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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sigismund on August 31, 2010, at 20:51:01
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by Lao Tzu on August 31, 2010, at 14:38:27
It may be a coincidence, but I have been sleeping a little less badly since I started Schizandra.
Posted by morgan miller on August 31, 2010, at 22:07:18
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by sigismund on August 31, 2010, at 20:51:01
> It may be a coincidence, but I have been sleeping a little less badly since I started Schizandra.
It is an adaptogen. So maybe it is helping you during the day giving you more energy and keeping you alert, then at night calming you allowing your body to relax better. Do you have more energy on schizandra? If you do, it may be that you are having more productive days and that is translating to more restful sleep.
I do not think Holy Basil is at all stimulating. It can help the adrenals get going, but it mostly has a calming stabilizing effect. In the right doses, it can be a nice addition to your mood stabilizing and stress coping regimen.
Posted by morgan miller on August 31, 2010, at 22:18:26
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by Lao Tzu on August 31, 2010, at 14:38:27
Hey brotha how's it going?!
Good to hear a little holy basil still helps. I just added it back in to my regimen. I won't take it everyday, maybe 4 to 5 days a week when I think I really can benefit from it. Yeah, it is really difficult to figure out exactly what an herb is doing and if it is worth taking. Sometimes we have to go on and off it to come to the right conclusion.
I have gotten most tests back and with the exception of a little nerve damage, everything looks pretty good so far. I will be moving on from the neurologist to a physiatrist, rheumatologist, and lyme disease specialist. I need to make sure I cover all the bases. The neurologist is still waiting on some test results, and the people at radiology still need to evaluate my brain MRI. I really want to get one of those scans that shows brain activity. We will see if my father goes for that. A good friend thinks I should go to the Mayo Clinic if things continue and none of the other doctors have any answers.
I had a few very rough last few days. I don't know what is going on with me. It just hits me out of nowhere and I have to force myself to function normally. Who knows, maybe it all comes down to emotional issues, faulty brain chemistry, and the lack of efficacy with the medications I'm on.
Great to hear from you as always. We all need a break from babble every once in a while. How have you been feeling in general? Have you thought any more about cutting down on the cigarettes and starting exercising more? : )
Morgan
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 2, 2010, at 10:00:12
In reply to Re: Schisandra » Lao Tzu, posted by sigismund on August 31, 2010, at 20:49:46
Yeah, I agree. Holy Basil is okay. I don't find it stimulating. I actually find it more on the sedating side, but not too sedating. I did actually think it might effect your sleep. That's something to watch out for if you take it later in the day or if you take a very high dosage. I stay at 400mg per day (1 capsule) and find it doesn't really affect my sleep that much. It's okay, though, like you said. It does help somewhat with anxiety, but I always felt kava was better in this regard.
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 2, 2010, at 20:31:46
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by morgan miller on August 31, 2010, at 22:18:26
Hey Morgan, I'm doing okay. Sorry to hear you've had some rough days. The SPECT scan can show you brain activity or underactivity. Dr. Amen uses that scan for all his patients. Perhaps you've heard of him. He's written some books and has a website and a clinic. I always wanted to get that scan done just so I'd know how my brain was functioning under medication, you know, to determine if there were areas of concern. I guess you can get it done, but it is not routine for doctors to order it. I guess only for very specific cases. I imagine it's expensive, and I don't know if insurance would cover it other than for very specific situations.
The Mayo Clinic is very renowned. I'm sure they would be able to help you there if, in fact, you needed to go. I'm sure you'll get some good answers to your problem somewhere along the line. It's really good that you are seeing a handful of specialists. At least they can help you rule out things and maybe point you in the right directions. I know my psychiatrist has helped me see the light many times. I just don't always do what he suggests, but I still know that his wisdom is usually the correct thing to do. I guess I could play around with supplements all day long and then he'd say I'm just beating around the bush, so to speak. However, I still say I have gained benefits from my vitamin regimen. I really believe that.Yeah, the Holy Basil is really a good herb for me I'm finding out. I can't put my finger on exactly why that is. I just tend to feel better emotionally while I'm taking it. Of course, all my other vitamins and minerals are essential, but the Holy Basil has been a nice addition. I thank you again for suggesting it.
Anyway, I hope you can get some concrete answers from all the tests you're doing, and I hope the doctors can steer you in the right direction.
I have decreased my cigarettes a tiny bit, which means not really. I am, however, going to get the chance to exercise a few times per week because my brother is going back to school and will be home a lot more. It means I'm going to get out on the tennis court probably at least 3 days a week. I'm looking forward to it. It's the only exercise that I get pumped up about. Hitting that little yellow, furry ball over the net hundreds of times. It's so repetitive, yet I love it. What can I say, I've become a more simple man as I get older.
Anyway, hang in there and as always, stay as well as you can. I know eventually you'll get some relief from your problems.
See Ya!
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 2, 2010, at 21:00:14
In reply to Re: Schisandra, posted by morgan miller on August 31, 2010, at 22:18:26
You know, the psychodynamic group therapy you mentioned in a previous post is intriguing to me. Don't know if I'd do it, but it is interesting. More and more, I am believing in the power of people to heal each other. I do notice that in many cases, I tend to feel better when I have a positive exchange with someone. I'm too much in my own head, and this leads to feeling depressed. It's a wonder how you can forget yourself when you're involved with others. I'm not saying it is a cure, but I definitely think there is a psychological aspect to feeling low that we may not be able to correct all by ourselves. We seem to need others even though we'd like to be alone. Fixing the biochemical imbalance with medicine and supplements is a must, but then after that, we should get with people. What do you think?
Oh, I heard something funny on the radio. Someone said, "I just heard that drinking red wine is good for you. Red wine, really? We should hear more things like that, Like Red wine in conjunction with a lap dance at a football game is good for you."
I just heard it and laughed. Laughter is good medicine.
Well, take care of yourself. Stay well.Lao
Posted by morgan miller on September 3, 2010, at 0:43:08
In reply to Re: Schisandra))Morgan, posted by Lao Tzu on September 2, 2010, at 21:00:14
>Someone said, "I just heard that drinking red wine is good for you. Red wine, really? We should hear more things like that, Like Red wine in conjunction with a lap dance at a football game is good for you."
Lol, that is hilarious.
>Fixing the biochemical imbalance with medicine and supplements is a must, but then after that, we should get with people. What do you think?
I think as we get functional on medication and suppmlements, we should be in therapy and group therapy, even if we have not reached full therapeutic benefit from medication/supplement treatment.
Hey have you ever heard of Lobelia? It's an indian herb that is smoked and can both reduce cravings for tabacco and can improve lung function. I'm just thinking maybe you can get a hold of some and roll your own lobelia cigarettes with good clean non toxic rolling papers. I think you can do lobelia in tincture and capsule form. I do think there are a few risks with lobelia use. But then again, I doubt they are any worse than smoking that poison the tobacco companies are feeding us.
Hope all is well!
Morgan
Posted by sigismund on September 7, 2010, at 20:11:37
In reply to Re: Schisandra))Morgan, posted by Lao Tzu on September 2, 2010, at 21:00:14
>What do you think?
This is my 2 bob's worth.......
Our emotional lives, especially where we respond strongly to people, involve an often repeated attempt to solve by symbolic means an early childhood dilemma, by which I mean the problem we faced as young children trying to find a way to feel OK about the situation we were in. Psychodynamic therapy isn't great at elucidating these attempts, but it is better at giving us an idea of what this situation originally was.
Love, the people we love, is the stage on which we try to achieve a symbolic restitution.That's how it's been for me, anyway.
Posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 21:50:21
In reply to Re: Schisandra))Morgan, posted by sigismund on September 7, 2010, at 20:11:37
>Psychodynamic therapy isn't great at elucidating these attempts, but it is better at giving us an idea of what this situation originally was.
I think this may be contingent on whether the ability of the therapist and the patient.
I totally agree with the love thing. Life is love, without it we are lost.
Morgan
Posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 22:00:50
In reply to Re: Schisandra))Morgan, posted by sigismund on September 7, 2010, at 20:11:37
Hey sigismund, how is it going with schisandra? What do you notice?
I think I notice an increase in energy and mental alertness. I'm also digging the fact that it is good for the liver, something many of us need if we have been taking medication for a long time.
Posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 22:03:53
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » sigismund, posted by morgan miller on August 27, 2010, at 22:29:48
I am loving this combo! I just feel healthier and stronger since starting taking these mushrooms. Cordyceps gives me the most noticeable benefit-better mood, breathing easier, more energy, more stamina-any time I feel improvements in these areas I also feel less anxious and depressed. This is one of the reasons why exercise helped me so much over the years.
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 8, 2010, at 11:34:31
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 22:03:53
Hey Morgan! What's going on? Glad to hear the Cordyceps is working for you. I might give it a try myself. Thought about Shisandra, but I think I might just stick with the Holy Basil for now. Don't want to make things more complicated than they already are. I have noticed that the Holy Basil works better if I take a few days off every week. I think it is a great herb, but breaks are definitely warranted. What brand of Cordyceps are you using and what is the dosage, might I ask? Any noticeable benefit from Reishi as well? Are mushrooms really good for depression? I know Reishi is supposed to be good for the immune system.
How is everything going for you? I'm doing okay. Just trying to figure out where the herbs fit into my nutritional regimen. Are you still working? I've been on disability for 5 years. That's a long time for me not to work. It seems that ever since I started hearing voices, I've never been able to go back to work. I'm thinking I should listen to my psychiatrist and just try it anyway. We'll see.
Well, wish you continued success with the mushrooms. Stay well.
Lao
Posted by morgan miller on September 8, 2010, at 19:56:44
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by Lao Tzu on September 8, 2010, at 11:34:31
Hey Lao! I think getting a job might be a good thing. You just need to start preparing yourself mentally for it. Just remember, you can just start out with a very easy mindless part time job. I kind of see you doing well working on the computer. So, maybe you don't need mindless since it seems like you have quite an active and intelligent mind. Maybe a temp job to start??? I understand how scary it can be to go back to work for many reasons. Just give going back to work some thought, try to imagine yourself working and see how it feels. It may give you some anxiety, that is normal. Sometimes we need to face things that give us anxiety in order to overcome the fears we have associated with them. I'm sure you know this already : )
Yes, I am still working, and thinking about getting another job on top of this one. I'm only working 3 to 4 days a week right now, and 30 hours at the very most(usually only 21).
I think you might want to consider Schisandra since it not only can increase energy, mental and physical, but it also can improve liver health, which I think all of us on medications could use. Yeah, I agree that Holy Basil works best when there are small breaks taken from it.
Reishi's effects are not as noticeable as Cordyceps. I am hoping more for health benefits from Reishi, though I do expect to feel better from taking them. Ya know, if I were just taking Reishi by itself, without Cordyceps and Chaga, I may be able to better pinpoint any effect it may be having on my well being. The Chaga is there mostly for the potential anti-inflammatory benefits, and the immune boosting effects, which all of the mushrooms appear to have. I believe that mushrooms can have antidepressant effects in that they have the potential to make you FEEL better. For me, when I FEEL well, I feel much less depressed.
Great to hear from you as usual. Peace..
Morgan
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 9, 2010, at 11:08:10
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » Lao Tzu, posted by morgan miller on September 8, 2010, at 19:56:44
Yes, you're absolutely right about the job thing. Face your anxiety, and maybe it will go extinct. I was just talking with my dad last night about his phobia of needles. It used to be very difficult for him. He couldn't watch the needle pierce his vein. However, at the time of his heart operation, he was given so many needles and IVs that he became used to it because frankly he couldn't say no. His phobia went away. He was exposed to it to such a degree, that it just went extinct. Now he can watch the needle go into his vein when he goes for a blood test.
I think this illness hampers me as far as social interaction. It's like you almost have to learn how to be social all over again and keep reminding yourself that your imagination can run wild. The subconscious is definitely at play here in some capacity. It's not just emotional. As far as emotions go, I am rather calm and stable, much better than years ago. And my behavior is more even-keeled. I think the anxiety has a lot to do with memory and the subconscious mind.
I think I will try Schisandra and Cordyceps soon. Thanks for your experiences with them.Stay Well.
Lao
Posted by sigismund on September 9, 2010, at 17:35:40
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by morgan miller on September 7, 2010, at 22:03:53
I felt a real and immediate improvement from cordyceps, but worried (wait for it) that it was aggravating insomnia (which I think it did).
Although I have heard people say it makes them sleepy, so maybe....I dunno.
Reishi is supposed to lower IgE, so maybe it decreases immune reactivity.
Posted by sigismund on September 9, 2010, at 17:37:59
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by Lao Tzu on September 9, 2010, at 11:08:10
I like the fact that it *seems* to be difficult to go wrong with schisandra (if you have poor liver and mental function?).
I can't really notice it.
It makes a nice tea if you grind up the berries.
Posted by morgan miller on September 9, 2010, at 23:46:12
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by sigismund on September 9, 2010, at 17:35:40
So you don't notice much from Schisandra? How much did you use? Did you use a tincture or capsule? What brand? Sorry, annoying questions..lol
Is there a study on Reishi lowering IgE? Hmm, strange. Reishi has beta-glucans that are supposed to boost the immune system.
Just did a search and couldn't find anything on Reishi lowering IgE.
Morgan
Posted by sigismund on September 10, 2010, at 2:45:05
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » sigismund, posted by morgan miller on September 9, 2010, at 23:46:12
>So you don't notice much from Schisandra? How much did you use? Did you use a tincture or capsule? What brand? Sorry, annoying questions..lol
Around 4g in a tincture in the morning. Either mediherb or some other brand. Made here in Australia, I'd think.
>Is there a study on Reishi lowering IgE? Hmm, strange. Reishi has beta-glucans that are supposed to boost the immune system.
>Just did a search and couldn't find anything on Reishi lowering IgE.
I used to take it in a formula for allergies. I don't know of any studies.....I'm just repeating what the herbalist told me. They do a naturopathy degree to become herbalists.....they're not just shop assistants in health food shops, but still, it may not amount to much.
What do you notice?
I'm fairly good at noticing things, but it has to stand out over and above the insults attendant on consciousness.
Posted by morgan miller on September 10, 2010, at 3:16:13
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » morgan miller, posted by sigismund on September 10, 2010, at 2:45:05
I notice a subtle increase in energy and stamina. Like I said before, I'm also very interested in the liver health benefits. So even if it does not give me a profound effect on energy, I will likely continue to take it. I think the tincture is a good way to take it.
I noticed the most significant improvement with Cordyceps I think. When you are taking so much sh*t it's really hard to tell sometimes. Right now I'm mostly noticing the effects of not being on Lithium. Have to pick up my refill tomorrow. Can't sleep! : )
Morgan
Posted by sigismund on September 10, 2010, at 17:09:44
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » sigismund, posted by morgan miller on September 10, 2010, at 3:16:13
>Can't sleep! : )
Well yes, I used to be able to, once I used to be able to drink and then sleep, which was very nice because I actually enjoy drinking, but now I wake a couple of hours later feeling not a hangover, not that much drink to cause one, but I feel this awful stimulation. Probably my liver. Liver fire, ascending yang, unquenched by water element. I made that up of course.
Posted by morgan miller on September 10, 2010, at 20:32:54
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga » morgan miller, posted by sigismund on September 10, 2010, at 17:09:44
> >Can't sleep! : )
>
> Well yes, I used to be able to, once I used to be able to drink and then sleep, which was very nice because I actually enjoy drinking, but now I wake a couple of hours later feeling not a hangover, not that much drink to cause one, but I feel this awful stimulation. Probably my liver. Liver fire, ascending yang, unquenched by water element. I made that up of course.Ha ha..yeah I miss drinking sooooo much. It was just 3 years ago that I could drink, sleep great, and wake up the next day and feel fine. Now I can't hardly catch a decent buzz off of 1 or 2 beers. I tell my psychiatrist, "If you can get me back to where I can get drunk and enjoy it, and be able to recover fairly well the next day, that will be the day that you have helped me truly get better and back to my old self".
Posted by sigismund on September 10, 2010, at 22:50:10
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by morgan miller on September 10, 2010, at 20:32:54
That's why older people drink so sparingly - because it's the only way they can drink at all.
If they could drink as much as they did when they were young, they would.
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 13, 2010, at 13:59:23
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga, posted by morgan miller on September 10, 2010, at 20:32:54
I hear what you're saying. Drinking a beer once in a while is relaxing. It doesn't do a whole lot for me, but it's better than nothing. If I needed a good buzz, I'd have to drink Rum. That does the trick, but I no longer drink alcohol, other than an occasional beer. I get sick from it, especially the Rum or whiskey, and it is not good for me with all my meds. I always liked Ativan better than alcohol. I always feel normal on Ativan. Unfortunately, my doctor won't prescribe it anymore, so I've had to live without it for many years. You get used to it, I guess.
Morgan, how is the Cordyceps working for you? I'm using the TCM on and off, and it seems to help with energy and just feeling better. I do want to try the Cordyceps, however. Have you noticed a benefit from it as far as generally feeling better?
Are you having to take breaks from it? What can I expect?Lao
Posted by morgan miller on September 14, 2010, at 13:08:16
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga))Morgan, posted by Lao Tzu on September 13, 2010, at 13:59:23
Hey Lao,
I do feel generally better when taking Cordyceps. I think you can expect immediate improvement in focus, energy, well being, and stamina. Don't expect anything like what you would experience with tea, coffee, or cigarettes. Like Holy Basil, Cordyceps is subtle but powerful. I feel I can breath a bit easier on Cordyceps. When I think about working out, I feel confident that I will have better stamina to do so. Maybe I'm over hyping Cordyceps, I guess you just need to try it out and see what you think.
I think it's good that you are not on Ativan as it has forced you to look into and try healthier alternatives.
I miss going out and drinking soooo much! It was the ultimate social escape!
How are you doing these days?
Morgan
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 29, 2010, at 12:59:26
In reply to Re: Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga))Morgan, posted by morgan miller on September 14, 2010, at 13:08:16
Hi Morgan! I'm doing okay these days. How are you? I tried taking my Essential Fatty acids at bedtime instead of in the morning and that was a disaster. If I don't take them during the day, my depression is so much worse. The fish and borage oils literally save me. The EFAs are probably the best thing I've taken second to the medication.
Yeah, Ativan was great for about two years. Then it pooped out and I was back to being anxious. That was about 5-6 years ago. I no longer take it, but sometimes I wish I could have some just to feel that lovely tranquility. I did absolutely love Ativan because I felt so good and my social anxiety was practically cured because of that drug. I do wish they could come up with something like that that doesn't poop out eventually. However, the Ativan taken chronically everyday did tend to blunt my emotions, and that is not really good to do on an ongoing basis. I think Ativan and other benzos are just good for situational usage, not as a maintenance drug. Some doctors would disagree as they often prescribe them for sleep. However, there are better sleep meds out there. You don't have to take the old benzos anymore.
How have you been doing lately as far as your physical health? Are you interested in any type of physical therapy or is that too stressful for you? What are the doctors telling you lately? Sorry I have been a little lax in replying to people. I guess I've just been going through something because of the change in seasons. It happens a couple times every year. Sometimes I have to re-evaluate my nutritional regimen, change it around a little here and there. But I'm feeling better today. Started taking B12 supplements again. I seem to need them in the Fall and Winter but not so much in the Spring/Summer. Go figure?? I realize the weather has an impact on my mood. Sunny and hot I tend to be a little lethargic. Cloudy and cold and I can get moody as well. If the temperature is pleasing and there's a little sun, I tend to feel better. Maybe I have a touch of seasonal affective disorder, reversed that is, from what other people have.
It's said that some people can have summer depression which clears up in the Fall. I'm not sure if that's me. All I know is that whenever the seasons change, my mood fluctuates. Happens every year. Does this ever happen to you?
Nice to hear from you.
Stay Well.Lao
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