This is personal, I’m sorry mods. But I don’t know where else to turn.
I’m dealing with a lot of health issues at the moment. I’ve developed an eating disorder that I can’t seem to overcome on my own. It’s getting very bad. In specific, it’s ARFID, and a fear of any food I eat causing anaphylaxis.
This was likely brought on because I’ve entered perimenopause and my hormones have gone insane. And my stress has been high since last November because of family health issues (nonvaxxed). Constantly an anxious wreck.
So now I’m at a point where I need intervention. But that’s going to be medicine and I know it. I do not trust hormone pills - when I was on birth control it made me very suicidal. And I don’t trust anxiety medicine either, because…duh lol. Also don’t trust supplements and can’t afford the more trustworthy ones. I need vitamin C.
Frankly I don’t trust doctors, either. Especially with this bullshit second round of Covid.
Im also broke. Can’t afford any kind of treatment except if I were to be sent to the ER and be billed, then I just wouldn’t be able to pay it. I lost Medicaid last month because our Covid mandates ended.
What would you do?
I pray to God constantly about this but it just keeps getting worse.
Tough problem. I would start with something low cost. Hot cocoa with milk. Plus fatty hamburger. It may sound strange but try it.
Saw a video by two people on carnivore. They took a high tech MRI type test where it checks the whole body.
They had the insides of teenagers. The couple was pretty buff looking too. In their late fourties’.
Said a prayer for OP. Sorry for your issues.
Thank you for replying! I’ve been doing as much red meat as we can afford. Steak makes me feel so much better but it’s so expensive. Hamburger has been helping a lot too.
I will work myself up to trying the hot cocoa but I seem to be really struggling with sweets. I’m really scared of those for some reason, like it’ll cause a heart attack. I used to really overindulge them.
"No where else to turn". I've come to GAW for that same reason so many times.
Regarding your health situation I am a man but I can tell you that what you're going thru right now is almost identical to a female loved one in my family and what she did (mainly thru research) that 100% worked for her. Everyone's different so no guarantee, but here goes...
First, eating. Try a diet of water, saltine crackers and pretzels. All dry. Anything with limited to no acidity, smell or overwhelming taste. Then gradually go to salads, like romaine, with no acidic type additions like tomatoes. Just plain salad with olive oil. Add unflavored croutons just for the same effect as the saltines/pretzels. Toasted products like that absorb anything that might cause you nausea. Try a diet of just that for a few days til you feel like you're capable of handling more. Avoid greasy/fried foods for as long as possible. Graduate to apples, bananas, carrots, celery. You still need protein so when you're ready, try a grilled chicken breast lightly seasoned, with olive oil.
Next, menopause. Again, I'm a mid-aged man so cannot relate, but this family member drank a lot of water, avoided high stress situations (triggers) and used prescribed dosage of testosterone to combat the estrogen levels. Her mood was pure elation (from grumpy/irritable/feisty/aggressive). Really helped balance things out somehow.
Next, exercise. Walk, play tennis, bike ride, etc. Anything you can outdoors with fresh air, keep yourself moving.
Last, the company you keep. Surround yourself with the best and most relaxing friends and loved ones. My particular family member cut out a lot of people and surrounded herself with healthy, positive people who made her laugh and enjoyed life. Nothing worse than suffering and surrounding yourself with ppl who make you miserable. She also eliminated 90% of her social media usage.
I am in no way a doctor or anything remotely close. But all the above drastically helped someone I care about who went thru exactly what you are going thru.
Best anon!
It’s tough because you guys are the only ones that would understand the reluctance to get help. Everything I’ve read online about people with similar issues, they all go straight to medications and it solves it for them. It makes me feel very alone and like I’m fighting a battle that can’t be won.
Thank you so much for the thorough answer. I’m sorry she had to go through this too. It’s hell.
Almost all of the foods you’ve mentioned are ones that I’m afraid of or struggle with. I’ve been just fighting to get some calories in most days so it’s been mainly heavily buttered and Parmesan’d pasta. It’s not healthy but something needs to be going in. I was also eating a lot of potatoes but that’s now ruined.
Never exercise anymore for feeling so ill but I’ll do my best to go on some walks. It’s an unsafe neighborhood so it’s scary.
Luckily my company is great. It’s just me and my parents and we all take care of each other.
Thank you again. Your message means a lot to me.
You did an excellent job.Well done fren. OP, this advice is far better than what a doctor would recommend, sad to say,but it’s definitely a tried and true template. You are cared for, being prayed for. I desperately wish I could reach out to you.One thing I can tell you, you will get through this and you’ll look back in wonder and amazement at how far you’ve come. Monopause is a bitch. No other way to put it. Women are tough. You will get through it. I did and you will too. God is with you.call out to Him.He promised never to dessert us. May He heal, restore and bless you fren. I truly care
Serious question? Is it possible God is trying to get your attention about something? Have you tried hands on healing at church? Get on some prayer circle lists.
Contact Floridasharkman.org (medical). He’ll reply and talk to you.
Email Praying Medic and Amanda Grace for personal help and healing prayer. I’ve seen that work.
Hopefully, one of GAW’s natural medicine experts will chime in.
Prayers up for you.
I’ve considered this from all kinds of angles but I can’t think of what it would be. Maybe it’s because I never remember to give thanks for my food at meal times?
I’ve tried looking into local churches that may offer some counseling or help low cost or free but can’t find anything. When I’ve reached out in the past over other issues, they didn’t seem very welcoming or friendly.
Thank you so much for the suggestions! I’ll try reaching out to these people. It would be life changing if someone could help.
And thank you very much for the prayers, too.
I could not get by without my local food bank. They have ground beef every week. I say prayers of thanks constantly.
Op, I’ve been thru some rough stuff. This is what worked for me.
Every time I was in a bad place, God was trying to get me to move. Move something, change something, step out of my un-comfort or painful zone. Try something, volunteer, take some chances, spend more time in prayer and like others have said…must exercise. Get some Christian counseling. Join a group at church. Help someone else.
The worse things were for me, the bigger God showed up. It was exhausting and painful…but also glorious.
Keep us posted. It’s great to see answered prayers.
So, Iron can help combat anxiety. Either through food or tablets.
Have you tried a daily allergy pill like Zyrtec? (Cetirizine is the generic). It might help calm your fears if you know you are already "safe" from problems. Plus, sometimes you actually might have a problem with certain foods and your body is trying to help you. I have histamine issues. So, no leftovers or high histamine foods. Maybe keep a log and see if it's certain foods that trigger it?
You might look into a free app, such as Lose It, for example, to help keep track of actual caloric intake. Just to ease your mind on if you're getting enough.
Definitely prayer, water, sleep, sex (if appropriate) and exercise will all contribute to general good health.
Keep us updated and I send hugs your way!
Thank you for commenting!
I think I definitely need iron, and I get what I can but since dropping potatoes, that's gone down.
No, haven't tried any medication because I'm scared of it and not crazy about having to rely on any more pills. As it is I'm on Vitamin D, magnesium, and Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.
I've been keeping a log for about a month now. The symptoms just don't make sense because some days (less anxious days) there's no issue. Like my mouth used to get spicy hot no matter what I ate, and I'd be really sensitive to the heat of even pepper. Or it would get tingly or I'd get itches or my eye would twitched - all kinds of things, all of which calm down once I manage to calm down, and can come on even when I haven't eaten in hours. According to that same journal, potatoes caused me no issues. Now suddenly they 'do'.
Could you tell me more about your histamine issues? And does this mean no high histamine foods ever again? I do believe I've got a lot of histamine in my system from the chronic stress and anxiety but I really hope that it's a temporary thing and not something dangerous.
The app suggestion is a good one. I'll look into it, though there's a big chance it'll give me more anxiety around food/nutrition.
Will drink more water for sure. I always drink a lot but getting less than I used to. Prayer and sleep are also fine. Sex...haven't had that since 2019 and fine with it lol. Exercise I stopped due to chronic migraines made worse by exercise but I'll try to find something less intense, even if it's just pacing in my room.
Thank you! If I ever kick this thing's butt I'll post an update to celebrate. :]
Hi, for potatoes, you might see if Russet potatoes cause a problem, vs "waxy" like Reds, Yukon, etc. I have more problems with Russet. I seem to be fine with Reds.
I totally understand the medication resistance. I got a herniated disc a few years back (extreme pain) and got off the heavy meds as soon as I could. Now I just take otc as needed (when I've overdone it). The Cetirizine is only 10 mg.
So, here is a website that explains well. Just ignore the sales pitch! It's a place to start. https://www.amymyersmd.com/article/histamine-intolerance
Here's another with a diet start..just a place to see what jibes with your own experience. https://www.cleaneatingkitchen.com/getting-started-low-histamine-diet/
There are a lot of sites with food lists, but it really is best to trust your body over the lists.
For myself, I've found I need to avoid certain foods altogether. Some I can eat if they're well cooked. Leftovers can cause problems as well. I did find that quite a few of the listed foods were one I already didn't care for. Natural resistance perhaps?
My sister has exercise induced asthma, so I understand it can be a struggle. Maybe swimming, light walking, gardening, stretching, etc? There are videos for light stretches and walks. I'm sure youtube or Rumble would have light exercise guides.
I know you'll come through the other side! Have patience with yourself. Hugs!
You sharing that actually made me feel a good deal better! I read through that site and found some videos on Youtube, too. It doesn't sound like me at all. Considering that this is something that was worrying me, it's a big relief.
It leads me more towards thinking my anxiety/stress is causing the histamine issues.
I can't believe leftovers can cause a problem. That's wild, and I'm sorry you have to deal with that.
Thank you so much for your help and kindness!
Well, good! Every thing you can cross off the concerns list is helpful.
You might try searches about perimenopause symptoms and see if anything matches. Then search for natural ways to ease symptoms.
Keep searching for answers.. Seek and ye shall find. 😊
Also, obviously, I'm not a doctor. I can only offer my opinions and experiences.
So, I was just rereading your post a bit when I came back to leave a perimenopause link. I realized you're taking medication. I found this..
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/levothyroxine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20072133
If you scroll down a bit, there is "Less Common" side effects. It may be something to consider. Maybe a dosage or medication change may be in order?
Oh! There are two section that are labeled Less Common! One at the top and one down a bit past the overdose symptoms. That second one further down is the one to look at more, from the sounds of it.
Here.. Change in appetite crying diarrhea false or unusual sense of well-being fear or nervousness feeling not well or unhappy feeling of discomfort feeling of warmth feeling things are not real feelings of suspicion and distrust hair loss headache increased appetite mental depression muscle weakness quick to react or overreact emotionally rapidly changing moods redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest restlessness stomach cramps trouble getting pregnant trouble sitting still unusual tiredness or weakness vomiting weight gain or loss
Sorry, that didn't format properly.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21608-perimenopause
For anxiety, try Listening Prayer.
Take deep, long breaths, as many as it takes to get relaxed. Relax your body. Think of a time that you were very content, joyful, thankful, felt loved and accepted. Relive that memory, the feelings you had, what you saw, what you heard, what you felt. Relaxing your body and reliving a peaceful, loving memory helps you be relational with God. Now you can ask Him what He wants you to know, what He wants you do do next. He is the Way, He is Truth, He is Life.
There may be something blocking your connection to God, anxiety alone can do that. Try to relax and get in that relational mode with gratefulness and pray again. It's a mind-thing: your body can't be anxious and grateful at the same time.
And God hears your prayers, even tho it looks like He is not. He has not abandoned you. The Holy Spirit in you is in deep connection with Father God, even tho you can't understand that or see it happening. And your brothers and sisters here on GAW are praying for you!
You are His daughter and He has you. I don't trust doctors either, but I trust our Father who created us : ) I pray that He will bring exactly what you need at this trying time. (BTW, I'm female and know how crazy hormones can be!)
Thank you so much for all of this. As soon as I have a moment to do this tonight, I will. I pray and talk to God a lot but I often struggle with figuring out if the responses I get are His or my own subconscious.
Sorry to hear you've had to deal with these awful hormonal issues too. Rough doesn't even describe it.
Listening prayer has really helped me with my anxiety. It took a lot for me to let myself hear him, and I also thought what if it's just my thoughts, or worse, the enemy (which can be checked, is it Biblical?). There's something about God's gentle words or pictures He gives, there is peace, understanding, and connection. His words often surprise me because they aren't what I was expecting or even wanting, but they reach my spirit and demolish the lies or worries I had running laps in my head.
Those first thoughts or feelings can give a lot of info, perhaps show a block (a lie believed, a hurt not taken care of, a forgiveness that needs to be given or accepted, etc) that needs to be worked thru.
healmehealme, you are in my prayers for a complete recovery. Look into a holistic doctor in your area and explain that you would need a payment plan. I am sure they will work with you. As for anxiety, I believe exercise, valarium root, and prayer and meditation work. Even if you just walk for 15 minutes the moment you wake up, I promise you will see a huge difference. (Personally, I hate exercise, but it helps with anxiety bigtime!) Try not to worry and enjoy your life! You will get through this! Besides, like Trump said, the best is yet to come!
Have no advice but will mention you to the man upstairs.
I remember being so excited about med beds being five years away seven years ago. I hope I make it long enough to see what comes after the cabal is defeated. I seem to be rapidly deteriorating last few years. No more doctors. What will be will be.
I have no advice, but I'll commiserate with you, and lend you my ear, heart, and shoulder.
I think I might have MS. Been having seizures for over a year now and they are getting longer more frequent and scarier. Every time I come back from one we joke about the "this is fine meme" but it isn't. I know it isn't. My local medical facility had me blacklisted over mask noncompliance years ago. I bounce between hurting, sad, pissed, and at peace with it.
Me too! I pray for them every night. I never fully bought into them because they sound way too good to be true, but finally getting them would be miraculous for me and my family, and you too.
I'm so sorry to hear what's happening to you. That's so terrible and I wish there was something I could to help. I've prayed for you and an improvement in your health. It sounds so scary.
Pardon my language, but it's fucking infuriating that you've been blacklisted from medical care over the retarded mask stuff.
Sincerely, I hope things get so much better for you very quickly.
Dear friend who I never met. You have to put your trust somewhere to survive. God bless!
I feel guilty for saying this but I’ve prayed to God so much. I’ve tried leaving it in his hands, praying for courage, praying for the hormones to level out. Nothing has improved and in fact I’ve gone backwards lately. I don’t blame God, but I feel abandoned.
I heartily agree with seasonedcastiron. Seems your issues related to stress/anxiety. I would add you try Adoration 1 hour a day.
Just meditate and say prayer, grateful to food but do not consent to any food to destroy or break your natural body with natural immunity…
Especially if u can be 100% all food u consumed all organic…
A totally different angle with GNM. Most recent episode specifically deals with menopause. GL fren.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/germanische-heilkunde-ghk-made-easy/id1500811889?i=1000624766629