My Neuro Believes Me, and timelines are good!

[Sandpuff]

I am so happy right now!  My neurologist called last night at 6:30 just to let me know that he hasn't been able to discuss my case with the doctor from Mayo because the guy is out until Nov. 19th.  This is the second time my neuro has called even though he doesn't have anything to report.  Last night he asked me how I was doing.  I told him I had been feeling really bad until yesterday when I decided to try Rhodiola Rosea after reading about it in a magazine.  (I am not an "herb person" at all but I was desperate.)  Within an hour I had energy to do things, energy to talk to people and just felt good for the first time in several months.  I was so happy!  

I told him this and he sounded very happy for me and said, "OK, let's try this.  You take the Rhodiola for a week and call me Friday and let me know how you're doing.  I still want to discuss your 9-year report (my timeline) with Dr. Ahlskog (Mayo Neuro).  I don't want to put you through thousands of dollars of testing or put you through the IV steroids if we don't have to."

When he mentioned my timeline I said maybe it was psychotic of me to type that up and bring it and he laughed and said not at all, so I was very thankful for the advice of Quix and others so that I had the courage to take that to him.  So for those of you that are questioning whether you should do that or not, there are at least some doctors out there who appreciate them.  I tried to keep mine completely to the point with no adjectives or attempts at humor.

I was giddy after I talked to him and got the giggles when I was talking to my husband (maybe the rhodiola made me feel a little too good!)  I can't remember the last time I laughed.  I am so relieved to be treated like I'm not making this stuff up.  I've never had a doctor call me just to see how I was doing and to let me know that he had nothing to report!  This guy has done it twice.  I was frustrated after my office visit with him because I felt like he didn't take enough time, but he's making up for it I think.

Has anyone else taken Rhodiola?  All I know is I felt great after taking it yesterday.  I still have my usual symptoms but it really lifted the fatigue and I could move around faster.  I don't know much about it so I'm not saying anyone else should try it, but I think it's worth looking into.  

[needanswers54]

Hurray and Kudos to you for your courage and fortitude.  Let us know how you make out.  Did the Rhodiola Rosea help you in other ways than extra energy (which is a substantial help in itself).  How much did you take, etc.?

[Sandpuff]

I think I should say that I am very skeptical of any drug/herb/supplement and I don't know how rhodiola works or anything so I'm not trying to push it at all.  I am also not diagnosed with ms and so for those who are I would definitely run it by your doctor first.  I think it has a stimulant effect.

That said, boy I feel good!  I don't feel jittery or nervous at all but I am moving around the house faster than I have for months, or maybe even for a year.  It might possibly be making my myoclonus worse but I'm not sure and I don't care.  If I have energy to live I'm happy.  I took 1 250 mg capsule yesterday and one this morning.  I don't feel any ill side effects from it.  I decided to try this because I was starting to get depressed but antidepressants do terrible things to me and I just didn't want to try taking them again.  A couple months ago I read an article in Bottom Line Health (which I feel has reliable info) and it was talking about natural things you could use that work as well as prescription meds or something like that.  

I have never used herbs, can't even commit to taking a multi vitamin, but I was desperate.  We'll see if it keeps this effect or if I notice some bad side effects down the road, but what I've read on it sounds pretty good.

As far as how it affects me other than the energy, I guess I just feel better mentally.  I haven't really been super depressed but I was getting discouraged and down because of how I felt phyisically.  So my mood improvement could be just because I have energy, or because of my good conversation with my doctor last night.  I think it is supposed to help with stress and depression.  But I don't believe everything I read about it because I think companies try to hype these things up and sell them as a cure-all.  

I guess I'll be the lab rat here and if a horn grows out of my head or something from taking this, I'll be sure to let everyone know!

[mikemolly]

I'm so glad the timeline worked so well for you! My doctor thanked me for mine- thought it was great.

Thanks for writing about Rhodiola...I've never used herbal supplements so it's helpful to hear about your experiences. If you grow a horn...can you post a picture?  :)

Take care,
Bethany

[monotreme]

Rhodiola is a special herb called an adaptogen.  It works by balancing out the body.  It is very good for energy too.  It has helped my fatigue greatly.
Craig

[kitten o]

I WAS LOOKING FOR A NATURAL WAY FOR HELPING MY FAGTIUE.
I WILL RUN IT BY MY DR.   KITT

[Super_sally888]

Thanks for this.

Where do you buy Rhodiola?  In a health food store?

S

[Sandpuff]

I bought it at a health food store.  It doesn't seem to be in any of the supermarkets yet (at least around here).  It was $18 for 60 capsules, and I take one a day.  I'm sure you could buy it online, too.  

Bethany - you make me laugh!  I'll be sure to post a picture if any unusual growths appear :)

Craig - How long have you been taking it and how much do you take?

Michelle

[monotreme]

I used to take a special blend of Rhodiola and Ginseng called "Adrenal Essence" which you can only buy off the internet.  You could google it.  Now I take rhodiola by "New Chapter" brand.  I am out right now but I am getting more tomorrow and will post the amount for you. The "New Chapter" brand uses all organic herbs and they grow the herbs themselves.   I will just add to this post.  Rhodiola is a very good adaptogen.  My wife is a nurse and has studied herbs.  Ginseng also helps me.  I will get back to you on Thursday.  Bye for now.
Also, if you can afford it and have a certified reflexologist near you, I highly recommend reflexology sessions.  After I get them, my legs actually don't feel like I am wearing ankle weights.
Craig