Warning: Long and Non-photography related

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/27/2006 06:37:14 PM · #1

I want to share something in case there's anyone else out there who is going through what I have:

I've been afflicted my whole life with a mysterious ailment that has often been debilitating. Some of my symptoms included chest pain, lightheadedness and dizziness, extreme fatigue, frequent urination, night sweats, the shakes (especially with hunger), lack of concentration, memory problems and, most troubling, the common occurrence of a blind spot in my vision (this usually preceded or coincided with my bowels and bladder also going haywire). The blind spot would eventually disappear with the consumption of cranberry juice and food.

My blood has been tested so many times that my three best veins have collapsed. I am not diabetic and nothing else showed up, except mild anemia. The doctors weren't even concerned about the fact that I often suffered partial, temporary, vision loss to what I later learned is called a "scotoma" or "optical migraine".

Not too long ago I thought I'd had a stroke and found myself in an acute care clinic; where I learned that it was only a seizure. The doctor told me that he suspected Hypoglycemia. He also has it and experiences the same symptoms, including the blind spot. I was told to avoid alcohol, caffeine and processed sugars while eating lots of fruit and many small meals throughout the day. I was able to do this with some success, but I still felt like I was fighting a constant battle with ups and downs. Nights were the worst. I'd wake up in a cold sweat and have to eat something before I could get back to sleep. Still I'd awaken in the morning with the blind spot threatening and a painful, gnawing hunger nagging at my stomach. I was also stiff and sore. No level of natural sugar prevented the crashing.

On a side note: I have also developed Dupuytren's and Ledderhose Disease in my hand and foot, respectively. This has manifested itself in the form of painful nodules in my connective tissue, and is suspected to have a link to diabetes.

I began researching low-carb dieting (which helped me lose weight in the past). It has been said to help hypoglycemia and epilepsy, too. I found out about the Ketogenic diet, which is even stricter. I was sure this was dangerous until I began researching how the body deals with glycogen and breaking down fat cells. I've felt so miserable for so long, I decided to give it a try.

I've been doing it for a week and can't believe the difference. ALL of my symptoms have disappeared! This is no exaggeration. I've been a little drowsy in the afternoons, but it's nothing compared to the caffeine withdrawal I've experienced in the past. I can't recall ever feeling this good. My appetite has diminished dramatically and I have experienced none of the previous symptoms associated with hunger. Now, I have to remind myself that it's time to eat. The lumps in my hand and foot have also shrunken to the point of being almost gone.

I started this thread in case there is someone out there suffering from hypoglycemia, epilepsy or Dupuytren's Disease and looking for a possible solution to their misery. Ketogenic dieting might be worth a look.

Message edited by author 2006-05-27 22:23:26.

amandalore

Canon EOS-40D

05/27/2006 06:54:39 PM · #2

wow, I'm so glad you found something that helps, that must be such a relief! I'm sure that anyone with same symptoms who reads this thread will sure appreciate it, and be thankful that you posted.

(of course, now you will have even more time for photography, right?) :)

edited: spelling

Message edited by author 2006-05-27 18:55:49.

colyla

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II

05/27/2006 07:59:56 PM · #3

Could be kind of like that disease that doctors check for in infants? They prick their heels soon after birth to see if they have this defect? (I'm doing a no-brainer on the exact name) But if the infant has it they have to go on a super strict diet for the rest of their lives. It has something to do with their bodies not being able to process certain foods (I'm thinking carbs, but not sure). I'll go see if I can find the name of it on the net....

Edit to Add: Found it....PKU test

Message edited by author 2006-05-27 20:03:10.

oOWonderBreadOo

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

05/27/2006 08:11:08 PM · #4

wow- you have no idea how glad you posted this. did you start it on your own or are you working with someone? how strict are you following it? I can't seem to find anything concrete on the web about what one should be eating. do you have any decent links???

This makes so much sense to me- I was just diagnosed hypoglycemic about two months ago. My Dr. said it happens a lot to thin people because they don't have the body fat to compensate but I'm still getting lightheaded and this just seems right. Any more information you have would be awesome!

yakatme

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

05/27/2006 08:52:13 PM · #5

Wow, I am shocked to hear of your condition! So many times I follow your posts unaware of what you are going through.

I'm very happy that you have found some relief.

Now, I just might have to give you my recipe for rib eye steak.

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

05/27/2006 09:35:02 PM · #6

The doctor told me that there isn't a real test for hypoglycemia. Some use a glucose tolerance test, but I've read some bad stuff about it; and it's not necessarily accurate.

Amanda: Thanks. Yes I have more time now. However work is picking up a lot; so I may actually have less time for photography. The good news is that I feel so much better and am more able to focus!

Colette: I'm not sure which disease they prick a baby's foot for. I think it's a missing enzyme or something? I'm told that Hypoglycemia doesn't show up in blood tests. I still don't know everything about my condition, but enzymes may play a part. I've never been able to do onions, garlic or any relative without stomach distress.

Laura: I started on my own. I recommend getting a book and/or working with a dietician. Honestly, the diet is very specific; and I'm probably not doing it perfectly yet. The best thing to do is google Ketogenic Diet and Ketosis. I bought some Ketone test strips, at the drug store, to test my urine for ketones (that means it's working). Let me tell you that it's really hard. You have to cut out almost everything fun! My taste buds are so bored; but I feel so much better. BTW, they say Aspartame can cause the same response as sugar in some hypoglycemics. MSG is also bad. I've inserted a link about a natural sweetener called stevia. Definitely worth the read.

Robert: Thanks! It sucks, but it's nothing compared to what some people are going through. I'm just thrilled that I found some help. Gotta' have that recipe. Steak is my favorite!

Edit to add some links:
Protien Power book
The Ketogenic Diet book
Good Link
A test done on rats
About Stevia

Message edited by author 2006-10-06 17:15:48.

NathanWert

Canon EOS-90D

05/27/2006 10:53:01 PM · #7

I too have Hypoglycemia, Except I don't expreince anything near like you do. The most I get is a sudden and complete breakdown of energy. I can feel it in my body and if I don't eat something really darn quick I pass out. Generally, I watch what I eat enough (without following a diet) that I'm okay.

One of the big concerns with it is that you may convert and become diabetic. You might want to purchase a blood sugar test kit and check it on a regular basis.

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

05/27/2006 10:57:04 PM · #8

Originally posted by NathanW:

That's great advice, Nathan. I've been considering this; and will probably do it very soon. Diabetes runs in my father's side of the family; and my mother is hypoglycemic.

CEJ

Canon EOS-40D

05/27/2006 11:10:45 PM · #9

I certainly hope that you have found THE road to recovery or at least remission from your symptoms. Had no idea and hope that you can stay well and focused with this new path. Stay well, best wishes and I will continue to send good karma your way. Nothing but good thoughts your way Roxanne!

Message edited by author 2006-05-27 23:11:58.

05/27/2006 11:15:04 PM · #10

Thanks for the karma and good thoughts, Chris! Now I feel even better than I did a few minutes ago:)