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GETTING WELL: One Journey Toward Taking Control and Thriving with a Chronic Disorder. For other stories click on a name.
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 69 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 sleep I enjoy the 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 activated carbon filter and go back to sleep.
Nutrient supplements that have made a difference for me:
B vitamins: Nutritional Yeast Flakes** from bulkfoods.com. [Good tasting yeast flakes replaced 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** IU natural mixed tocopherols at breakfast during stress. I started with 800 IU, then reduced once my energy level was high. With current news about adverse effects of too much E I will cut down to 200 IU.
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.
Vit. D3**, important addition this year, up to 2000 IU a day.
Co-enzyme Q10 150 mg, supposed to improve memory.
Extra Zinc 50mg to better absorb of A, E, and C, prescribed for eye condition.
Glucosamine for arthritis.
For Vit. C fresh fruits and green organic vegetables. Greens to Go drink.
Omega 3 from salmon, flaxseed oil or supplement.
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, 1 slice 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
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.
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: **30-35 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 excema 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 Aveeno soap 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 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 09/08/08.