Rexie

So sorry you’re experiencing these issues, Echo. Things that have helped me with similar issues are taking 660 mg pressed root of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera - starts working within 5-10 minutes), and if something more is needed – a 350 mg capsule of Passion Flower (Passiflora incamata) and/or Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) as tea. I usually take a daily probiotic (“psychobiotic”) that has lactobacilli and bifdobacteria bacteria which are able to influence central nervous system (CNS) function. The more recent addition of 400 mg of Slippery Elm to my nighttime ashwagandha has made a huge difference in positive, good feelings, both physically and mentally. Possible Sjögren’s syndrome (that desiccated intestinal, throat, mouth, eyes, etc. occurrence) had me out-of-whack more than usual these past few hot months. The Slippery Elm is a nutritive and demulcent; its mucilage and antioxidants help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions and help provide a good medium for the probiotics. Ashwagandha reduces serum cortisol levels; increases serotonin; increases the catecholamines dopamine and its metabolite as well as homovanillic acid; ashwagandha has also been shown to reduce epinephrine, glucose, triglycerides, creatinine, IL-6, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. For me, ashwagandha is an excellent herpes simplex 1 (fever blister) antiviral, greatly reducing reoccurrence of blisters on my face which always make me feel physically horrible, nerve-wise. Passion Flower increases GABA (A & B). It relieves over-stimulation, spasms, and fasciculations. Chamomile has anti-anxiety and mild sedative effects that are attributed to its apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors and potentiates the activity at GABA A receptors. Apigenin also stimulates uptake of tyrosine, resulting in increased monoamine production. Apigenin may also inhibit the MAO enzyme, further increasing the availability of monoamines. An increase in serotonin may be related to its anxiolytic effects. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) causes reflex stimulation of nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract and at remote locations (respiratory and urinary tracts, mouth, etc) leading to increased mucus secretion and less dryness. It is used in a wide variety of GI conditions and makes for a quiet, happy tummy. Additionally, the quercetin in slippery elm is an inflammation-modulating plant flavonoid that helps alleviate my symptoms of interstitial cystitis (IC). Probiotics (“psychobiotics”) as capsules or as yogurt containing lactobacilli and bifdobacteria or others are able to influence the CNS function. Scientists have found that gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA which have been found to modulate neural signals, affecting neurological and psychiatric parameters, as well as sleep, appetite, mood and cognition. The reciprocal influence between the GI tract and the CNS is sustained by the enteric nervous system (ENS) which is considered as the third branch of our autonomic nervous system. GABA (Gamma aminobutyric acid) is our principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It can be made from glutamate, the major excitatory transmitter in the brain. Cortical excitability reflects a balance between excitation and inhibition. Dysfunctions in GABA metabolism are involved in anxiety and depression. GABA is also involved in the regulation of blood pressure and heart rate and plays a role in the perception of pain and anxiety. Vitamin B6 is important for GABA production, so if you’re not eating properly (even a mixed ingredient smoothie counts as a meal), you might consider taking a Vitamin B supplement which will contain balanced amounts of B6. Once you’ve done all can you can to support proper bodily function, please remember that we’ll have many thoughts and feelings flit through our minds. It doesn’t mean they are real, right, or good or even our own. Most people with chronic conditions develop super sensitivity to the thoughts and feelings of others, audible or inaudible, near or far. Sometimes they can be fun, energy-wise (national holidays, for example), but more often than not, unpleasant. Those wake-sleep times are often opportunities for the entry of these spurious thoughts and feelings. We are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic and are constantly bombarded by horrible images and pronouncements about not only Covid but also wars, bombs, floods, fires, hurricanes, collapsing building, etc. The world is hurting and its people crying out. To remain undisturbed is getting difficult, but you must find ways to protect yourself from this undue stress not your own. I like reading, there’s nothing like a good story to divert the mind. If too agitated to read or meditate I’ll play phone games while waiting for my calming herbs to work and for my body/mind to rebalancing itself. Often just a quick errand or walk around the yard is enough to clear my head-space. You do not want to linger in these bad places, wondering and worrying – divert yourself with your favorite things then go back to peaceful sleep or wakeful productive activity. Hope you feel better soon, Echo!

Hi @gertie! Thanks for your concern @toomanyproblems I was first diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency in 1973 (after I came back to the US from music school in Austria) and up until last year required either hydrocortisone or prednisone daily under doctor supervision. With improvements in this area, verified carefully by my very good endocrinologist and testing every 6 months (bone density, for example, has actually improved to the point of normal), my hydrocortisone use is now on an 'as needed' basis (2.5-15 mg once in awhile, sometimes more if I'm sick with something standard, will probably not cause me much, if any, immunosuppression). I have some serious autonomic and neuro issues now that I never had before and summer heat is an issue for me as is my continuous self-challenging that I often overdo. Apparently I have adequate endocrine function for normal light activity days in the cool but need extra help in times of physical or emotional stress. I have also worked hard to overcome PTSD, shown to augment sympathetic reactivity to daily stressors, especially in women. My endocrinologist is as frustrated as I am with lack of further support from my neuro "care team" members and had a bit of rant our last visit about this "off-label" use of hydrocortisone for low blood pressure (I mention it here not as an advocate of its casual use but in passing in this group, as in letting you all know how I am staying alive and functioning). My new PCP is supportive in general and is quite a bright gal, and I think finally past trying to fix me totally, and I do enjoy her encouragement to better life choices for managing symptoms, eating healthy, exercising more, and her help with pain management (low-dose tramadol - my request). I am currently experimenting with some essential oils that increase blood pressure without undue side effects, such as rosemary oil (topical delivery), and others. Whatever is going on with me is getting worse but I am happier with less pain and have been more physically and mentally active and more engaged with others in spite of it all and continue to run my own business, take care of my house, pets, yard & gardens, etc. alone. I came out of Lyme disease after 16 1/2 years, survived and came pretty much out of HSV-1 encephalitis that occurred in 2012, and hope to keep on living awhile longer with my current health challenges. A sense of humor and a 'go with what you've got' attitude help immensely. I have a BS in chemistry, a high IQ, and love researching things that might be of use to myself or others. One of my first questions and point of departure about products, substances, prescriptions, etc., is always "Is it safe? What is the risk/benefit ratio"? I'm as right as I'm going to be tonight after a long, busy day outside the home (without need for hydrocortisone). Hope everyone else is good, too!

I just got a notice from UTSW that said: "In reviewing your health records, we determined your eligibility for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine." OK. When I get brave enough there's a Walgreens near home that I can go to in my city (found through https://www.vaccines.gov/). UTSW offers a place in Dallas but it is a bit of a ride.

Sorry this happened to you, must have been scary! I haven't fainted since starting ashwagandha in 2017 - it keeps me sort of functioning and upright (with a few near misses with white outs) even at low blood pressures (60/40). I do use hydrocortisone as a low blood pressure remedy. Once down, my blood pressure will not come up by itself. I remember my first faint - so rude! Took hours to get it together to go for stitches in a deep gash over my eye. The ER did do a nice job with full work up (all I wanted was stitches) which gave me my first clues to autonomic dysfunction. I am glad you posted. The mind is a funny thing. I always assumed I'd be able to get inside if feeling faint outside, probably because my few faintings have been inside and I have become so acclimated to being "off" it doesn't occur to me that bp is low and I might be in danger. Last year I did look into smart watches with fall alert but gave that up not knowing who I'd want to be alerted to rescue me, and because I hate wearing watches. I have been working this summer to modify my habits and be more cautious in the heat (always a bp downer for me). But sometimes you do just want to do one more thing or get yard and garden stuff done right yourself. Thanks for the reminder to be careful. Life is full of compromises, some more agreeable than others. Take care yourself!

I had the Moderna vaccines last Feb. - felt awful for a whole month. Don't qualify for early booster but not sure I can stand taking a booster when eligible. Then again Covid would probably kill me.

Using one or two drops of lavender essential oil on your tongue and letting it slide down your throat naturally as you swallow often puts an end to spasms for me. The amount is too little to affect much else and it feels soothing.

I don't/can't eat when nervous, upset, or stressed by doing too much. I can generally always drink a smoothie. My current favorite is a generous dash of salt, with a mix of blueberry nectar, a hemp drink & 2% milk. You could find a mix you like to help keep fluids and nutrition going and weight up. I'll usually take my favorite GABA enhancers like ashwagandha 15-20 minutes before eating small, real meals. Although I have a limited diet due to interstitial cystitis, and have occasional esophageal spasms, I don't fear eating but do get irritated or frustrated or just plain bored with limitations to eating with the abandoned gusto of my yesteryear. I sometimes find that starting with a hit of cannabinoids and a tasty dessert gets me more into the rest of a meal. Many years ago during Lyme disease I had a script for Marinol (dronabinol), a man-made form of THC that helped spark appetite, relieved nausea and discomfort, and provided a pleasant, short-term, minor buzz. There is now a similar THC product docs can prescribe - Cesamet (nabilone). It's nice not to worry about weigh gain so I eat healthy and class meals when possible (prepared by others - cooking is not my thing), with the aim of treating myself to something really good. Sometimes though, eating is just a necessary job to me. Try to make eating fun when possible and minimize your fears.

You wrote: “I'm sorry you've dealt with this for so long.” Thanks, that was sweet and so rarely heard. The cortisol dysfunction article provides a little more depth to understanding the often-mentioned adrenal exhaustion chronic conditions seem to promote. For you, finding pain relief to aid a more comfortable and active life seems to be a huge issue. I have used bacopa herb for pain and it is on par with tramadol and legal. I stopped taking bacopa and herbal bladder support products (except my beloved Prelief) a few months ago after freaking over a bout of diverticulitis discovered during an ER visit for not being able to eat (I would have never have thought diverticulitis). I’d been altering diet to more whole grains and fruit while taking increasing amounts of bacopa for pain which all made digestive quicker than normal (only 9% of users report digestive upset). I’m sure you’d feel better if you could slowly become more active. You also have a pretty nice and convenient medical marijuana program in Florida – cannabis is great to take the edge off neuromuscular and IC pain [in my state the medical marijuana program is primitive and complicated]. IMO, I wouldn’t worry too much about DHEA levels (it helps produce testosterone). DHEA peaks at your age and can become elevated during the early stages of adrenal fatigue or during times of stress where it is helpful response. For you, I do worry about too much physical, mental, and emotional stress. I love my integrative PCP and my endocrinologist, both women have been totally supportive while the autonomic specialist hasn’t been much help in managing symptoms of dysautonomia. Find a doctor or doctors you can work with on your individual problems.

I have worried about movement, breathing, pain, and posture for years. My preferred posture was bad and turned in, resulting in more overall back pain and xiphoid pain. This impacted being able to get a deep breath, as well as being able to eat, creating side issues on top of everything else. It was hard to stand or sit up straight with good posture. One day I stumbled upon some info by a biomechanist. I went from fancy arch support shoes with thick, raised soles to minimal shoes and the change has made a world of difference for me. I found myself smiling the other day while grocery shopping when I realized I was going up and down the store aisles in relative peace and harmony, exhibiting perfect, relaxed posture. To think I kept trying to have good posture while shoes were tipping me forward, causing muscles to work harder in unnatural positions. Funny this never occurred to me before. Life is more fun now since I liberated my feet.

You might find the topic of cortisol dysfunction of interest: Chronic Stress, Cortisol Dysfunction, and Pain: A Psychoneuroendocrine Rationale for Stress Management in Pain Rehabilitation, Kara E. Hannibal and Mark D. Bishop, Phys Ther., Vol. 94(12), pp. 1816–1825; 2014 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4263906/ For 40 some years I have had adrenal insufficiency and took hydrocortisone for low blood pressure, etc. every day. It has gotten much better the last few years with better nutrition, better pain management (I switched from bacopa herb to 50 mg tramadol, half in the morning/half in the evening) and the herbs I take. Now I only use hydrocortisone as needed for blood pressure drop during illness, interstitial cystitis flare (too much vitamin C is a killer for me, the max per day I can have is about 30 mg Vit C - one needs only 10 mg Vit C/day or less to prevent scurvy), heat stress, or life stresses.

My blood pressure drops after eating (the body is busy digesting) and I get real sleepy. I eat smaller, more frequent meals, or just have a smoothie in lieu of solid food if I need to skip an inconvenient bp drop. I always follow meals with a cup of coffee.

I get frequent esophageal spasms – they began during the neuro phase of Lyme disease many years ago and continue with no rhyme or reason. I’ve had an upper endoscopy and more recently, a esophagram (swallow test) – both negative. I try to be relaxed before eating or drinking and find the regular use of herbs that help increase GABA help considerably (ashwagandha, passion flower). It’s a hideous pain that occurs when a spasm hits with food or liquid halfway down the tube. I did have a nurse practitioner once show me how to do the Heimlich maneuver on myself if needed – handy info. I also have to watch not to aspirate food or liquid. New dental cleaning methods are less scary for me now – no chance of aspiration. I use an albuterol inhaler for occasional upper esophagus/throat area spasms.

Anhidrosis (inability to sweat normally) is a serious condition. If a person can’t perspire, their body can't cool itself, leading to heat exhaustion or heatstroke (a potentially fatal condition; worry when body temperature hits 103 F/39.5 C or higher). You can be perfectly hydrated and still get in trouble if you have anhidrosis. A quick and good way to tell if you are hydrated is to observe the color of your urine – a hydrated person will have clear or very pale urine. After being a heavy sweater all my life, after HSV-1 encephalitis in 2012, I didn’t sweat at all for several years. Now I sweat some and anhidrosis was added to my medical records after autonomic nervous system testing at UTSW-Dallas last year. If you can’t sweat, your primary care doctor, your neurologist, other care-givers, and family and friends should be made aware of your condition so they can get you to a cool place or to the ER if you crash in the heat. Summers for me are scary. I usually give myself heat exhaustion once a summer season, reminding me to limit outdoor activities in the heat. The other day when it was 90 F (32.2 C), usually safe for me, I spent 18 minutes outside walking a gentle 0.30 miles and doing some minor pruning – my blood pressure dropped to 60/43, heart rate 105, and body temperature went to 100 F (37.8 C) making me feel dizzy and icky. I take rescue hydrocortisone for the low blood pressure plunges and an hour later after rest and a tall, cold drink of water, blood pressure had come up to a low normal reading and body temperature had dropped to 97.5 F (36.4 C) inside in the cool. While back to normal, more or less, the rest of my day was pretty well shot due to this heat stress. Anhidrosis, Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anhidrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369400 Good overview of heat & cold stress with various causes: Thermoregulatory disorders and illness related to heat and cold stress, William P.Cheshire, Jr., Autonomic Neuroscience, Vol. 196, pp. 91-104; 2016 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1566070216300017 Everything you ever wanted to know about hyperthermia & hypothermia: Human Physiology in Extreme Heat and Cold, Beker BM, Cervellera C, De Vito A, and Musso CG, Int. Arch. Clin. Physiol., 1:001; 2018 https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/iacph/international-archives-of-clinical-physiology-iacph-1-001.php

Communication skills are obviously not my forte - too long out of practice, too long in misery to have cared. Sorry for the confusion. My herb program works to make me feel more normal and pain free, thus it is "award winning" to me. Here it is (my herbal program designed by me for me): Himalaya Bacopa - 500 mg whole plant powder and 250 mg whole plant extract per tab (I take half a tab 4 times a day) - for pain and autonomic dysfunction Himalaya Ashwagandha - 670 mg root powder per tab (I take one tab 4 times per day) - for pain, extreme muscle stiffness & anxiety Himalaya distributes dependable products ensuring you get what you want with consistent ingredients over time. Herbal sources are often a problem for people wanting to try them. If I'm having a really bad day, I'll add a capsule of Solaray Passion Flower (passiflora incarnata, 700 mg aerial and blossoms) or drink a cup of Chamomile tea at night or add both. To bring this back to topic, my autonomic specialist from UTSW-Dallas (Dr. Lauren Phillips), was great today and we covered all my questions in a relaxed tel-a-visit appt. She was glad I had my herbal helps and was interested in them. It is a relief to me not to be at odds with her over herbs. She will be helping me find a new PCP I can work with, perhaps in integrative medicine or functional medicine. Up with UTSW-Dallas neurology!

Hi HCD77! I put my herb program into the thread "Dr. in Texas denied my referral" if you don't mind checking there (saves me time, I'm a slow typist). Raked tons of leaves in the backyard today - glorious to do and feel OK afterwards with continuing help from bacopa & ashwagandha as well as prayer. Have my video visit with autonomic specialist tomorrow morning (did send her a message with herb links so as not to catch her too by surprise). Not all docs like herb-takers but for me they are a non-narcotic blessing. I couldn't even remember what "normal" felt like anymore after so many years of h*** so it has been an interesting and most pleasant journey these last few months.

UTSW Dallas neurology is quite good - all bright, thorough, highly intelligent and well trained neurologists. Praise from me is saying a lot since I've had some really poor docs in the past. Dr. Steven Vernino is very nice, as are his associates Dr. Kyle Blackburn, and Dr. Lauren Phillips. Dr. Elizabeth Golden did my autonomic nervous system testing, also nice. They will treat you seriously and with respect. Dr. Lauren Phillips manages my case now. I have a video appt. next week; it will be interesting to see how she responds to my award-winning herbal program which has made me feel almost normal. My latest endocrinology tests were the best they've ever been, that doc at least will be (should be) happy for me when I see her next week. She supplied my referral to neurology when she was worried about me dying on her. The UTSW-Dallas neurology dept. occupies a floor in a free standing high rise and they are very covid-safety conscious. No worries. The autonomic testing last July was actually pleasant and interesting. No worries there. The tech was very sweet and competent.

I have unequal and messed up pupil responses as found on autonomic testing - part of the dysautonomia associated with my CRPS. Once my herbs and coffee kick in during the morning, vision improves and the eyes sync and work together. The sympathetic system causes pupillary dilation when norepinephrine binds to an adrenergic receptor in the radial fibers of the iris smooth muscle. When blood pressure is low, vision begins to grey out and if left unattended, to completely white out and I'm in trouble and head for a dose of hydrocortisone to bring bp quickly back up into a more normal range. If stressed emotionally or physically during the day the eyes start to go south again until I adjust with more herbs. My glasses are transition (darken with light) and help keep light levels even. Inside without glasses I generally prefer low light levels. When I had Lyme disease I had tons of floaters - a sea of them floating across my vision. What a trip. They resolved once Lyme disease was gone.

You are most welcome! You remind me of me when I was totally head-spun with pain and misery. Since adding bacopa to my herb program I have been able to enjoy life and come to terms with my special needs and certain limitations (an on-going process). My cats and dog even respond to me in a more relaxed, un-worried way. I don't have a significant other and no family with expectations but I have actually explored a couple of new relationships (non-contact due to covid) and find that I can be more present to people and new situations. I do believe there is an answer for all of us. Onward into 2021! Hope it's better for all of us!

Sorry to read this, it can be scary. I get near seizures with CRPS and a fritz of my autonomic system. I hate that head-spun state! I can get trunk and diaphragm muscle tightness and have esophageal spasms so try my best to avoid 'going there'. I watch posture and have found that bending over as in touching my toes helps to get a deep breath or two and re-establish a more healthful breathing pattern. Overall I work for the most calm and pain-free existence I can achieve on a daily/hourly/minute-by-minute basis. I self-pace throughout the day. My herb program of ashwagandha, bacopa, and added passion flower (passiflora species, 700 mg) pretty much keeps these type of short-circuit freak-outs at bay. I have a variety of tunes I like for my unofficial brain entrainment and turn down the lights and just listen when on the verge of going off - gives the mind another focus. Recovery happens within 20 minutes to an hours after more herbs and I'm good to carry on. My holiday tune set was of old and new blues, rocking both me and the pets. I do hope that 2021 brings you some relief from somewhere and something!

Hi Sandy! Back when I had Lyme disease a very long time I was offered oxycodone but declined because of the problems similar to yours I observed the oxy patients having at the pharmacy as they went crazy jonesing for their meds (the hospital added armed security guards). I like no pain but within reason and oxy didn't sound like a good choice for me. I did use hydrocodone as prescribed and when done with Lyme disease I cold turkeyed the hydrocodone with no problems. If you want to stop taking oxy work with your professionals while weaning off. Bacoba herb is suppose to be good at relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms. It works through the opioid system but is not addictive. Like opioids it can be reversed by naloxone (but why? It's nice for pain and is non-narcotic). See thread: 'Tx Doctor refused my referral' for Bacopa info. All the best to you!

I’ve taken Himalaya Bacopa since 9-14-20 starting with ½ tab (500 mg whole plant powder and 250 mg whole plant extract per tab) with amazing pain relief results – covers both CRPS and IC. Just ½ tab the first day made an evening walk the most muscle-loose, pleasant walk I’ve had since encephalitis in 2012. I stopped for 5 days to try a script of tramadol courtesy of a new PCP but quit both the PCP and the tramadol and returned to Bacopa which is on par with tramadol without the narcotic undertone. I now have good pain coverage using ½ tab morning, afternoon, and before sleep at night. I have also routinely taken Himalaya Ashwagandha since 2016 for muscle stiffness and agitation and it is a great help in IC, too (3-4 tabs a day; each tab contains 380 mg root powder, 280 mg root extract, and 10 mg supercritical CO extract). All my endocrine and standard labs are excellent and better than before Ashwagandha. Both herbs have good safety records. Haven’t had a nasty IC flare since starting Bacopa and put in a new garden area and run my business happily with better focus and concentration. My only regret is that I need to keep taking the herbs. But all things considered, I am grateful for both herbs and the feeling of normalcy they allow me. My older EDS friend who fractured her pelvis had stopped communicating and I found out she was dealing with intractable, all-consuming pain. I recommended Bacopa to her and she has had remarkable success with pain management, too. I had missed her – glad she’s “back”. For herbs, source is important with regards to standardization, guarantee that the product is what it is suppose to be, and the product remains consistent and reliable over the years. For IC I do still use Prelief (calcium glycerophosphate) and CystoProtek. Documented actions of Bacopa: The Molecular Links of Re-Emerging Therapy: A Review of Evidence of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera), Deepali Mathur, Kritika Goyal, Veena Koul, and Akshay Anand, Front. Pharmacol.; 2016: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2016.00044/full Pain management with Bacopa: Preclinical Profile of Bacopasides From Bacopa monnieri (BM) As An Emerging Class of Therapeutics for Management of Chronic Pains, Rauf, Khalid & Subhan, Fazal & AM, Al-Othman & I, Khan & Zarrelli, Armando & MR, Shah, Current Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 20, 2012: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233842854_Preclinical_Profile_of_Bacopasides_From_Bacopa_monnieri_BM_As_An_Emerging_Class_of_Therapeutics_for_Management_of_Chronic_Pains Minimal side effects: The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human Subjects, C. Stough J. Lloyd, J. Clarke, L. Downey, C.W. Hutchison, T. Rodgers, P.J. Nathan, Psychopharmacology; 2001: https://www.gwern.net/docs/nootropics/2001-stough-2.pdf Constituents and actions: Neurocognitive Effect of Nootropic Drug Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) in Alzheimer's Disease, Kaustubh S. Chaudhari, Nishant R. Tiwari, Rakesh R, Tiwari, and Rohan S. Sharma, Ann Neurosci., Vol. 24(2), pp. 111–122; 2017: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5448442/

You wrote: "Elmiron is under lawsuit for causing vision problems and blindness. " Thanks! Good to know about the Elmiron – glad I skipped it. I have enough autonomic vision issues and really do like to see even if it is off-kilter sometimes. My herb program includes herbal muscle relaxants that help IC, too. You do know that Rapaflo (silodosin), is a selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist and may lower blood pressure and cause other side effects: https://www.rapaflo.com/ Keeping blood pressure up and reducing fatigue are two of my main worries now after solving pain issues, so for me, Rapoflo would not be right.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays everyone!

You asked: "Do you have any symptoms following your allodynia flares?" With me, the extreme hyperesthesia (too sensitive to touch, sounds too loud, light too bright, etc.) and allodynia are exaggerated by too much movement and/or stress. They are part of a flare of everything (muscle pain and spasms, stiffness, low blood pressure from CRPS) when I am over-done. Like last night after a very busy day where I was not able to self-pace effectively due to work and meeting new people. After a busy period sometimes I just need to sit quietly in low light and not move. I'll usually read, edit photos, or play phone games as a mental get-away or just crash for a bit until better. Then I'm good to go again. Cannabis products are nice for hyperesthesia, turning these errant sensations into more fun sensations or allowing one to get above the fray. In general, cannabis is well tolerated and safe. Alternately, chamomile tea is a nice relaxant as well as being a good tummy soother. Chamomile’s anti-anxiety and mild sedative effects are attributed to its constituent apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors and potentiates the activity at GABA-A receptors. I sometimes drink chamomile at night - it helps the hyperesthesia and allodynia and makes for longer, more restful sleep with no morning after drag. Frankincense is a nice essential oil (20% in jojoba carrier oil) with analgesic, tranquilizing, and anti-bacterial effects. It is used for the treatment of rheumatic and other inflammatory diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In the digestive system frankincense is a stimulant, gas repellent and a catalyst for the appetite; it has been found to increase the flow of digestive juices, thus leading to improvement in digestion and absorption. I just started using frankincense as an excellent winter skin emollient (with an bit of an over-all energizing effect), and because I was always curious about how it smells - sort of spicy with an undertone of pine (the aroma dissipates rapidly). You might like it for your GI issues, depending on what challenges you are having. You would not catch me with ice on my body. I don't even make ice cubes here. I like warmth and a purring Devon Rex kitty snuggled close under my neck. Cheers! Apigenin, a Component of Matricaria recutita Flowers, is a Central Benzodiazepine Receptors-Ligand with Anxiolytic Effects, H. Viola, C. Wasowski, M. Levi de Stein, C. Wolfman, R. Silveira, F. Dajas, J. H. Medina, A. C. Paladini, Planta Med, Vol 61(3), pp. 213-216; 1995 Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future, Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S., Mol Med Rep., Vol. 3(6), pp. 895-901; 2010 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/ The Therapeutic Potential of Apigenin, Salehi B, Venditti A, Sharifi-Rad M, et al, Int J Mol Sci., Vol. 20(6), p. 1305; 2019 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6472148/ Frankincense - therapeutic properties, Al-Yasiry, Ali & Kiczorowska, Bożena, Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej, Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine, Vol. 70; 2016: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292140720_Frankincense_-_therapeutic_properties Volatile composition and antimicrobial activity of twenty commercial frankincense essential oil samples, S.F. Van Vuuren, G.P.P. Kamatou, A.M. Viljoen, South African Journal of Botany, Vol. 76, Issue 4, pp. 686-691; 2010: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629910001705#bib42

I usually always have hyperesthesia and quite too often allodynia. I use Himalaya ashwagandha root herb and passion flower herb which both help increase GABA to make life tolerable. Tames this stuff right down. If a patch of sudden itch turns painful Benadryl works for me on top of the herbs. Now if I could only look more fashionable in loose clothing I’d be styling!