Expert: Tonja Wells - 1/2/2009

Question
im a 48 yr old woman with multiple chronic health issues including stills disease(systemic rheum. arthritis--rashes fever, arthritis, meningitis with chronic daily migraine as sequelae), potassium dependent periodic paralysis(slowly progressive myopathy punctuated by episodes of profound weakness),severe chronic pain secondary to post viral neuron attack in the dorsal root ganglia--on morphine 8 years with hypothalamic suppression as a result-on replacement hormones), bipolar disease (type II--mostly depressive symptoms. rare periods of hypomania), history of extensive allergies to foods and environment s/p desensitaztion immune therapy age 10), asthma, GERD, h/o spinal injury C5-C6 fushion no sequelae, and h/o of multiple other remote surgical procedures, largely orthopedic but also includoing removal of my gallbladder , appendix, and thymus. i am on many medications--11 or 12 per day
i have sought holistic help, without lasting benefit for the past 20 years. 4 years ago, i started taking a highly potent mixture of antioxidants called opc-3 which includes marine pine bark, grape seeed, red wine, bilberry, and citrus bioflavanoids. within 18 months i felt the beginning of a process that continues through this day. a tenacious substance settled under my skin. it felt gritty and could be pushed around. flocks of fluffy lymph nodes blossomed behind my knees, elbows, under my arms and in my neck. a thorough work up for cancer or underlying cause was negative and the doctors discounted my belief that this was secondary to the opc 3--what i called a profound detoxification. it also settled in areas where i had haad prior surgery and in my breasts. over the past 2 years, the lumps have mostly resolved, except for collections in my armpits that are so extensive they fill the entire cavity and are therefore not easily discerned as wekll as continued parotid swelling. my scars have likewise deflated. firm painful depositions began collecting on my face, settling along my chin and jawline. i have them still.  when pressure is applied to relief the pain, a deep bubble breaks and a watery acidic liquid quickly comes to the surface burning the surrounding tissue in perfectly circumscribed patches. areas where i have had prior injury, such as stitches, or even acne are perferred. i have all stages of wounds on my face--fresh, newly scabbed over, fully mature scabs and shiny new skin. my entire face, jaw and neck is afflicted with that same tenacious gritty, like sand, substance under the skin that can be pushed along--a firm "button" of it can be moved from my cheekbone to my jaw if i work at it, though the grit sometimes cuts through. also during the past 2 years my abdomen has become protuberant--i appear to be 9 months pregnant with twins. this past month my right side under my ribcage --my liver i presum-- has begun to ache. there have however been improvements--most notable in my stills disease. i had fevers daily for 10 years which i no longer have despite the fact that i am off all steroids, and chemotherapy. my rashes of 15 years have disappeared. my hormone requirements have lessened by 50%. im off half of my psychiatric meds. i have far more energy in a day and require less sleep.
i have tried many alternative therapies in the relatively remote past including cranial sacral therapy, acupuncture and chinese herbs (the most effective of them all but lost its "punch" after about a year), homeopathy (perhaps did some good but the practitioner had a stroke and i was unable to continue treatment), and presently, reiki. i am myself a first level reiki practitioner.
i remain of the opinion that this all represents a major effort on the part of my body to detoxify itself and that the opc 3, which i still take twice daily, along with coenzyme q 10, omega 3 fish oil, curcumin, multi mineral, vit, and extra vit c, deserves the credit. however, i dont think it is sufficient. i feel i have reached a critical point, that the toxins are essentially stuck, and that i continue to "fight" the process by taking medications that i cant seem to function without.
im interested in your opinion of the process and any recommendations you have--especailly including nutritional advice (im a lacto ovo vegetarian) additional supplements, plus any practice you might think useful. also type of practitioner you believe would be most helpful to me. please feel free to copy , paste and forward this lengthy description along to anyone you think might be interested or helpful. they can email me directly at skmd514
@hotmail.com) i sincerely appreciate your time and effort. sk

Answer
Hello Sharon,

With all you have going on it would be optimal to do a complete client consult with you, which includes blood work so we can see where the root issues are which need to be balanced.

Having said that, what you are doing is a good choice.  One area you would also want to look at is enzyme therapy.  

Protease on an empty stomach, breaks things down in the body so I would do Proteae Plus on an empty stomach plus take Proactazyme plus with meals to take the stress off the digestive sytem.

I would also being cleansing the cells at the cellular level with All Cells Detox.

I would need to know much more, esp about the glandular system, stresses which happened when these issues began, eating habits, lifestyle, etc to get a bigger picture. This would be included in a consult.  

I remind my clients we are a spirit, we have a soul and we live in a body.  Most serious health issues begin with stress. You may be dealing with some of this through Reike but there are other things like Bach flowers,etc which can aid in this area.

Here are basic nutrients which you asked for:

SHOULD I CONSUME FIBER?
Fiber is essential.  Colon cleansing is important to pull toxins out of the body.  It is suggested to consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. The second leading cause of death among cancer patients is colon cancer, just behind lung cancer. Loclo, Fat Grabbers, Intestinal Bowel Fiber, or Psyllium Hulls are excellent choices to help meet your fiber needs daily.
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL BUILDING BLOCKS TO GOOD NUTRITION?
1.   Enzymes to break down foods you eat, and aid in digestion and elimination. Proactazyme Plus is a good choices.
2.   Probiotics are essential for good flora, which should naturally inhabit the intestinal track. Probiotics inhibit growth of toxic bacteria and yeast.  They are essential for the development of a child’s natural defenses.  Probiotics reduce liver stress, enhance intestinal function and “sweetest” the gut. Bifidophilus or Probiotic Eleven are excellent choices.
3.   Minerals have 3 major functions: 1) they provide the structural materials for building bones and connective tissue, 2) they facilitate the production of both neurotransmitters and hormones, and 3) they function as an integral part of chemical and enzyme reactions such as the manufacturing of proteins and replicating of DNA.  Most Americans have severe mineral malnutrition as our soil is void of minerals.  Two excellent choices are Colloidal Minerals or Mineral Chi tonic. Take minerals if you need an energy boost, and to be certain that your body is receiving the 64 minerals our bodies need DAILY
4.    Greens – Ultimate Green Zone provides complete whole grain nutrition and a balance of protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It provides antioxidant protection, encourages growth of healthy colonic flora, supports the digestion, assists detoxification of the liver and kidneys, and helps protect the body. It is an excellent way to begin any day.
5.   Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) – Flax Seed, Omega 3’s and Evening Primrose oil are but a few the NSP’s line of essential fatty acids.  EFAs help with various chronic degenerative diseases.  Research has confirmed the positive result of EFA supplementation for more than 60 major health concerns, including allergies, breast tenderness, cancer, heart disease, intestinal disorders, menopause, neurological disease, skin issues, and autoimmune disorders.  Stay away from hydrogenated oils like margarine and vegetable oils. Use extra virgin olive oil instead.

You can learn more at my web site or order these herbals at www.yourherbalhealthsolutions.com

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases.  If you have any health problems consult a health practitioner before embarking on any course of treatment