#b12 deficiency and vitamin d deficiency too

[johndonneswife]

o:

[hyacinth--girl]

Got blood test results yesterday and my doctor’s reading through everything and she’s like kidneys fine, liver fine, b12…*stern look*…ZERO, cholesterol fine, iron…*even more stern look*…ALMOST ZERO, haemoglobin fine, vitamin D…*most stern look I’ve ever received in my life*…ZERO oops

[fred-the-dinosaur]

Yeah, I was admitted to hospital for severe ongoing neurological issues. They found nothing but low vitamin d. (It's supposed to be over 50. I had 7. Seven whole vitamin D's) perhaps this is the cure for all my ails and I can stop getting lumbar punctures and contrast MRIs and just be fine! That's such low vitamin d!

Just take a normal pill, pay for it yourself we won't even prescribe it. See you next time you're hospitalised for the ongoing severe neurological issues (2 ish years) oh look you've got a whole 23 vitamin D's now that's nearly halfway to the minimum. And everything is worse. Why are you sad about that. We can't find anything wrong with you. Have you tried taking vitamin d.

My deepest darkest fantasy is that I collapse on the street and I am rushed to the hospital. They perform a bunch of tests and find out I am severely deficient in some kind of vitamin. Then I start taking the vitamin and I become the happiest cleverest person alive because all my problems were caused by this one deficiency

[salt-baby]

caught my younger sibling walking around with numb hands for weeks like that was normal so PSA theres some weak evidence that the following are common in POTS:

B12 Deficiency

- characterized by numb (pins and needles) hands and feet, which is persistent for days no matter what position your limbs are in

- take dissolvable B12 tablets once daily by holding them under the tongue for a couple minutes

- ideally those should be the like 2000000% DV ones, since B12 is water-soluble and near impossible to take too much of

- B12 shots can be prescribed for very severe deficiencies

- if this doesn't go away in like a week, See Your Doctor! these are peripheral neuropathy symptoms and that's something 1000% worth checking out ASAP

Magnesium Deficiency

- characterized by a tight kind of muscle soreness (for some reason always in my calves) that doesn't go away with rest

- others report tremors or being unable to keep the legs still

- either take a supplement daily or epsom salt baths

- be warned that oral magnesium works as a laxative, so start low and work your way up

Vitamin D Deficiency

- can cause fatigue and the "seasonal depression" kind of mood

- this is just really common in the general population, not just in people with POTS

- oral supplementation works fine, most daily vitamins have it

- in more severe cases your doctor can prescribe higher dose supplements

Also if you keep getting these symptoms all the time or it doesn't go away within a couple days of supplements, you probably need to see a doctor

[coldercreation]

PSA: 

If you have related to how I have described Nathan’s struggles with his mental health and some experiences with life; emotional, physical and social etc (ignore the story/his fam background for this; I mean if you have been able to relate to his feelings/anxiety/negative physical sensations etc.)

Might be worth it to get your blood checked. 

Especially B12, Vitamin D, Iron levels and Ferritin (ferritin should be 100+).

Building on top of the character, character background, and my research into trauma / mental health etc, I have always used a lot of my personal experience when describing emotions, feelings, and how mental health issues can feel like or present. It’s my attempt to make the writing feel realistic, had I experienced the things in the story or not. Aka even if the story was high fantasy and thus not realistic, I’d source my own feelings to make it ‘real’.

So. Regardless of what's causing it in the story: If you have ever related to how Nathan FEELS or describes his experience with the world and his brain… (Anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, feeling like an outsider/in a fishbowl, easily overwhelmed or over tired; social withdrawal, social anxiety, heart palpitations, chest pains, breathlessness, dissociation, irritability, issues with cognitive function; memory, overthinking, insomnia, brain fog, panic attacks, slow recovery from physical activity, etc etc et fucking c) 

Turns out bish has been chronically deficient of many things for a very long time due to stomach issues that stopped nutrients from absorbing. Antidepressants have never successfully worked for me, and it’s now looking like that’s because my mental health stuff could've largely been a physical symptom, instead of just purely mental health?? 

I have been on a pile of supplements for a bit now and uhh… It’s like night and day? Even with the other health stuff I've been getting treated for, it's been... So much better?? Like. Life changing amount of difference?? And I’m only just starting out fixing these deficiencies, which could take a long time. But...

Holy shit, “Better” might actually be a real thing after all?? There was a reason I've been so "stuck"???

Kind of mad… And sad. Because if this is true and I keep feeling like I have been recently, it means I’ve lost a lot of time to this. I try to focus on how good I’ve been feeling though, and stay curious for this journey of what literally feels like a second chance at life.

Just… Wanted to post this in case it could help someone else. This is a highly personal experience, mental health issues absolutely exist on their own too and there's possibly often overlap as well. But stuff like this can make existing mental health conditions worse too, so either way it’s worth checking. 

Yeah. So.

Happy new year?

From someone who might be pulling a whole Phoenix moment???? xx

[frozenflvrries]

Intro post!

My name is Em and I’m 26 years old. I am a disabled adult. I love frozen hence why I started this account 🩵

I have two another main interest sideblogs: @dohitssimpsons (The Simpsons) and @stitchsohana (Lilo and Stitch)

I also like Sailor moon, The Powerpuff Girls, SpongeBob SquarePants, Steven Universe, Classic Horror movies, Bobs Burgers and much more

I am hard of hearing and low vision (currently learning ASL and braille)

My main disability is called Septo optic dysplasia which is rare and it affects underdevelopment of optic nerve resulting to my low vision, nystagmus, strabismus, and astigmatism, endocrine issues (adrenal insufficiency, diabetes inspidus, hypothyroidism, panhypopituarism, vitamin B12 and D deficiency and osteoporosis), fatigue, leg/ back pain, seizures and aneurysm.

I do not tolerate any hate, disrespect, and any prejudice towards everyone in my account.

I respect everyone’s ships

Elsa is my biggest kin because of how she struggles with something she didn’t choose, like her powers, and how it makes her feel different. I relate to that with my own disabilities. She tries to hide it, thinking it’s dangerous or that people won’t understand, and that hits me hard. But eventually, she learns to control it and finds her strength in it. Her journey of learning to accept what makes her different and turning it into a source of power and self-acceptance feels like mine too. It’s not just about surviving with it, but thriving

[balkanradfem]

Sharing what I've learned in my neck (recovery) journey!

I've been trying out lots of exercises, and I mean, I've been through every youtube video showing any kind of neck-related thing. The most exercises hurt so much I would often end up curled up on the floor crying in pain after trying once, so I didn't want to try those anymore.

Then I thought that, since I've been eating very poorly this summer (bad garden year) I very likely am lacking some minerals in my body, and maybe that's making the pain worse. It actually is getting worse, I can't turn my head sideways anymore without pain. I watched a few videos on nutrient deficiencies, and decided that I probably lack magnesium, which helps muscles relax; my muscles are incredibly stiff and upset at all times. I also watched a video on how a person can end up paralyzed without enough b12, and I've barely been taking any, despite my plant-based diet, so I quickly got that too.

Then I saw a video on vitamin D deficiency, and I had, every single symptom, just all of them, spot on. So I got a packet of that too. And then next day I found a video saying that supplemental D vitamin is BAD and I need to get some from sunbathing instead. It's winter?!?? And I can't walk outside for long because of the neck pain??? Like what am I supposed to do about this.

I've also gone back to taking nettle infusions to get enough calcium! I was hoping supplemental vitamin D would help me absorb calcium, but we'll see about that, I guess? I'm so mad at all the conflicting information but I don't now enough biology to make a reasonable guess to what's right.

Okay so I also, finally, found some exercises that are meant for neck pain that don't hurt, and I'm sticking to them, I've done them twice and did not come close to passing out in pain so I'm just gonna assume these are correct and do them. I also found out that a specific pain I had in my back, for about 5 years now, is called rhomboid pain, and there are exercises to fix it! And I can do most of them. Which is amazing, I'd be happy to fix any type of pain right now.

I've wanted to go and do a blood test to see just what nutrients I'm lacking, but apparently you can only check calcium levels if your bone density is measured, and I know my doctor won't do that, and for lots of other stuff like potassium (which I lack for sure), the body maintains normal level even when you're extremely out, because it draws it out of your muscles and bones so you'd have normal levels in your blood because otherwise you'd die. So you can't efficiently check, you can only notice your body deteriorating from the lack of it. Fun!

Another 'fun' info I've found was about ibuprofen, I had to take quite a few because I was sick, and I'm not used to taking pain medicine, so I went to check what it does, and it's like, cool stuff, it prevents the creation of hormones that cause your nerves to be sensitive, and also those that cause inflammation, so you're basically less sensitive to all the pain going on in your system. However, those same hormones are responsible for creating a layer of mucus in your stomach, and you need that mucus, in order to be protected from your own digestive acid. Taking ibuprofen for 3-4 days will not do you harm, but if you take it for longer, or if you have a chronic stomach issue, it is very likely that you will expose your own stomach tissue to your digestive acid! Which will damage your stomach and hurt a lot. So be careful with the ibuprofen ladies! I know she's a good friend of yours but I never knew how serious it was to take it too often.

[uncloseted]

Do you have any hair care tips for long healthy hair? Is a lot of it down to diet?

I think it really comes down to being super super gentle with your hair. Here are a few things that will help keep your hair healthy when it’s long:

- Avoid heat styling your hair. If you have to do it, use a heat protectant beforehand and keep the temperature as low as possible. If you can stand it, avoid washing your hair in super hot water (this is one I refuse to do).

- Avoid washing your hair too frequently. Use dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair looking fresh longer.

- When you do wash your hair, keep the shampoo only on the scalp and let the lather rinse over the rest of the hair.

- Use a wide-tooth comb or a boar bristle brush on dry hair when you need to brush it. Try not to brush your hair when it’s wet.

- Instead of blow drying or towel drying your hair, use a hair towel turban or a t-shirt to dry it more gently. Blot or scrunch the moisture out of the hair instead of rubbing it.

- Use hydrating products, like a deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner, or hair oil on a regular basis.

- If you put your hair up, go for a silk scrunchie or plastic coil instead of a regular hair tie to reduce friction.

- Put your hair in a loose ponytail, braid, or bun for sleep, and u se a silk or satin pillowcase. This will help prevent breakage from friction as you toss and turn at night.

- Get regular trims if you can. This will prevent split ends and keep your hair healthier in the long run.

Diet actually isn’t a huge part of hair growth, although if you have a poor diet, you may see that reflected in your hair. For example, deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, biotin, riboflavin, and iron are associated with hair loss. But if you already eat a balanced diet, changing it is unlikely to make your hair look healthier or grow longer.

[learningtosmelltheroses]

6 years is amazing, I've been trying but I'm picky and lazy to cook different vegie options that's not just pasta, chips and pizza so I always fail and end up eating meat options, it's better than not just eating 😅, I feel like Z has also said that about being a vegetarian that doesn't eat veggies, but at least Z is in a tax bracket where she can afford take out 7 days a week. I think next time I attempt being vegetarian I have to do research and collect recipes, probably also meal prep ahead so I don't feel lazy after work, but wow 6 years is goals well done to you.

This is gonna be a long answer because I LOVE to talk about this topic (so if you want to talk about it in my dms we totally can!!!)

So here's my story to become a veggie!

I graduated as an IT Developer alongside my high school degree (idk if that's common in other countries, but here we have that a lot) and as my final project I had to develop an Android App and I did one to help people become vegetarians!!

So I had to do a scientific research to prove that my app was good so I did a lot of research about nutrition and what vegetarians lack the most after changing their diet. And reading all about the better health, the environment and most importantly the animals... how could I still eat meat? This project was during a whole year so I was understanding things while I wrote my research and then one day my mom was cooking, and she was seasoning a piece of meat and I was looking at that for 5minutes realizing that that was a dead animal (crazy how we normalize this in a point most people forget) and I was so disgusted I never ate meat again.

But I started slow, I kept eating chicken for 7 months after stopping every other type of meat. And then I stopped that too. And that's how I became a vegetarian.

And I never felt the need to meat eat again.

I wasn't a fan of veggies too, so I had to adapt. It is a big change in your life and I gained so much weight after I started because there were so few vegetarian options in restaurants and usually were pasta or other carbs 😂

So I started to look at recipes that were more healthy, started going to a nutritionist so she could help me plan my diet and how I could learn to like vegetables. At first I would roast a lot of veggies and then smash them together and make like a smashed potato but with a lot of veggies (carrots, zucchini, onions, potatoes, broccoli...) 😂😂 ps: I also don't like cooking and I am too lazy to do it everyday.

And I don't make my friends or my fiancé to not eat meat because I think that's a very personal decision.

My best friend tried being a vegetarian and it lasted a whole year and she felt so guilty because she missed eating meat. So when she came to talk to me I told her it was ok but the way she could "help" was eating less, or not eating everyday.

So take your time. Start cutting meat everyday. Look up for vegetarian options that look delicious to you and with time, you will be able to change that completely. But a very important point in the process of doing this: do your health check ups because not eating meat influences in how your body absorbs nutrients and vitamins and you most likely will be with a deficiency of vitamin D and B12 😔

It's being 8 years for me now and I don't regret one bit! 💚

Sorry for the long answer (but I did warn you)

[strwbrrypoundcake]

Haircare tips for people with ed's (I know I've done a couple of these but I've learned new things)

Some of these things you should continue to do even if you recover, these things will be marked with a *

At least 30 minutes before a shower (can be overnight) apply hair oil to your lengths and ends. Preferably coconut oil (ogx has a great one "coconut miracle oil", if that one is too heavy they have two lighter options)*

Vitamins. At the very least a daily multivitamin. If you can, go to the doctor and get blood work done to see if you are deficient in any vitamins. If you can't go to the doctor I recommend taking B12, Folic acid, vitamin E, Magnesium (try to find a blend of all types of magnesium), Vitamin D and fish oil. I am not a doctor and cannot provide medical advice, these are some of the vitamins I take based on research of what vitamins people with an0rex1a are deficient in

Protein is important. I know you hear it all the time, but that's because it is true. Protein is extremely important for your entire body, especially on a restrictive diet. Protein shakes, bars, protein based products (Kodiak, quest etc) are great for this. If you don't have room in your cal budget for protein, raise your limit. It's scary, but if you don't wanna be bald and lifeless protein is needed. I know a lot of us do this because we want to look sick, trust me you can still look sick eating 750 calories a day. Plus you can work out. Whatever it takes, eat as much protein as you can

After showering, very, very gently squeeze the water out of your hair with a towel. Do not pull, do not rub, take the towel, squeeze the hair and repeat until it is not dripping anymore. Then wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or T-shirt. Wait until it is slightly damp then spray heat protection/leave in spray (you can find these anywhere, if you don't blow dry then any kids leavs in conditioner will do. If you blow dry I suggest L'Oreal 21 in 1 or pantene 10 in one. You are looking for heat protection, detangling and UV protection at least). either air dry or preferably use a blow dryer on low for both settings (heat and air)*

Always wash your hair after a workout where you sweat. Do not leave sweat just sitting on your scalp and hair, it's bad for both

Be gentle. Malnutrition makes hair extremely brittle and prone to breaking, if you have straight hair only brush when it's dry. For curly hair only brush when wet and preferably do it in the shower while you have conditioning products in (hair mask, conditioner or leave in)*

For all hair types, after spraying detangler for straight hair, gently detangle with your fingers, pulling apart any knots you catch. Then brush. Try to limit brushing to once or twice a day*

If you have hard water (look up your areas water hardness) I highly suggest getting a water softener if you can afford one. Waterstick has one I've heard good things about (showerstick, roughly 280 USD). This will also help your skin as a bonus. If you can't get it then clarifying shampoos can help a bit, but not as much as the water softener. Pantene has a good general one and Kristen esse has one specifically for hard water*

I'd recommend haircuts at least every 3 to 4 months, but it depends. If you see split ends before that, get a haircut. If you don't see any split ends, you can go longer. Get your hair cut when you see split ends. (If you have very short hair just go every 3 months or however often you go)*

Never ever ever rip through knots with a brush, that is how 1.hair on non disordered people breaks 2. How you take big chunks out of your hair while being disordered. Take the time to undo the knot with your fingers

This is more for the appearance of hair but if you get layers it will look fuller.

This is all I got, I hope it helps. If you want more tips watch Abbey Yung on YouTube. She's a trichologist who shares the science behind haircare

[wordsdontmeananything]

undiagnosed: five years of chronic pain

it starts like this:

you're 21, junior in college

and gradually, like a

frog being boiled

you feel a pain spring up

in your shoulder.

the denials are first:

just sore,

it'll go away in a few days.

and slowly weeks creep by and the pain

is not going anywhere and

it spreads to your back and hips and legs

and you lay on your couch curled up

and moan

more days than not -

and then the doctors.

they start with the obvious:

you have failed in some way.

excuses include:

too little exercise,

poor diet,

weight gain,

anxiety,

dehydration,

bad posture,

sleep deprivation,

backpack is too heavy -

you consider yourself

in relation to your peers

and realize: i am no worse at these things

than any of them.

the question occurs to you:

why, then, would i have this pain

when they do not?

it is a logical deduction,

and yet your mind slips off it.

it is so easy to blame yourself.

so, for awhile, the excuses are enough.

until, suddenly, they are not

and you demand something more.

back to the doctors.

the usual suspects are considered.

by this time you have realized

that doctors can be fallible,

so you have done your own research.

you follow along as, one by one,

conditions are ruled out.

the deficiencies: your b12 and d

are within acceptable ranges

but, i don't know,

give it a try?

so you get shots of b12

and you take your vitamin d once a week

and hours spent moaning on the couch

remain relatively stagnant.

now for mechanical causes:

x rays and orthopedics.

minor flaws in your bodily anatomy are noted

and suggested - mild scoliosis,

slightly bulging disc,

shallow hip joints.

none of them fit quite right.

the blood tests, of course

inflammatory markers,

rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis and

lupus and lyme,

eagerly you await the phone call

that gives you the answer,

that fucking answer,

here is what is wrong and now

we can finally try to fix it

or at least, slow its progress.

or, at least, name the thing.

and you are told

that there is nothing they can find.

with each negative test

despair wells up inside you.

in between visits, you research.

collect possible suspects

and pick your favorite

to cling to.

this will ultimately do nothing

but disappoint you

and now the doctors get

a little more creative.

you see specialists -

rheumatologists,

neurologists.

Ehler's Danlos,

ankylosing spondylitis,

multiple sclerosis,

all bubble to the surface and

you hope with every test

for something to finally prove

that you really actually are feeling this pain

that you aren't making it up

and every time

you are crushed

when the MRI is clean,

when the genetic test is normal,

when the symptoms

just don't match up.

you start to doubt

you're feeling anything at all.

there are some days

you try to reason with your brain,

convince yourself it isn't hurting

what you're feeling isn't pain,

this is how every human feels

and you're just too weak to handle it.

your depression

is cavernous.

and the time between appointments

stretches,

shuffled from specialist to specialist

six months, a year of waiting

to be seen,

the pain ebbing and flowing

and getting better and getting worse

without reason

and you try to track

what triggers it

but come up empty

as you wait and wait and wait

for the next doctor

to tell you the next test

that will come up negative once again

and send you into despair all over.

and with every negative test, you hear

"well, that's good!

one more thing to rule out."

but your list of candidates grows smaller

and what happens

when they're all crossed out?

the word "idiopathic" looms in the background,

tossed into the bargain bin of diagnoses,

the implicit failure of the science

you used to trust with your health

admitting that your symptoms

are a ghost in their machines.

at some point during this process

you find it impossible not to cry

during each new appointment.

you ask for copies of your scans

so you can look at them,

praying to see evidence

that the radiologist missed,

skimming medical journals and trying

to teach yourself,

while also trying not to convince yourself

of something that is not there.

and you are so, so tired.

it's easier to just stop trying.

live with it.

it's not really so bad, most days.

and the whole world

is against you, anyway.

but, you realize

that there isn't another way.

you cannot give up

you can't let your doctors

forget about you

you have to fight

you have to make them listen

you have to believe

that your body isn't lying to you,

that something is wrong,

you know yourself,

i know my own body!

i know what pain feels like!

i feel it!

i feel it!

what i'm feeling is fucking real!

and, once again, i write down

all my symptoms,

collect my records,

and make

the next appointment.

[devoted1989]

vegan vitamin d

everything you need to know about vitamin d 

Most vegans are aware of the importance of vitamin B12 supplements, but vitamin D is often overlooked. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium.  

This is the main reason that many calcium supplements also contain vitamin D. Calcium is needed to reduce bone loss and maintain bone strength and prevents the development of osteoporosis in older adults. Insufficient amounts of calcium and/or vitamin D in the diet may lead to rickets in children. 

sources of vitamin d 

Vitamin D is found in certain foods and in supplements. Our bodies also produce it after exposure to the sun.  

Very few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D; eggs contain some, but oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, pilchards, tuna and salmon are more substantial. 

Plant based vitamin D is found in mushrooms and other fungus as well as lichen (if treated with UV rays). 

Because there are so few natural dietary sources, vitamin D is added to foods such as soya milk, orange juice, breakfast cereals, cow's milk and margarine.  

The vegan diet contains little, if any, vitamin D, so fortified foods or supplements are essential.  

types of vitamin d 

There are two types of vitamin D. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is a synthetic, vegan form of vitamin D, derived from irradiated mushrooms and other fungus as well as lichen.  

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is not vegan, as it is derived from lanolin, obtained from sheep's wool.  

Many fortified foods and drinks contain vitamin D3, so it is important to check which type has been used.  

However, vegans need to be aware of the shortcomings of vitamin D2.  

Experts claim that Vitamin D2 is a far inferior form of Vitamin D that is not absorbed into the body well:  

“Vitamin D3 is the most biologically active form of vitamin D. Research has shown that vitamin D3 is better absorbed and utilized than D2. Studies have consistently shown that, functionally, vitamin D3 is at least 300% more effective than D2.” Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM. 

Vegan vitamin D3 supplements manufactured from lichens and mushrooms are now available. However, there have been claims that they are “fed” on non – vegan D3.  

Besides vitamin D from food and supplements, our bodies are able to make vitamin D3 when our skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight. 

how much vitamin d do we need? 

maintenance dose 

from supplements 

The recommended dose of vitamin D is 600IU per day in adults aged 19 – 70 and 800 IU per day for adults aged 71 and older. (The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine)  

from sunlight 

Our bodies will produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D3 from 10 to 15 minutes of UV B exposure, without sunscreen, at least twice a week to the face, arms, legs or back. People with darker skin will need to spend longer in the sun to produce the same amount of vitamin D.  

therapeutic dose 

from supplements 

In the case of vitamin D deficiency, an oral dose of 50,000 IU of vitamin D once a week for up to 8 weeks is recommended. To maintain vitamin D sufficiency, the patient should receive 50,000 IU of vitamin D once or twice a month thereafter. (The National Institutes of Health) 

Vitamin D 2 must be prescribed by a medical practitioner. 

from sunlight 

If you are deficient in vitamin D, the recommended therapeutic sun exposure is 15 minutes at least once a day for 8 weeks.   

vitamin d from uv rays - precautions & additional information 

It is recommended that in the first few days, you limit your exposure to the sun to a few minutes to allow your body time to produce protective pigmentation to help protect against overexposure. 

There is no risk of your body making too much vitamin D from sun exposure. Exposing yourself for longer is unlikely to provide any additional benefits. 

It is prudent to limit exposure to UV rays to that which is necessary for your health. UV radiation is a carcinogen responsible for most skin cancers and deaths due to metastatic melanoma. 

UVB cannot pass through glass, so sun through a house or car window will not produce vitamin D.  

The sun must be above an angle of 45 degrees for it to provide vitamin D, so in the winter months the sun is not strong enough to provide any useful vitamin D.  

During this time, we get vitamin D from our body's stores, which are built up during the summer, and from food sources. Vegans may need to take a supplement to ensure that their vitamin D levels are maintained.    

mobile app: 

calculate your Vitamin D requirements: 

https://itunes.apple.com/za/app/vitamin-d-calculator/id484286798?mt=8

conclusion 

Vegans who do not get much exposure to the sun or those with darker skins are at risk for a vitamin D deficiency. It is recommended that they see their doctor to request a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test. 

It appears that the most efficient source of vitamin D for vegans is sunlight. If this is not feasible, supplementation with vegan vitamin D2 is, if not the best source, the next best cruelty free source.  

With thanks to healthaliciousness.com, health.com, The Vegan Society, The National Institutes of Health, Dr. J Taljaard, Harvard Medical School, Vegan Health & The Vegetarian Resource Group.  

[sucktacular]

Cw health scare, passing out, food mention, weed + being high, mention of blood work/needles

Had a yucky time last night that was very scary and wanna vent about it

and honestly kinda hope maybe someone that has low blood sugar moments or panic attacks or whatever the fuck could give me some insight if you're comfy doing so!!

Other wise just ignore this post :3 I'm okay now! But obv will get it looked at, prommy.

Also cw disordered eating... I don't mean to do it for any particular reasons I'm just very bad at remembering to eat, eating enough, and having too low energy to make anything lately. I got fresh groceries yesterday night tho so I'll be back to eating right for a bit.

So I uh nearly passed out at 3am alone in my kitchen trying to make a sandwich and I'm kinda pissed that my body is shitting out on me and now I gotta go to the human mechanic and get my stuff looked over cuz uh... Not normal happenings

I got up after laying down in bed for a while trying to sleep but got hungry and I was a little zooted too to be fair. Collected myself. Got all dressed to leave my room and was totally fine. If it was from standing up too fast it should have definitely hit me by that point but I was fine.

Went down and took all the things out of the fridge I needed for a sandwich. Slow and meticulous , not too fast cuz I was stoned and like to take my time to be quiet. Opened the bread, got a plate, opened the mayo, mayo'd my bread, then I went to open the deli chicken and started greying out and getting really light headed and weak and shakey and cold. So I waited a moment and it kept getting worse so I sat down and propped myself in the corner of my cabinets to try and help. Drank my chocolate milk and tried to wait it out. I've had low blood sugar act like that before- cold, shakey, grey vision, weak, etc - cuz I've kind of always been really bad at making sure I eat meals and last night i had just been eating chips, crackers, and chocolate pretzels all night. Snjcjsbjdks. I've been snackless for a few days so I NEEDED snack overload.

Anyway it kept getting worse over the minute or two to the point my vision was like white and black tv static with tunnel vision. my head felt super pressurized and I couldn't hear? I've had tinnitus since I was a tiny child but it really felt like those movies when everything is muffled and all you can hear is a very tiny faint high pitch ring. I could barely hear my tinnitus which was ... Deafeningly silent and that's WEIRD. I've never heard... Nothing? So that was scary. My whole body felt sweaty and hot and I just didn't know really what to do.

I think it was low blood sugar but + weed made me have a panic attack? Maybe? Or really bad low blood sugar. Because I HAVE been having light headed episodes and feeling weak lately... Which I chocked up to vitamin deficiencies (B12, D, or iron are problems of the past so I started taking those every day for the past week or so.)

Kind of super mad doctor I saw last week insisted I don't need blood work and to just take my new meds, cuz there's definitely something going on here and while blood work probably wouldn't have stopped last night's episode from happening, at the very least I could be a step closer today than i am. :(

Uhm... Yeah anyway it was really scary and I was on the floor in the kitchen with just Frankie watching me for a hot maybe 2-5minutes... Hard to tell how long. Not a super long time but more than just like 1-2 minutes. Felt better. Tried to get up and finish sandwich making. Got grey and weak again. Sat down some more. EVENTUALLY my vision and hearing went back to normal. Finished my sandwich weakly and packed the stuff away sloppily and had to turn the hallway light on cuz I couldn't see in the dark at all. Went to my bed and ate my sandwich and still felt fucked but eventually went right back to normal.

I do still feel airy headed and not totally alert but that's been kinda how it's been this past few weeks.

So uh... Mmm. Don't like that at all. Phone on me all the time now. Doctor visit again soon for this issue specifically. Partner suggested it sounded like a panic attack or when they get a vasovagal response to needles and nearly pass out. I definitely got scared and panicked cuz it was awful and scary and felt like I was dying. I did some 5seconds in 5 seconds out breathing exercises and it helped quite a bit to calm and focus me in the moment. Which was neat! They ain't lying about those exercises even if you don't know what you're doing. Focus on the counting and the breathing in and out softly.

Uhm.... So yeah if anyone actually genuinely has a comment or experience with that I'd love to hear. Otherwise I'm okay so far today and keeping an eye on it...

Problem also is I don't... Well, I have agoraphobia basically and it's very hard for me to go to a doctor without help from a friend or my partner and I can't figure out any online telehealth things in Ontario that don't cost money or aren't just for prescription renewals so uh not sure what to really do. I know I need to get it looked into but my GOD you know how fear will make you not care for yourself? Gestures. I'm trying so hard not to jump to the conclusion that it might be pre diabetes because my family has no history thankfully but the signs arent looking good..

[ablegaming]

Gaming as Anti-Anxiety

Hey friends, I’m sorry I haven’t been posting much lately. Been struggling with health issues, and as a result my old nemesis anxiety has resurfaced a bit as well.

Aside from the many anti-anxiety medications available, which are effective but highly addictive and have side effects (the pharmaceutical industry generally prefers to make lifelong customers), there are several other effective methods of calming anxiety. Among these options are meditation, thought labeling (recognizing the anxiety for what it is), self-reassurance, counseling, deep breathing, yoga, magnesium, vitamin B12*, vitamin D*, CBD, essential oil aromatherapy (lavender, jasmine, lemon balm, and more), sound therapy and guided meditation, sunlight and nature therapy, and crystal therapy (blue calcite, smoky quartz, and hypersthene are quite helpful). Getting enough sleep, food, water, and exercise if you’re able to (I’m not) are also very important for keeping anxiety in check.

If you’re interested, I make relaxing sound healing music that’s free to listen to and download on my Bandcamp page: https://hearherenow.bandcamp.com/album/retrospect

Being around someone or calling someone that you feel comfortable with who cares about you is incredibly helpful when anxiety occurs; hugs, holding your hand, and helping distract you from your worries with good company, conversation, and laughter. As funny as it may sound, holding your own hand when no one is around can actually help too.

It’s important to do the self-work to recognize where our fears and worries stem from, to face ourselves fully without any denial, and to learn to offer ourselves the support that we need. As terrifying as it feels, facing our fears is the surest way through them. Anxiety is a mental program that can certainly be reprogrammed with effort and dedication, and we have the power to transform our mental and physical reactions from harmful ones to beneficial ones through mindfulness and neural plasticity (the ability to “rewire” our brains).

Another effective way to refocus a worried mind is to play calming video games. I’ve put together a list of the most relaxing games that I’m familiar with, and it’s my sincere hope that they’ll help you find temporary solace from your worries when they feel overwhelming. Several of these games have helped me through some anxious times in my life, and I’m very grateful to the developers for making them.

A Short Hike Alpaca Stacka Animal Crossing series Astroneer Captain Toad Treasure Tracker Cloudpunk Cozy Grove Cruis’n USA & Cruis’n World Dark Cloud Day of the Tentacle Dorfromantik Dragon Quest Builders 1 & 2 Eastshade Flower Firewatch Gone Home Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons series Islanders Journey Kingdom: Two Crowns Minecraft (especially peaceful and creative modes) My Time at Portia Night in the Woods No Man’s Sky (you may occasionally land on some planets with extreme temperatures, radiation, and storms) Okami Persona 4 Pokémon Snap & New Pokémon Snap Portal 1 & 2 Proteus Rime Rune Factory series Secret of Monkey Island series Shelter 1, 2, & Generations Slime Rancher 1 & 2 Snowrunner Spiritfarer Stardew Valley Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 Terraria (bosses can be stressful but most require specific items to spawn in the world, so you can avoid spawning them when feeling stressed) The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim (dragon battles can be a little intense, but can largely be avoided, and only a few are required to complete the game; bringing NPC companions along helps a lot with tougher battles too) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (avoid confronting Guardians and Lynels as these battles can be stressful) The Outer Wilds The Sims series The Witness Untitled Goose Game Viva Piñata series Yonder: Cloud Catcher Chronicles

You are not alone my friend. Feel the community around you and the ground beneath your feet supporting you. You are understood, you are loved, and you are stronger than you realize. * Note that deficiencies in either vitamin D or B12 can result in anxiety and depression, but taking too much of either can cause problems as well. Getting sunlight or taking cod liver oil is more natural and generally preferable to supplementing with Vitamin D. There are 4 forms of vitamin B12 and finding the right one for you requires some research and a little bit of trial and error to find the best form for your body; you can absolutely ask your doctor about this, but from my experience most GP’s aren’t terribly knowledgeable about vitamins (a functional or integrated medicine doctor, naturopath, or nutritionist will usually be a more reliable resource). Taking too much B12 or a form that your body doesn’t need may actually result in some anxiety, so proceed gently. As with any supplement, always start with a low dose.

This post can also be read and listened to (text-to-speech) on my Medium page at:  https://medium.com/@AbleGaming/gaming-as-anti-anxiety-c1454efc7082

[jeneelestrange]

I see a lot of chronic illness people going to like, the scariest possible disgnoses without ruling shit out, which I GET BELIEVE ME because your body is screaming that it’s on fire and like two hundred years ago any of these things might have killed us but like……I’m more and more convinced a surprising amount of the time the answer boils down to a crack in the system from the fact that doctors have the least amount of training in nutrition and sussing out malabsorption/food allergies/intolerances, and even then, doing it is a BITCH and can’t be done in five minutes by throwing a pill at it, which insurance companies hate. Like, these have to be things we’re not testing or really looking into often or aren’t easy to look into.

Your heart’s fucking up? Ok, every doctor’s got a minimum of 100 hours on that. Nutrition issue? 25 hours. A lot of schools don’t even meet that and are suss on how they even count that. And don’t even get me started on nutrition RESEARCH which is the red headed stepchild and long story short there’s a long-winded reason why it feels like one year you’ll hear something like “Blueberries cause cancer!!!!” and “Blueberries cure cancer!!!!” the next and even a lot of the basics are built on pretty hnghhhhh suss shit but ANYWAY.

Think about it—if you are not absorbing a nutrient, you’re going to have symptoms that affect YOUR ENTIRE BODY. BELIEVE ME, I have confirmed four of them, and incredibly likely a fifth. Many of them cause anxiety, depression, fatigue, and believe me, it’s DEBILITATING(fyi if you look it up and have a LOT of anemia symptoms but your CBC is always normal, you may have too much folic acid for reasons I won’t get into for brevity and that hides it on the CBC—insist on a homocysteine blood test, if you have high cholesterol like just about every adult ever the doctor can use the ICD-10 code 78.00–certain countries like America also just have much lower standards for B12 for like, I don’t even know what reason even though the WHO has recommended the international standard be set to that of where Europe and Japan is at—ask me how I know all this hahaha 🙃). And if your doctor is shitty—depression, anxiety, and fatigue no matter how outrageous just gets you an SSRI consistently only.

And if you’re a fat woman and the deficiencies make you anxious and depressed? God help you. God. Help. You. They are looking for weight loss and even if they know micronutrients exist and would NOT cause that hmmmm or you could just have IBS and have depression and need to calm down, right? I could tell my GI doctor had only read the top sheet of my progress notes with the GI symptoms only and was probably like “abdominal pain lol” because unfortunately people in this office had a tendency to do that and then immediately stick their foot in their mouth. I told him I was concerned about malabsorption issues and he said, “But why? People with that are usually skin and bones.” I just paused aghast for a moment and said, “I have four vitamin deficiencies????? Three of them are different forms of anemia????? Might even have a fifth one but I’m not that interested in getting off magnesium for a month and getting full body cramps, migraines, and muscle twitches again for a blood test that isn’t very accurate.” I have never seen someone so quickly read a chart and say, “Well you’ve convinced me!!! Let’s schedule a colonoscopy!!!” and try to get out of the room.

You have to check off all the little weird shit your body is doing for the record so they can’t say they didn’t know, yes, the weird bruises that you don’t know where they come from, yes, the nosebleeds, everything. I used to be really butthurt about the diagnosis of fibromyalgia until I realized there’s very few ICD-10 codes that can be used to test for vitamin-D deficiency, so unfortunately some things are about getting us the best care in a broken system.

[clatterbane]

On the plus side: I am getting the impression that the prescription iron supplement has, indeed, been helping with the anemia.

July/August is not necessarily the best time to really start noticing this, though. I went straight through "oh wow, I am not actively freezing for once, now that it's warmer outside!", and out the other side into "gross creature marinating in sweat". Which is kinda my base state in relatively hot weather normally, but I really was not missing that.

Hopefully the lack of absurd-level freezing at what should be perfectly fine room temperatures will hold out into the winter, though.

(Also mentally boggling again at the endo insisting that anemia cannot make you feel cold, when I was there and brought up that I suspected this might be an issue while she was ordering more bloodwork anyway. When, surprise! My iron levels did indeed come back low again. Yeah, BTDT, and the particular combo of fatigue and not being able to get warm did feel too familiar.

At least she made extra sure to double check my thyroid levels, at least, since she decided that was the most probable explanation for the freezing. And of course thyroid issues do tend to run along with other autoimmune issues. Also, at least it's not like pulling teeth to try to get common labwork like iron or thyroid levels run. They've also been checking B12 and D levels as standard, which was a relief since I had to go private to get that monitored before with the history of gaslighted-symptom celiac deficiencies that never even went into my records. In a country where like half the population is vitamin D deficient anyway, but of course not if you won't test.)