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Mild, Moderate or Severe M.E.?

Keela Too

Sally Burch
Messages
900
Location
N.Ireland
Before I got ill, I grew tomatoes in a huge polytunnel and used manure from the horses - who were bedded on shavings. Whatever chemistry happens, this manure is deficient in Magnesium, and a little sprinkled over the manure corrects the balance... and delicious tomatoes result! ;)

Sadly I can't garden at all now, but I used to grow about 80 plants a year, and bottle all the extras for tomato puree all year. I saved seed each year from my favourite varieties.... such a pleasure.

Anyhow the Epsom salts are now employed in a much more mundane way... :p
 

JoanDublin

Senior Member
Messages
369
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Are you sure this Epsom Salt is meant for consumption. My carton of Epsom Salt mentions only using is for soaks and baths. It does not actually say "do not use internally". I think you may need "food grade/pharmaceutical grade" Epsom Salt. You might contact the company from which you order it and ask if it is safe to consume, if you are not sure.

It's definitely food grade and suitable for oral use under docs guidance. See attached link. It's the second product down http://www.saltsupplies.ie/?pagid=1289128990&useid=admin333de2a475d1e0079b0900618b3&
 

JoanDublin

Senior Member
Messages
369
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Yeah I thought it would work as his bowel did sound just like mine was and I completely sympathise with him in just how discusting this stuff takes, I used to gag when trying to take it its so discusting but it came down to be the only thing which worked for me if I didnt want to be doing daily enemas for possibly the rest of my life. I do hope his bowel ends up fixing itself with it after months (4-6mths?) of taking it regularly like mine did, this stuff makes the bowel work.

I are quite concerned thou in the possibility that you could have non food grade epsom salts seeing you had to buy it in such a HUGE quantity (It should of been able to be found in 250g or 500g container or box).. If you asked company on the phone about it, its quite possible the person who took the call may of given the wrong reply.

Does it say "food grade" or have instructions for taking orally on your container? (thou I doubt if oral instructions would be on such a big container of it but would still expect that to have a food grade label on it. Please write to the company if nothing is written on it and get in writing that it is food grade (unless they advertised it as such). Most Epsom salts out there are not food grade ones and hence have impurities in it.

May I ask what brand you brought?

It's definitely food grade. Says on the pack and here's the link. Second item down. I double and triple checked. They're a wholesale supplier. It was the only way I could get it here in Ireland http://www.saltsupplies.ie/?pagid=1289128990&useid=admin333de2a475d1e0079b0900618b3&
 

JoanDublin

Senior Member
Messages
369
Location
Dublin, Ireland
I still think your son has probably an actual mitochrondrial disorder from his eye and ear symptoms (I also suspect I do too. My family history and my own childhood one indicates it a bit, my dad had a hearing aid as a child but had good hearing as an adult. One day hopefully find a specialist in that and find out). That type of bowel issue can be caused by mito issues too.

Maybe at one point you could look into mitochondrial protocols to try with him.

It's definitely on my list to check his mitochondrial function
 

Goodness to M.E.

Senior Member
Messages
102
Location
Adelaide
I use Epsom Salts from the supermarket and make them into capsules with a small capsule maker and large capsules. I think I got the machine and capsules from iherb? Once you make up the capsules, I take 4 every night before bed as it also helps one to relax and sleep. I find doing it this way pays for the machine and capsules within the first box of ES used and no nasty taste. All the best.
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
I use Epsom Salts from the supermarket and make them into capsules with a small capsule maker and large capsules. I think I got the machine and capsules from iherb? Once you make up the capsules, I take 4 every night before bed as it also helps one to relax and sleep. I find doing it this way pays for the machine and capsules within the first box of ES used and no nasty taste. All the best.

@Goodness to M.E. What brand are you managing to get from the supermarket and what supermarket chain? I havent managed to find food grade at a supermarket

Its a great idea thou to put them into capsules. I never thought of doing that thou I have a tub of empty capsules here which I once brought for something else. ***feels very happy you gave that suggestion to Joan, Im sure her son will so appreciate that***
 

Goodness to M.E.

Senior Member
Messages
102
Location
Adelaide
As long as it says 100% Magnesium Sulphate (epsoms salts) without fragrance or other additives, you can drink it, as advised by doctor. No need to up-size the basic cost by 'food' advertising. Fauldings at Coles, Woolies or Foodland has been used for decades before 'health stores' existed.
 

JoanDublin

Senior Member
Messages
369
Location
Dublin, Ireland
I use Epsom Salts from the supermarket and make them into capsules with a small capsule maker and large capsules. I think I got the machine and capsules from iherb? Once you make up the capsules, I take 4 every night before bed as it also helps one to relax and sleep. I find doing it this way pays for the machine and capsules within the first box of ES used and no nasty taste. All the best.
Oh I like the idea of the capsules!! The instructions say to dissolve in water. I take it thats not necessary then? *rushes out to buy empty capsules* :)
 

Goodness to M.E.

Senior Member
Messages
102
Location
Adelaide
Oh I like the idea of the capsules!! The instructions say to dissolve in water. I take it thats not necessary then? *rushes out to buy empty capsules* :)

Happy to help, if you have a vitamiser (I have a nutribullet for food options on bad days and great for linseed etc.) and use this to make the ES granules into powder form for the capsules but if you get the 00 size capsules the granules fit fine. All the best with this and I checked but iherb only do the capsules. I suggest you try ebay for the capsule making machine, just remember to get the one for the 00 size capsules, this is the size I use.:hug:
 
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Goodness to M.E.

Senior Member
Messages
102
Location
Adelaide
@Goodness to M.E. Thats really helpful, thanks a million. I wonder why they dont do the damn things in capsule form and be done with it. I swear there are people who must sit around all day at work thinking up extra ways to torture the sick! :)
Probably because simple things to help us would come at a much higher cost than we could afford?

Am glad you have found this site, lots of great ideas and support from other like-minded people who are all living in a world of M.E. that until a cause and cure is found, there is no money to make in assisting us.

I've found that the treatment road for managing M.E. is not well known and basically trial and error if one wants to be a guinea pig for the system that often provides poor outcomes for us to endure.

After 2 years and much money on the search for better health I now find staying calm and focusing on what I can do within my activity envelopes, pacing and regular rest works well for me. I accept that there are limited successful treatments, no cure and therefore have stopped banging my head against a brick wall in pursuing this. The many posts here support this for me.

This is not to say my life and plans have not been turned on it's head and around some 180 degrees but hey, I'm not the first nor the last who has had to adapt to a chronic illness, being mostly housebound and who has spend time grieving for what could have been?

Been has been and sadly gone, here is now and now we plan just for today and god willing, hope for a better day tomorrow, please! Best to make the most of what we can while we can. Sometimes it's more about a state of mind than the body, when my mind is calm and peaceful the body is more cooperative and less demanding, for me anyway.

I take very few supplements now, see my doctor every 6 months and limit focusing just on my health issues, hence the acceptance.

With a supportive doctor there are lots of services than can provide support in the home if one is prepared to stay in the present, accept that it is a slow process and at time frustrating to educate the uneducated in M.E. and to be clear about what is needed and why. Stay focused on the goal not the obstacles along the way!

My focus is to remain living in my home for as long as I choose to, this is my goal no matter what.

The focus is accessing appropriate support for a person with a chronic illness and deliberating symptoms. The name M.E. in this instance is not the priority to focus on when dealing with agencies to facilitate the support.

It is also important to not be unco-operative or present aggressively or helplessly as this could indicate to agencies the need for intervention on the basis of self neglect and inability to live independently.

Government agencies have a legal obligation in the provision of 'duty of care' for their workers and if word gets out that one is 'difficult' then this may result in limiting services.

Whether we like it or not, government and non-government agencies do talk with each other when they share a common client/customer to facilitate services and not duplicate and if one is not coping at home and a 'duty of care' for workers is at risk then the possibility of intervention and placement in a residential care centre is real.

How do I know this, I worked in the area for over 30 years, and am careful about what I put on this or any other site or how much public 'internet' activity I engage in. Big brother is alive and well and comments/posts can be used against us or to substantiate our predicament including defamatory comments against them or their workers!

All the best with your son, it is a tough gig for both patient and parent and you sound like an amazing Mum, well done!

I've put this info here that is not directed at you in anyway, just as an insight for all site users to be mindful of.

I'm happy to assist where I can as are many others here will also do.

Take care, stay strong, calm.....and breathe.
 
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AndyPandy

Making the most of it
Messages
1,928
Location
Australia
I use Epsom Salts from the supermarket and make them into capsules with a small capsule maker and large capsules. I think I got the machine and capsules from iherb? Once you make up the capsules, I take 4 every night before bed as it also helps one to relax and sleep. I find doing it this way pays for the machine and capsules within the first box of ES used and no nasty taste. All the best.
@JoanDublin I just bought a capsule machine online - imaginatively called "The Capsule Machine" :). Haven't used it yet, but looks like it will be just the thing. Seems it comes in 3 capsule sizes - 1 = 400mg, 0 = 500mg and 00 = 700mg. The one I bought is 0 size.

Thanks to @Goodness to M.E. for the tip:).

Best wishes

Andy
 

JoanDublin

Senior Member
Messages
369
Location
Dublin, Ireland
@JoanDublin I just bought a capsule machine online - imaginatively called "The Capsule Machine" :). Haven't used it yet, but looks like it will be just the thing. Seems it comes in 3 capsule sizes - 1 = 400mg, 0 = 500mg and 00 = 700mg. The one I bought is 0 size.

Thanks to @Goodness to M.E. for the tip:).

Best wishes

Andy

Did you get it on eBay? I was looking them up and going to order one but haven't yet. The young lad here says not to bother getting it cos it's quite expensive with the shipping costs from USA to Ireland. He says it's worth drinking the salty water a few times a day for the benefits he's feeling and that he doesn't mind. He's a great kid really :)

I was just trying to see if I could find one closer to home. It's on my shopping list to check some of the local health food shops to see if they have them.
 

AndyPandy

Making the most of it
Messages
1,928
Location
Australia
Did you get it on eBay? I was looking them up and going to order one but haven't yet. The young lad here says not to bother getting it cos it's quite expensive with the shipping costs from USA to Ireland. He says it's worth drinking the salty water a few times a day for the benefits he's feeling and that he doesn't mind. He's a great kid really :)

I was just trying to see if I could find one closer to home. It's on my shopping list to check some of the local health food shops to see if they have them.
Although The Capsule Machine is made in the US, I got mine online from interstate here in Australia. If you google The Capsule Machine UK there are a few possibilities. This is one of them http://www.serioussupplements.co.uk/consumables-and-equipment/capsule-machine

Only had a quick look but couldn't see an entry for Ireland.

Looks like you need to make sure you buy empty capsules that are the right size for the machine.

There might be better machines, but this one seems to have OK reviews.

Best wishes Andy
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
As long as it says 100% Magnesium Sulphate (epsoms salts) without fragrance or other additives, you can drink it, as advised by doctor. No need to up-size the basic cost by 'food' advertising. Fauldings at Coles, Woolies or Foodland has been used for decades before 'health stores' existed.

No. I rang Fauldings about theirs back when I went to get mine and they said to certainly not take theirs internally. Ring them and they will tell you that.

The ones you can do have instructions on them about taking internally. That was why I had trouble getting mine originally as the chemist ones too generally you cant take take orally either. (The Gold Cross brand is one which is safe for internal use).

Most doctors are not aware that things with these have changed and not all brands are safe now for internal use. (my own bowel specialist said that I was the first he'd even ever prescriped that too, he was near middle aged too).
 
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taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
Oh I like the idea of the capsules!! The instructions say to dissolve in water. I take it thats not necessary then? *rushes out to buy empty capsules* :)

Just make sure your son drinks plenty of water with it.. being kind of salt, it draws and keeps water in the bowel so its quite important that fluid with it is taken too.
 
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JoanDublin

Senior Member
Messages
369
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Although The Capsule Machine is made in the US, I got mine online from interstate here in Australia. If you google The Capsule Machine UK there are a few possibilities. This is one of them http://www.serioussupplements.co.uk/consumables-and-equipment/capsule-machine

Only had a quick look but couldn't see an entry for Ireland.

Looks like you need to make sure you buy empty capsules that are the right size for the machine.

There might be better machines, but this one seems to have OK reviews.

Best wishes Andy

Cheers! Thanks a million for that. I checked it out and it looks exactly ideal for me. I tried to register but unfortunately it's insisting that I should have more numbers in my 'postal code' before it will allow the processing of the registration.... Ho hum....mine only has two characters here in Dublin. Anyway I've emailed them and asked for their advice. Thanks again! Will let you know if I can get them delivered here to Ireland :)
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
Did you get it on eBay? I was looking them up and going to order one but haven't yet. The young lad here says not to bother getting it cos it's quite expensive with the shipping costs from USA to Ireland. He says it's worth drinking the salty water a few times a day for the benefits he's feeling and that he doesn't mind. He's a great kid really :)
.

Wow, he's an amazing kid.
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
Cheers! Thanks a million for that. I checked it out and it looks exactly ideal for me. I tried to register but unfortunately it's insisting that I should have more numbers in my 'postal code' before it will allow the processing of the registration.... Ho hum....mine only has two characters here in Dublin. Anyway I've emailed them and asked for their advice. Thanks again! Will let you know if I can get them delivered here to Ireland :)

Joan, its also quite easy to hand fill capsules as well. I used to use them for something else and fill them myself. I used to just dip the capsules into what I was filling them with.

I just looked up "medical supplies capsule machine" in search terms and lots of different places to get these came up. You may be able to find one in your country close to home.
 

AndyPandy

Making the most of it
Messages
1,928
Location
Australia
Joan, its also quite easy to hand fill capsules as well. I used to use them for something else and fill them myself. I used to just dip the capsules into what I was filling them with.

Andy says:
I am having a lot of trouble with using my fingers since ME. Poor fine motor skills and lack of coordination so I am looking forward to using the machine, rather than filling capsules by hand. :)