks to us or they can submit payment in the form of check, money order, or credit card.
  • The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test
  • Cholesterol Test – should be around 200 MG/DL
  • Thyroid – All panels, TPO & Anti-throid globulan