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.

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.