Tag: ldn

Battling Setbacks: My Third Week on LDN and the Fight to Keep Going

As I enter the third week of my Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) journey, I find myself facing new challenges that test my resolve. Despite my initial hopes, the stomach cramps and gastrointestinal issues have not only persisted but have actually gotten worse. This has been a significant setback, and it’s been difficult to stay positive amid the discomfort.

Adjusting the Dosage: A New Approach

Given the worsening symptoms, I’ve decided to take a three-day break from LDN to allow my body some time to recover. After this pause, I plan to restart at a much lower dose of 0.25ML. This new approach involves diluting the LDN pills in distilled water, a method recommended by the LDN Trust. For those interested, here is a guide to diluting LDN pills to achieve precise dosages.

Dealing with Discouragement

It’s disheartening to experience these setbacks, especially after feeling some initial hope. The pain has also spread to my hands and wrists, adding to the daily challenges. However, I am determined not to give up. Adjusting the dosage and giving my body time to adapt is a necessary step in finding the right balance.

Staying Active: Pushing Through the Pain

On a broader scale, I’m trying to stay active and incorporate exercise into my routine, despite the pain. Regular physical activity is known to benefit those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia, and I’m hoping it will help alleviate some of my symptoms in the long run. For more information on how exercise can benefit those with CFS and Fibromyalgia, you can read this helpful resource.

Finding Resilience

Navigating this journey with LDN has been anything but straightforward. The side effects have been challenging, and there have been moments of doubt and frustration. However, I am committed to finding a path that works for me. It’s important to listen to my body, make necessary adjustments, and remain hopeful that relief is possible.

I am sharing these experiences not only to document my journey but also to provide support and insight for others who may be going through similar struggles. If you are on a similar path, know that setbacks are part of the process, and it’s okay to feel discouraged at times. What matters most is the determination to keep moving forward and the willingness to try different approaches until you find what works best for you.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Your support and shared experiences mean a lot. Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to share your own stories and tips in the comments. Together, we can support each other in our pursuit of better health and well-being.

Disclaimer: This blog post is based on my personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Navigating the Second Week on Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN): Challenges and Adjustments

Entering the second week of my Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) journey, I felt a mix of anticipation and cautious optimism. Unfortunately, increasing the dose to 1.5MG brought about some unexpected challenges that have tested my resolve and optimism.

Understanding LDN and Its Potential Benefits

For those unfamiliar with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), it’s a medication that has gained attention for its potential to help manage various autoimmune conditions. Originally developed in the 1980s to treat opioid addiction at high doses, LDN is now being used at much lower doses to modulate the immune system. The idea is that LDN can reduce inflammation and autoimmunity by promoting the production of endorphins and enkephalins, which are natural painkillers and immune modulators. It’s being studied for its benefits in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Upping the Dose: New Side Effects

As I increased the dosage to 1.5MG, I encountered significant gastrointestinal pain, particularly along the belt line, which proved to be the most troublesome and lingering side effect. This discomfort, combined with persistent fatigue and joint pain, left me feeling discouraged. The elevated levels of fatigue and joint pain continued to be major hurdles, impacting my daily routine and overall well-being.

Despite these challenges, I understood that LDN works by temporarily blocking opioid receptors, which leads to an increase in endorphin production. These endorphins can help modulate the immune system, potentially reducing the symptoms of autoimmune disorders. However, the path to finding the right dosage and achieving these benefits can be a delicate balance, as my recent experiences have shown.

Taking a Step Back: Adjusting the Approach

In response to these side effects, I decided to take a two-day break from the medication. This pause allowed me to reassess my approach and consider alternatives. My plan now is to restart LDN using a diluted liquid form, beginning again at a lower dose of 1MG/ML. This adjustment aims to ease my body into the treatment more gradually, hopefully minimizing the adverse effects while still reaping the potential benefits.

Staying Positive Amidst Challenges

Despite the setbacks, I am trying to remain positive. Interestingly, one of the more pleasant side effects has been the vivid dreams I’ve been experiencing. These dreams, though unusual, have added a curious and sometimes erotic aspect to my nights. While my sleep remains fairly consistent, I still struggle with achieving deep sleep, which is crucial for my overall recovery and health.

Exploring Complementary Therapies

In addition to adjusting my LDN dosage, I am exploring complementary therapies to help manage my symptoms. I have scheduled a couple of cryotherapy sessions, which I have read can be beneficial for chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, headaches, and autoimmune disorders. Cryotherapy involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period, which can reduce inflammation and pain. Learn more about the benefits of cryotherapy here.

Additionally, I have an acupuncture appointment tomorrow. Acupuncture has shown promise in alleviating various symptoms associated with chronic conditions. The practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, which can help increase blood flow and promote the body’s natural painkillers. Discover how acupuncture can help with chronic fatigue and autoimmune disorders here.

Moving Forward

While the journey with LDN has not been straightforward, I am committed to finding the right balance and approach that works for me. It’s important to listen to my body and make adjustments as needed, all while maintaining a hopeful outlook. This process may involve some trial and error, but I am determined to find a path that offers relief and improves my quality of life.

The potential of LDN to modulate the immune system and reduce symptoms of autoimmune conditions is promising, but it requires patience and careful management. As I continue to navigate this journey, I will keep documenting my experiences and adjustments. Sharing these insights not only helps me process the challenges but also provides valuable information for others who might be on a similar path.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to share your experiences and tips in the comments. Together, we can support each other in our pursuit of better health and well-being.

My First Week on Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN): A Personal Journey

Last Sunday, I embarked on my new journey with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) by taking my first 1.25 milligram dose. Here’s a detailed account of my experiences during this initial week.

Initial Improvements

One of the most notable changes I experienced was a marked improvement in brain fog. For the first time in a while, my thoughts felt clearer and more organized, which was a significant relief. It may sound strange, but I felt like I was seeing things more clearly and the feeling of my head being inside an aquarium was gone. However, this improvement was accompanied by persistent fatigue, suggesting that while LDN helped with mental clarity, it didn’t immediately alleviate all my symptoms.

Joint Pain and Discomfort

Interestingly, I noticed an increase in joint pain, particularly in my left elbow and both shoulders. This was unexpected and somewhat concerning, as it contrasted with the improvement in brain fog. It’s possible that my body is still adjusting to the medication, and I’m hopeful that this pain will subside over time. The elbow pain is pretty severe and I’m going in on Wednesday to have an ortho take a look and make sure it’s not structural.

Sleep Patterns

On a positive note, I observed that I was getting more sleep overall. However, the quality of that sleep was inconsistent, particularly in terms of achieving deep sleep. I’ve been taking the pill a few hours before bedtime, and I plan to experiment with the timing of my dose to see if that helps improve the consistency of deep sleep.

Dry Eyes and Other Side Effects

Since starting LDN, I’ve experienced unusually dry eyes. I’m not sure if this is directly related to the medication, but it’s worth noting. Additionally, one of the known side effects of LDN is vivid dreams. True to form, I did have some vivid dreams, including two nightmares that woke me up during the night.

Looking Ahead

As I prepare to increase my dose to 1.5 milligrams this week, I’m curious to see how my body will respond. I plan to continue monitoring my symptoms and adjusting as needed. I’ll report back on any new developments or changes in my condition.

A Call for Shared Experiences

If you’ve had experiences with LDN, whether similar or different from mine, I’d love to hear from you. Sharing our stories can help us better understand how this medication affects us individually and collectively.

Feel free to comment below or reach out to me directly. Your insights could be invaluable as we navigate this journey together.

Stay tuned for next week’s update!

References

Your feedback and shared experiences are welcome! Let’s learn from each other and support our health journeys.