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Is there a doctor on the board?


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#1 no_mind

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Posted 10 December 2006 - 02:22 PM

Over the last 15 months I've lost over 30lbs, I'm now 115 (5'11"). The doctors can't find cancer, I'm HIV negative, no blood disease. The cancer doctor I went to said given my history of osteoporosis (which is off the charts for a 54yr old male) and dyspepsia (which wasn't helped by taking PPIs for 6 months, I have chronic acid reflux and small hiatus hernia, biopsy ruled out Barrett's) and other symptoms, would lead him to believe I have celiac sprue disease. So I immediately (3 weeks ago) put myself on a gluten-free & wheat-free diet and started feeling so much better after 1 1/2 weeks. However, the wasting continues (that's what my eyes/mirror are telling me) even though my weight seems to have stabilized, is that possible? Perhaps it takes time for the small intestine to repair after being poisoned for all theses many years. Catabolic wasting syndrome (at least that's what I'm calling it) doesn't' seem to care what or how much I eat or what supplements I take, I continue to waste away (probably due to malabsorbtion). I started going to an endocrinologist at UCSF on 11/28 (took 6 months to see him) but he can't see me again until 1/02. In the meantime, any ideas on how I can help stop/slow down the wasting? Best, Tom

#2 calmcookie

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Posted 10 December 2006 - 02:35 PM

Over the last 15 months I've lost over 30lbs, I'm now 115 (5'11"). The doctors can't find cancer, I'm HIV negative, no blood disease. The cancer doctor I went to said given my history of osteoporosis (which is off the charts for a 54yr old male) and dyspepsia (which wasn't helped by taking PPIs for 6 months, I have chronic acid reflux and small hiatus hernia, biopsy ruled out Barrett's) and other symptoms, would lead him to believe I have celiac sprue disease. So I immediately (3 weeks ago) put myself on a gluten-free & wheat-free diet and started feeling so much better after 1 1/2 weeks. However, the wasting continues (that's what my eyes/mirror are telling me) even though my weight seems to have stabilized, is that possible? Perhaps it takes time for the small intestine to repair after being poisoned for all theses many years. Catabolic wasting syndrome (at least that's what I'm calling it) doesn't' seem to care what or how much I eat or what supplements I take, I continue to waste away (probably due to malabsorbtion). I started going to an endocrinologist at UCSF on 11/28 (took 6 months to see him) but he can't see me again until 1/02. In the meantime, any ideas on how I can help stop/slow down the wasting?

Best,

Tom




Hello Tom,

Sorry to hear of your problem. I'm not a physician (only RN / book author) and it would be unwise of me to attempt any diagnosis .... but, I have some expertise in this area. I encourage you to look into whether omega 3 fish oils might be of help. You may not immediately see the connection between your complaint and this article ... but there IS one and it is called "Inflammation."
(if interested, read the Inflammation Zone by Dr. Barry Sears ... his work is supported by Dr. Walter Willett, head of Public Health at Harvard). Here's an interesting article about a neurogeon who also supports Sears premise on inflammation -


Omega-3 Moves into Medical Mainstream

BY JAMIE TALAN
Newsday Staff Writer

April 11, 2006

In the days following the Jan. 2 Sago Mine explosion disaster, the only survivor, Randal McCloy Jr., was experiencing multiple organ failure and severe brain damage.

Dr. Julian Bailes, McCloy's neurosurgeon at the West Virginia University School of Medicine and head of the trauma center, was up to speed on the latest benefits of the "miracle molecule" omega-3 fatty acids when he phoned Barry Sears of Zone Diet fame to ask about a recommended dose for the very ill miner.

"I've read everything Sears has written," Bailes said. "And he convinced me that DHA could play a role in Mr. McCloy's recovery. He sent me his product, which was the main source in his [McCloy's] treatments."

Omega-3 is an essential amino acid that is in short supply in American diets, and its use has catapulted up the charts of popular nutrient supplements. And seemingly for good reason. It has so many jobs in the human body that cardiologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and now trauma surgeons are using these naturally safe amino acids to prevent and treat a wide variety of medical problems.

Sears, who has studied omega-3 fatty acids and now manufacturers his own pharmaceutical-grade product, suggested that Bailes administer a total of 18 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the two most important omega-3 fatty acids, via feeding tube. McCloy remained on the supplement via feeding tube until his return home March 30.

High dose for brain repair

This was an extraordinarily high dose, Sears explained, but staff monitored McCloy's blood levels to assure it remained within a certain therapeutic range. The EPA reduced the inflammation caused by the lack of oxygen within the brain, and the DHA was required to repair the damage, Sears said. "I certainly think it played a big role," in his recovery, Bailes said. "How can he rebuild his brain if he doesn't have the substrate to do it?"

After being in a coma for weeks and in rehab for months, the grateful miner is stiff and thin but walking on his own and exercising his weak right arm.

Besides helping heal the brain, omega-3, which is probably one of the most studied natural supplements, has passed muster in helping heal the heart, pancreas, immune system and joints. Potent anti-inflammatories, omega-3 fish oil supplements contain the same fatty acids - DHA and EPA - found in fish. Scientists say the American diet is so depleted of these fatty acids that supplements are not just useful, but necessary.

A recent analysis of several large studies published in the British Medical Journal said the amino acids didn't possess the benefits touted in the medical literature. But many experts say that analysis failed to cover the wide range of scientific findings. Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, said that one large British study with a "sub-optimal design wiped out the benefits from all the other studies." He said many studies have confirmed omega-3 supplements reduce the risk for sudden cardiac death and protect against cardiovascular diseases.

"This has more evidence-based science than any other supplement," said Dr. Steven Lamm, an internist at New York University School of Medicine. "It can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering triglycerides, and shift the balance between good and bad forms of cholesterol." Its powerful anti-inflammatory qualities also make it a natural for arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

"Here is one example where more is better," Lamm said.

But just how much? Dr. Joseph Hibbeln of the National Institutes of Health has studied the role of omega-3 fatty acids in depression and seen that 9 grams a day of omega-3 fatty acids are as potent as a prescription antidepressant for some patients. Others say the body needs a minimum of 4 grams a day.

The brain is 60 percent fat, and fatty acids are key to brain health. Hibbeln's work has linked diets rich in omega-3 fish oil to a lower incidence of depression and bipolar illness, and has led to tests of its effects as treatment for these conditions. The results are very impressive, experts say.

Edited by calmcookie, 10 December 2006 - 02:43 PM.


#3 Chilidawgz

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Posted 10 December 2006 - 02:38 PM

stop using all sugars too, eat a diet without processed foods. here is a site to browse, I don't agree with all of his opinions but many I do:

http://www.mercola.com/
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#4 OEXCHAOS

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Posted 10 December 2006 - 02:48 PM

No mind, I hope you get this licked. Frankly, it's sounding like you're at least on the right track. I'm leaving this thread here for a bit in order to get some eyeballs, but later tonight I'll move it to the health and sanity board. It'll be easier to find. Just a heads up. Mark

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#5 SemiBizz

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Posted 10 December 2006 - 02:54 PM

I have had great luck with

www.metagenics.com

Detoxification program.

Good Luck to you...

Edited by SemiBizz, 10 December 2006 - 03:01 PM.

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#6 calmcookie

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Posted 10 December 2006 - 02:55 PM

Tom, I also assume (since you've been to an endocrinologist) that they ruled out type 1 diabetes ... which, if untreated, would cause excessive weight loss. Do you know what your blood glucose level is? Frankly I have worked with several endos over many years ... in Canada, Australia and the U.S. (as a CNS in Diabetes) and honestly, most were merely interested in getting their patients back for the next appointment and the next and the next. Repeat business ... that's the game (just ask author and diabetes specialist, Dr. Richard K. Bernstein - wonderful MD and also a 52 + year survivor of type 1 diabetes). I guess there are some good endos out there, but I never saw any. C.C.

Edited by calmcookie, 10 December 2006 - 02:58 PM.


#7 Sentient Being

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Posted 10 December 2006 - 03:01 PM

http://www.research....ome-1209802.cfm
In the end we retain from our studies only that which we practically apply.

~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe ~

#8 calmcookie

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Posted 10 December 2006 - 03:08 PM

http://www.research....ome-1209802.cfm





SB ... this article mentions "inflammation" which is the main problem with most types of "wasting syndromes" ... but the answer is NOT drugs. Drugs are a bandaid approach and they do not address the underlying problem. There are far better ways to manage inflammation than with more pharmaceuticals.

If interested, read the inflammation Zone by Dr. Barry Sears.


Best, C.C.

Edited by calmcookie, 10 December 2006 - 03:11 PM.


#9 securelstmile

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Posted 10 December 2006 - 03:27 PM

Did this happen out of the blue or was it something that came on gradually? If it did come on suddenly was it preceded by some event such as a trip to a foreign country etc? I am not an M.D.
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#10 SemiBizz

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Posted 10 December 2006 - 03:29 PM

There are far better ways to manage inflammation than with more pharmaceuticals.




Hi CC, the metagenics detox diet brings you back to basics, the theory being that we develop allergies to the things we like to injest frequently. They have a great family of supplemental products that go with the program. I'd be interested to hear your opinion. Perhaps you know about them...
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