Last week, I was having some trouble falling asleep a couple nights (my long covid flareups strike any time of day or night) so I got on my tablet to do some more reading on nicotine patch therapy.
(I bought them back in June, used them for a few days, didn't like their effect on me. Maybe I didn't give them enough time.) But the recent articles and videos I was seeing weren't very hopeful. More and more users and doctors were saying they did NOT help with chronic LC issues; the nicotine was only serving as a distraction, a mild stimulant. Now what?
That's when I began noticing more and more articles & videos about something called "Low Dose Naltrexone", or LDN for short.
What is LDN? It's typically prescribed in much larger amounts, 50mg pills to combat opioid and alcohol addiction. But some years back, medical professionals began noticing that much smaller doses, typically 1.5 to 4.5 millograms, were helping some people with chronic diseases like fibromylgia and MS, and others with chronic fatigue, brain fog, nerve pain, and inflammation.
But most pharmacies only carry it in 50mg form, so if you want to try micro-dosing, you need to get the pills from a compounding pharmacy. You'll also need a doctor's prescription.
I found both a doctor and special pharmacy online (at 3am!) and had to fill out a lengthy medical profile. A couple days later I got a call from Dr. Ira Shika that she was approving my prescription.
I just got the pills in the mail Monday afternoon. It was $105.00 for a 3 month supply if you take 0.5 mg a day. I'm expected to increase my dosage by 0.5 every 2 weeks until I reach 4.5 mg daily, so this could get expensive. Also, you're not expected to see results anytime soon, not for a couple months. But right now I'm willing to try anything to reduce these LC symptoms.
What have I got to lose besides a few bucks, right? Wish me luck...
Other than the side effects of your toenails falling off, nose hair growing @ 3x, and pinky fingers rotating 60 degrees, it sounds promising!
ReplyDeleteHa! Just kidding! Never heard of it, but I’m curious to see how it works from you! Wasn’t there a hypo-spray available? ;-)
Jase I wasn't in the mood to laugh but you made me anyway! And OH how I wish for a 23rd century hypospray! ☺️
DeleteWith laughter being the best medicine, I’m glad you got a chuckle! I long for a hypo-spray every time I have to open a pill that is sealed on one of those blister pack cards. Sometimes even with the scissors it’s an Olympic feat! With how far behind this country is with healthcare, I don’t think we will be seeing any of those fancy tools McCoy used during our lifetime! 😏
DeleteSadly, I agree Jase. Hope you're hanging in there my friend.
DeleteDug, I'm glad you found something that might 'possibly' help. You didn't mention any side effects... but I'm sure you checked those out. And have you mentioned this new drug to your regular doctor? You almost made me laugh when you said, "what have I got to lose but a few bucks..." as when I mentioned to my daughter that certain procedures are expensive and at my age do I want to waste the money... I could die any day." she said, "Mom, if you die, you really won't notice the waste... so, why care?" (She has a point). ; )
ReplyDeleteThank you Rian, and I like what your daughter said, she's a smart person and takes after her mom. :^) I did glance over the side effects, but didn't read them too carefully as they made me nervous. I didn't tell my PCP about this drug yet, I haven't even spoken to him in a year. But I'm planning to take such small doses, I doubt there's any risk involved. (And I did check to ensure it wouldn't collide with my BP meds.)
DeleteOkay, not contradicting your bp meds is good. I do wish you had mentioned it to your doctor. And I do wish it was easier and cheaper to get doctor appointments. But meanwhile - ANYTHING that could help make your life better with LC - well I have my fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteThank you Miss Merry, your feedback is always thoughtful and appreciated.
DeleteOh, fingers crossed for you, Doug@
ReplyDeleteThank you Debby, it is much appreciated. :^)
Delete🍀🤞🏻🧧 Kimba🌻
ReplyDeleteThank you Kimba, I hope we can talk again soon :^)
DeleteI hope they help! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer, much appreciated! 🙂
DeleteHi Doug. I am so hopeful for you! You are so smart to continue your research into this debilitating chronic condition. Your positive attitude is sure to support your journey to continued healing.
ReplyDeleteI did a little online research into LDN, and it looks promising. The other thing that comes to my mind is that the science/medical community realizes the need to research this further. So many people are impacted by this. I'm wishing you all the best; we're all rooting for you.
Carole
Thank you Carole, and for looking into it a little too. I'll take all the encouragement I can get. 🙂
DeleteGood luck, Doug.
ReplyDeleteSteve from Toronto
Steve, thank you my friend. 🙂
DeleteI'll add my best wishes that this medication will help relieve, at least, the symptoms of Long Covid. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you Maebeme, it means a lot. 🧡
DeleteDoug, I hope this medication helps! You deserve some relief from this darn Long Covid.❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you Robin. Hope all is well with you. 🤎
DeleteHope LDnaltrexone gives you relief with no complications. Also hope you can find a good gp/internist/gerontologist. It is so hard, but so necessary. Remember to find one who won’t retire while you still need them! Easier said than done… Olivia
ReplyDeleteThanks Olivia, I have a new GP I'll be meeting in a month when my Medicare begins, I hope to get some recommendations from him.
DeleteIt's your life, and I know you are desperate, and desperate times call for desperate measures. But this is desperate to the inth degree. You are taking your health and putting it in great peril. But, it is your health and your life. Who do you have who will keep a check on your health conditions should this all go awry?
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your concern dkzody, I don't hold out a lot of hope for the LDN, but it doesn't carry a lot of risks either. I'm afraid I don't really have anyone to keep a lookout for me, but I am okay with that.
DeleteI hope it helps! I too would try many things to maybe find something that would work. We never know unless we remain open to possible solutions.
ReplyDeleteMuch agreed, thank you my friend 🧡
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