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Date: 21.04.2015
From: Sean

Subject: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Last year I met a trainee doctor - he told us that he did a 2 week session on diet as part of his training.

I have just been reading "Breaking The Vicious Cycle" which was written over 30 years ago - regarding the treatment of Crohn's disease using diet.

So a quick look on the NHS website - apparently they say Crohn's is disease is -

1) Incurable
2) Caused by unknown factors where the immune system is attacking gut bacteria
3) Best treated with anti-inflammatory drug and steroids

Yes - that's right NHS blame pre-determined genetics for everything and use the phrases "unknown etiology" and "more studies required" to keep the lid on the 100's of papers on autoimmune disease that show diet changes can help.

I guess it will take another 30 years until diet is prescribed for Crohns let alone Arthritis.

I reckon the Prevotella Copri studies on RA last year will just gather dust for 30 years - until someone realises that this bug thrives on whole grains.

Sorry for the rant - but the sheer ineptitude of the system and lack of lateral thinking makes me so angry, especially as we are not talking about using an experimental dangerous drug here!
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Date: 21.04.2015
From: Julie

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Sean, you would think the state that the NHS is in now that they would welcome something that wouldn't cost them money.

Diet recommendations are a part of a lot of major illness's like diabetes and heart disease where they tell you to eat properly so why not for Crohns.

I have never been given any advice by g.p, or rheumatology clinic about certain foods that can cause flare in RA, all my learning has come from this forum - plus your brilliant links.
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Date: 22.04.2015
From: Sean

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Julie

Interestingly there's a lot of new research about type 1 diabetes - pointing to gut dysbiosis and our old friend wheat gluten.

This case shows remission from type 1 diabetes - just by using gluten free diet - and the 6 year old did not even have Celiac disease -

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/228063355_Remission_without_insulin_therapy_on_gluten-free_diet_in_a_6-year_old_boy_with_type_1_diabetes_mellitus

Then this one where they have done studies (on mice though) showing that killer T-Cells against the Pancreas are generated in response to gluten proteins.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25043259

The burden on the country is huge from diabetes - I hope they find they can control it without drugs.

Then I also found something really interesting that I had never heard before - which is that lots of doctors are now referring to Alzheimer's as Type-3 diabetes. Having read a lot about the role of Zonulin (which is created by the body when certain bacteria or wheat gliadin are detected) in regulating the blood brain barrier.... there's a lot about this on the web and a book called "Grain Brain" - I wish for the sake of us all they need to drive what is still seen as an alternative movement in to the mainstream.

I think we should collectively as autoimmune disease sufferers force our system to be more probing and knowledgeable - it is simply not acceptable for us to go to a GP or a Rheumi and be told that diet has no affect on autoimmune disease - because it obviously does!

Multiple Sclerosis (A gluten free diet should be considered in specific cases of patients who present with gluten antibodies!) - I wonder if anyone with MS is ever tested?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19758171

Autoimmune reactions - against the brain from proteins in wheat and milk!

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3916846/

More on the brain effects of gluten opioid proteins - (Converging and accumulating evidence suggests that the gluten-mediated immune response is frequently associated with neurological and psychiatric manifestations)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3641836/

Lastly Alzheimer's - Very recent study reverses memory loss in some patients - very interesting read! (they describe low grain as low imflammation :))

http://www.impactaging.com/papers/v6/n9/full/100690.html


Most of these papers don't really summarise as "more studies required" - they are screaming a common message that a gluten free (or removal of other food proteins) diet MIGHT just help these diseases - either by modifying gut bacteria or by directly removing a reactive food. So we have to thank celiac disease - as we know that an autoimmune disease isn't just the body attacking itself for no reason - and it's worth remembering that celiac disease itself can present as -

- Gut issues
- Brain Ataxia
- Dermatitis
- Commonly presents as Juvenile Arthritis in children

I don't trust anything that a doctor says about diet - nearly all of them would just roll out the usual - food pyramid, balanced diet nonsense, fine for a healthy person perhaps.
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Date: 22.04.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Well, Sean, I reckon you're spelling it out for just about all of us, and what a minefield it is, most days with arthritis I get that feeling, a lack of achievement, another wasted day passes, but now I'm researching so many health issues, diets, I've changed the way, and what I eat, I mean there's this thing about eating protein separate to carbs, do they mix well in our digestive system, I don't know, juries still, out, and now at the end of each day I have this feeling something is missing, missing from my diet, like I won't sleep till I consume it, refined sugar, addictive, probably allergy sensitivity with joint issues, loud tinnitus as a knock on effect, same as gluten, just years and years of consumption saturating my diet, until something changes, and for those much younger, who aren't blessed with an initial resistance to these food items, finding from an early age how damaging they are. I have to continually think the whole thing through, I can't cure arthritis, but I can comfort it, I'm sure of it, and the NHS is blind, so blind, to the very obvious, WHAT WE EAT, barry
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Date: 22.04.2015
From: Sean

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry

It took me nearly 2 years to wean myself of of wheat bread products - I remember the last wheat based meal I had - It was a Scone and Jam - cream tea at Tintagel! Apparently wheat contains opiate like proteins.

When I'm trying to recover from any flare up - I tend to eat lower carbs - and some of my meals are carb free so there usually no issues of whether mixing is good. I seem to remember the don't mix carbs diet was called the Hay diet?

I'm being good at the moment and have been having my staple breakfast of Sheeps milk yogurt (from Waitrose and Sainsburys) - with lots of Omega Seeeds and a squirt of honey. My gut loves this breakfast! Keeps me full for hours.

Lunch today was a couple of pieces of Mackerel and mixed salad. I find avocados filing and are great in a big chicken and bacon salad.

Protein keeps you fuller longer - whereas most excess carbs / sugar cause an insulin spike and can see-saw blood sugar levels all day for some.

I drink wine almost every day too - usually red. My real treat and thing I struggle to regulate is chocolate, especially around Easter.

I do eat rice and potatoes - so most meals are really manageable - like a normal meat and 3 veg dinners, rice and curry. Its lunch and breakfast that most people struggle to get to grips with - the curse of the breakfast cereal. Refined wheat (sprayed with pesticide) and Sugar... topped with Milk (from cows full of antibiotics) everyday for millions of people. The mind boggles!
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Date: 22.04.2015
From: Sean

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry - forgot to ask how you were feeling?

just to add something to earlier discussion - I found this

Glucosamine, chondroitin, and manganese ascorbate for degenerative joint disease of the knee or low back: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10050562

It concluded with -

"The combination therapy relieves symptoms of knee osteoarthritis"

This study was followed up on just last month - here -

http://ard.bmj.com/content/early/2015/03/06/annrheumdis-2015-207476.full

...they wonder if the benefit of the compared treatments was manganese... 16 years after the original study!
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Date: 27.04.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Morning Sean, am still reading your posts, like to keep in touch, dogged by tiredness, depression, at present, I'll be back, all the best, Barry, how are you, by the way
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Date: 27.04.2015
From: Sean Purdy

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry

Is it the arthritis that is causing the depression?

If your trying out diet changes - depression is a really common cause of grain withdrawal - wheat proteins contain opiate like proteins.

Dr. William Davis (who wrote the famous Wheat Belly book) - mentions in his blog -

http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2012/04/wheat-is-an-opiate/

"Wheat is addictive in the sense that there is a distinct withdrawal syndrome characterized by overwhelming fatigue, mental fog, inability to exercise, even depression that lasts several days, occasionally several weeks."

If this is what is happening then although painful and frustrating now means that when you come out the other side many people feel great. There's a comment on this Blog -

"I have been wheat and dairy free for 45 days. The first 2 weeks are a blur. The head aches, the lack of motivation, U name it were brutal. Then all of a sudden I felt better. Yay!! Itās the best choice I have ever made. Hang in there itās worth it!"

This echos my own experiences.

Are you getting out and about - the weathers been so good - giving yourself a treat can lift your spirits.

Take care, Sean
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Date: 27.04.2015
From: lois

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry, just wanted to say I hope you feel uplifted soon. Just have a bit of you time and like Sean says have a treat just for you even if it is just a coffee out.
Take care and keep that chin up xx
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Date: 27.04.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

I just love you guys, should have come on this forum years ago, Sean, you are a mind full of information, I find that so tiring to follow at present ,but I'll get there, I've had a sinus infection, now, forover 4 months, plus loud tinnitus, before I even start on the arthritis. I'm almost off gluten, not using painkillers, ever tried hydrolised egg membrane., I've also been trying L theanine for anxiety in association with tinnitus but also the whole picture body wise., thanks so much for your help and advice, and the same again Lois, really sweet of you to drop by, I really need to lift this brain fog, the depression hit me particularly hard yesterday, bit muddled right now, thanks again barry
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Date: 27.04.2015
From: lucy

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry, I thought I would drop by too and say I hope you feel better soon. I used to have terrible bother with my sinus's, I also had a nose polyp and when they removed that they also washed the sinus's out and I've had no more problems with them. I think when I smoked it made it worse. I also think the tinnitus can be a side effect of some medications. I was feeling very down last year with lots of things going on in the family and having regular walks in the fresh air is what I'm sure kept me sane. Like Sean and Lois have said make sure you take some time out for yourself.
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Date: 27.04.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Lucy, thanks for that, I live with my very elderly mother, have to be there for her constantly, and I'm simply not a carer, I get very depressed with being trapped with her, trapped with arthritis, and this vile infection in my sinuses, tinnitus has raged for 8 years, there is a heaven, because there is a hell for sure, I'm living in it. I do try to get out, but arthritis in my big toe and ankle same foot spoils things, I have this constant feeling of living a pointless existence, I dread the winter, I feel myself fading away, I know it sounds so bad to say it, but I feel I'm well past my sell by date, it's not just ill health, it's also about being employed, being a part of something, having a constant companion, a family, I've none of that, no friends either, well, just one, every day I get out, I go to the shops, there's people there, then it's back here, the tele, so difficult to read, take things in, that's my life, I'm sure there's plenty more like me, barry
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Date: 27.04.2015
From: lucy

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry, Have you spoken to your doctor or the social work dept about getting some help for your mother? It's too much for you to do it all on your own. Perhaps your mother could get taken to a day centre and it would give you a break to do your own thing. I know it's difficult when you have your own health problems but you do need time to relax. You must be a very good son to have looked after your mother so long. I really hope things get better for you and please try and get some help for both yourself and your Mum. It's only natural you will get depressed with things and sometimes we have to ask for help rather than shoulder it all alone. It doesn't mean you are a failure. Have you seen a specialist about your health problems? Take care and good luck. x
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Date: 28.04.2015
From: lois

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry, I can related with taking care of our Mum's mine is 89 and has just been diagnosed with dementia.
You can get help with your Mum try Citizens advice Bureau or Social Services. There is help out there if you don't ask they will leave you to it. I have never asked for help but now I don't have a choice.
If mum was getting help maybe you could go on a singles holiday or join some groups. You must take time for yourself it would be so good for your morale.
You say you are trapped I understand because we are so loyal to our Mum's then we start to forget about our selves. It is important to sort our selves out first and get the feel good factor and then looking after Mum feels natural and not a burden. I can relate with everything you are saying. I retired 2yrs early from a job I loved to look after Mum and I felt isolated to start with. It is very difficult at times that is why I say you need to take more time for you. There is nothing wrong with asking for help and be honest about how you feel. Pick that phone up and ask for help.

Take care Barry and pick that phone up soon xx
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Date: 28.04.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Lois, I'm afraid I've been through social services, CAB, we do have 4 carers a day, that's 90 mins a day they cover, does help, but I'm stuck here the rest, she has a club, she won't go, respite to expensive, she won't go anyway, I can't even get out for a night, even an evening, my health is deteriorating, I really don't care, just need the strength to manage short term, I do have a big stress problem, such is life, too bad, would like to work on my diet though, stop this arthritis , and this damned tinnitus, I'll get there, just need to be stronger, but it's a crap life, that's for sure, barry
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Date: 28.04.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Sorry, gone right off original subject , my lots my lot, always thanks for your thoughts and help, must shut up now, barry
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Date: 28.04.2015
From: Julie

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Barry I have been reading your posts, you must get more help.

I worked for social services, services for vulnerable adults and children, for 25 years and there is so much help available not only for vulnerable adults but also for carers. I know your not classed as or a paid carer but please contact Carer Relief, let them give you the help you need, they will come and sit with your mum for longer periods while you get time to yourself, you don't even have to go out just have your own time.

I know the The carer relief service in East Riding have holiday home use, not expensive but it is a break, but don't know if all areas do this. You get free access to swimming, lots of discounts for loads and loads of shops, they have so much info.

Do a search by typing Carer Relief and look down some of the services, maybe you could find out where they are in your area. At the end of the day if you aren't looked after you wont be able to look after your mum.

Please look into the service. It is not the same as the Home care service (or whatever their new title is now!!) These services rely on people using them and the staff are all brilliant qualified people.

Take care Barry and being on this forum you will find you have lots of friends, day ad night, all of us willing to listen to any grumbles, at the end of the day we are all suffering and need each other.
Julie xxx
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Date: 28.04.2015
From: Julie

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Sorry I should have started a new topic for you Barry but forgot. Sorry everybody.
Julie xx
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Date: 28.04.2015
From: Sean

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry / Julie

You shouldnt worry about going off topic - it's not that formal here ! Im sure you're fine posting anywhere you want to - Barry I hope the information from others here gives you some support. There's knowledge from different areas on here so please stick around.

Take care, Sean
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Date: 28.04.2015
From: lois

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Going off topic is fine by all of us. It is good for Barry to know we are all here for him and one way or another we all have our own problems we need to share.
Friends are what we all need even ones we may never meet.

Take care everyone x
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Date: 28.04.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Thank you, all of you, the true difficulty is in living with my mother, the last two years have been really hard, but being there for both of my parents, in the sense as a carer, has spanned more than 20 years, I'm just plain tired out, tired of it, we don't come this way again, I look back at what's past, it's just a wasteland, every day I wake to this empty, soul less feeling, and then the moment I have to deal with my mother, the stress rushes in, I become aggresive, right now I just can't handle things, I've told social services repeatedly something very bad is going to happen, but because my mother won't go into care, there's little they can do, although I've been totally honest with them, that last June, I had a breakdown, smashed the place up, assaulted her, phoned for help, their reply was I have to move out, leave her, she can't manage, she'll have to go into care, but I won't desert her, everyone else has, people are so shallow, so full of themselves, I am, I'm getting selfish, this damned arthritis is crippling me just about everywhere, I've worked all my life, well, for 40 years, I've still got some savings, I just want a coupler good years travelling somewhere, not trapped like this anymore, I want to feel the sun on my back, but most importantly, I want to meet some really lovely, genuine people, funny thing is , I am doing some travelling, in cyber space, I have met some really lovely, genuine people, you guys, I just don't want to keep this up, I want to hear your stories, not keep rabbiting on about mine, so please, I'd like to stay on the forum for a while, but I have to stop going on like this, there's a lot of self pity creeping in everywhere here, loud tinnitus is a terrible thing, arthritis, as many of you know, is a terrible thing, all these deseases are, but the real killer for me is loneliness, so thank you all again for being there, thank you, you are magic, barry
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Date: 29.04.2015
From: lois

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry, keep talking to all of us. It could well avoid another breakdown for you. It is hard looking after anyone. Two summers ago My husband was bed ridden for three months and I was caring for mum as well. We had moved into a new home that needed a lot of work done. The best diet I ever had lost nearly 2 stone.
I threw myself into the gardening I have to say my daughter was a saviour. Everything turn it's self around the mum was diagnosed with Dementia. I say all of this makes us stronger although sometimes it doesn't feel like it.

Do you have any brothers or sisters? Tell the social services you need a holiday and are going to have one give them the dates and let them look after mum. It sounds harsh but you have to put your self first sometimes.

Take care
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Date: 29.04.2015
From: lucy

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry, Does your doctor know the stress you are under? I guess they must if you have already had a breakdown. I hope you are getting some treatment for the stress you are under. You must get a break away from it all and your mother can go to a convalescent home or elsewhere, she would probably enjoy it too.

Stress is a killer and it can magnify any health problems that we already have. My husband suffers from Parkinson's disease and I have RA and my daughter has a lot of health problems and it does get me down at times but I try each day to do something for me, even if it's just a walk at the loch. A couple of months ago I felt we needed a break so spent quite a bit on a good hotel in Dubai for a week, after a couple of days I fell and broke my hip so the holiday was ruined. I feel it's been one thing after another. but we have to keep going. Take care of yourelf too. x
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Date: 29.04.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Lois, I'm not good on my feet, can't sit for long with spondylosis, can't stand for long with hip both knees and right ankle and toe arthritis, after last June I went to pieces for a while, wouldn't go out, shut myself away, could barely get a sentence together, and brain fog was, still is, terrible. I live on stress, been like it since a child, nobody took notice then, it's wrecked my life, difficult parents added to it, it always seems to be about sexual abuse with children these days, what about mental abuse, I can vouch for the damage its done me. I never wanted a family if I stayed here, I'm still here, caring for the remnants of it, the rest, my brother, gone, Australia, 50 years ago. In a relationship (husband and wife), you work together, care for each other, have fun together, it has it's ups and downs, but there's little pleasure in celibacy, on your own, and in ill health, can't work, it's a dead end, unless you have a skill, I don't, I'm an also ran. what you did to help your folks was brilliant, but without a deep love for them it's nigh on impossible, that's me, I've simply had enough, a respite won't happen, I've nowhere to go in this state short term, I'd love a complete change, my only option is to phone social services and just walk out that door, trouble is that the emotional bonding means, like in the song 'hotel California', I can check out any time I want, but I can never leave, barry
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Date: 29.04.2015
From: Merry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Barry , are you on Face book ? There are groups on there that are in similar situations. You don't have to have a public account, you can choose who you allow to view your profile . It would be a good way to meet people, this forum is OK but it is anonymous and you never really know who you are chatting to (sometimes a good thing ). You sound like you have severe depression and Im sure you could get some kind of help, even if that help was just talking to others in the same boat.
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Date: 29.04.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Lucy, my doctor is a really nice guy, but he believes near everything with me is psychsomatic, even the arthritis, that I have a low pain threshold, then he got it in his head that I had fibromyalgia, then he could put everything down to that, absolute nonsense, so very similar to Sean I started looking into things, cross referencing everything, getting people to open up about their issues, mainly physically, how they coped, my body, our bodies, how they function, what are the alternatives to the NHS, for example, I'm still very much involved, interested, in the whole thing, but I'm not a carer, it's not normal for me, I was a long distance lorry driver, I was always out and about, not this. Your story, again shows your love, your devotion for your family, that's beautiful, what happened in Dubai, that's awful, not just because of where you were, that break, but the awfullness of long term recovery, especially as we get older, I don't think I could bare it, look, I need both my wrists operating on, the pisiform joints are arthritic, my big toe needs fusing, my knees may need flushing out, I have arthritis behind the knee caps, I won't do it, I have to care for my mother, I can't afford to be grounded, especially in this place, there is also the risk of chronic regional pain syndrome, especially wrists, infections in my toe, and same again knees, I mean it wasn't so long ago my local hospital had legionaires desease, they're always closing wards there, cleanliness is poor nowadays. It's reasons to live for, I will die alone, I knew that years ago, I was so damaged as a child I never let people in, always at a distance, you get hurt, then worse, then you live in a mental ice castle. I've been to shrinks with stress related probs, endless drugs they put me on, that was no answer, they no nothing, they work with blinkers on, the whole system has lost the plot now, the whole of society is breaking down, too many people, too little money, in health and education, my doctor surgery has 6 doctors, 26000 patients approx, I phone them, they diagnose over the phone, if I was happy with my surroundings, if I loved my partner, my worlds near complete, in sickness and in health. Stress will almost certainly kill me, we gotta go somehow, the shame of it is , that like so many, I've never found true love in my life, it's just been one weeks wages after another, I mean I sit there, then this disaster comes on the tele, same as the tsunami in 2004, same as the twin towers, same as every poor soul suffering in this world, and then it dawns on me again I've had it real good, clean running water, warmth, good food, people I've known, they've departed, I miss, why can't I drum it into my head, why am I still so selfish, why can't I see the wood for the trees, if I was free of my mother would I truly be any happier, I need something to believe in, we all do, be it our immediate family, spirtual, maybe something, a project, shame on me for being such a weak person, and I am, in so many ways by writing to you folkes I've turned the mirror on myself, I can make good of this life yet, get it right, and the stress fades away,barry
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Date: 29.04.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

I was on Facebook, but it was littered with gossip, and people just spewing whatever out, if I found people similar to me my fear might be that we'd dig ourselves deeper holes together, loneliness is a problem for sure, getting out is difficult, that's if there's anywhere to go, and people don't want to talk these days, they're always on some mobile, or music plugged in their ears, everyone vulnerable on the Internet, but if there was a war, a just cause, I'd come out fighting, then in the midst of misery at least we'd have comradery, no , if someone felt they could take advantage of my situation they'd get their fingers burnt, I am very worldly, and similarly I can show compassion to others, for example, on here, and also be protective towards them, health issues are a problem, tinnitus is a true curse, but isolation, loneliness, apart from stress, they can be the real killers, barry
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Date: 29.04.2015
From: lucy

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Do you listen to music, Barry? you sound like you really need something to cheer you up a bit. Why not take yourself to the pub and there will always be someone there that you can talk to. I know alcohol and depression don't go together but you could have a shandy or a lemonade or even just go to a coffee shop. You could always join the church and meet some nice people. Sometimes we have to make the effort ourselves to meet people as they won't come looking for you. I know when you are down you can sometimes just feel like hiding under the duvet and it can be so difficult going out there but even chatting on here is a start. There will be others on here that can maybe offer some good advice. Take care and look after yourself.
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Date: 29.04.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Lucy, I play classical music all day, it's a background to distract from tinnitus, most of it I really enjoy, in fact I'd be lost without it, it's a curious thing but so many who have tinnitus miss the silence, I never do, but pubs, pub music, people in pubs, that's all behind me now, plus many of the pubs have gone, and those that remain have only the ghosts of the people I once knew there, I'm in my mid 60's, it's just not that way now. I hope to get back to a pains group, the people that run are religeous, always happy, not a great lover of the bible, but spiritually I'd like to look further, there are more questions than answers. I've lived in this area all my life, my mother is my one and only tie here, had lots of friends, workmates etc..that's all gone now. I've been depressed for years, in fact I didn't even consider it depression, more a way of life, now I'm waking up to it, I want a change, a big one, but without really knowing what I truly want/need to do I won't go worrying my mother, she's almost completely blind, confused, she needs me more now than she's ever done, she can barely walk, will be 100 next year. I realised there was no life here, adapted to it, health worsened, panicked that this is it, came on the forum looking for advice on my arthritis, but also realising if you're not happy few symptoms ease themselves, I'd certainly love a warmer climate, what arthritis sufferer can tell me this climate helps, I lived out in Australia a while, loved it, love the sun on my back, my best friend, that's where I'd get back too, now that's what I call a respite,barry
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Date: 30.04.2015
From: Lois

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry, Wow 100 that is a great age! I can see why you wouldn't want to just walk away.
Our weather is certainly against any Arthritis sufferers.
It does help to be positive and happy with ourselves in general.
Have you ever thought about going to a spiritualist Church. From what I understand it is more easy going on the religious side of things. They also do healing classes. I have to say I have never been to a healing class but many people I know find them very helpful. Just a thought. You would get to know many people as well. Apparently they are very sociable people and have tea and coffee afternoons.

Take care Barry I hope some of the post's are helpful. Chin Up x
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Date: 30.04.2015
From: Lois

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Sorry Sean, I have just noticed this was your post and it has gone off track.
I just feel Barry could do with some friends right now. Once again apologies.

Sean I hope you and your family are all well. x
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Date: 30.04.2015
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

hi Barry , most people with long term illness will suffer some kind of depression , crap sleep , pain & not being able to get out etc, some of us take over the counter drugs , others see thier GP

just be careful if you take something like methotrexate , it can interact with some over the counter drugs like St.John's Wort
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Date: 01.05.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Lois, spiritualism is exactly where I'm heading, read about it, thought about, there's just something missing in me, it may not be in spirtualism but I realise so much that I have to seek it out, and of course the posts on here have been very uplifting, very enlightening, and most importantly, supportive. One of my most difficult issues is very loud tinnitus, it corrupts everything I say, write, feel, it blinds me to what's right in front of me with its relentless distraction, just recently it's been almost to the point where I've felt my whole head is vibrating with it, and a blizzard blasting away inside my mind, and this ticking sound that seems omnipresent, I lived with for nearly 10 years, sought all forms of help, the end reply is grin and bare it, and that's why a big part of all you guys posts have been such a warmth to me, thanks again, barry, ps I was really interested in Sean's original post, Sean, you are a thoroughly interesting and educational experience, I love people that can write like you, it's such an encouragement to look, learn, research, practice my English, and then converse on a level that previously I could have only ever have dreamed of, your body may have its hiccups, but you have a fine mind, and an excellent discipline of health issues, I mean I drove trucks for over 30 years, seldom looked up, didn't even challenge my intelligence till I got ill, I don't get around much now but my world can still be my oyster, diet, communication, and working on the old grey matter, barry
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Date: 01.05.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Colin, I had a very close friend with rheumatoid arthritis, he was taking methotrexate, plus a stronger med by injection, fortnightly, the effect took most of the pain away, he went from being almost crippled up to a physical fitness fanatic. We discussed, the 'change' frequently, he had a new lease of life, I was concerned he was overdoing it. Just over 2 years ago he died of a heart attack right out of the blue, my very best friend, I still dont accept it, I'm very cautious of prescripted drugs, alternative therapies, it's just that sometimes desperation can lead to foolish ventures, I am prone to that, I guess we all are, thanks for your thoughts, oh how I'd like a disciplined mind, barry
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Date: 01.05.2015
From: lois

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry, you certainly seem more positive and I am so pleased for you.
There is nothing wrong with your intelligence from where I am sitting.
You just needed some support and I am truly glad you came here looking for it. We all need support from time to time.
I say all the people on here are my friends just that I have never met them. Who knows some day we just might.
You should find your local Spiritualist Centre and I am sure you could call them. Maybe you could settle Mum down and pop along for an hour or so. I am positive it would be beneficial for you..
Once again nice to hear you being more positive. Take care x
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Date: 01.05.2015
From: Sean

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Barry - I wonder if there is anywhere in the NHS that can test for Mn (Manganese) deficiency?

I have read many times that it (manganese) can help tinnitus - I have been on it as a supplement on and off for over 20 years now - I used to think that it was my Magnesium was the backbone of my supplements - but I always took the Manganese as well - then one day they changed the formula and added WHEAT GERM to the Manganese and I started to flare up.

You wouldn't believe how little of a substance that some people might be reacting to can cause an immune reaction - for example in Celiacs they now recommend that any food that contains > 40 parts per million gluten cannot be termed as gluten free. So we are talking tiny amounts.

So I had to give up the supplement - but noticed even without the wheat laden Manganese I wasn't getting the great improvement I had felt previously - so I found another Manganese Citrate supplement without any wheat and was back on track within 2 weeks. I got back to a less sore, looser back - shoulders, neck.

Also - you mentioned you take Magnesium - don't overdo it - or take a rest from time to time - I find if I overdo it it makes my heart race, palpitations and funnily enough I get pounding in my ears and can't sleep.

Magnesium - also competes for Manganese.

I saw this on another forum - that discuss the same and shows a diagram of the tendons in the ear that be affected by manganese deficiency -

http://members.upnaway.com/-poliowa/Mn%20for%20Tinnitus.htm

Lastly - I found this - manganese is also used by some people for anxiety and depression to boost dopamine. I had previously read about Manganese in the context of bipolar too!

http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/forum/f11/is-manganese-the-solution-70691/

I just wish there was more nutritional / deficiency medical support for us on these types of things rather than throwing drugs at us.

I'd also like to think we could get our minerals through food (Pineapple has loads of Manganese) - but I think that our diseases may be somewhat caused by deficiency in the first place - but then when the disease is churning it is using up loads of raw materials and depleting us further.

I'm not sure if food sources can address deficiencies??

Cheers, Sean
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Date: 01.05.2015
From: , barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Lois, today is a superb day, I'm on a roller coaster ride with tinnitus, the last week it's been almost unbearable, today it's barely noticeable, if anything could replicate bipolar in me its this, brought me lower than my knees in the past few weeks, even last night until the early hours, near insanity, and this morning, near nothing, the fear is it stays quiet for Maybe 36 to 48 hours, then it starts , then it peaks, I call it HSD (high speed death). My mothers brilliant really, I forget everything, everywhere, in the house I'm more confused than her, she actually reminds me of things, it wouldn't be that far fetched to see her pushing me around in a wheelchair, and hearing wise it's actually mother who has to keep repeating things, I often can't hear well through this 'blizzard', hearing aids confuse what's sounds coming from where, and hyperacucis plagues me as well, but today is brilliant, I can think not only so much clearer, I can actually think!. Today, I could be there, I could reassure others, care for my mother (taken tramadol for most of arthritis pain), so removed from that, tramadol blocks out the sinus pain as well, I know it's only a temporary fix, but it gives me a respite, again I can't catnap, that infuriates tinnitus, another spike, but my minds free, I've no time for sleep, I want answers, I want answers for all of us, my hobby if I can call it that, is the humananatomy, it's early days for me, that's a big chunk of why Sean is such a compulsive read, hope you're having a good, dare I say great, day, barry
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Date: 01.05.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Sean, top of the afternoon too you, it's that allotted area, the allotment, grow your own, what's not completely messed up in the supermarkets just looks like the real thing, but with a fraction of the nutritional value of the same product. Grown maybe 40 years ago, we can probably get round that deficiency quite simply by eating 10 times as much of it, hence all these health food shops with these filler riddled pills, and the latest organic suppliments straight out of China at a knocked down exhorbitant price. I believe a gluten free diet has to be completely free, and experienced for a minimum of a year, I have managed nearly 6 months, but that's not good enough, and trusting the contents of foods, what's labelled, i mean a night out for me is a walk down a supermarket aisle, just readings he labels, should take a stool, always a trolley for support, good exercise place in mid winter, bright lights, plenty of colour, no dogs poo, sauerkraut so back in the diet right now, some useful GABA's in that, nuts pack a punch with manganese, and melatonin, now that interests me, and I must look much more into manganese, in the past it's always been about ginkgo with tinnitus, aspirin even as a blood thinner in and around the auditory nerve. I take a multivitamin alternate days, vitamin B complex the other, one capsule hydrolised egg membrane to cure arthritis daily, so far no cure, a shot of unfiltered , unpastuerised oak matured , apple cider vinegar daily ,to keep the build up of uric acid at bay, I hope. Sean, where do you get your particular manganese suppliments from, I realise that tinned pineapple has lost that vital ingredient, a whole one I've never taken on, and like you say it it difficult to redress the the whole problem of difficiency having such illnesses, knowing the difficiency, crossing the blood brain area, actually getting it right to where we want it, regenerating all those poor sorry flattened little'ville', getting the whole show back on the road, and also being able to remain in one place whilst I write this, my backs locking up, my neck won't forgive me, and I feel there's a direct corrolation between neck arthritis and tinnitus, in fact I hurt so much now I truly have to stop, even though I've had this I pad in just about all sorts of positions, time to go, take care, barry
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Date: 01.05.2015
From: Sean

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Hi Barry - I think the same as you - over farming / same soil growing the same crops year after year - it is obviously wrong - they used to rotate crops and leave fields fallow for the soil to recover.

Now the soil quality is so depleted - and to cap it all we have such strong pesticides that also interfere with the plant take up of minerals from the soil - it took me 10 seconds to find this

http://www.agweb.com/assets/import/files/58P20-22.pdf

Glycophosphate pesticides prevent take up of Manganese - AKA Monsanto's Round Up!! I wont get started on that one but suffice to say I hate the idea of GM foods - the impacts on human health could be devastating.

I get Manganese Citrate from a chemist / health store - it's just a cheapish brand "Solgar" - I think it was about £7.

I would check that it is OK to take with any medication though!
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Date: 01.05.2015
From: lois

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Ahhh Barry great to hear you are on top form. Sean is very fascinating and so well read. Sometimes I don't know where he finds the time. I read a lot of his posts but I have to admit sometimes It is so detailed I get a bit confused then I just read it again until it sinks in.

Have a good evening Barry also Sean of course.
Take care both of you x
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Date: 01.05.2015
From: Barry

Subject: Re: The NHS - Western Medicine -

Yes, the old feudal system, serfs managed some real small plots of land, but even back then the crop rotation system made so much sense, now, every year around me its rape seed, and wheat. GM food, that's silent spring stuff, goodby songbirds, poor old worms have something to put up with, where would we be without them, and the bees.
The suppliments I use have manganese, but of course they also have magnesium, I still feel I will include manganese in the form of foodstuff, use it to enrich my diet, magnesium tabs I'm no longer taking, like you mentioned befor, it would make sense to pay a nutritionalist a visit, thanks barry
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