20+ Year ITP Crossroad

I’m new to this forum. I am 51 years old and a chronic ITP sufferer of 20+ years. I’ve been through many episodes over the years and now I am looking at another twist in the history of my experience with this condition. I don’t have an obvious family history with the condition although I can say that my mother was always easily disposed to excessive bruising, yet she never experienced ITP as we know it today.

When I first saw symptoms back in the 80s, there was no internet and very little knowledge available about ITP. Today online communities are great enablers, allowing members to share and learn from experiences and new techniques, both the good and the bad.

My start with ITP began the usual way with persist bleeding symptoms. It was an acute form to start, with levels dipping down to the 10 - 20 (x109/L level) and then rebounding within a month or so. It took some time to realize the condition was going to be persistent. I worked in a laboratory and in industrial process settings at the time, so exposure to chemicals was routine. In my work career I know that I have had undue exposure to mercury (lab accident), harsh chemicals (hypochlorite and other aggressive oxidants), and heavy metals (hexavalent chrome, strontium etc.). Environmental triggers have always been a possible factor in my developing ITP.

Fortunately I was recommended a very good GP and then after a lengthy investigation with a hematologist, we concluded that I had ITP. Arriving at that conclusion was by a process of exclusion as has been discussed elsewhere. There was much worry and angst and at the end of the day, the other possible outcomes were much more alarming than actually having ITP (ie. AIDS, leukemia etc.).

Corticosteriod (Prednisone) was the first line treatment and that did the trick for several years each time platelet levels would fall to action levels. It is amazing how you condition yourself to deal with the low levels as others panic around you (i.e. doctors, hospital staff). But you go through it enough times and you recognize the symptoms (Petechiae, easy bruising, slight weight loss, some fatigue) as they kick in at various platelet level counts. In the early 90s, anything under 20 was set as an action level and eventually my response to prednisone began to fail.

I was recommended an excellent surgeon at the Royal Vic who had some experience with the ITP condition, Splenectomies, and possible outcomes. There were no guarantees, but I was facing long term prednisone use at the time, and so a Splenectomy seemed like a reasonable bet. The operation went well and the result was a success. Platelet counts rose to normal levels and stayed there for years at a time without event. I was able to enjoy 17 years free of corticosteroids, other than the recurrent relapse.

Relapses as I call them seemed to occur about every 3 - 4 years. I have not been able to link a specific cause and effect although I have always had suspicions as to what makes me more vulnerable to recurring symptoms. We started an international move in early 1996 and this was the first time platelets dropped since the Splenectomy. While it was never obvious to me until more recently, I realize now that it was a time of great stress. We were moving to Munich and the build up to that event was a great stressor. I guess some people handle stress better than others. Perhaps my mind is willing, but my body isn’t and just says “NO”. Interestingly, I can’t remember if I actually bothered to take prednisone at the time as I think levels sorted themselves out on their own.

We then made a move to England in 1998 and by 1999, I developed the symptoms again. So a second international move was again a stressor. But we also had our first newborn months after arrival and I decided to become a stay at home dad. So stressors were there no doubt. Again I don’t think I needed to act on the symptoms with prednisone treatment.

We settled down in England and enjoyed a very good life there raising two children. In retrospect, the decision to stay at home was very beneficial for my health. But in 2004 I had another episode come out of the blue. This was the first time I actually had “blood blisters” in my mouth and platelet counts were reported <10. Prednisone treatment was used to bring levels up to normal within weeks. Was there a trigger this time? I’m not really sure. I was starting to get very involved with the financial markets (and was severely buffeted in April 2004) and so I suspect that I had found a new occasional stressor in my life.

In early 2008 we returned to Canada after enjoying 10 years in England. We had a great life there and the decision to move was not an easy one. And of course, my ITP symptoms returned just before we moved (and prednisone returned levels to normal). On every international move, I’ve had my ITP condition pop up. I can only attribute that to high levels of stress that my body certainly disagrees with.

I should mention that while in England I did make the effort to meet with a hematologist there. She was not very helpful and so uninterested in the discussion. She basically told me that no one knew the triggers for ITP, and that there was nothing to be done but manage the condition. Needless to say it was a very short relationship. If you have endured something for 20+ years, you are highly motivated to at least learn some Do’s and Don’ts.

Carrying forward to today, my ITP symptoms reappeared at the start of March. At first I was fairly casual about it and had a small amount of prednisone left from 2008 which I used initially. I saw my GP shortly after and a CBC blood test showed that levels had dropped moderately (typical for me in the past year has been 200 - 250). But by the end of March I was seeing extreme symptoms (lots of Penechiae, constant nose bleeds, blood blisters, and an engorged bleeding tongue). Platelets were found to be at 4, which was a first for me. I was trying to figure out how, after taking various levels of prednisone, my platelet level had dropped so low.

For the first time since my Splenectomy in 1994, I was admitted to hospital and had an IVIG administered. This was done in two courses. Levels immediately came up to 250 within a week and I was put on a course of prednisone for good measure. The usual gradual reduction dosage scheme was being followed and I was down to 10 mg this week.

Unfortunately, my symptoms are reappearing this weekend and now I have some decisions to make going forward. A CBC showed a platelet count of 8 this weekend which is consistent with the symptoms I am seeing (I measure this by blood blisters in the mouth which implies counts < 10). The lab and my GP both informed me of the result and suggested I go immediately to hospital where I know that I will be given another IVIG treatment. I’m not keen on that idea and I know that any improved outcome will likely be short lived. As I see it there are obvious risks with an IVIG (bad reaction) as they monitor you very carefully when it is administered.

So in my inexpert medical opinion, and at some risk, I need to determine if the prednisone is no longer going to give me relieve that I have enjoyed for the past 20+ years. I can live with low platelet levels for a time as I have in the past (as have other ITP sufferers). It is not necessarily life threatening, one just has to be careful and be aware of the risks. My thought is to go back to higher doses of prednisone (40 mg where I started in early April) and see if my platelet levels come up once again. If they don’t this time, then I think I will have to find the next line of treatment.

In the event that prednisone is no longer a viable option (as I do not consider a run to the hospital for the occasional IVIG a good alternative), I need to consider the next step. Now there is always the possibility that something else is going on physiologically that I have yet to discover. But for now there is nothing obvious as all aspects look normal (no spleen fragments, liver function and condition normal etc.).

Having read the article in the Blood Journal (published online Oct. 21, 2009), the TPO receptor drugs look interesting. Also this is the first time I see something that is working from the platelet production side so I would think that should have some promise. Does anyone have experience with this treatment, especially anyone with a long history of ITP and whose been to the current crossroads (Splenectomony done that, prednisone done that, now what??).

And finally, if you have actually gotten this far down and been able to follow it all, you must be asking: “So what is the recent new stressor in your life?” TAXES. It’s a long story.

cheers,

john

John:

Hello. The TPO's are a great new treatment, but have you looked into Rituxan at all? Just a thought.

Is WinRho an option for you? If as you suspect that stressors are the underlying culprit, it may be a better alternative than IVIG as it typically povides 4 weeks or more before having to treat again. I've been stretching it out to 12 weeks between treatments. The first one is a bit longer since like with IVIG they have to monitor you closely. I now am in and out of the office in under an hour and have mild flu like symptoms (fever, chills)for a few hours after the treatment. I've found that if I attempt to do errands etc after the infusion, the side effects are worse, so I just plan on going home directly afterward and spend a few hours with my "blanky" on the couch. Adding a small amount of Benedryl to the drip pre-infusion also helps. I find that 3-6 hours for treatment and the "nap" every 3 months is a reasonable option for me.

It is estimated that two thirds of visits to the Dr. are stress related. Recent evidence indicates that the physical changes associated with stress may contribute to the leading cause of death- heart disease and cancer. Stress plays a big roll in our overall health and I honestly think it has something to do with ITP. Then when diagnosed with ITP that adds even more stress!! I went through a very stressful situation in 2000 but I think moving in 04 got the best of me. I went through a pretty serious depression phase and diagnosed with ITP. So I think stressors are a factor in ITP.
So John it soudns like moving is a major stressor for you and is a trigger for your ITP.
I would look into Rituxan.

ps
That was one looooooooooooooooooooooooong post.

Sorry I made such a long post. I have been thinking a lot about my experience with ITP of late and I have come to the conclusion that stress is the underlying trigger. Stress can come in various forms and degrees.

I've managed to stabilize my platlets after three days of 40 mg. prednisone. Blood blisters in my mouth have all gone as is the Petechiae. So I know that the count is likely to be 10-20 or greater.

I will go to my GP today to confirm with a CBC and get more prednisone.

I've ordered Joan's book. I plan to look into food allergies, although I have never experienced a reaction to any food that I know of. I enjoy cooking and if I have to change my diet in a major way, it is worth investigating.

I am hoping that I can find a way to improve my condition without having to switch to another line of treatment. The recent IVIG was enough to get me looking at long term solutions.

I am an engineer by training and all my life I have solved various technical problems. Its time I figure this one out.

Thank you all for your replies.

cheers,

john

If you know stress is a trigger for a platelet drop can you get into some stress management classes? Learn ways to deal with your stress? That is something maybe you should look into.

Good luck!

No need to apologize it was informative and made me come to an even stronger conclusion that stress is my underlying trigger.
Besh Wishes
Take Care

good isn't it having all this technology available to us. I haven't read all the posts so don't know the full 'story'. Just to let you know I have had ITP diagnosed since 1994 and had a splenectomy.3 year ago that consultant had retired and now have a new consultant who seems to have a different way of handling things though I still have 24 hour open access to the ward and can ring up any time.....
Previously I have always had steroids and IVIG and platelets stayed up for 18 month to 3 years approx. December just had steroids. Sunday they dropped again to 4. Out monday on steroids. See him in clinic next monday. I am guessing he is trying just steroids and i will add it is much kinder to my body. Whilst am wondering what is plan is, I do know it is far kinder to my body as got anemic enough for full blood transfusions on IVIG etc..... plus hospital is soooo boring when one is fit enough and not exactly ill.....

Has anyone found and read this written by Maggi Pier?

cureitpnaturally.com/

Now I know this is based on a child's experience, but just imagine if you throw in major stressors, environmental chemical triggers to compound the problem.

I've decided to look for a naturopath that is also an MD. I think I found one today. (Step 1)

Consume lots of water. That I can do and it takes a real effort. (Step 2)

Change of diet. I eat well, but I know I eat too many rich foods, too much protein, cheeses etc. So I will focus heavily on changing my diet A-Z. Working with a naturopath should set me on the right path.(Step 3)

I've long know that bleach, and most chlorinated chemicals, are really bad for me. I was exposed to it a lot in my work career (I would oversee chemical reactions that used it as a raw material). I've got to the point where I do not go in chlorinated pools as I have always suspected the heavy chlorination can be a trigger for my ITP. So I need to review all chemical product in our household and go as green as possible. There are alternatives. (Step 4)

This is something I have already done. I use a Tea Tree based shampoo and conditioner. I will review the labels to ensure toxicity is OK. (Step 5)

Get bad fats out of your life! Well we can all do with a little of that I am sure. This will take some effort but we are halfway there. I also take Cod Liver Oil daily so I will look to see if I need to boost this (Step 6)

Take a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement. This I need to look into. I have to do some research on Melaleuca products in the past and used their products. Anyone have experience with this? (Step 7).

I'll have to get back to you on progress.

As for the next line of treatment option, if it gets that far will probably be Rituxan. The goal is to not go there.

cheers,

john

P.S. I thought this article was worth a read. Nothing new really, but a reminder of what it takes to find better health.

my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/hic_diet_exercise_stress_and_the_immune_system.aspx

I like this bit..

"Discover how a simple DNA test can be the key to
overcoming this blood platelet disorder"

If she has the answer she ought to be collaborating with the ITP experts in the UK who are doing research into DNA of ITP patients. As far as I know they have yet to find out very much.

Good luck anyway. Healthy living must always be a good thing.

Edit: I just read it. Seems the child was one of the 80% of children who have acute self limiting ITP. Good for her.

Hi John
I also like the way you predict your count along with the signs. I have had ITP since 1994 (Splenectomy) up till now been given IVIG with steroids every time it drops.
I had a drop in December and was admitted on the count of 7 and had (thankfully)just the steroids. But had very little sign. One huge bruise on my left knee as I knocked into the coffee table christmas day. Bits of bleeding and a tiny rash. So much so that one doc was quite blunt at first that it wasn't ITP until the result prooved him wrong (It was boxing day).
This time I had even less sign. 4 petachie spots on one leg and a right colour little bruise on the knee. I had been having previous tell tale signs but nothing hard fact evidence. Sunday I was taken in on the count of 4... but quickly sent home next day to treat at home which this time very happy about though wonder when the next drop will be this year because don't normally happen like that for me. I have a new consultant and get on okay and he has a different outlook. I see him in clinic this monday. My platelets are up from my internal instinct and would have had a very boring week in hospital as basically am well enough.
Interesting to read of others who have had it a long time. Keep posting and keep inspiring us because it is helpful to have experienced people helping each other too.

hi Rhiannon,

Your ITP history and experience sounds very similar to mine. I agree that sharing is very helpful.

Just to keep you update to date then, I went to see a naturopath yesterday. This person is also a licensed MD (license actually in limbo and in major battle with Medical watchdog here in Canada). But I looked quickly enough online to be satisfied that she is the right person for what I need.

An EIS Scan was conducted (I have never heard of it before) as a diagnostic and I gave her my situation and history. She was not very current with what ITP is, but that does not deter me. My focus is on finding an alternative method to the standard treatments available for ITP (and get off prednisone again).

Here's their website:

www.qehcc.com/joomla/

In a nutshell, I will be following a very strict diet to reduce yeast in my system. This will provide a major Detox of my system. So when I look at the eBooklet produced by Maggi Pier (see earlier post), the same basic strategies are going to be used (ie. Steps 3, 6, & 7).

I attached (hopefully with success) the diet plan sheet for reference if anyone wants to have a look at it.

So I will be eating and feeling like a bear for the next several months. I would also think that it will take at least 3 months for the prednisone to work its way out of my system (once I've stopped taking it).

cheers,

john

P.S. I see that you are in the UK. We lived on the edge of the Cotswold's for 8 years on a farm. It was great.

Hi John,
Good luck with your platelets and your plans for getting off prednisone! It took about 4 months after I stopped prednisone for me to stop having muscle pain and fatigue.
I am wondering, if the doctor's license being in jeopardy and the doctor also being unfamiliar with ITP do not deter you from using the doctor, what would deter you from using a particular doctor? What factors does this doctor have in their favor?

Of course there is no way to be sure, but I suspect that some dietary changes I made have helped me to stay in remission - primarily by eliminating some severe gut problems I was experiencing, and thereby giving (at least how I think about it, maybe this isn't too scientific) my immune system a break.
Erica

hi Erica,

My original thought was to find a naturopath that was also a MD, or at least had a medical degree. That way I am working with someone who believes in alterative medicines/methods and is very knowledgeable with techniques and ideas outside of the medical community (I'm not looking for mainstream thinking), but has the medical background and the physiological understanding. So this person I was looking for isn't just changing my diet and giving me a bunch of supplements, she is hopefully diagnosing my condition (holistically) and trying to understand what is going on in my system, much like a detective.

Have you had many doctors that do detective work on your ITP problems? They are hard to find. The best one I had was the one that helped me figure out I had ITP back in the late 80s. He was a good doctor as there was very little known at the time. I suspect most hematologists today know the standard lines of treatment. Yet most are not likely to go beyond that because so little progress has been made to finding the underlying causes.

Here is a link to this doctor. If you google her name, you'll also see the Canadian Quackwatch site come up as well. So you see there is controversy there. But I think she is very qualified in her experience as a medical practitioner.

www.qxconference.com/speakers/show/26

cheers,

john

Erica,

I should also add that H. Pylori came up as a possible issue in the diagnosis. I will ask my regular GP to have the test done next week. I saw you post about it elsewhere. Thanks.

www.pdsa.org/forum/6-general-itp-discussion/13973-new-people-h-pylori-heads-up.html

cheers,

john

Hi John,
My ITP is most likely secondary to my lupus so it isn't as mysterious as some cases. Of course the whys of why our bodies aren't functioning perfectly are always there to ponder, and occasionally to solve, but I'm more amazed that such a complicated system ever works as well as it does.

I've had a few doctors who were good problem solvers to varying degrees. For some reason my opthamologists have always been the best of my doctors. I guess curiousity and problem solving ability is distributed about the same in doctors as in the rest of us, too bad!

I'm glad you are going into this new doctor with your eyes wide open.
Erica

Hi John. What part of Canada are you in? I'm in NB. What has this doctor done that has the Medical watchdogs watching her? We had a doctor here a couple of years ago lose her license for she was giving her boyfriend prescription drugs because he was an addict.

I don't think I could go to someone who was in jeopardy of losing their license. So I just checked out the link you posted and see you're around the Toronto area. Her references make her sound like a good doctor. Good luck.

She was disciplined in 2009 for professional misconduct, but investigated again this year and her registration was suspended in February.

cpso.on.ca/docsearch/details.aspx?view=4&id= 55850

Edit: Link doesn't work so have to search for her name (Deborah Drake) or add a space and 55850 to the URL.. and look at the various tabs.

hi Cindy,

I am in the north Toronto area. As far as I can tell, anyone touting natural methods of treatment within the medical community get undue attention from quack watchers. I'll leave it at that and just say that I am satisfied with the course of action I have taken.

I'll report on how things are going once it has been a full week on this new diet. But one thing I can say already is that I do not feel like I am taking a high dose of prednisone right now. And I am sure most here know what side effects are presented at >40 mg daily dosage (insomnia, hunger, etc.).

I have been doing some searches of late and if you look carefully, you can find many references to this issue of diet and ITP. More later.

cheers,

john

itoldyouiwassick.info/tag/gluten-and-itp/

I discovered only recently that there is a connection between gluten intolerance and low platelets. I have gluten intolerance and once I removed it from my diet, my ITP went into remission.

itoldyouiwassick.info/2011/02/22/common-causes-of-mystery-symptoms-%E2%80%93-part-1-%E2%80%93-undiagnosed-autoimmune-disease-other-chronic-conditions/

www.baumancollege.com/pdfs/articles/Gluten_Sensitivity.pdf

More from Maggi Pier:

If you have ITP and a low platelet count, have you considered the fact that you might have a gluten intolerance and that is what is wreaking havoc with your immune system?

Most of the medical community equate gluten intolerance with Celiac disease, an intestinal disorder in which the body reacts to gluten by producing the following symptoms; diarrhea, abdominal pains, weight loss, and a host of other problems. But more recent medical studies are confirming that gluten sensitivity can affect many different parts of the body besides the abdominal area and intestines. A lot of people who eventually become ill from ingesting gluten do not develop Celiac disease and the tests for Celiac disease come out negative although the person may be completely intolerant to gluten.

Many individual whose bodies cannot tolerate gluten show other auto immune disorders instead, such as Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and arthritis. Some doctors suggest that a blood test for antigliadin antibodies should be used to identify gluten intolerance. Other Naturopathic physicians use testing equipment such as the Avatar or Biotracker for definitive results. Some of them believe that even the antigliadin test is not always conclusive. And even with the Naturopathic physicians some of them do not perform comprehensive enough tests to come to the conclusion of gluten sensitivity or other food intolerances for that matter.

I know this to be a fact, because I experienced first hand with my own daughter's experience with ITP, how by using the same type of Biotracker testing equipment with two completely different practitioners, came up with two different results. One showed no current intolerance whereas the other showed a complete intolerance to any product containing gluten (which is about almost all grains except for a few), and also an extreme intolerance to dairy and yeast. Boy, that sure put a damper on my teenager's diet. It just took care of every single thing that she liked to eat from yogurt, smoothies, burgers and breads, plus some! It is truly amazing how many food products on the market have at least one of these items in it. Talk about having to have a restricted diet. But you know, it eventually paid off. By eliminating those items her low platelet count gradually rose to an acceptable level.

Wheat gluten seems to be the main culprit in many food sensitivities and when caught early enough the damage is treatable and reversible. It is now considered the cause of the rapidly rising epidemic of auto-immune disorders. Many mainstream medical practitioners have a hard time coming to grips with this concept. That is why it is most important for one to take personal responsibility for their own or their loved ones health. No one cares like you do!

Download my Free E-book if you would like to know some of the steps that we used to help our daughter Vivianna overcome Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Click here if you have Low Platelets and want to heal your ITP naturally without drugs and scalpel.

From the island of Guam, to the bush of Australia, to the Caribbean, then middle of Georgia, Maggi has taken her lifetime interest in health and wellness seriously. But it wasn't until her teenage daughter Vivanna's diagnosis of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, that what once was initially a strong interest in natural health and wellness, soon became a burning passion for knowledge of natural healing. Through all her research and efforts, she healed her daughter and is now an accomplished wellness coach, studying for her degree in Naturopathy. It is her life's mission to help others live a naturally abundant and healthy life.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maggi_Pier

N.B. I'll add that I once worked for a large Flour Milling company in Canada so I know all about Wheat and its main protein called Gluten.

Suspended license and an 'EIS Scan'? I wish you luck.

This thread would probably be better located in the 'Natural Treatment Methods' section.

Yes, if I continue this thread on its current course, I am sure it will get under the skin of a few posters here on this board. I'll stop posting on this thread and look to start a new one as you suggested. However Jack, if you take the time to read through it, you'll see how I got to this point.

Your family doctor and hematologist don't have the answers. With 20 years of dealing with this problem and no good solution, I don't see the downside of what I am embarking on. In fact, I am growing increasingly confident by the day that I am on the right track.

Good luck in your journey with ITP.

cheers,

john

The UK ITP Association is due to fund a research study into food intolerances and ITP. Things move so frustratingly slowly in the research world but it will be interesting to see if any conclusions eventually comes from it.

Yes, if I continue this thread on its current course, I am sure it will get under the skin of a few posters here on this board. I'll stop posting on this thread and look to start a new one as you suggested. However Jack, if you take the time to read through it, you'll see how I got to this point.

I did read it all John. I don't reply to anything I have not read.
I still think this tread would be better in the natural treatment section.
And I still wish you luck.
.

hi Jack,

Thanks for the reply. I agree with you and so this is my last post on this thread. I'll continue posting about my new diet adventure in the Health section.

I went to see my GP today and was told my platelet count was back up to 250. This CBC was done one week after the previous result which was 8 (this low count had prompted me to start this thread). So the high dose of prednisone did get my levels back up which is a relief for the short term. I can't claim any benefits of the new diet in this regard, but at least I was able to avoid another IVIG session and a 4 day stay at the local hospital.

cheers,

john

I just realized that I never provided the link for the new diet thread started a year ago. Of course this thread was very far down the list.

www.pdsa.org/forum/8-natural-treatment-methods/16325-treating-itp-through-diet.html?limit=10&start=60

I can say that I am doing very well since last year. I was able to finally get off prednisone in Nov. I'll leave any details to the thread (link above) in the Natural Treatment Methods section.

cheers,

john

John wrote:
Relapses as I call them seemed to occur about every 3 - 4 years.

This is interesting. I have a spreadsheet with nearly all of my counts going back to 1967. There is an absolute, definite cycle to my counts, over about 9-11 years. The graph looks almost like a regular sine wave. I've shown the graph to several doctors and other experts but no one has any real ideas about it.

I want to provide an update after three years of running from 2nd or 3rd line ITP treatments (ie. Rituxin etc). I have beaten this ITP thing the natural way. It took a long time to get off Prednisone in 2011 but I did it, enduring very low counts (5-10k) a number of times without visits to the merge or a hematologist. In the end it was homeopathy that helped me reset my body. Along the way a strict diet helped to detox, also went gluten free (3 years now and I didn't know I had an intolerance until I started the diet regime), did Reiki as well, but it was homeopathy that finally got me out of this ITP funk completely.

How do I know this? Well, once I started with the homeopathy, I regained my physical energy and drive. That was the big tell aside from higher counts. I feel totally normal and I exercise regularly (as it was a a big struggle for the longest time). And finally I do not think about my ITP every day.

I remind myself how lucky I am from time to time. And that is why I wanted to share my success and remind you that it is possible to do it another way.

GL.

cheers,

john

How wonderful! This I find very interesting, John. I just got diagnosed 3 weeks ago and am already experiencing the unpredictability of it all. I'm doing prednisone, which I initially responded very well to, going from 4 to 238 in just 2-3 days, but unfortunately the haematologist was away when all this happened and for some reason the assistant doctor chose to taper me down from 100 mg to 40 in just 7 days and my platelets came crashing down.. My haematologist put me back up to 80 mg a week after that (when I first met her) by then my platelets were 39, but even after that the platelets kept falling with my last numbers at 9. She's hoping it's just temporary because of tapering me down too fast and that it'll turn again. Anyway, I've been thinking a lot about what I can do about this, such as avoiding wheat/gluten, but I must admit, going to homeopathy hadn't occured to me. Do you have any recommendations for websites where I might read more about it?

Hi Helga,

I used a homeopath who posts here from time to time. She's in San Diego and I am in Toronto, Canada. We used email and telcon for consults. Email me and I will give you the details. GL.

cheers,

john