It was the best of times, it was the worst of times
But, in my view, this is actually how it has to be. You cannot make progress without a little pain...or on some days a lot. I think this is also why it is very easy to get discouraged if you pursue this treatment...depending on how aggressive the course. Perhaps one of the most important things to learn is how to discriminate detox symptoms from others, and knowing when the methylation support needs to be reigned in. If the detox symptom intensity and duration is proportionate to the illness burden, then I probably have a long journey ahead. Nevertheless, the intensity of the detox symptoms provoked nearly 15 weeks after I started gives hope that I will be able to reach a much better level of health. No response at all to the protocol, has to be discouraging. For those who have not responded, I would speculate that some have a very high viral load and need some immune support. Just my thought based on how I have responded to a couple of recent URI's. A stupid cold may be feel like I was dying and I temporarily thought I was regressing, but after it passed I was better than before.
I continued to be amazed by just how much stuff my body continues to try to eliminate. My body is like a superfund site. I must be dealing with some biofilms because it's like I take off a layer, things stabilize, and then I get another round of toxins in the blood. I am also apparently producing bile at record rates. Typically these bile dumps are preceded by a stupor of brain fog. Lots of muscle pain too. Not FM, but more achy, cytokine-like pain. (you know the kind when you get the flu/cold)
Definitely getting some improvement of the dysbiosis and intestinal permeability. Although this is certainly related to diet, probiotics, etc., I presume a boost in glutathione is playing a significant part.
This week I decided to try to pre-empt a cold virus that I was fighting; having four young kids I get exposed to all kinds of stuff and I didn't want to feel like I did after the last one a couple of weeks ago. Accordingly, I decided to hit it with everything I had: Liposomal vitamin c, zinc, olive leaf extract, etc. It turns out I didn't get the cold, but it was interesting because it precipitated some herx symptoms including some mild kidney and significant prostate pain, bloating, reflux, gastritis, productive coughing, frequent bms, runny nose. Actually, I don't regularly have any of these symptoms, but there appeared to be a synergistic effect by adding these nutrients and supplements. I have no doubt some of these symptoms relate to a yeast die off, but I have no idea what comprises the entire reaction. It seems I am concurrently detoxing from my lungs, nose, urine, and bowels, and this happens nearly every time I dial up the methylation support, or in some cases some complementary supplements. it just makes me wonder how heavy an underlying burden exists. There is no doubt the gut is an enormous piece of the puzzle, but the methylation supplements are obviously critical, and given how long I have treated the gut, I think progress without the methylation support would have been futile.
Misc. Comments.
Sulfite headaches are greatly reduced...I trust this is a positive development.
Currently taking 1-2 mg of methyl and occasional adenosyl. Hydroxo works great, just takes 5-6 mg to have same effect. (Would recommend those with true CFS--PEM being a defining symptom-- to start with hydroxocobalamin)
taking 400-800 metafolin + 400-800 folinic acid. As rich suggested, I don't seem to have a need for anymore.
Less lymph soreness than before.
Sorry if this is rambling, I'm dealing with some pretty heavy brain fog right now...but this is temporary and predictable based upon the b12 dosage. I think one just has to understand what is happening in their bodies, and they may gain the confidence to push onward.