Hormonal Imbalance - Zoloft part II

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I am not attempting to give medical advice. I am only sharing my experience and some things I’ve learned about my own health with hope it may benefit another.

By the time my annual exam arrived in 2010 I was ready to give Zoloft (generic/ Sertraline) a try. If it would help me to function on an even keel by eliminating the wild mood swings, the brain fog, the irritability and depression/overwhelmed feelings, then yes, I will assume the risks, for the benefit seems greater now.

So at the beginning of December 2010, I had the script filled for Zoloft 50mg. I was instructed by my doctor to break the tab in half and to take it only during the follicular phase, the two weeks prior to menses or, as I became adapted to the drug, as I needed it. On December 3, I took 1/2 tab (25mg) along with my breakfast @ 10:00 am. By 11:20 am, as I was sitting still at a funeral service, my heart began to race-- 96 bpm. It is normally 72 bpm. This had never happened to me before and it was quite scary. My hands began to sweat and so I grabbed my coat and abruptly left the service, going into another area of the funeral home to walk and find a drink of water.

I’m thankful the employees there were so helpful. They talked kindly to me and fetched a bottle of water. After I paced around for about 15 minutes, my heart rate slowed down, but the pounding in my chest kept me alert that something wasn’t right. That same night I woke at 3:00 am feeling strange, a little nervous and unable to rest or even sit still. This too is something I’ve never experienced; I usually sleep very well. I walked around, drank water and read. Eventually, falling back to sleep around 4:30 am.

The next day, on December 4th, I felt better and had a conversation with a pharmacist friend who told me that Zoloft is a common drug for depression and PMS symptoms and about 20-25% of people on it report sleeplessness. I did a lot of research this day, discovering what relationship Zoloft had with Ultram/Tramadol, another drug I had a similar reaction to years ago when it was prescribed after minor surgery.

I learned that both Zoloft and Ultram increase serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for that ‘feel good’ sensation in our brains & GI tracts and that the two drugs should never be taken together. I also learned that Zoloft has a half-life of 26 hours, meaning that it would take 52 hours for this drug to be out of my system and if one continues the medication as directed, the next dose is taken before the first dose is fully metabolized. Needless to say, I didn’t take another dose of Zoloft.

I went about my day as usual, drinking plenty of water and going on my hike. I felt good and slept well on Saturday night. By the next day, on Sunday the 5th, while sitting in Divine Liturgy at 11:15 am., my heart went racing again -- this time, at 120 bpm! It’s so shocking to be sitting still, in a calm environment and experience this. What made it worse is that my young daughter was sitting beside me and became very worried when I had to excuse myself to walk outside the sanctuary and find a drink of water. I was worried about myself, too. All I could think to do was try to remain calm, walk and sip water...

Thank God, in about 5 minutes, my heart rate slowed down, but was still faster than normal. I made my way back into the sanctuary and sat with my family. My heart rate continued to be fast, with one final episode of racing which lasted a minute or two before the end of the service. I vowed to have a complete physical and never to take another anti-depressant.

Incidentally, after speaking with my pharmacist, to make note of my reaction, she recommended dissolving the remaining pills in a glass of water and pour into cat litter to throw away rather than flushing them down the toilet, as the drug can remain in the water table for days. My husband (a civil engineer who works with city sewage plants) confirmed this, that traces of prescription drugs have ben found in the water supply, as the treatment system is not designed to remove those substances. Good riddance to Zoloft.

Even though it was a bad experience, now that I have some hindsight, it helped to eliminate a path and set me on a better course. It also prompted me to find a general physician in order to have a complete physical -- which I am years overdue. What’s more, I took the opportunity to revisit a helpful resource, Women to Women, a place founded by physicians 25 years ago with a holistic approach to women’s health. Reading their philosophy really struck a chord with me:

“We pioneered the combination of alternative and conventional medicine in women’s health, bringing science and discipline to natural and preventative methods. Our practice reflects the reality of how our bodies work: everything --the physical, the mental, and the spiritual-- is connected.

Because of our focus on underlying causes rather than simply upon the treatment of symptoms, we’ve developed special expertise in hormonal imbalance, premature aging, degenerative and autoimmune diseases, nutrition and digestion, breast health, and the organic basis of depression and mood disorders.”

from the Women to Women Program Book Introduction

I’ll share my experience with Women to Women in my next post.

Women's Health: Hormonal Imbalance, part I

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I am not attempting to give medical advice. I am only sharing my experience and some things I’ve learned about my own health with hope it may benefit another.

If you struggle with PMS or are a PMS (poor man suffering) and especially if it’s been a chronic problem, please read on as I may be able to share something helpful with you. If not, you may want to skip this entry.

This series of posts has been a long time in the making, twenty-seven months to be exact. In October 2008 my hormonal issues became such a problem that I began to journal about it along with the remedies I tried to alleviate the symptoms. I’m in my 4th decade and have always had trouble in this regard, but it’s been worse in the last 5 years and after several discussions with my OB/GYN, I knew I had to do something or I was going to lose my mind. I know that sounds exaggerated, but living with regular bouts of depression, anger and brain fog, to the degree of being nonfunctional periodically, well, it pretty much seems like losing one’s mind.

The most troubling symptoms for me are fatigue, depression/feeling hopeless or overwhelmed (by trivial things), feeling edgy/angry/irritable, fuzzy thinking/brain fog, and wild mood swings. Something had to change; I realized I was becoming unreasonable with my loved ones, being snappy and angry over the most insignificant things. I didn’t even like my own company and often felt like finding a lonely cabin in the woods to wait out the storm. Wild, fluctuating hormones ruled me.

If this is new territory and you’ve yet to make a connection between how you feel and the role hormones play, the following is a general, non-exhaustive list of symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance:

hot flashes or night sweats

fatigue

weight gain

cravings for sweets or carbohydrates

loss of desire

insomnia or restless sleep

fuzzy thinking

anxiety

PMS

feeling depressed or overwhelmed

headaches

irritability/ mood swings

digestive issues

stiffness or joint pain

heart palpitations

breast pain

hair loss / dry skin

fibroids

acne

I’m not one to take medication unless it’s the occasional ibuprofen for minor pains. So when my doctor recommended Zoloft in 2008 to relieve my PMS issues, I bulked. She told me how it worked and what I could expect it to do, but when I researched it further at home, decided this wasn’t for me. The risks appeared greater than the benefit. That’s when I began looking for a natural remedy to try as I believe God has provided a natural cure for all our ills on earth.

I researched St. Johns’ Wort, an OTC herbal supplement widely used for mild depression. I learned it has a good reputation in Europe and is the #1 remedy prescribed in Germany for mild depression; it’s use for treating PMS was sketchy at best, but I decided it was worth a try. St. John’s Wort is readily available in the US, I found my supply at Wal-Mart: Spring Valley Standardized Extract St. John’s Wort (300 mg per serving / 900 mg daily value) with .9mg of the active ingredient, hypericin, standardized to contain .3%

I did experience some success with St. John’s Wort. It eliminated the issue of brain fog and significantly reduced the episodes of depression/hopelessness - no small thing. It only had a minimal effect on mood swings, and anger/ irritability however. Since I wasn’t accustomed to taking supplements or even vitamins, it was a challenge to take them each day on time. I took St. John’s Wort for 10 months, eventually stopping when I developed headaches, a very specific type, on a regular basis. As soon as I discontinued the supplement, no more headaches. Back to square one.

I went for several months doing nothing except cutting back on caffeine, eating good foods (along with my chocolate chip cookies) and hoping my body would get better on its own. It didn’t. All my usual issues resumed, intensely.

At my OB/GYN exam in 2009, again my doctor recommended Zoloft and this time I took a script with me but later threw it away. There’s got to be something better than taking an anti-depressant I thought. During the summer of 2010, I found a good liquid multi-vitamin to take since this was something else my doctor recommended. And by late fall 2010, I resumed my old habit of cardio exercise (which cannot be underestimated for how it helps physically, emotionally and spiritually) which is all good, but I still felt a slave to my hormones emotionally.

Contrast

The icon above left depicts Rachel, mourning for the babies murdered as a result of Herod’s rage (St. Matthew 2). I was given an icon such as this at the Icon Festival I attended back in the fall. A prayer is written on the back: (emphasis mine)

“O Lord Jesus Christ, Who - at the 6th hour of the day -- didst shed Thy precious Blood upon the Cross for the salvation of all mankind; receive the souls of all the innocent pre-born babies, who have been, are being, or will be slaughtered today in the hospitals and abortion chambers throughout our nation. And as their untimely deaths have prevented them from receiving the grace of Holy Baptism, I entreat Thee to accept their innocent blood as their baptism (as Thou didst with the early Martyrs); so that they can share eternity with Thee.

To the doctors, nurses, parents and hosts of accomplices responsible for this infanticide, grant tears of repentance; so that they can run to Thee for forgiveness and healing, and thus avoid the eternal death of their souls. I believe that all things are possible with Thee, O Lord. Therefore, I entreat Thee on this day -- through divine grace - to convince at least one mother in every state to cancel her abortion and bring her child to full term; and to convince one doctor in every state to repent of his actions, and never again kill a child in the womb.

Receive my prayer, O Lord, even though it is offered to Three from such a sinful and unworthy servant; and unite my entreaty with those of all the other brothers and sisters that are crying out today on behalf of all Thy little ones, who are now being formed in the wombs of their mothers. Deliver us and our nation, O Lord, from this shedding of innocent blood! Forgive us! Heal us! Save us! Amen.”

What a contrast, a complete opposing view calling abortion a blessing, espoused by Katherine Hancock Ragsdale (pictured above right) , the dean and president of the Episocopal Divinity School, Cambridge, MA:

"Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Let me hear you say it: abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done."

“I want to thank all of you who protect this blessing – who do this work every day: the health care providers, doctors, nurses, technicians, receptionists, who put your lives on the line to care for others (you are heroes — in my eyes, you are saints); the escorts and the activists; the lobbyists and the clinic defenders; all of you. You’re engaged in holy work.”

“When a woman wants a child but can’t afford one because she hasn’t the education necessary for a sustainable job, or access to health care, or day care, or adequate food, it is the abysmal priorities of our nation, the lack of social supports, the absence of justice that are the tragedies; the abortion is a blessing.

And when a woman becomes pregnant within a loving, supportive, respectful relationship; has every option open to her; decides she does not wish to bear a child; and has access to a safe, affordable abortion – there is not a tragedy in sight — only blessing. The ability to enjoy God’s good gift of sexuality without compromising one’s education, life’s work, or ability to put to use God’s gifts and call is simply blessing.”

View the complete sermon here.

One who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ and worships the Triune God would never praise those who murder babies. The “church” Katherine Hancock Ragsdale represents is not christian, it’s secular humanism that has yet to come out of the closet.

Izzy Update

Photo courtesy of Izzy's Grandma Linda

Izzy had a great Christmas! Our family is so thankful for your prayers and concern. Jenny, my sister and Izzy’s mom, says, “I know people are praying for us .... I can feel it.” It’s also evident by just watching Izzy. Even though she has been through intensive chemo these past few months, being admitted to the hospital for 5 continuous days at a time, she amazes everyone by her ability to rebound. The chemo usually brings digestive ills, but we are hopeful this is a small price to pay for destroying all remaining cancer cells in her leg.

Since the surgery in October to remove the recurring tumor behind her kneecap, she has walked with a slight limp, but even that has improved in the last 3 weeks. And believe me, it doesn’t slow her down in the least. She is playful, inquisitive and has a great appetite. Thank God for that! I counted no less than 4 bowls of fruit salad she enjoyed along with her Christmas dinner at mom & dad’s. She keeps up with her older sisters and finds special joy in the animals. Jenny told me that during November & December, when they would leave the hospital to head home, Izzy’s only request was to visit Honey, the little white ball of fluff adopted by her Grandma Connie. This little dog brought a profusion of smiles and giggles to her which I have no doubt aids physical, emotional & spiritual healing. Laughter is good medicine indeed. And then, unexpectedly, toward the end of November, a four-legged visitor arrived at the McManaway household that is proving to be a gift from above. Enter Charlie.

Charlie, a 30 lb. short-haired WV brown dog, arrived at the backdoor, just passing by on his neighborhood rounds. His friendly face and submissive nature prompted a warm hello from the family and hugs from the girls. They were quick to offer him a treat and so, it’s no surprise that he started coming by daily. Within a week or so, Jenny contacted Charlie’s owner to see about adopting him. The owner was more than happy to find a permanent home for this wayward pup as he had been receiving complaints about his jaunts around the community. The McManaway girls all love him, but perhaps Izzy most of all. Charlie seems to like it this way. He sleeps by Izzy’s bed, waits for her to wake when the others are already up and beginning their day and shows a devotion to her that makes us look up and thank God. Charlie’s tolerance for little ones, whose antics can sometimes be inadvertently rough, is remarkable. He was meant to be in this family.

Our community continues to amaze and inspire us. Since my last update, a large fund-raising event was held in honor of Izzy and the outpouring of love, prayers and financial support has been overwhelming. The fact that not only dear friends, but kind strangers continue to support Izzy and her family has had profound effects on our family. This love has kindled an awareness of Christ in the hearts of others that some in my family thought very rare ...if not completely nonexistent. Driving down the road in our neck-o-the-woods you might spot a vehicle or two with the words, “Pray for Izzy” written across the back window in an effort to raise more prayers to our Heavenly Father. It’s a blessing to witness this concern and care in people. These things are a light in the heart of a dark valley.

Photo of our cousin, Thomas' car, courtesy of Michele Coleman

A light, too, has been steadily glowing in Jenny’s heart and my admiration for her grows deeper still. Due to her circumstances in the past year, she has made new friends and contacts with other parents whose children are being treated for various forms of cancer at the hospital. I can see how God works to uplift ailing hearts through Jenny’s compassion.

January 14 is the day Izzy will return to Morgantown to have a full body scan to show whether the cancer has been contained to the leg, spread to other areas or disappeared. We pray for a clean bill of health and know that, no matter what, she is in God’s hands.

Thanks to all of you who remember her and lift her name up to heaven; God bless you! †

Eating in an Ancient Way

For those of you who receive The Word magazine, I hope you noticed the article by Rita Madden, MPH, RD titled “Eating in an Anciently Refreshing Way” in the December 2010 issue. It’s excellent and soon became a read-aloud for the whole family. It you don’t receive The Word, you can download the article in PDF here.

Since losing weight or eating healthier typically make the January resolution list, Ms. Madden’s thoughts here provide a great starting point for assessing how we think about eating, fasting and natural vs. synthetic foods.

She writes:

“Here is a tip: If God made it then it is a real food. If the food contains many synthetic, artificial and unnecessary ingredients, this food can be considered an imposter, and we do well to remember that God did not create us with the physiology to digest such imposters.”

"Gathering Wheat" by Daniel Ridgway Knight

I appreciate the author’s use of Holy Scripture and the writings of our Church Fathers to focus on the nature of gluttony and the beginning of self-control. I remember Fr. Scott telling me years ago when I was first a catechumen and had questions about fasting, that when we consider the sin of our first parents, Adam & Eve, it began with the temptation for food. Being disciplined to control what goes into our belly is the starting point for self-control in all other areas of our life.

* Reproductions of Mr. Ridgway's work available here.

Reflections and New Year

My friend, Craig, with his 10 That Were “Worth It” in 2010 inspired me to take note of my highlights from 2010 and goals to climb toward in 2011.

In no particular order...some happy memories for me from 2010:

1 - Spending time with mom on St. Patrick’s Day. Watching QVC’s St. Paddy’s special, going through her memory album from her trip to Ireland with Dad in 2001, having tea and sharing lots of laughs was so worth the time!

2 - Our family’s vacation from August, dubbed the “Hottest Cities Tour”, visiting Cincinnati & seeing the Reds play, Lexington Horse Park to take in the “A Gift from the Desert” exhibit detailing the history of the Arabian horse (marvelous!) , down to Asheville, NC to visit America’s castle, the Biltmore, detouring past my alma mater in Virginia...just a great time together and what did the kids most enjoy? the hotel pools of course!

3 - Watching our son develop as a catcher during baseball season & earning three home-runs. I love his intensity for the sport and am glad to see his humility, too. Time spent on the ball field is always worth it. Equally happy to see daughter take a step out from under mom's wing and go out for cheerleading! This has been a big step toward self-confidence & I appreciate the atmosphere of fun that her coach inspires.

4 - The Icon Festival held at our church in the fall. It was an honor to see the talents of several iconographers, learn the history of some very ancient icons and visit with our friends from Holy Cross Monastery. It was especially nice to meet & talk with iconographer, Cheryll Ann Pituch.

5 - Getting back into my exercise groove & setting my health as a priority. It feels GREAT to be walking/hiking again. The side bonus is that during the holidays, the kids joined me on these excursions ...time well spent.

6 - Listening to Rocket Boys, Billy Rose and Roy Lee Cooke speak at the Clay Center in the spring. I took son out of school for this, as a surprise, since he’s a huge fan. Time so well spent.

7 - Visiting Grandfather Mountain with daughter. Every minute of exploring this awesome mountain and taking in the Highland Games with one whose company I adore was a gift. A bonus was becoming acquainted with Mr. Harris Prevost.

8 - Read aloud time with the children. This quality time brings me so much pleasure and I like to think they enjoy it, too. Favorite books from 2010 were Three Cups of Tea (the young readers edition), Father Herman / Alaska’s Saint, The Boy, a Kitchen and His Cave and The Miracle of Saint Nicholas.

9 - Celebrating St. Brigid’s Day at home ...talking about her life with the family at dinner time, serving up boxty pancakes, beacán bruithe and Irish tea, and weaving Brigid’s cross out of pipe-cleaners with the wee ones.

10 - Going to the Greenbrier with hubby to celebrate 18 years! It’s far too infrequent that we have time for just the two of us. This weekend in particular was golden in every way. I am thankful.

Goals for 2011:

* eat more natural foods & less processed stuff

* use my talents to enrich the life of someone else

* be more proactive and less reactive to stress in my life

* set limits on my daily activities, thereby balancing work/family time

* hike at least 3 x a week

* focus on my gallery art and related projects

* involve myself in the Teen SOYO education project: Purity, Virginity, Chastity

Blessings to you all for a healthy & happy 2011

†