Tag Archives: alcohol

Where have I been?

alcohol, chronic illness, depression, diabetes, earwax, hearing, hearing aids, insurance, Medication, mental health, mental illness, MeRT, peer support, psychiatrist, schizoaffective, schizophrenia, Stress Reduction, Therapy, TMS, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Image: cartoon of several people sitting in chairs. Group therapy.

I have several chronic conditions: mental health, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, hypertension. I am on 9 medications. I was wondering if there is any type of holistic treatment that could help, and searched different terms in my insurance directory. I came upon a mental health facility that is holistic and integrative. They have a nutritionist on staff. It wasn’t exactly what I was thinking but it looked helpful.

I saw the psychiatrist and he is a bit different but I like him. He changed my diagnosis from schizoaffective to major depressive disorder and anxiety. He seems sure I was misdiagnosed. He decreased my antipsychotic, I am on a baby dose that is more of an adjunct for depression, so far, so good. I

Image: Stethoscope with words Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

They do a type of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation called MeRT. It took a couple of months but my insurance finally approved it. I had an EEG yesterday. They use the EEG to determine how to apply magnetic therapy. I may start as soon as tomorrow morning.

The therapy helps bring your brain waves to calm, alert alpha waves. You can get there through coping tools like mindfulness and meditation but this works much faster. I have had anxiety Al, of my life and it impacts me daily. I am really hoping this will help. I use a lot of stress reduction techniques and have been trying to expose myself to things I fear.

I spent 5 weeks in Partial hospitalization all day M-F. Now I am in intensive outpatient 8:15-11:45 M-F. The next step down is 3 days/week, then I am done but will come in for MeRT. I think the routine and structure help. I am learning a lot. You can’t drink alcohol while during MeRT. It is M-F daily and 36 sessions total.

You come up with a daily schedule but I have trouble sticking with it once I get home. I was supposed to come up with a meal plan but I don’t know how. I eat, mostly low carb, but I don’t really plan my meals. I keep snacks on hand and my husband usually makes dinner.

My fasting glucose does not match my A1C. My A1C is normal. I am trying a continuous glucose monitor. I like it but it show high readings, too. My dr thinks donating blood gives me a false low A1C so I am having another blood test in a few months and not donating. I am thinking of volunteering for the Red Cross at the donor center, but I am having trouble hearing. I am getting the wax cleaned out of my ears soon and try to get on a schedule so my hearing aids can work.

Methylation

alcohol, Ancestry, DNA, inflammation, l methyl folate, Life DNA, methylation, psychiatrist, Sam-e, , , , , , , , , , ,
Methylation risk variant results MTHFR, CBS, COMT, MTR and MTRR

I had a DNA test done through ancestry. I sent the results to Life DNA and got some information. They had an offer on methylation genes so I had that analyzed. Out of 10 genes, 7 had risk variants. The variants are not unusual.

Some of them lead to an increase in homocysteine which when increased can be a heart attack risk.  I  have started taking L Methyl folate to help. Another interferes with vitamin d.  I asked my Dr and she ordered homocysteine and vitamin d blood tests.  I take fish oil + vitamin d but it my not be enough.

Another variant causes reduced COMT enzyme activity.  This can cause psychiatric issues.  I am going to ask my psychiatrist about it.  They recommend Sam-e supplementation.

I watched a video on Hashimotos thyroiditis.  It was about inflammation but you have to pay to get more info.  I have hypothyroid. My Dr did no further testing, just TSH.  I take synthroid and now TSH is normal.

I am trying to find out about inflammation. I know alcohol is inflammatory so that is a good reason to cut that back or out. I think I am going to have an extended alcohol free period soon.