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fibroforever
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Size 6, size 10?! What are those sizes? I'd love to wear them again. Okay, on the serious side. I've been watching this post with lots of interest. Sounds like something that if it "works" for someone... great! Everyone needs to make sure to talk to their doctor before taking this (or any other) med. Just because something is over-the-counter, doesn't mean it doesn't have side effects or maybe not work well with your other meds. To save yourself some money, print-off (from the computer) the ingredients and any other important information about the med of interest. Then, show it to your doctor and see if it's something that's worth a try. I might just take my own advice on this one. I'd love to lose a little weight. I lost some because of all the sickness my meds are causing. I'm at a stand-still now though. And would love to see even a size 10. "When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place." ~Unknown |
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Kat5150
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I think the last time I wore a size 10 I was 10. Of course, I am tall so I wear a bigger size anyhow. I'd love to lose weight. I am at a standstill too. When we moved to Florida I lost like 25 pounds because I was so sick. Now I am stuck.  I started taking the 5-HTP because I read that it helps with fibro. I haven't noticed much difference other than sleeping better. I'll take what I can get though.  As soon as the brand I buy goes on sale again I will start taking it three times a day and see how that works. I get the Natrol brand; it is the same brand as my melatonin. All my other vitamins are Nature Made but they don't make melatonin or 5-HTP. Fibroforever, you are very, very right. It is imperative that your doctor knows what supplements you take to be sure they will not interact with your meds, or even each other. I feel pretty safe because I have several books of supplements and drug interactions. However, I still plan to bring my list of stuff to my doctor as soon as I can get in to see her. *Note to self: remember to make a doctor appointment!!!* I am so doggone forgetful. I still haven't called to make an appointment. Post edited by: Kat5150, at: 09/01/2008 05:59 |
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Christine64
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I have no trouble seeing my doctor, but it doesn't do much good either. I think he used to walk past a university on his way to his day job, and one day he decided he'd been to med school. He'll write down anything I tell him I have, which then becomes an official diagnosis, of course, and then he goes into his office, looks it up on the Internet and prints out a script for whatever is for it. He's nice and friendly and he almost listens for ten seconds before he's off to his computer. He comes back with the scripts and tells me to come back in three weeks. $150, please. I'm retired now, but I was a critical care RN, so I do the research myself, and I would even if I thought my MD was a gifted diagnostician. Which he isn't, but he's no worse than most other doctors of my acquaintance. |
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AutumnSunset
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Christine, I'm so glad to find someone else who has had positive results from taking 5-HTP. I've been taking it for almost 3 years; I buy from Essential Therapeutics online. I now take 4 100mg capsules daily - 1 with lunch, 1 with supper, 2 bedtime. Two months after I began taking it (of course, I started at lower doses) I was able to come off Oxycontin and other pain meds. Presently, I don't take anything for fibro - such as Lyrica - other than Percocet. Yes, I still hurt - a lot at times - but I do experience some pain-free time now. I use to hurt constantly. Believe me, a few pain-free hours a day makes a LOT of difference!! I also feel like I have more energy, but that may be from not having to fight so much pain. I found that the 5-HTP helped my pain more than my sleep. I take 5mg Melantonin along with 200mg 5-HTP at bedtime, and still have problems sleeping. I have lost some weight over the past 2 years - not a lot, but every little bit helps! I didn't know that it is supposed to help with weight loss! Christine, how do you take yours? (And, Christine, I do most of my research and then talk with my doctor about it. He usually agrees with my husband's suggestions.) For your information: 5-HTP is a pre-cursor to serotonin. Your body makes serotonin from 5-HTP. Also, 5-HTP helps with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). That's what my research stated, and it certainly helped me. I list 5-HTP on my list of meds and supplements, and so far none of my doctors have warned me against it. My husband is a pharmacist, and encourages me to take it also. It is a good idea to check with your doctor before taking it, but don't be surprised if he doesn't know a lot about it. It seems that most doctors don't know a lot about the benefits of supplements. One last thing, not all supplements available are the same quality. Although, many are high quality, some of the cheapest may not contain the best ingredients. That only makes sense. Just be careful which brands you choose to get the best results. Gentle Hugs, Carla  In the midst of your pain, don't forget the blessings in your life. |
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mcbeth
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But how do you now you are getting good quality supplements? If I go to GNC theirs are the Best, but the lady at the health food store says hers are natural and better than GNC and to forgot those from the discount store. You go to Wal-Mart and we've all heard about Nature's Made, so you would think they would be ok. And what about buying online, theirs are all better than the others guys. So how I know I am buying good quality? Be wise and dignified like the swan: he maintains his composure, staying unruffled on the surface, while always paddling like crazy underneath. *♥´¨) ¸.•♥ ´¸.•*♥´¨ ♥•*¨) (¸.•´ ; (¸ ;.♥•Mary Beth♥ Fibromyalgia is not an invisible diease, I'm right here!  |
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AutumnSunset
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That's an excellent question, Mary Beth. I guess we can never truly know. I tend not to buy the cheapest item on the shelf. My personal opinion is that it might not contain the best quality ingredients - otherwise, how can it be made so cheaply. But that doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive product has the highest quality ingredients, either. I usually do a lot of research, try to find ratings of the product, ask others who have tried the product what their recommendation is, often agonize over a decision, then select the one I feel topped my list. It is all really an educated guess and personal preference. I recently changed my multi-vitamin based upon some info that I found. It was stated that if your multi-vitamin did not dissolve in water within 20 minutes, you might not be getting much benefit from it. I tested my vitamin and a different vitamin that my husband was taking. The coating had barely dissolved on mine during the 20 minutes, and my husband's was almost completely dissolved. Although, I had confidence in the vitamin that I was taking - I was more impressed with the test, thus I changed. Sorry this is so long AGAIN.  Gentle Hugs, Carla In the midst of your pain, don't forget the blessings in your life. |
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Kat5150
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I hope it is okay to post these articles, but I thought you all might find them helpful. http://vitamins.lovetoknow.com/5_HTP_Dosage http://vitamins.lovetoknow.com/5_HTP_Danger http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/5-HTP_for_Weight_Loss Post edited by: Kat5150, at: 09/04/2008 10:03 |
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AutumnSunset
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Kat, thanks for the links. They are very informative and interesting. If anyone is interested in trying 5-HTP, I recommend checking out these links first.Gentle Hugs, Carla In the midst of your pain, don't forget the blessings in your life. |
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crenzulli
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I am looking into using the 5-HTP also. I had referred to it incorrectly in another post. But I've read alot about it's use with FM. I feel I'll try anything other than a prescription right now. Anyone else been treating with 5-HTP? |
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mcbeth
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I take it at night and I do sleep better.Be wise and dignified like the swan: he maintains his composure, staying unruffled on the surface, while always paddling like crazy underneath. *♥´¨) ¸.•♥ ´¸.•*♥´¨ ♥•*¨) (¸.•´ ; (¸ ;.♥•Mary Beth♥ Fibromyalgia is not an invisible diease, I'm right here! |
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