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GETTING WELL: One Journey Toward Taking Control and Thriving with a Chronic Disorder.
Following is a summary of the results of my experiments leading to higher energy and greater strength. This is not advice, just a record of what seems to work for me. As I hear from others whose health has improved, I will add their reports on separate pages, look to the left.
At 50 years old I was teaching 5 literature classes and 8 individual students (reading comprehension, critical thinking and writing), doing research, writing (educator and writer), and swimming several times a week in Chicago, IL. After a viral infection in 1994, at 55 I was physically and mentally exhausted much of the time. Unable to concentrate, I cut back on teaching and research. If I taught a one hour class in the morning, I was wiped out for the day. Wheezing in Sept 1994 impelled me to see HMO doctors. In 1995 I was inhaling three types of asthma medication every day, and twice took prednisone. Plaut's Peak Flow Diary was important to me at the time. I adhered conscientiously to everything my doctor prescribed.
To avoid airborne triggers, I tried wearing a disposable mask for 24 hours. I noticed a dramatic difference in energy. A search for comfortable, washable, good looking masks prompted me to create my own masks then this business to share with others. All of my research focused on becoming well again. I developed my Trigger Detection Diary to get a handle on what was affecting me.
At 67 years old: Most of the time I am symptom free of asthma with a high level of energy and creativity (teaching, preparing papers, writing a book, running a business and household, and enjoying children and grand children--they call me "the masked granny"). When challenged, I wear an appropriate mask to reduce exposure to airborne environmental irritants. For me known irritants are: dust, mold, latex; vehicle fumes, perfume, fabric softener, paint, chlorine, some plastics, printer’s ink, ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, gasoline, natural gas, smoke; and cold. When traveling by plane I wear a Honeycomb Mask with Carbon Filter and do not suffer ear pain or illness while flying or after. I remove mask briefly to drink or eat. At home, in a room full of books, I wear a Silk Comfort Mask. For sleeping I add my magical I Can Sleep...™ Mask.
In the following ** indicates noticeable difference in added energy within 24 hours and sustained for over a week. The following is not a recommendation, just a record of what works for me.
Medications: Until April 2002, I took 1 Singulair** 10 mg every evening, a leukotriene modifier for asthma. I experienced no negative side effects. One positive side effect: I no longer craved chocolate. Masks reduced exposure to irritants. I have needed no inhalants for four years, but wear masks when challenged and carry a rescue medication just in case. April 30, 2002 I stopped taking Singulair and felt great--energetic, creative. The doctor said my lungs sounded clear. I continue to use masks when needed to reduce exposure to irritants. I currently take no medications. If I do not wear an appropriate mask I may start coughing, or mucus begins to form, or my energy level is depleted. I sleep in a silk mask and eye shade. If the wind brings in noxious fumes, I change to the honeycomb mask with carbon filter and go back to sleep.
Nutrient supplements that have made a difference for me:
LiverGuard** by Source Naturals: high doses B, C, + Co-enzyme Q10 12.5 mg, Silymarin 200mg: 2 tablets at breakfast.
Vit. E, Nature Made 400** UI natural mixed tocopherols at breakfast during stress. I started with 800 UI, then reduced once my energy level was high. With current news about adverse effects of too much E I will cut down to 200 UI.
Multiple: One a day without iron (for seniors).
Calcium: Soy milk**: Silk Wave (in refrigerator case), at least 3 cups a day or add supplement with magnesium for 1500 mg calcium per day.
Co-enzyme Q10 75 mg, supposed to improve memory.
Glucosamine for arthritis.
For Vit. C fresh fruits and green organic vegetables.
Omega 3 from salmon, flaxseed oil or supplement.
Extra Zinc 50mg for better absorbtion of A, E, and C, prescribed for eye condition.
Foods:
Organic Red Chard**, about 1.5 cups, every day. (I love this: an organic whole wheat tortilla, 2 large leaves chard torn in pieces, 2 slices of Boar's Head Lacy Swiss cheese over the chard. Microwave 1 minute until chard softens and cheese is slightly melted. Add a tbsp. salsa, then walnuts, almonds or pecans. Roll up and eat.)
Blueberries, 1/2 cup in oatmeal, about 5 times a week
Rehydrated organic dried apricots or figs, 3 a day
Generally low fat, low salt diet, high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, salmon, some turkey and red meat maybe once a week.
At least 8 glasses of filtered water a day. (We use Pur filter, which comes in different forms.)
Organic coffee, medium roast, 1 cup in morning.
Avocado on whole wheat bread, pita or toasted corn tortilla, sprinkled with dehydrated garlic and onion, every evening (another reason to wear a mask!)
Exercise: **15 to 20 minutes on an exercycle, 3-4 times a week. Stretches: minimum--knee to chest and torso twist. Strength training exercises taken from Strong Women Stay Young and Strong Women Stay Slim, M. Nelson. June 2003, I was able to tolerate pool chlorine with a carbon mask so was exercising with head above water 3 times a week. After developing dermatitis I had to stop going to the pool.
Environmental changes (take time and energy!):
We disposed of all scented products. My husband shaves with unscented soap (Kirk's Hardwater Castile) because shaving gels and foams affect my breathing.
For laundry, we use scent free Seventh Generation or Arm & Hammer for Sensitive Skin detergent, or All Free and Clear (I like the new small bottle that is concentrated), OxiClean non-chlorine bleach, and no fabric softener. Other detergent brands now have "free and clear" versions. OxiClean is also great as a cleanser. I put it in shaker jars for kitchen and bathrooms.
We got rid of the gas stove and installed an electric stove.
We use a Nilfisk HEPA vacuum cleaner.
We have not disposed of any books -- I would rather wear a mask!
Our son and daughter-in-law ripped out the carpeting in my work room and front room so we can dust and mop the hardwood floors.
Adrien J. Bledstein, questions or comments: E-mail or in USA call 1-888-313-0123, M-F 9a-5p CST. If you have a getting well story to tell, please share.
This page was last updated on 03/03/08.