Date: Fri Jul 16, 1999 9:08 pm

Subject: Re: Prayer request...

Dear Geraldine and Group:

I would say I am about 98% better, to answer that question. I do have my 92% days, and I have my 99.6% days.

I would say the turning point has been with the following supplements/treatments:-

Acupuncture weekly. For, bowel, urinary difficulty (they are bothcompletely better now) anxiety, and the neck/back stiffness. (Theneck/back stiffness has been significantly better for about 3 wks)

- I take something called Sonne's Number 7 which is bentonite(volcanic ash) to detoxify. I mix that with a psyllium, acidophilus, FOS binder. These products can be found at any health food store. It really reverses the "leaky gut" problem.- I take a multivitamin/mineral supplement (NO iron), calcium/magnesium, and potassium.

- And, what has really helped my joint/ear symptoms was taking Beta Carotene (20 - 30,000 IU) and a product called Efalex (it is an Essential Fatty Acid blend, used to treat children and adults with ADD...) The Efalex can be found in any health food store, I believe.

Also, a diet lower in refined sugar, and otherwise "balanced" regarding protein, carbos and fat. (After all my dietary experimentation, I've found that the US dietary guidelines are truly the way to go...)

Lots of water.

And, if I am having trouble sleeping, I take a couple of Melatonin. Helps me get the stage 4 sleep I need.

Of course, I have to say that the most important things in my recovery have been my faith in the Lord, and keeping a positive attitude. I don't think I truly started to get well until I prayed and put the whole mess in the Lord's hands, and asked Him to guide me with whatever he wanted me to do.

And, the positive attitude I've seen others mention in their posts before. It has helped me more than I can say. I have "bad" days like everyone else, I just don't really allow myself the luxury of self-pity. I know how detrimental it is, at least for me, personally.As for recovery, a lot of it, unfortunately, is time. There is no "magic bullet". But, with the things I have listed above, I feel I am helping my body along just a little bit.

Have a great weekend!

Carol