From: "Carol "

Date: Tue Apr 4, 2000 10:32 am

Subject: Update

Hi Everyone,

For those who do not know me, I have been in the group since it's inception. I was on 10 mg of Klonipin for 7 years, and quit "cold turkey" 2 1/2 years ago. I have never touched Klonipin, or any benzo, since. I did go through a severe withdrawal syndrome, but am totally free of this. I am writing at Geraldine's request to address my remarks to those of you still suffering with this insidious phenomenon. I want everyone to know that it does get better, although it most certainly wasn't within MY preferred time-frame. My health is great now, I am free of benzos (and all prescription substances), and I have a wonderful life.

The withdrawal is difficult, but it is well worth the struggle. And, the life I have now, I can't articulate just how much better it is than anything I could have hoped to experience on benzos. I have had all the published symptoms of withdrawal, I believe. My worst were: digestive problems, severe swelling in the extremeties, sinus/ear problems, and VISUAL problems. Also, the "electric shock" syndrome in the extremeties. As well as cognitive difficulties. As for the cognitive, that is fine now.

I'm in college studying computer programming, and have "A's" in all my classes. I couldn't even conceive of that early on. The other symptoms are all gone, as well. But, it was a long road. I followed natural methods to facilitate regaining my health. Some of the things that helped me most: -My faith in the Lord (!) -proper acid/alkaline balance (Ph testing) -treatment for leaky gut syndrome (this is a biggie) -Treatment for adrenal insufficiency -A balanced diet, avoiding refined sugars -Betadine HCL/Digestive enzymes with meals. -Probiotic supplementation for leaky gut

I went to a nutritionist, and he tested for candida and food allergies, as well as amino acid imbalances. My candida was negative (but I had been on a candida diet and taking supplements for 6 months, so it could be that I tackled it on my own). I would say the candida diet is very restrictive, and if you can afford it, get tested before you start limiting your carbohydrate intake severely as high protein causes your body to become acidic. But, candida is a problem for many, and if you feel you have the symptoms, it is something to address. The leaky gut was big for me, because no matter how much I ate, I would lose weight. I had dark circles under my eyes, and looked malnourished. Now, I look much healthier, as I am absorbing the nutrients from the foods I eat. (But, I have to be careful about my weight again!) The digestive enzymes and Betadine HCL help a lot, as well as b Vitamins and Probiotics. Also, colostrum helps leaky gut, as well as candida. Chlorella has helped me with my Ph balance, and makes a big difference in how I feel. The other supplements that really helped, by Standard Process, Inc., are purchased mainly through nutritionists/natural practioners, but I think if you look, you can find them for sale on the internet.

I took/or take: -Drenamin -Drenatrophin PMG (both for adrenal insufficiency) -CardioPlus -Calcium Lactate (great for sleep problems) -Cataplex B -Cataplex G Their supplements seem to be absorbed more readily than others I've used, and I would not waste my money on most of the other brands out there, for these nutrients. I give them my highest recommendation. I turned out to have virtually NO food allergies, and was very blessed in that. I also had very minimal problems with amino acid imbalance. One more note on the amino acids: be careful if you are supplementing with amino's. I would recommend being tested before I experimented with them. Taking one individual amino acid in high dosages can cause an imbalance, and make you feel worse in the long run.

For all of you still suffering, I feel for each and every one of you. Even now, not a day goes by that I am not amazed at the grace of the Lord to have given me the wonderful life I live now. When I think of where I've been, what I've been through, and where I am now...I'm so very grateful. There were many times in my struggle that I had doubts, as I'm sure all of you do at one time or another. Your time will come as well. I can promise that from experience. Our bodies are amazing, they WANT to heal, and are working toward this goal. I think the natural supplements just help your body along in the process. I no longer receive emails from the group, but if you want to reach me with a question, my email address is carolapatterson@h...

God bless, Carol