Chapter 42: FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

I would definitely describe the symptoms of depression as darkness.  To bring the light back in to my body and life has taken all of the following:

Trip to the Amen Clinic in Newport Beach, California:  a higher level of education to diagnose and treat my specific psychiatric disorders.  The SPECT brain scans provided information to help in prescribing medication that had the highest chance of being effective for me.

Chapter 1: Depression, Amen Clinics, Amino Acids
Chapter 2: Back to School, Father Died

Chapter 3: Teaching Position, Major Depression

Chapter 4: No To Suicide, 15 Drug Combinations

Chapter 8: Amen Clinic, Newport Beach, CA

Chapter 9: Three Days At The Amen Clinic

Chapter 10: Detailed Treatment Plan

Chapter 11: My Brain Scans, Outside Surface View

Chapter 12: I Hate Clonazepam, Supplements 

Chapter 13: My Brain Scans, Inside Active View


SPECT Brain Scans:   Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Chapter 11: My Brain Scans, Outside Surface View
Chapter 13: My Brain Scans, Inside Active View

Medications 

Generic Luvox:  50 mg morning 75 mg afternoon
Effexor XR:  112.5 mg morning
Generic Neurontin:  300 mg 4 times per day


Effexor XR 

Chapter 15: Clonazepam The Beast, Effexor XR 
Chapter 16: Effexor XR, Live My Life In The Now 
Chapter 19: Effexor XR, Enlightened Relationships 
Chapter 25: Effexor XR, $260.59 or $160.80 Every Month 
Chapter 35: FEELING SOME RELIEF, Antidepressant Medications 


Getting Off The Drug Clonazepam 

Chapter 12: I Hate Clonazepam, Supplements 
Chapter 15: Clonazepam The Beast, Effexor XR 


Supplements

Chapter 10: Detailed Treatment Plan 
Chapter 12: I Hate Clonazepam, Supplements 
Chapter 32: 6,000 mg Of Fish Oil A Day 


Fish Oil, Omega 3 Fatty Acids 6,000 mg Per Day 

Chapter 32: 6,000 mg Of Fish Oil A Day 


Raised My Vitamin D Level from 20 to 45, then to 72  

Chapter 29: Do you know what your Vitamin D level is?


Depression is a Disease  

Chapter 23: Angry At The Disease 
Chapter 24: Effexor XR, Please "Kick In" Soon
Chapter 31: Don't Stop Believing
Chapter 36: Blood Type & Diet, Healing Depression Symptoms 


Exercise & Endorphins

Chapter 10: Detailed Treatment Plan

Chapter 33: Endorphins - Natural Morphine 


Reading the Books, The Power of Now, and A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle.  Changing my thinking and living in the Now.

Chapter 5: A New Earth, Changing The Way I Think 
Chapter 6: Ego, Pain-Body, Live In The Present 
Chapter 14: Normal Day, The Power of Now  
Chapter 16: Effexor XR, Live My Life In The Now  
Chapter 18: "Fulfillment, Peace, Life in all its Fullness." 
Chapter 39: The Constant Chatter In My Mind Is Not Me 
Chapter 40: EGO 
Chapter 41: PAIN-BODY


Enlightened Relationships 

Chapter 19: Effexor XR, Enlightened Relationships  


Reading the Book, The UltraMind Solution, by Mark Hyman, M.D.  This led to food sensitivity testing and diet changes.

Chapter 7: Keys To UltraWellness, Food Sensitivity 
Chapter 12: I Hate Clonazepam, Supplements 
Chapter 21: Healing A "Broken Brain" 


The Link Between Inflammation and Depression 

Chapter 37: Treat INFLAMMATION Ease DEPRESSION?
Chapter 38: Depression and Inflammation ARE Linked 


Mercury Toxicity 

Chapter 26: Is Mercury Toxicity Causing Depression?
Chapter 27: Has the Mercury I Have Been Exposed to Caused Toxicity?

Chapter 28: Heavy Metals Testing Is Extremely Controversial!


Reading the book, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, by Daniel Amen, M.D. 

Chapter 22: Serotonin, Deep Limbic System


Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation 

Chapter 34: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation


Acupuncture 

Chapter 20: Acupuncture, Relaxed Wanderer


Viral Meningitis  & ADHD 

Chapter 17: Effexor XR, ADHD & Viral Meningitis


Blood Type and Diet 

Chapter 36: Blood Type & Diet, Healing Depression Symptoms   

Chapter 35: FEELING SOME RELIEF! Antidepressant Medications

It has been 9 months since I went to the Amen Clinic in Newport Beach, California.  It has taken this long to make all of the medication changes recommended by my doctor at the clinic.  I am starting to feel better, FEELING SOME RELIEF!  I have an atypical depression that needed to be treated in layers.  The anxiety symptoms needed to be treated first, and I talk more about this in Chapter 9 of my blog.  There is a detailed treatment plan from the Amen Clinic in Chapter 10.

I am now taking 150 mg of Effexor XR in the morning with breakfast.  I have come down from 300 mg because I was not feeling any improvement of depression symptoms, and side effects were not going away.  The higher dose was causing insomnia and anxiety, flushing several times a day, and constipation.  These are the only side effects I have experienced with Effexor XR, and they are just about gone on 150 mg.

 




 

I am also taking generic Luvox, fluvoxamine.  I take 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg in the afternoon.  I was already on this drug when I went to the Amen Clinic and my brain scans showed it was helping to quiet the activity in the deep limbic system; but it was not completely effective.  Depression symptoms originate in the deep limbic system.  I am using fluvoxamine for depression, and I do not have any side effects strong enough to notice.  I have been on fluvoxamine for over a year, and a pharmacist told me the brand Luvox is no longer made. The extended-release capsule is a new medication.

Information on generic Luvox, fluvoxamine from:  PubMed Health - Fluvoxamine

 

Why is this medication prescribed?

Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won't go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over) and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life). Fluvoxamine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

 

How should this medicine be used?

Fluvoxamine comes as a tablet and an extended-release capsule to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken either once daily at bedtime or twice daily, once in the morning and once at bedtime. The extended-release capsule is usually taken, with or without food , once daily at bedtime. Swallow the extended-release capsules whole; do not crush or chew them.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of fluvoxamine and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every week, depending on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience.  It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of fluvoxamine. Continue to take fluvoxamine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking fluvoxamine without talking to your doctor.

If you suddenly stop taking fluvoxamine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability; agitation; dizziness; extreme worry; uneasiness; confusion; headache; tiredness; mood changes; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; or pain, burning, numbness, tingling or 'electric shock' sensations in the hands or feet. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

 

Other uses for this medicine

*Fluvoxamine is also sometimes used to treat depression. Talk with your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.  This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

 

What side effects can this medication cause?

Fluvoxamine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:  drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, dry mouth, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, indigestion, gas, change in taste, decreased appetite, weight loss, nervousness, weakness, unsteadiness, and changes in sex drive or ability.

I am taking generic Neurontin, gabapentin, to help calm the activity in the basal ganglia where anxiety begins.  I take a 300 mg capsule four times a day,1,200 mg total.  Neurontin is an anticonvulsant medication the Amen Clinic has found to be effective for anxiety.  I started on this drug as soon as I got home from the clinic to help me get off the drug clonazepam.  I have written quite a bit about clonazepam in Chapter 12 - I Hate Clonazepam and Chapter 15 - Clonazepam The Beast.  (I have been off The Beast for 7 months! =)  My doctor at the clinic chose gabapentin for me because of its low side effect profile, but you will see there are many side effects listed for this drug in the following article.  I did not experience any of these side effects.

Information on generic Neurontin, gabapentin from: PubMed Health - Gabapentin

 

Why is this medication prescribed?

Gabapentin is used to help control certain types of seizures in patients who have epilepsy. Gabapentin is also used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pain or aches that may last for months or years after an attack of shingles). Gabapentin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. Gabapentin treats seizures by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Gabapentin relieves the pain of PHN by changing the way the body senses pain.

 

How should this medicine be used?

Gabapentin comes as a capsule, a tablet, and an oral solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with a full glass of water (8 ounces [240 milliliters]) three times a day. Gabapentin may be taken with or without food. Take this medication at evenly spaced times throughout the day and night; do not let more than 12 hours pass between doses.

If your doctor tells you to take one-half of a tablet as part of your dose, carefully split the tablet along the score mark. Use the other half-tablet as part of your next dose. Properly throw away any half-tablets that you have not used within several days of breaking them.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of gabapentin and gradually increase your dose as needed to treat your condition. If you are taking gabapentin to treat PHN, tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during your treatment.

 

Other uses for this medicine

Gabapentin is also sometimes used to relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy (numbness or tingling due to nerve damage in people who have diabetes), and to treat and prevent hot flashes (sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who are being treated for breast cancer or who have experienced menopause (''change of life'', the end of monthly menstrual periods). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.  This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

   

What side effects can this medication cause?

Gabapentin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:  drowsiness, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, shaking of a part of your body you cannot control, double or blurred vision, unsteadiness, anxiety, memory problems, strange or unusual thoughts, unwanted eye movements, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, back or joint pain, fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms, ear pain, and red, itchy eyes.

My favorite website to learn about medications is Crazy Meds! The Good, The Bad, and The Funny.  It will tell you about uses, pros and cons, effects, side effects, and stuff your doctor usually won't tell you.  "Crazy Meds Suck Donkey Dong"  If that quote is offensive to you, you may not like this site.

I hope you are FEELING SOME RELIEF from your antidepressant medication, or will be soon!!

Chapter 29: Do you know what your Vitamin D level is?

This is funny!  Best_DUI_Ever

Do you know what your Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy level is?

In November of 2007 I had some blood work done and found out my Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy level was 20, LOW. The huge normal range is 30-150, and a toxic level for most people is above 150. At the time I was surprised because my diet was pretty healthy. After doing some reading about the subject, I am not surprised because I wasn't spending 15-20 minutes in the sun everyday without sunscreen. (Or with sunscreen either!)

I started taking 2,000 IU of Vitamin D a day and had good intentions of getting more sun. Then, December of 2007 came around and I made the fateful decision to come off my antidepressant, Zoloft, and try an amino acid therapy for depression. Well, the rest is history (a miserable one) and has already been documented in previous blog posts. For the next year my Vitamin D level was not a high priority for me. I felt there was a long list of things I "should" do, and didn't feel well enough to do very many of them.

In March of 2009 I had blood work done again and my Vitamin D level was 26. Yeah, I know it didn't come up much. The amount of Vitamin D I was taking and feeling depressed and sick in the house wasn't very effective. My doctor started me on a 50,000 IU capsule of a prescription Vitamin D, the generic for Drisdol, that I took once per month. In February of 2010 I started taking the supplements Dr. Hyman recommends (See Chapter 12:  I Hate Clonazepam, Supplements) so I was taking 3,200 IU of Vitamin D each day, and 50,000 IU once per month.

In April of 2010 my blood work showed a Vitamin D level of 45. In the gigantic normal range! Maybe I don't absorb it very well. =) My psychiatrist at the Amen Clinic recommended I get my level up to at least 70, because it has a good chance of improving my mood. My doctor here at home is helping me and I am now taking a 50,000 IU capsule every two weeks and 3200 IU every day. I will be tested again in January of 2011; if I am not up to 70 I will begin taking the 50,000 IU capsule every week. I know it would help if I spent some time in the sun, but you know I don't have a good track record for this. I am going to try!

I am hoping a higher Vitamin D level will be one more thing contributing to overcoming the depression symptoms. One more piece of the healing depression puzzle. For me this puzzle has been difficult. I will keep you posted.

I am in the process of reading the book, The Vitamin D Solution, A 3-Step Strategy to Cure Our Most Common Health Problem, by Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D., Foreword by Andrew Weil, M.D. Dr. Holick says having enough Vitamin D can prevent and treat Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, Cancer, Autoimmune Diseases, Depression, Insomnia, Arthritis, Diabetes, Chronic Pain, Psoriasis, Fibromyalgia, and Autism. . .as well as other diseases, chronic conditions, and mild ailments. Wow, it is important. Is the sun out today?

Review of the book, The Vitamin D Solution, A 3-Step Strategy to Cure Our Most Common Health Problem.
http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/review-the-vitamin-d-solution-by-dr-michael-holick/9144%20

Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D., is called the "Pioneer In Vitamin D Research."  This is a video of a speech he gave at a Diagnosis and Treatment of Vitamin D Seminar. This seminar was called, "D-Lightful Vitamin D; Bone and Muscle Health and Prevention of Autoimmune and Chronic Diseases."  It is long, 58 minutes and 52 seconds, but entertaining.

This Vitamin D Quiz is in, The UltraMind Solution, by Mark Hyman, M.D.  It may help you determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency.

VITAMIN D QUIZ

I have seasonal affective disorder.

I experience a loss of mental sharpness or memory.

I have sore or weak muscles.

I have tender bones (press on your shin bone--if it hurts you are vitamin D deficient).

I work indoors.

I avoid the sun.

I wear sunblock most of the time.

I live north of Florida.

I don't eat small fatty fish such as mackerel, herring, or sardines (the main sources of dietary vitamin D).

I have osteoporosis.

I have broken more than two bones or had a hip fracture.

I have autoimmune disease (i.e., multiple sclerosis).

I have osteoarthritis (vitamin D deficiency weakens bones and leads to deterioration).

I have frequent infections.

I have prostate cancer.

I have dark skin (any race other than Caucasian).

I am sixty years old or older.

SCORE:  0-8 Yes Answers---You may have a slightly low level of vitamin D.

                 9 And Above Yes Answers---You may have a severely low level of vitamin D.

I recommend these videos.  They share good information about vitamin D.

Dr. Oz on Good Morning America -- Vitamin D, Swine Flu, Cancer, and the Sun. 

 

 

The Real Story on Vitamin D 

Dr. John Cannell, Vitamin D Council, and Bill Sardi, Knowledge of Health, Inc. 

 

This is an article written by Dr. John Cannell on the history of depression and vitamin D research.  It is called, "Vitamin D and Depression."  Dr. Cannell

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/depression.shtml

Chapter 28: Heavy Metals Testing is Extremely Controversial!

This video makes me laugh!  Laughing makes me feel better.

Switzerland's finance minister collapsed into a fit of giggles as he tried to read the unintelligible bureaucratic language in his report while answering a parliamentary question about imports of cured meats. 

Update on my treatment plan from the Amen Clinic:

It has taken seven months to make the needed medication changes in my treatment plan from the Amen Clinic.  I have been on 300 mg of Effexor XR for two weeks and still taking 300 mg of Neurontin 4 times per day.  I have been off the beast clonazepam since May 7, 2010, and still taking supplements.  

I have been talking to my psychiatrist at the Amen Clinic about every 4-6 weeks by phone.  He has recommended I stay on 300 mg of Effexor XR for 8-12 weeks before we decide to increase the dosage.  He has found increasing the dose causes more side effects, without being more effective on the depression symptoms.  

I am having short periods of time I feel a little better.  I am hoping the depression symptoms will improve as this dose of Effexor XR gets into my body.  The thought that it might not help is frightening!

Mercury Toxicity

I thought I wanted to be tested to see if I have mercury poisoning.  The whole issue of metal poisoning and testing is extremely controversial.  There is a blood test panel for heavy metals; it is approximately $105.00.  Medical insurance will pay for this test if it has the code for Alzheimer's or dementia, but usually will not cover this test if it is being done for depression.  This test would probably be recommended by a medical doctor.

Dr. Mark Hyman (The UltraMind Solution) is a Functional Medicine M.D., and his experience has shown that the blood test will be positive if the heavy metal exposure has been recent.  If the exposure has been over a long period of time the metal will accumulate in tissues and bones.  Taking a chelating agent will pull the toxins out of tissue and bone, then a 24-hour urine sample is taken, and the amount of toxins your body excretes will be measured.  This test is usually done by Functional Medicine doctors or doctors trained in detoxification.  Removal of dental mercury or silver fillings should be performed by a biological dentist.  Go to www.iaomt.org to find a biological dentist.

The chelating agents or drugs used to test for and and treat heavy metal toxicity are DMPS and DMSA.  There is a lot of information online about these drugs being toxic themselves.  I have decided I would not feel comfortable using a chelating agent unless I could go to Lenox, Massachusetts and be treated by Dr. Hyman himself or one his colleague's.  I am going to Dr. Hyman's website (www.ultrawellness.com) and see if there is more information about heavy metals testing, or if I can ask a question about it.

The GSTM1 gene is a key gene necessary for the detoxification of mercury and many other 21st Century poisons.  About half of the population in the United States is missing this gene.  Mercury poisoning is more common in people with the apo E4 gene.  About 20% of the population has this gene.  I wonder if it would be better to test for these genes first?  (How much would it cost to have genetic testing?)

I will include some information about heavy metals testing, and some websites if you would like to read more about this subject.  Some people believe the available tests are either inaccurate or will make you sicker than you already are!

Research Article

Diagnostic chelation challenge with DMSA: a biomarker of long-term mercury exposure?

H Frumkin, C C Manning, P L Williams, A Sanders, B B Taylor, M Pierce, L Elon, and V S Hertzberg

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. medhf@sph.emory.edu

Abstract

Chelation challenge testing has been used to assess the body burden of various metals. The best-known example is EDTA challenge in lead-exposed individuals. This study assessed diagnostic chelation challenge with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) as a measure of mercury body burden among mercury-exposed workers. Former employees at a chloralkali plant, for whom detailed exposure histories were available (n = 119), and unexposed controls (n = 101) completed 24-hr urine collections before and after the administration of two doses of DMSA, 10 mg/kg. The urinary response to DMSA was measured as both the absolute change and the relative change in mercury excretion. The average 24-hr mercury excretion was 4.3 microg/24 hr before chelation, and 7.8 microg/24 hr after chelation.

There was no association between past occupational mercury exposure and the urinary excretion of mercury either before or after DMSA administration. There was also no association between urinary mercury excretion and the number of dental amalgam surfaces, in contrast to recent published results. We believe the most likely reason that DMSA chelation challenge failed to reflect past mercury exposure was the elapsed time (several years) since the exposure had ended. These results provide normative values for urinary mercury excretion both before and after DMSA challenge, and suggest that DMSA chelation challenge is not useful as a biomarker of past mercury exposure.

The Full Text of this article is available as a PDF (77K).

ARTICLES: IAOMT Medicine  (A new test to determine mercury toxicity.)

Urinary Porphyrin Profile: A Quantitative and Qualitative Laboratory
Indicator of Mercury Toxicity   John Wilson, MD
http://www.iaomt.com/articles/category_view.asp?intReleaseID=277&month=6&year=2007&catid=35

Did "Doctor's Data" know of "false positives" from mercury tests? (Doctor's Data Incorporated is a lab that is the subject of litigation.)

http://www.examiner.com/special-education-in-mesa/did-doctor-s-data-know-of-false-positives-from-mercury-tests

 

Topic: Heavy Metal Toxicity and Detoxification  (Good information on heavy metal testing and treatment.)

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=175751934758&topic=12151

 

Heavy Metal Detoxification in the Treatment of ASD (ASD=Autism)

http://www.developmentalspectrums.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=142:heavy-metal-detoxification-in-the-treatment-of-asd&catid=71:detoxification&Itemid=238 

 

MERCURY DETOXIFICATION   The Truth About DMPS  (Reports from people who have become very ill after taking DMPS.)

http://www.dmpsbackfire.com/default.shtml

 

Added on Sunday, October 10, 2010

I looked on Dr. Mark Hyman's website for answers to some of my questions on mercury toxicity.  If you are interested go to, www.ultrawellness.com, click on blog, look on the left side at blog topics (after scrolling down for awhile), click on mercury toxicity.  There is so much information the blogs are divided into sections.

I am still considering mercury poisoning testing, but I would only feel comfortable doing it under the supervision of a well qualified Functional Medicine doctor.

Chapter 15: Clonazepam The Beast, Effexor XR

During the past month since I posted on my blog I have been trying to eliminate the withdrawal symptoms from clonazepam (generic for Klonopin).  I have not made much progress!  The main symptom being extreme anxiety. Starting Wellbutrin also increased anxiety.  On the fourth day the anxiety was so extreme I did not take anymore.  I took regular Wellbutrin, instead of SR or XL which was what my psychiatrist at the Amen Clinic recommended.  I think that was a mistake!  I was disappointed, but I didn't want to try Wellbutrin again!  The anxiety makes my body feel like it is going to explode from the inside.  This feeling is a new one to me, very uncomfortable, and I am weary!

I was first prescribed clonazepam for the anxiety caused by the antidepressant Zoloft.  I did not feel anxious until I started on the medication, and the anxiety was mild.  There was evidence at this time of clonazepam causing scalloping on the brain and of it being highly addictive.  There was also evidence the anticonvulsive class of drugs helped with anxiety.  My psychiatrist at the time didn't know this information about clonazepam (or maybe he didn't agree with it), but he helped me recover from a major depression more than once.  Now I want to come back to the "present" and not spend any more time in the past.

One bright spot in the past month was talking to my psychiatrist at the Amen Clinic by phone on June 16.  He was happy to hear I had been off clonazepam for over 5 weeks.  He was positive and supportive and boosted my spirits.  He reminded me what an accomplishment it is to be off this drug!  He said I had been on clonazepam for so long it could be causing depression!  He recommended I wait until my body had been free of the drug for 8 weeks before we decide to change or add medications to my treatment.  I did add 5-HTP, also known as oxitriptan (INN), a naturally-occurring amino acid, chemical precursor and a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan.  I will talk to my psychiatrist again on July 7 after being off the beast (clonazepam) for over 8 weeks.

I have not noticed any difference in how I feel after adding 5-HTP, except maybe a little nausea.  I am ready to take the next step in my treatment plan, adding Effexor XR.  This is what my treatment plan from the Amen Clinic says about Effexor XR:  "At low dosages, Effexor XR will help anxiety, depression and obsessive thinking, and at high dosages will help ADHD symptoms.  An antidepressant with action at multiple receptor sites, Effexor XR will enhance prefrontal cortex function and decrease anterior cingulate and limbic hyperactivity.  Effexor XR has a starting dosage of 37.5 mg daily, increasing by one every 7 days as tolerated, to the therapeutic target dose of 75 mg to 350 mg.  It should be taken with food to avoid upset stomach.  Effexor should not be stopped abruptly because it has been associated with a discontinuation syndrome in some patients.  At higher dosages, blood pressure should be monitored.  If Effexor XR causes more irritability, I would increase the anticonvulsant to stabilize the temporal lobes, enhance mood stability, and decrease anxiety or irritability."

I was on Effexor (not Effexor XR) about 10 years ago.  The nausea it caused didn't stop, so I changed to Zoloft.  The problem with nausea could have been caused by going on the medication too quickly.  This time I will increase the dosage more slowly.  I experienced the discontinuation syndrome mentioned above when coming off Effexor.  At this point, I expect to be on an antidepressant for the rest of my life so I am not concerned about discontinuing the drug.  I will need to lower the dose of Luvox as I add Effexor XR.  I have a positive attitude and will discuss the treatment plan with my psychiatrist next week.

I am ready to have a normal day not based on surviving!  "Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are." (by Mary Jean Iron)

Chapter 13: My Brain Scans; Inside Active View

I have been off clonazepam for 15 days.  I am still taking extra Neurontin for the anxiety, I am more irritable, but I am sleeping well.  I visualize my brain healing, and I am starting to get excited about being able to start the last part of my medication treatment plan.  As soon as the anxiety calms down I will begin taking Wellbutrin.  It is important for me to wait until the anxiety calms.  The 100 milligrams of Luvox I am taking per day is helping to calm the increased activity in the deep limbic system.  The 1200 milligrams of Neurontin per day is helping calm the anxiety in the basal ganglia.  Wellbutrin will help increase the activity in my prefrontal cortex.

Here are SPECT scans of a healthy brain when it is active.  This is a 3D Active rendering, looking at the most active 15% of the brain where fluid (Ceretec) injected into an artery reached the tissues.  A normal scan shows increased fluid in the tissues of the cerebellum, with all else being relatively quiet.  Pictures are from the Amen Clinic.
                                    

                                    

                   Here are my SPECT 3D Active rendering scans after rest:  R=rest.

These are my SPECT 3D Active rendering scans after concentration:  C=concentration

                           

                                                                           

My SPECT Study Findings Report from the Amen Clinic is 4 pages long.  Here is a brief overview of what was found on my scans.  The most significant finding is decreased activity bilaterally (both sides) of the temporal lobes on the rest and concentration studies. 

Decreased activity was found in the following areas:

• Bilateral inferior orbital prefrontal cortex, worse at rest.
• Bilateral parietal lobes, worse at rest.
• Medial parietal lobe, on both studies.
• Left and medial dorsal prefrontal cortex, at rest.
• Bilateral occipital lobes, at rest.
• Anterior medial prefrontal cortex pole, on both studies.
• Internal cerebellar activity, worse at rest.

Increased activity was found in the following areas:

• Thalamo-limbic system, worse on concentration.  The basal ganglia are a group of large nuclei that partially surround the thalamus.
• Anterior cingulate gyrus, on both studies.

Below are pictures of the anatomy of the brain.  PFC=prefrontal cortex; FC=frontal cortex; TL=temporal lobe; PL=parietal lobe; OL=occipital lobe; BG=basal ganglia; ACG=anterior cingulated gyrus; PCG=posterior cingulate gyrus; R=right; L=left.  These photos were included in my notebook from the Amen Clinic.

                                                              

I am not well yet, but I am making progress toward feeling better.  Having SPECT scans done did not cure anything, but they gave my psychiatrist at the Amen Clinic more information which helped him write a treatment plan that is working for me!

Chapter 12: I Hate Clonazepam, Supplements

I have been off clonazepam for 10 days.  I would not want to go through the withdrawal symptoms without the help of Neurontin and the supplements recommended by my doctor at the Amen Clinic.  Going off the drug caused increased anxiety, irritability, and not being able to sleep as well.  I went back to taking 300 milligrams of Neurontin four times a day.  Increasing the dosage from 1200 mg a day to 1500 mg a day made me so dizzy it was hard to function.  If the anxiety gets too uncomfortable, I open a 300 milligram capsule of Neurotin, put a little bit in an empty capsule and take it.

These are the supplements that have been extremely helpful to me:

Restful Sleep: Serving 4 capsules   4/bedtime
Vitamin B6 10 mg, Magnesium 100 mg, Melatonin (immediate release) 2.5 mg, Melatonin (controlled release) 2.5 mg, Valerian 600 mg, GABA 100 mg.

Neuro PS:  Serving 1 capsule   2/bedtime
Phosphatidyl Serine 120 mg, Phosphatidylcholine 72 mg, Phosphatidylethanlamine 54 mg, Phosphatidylinositol 30 mg.

Brain Vitale:  Serving 2 capsules   2/morning
Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg, GlyceroPhosphoCholine (GPC) 200 mg, Inositol 200 mg, Phosphatidylserine 120 mg, GinkgoSelect Phytosome 90 mg.

I have continued with the diet changes I talked about in Chapter 7.  I am also taking the supplements Dr. Mark Hyman recommends in his book, The UltraMind Solution.  I believe giving my body the nutrients it needs will help it heal.  This is what is included in the The UltraMind Solution Essentials Kit.

Multivitamin/mineral, ProThera, MultiThera 1 Capsule Formula: Serving 6 capsules
2/breakfast  2/lunch  2/dinner
Vitamin A 10,000 I.U., Vitamin C 750 mg, Vitamin D3 800 I.U., Vitamin E 400 I.U., 
Thiamine 50 mg, Riboflavin 25 mg, Niacin 100 mg, Vitamin B6 25 mg, Folate 800 mcg,
Vitamin B12 200 mcg, Biotin 300 mcg, Pantothenic Acid 150 mg, Calcium 250 mg,
Iodine 150 mcg, Magnesium 250 mg, Zinc 15 mg, Selenium 200 mcg, Copper 2 mg,
Manganese 10 mg, Chromium 200 mcg, Molybdenum 150 mcg, Potassium 50 mg,
Boron 2 mg, Vanadium 100 mcg, Choline 100 mg, Inositol 25 mg, para-Aminobenzoic Acid 50 mg, Citrus Bioflavonoids 100 mg.

Calcium/magnesium, ProThera, OsteoThera Capsule Formula: Serving 2 capsules
2/breakfast  2/lunch  2/dinner
Vitamin D3 200 I.U., Vitamin K 200 mcg, Calcium 250 mg, Magnesium 100 mg,
Boron 0.5 mg, Silicon 3 mg.  I have an extra bottle of this formula delivered with my kit to get 1,000 milligrams of calcium every day.

Vitamin D3, Pure Encapsulations, Vitamin D3 1000 IU: Serving 1 capsule   2/breakfast
I am also taking a 50,000 I.U. capsule of vitamin D every month.  My vitamin D level is at 45, and should be between 50 and 80.  I am looking forward to warmer weather so I can be out in the sun more.  Too much vitamin D can be toxic, so it is important to have my level checked by a blood test every six months.

Methylation, Designs for Health, Homocysteine Supreme: Serving 2 capsules
1/breakfast  1/dinner
Vitamin B2 50 mg, Vitamin B6 50 mg, Nature Folate Blend 2 mg, Folinic Acid 400 mcg,
Vitamin B12 1000 mcg, Zinc 5 mg, Magnesium 10 mg, Trimethylglycine 500 mg,
Choline 100 mg,Serine 100 mg, N-Acetyl-Cysteine 100 mg.

Omega-3 fats, Metagenics, EPA-DHA Extra Strength Enteric Coated: Serving 2 capsules
2/breakfast  2/lunch  2/dinner
EPA 600 mg, DHA 400 mg sardine, anchovy, herring.  I have an extra bottle delivered with my kit because I am taking 6,000 milligrams per day.

Probiotics, Metagenics, UltraFlora Plus DF Capsules: Serving 2 capsules
1/breakfast  1/dinner
15 billion live organisms: 50-50 blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus & Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07.

There are days this seems like a lot of supplements to be taking, but I am starting to feel small glimpses of feeling better!  Being sick has motivated me to give my body the nutrients it needs.  The UltraMind Solution is a comprehensive guide to helping your body and brain be healthy.

Mark Hyman, M.D. states the following in his book, The UltraMind Solution.  "The most powerful tool you have to transform your health and improve your mood, mind, and metabolism is your fork!  Use it well and you will thrive.  Choose poorly and you will suffer."

"The varied components of a whole-foods diet not only taste better, make you feel better, and prevent disease, but they are literally medicine.  Mounting scientific evidence points to the power of food as medicine.  These "medicinal" foods are simply the foods our bodies evolved eating---fresh, unadulterated, slow-burning, high-fiber, vitamin- and mineral-rich, omega-3 plentiful, and phytonutrient-dense foods."  (Chapter 14, page 292)

"Think of nutrients as fertilizer for your brain.  Think of them as little helpers that improve communications and connections.  In a perfect world, no one would need supplements.  But given the stress of our modern life, the poor quality of our food supply, and the high load of toxins on our brains and bodies, we clearly need a basic daily supply of the raw materials for all our enzymes and biochemistry to run as designed."  (Chapter 15, page 304)

How to Optimize Your Nutrition for Vibrant Health

The path to better health is simple-and agreed upon by almost all scientists. In this week's UltraWellness podcast, Dr. Mark Hyman explains how to optimize your nutrition and which supplements are crucial for vibrant health.  This podcast is very good and I'm sorry I wasn't able to embed it in the post.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=ultrawellness#p/search/2/QNX--ZqCOQU

Chapter 9: Three Days At The Amen Clinic

Wednesday morning I had my first SPECT brain scan.  The IV was inserted with ease and I had no bruising later.  The concentration scan is done first and I did an activity to get my brain focused.  The radioactive isotope was put into my IV during the activity.  I did not have any sensation in my body when it was injected.  After the activity I laid down on my back on the scanning machine.  I needed to hold still, but the the time went quickly; it took about 15-20 minutes.  A band was wrapped around my forehead to help me keep my head still.  The scanning machine made a noise, but it wasn't irritating.  Part of the machine went around my head, but I did not feel claustrophobic like I have during an MRI.

Wednesday afternoon I had an appointment with one of the historians.  She had read my intake questionnaire and asked me questions to clarify, or give her more details on my answers.  This was a calm, deliberate process. She gave me plenty of time to add any information to what was included in the questionnaire. She compiled a well written history for the psychiatrist I had an appointment with later in the week.

Thursday morning I had my second SPECT brain scan.  After the IV was in place I was taken to a dim lit room to prepare for the resting scan.  I was asked to let my mind wander or daydream, but not to think about any specific subject, meditate, or fall asleep.  A short time into my resting the isotope was injected.  There was an interesting rug in the room with geometric shapes on it.  I wanted to see how the pattern repeated itself, but I didn't, I kept resting.  There was also a picture of Dr. Amen with information about his work in brain imaging I wanted to look at.  I didn't, I kept resting. After 15-20 minutes, I laid down on the scanning machine for my second scan.

On Thursday afternoon, my husband and I had a delectable seafood lunch at a restaurant called Rusty Pelican.  It is on 2735 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663-4798, (949) 642-3431.  http://www.rustypelican.com/

On Friday afternoon I met with a psychiatrist.  He showed me my brain scans and went over what was found on them.  It was awesome to see the scans!  He showed me rippling, called scalloping, on the surface of my brain.  For me, it is probably caused by taking the drug clonazepam. I have not abused or been exposed to drugs, alcohol, or environmental toxins. I have used this drug for approximately 8-10 years and the Amen Clinic uses it only for short periods of time for severe cases of anxiety.  I am in the process of coming off clonazepam so the scalloping on my brain can heal!

Other Findings:

1. Luvox has been helping calm the activity in my deep limbic system; where depression originates. 
2. There is too much activity in my basal ganglia; causing anxiety. 
3. I have an atypical depression needing to be treated in layers.  This is why I haven't achieved a more complete remission of symptoms in the last year and a half.  The basal ganglia (anxiety) must be calmed down first. 
4. My prefrontal cortex is not functioning effectively.  After the anxiety is calmed down I will need to take a drug to stimulate the prefrontal cortex.  If I take this drug too soon, it will over stimulate the basal ganglia and cause too much anxiety.

I now have an extensive treatment plan giving me hope I can get feeling better!

Chapter 3: Teaching Position, Major Depression

I had accepted a teaching position at an elementary school and it would be time to start my new career the first part of August. We had a short family trip planned before I went back to teaching. We drove to Aspen, Colorado to see Pat Benatar perform. The concert was sensational!  (Pat Benatars new book will be available on amazon.com June 15, 2010:  Between a Heart and a Rock Place: A Memoir.  You can check it out on a link in my Books and DVDs, I Recommend widget.)

I did not feel well on the trip. My back ached from sitting in the car too long, I felt tired, had a headache, and a feeling of dread. The night before we planned to come home I woke up during the night shaking with my first panic attack. I felt as if I would die if I could not get out of the hotel room! How was I going to soothe myself without waking everybody up? I took some clonazepam, turned on a flashlight, and started writing thank you notes for the flowers we had received when dad passed away. I survived the night.

I started teaching and tried hard to get into the routine of working full time. I was feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. At night I would dream I had forgotten to do something for dad, but it wasn't true. One Friday night my husband and I went out to dinner. I felt sick and miserable and wanted to go to bed. The next day I was pretty sure I had a sinus infection and went in to see a doctor. The sinus infection was confirmed, and I admitted to myself the amino acids were not effective anymore and major depression had returned. Perhaps I would have recognized it earlier if I had not been grieving at the time. I don't know.

I knew it would take six to eight weeks to begin feeling better after starting on an antidepressant. I was too sick to be the kind of teacher my students deserved. I decided it was in the best interest of the children in my class to resign. This was a hard decision to make. I felt disappointed, unprofessional, and angry at a disease I had battled before. I started back on Zoloft and the sinus infection slowly healed.

I felt good enough to attend my son's MBA graduation in Arizona. Actually, I don't think I felt good enough, but I was going anyway. Zoloft had given me a partial response to the depression symptoms, but I did not feel as well on the medication as I had previously. It was wonderful to spend time with my family, and I came back home with a renewed motivation to get feeling better.