LDN/ Low-Dose Naltrexone - How This Medicine Works Differently Than Most Medications.

LDN OR AKA LOW-DOSE NALTREXONE IS CONFUSING TO SOME PEOPLE THAT MAY HAVE JUST DISCOVERED INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROMISING DRUG.  WITHIN THE PAST YEAR OR SO, THERE IS AN OVERFLOW OF INFORMATION THAT CAN BE FOUND ONLINE.  JUST TYPE LDN IN GOOGLE AND SEE THE NUMEROUS RESULTS THAT APPEAR AND DISCUSS THIS DRUG.  PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO HEAR THE WORD MORE, SEE IT HERE AND THERE AND IT'S RAISING CURIOSITY, BECAUSE LDN REALLY DOES SOUND TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.... WELL, PEOPLE I'M ON IT AND I'M GETTING BETTER WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS AND IT DOESN'T DEPLETE MY FUNDS BECAUSE IT'S SO REASONABLY PRICED - THE GOOD NEWS IS TRUE AND IT GIVES HOPE TO MANY.  

THIS IS AN ARTICLE THAT IS RELATIVELY RECENT, PROVIDES  MUCH VALUABLE INFORMATION THAT EXPLAINS WHAT DISEASES IT TREATS, HOW IT HEALS YOUR BODY, STRENGTHENS IMMUNE SYSTEM, RECENT RESEARCH , NOTED CAUTIONS (REGARDING FILLERS & ER LDN), LDN & CANCER (PROVIDES SOME IN DEPTH INFO PERTAINING TO CANCER & LDN 

I HAVEN'T READ MUCH INFORMATION THAT HAS PROVIDED IN DEPTH DETAILS ABOUT LDN AS A TREATMENT FOR CANCER.  BELOW (IN THE DARK GREEN COLOR) YOU WILL FIND ALL THE DATA ON  LDN & CANCER.  

I SHOULD MENTION THAT I AM CURRENTLY TAKING LDN 2MG (FEELING FABULOUS BTW - 1ST TIME IN 4 YRS:) AND I CAN ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT LDN THAT YOU MAY BE UNSURE OF.  I'VE RESEARCHED THIS DRUG THOROUGHLY BEFORE I WAS CONFIDENT THAT I WANTED TO TRY IT, SO I HAVE PLENTY KNOWLEDGE. DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME WITH QUESTIONS/CONCERNS/COMMENTS :)  

HAPPY 2012 TO ALL   

LINK IT - Low-Dose Naltrexone - How This Medicine Works Differently Than Most Medications.

Article from PROHEALTH.COM 

Low-Dose Naltrexone for Autoimmune Diseases and Fibromyalgia? The Unfinished Story

ProHealth.com
by Joseph Mercola, MD*
December 21, 2011

“Some leading experts believe that low-dose naltrexone (LDN) holds great promise for the treatment of millions of people suffering with autoimmune diseases, central nervous system disorders, and even cancer and HIV/AIDS." - Joseph Mercola, MD

One of the Rare Drugs that Actually Helps Your Body to Heal Itself

It is not often that I advocate the use of prescription drugs, but low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is one of those rare exceptions that may hold the promise of helping millions of people with cancer and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, fibromyalgia, and Crohn's disease, just to name a few.

As a pharmacologically active opioid antagonist, LDN (used 'off-label' in very small doses) works by blocking opioid receptors, which in turn helps activate your body's immune system.

How LDN Harnesses Your Own Body's Chemistry to Fight Disease

The latest research in Experimental Biology and Medicine just confirmed that LDN does in fact target the opioid growth factor (OGF) / opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) pathway to inhibit cell proliferation. Previous research by professor Ian S. Zagon of The Pennsylvania State University, who also conducted the Experimental Biology and Medicine study, found that OGF regulates the growth of cancer cells, and all cancer cells use the OGF-OGFr pathway in growth regulation. It is through this mechanism that LDN is thought to exert its profound inhibitory effect on cancer growth. 

Further, LDN also works with your body's immune system through its interactions with your body's endorphins.

Though most commonly referenced in relation to your mood, endorphins also play a role in pain relief, immune system regulation, growth of cells and angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels that feed a tumor). 

Typically, LDN is taken at bedtime, which blocks your opioid receptors, as well as the reception of endorphins, for a few hours in the middle of the night. This is believed to up-regulate vital elements of your immune system by increasing your body's production of metenkephalin and endorphins (your natural opioids), hence improving your immune function.

In addition to cancer, LDN has shown promise for the treatment of the following diseases:

Hepatitis C
Diabetic neuropathies
Lupus
Dermatomyositis (an inflammatory muscle disease)
Ulcerative Colitis
Multiple sclerosis
Autism
Crohn’s disease
Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Alzheimer’s disease
HIV/AIDS
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Parkinson’s disease
And Fibromyalgia [1,2,3]

How can one substance impact so many different diseases? As written on the non-profit Web site LowDoseNaltrexone.org , which is an excellent resource for more information:

"The disorders listed above all share a particular feature: In all of them, the immune system plays a central role. Low blood levels of endorphins are generally present, contributing to the disease-associated immune deficiencies."

Impressive Results in Cancer Treatment

In 1985, Dr. Bernard Bihari discovered LDN enhanced patients' response to infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Years later he found that his patients with cancer and autoimmune disease also benefited from LDN. 

Dr. Bihari has reportedly treated more than 450 cancer patients with LDN with promising results, including cancers of the bladder, breast, liver, lung, lymph nodes, colon, and rectum. According to Dr. Bihari, nearly a quarter of his patients had at least a 75% reduction in tumor size, and nearly 60% of his patients demonstrated disease stability. He believes LDN's anti-cancer mechanism is likely due to an increase in the:

• Number and density of opiate receptors on the tumor cell membranes, making them more responsive to the growth-inhibiting effects of the already present levels of endorphins, which in turn induces apoptosis (cell death) in the cancer cells

• Absolute numbers of circulating cytotoxic T cells and Natural Killer cells, as well as killer cell activity 

An impressive study released earlier this year exemplifies LDN's potential anti-cancer effects, in this case to treat ovarian cancer. The study found:

• LDN administered for six hours every two days reduced DNA synthesis and cell replication in tissue culture.

• Exposure to LDN in combination with cancer drugs had enhanced anti-cancer action.

• Mice with established ovarian tumors treated with LDN had repressed tumor progression by reducing DNA synthesis and angiogenesis -- but not altering cell survival, indicating it is non-toxic.

• LDN combined with a chemotherapy drug, cisplatin, alleaviated the toxicity associated with cisplatin.

• LDN treatment upregulated the expression of the opioid growth factor, which is the only opioid peptide that tends to inhibit cell growth of ovarian cancer cells. 

Says Dr. Burton M. Berkson, MD, who has attested to achieving phenomenal results with low-dose naltrexone in both cancer patients and those with autoimmune diseases:

"It is difficult for many to believe that one drug can accomplish so many tasks. But LDN does not treat symptoms as most drugs do. It actually works way 'upstream' to modulate the basic mechanisms that result in the disease state."

Your Doctor Probably Doesn't Know About Low-Dose Naltrexone

LDN has been an FDA-approved drug for over two decades, conventionally used to treat drug- and alcohol addiction at doses of 50mg to 300mg. Much lower doses (3 to 4.5 mg) are used for LDN's immunomodulating properties as discussed above, but it has not yet been submitted for FDA approval at this low dose. None of the pharmaceutical giants back it, as at an average price of $15 to $40 for a month's supply, the income potential isn't very promising. 

This means there are no friendly sales reps visiting your doctor talking about the potential benefits of this drug in very low doses, and as a result very few physicians are aware of LDN. So, if your physician is not familiar with LDN, you will need to bring it up to him or her, or, alternatively, seek a health care provider who is already knowledgeable at using LDN as a form of treatment. There are a number of pharmacies and compounding pharmacies in the United States and Canada that are reliable sources of the compound in low-dose form.

CAUTION: Important LDN Points to Consider if You Use It

• Avoid slow-release (SR) or timed-release naltrexone. You want to be sure the LDN you receive is in unaltered form that allows you to receive the full dose quickly. Slow-release formulas may not give you the full therapeutic effects.

• Be aware of inactive fillers. Part of the LDN capsule will contain a "neutral" filler material. However, there is some evidence to suggest that calcium carbonate as a filler could interfere with the absorption of LDN. So to be on the safe side, avoid LDN capsules that contain calcium carbonate fillers.

Ideally, if you are interested in using LDN as a potential treatment consult with a knowledgeable health care practitioner who can guide your therapy and also help you find a reliable compounding pharmacy.

* Source:

Dr. Mercola is the founder of the world's most visited natural health web site, Mercola.com. You can learn the hazardous side effects of OTC Remedies by getting a FREE copy of his latest special report The Dangers of Over the Counter Remedies by going to his Report Page.

1. Low-Dose Naltrexone Reduces the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia" by Sean Mackey, et al., Apr 22, 2009. See also "Inexpensive drug naltrexone appears to relieve fibromyalgia pain in Stanford pilot study." 

2. A second, longer term fibromyalgia trial at Stanford by Mackey et al., was recently completed but is not yet published: See ClinicalTrials.gov listing for "Effects of Low Dose Naltrexone in Fibromyalgia." 

3. A clinical trial to characterize the "Role of the Endogenous Opioid System Underlying Modulation of Experimental Pain," employing naltrexone in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD), is currently (Dec 2011) recruiting participants at the University of Florida. 

MMP Vaccination That Blocks Inflammatory Response, Has Potential To Treat Crohn's Disease

Crohn's Disease, Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis are only a few autoimmune diseases that create an inflammatory response in the body when it is not necessary, which leads the immune system to attack the body's healthy tissue. This as we know, can result in terrible symptoms and damage to the tissue being attacked.
A group of researchers created a vaccination that would produce antibodies only against the MMP2 & MMP9 enzymes, the enzymes responsible for unnecessary inflammatory as seen in Crohn's patients. Could being immunized with this antibody be the answer to treat Crohn's Disease and other autoimmune conditions? Is this a safe solution?
Read below to read the article.

Vaccination Creates Antibody that Blocks Autoimmune Activity in Mice
ProHealth.com
December 28, 2011


The team is excited both by this ‘vaccination’ method's potential for treating Crohn’s disease in humans, but by its potential application in treatment of many other diseases as well.

After years of work on the problem, researchers at Israel’s Weizmann Institute believe they’ve found a way to “turn the tables” on autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. These disorders turn the immune system against the body's own tissues.

In an animal model of Crohn’s disease, Prof. Irit Sagi, PhD, and her research group have tricked the immune systems of mice into targeting a key villain in the autoimmune process - an enzyme known as MMP9 (a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family).

As outlined in their report, published Dec 25 by Nature Medicine, MMPs can cut through collagen and other support materials in the body. And, when working normally they are crucial for cellular mobilization, proliferation, wound healing, and other jobs. But when some members of the family – especially MMP9 – get out of control, they can "aid and abet" autoimmune disease and cancer metastasis.

The team therefore focused on finding ways to block these proteins in hopes of finding effective treatments for a number of diseases.

Originally, Dr. Sagi and others had designed synthetic drug molecules to directly target MMPs. But these drugs proved to be fairly crude tools that had extremely severe side effects.

• The body normally produces its own MMP inhibitors, known as TIMPs, as part of its tight regulation program for keeping these enzymes in line.

• But as opposed to the synthetic drugs, these natural inhibitors work in a highly selective manner.

• An arm on each TIMP is precisely constructed to reach into a cleft in the enzyme that shelters the active bit – a metal zinc ion surrounded by three histidine peptides – closing it off like a snug cork.

• “Unfortunately,” says Dr. Sagi, “it is quite difficult to reproduce this precision synthetically.”

Getting the Immune System to Create MMP-9 Antibodies

Then co-author Dr. Netta Sela-Passwell began working on an alternative approach as a student and later a PhD researcher in Dr. Sagi’s lab. She and Dr. Sagi decided that, rather than attempting to design a synthetic molecule to directly attack MMPs, they would try coaxing the immune system into targeting MMP-9 through immunization.

Just as immunization with a killed virus induces the immune system to create antibodies that then attack live viruses, an MMP immunization would trick the body into creating antibodies that block the enzyme at its active site.

Together with Prof. Abraham Shanzer of the Organic Chemistry Department, they created an artificial version of the metal zinc-histidine complex at the heart of the MMP9 active site. They then injected these small, synthetic molecules into mice and afterward checked the mice’s blood for signs of immune activity against the MMPs.

The antibodies they found, which they dubbed “metallobodies,” were similar but not identical to TIMPS, and a detailed analysis of their atomic structure suggested they work in a similar way – reaching into the enzyme’s cleft and blocking the active site.

The metallobodies were selective for just two members of the MMP family – MMP2 and 9 – and they bound tightly to both the mouse versions of these enzymes and the human ones.

As the team hoped, when they had induced an inflammatory condition that mimics Crohn's disease in mice, the symptoms were prevented when mice were treated with metallobodies. “We are excited not only by the potential of this method to treat Crohn’s,” says Dr. Sagi, but by the potential of using this approach to explore novel treatments for many other diseases.”

Yeda, the technology transfer arm of the Weizmann Institute, has applied for a patent for the synthetic immunization molecules as well as the generated metallobodies. Millions of autoimmune disease sufferers can only hope that human trials of this promising 'vaccination' concept will proceed soon.

Source: Based on Weizmann Institute News Release, Dec 26, 2011

More harm from Biologic Drugs, "The Best" New Drugs Out There (That's sarcasm people)

I found this article in my drafts section.  This is too important of an article to not publish. 

I believe there's probably a lot of actions that the FDA take that would surprise us if we knew about them.  I understand the gist of how the FDA works just by reading a handful or 2 of articles that are discouraging in regards to the drugs they choose to approve and the ones they choose not to approve.  

This article reminds me of an article I read about the drug Cymbalta.  During the trial stages, It wasn't just 1 case of death that ocured during the trial period.  It was FIVE 5.  The drug was approved by the FDA despite the deaths which were all suicides.  The FDA considered this drug to be safe for the treatment of depression/joint pain (i think too).  Here is an exert of an article about Cymbalta.

"Cymbalta has been associated with suicidal behavior since Traci Johnson, a healthy volunteer involved in a trial at Eli Lilly's clinic at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, killed herself in one of the clinics showers. Johnson, who did not suffer from depression, was taken off the drug and given a placebo four days before she hung herself in one of the clinic's showers on February 7, 2004. Johnson was the fifth patient to commit suicide after taking Cymbalta in clinical trials. After her death one-fifth of the volunteers have quit the Cymbalta trial."

This article and others that I have read discourage people and cause them to question the FDA's approval process for new drugs.  In my opinion, a drug that is considered safe, when infact there were 5 suicides that took place during the trial stage, should not be considered as "safe" and should have never been approved.  Makes you wonder what the FDA considers "not safe". Also makes people think about their motivation for approving the drugs they do.  Everyone that reads and keeps up to date on what's happening over there in the FDA shack, know and have caught on to them.  It's very obvious,  the FDA IS NOT making decisions and taking safety measures that are appropriate and done in a methodical way that is in the best interest of the people.   Read the following and if you don not know the reason by now, you will after reading this - 


"Cymbalta is an important drug for Eli Lilly, as some analysts believe its annual revenues can reach $3 billion by 2009. Cymbalta recorded $94 million in revenues in five months that it was on the market last year and $107 million the first three months of this year."                   It's no coincidence that when the patent for Effexor expired, Cymbalta was the new drug that Eli Lilly and pharm reps were pushing.  



Sadly, because of the FDA's federal position, citizens really don't have much power or say in the way they operate and make decisions.  so, our only choice as an informed and proactive member of society, is to naturally lose trust in good decision making and for us to do our OWN research before saying yes to a treatment.  It's your life that's on the line ... protect it.


Pfizer says patient died in oral RA drug study

(AP) – Apr 22, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) — Pfizer Inc. confirmed that one patient who was taking its drug candidate tofacitinib, a pill designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, died during a recent clinical trial and said the death was connected to the drug.

The world's largest drugmaker said the patient died of respiratory failure. Three other patients who were treated with tofacitinib during the study died as well, but those deaths were not determined to be drug-related. Two of those deaths occurred several weeks after the patients stopped taking tofacitinib. Tofacitinib, formerly called tasocitinib, is being tested as a treatment for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, usually of the hands and feet.

More than 1,000 patients have taken tofacitinib during clinical trials, and Pfizer said late Thursday that overall death rate for patients in those studies is similar to what has been observed in other biologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

The late-stage trial was called ORAL Sync. Pfizer said in March that tofacitinib met its main goals in the 792-patient study. The patients received either 5 or 10 milligrams of the drug twice per day. Some patients received a placebo. The trials involved patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have not been helped by an older class of drugs including methotrexate. Pfizer will present full results from the ORAL Sync trial on May 27 at a conference of the European League Against Rheumatism.

Earlier this month Pfizer said the drug met its goals in a separate late-stage trial.

Pfizer said the other deaths included a patient who died of acute heart failure, one death caused by brain injury following trauma, and one case of worsening rheumatoid arthritis. The brain injury death occurred 22 days after the patient stopped taking tofacitinib, and the patient who died of worsening rheumatoid arthritis had stopped taking tofacitinib six weeks earlier.

Analysts downplayed the report, saying the deaths are not unusual in studies of rheumatoid arthritis drugs. Credit Suisse analyst Catherine Arnold said the death rates in studies of tofacitinib are similar to approved therapies like Humira and Simponi, made by Abbott Laboratories and Johnson & Johnson, respectively. Arnold said that, according to Pfizer, there is some evidence the patient whose death was connected to tofacitinib had pre-existing lung disease. However the patient did not have a diagnosed lung disease.

Citi Investment Research analyst John Boris said investors were more likely to focus on the patient who died of acute heart failure. He said rheumatoid arthritis drugs like Humira, Simponi and Enbrel are restricted in patients with a heart failure because rheumatoid arthritis is linked to the disease and because there is evidence that those drugs can worsen congestive heart failure.

Boris said it's possible that drugs like tofacitinib have a similar effect. He still expects the drug will eventually be approved and reach $800 million in annual sales.

Humira, Simponi and Enbrel are all injectable drugs that work by suppressing an immune system cell called TNF-alpha, or tumor necrosis factor alpha. Tofacitinib blocks janus kinases, a type of enzyme that is involved in inflammatory diseases and other illnesses.

The most common side effects of treatment with the drug have included bronchitis, headache, infections, and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious side effects in a mid-stage trial included lower levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils, higher cholesterol levels, and increased creatinine levels.

Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Telemedicine - Outpatient Care for IBD Patients By Using A Computer - Trial Link & My Opinion

I came across this journal clinical trial and thought I'd post this, I've never heard of this and probably many people have never heard about it as well. It's called "Telemedicine" in which the IBD patient is able to communicate with their health care provider from afar by using something called "Collaborative Imaging", all done with the use of a computer and an internet connection. Check it out.

http://www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v106/n12/full/ajg2011329a.html


My thoughts on this.... It sounds awesome because you could easily follow up with your doctor during those times that we are ill and it's difficult to leave the house. Also, it's hard to find good doctors and some people (like myself) have to travel about 2 hours to see my doctor that I am thankful I have found. BUT it's a pain in my ass to have to drive that far. This method of interaction over the internet would allow both parties to communicate more easily, better adherence to following the protocol and alot less missed appointments. How many of us cancel those appointments because of the long drive and reschedule for another day... like when we aren't having a blizzard.

Helpful Site - Frequently Asked Questions About LDN Are Answered A+

I'm glad I came across this page of information that answers many questions and concerns pertaining to LDN (low dose naltrexone). It provides A lot of FAQ's and if your concern isn't on the list, you can submit a question to be answered.

From LDN Editor's Blog

It should be interesting to see how the FDA responds to the information they receive about LDN. Time will tell



LDN Editor's Blog:

'via Blog this'

Low Dose Naltrexone - How Can LDN Become More Easily Available In Our Country?

Very good read:
A discussion/debate posted by Nia Griffith (Llanelli, Labour). UK Article
The basic argument of this article touches on how to make a drug that has existed since the 1980's, deemed safe at 50mg, now being used at a low dose, between 1mg-4.5mg (obviously safe at .5 % - 3% of the 50mg dosage), with low to no side-effects,modestly priced and effective for the treatment of many disorders and diseases (some of these include but not limited to MS, Crohn's Disease, Lupus, AIDS, Cancer Ect.,)
The problem is that the FDA in the US and the administration of food & drugs in other countries have only approved naltrexone at the 50mg dosage; making it difficult to prescribe and only certain pharmacies, called compounding pharmacies, must be used to fill the prescription. The compounding pharmacy will be able to take the 50mg tablet to a 1mg, 3.5mg ect.
The other issues that exist with naltrexone, is that many doctors do not know the benefits of the low dose naltrexone (LDN) and how effective it is as a treatment for many conditions, which in my opinion is the worst barrier there is because of the lack of knowledge. Having zero knowledge about such a safe and effective drug that could be a possible treatment for so many difficult to treat diseases is disturbing.
THE ISSUE: HOW can this drug become more readily available so people can use this as treatment. It took me a long time to find a doctor to prescribe this to me. I first ordered naltrexone from India due to the lack of connections. In time and by joining discussion groups and forums, I was fortunate enough to find knowledgeable people that lead me to the appropriate people & doctors. In reality though, most people will not put in that amount of effort, they'll give up and lose hope or not even know what to do to get the necessary resources that will lead them to success with their goal ...... GETTING THAT LITTLE PILL - NALTREXONE!

First, I want to make it clear that this debate is not about fighting for a very new and expensive drug. Campaigns about drugs are often brought to the attention of Parliament because a patient is fighting to be allowed to have a new and expensive treatment on the NHS. Some of these new drugs are not just expensive because they are new; because of the complex processes required to make them, they will, in fact, often continue to be expensive to produce. Such situations raise dilemmas for decision makers as to how access to such drugs can be funded.

This debate is about a very different problem: making an existing drug that is modestly priced available for the treatment of a wider range of conditions. Clinical trials are needed to get full approval for the drug under discussion, but I ask the Minister to consider whether there is any possible way in which it could be made more widely available.

Sometimes patients are faced with unacceptable options for treatment and find themselves researching possible new treatments. That is usually a road that leads to disappointment, but occasionally something useful is stumbled upon, such as low dose naltrexone, or LDN. The problem is that it is what is called an “orphan drug”, which means its patent has expired, so if someone does research on it, a generic manufacturer can subsequently steal the business.
I understand that naltrexone is proved safe in its normal mode of use, and now has a clinical history of 11 years of use in the UK with no problems reported and only minor side effects. LDN is also very low cost, and can be used to treat many conditions that are both chronic and often very expensive to treat with more conventional remedies. Sometimes those more conventional remedies have severe side effects, which then have to be treated with more expensive drugs.
The purpose of this debate is to ask how a drug such as LDN could be made available to patients who ask for it. The most desirable route would be via clinical trials leading to marketing authorisation and then official acceptance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the NHS. A much cheaper and more immediately practical route is to recognise that LDN is a safe choice for patients without many of the risks of drugs currently in use. Doctors could therefore be given official advice not to deny it to patients who want it or wish to acquire it from pharmacists who make it as a “special” at a fair price. There could also be a mechanism for protecting doctors and allowing patients choice. At present, doctors are in a difficult position. If they prescribe anything that is not on an official list, they leave themselves open to criticism, as well as to being sued and possibly losing their right to practise.
The third route is to get it listed as an over-the-counter drug, such as aspirin or paracetamol. I understand that it is considered safer than paracetamol which is sold over the counter, so this might be a reasonable option that would make prescription very easy.

IBD Patients Using Immunosuppressants Have Increased Cancer Risk

A doctor who is considering treatment options for their patient who has any digestive disease or any disease that is believed to respond positively by a Biologic Drug/ Immunosuppressant, should take a close look at the genetic factors, person's current health state and family history before treating any person with these types of drugs. Let's take my situation to give you an idea about what I'm talking about.
My mother's side of the family has a genetic risk of cancer that has been seen in at least 2 generations. My grandmother had liver or colon cancer and died from the disease sometime in the 80's when she was around the age of 65. My mother, at the age of 39 was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer that spread like lightening through her body and she passed away by the age of 40. I was 16 at the time, but I believe from the time she found out she had cancer to the time she died, it was within a 6 month period. Any drug that kills my defenses against cancer and infections and viruses ect., is not the right drug for me. It doesn't take a genius to realize this. My fathers side has a history that I just learned about (thats why I am updating this) of cutaneous t-cell lymphoma....  Wait.... Isn't that the side effect that one taking a biologic is at risk of possibly getting.... That exact cancer... lymphoma?  Yes.
Anyone with knowledge about the risks that come with biologic drugs should do what's necessary to determine if this kind of treatment is the best option and SAFEST option for their patient. My doctor did have me try Remicade for a few months and I can't even tell you how I felt right after an infusion........ Dead ass drained. My hair fell out, I had absolutely no energy right after and a few days after the infusion. My point is that the drug was too strong for me, not a safe choice to treat my disease. The sad fact is that I'm sure I'm not the only person that this has happened to or is happening to.
With doing A LOT of research, searching, corresponding with people who also have Crohn's in forums, and being proactive and following my intuition, has led me to find one of the safest, cheapest and damn effective medications... 10X more effective than Remicade AND the beautiful thing about this drug - 0 ZERO side-effects... I haven't felt this good in 4 years and I can have a life again. I'm 100% happy with my choice to go on LDN and not fall into the intimidation of family/friends/doctors who didn't support my decision. When you do your part, which is research and talking with people that tried or use the medication, you now have that knowledge and NO ONE can steal that from you. You can take what these negative people say, and it will not influence your decision at all. You know the facts, you've done hours of reading (have they?) and you are confident that this is a medication that will be effective and safe to try. I'm glad I did go with my gut and give it a try. I haven't felt like this in a long time and I know for a fact that Remicade or Imuran would have gotten me to this place.
Be proactive and don't just take what your doctor says and trust him/her 100% until you do your part. It's your body & it's your life that will be effected by the things that go into your body. Do the research before saying "yes" to any treatment that is recommended. You'll learn a lot.


Click the link to read the article



PressTV - Bowel disease drug ups cancer risk


PressTV - Bowel disease drug ups cancer risk:

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Expert Acupuncturist - Educates about Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Improve IBD

Kathleen Albertson, L Ac, PhD in Holistic Nutrition, and author speaks at a Digestive Disease Center to discuss the benefits of uniting Western & Eastern medicine. I have received acupuncture only one time and it was very interesting and helped me. It feels as if the toxins are leaving your body.. The only way I can describe it,is that it feels like a flow of air moving upward toward your head from your feet. Pretty amazing & I'd like to have more sessions.

This part of the article is 100% true; the connection between stress and IBD.
She stated, "The brain and nervous system becomes imbalanced by stress and overacts on the stomach and digestive system. This creates a domino effect of problems from pain, and inflammation to immune issues. Integrating TCM as part of patient care reduces the side effects of western medications and in many cases resolves symptoms. TCM calms the nervous system affecting both physical and emotional health. We see better outcomes when patients integrate Western and Eastern protocols. TCM, also widely recognized for reducing stress, benefits many of the emotional components associated with bowel problems---emotions such as depression, shame, and anger. Even patients who have had surgical procedures feel better and many insurance companies now cover acupuncture treatments.

Click Link Below to Read Article.

Renowned Acupuncturist Speaks at Irritable Bowel Disease Patient Education Conference, UC, Irvine:

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Pretty cool article I came across. This was found on a NJ newspaper site, NJTODAY, but it talks about ArtWorks. The ArtWorks program, which is a creative and performing art program for children diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness that is designed to encourage expression and through arts.
What an amazing program! In my opinion, medical facilities should develop more therapeutic programs like this. Self expression has been something that has helped me release stress and anxiety immensely. A program like this would be beneficial to people of all ages.


Children Battling Chronic and Terminal Illnesses Are Recognized As Artists Instead Of Patients

MONTCLAIR – On Nov. 13, ArtWorks, The Naomi Cohain Foundation, will present its 9th annual Express Yourself-New Jersey event at the Montclair Art Museum sponsored by The Morty and Gloria Wolosoff Foundation and The Connors Group. Express Yourself is a creative and performing art exhibition that provides children and young adults suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and their siblings, with the open and loving forum to express themselves through the arts. In a safe environment, filled with families, friends, healthcare specialists and ArtWorks supporters, these children sing, dance, recite poetry, play instruments and stand proudly by their works of art.

Participants spend months preparing for the Express Yourself event which provides them with a much needed creative outlet and gives them something to look forward to and work towards, taking the focus away from the pain and sorrow of the illness. At Express Yourself-NJ 2011, over 116 artists and performers, ages 1-21, from 11 participating New Jersey healthcare agencies will display their creative masterpieces.

This year’s artwork will include 126 amazing paintings, drawings, and sculptures including a drawing by 13-year-old Lacey called “The Premonition” which she drew the night before she suffered an A.V.M on the left side of her brain. The face in her drawing has two distinct sides.

The show will also highlight over 20 performances featuring singing, dancing, readings, and instrumental compositions. This year, ArtWorks is pleased to welcome a new group performance by The Matheny Muses from Matheny Medical and Educational Center. In addition to artwork and performances by the inspiring participants, Express Yourself-NJ 2011 will also include art activities and refreshments for all attendees as well as gift bags and certificates of participation for all children and young adults who take part in the event.

Participating agencies in Express Yourself-NJ 2011 include:
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Goryeb Children’s Hospital at Morristown Memorial Hospital
Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center
Matheny Medical and Educational Center
Meaningful Movements
PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital
Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Saint Peter’s University Hospital
Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital
The University Hospital
The Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

To learn more about ArtWorks, visit http://www.artworksfoundation.org.


Read more: http://njtoday.net/2011/11/13/children-battling-chronic-and-terminal-illnesses-are-recognized-as-artists-instead-of-patients/#ixzz1djl4wXNG
WWW.NJTODAY.NET

Upcoming FREE Educational Event List- Topic: IBD - Role of Diet , Nutrition & Supplements

ANNOUNCEMENT

I thought this would be a helpful posting for people that are interested in nutrition/diet ect, in regards to their digestive disease. This was taken from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)home page. It lists the upcoming educational event schedule, and the great thing about these events is that they are FREE. Gotta love freebies and not much in life is, especially anything with beneficial value. All the programs/events are supported by grants


So, here's the list of events coming up across the US.


The number one request we receive from patients is for more information on diet and nutrition. We've heard you! We are pleased to announce a new, live CCFA patient education event that will take place in cities around the country. Nutrition & IBD: Choices for Adults and Kids, will answer the questions you have about the role of diet and nutrition in IBD.

Local physicians and dieticians will provide an in-depth overview of nutrition and IBD. Attendees will receive vital information that empowers them to discuss their disease, treatment choices, and nutritional needs with their health care provider. Topics will include:

Diets used by IBD patients
Eating well with IBD: the roles of diet, nutrition, and supplements
Tools and nutritional resources
This event is free, and open to all patients, family members, caregivers, and community members. We hope to see you there!

Upcoming Programs:

November 17: Little Rock, Arkansas

November 19: Charlotte, North Carolina

November 30: Norwich, Connecticut

December 12: Columbus, Ohio

January 12: Los Angeles, California

January 25: Tacoma, Washington



This program is supported by educational grants from:


More than 1.4 million Americans are currently living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). People of all ages, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with IBD. There are many effective treatments available, but it can be difficult to decide on the best approach.

Join other IBD patients and caregivers from your community, representatives from your local CCFA chapter, and a medical expert for Treatment Approaches in IBD: Options to Consider, a presentation and interactive question-and-answer session that will help you sort through treatment strategies. The following topics will be addressed:

Similarities and differences between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Risks and benefits of medication, surgery, and integrative treatments in IBD
Impact of treatment adherence on disease management and quality of life
Talking with your health care team about your treatment plan
This event is free, and open to all patients, family members, caregivers, and community members. We hope to see you there!

Fall 2011 Schedule:

November 16: New York, New York

November 30: Macon, Georgia

December 5: Downers Grove, Illinois

December 6: Towson, Maryland

December 10: Dallas, Texas


This program is supported by an educational grant from:


http://www.ccfa.org/info/localpatiented

Could Amount Of UV Light, Pollution & Vitamin D Levels Determine IBD Risk?

Isn't this an interesting article. I knew California was calling my name for a reason. lol


Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease have been linked to geographical differences between the northern and southern U.S., according to a new study.

Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Cases Show North-South Divide

Posted by Claire Shefchik on November 1, 2011 4:55 PM

"This differential risk may be explained by differences in UV light exposure, vitamin D status, or pollution," hospital researcher Dr. Hamed Khalili told Science Daily.

Investigators from Massachusetts General Hospital examined results from two studies of nurses enrolled in the U.S. Nurses Health Study I and II revealed a north-south divide in U.S. incidences of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

In a 4,209,454 person-year follow-up, the team confirmed 284 cases of Crohn's disease and 332 cases of ulcerative colitis. They found that where the women lived at age 30 was associated with incidences of the diseases. Women in the southern part of the U.S. had a 50 percent lower chance of Crohn's and a 35 percent lower chance of UC when compared to women in the northern latitudes. Researchers said further studies are needed to examine underlying genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.

The study was presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 76th Annual Scientific Meeting, Oct. 28-Nov. 2 in Washington, D.C.

Julia Schopick -Speaks about Low Dose Naltrexone *VIDEO*

Author of "Honest Medicine", Julia Schopick speaks briefly about LDN/Low Dose Naltrexone for severe diseases that often do not respond well to mainstream treatments. Short video that gives brief information about how LDN works and she speaks of the founder of LDN, Doctor Bihari.

In Julia's book, "Honest Medicine", she introduces four lifesaving treatments that have been effectively treating—and in some cases curing—people for 25-90 years. However, for reasons of profitability (or lack thereof), these treatments have not been universally accepted. The treatments are:

Low Dose Naltrexone for autoimmune diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease) HIV/AIDS and some cancers

The Ketogenic Diet for pediatric epilepsy

Intravenous alpha lipoic acid, for terminal liver disease and some cancers

Silverlon for non-healing wounds.

Julia Schopick's Site - http://www.honestmedicine.com

Surgeries & Procedures Associated with IBD - Defined

I wanted to post a list of medical terms associated with IBD that we should know about. I did not have full awareness of a lot of the surgeries and what they entail and I figured it would be helpful to make this a blog post. Hope this is helpful to some


anastomosis
pancolectomy
colectomy
colostomy
ileostomy
ileosigmoidostomy
ileoproctostomy
ileosigmoid knotting
ileovesicostomy
ileotransverse
colostomy
ileoileostomy
resection
laparoscopic-assisted resection
stoma
enterostomy
Kock pouch
endorectal pull-through procedure
colostomy bag
adhesion

Could RHB-104 Be The Cure For Crohn's Disease?? Very Hopeful Article

Wouldn't that be great!?? Actually curing the Crohn's!

Be encouraged and read this article, especially if you've been struggling with symptoms and just feeling blah because it's taking a toll on you. After reading this, you'll feel hopeful and optimistic about what's to come in the future and the advances that are in the making RIGHT NOW!

Even although the RHB-104 must undergo 2 years of clinical trials (US, Canada & Europe) before the drug can even be looked at by the FDA (our wonderful friends... that's sarcasm people), 2 years is nothing and will be here before we know it. Let's hope & pray that this medicine is found to be effective during the trial stage. If this RHB-104 is found to be successful, This would shed a whole new light on the disease and impact a huge population of people that suffer & struggle with Crohn's Disease everyday.

LOL is anyone else as giddy as me right now after reading that article?

Professor patents test for possible Crohn’s disease cure

The UCF Research Foundation has licensed a promising diagnostic test for the detection of the mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, also known as MAP, bacterium in humans to an international biopharmaceutical company that is developing a treatment for Crohn's disease.
The diagnostic technology is able to diagnose MAP infection in humans using DNA testing based on nested PCR molecular technology. MAP is present in roughly 50 percent of people who suffer from Crohn's disease and could be a leading cause of the disease.
Dr. Saleh Naser, a professor in the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Medicine, patented the diagnostic technology in 2009 with hopes of using it to help cure Crohn's disease patients who are positive for the MAP bacterium.
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract affecting about 700,000 people in the United States alone, with no cure.
"Our goal with this technology is to help speed the process of diagnosing, treating patients with the correct antibiotics and helping the patient begin remission as soon as possible," Naser said. "We want to see a change in these patients' lives."
Now that RedHill Biopharma Ltd., an emerging international biopharmaceutical company, has licensed Naser's diagnostic technology, Naser is closer to achieving his goal of diagnosing and treating Crohn's disease patients.
RedHill Biopharma Ltd. is currently developing an oral drug called RHB-104, which is intended to treat and possibly cure Crohn's patients with MAP bacterium, but without a way to detect MAP, the use of the drug has been limited. Partnered with the UCF Research Foundation, RedHill Biopharma Ltd. is able to use Naser's diagnostic test to detect MAP DNA in the patient's blood and finally allow physicians to prescribe RHB-104 to Crohn's disease patients.
"Our findings in our lab since 2000 is instrumental evidence showing that MAP is a significant part of this disease, and therefore the technology to detect such pathogens is extremely useful for diagnosis and ultimately treating this disease; and with that, our partnership with RedHill is sure to be valuable," Naser said.
Under the license agreement, in consideration for an exclusive license for all indications and medical applications, RedHill Biopharma Ltd. will pay UCF an upfront payment, as well as future net sales royalties of 7 percent to 20 percent.
Despite monetary advantages, Naser is most looking forward to putting his technology to use. RedHill Biopharma Ltd. is currently in discussion with Naser regarding the use of his technology to screen Crohn's patients for MAP infection to determine whether RHB-104 would serve as an effective treatment option in two parallel placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials, one in the U.S. and Canada, and one in Europe.
The trials will last two years and from there, if successful, Redhill Biopharma Ltd. will bring the data to the Food and Drug Administration for approval of RHB-104, and then Naser's technology and RHB-104 could possibly be readily accessible in local labs within five years.
If available to the public, patients will first get a blood sample taken at their doctor's office, which is then sent to a local lab where the blood's white blood cells are isolated and screened for DNA of the MAP pathogen. The information from the lab will be sent back to a doctor, who can then prescribe the patient with the either RHB-104 or an antibiotic to fit the patient's needs.
This is most hard-hitting for Naser, because he knows if these trials are successful, he could impact patients' lives.
"It is hard to establish the immense amount of phone calls and emails I receive from patients and their families who are desperate to be tested for this bacteria, because what is out there is not good enough and is not helping them beat this disease," Naser said. "For the first time, we might be talking about curing Crohn's disease and not just managing the disease; the patients know the difference."
For junior language arts and English education major Molly Taylor, that difference could change her life.
Taylor has suffered from Crohn's disease for seven years, first being diagnosed in her freshman year of high school. The diagnosis forced her to quit cheerleading as she became very sick with treatment. She dropped down to weighing 85 pounds, and soon she could not even go to school; instead, she had to take online classes for a year.
After going through invasive diagnostic procedures, trying five different treatment methods and now giving herself shots every week, Taylor is thrilled about this new discovery.
"The diagnosis process has been really hard and very invasive, but this sounds like a less invasive test. Blood samples are like nothing for Crohn's patients," Taylor said. "And to have found a cure for this would be the most amazing news for me. It is hard to face a disease daily that you know is never going to go away, especially when you first find out at 15."
For research assistant Sammer Elwasila, who has been working alongside Naser since 2006, this new technology means a new beginning for Crohn's patients like Taylor, and he is excited for the chance to make a difference in people's everyday life before it is too late.
"With this technology, we hope to accomplish a clinical test that a physician can order on the spot, and that can identify and diagnose Crohn's disease patients as quickly as possible, before the damage is done," Elwasila said.

Hyperbaric Oxygen - New Trend That Is Said To Treat Chronic Illnesses

Good article. I deal with the exact frustration that this article discusses. I am now seeing a naturopathic physician as well as my GI doctor and I must say, I am FINALLY beginning to get this disease under control. I'm very thankful to have found an integrated physician that is so good and has the knowledge she does about my condition.
The information about the Hyperbaric Oxygen is quite interesting. I'd like to read more literature about this treatment that discusses how effective it is. Interesting Info.


Hyperbaric oxygen infuses life, treats chronic illness

As the health care crisis mounts in the United States, the average American is not only getting older, but likely sicker as well. Many Americans feel they are not receiving adequate treatment from their primary care physicians and are now seeking out alternative or integrative practitioners, like naturopathic physicians. These same folks are not only searching for these "outside the box" thinkers more, but they are paying more out-of-pocket expense to figure out the root cause of their health concerns.
Naturopathic physicians devote more time to helping their patients and they use natural therapies to treat the same ailments for which many physicians don't have an answer. These therapies include: clinical nutrition and nutritional supplementation, natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, acupuncture, intravenous vitamin and mineral infusions.
One modality that has generated quite a bit of buzz in the news lately is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, patients lay inside an inflatable chamber that resembles a large sleeping bag.
Inside the chamber, ambient air is pressurized and the oxygen that is contained within that air is forced into a patient's lungs, tissues and down to the cellular level.
It has been shown that absorption of oxygen increases anywhere from around 20 percent while we are just sitting in open air to up to 50 percent in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
Oxygen is carried throughout the bloodstream, and in and of itself is healing. Because HBOT is able to increase circulation of blood throughout the body, more blood and oxygen delivered to body tissues and cells translates to more healing. HBOT has been used for years to help heal wounds, infections, and to recover from all different types of surgery.
It has also been shown to affect the gastrointestinal tract, healing imbalances like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disorder.
Because the brain is the organ in the body that uses the most oxygen, many disorders associated with cognitive decline can be reversed or prevented using HBOT. These include: autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, stroke, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Other conditions that can be treated using HBOT include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, Lyme disease, and virtually any pain syndrome.
With our increasingly busy lives, many of us forget to take the time to just slow down and smell the roses. Even without the conditions mentioned above, this therapy can be great to not only help prevent illnesses from occurring, but is also a great way to relax and have oxygen infused into our brains, tissues and cells. In doing so, this can increase our vitality, energy and mental clarity.
• Ahwatukee Foothills' Dr. Matthew Cavaiola is a licensed naturopathic physician and acupuncturist, who treats a variety of conditions and illnesses associated with the aging process. Reach him at (602) 432-2900 or visit www.phoenixantiagingclinic.com.

Colitis -The Different Types of The Disease

Hey people :)
I wanted to post this about Colitis because there are so many different types, and could be confusing to distinguish the differences of each disease. Here they are. I've also provided the link at the end of each type for more info if you want to read more about the condition.

Pseudomembranous colitis is inflammation of the colon that occurs in some people who have received antibiotics. Pseudomembranous colitis is sometimes called antibiotic-associated colitis or C. difficile colitis.

The inflammation in pseudomembranous colitis is almost always associated with an overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), although in rare cases, other organisms can be involved.

Pseudomembranous colitis can cause you to experience painful, alarming symptoms and can even become life-threatening. However, treatment for most cases of pseudomembranous colitis is successful. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pseudomembranous-colitis/DS00797

Ischemic colitis is a disorder that develops when blood flow to a part of your large intestine (colon) is reduced. This can lead to areas of colon inflammation and, in some cases, permanent colon damage.

Ischemic colitis can affect any part of your colon, but most affected people develop pain on the left side of the abdomen. Urgent bowel movements and bloody diarrhea also are common to ischemic colitis.

Most cases of ischemic colitis are mild and resolve on their own in a couple of days. Still, because the condition can become severe, call your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of ischemic colitis.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ischemic-colitis/DS00794

Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation in part of your digestive tract.

Like Crohn's disease, another common IBD, ulcerative colitis can be debilitating and sometimes can lead to life-threatening complications. Because ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly.

Ulcerative colitis usually affects only the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. It occurs only through continuous stretches of your colon, unlike Crohn's disease, which occurs anywhere in the digestive tract and often spreads deeply into the affected tissues.

There's no known cure for ulcerative colitis, but therapies are available that may dramatically reduce the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis and even bring about a long-term remission.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS BASED ON LOCATION

Ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. For these reasons, doctors often classify ulcerative colitis according to its location.

Here are the signs and symptoms that may accompany ulcerative colitis, depending on its classification:

Ulcerative proctitis. In this form of ulcerative colitis, inflammation is confined to the area closest to the anus (rectum), and for some people, rectal bleeding may be the only sign of the disease. Others may have rectal pain and a feeling of urgency. This form of ulcerative colitis tends to be the mildest.
Proctosigmoiditis. This form involves the rectum and the lower end of the colon, known as the sigmoid colon. Bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and an inability to move the bowels in spite of the urge to do so (tenesmus) are common problems associated with this form of the disease.
Left-sided colitis. As the name suggests, inflammation extends from the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending colon, which are located in the upper left part of the abdomen. Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain on the left side, and unintended weight loss.
Pancolitis. Affecting more than the left colon and often the entire colon, pancolitis causes bouts of bloody diarrhea that may be severe, abdominal cramps and pain, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
Fulminant colitis. This rare, life-threatening form of colitis affects the entire colon and causes severe pain, profuse diarrhea and, sometimes, dehydration and shock. People with fulminant colitis are at risk of serious complications, including colon rupture and toxic megacolon, a condition that causes the colon to rapidly expand.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598/DSECTION=symptoms

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

Ahhhhhhhh!!! I HAVE Crohn's Disease!!: Still alive & Happy Fall!

Ahhhhhhhh!!! I HAVE Crohn's Disease!!: Still alive & Happy Fall!: I haven't posted anything in a while since I have been super busy. I've been packing, cleaning, moving and now I'm finally done and can get...

Still alive & Happy Fall!

I haven't posted anything in a while since I have been super busy. I've been packing, cleaning, moving and now I'm finally done and can get back to a normal routine again. Man, time flys! It's fall already people, which isn't a bad season however, winter will be here before we know it and let's hope it goes as fast as it comes. Winter always seems to drag and take forever to end. I think that by March or maybe February, I'll be craving a vaca somewhere tropical. I need some white sand and crystal blue water somewhere HOT!
I've started on the LDN again. It's been about a week and a half since I've been taking it and I'm feeling okay - Not bad, but not unusually good either. I'll be posting to give an update about how I'm feeling on the naltrexone. If anyone has Crohn's or a digestive disease and is treating the condition with Low Dose Naltrexone, feel free to share your experience.
I'm off ...............

Remembering September 11, 2001