Vitamins

I think I might have taken a vitamin that actually worked.

I take several supplements, but I assume they do nothing. But I take them anyway just in case they do something. 

Usually, I don't feel any different whether I take them or not. (Except for the garlic supplement - if I stop taking it for too long, I will get a cold or flu or something.)

But I started taking a B12 supplement that dissolves under the tongue.  And after a couple of weeks, I have been feeling much, much happier. I've always heard that B12 deficiency can be a factor in depression, and I have had a handful of episodes of acute clinical depression in the past and lots of experience with kind of a low grade depression that isn't all that bad, but just leaves you feeling sort of blah and nothing a lot of the time.

But lately I have definitely been feeling happier. It's very noticeable to me because I haven't felt like that in such a long time.

And in the back of my mind I was thinking, omg that B12 supplement is totally working! That was the problem all along! Why didn't a doctor tell me to take that?

But then I feel kind of silly again because none of the other vitamins seem to do anything.

Anything like that ever happen to you? 

I'd go to your doctor. If it turns out you have a genuine B12 deficiency (easily determined by a blood test), then you would need a course of B12 (neocytamin/hydroxycobalamin) injections, then a booster every 3 months. It stings like B******, but every patient I had who needed it said it worked miracles for them in terms of energy and just feeling less cr@*...

mrsw: what are the benefits of injections over what nomo is currently doing, which seems to be helping her?

Original Post by deleseo:

mrsw: what are the benefits of injections over what nomo is currently doing, which seems to be helping her?

Simply that if a clinical deficiency is diagnosed, then oral B12 isn't enough as much of it is digested rather than being used systemically. I would stress though that this is only for those with a diagnosis of actual deficiency from a doctor. I know there is a fad at the moment for healthy people using these injections supposedly for weight loss (dangerous and not scientifically proven to be any good!!)

But sure, if the oral stuff is working that's great!

You can't take vitamins willy nilly, since they influence each other negatively or positively.

For example, if you take calcium, you cause a reduction in magnesium, and the reverse. The B vitamins also have this interconnected relationship, so if you take just one of them, you can seriously mess up the ratios of them in your body.

TL,DR: Go to a doctor, get them all tested, and then see if you have a deficiency, and take a weighted supplement (all vitamins are not in equal quantities, but in the quantities you need so you do end up absorbing what you need)

I have told my doctor what vitamins and supplements I'm taking. I wonder if she doesn't know which ones inhibit or promote others...

Also, it sounds like maybe people *do* believe that vitamins work. But none of them have ever made me feel any different before. Do you feel different if you take your vitamins/supplements?

This is what I take

• Morning: B6, chromium picolinate, biotin
• Lunch: calcium, fish oil, A
• After dinner: B12
• Evening: C, astragalus, garlic
• Thursday morning: prescription dose of D3
• Mon. Wed. & Fri. morning: zinc

I used to take magnesium at bedtime to help me sleep, but I haven't been taking it for a good while because I've had no trouble sleeping (except for the very odd, rare occasion)

I started a  prescription of a megadose of vitamin D in January when my level was tested at 18, after I had been taking 2000 iu of D3 per day for the previous year. The previous January it was tested at 22, so the OTC supplements did not seem to do any good. I go back in July to get it retested to see if the megadose is helping.

I can ask to be tested for B12 too.  But the supplement does seem to be working. (Or else I've gotten a lot happier for some other reason or for no reason.) It says to take it with food, so I always put one under my tongue right after dinner.

I recently started taking Glucosamine. It's supposed to improve "lubricity" in joints (make them work smoother). I have no idea if it's helping but it hasn't gotten worse.

This week I started taking Fiber Choice Probiotic Fiber tablets. I noticed on my reports that I was always low on fiber so decided to supplement my dietary fiber. I'll let know how things come out

I'm considering Fish Oil because there is so much hype but I'm not sure if it's hype or the real deal.

The last time I saw a doc it was a heart doc -because of palpitations, which I've come to learn were probably associated with menopause.

A pretty schwingy, 'spensive one too. Full range of tests, including stress test, some dye test that checked my heart, and an ultrasound of the carotid arteries. He proclaimed my heart fine, my blood pressure a little high. He said this was due to being overweight, but had no faith in my ability to lose the recommended 60 pounds, so he started writing scripts for BP and lipitor stuff.

I told him I was taking CoQ10, a multivitamin, fish oil and folic acid. He said that I should keep taking those, and add aspirin.

Instead of filling his scripts, I decided to keep taking the supplements and lost 60 pounds, instead.

That said, I only take supplements a couple of times a week. I'm of a mind that daily anything that doesn't come from food is not necessarily ideal for the liver. But I've only my superstitious nature on which to blame that assumption. ;)

Original Post by kathygator:

The last time I saw a doc it was a heart doc -because of palpitations, which I've come to learn were probably associated with menopause.

A pretty schwingy, 'spensive one too. Full range of tests, including stress test, some dye test that checked my heart, and an ultrasound of the carotid arteries. He proclaimed my heart fine, my blood pressure a little high. He said this was due to being overweight, but had no faith in my ability to lose the recommended 60 pounds, so he started writing scripts for BP and lipitor stuff.

I told him I was taking CoQ10, a multivitamin, fish oil and folic acid. He said that I should keep taking those, and add aspirin.

Instead of filling his scripts, I decided to keep taking the supplements and lost 60 pounds, instead.

That said, I only take supplements a couple of times a week. I'm of a mind that daily anything that doesn't come from food is not necessarily ideal for the liver. But I've only my superstitious nature on which to blame that assumption. ;)

Is your blood pressure down?

Some things that come from food are definitely not ideal for the liver.

:)

I am assuming so. I haven't been back to a doc since.

Lost our insurance after COBRA expired, because my man's fatality/hospital stay of 12 days, maxed out our lifetime limit.

Getting more proved to be nearly impossible without a huge monthly premium payment, due to my weight...so yeah, I've no choice but to meditate, supplement and assume I'm fine.

And now I'm not smoking anymore, so I got that goin' for me too...which is nice... ;D

Original Post by nomoreexcuses:

Some things that come from food are definitely not ideal for the liver.

:)

True. I'm learning to embrace moderation. :)

Original Post by kathygator:

I am assuming so. I haven't been back to a doc since.

Lost our insurance after COBRA expired, because my man's fatality/hospital stay of 12 days, maxed out our lifetime limit.

Getting more proved to be nearly impossible without a huge monthly premium payment, due to my weight...so yeah, I've no choice but to meditate, supplement and assume I'm fine.

And now I'm not smoking anymore, so I got that goin' for me too...which is nice... ;D

Some of the CVS pharmacies around here have what they call a minute doc - No! a minute clinic. And basically you see a nurse practitioner who can check your blood pressure, take your temperature, test your blood sugar and such for I think $25 or in that neighborhood.  Would probably be a more reliable reading than you get when you stick your arm in one of those stationary blood pressure thingies.

Good point, Noms. I always forget those corner clinic thingies, at drug stores. :)

Original Post by kathygator:

I am assuming so. I haven't been back to a doc since.

Lost our insurance after COBRA expired, because my man's fatality/hospital stay of 12 days, maxed out our lifetime limit.

Getting more proved to be nearly impossible without a huge monthly premium payment, due to my weight...so yeah, I've no choice but to meditate, supplement and assume I'm fine.

And now I'm not smoking anymore, so I got that goin' for me too...which is nice... ;D

*dumps truckload of "How to Stop Smoking" Pamphlets in Gator's driveway*

Good Luck!

Although I do worry, if they find something, how do I deal with a future wish to procure health insurance. My weight was a pre-existing condition which severely limited my access; I can't help but worry that documented heightened blood pressure or sugar would not* be helpful? Especially since, on the health insurance app they ask you about your history.

I'd be forced to lie, to gain insurance, in that instance. The whole system is just icky.

Original Post by nomoreexcuses:

Original Post by kathygator:

I am assuming so. I haven't been back to a doc since.

Lost our insurance after COBRA expired, because my man's fatality/hospital stay of 12 days, maxed out our lifetime limit.

Getting more proved to be nearly impossible without a huge monthly premium payment, due to my weight...so yeah, I've no choice but to meditate, supplement and assume I'm fine.

And now I'm not smoking anymore, so I got that goin' for me too...which is nice... ;D

Some of the CVS pharmacies around here have what they call a minute doc - No! a minute clinic. And basically you see a nurse practitioner who can check your blood pressure, take your temperature, test your blood sugar and such for I think $25 or in that neighborhood.  Would probably be a more reliable reading than you get when you stick your arm in one of those stationary blood pressure thingies.

I check my BP once or twice a week in one of those thingies. I used to laugh at the geezers that did that. Now I is one:(

Original Post by kevinatthebrook:

Original Post by kathygator:

I am assuming so. I haven't been back to a doc since.

Lost our insurance after COBRA expired, because my man's fatality/hospital stay of 12 days, maxed out our lifetime limit.

Getting more proved to be nearly impossible without a huge monthly premium payment, due to my weight...so yeah, I've no choice but to meditate, supplement and assume I'm fine.

And now I'm not smoking anymore, so I got that goin' for me too...which is nice... ;D

*dumps truckload of "How to Stop Smoking" Pamphlets in Gator's driveway*

Good Luck!

Heh. I'm still hangin' in there Kev.

I found another deterrent for smoking: I dressed outlandishly this morning, knowing I'd rather die than stop at a gas station for some smokes.

Original Post by kathygator:

Although I do worry, if they find something, how do I deal with a future wish to procure health insurance. My weight was a pre-existing condition which severely limited my access; I can't help but worry that documented heightened blood pressure or sugar would be helpful? Especially since, on the health insurance app they ask you about your history.

I'd be forced to lie, to gain insurance, in that instance. The whole system is just icky.

I thought they couldn't turn you away for pre-existing conditions any more. Is that not true?

dangit! I hate being misled.

Original Post by kathygator:

Original Post by kevinatthebrook:

Original Post by kathygator:

I am assuming so. I haven't been back to a doc since.

Lost our insurance after COBRA expired, because my man's fatality/hospital stay of 12 days, maxed out our lifetime limit.

Getting more proved to be nearly impossible without a huge monthly premium payment, due to my weight...so yeah, I've no choice but to meditate, supplement and assume I'm fine.

And now I'm not smoking anymore, so I got that goin' for me too...which is nice... ;D

*dumps truckload of "How to Stop Smoking" Pamphlets in Gator's driveway*

Good Luck!

Heh. I'm still hangin' in there Kev.

I found another deterrent for smoking: I dressed outlandishly this morning, knowing I'd rather die than stop at a gas station for some smokes.

Using vanity to fight! Ingenious.

I don't think that takes effect until 2014, for adults. Pre-existing conditions for children are covered now though.