...DEFEAT Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: ...............................................................You don't have to live with it
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ME/CFS Supplements – One Combination Doesn’t Fit All

4/8/2014

4 Comments

 
Picture© 2014 TSM
Karen recently shared the lifelong struggle she went through to get to a diagnosis of ME/CFS (see blog 6/11/2013) and, like me, eventually determined that she was suffering with ion channelopathy.  The approach we both used was to unravel the clues that would lead us to the correct ratios of sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.  The ratios which worked successfully for Karen, were almost the opposite of what worked for me.  So even with the same sub-diagnosis, we needed different treatments.  And of course this got me thinking about common practice today in ME/CFS treatment.

Most providers who see ME/CFS patients recommend a regimen of supplements.   They can include pills, IV, shots and ‘cocktails’.  Patients report a range of results with these methods from revitalizing to ‘maybe it helped.’ 
If you’re seeing a physician who has recommended such treatments, be sure that the ratios and combinations of supplements are based on your metabolism. There are tests and blood chemistries that can be run to get an accurate picture of you and your needs for treatment. Many of these treatments can be expensive and it’s a sacrifice for many to pay for them.  If you’re not feeling measurable improvement, revisit your doses and combinations with your doctor.

From my own experience, the first doctor who actually treated me for ME/CFS, relied on his prior experience with ‘patients like me’ and prescribed a similar plan.  Although this first step got me to a healthier plateau, it wasn’t until we figured out, through trial and error, what I specifically needed for supplements that I was able to get on the right road to recovery. Are you taking supplements as part of your recovery plan?  What do you think of their efficacy?  Please COMMENT on this blog or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them with your permission.  You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.  And
Guest Blogs are most welcome!

Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays.  And consider being part of the conversation.

Be Well Again,

Martha 

4 Comments
Tim Boland
4/13/2014 08:00:20 pm

With my first go around with CFS, I didn't really know what it was and when the doctor said he thought it was 'chronic fatigue', I had no idea this was a 'syndrome'. He seemed more gloomy about my prognosis, which honestly angered me, I thought 'it's not his life!'.

I realized that although I was eating pretty well and healthy, I had an intuitive sense to do two things. The first was to give up sugar, and I would notice a difference in how I felt, almost on the point of feeling not well, when I gave in and had something with sugar, even jelly with 'natural juices'. My energy level was low so I could only work an hour or two.

I did some research and found those high quality vitamins which I've used now for years, a great multi vitamin, Vitamin E and one with additional calcium. I did recover from my first episode with chronic fatigue, though it took a long time, over a few years, very gradually. I'm not sure I was ever 100% but probably 95% of where I was before, and I realized too that I didn't want to run around doing so many things as frenetically as before.

Thanks Martha for a reminder of what helps. Keeping an open mind is, I think, key in dealing with this illness and I imagine many others.

Reply
Martha
4/14/2014 02:08:24 am

You're smart to continue to take a solid compliment of vitamins and supplements. It just makes good sense. Thanks Tim!

Reply
Donna
4/14/2014 11:58:57 am

I'm curious, Martha, and I hope that I'm not being too forward in asking. Is it still necessary to supplement your diet with extra salt?

Reply
martha
4/14/2014 01:58:05 pm

No problem. If you've read my book, you know that I personally put it all out there. As for salt, I no longer take a daily salt tablet but I do ensure that I get salt in my diet. Also, about four months ago, I started to drink, once again, a glass of vegetable juice (not low sodium) with a good quality multi vitamin each morning. Part of a 'self care' decision to be more consistent with my ion balance. Thanks Donna.

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    After struggling with CFS for four years I am fortunate now to be fully well and making choices about how I want to live my healthy life.  One choice is to be an active part of the CFS community and to offer one voice from the fully recoverd to the dialogue.  I'm glad you're here!   For more about me, here's my Bio.

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