I've had some ups and downs with trying to get the right dose of the 5-HTP. The last two days I woke up very fatigued, jittery and moody. I wound up reached out to Dr. C this morning because I just didn't like how I felt.
I explained to him all that I've been following everything he told me to do, and the only think I can contribute my pain and fatigue to is that I've been pushing myself and doing much more than I have since 4-6 weeks ago {when things were really bad}.
Dr. C told me that the jitteryness is a good sign. It's showing him that my serotonin levels are getting filled up. He refers to it as "filling up the gas tank". I need to cut the 5-HTP back from 700mg to 500mg. So, I'll do that.
He further stated that we need to pursue me seeing a neurologist. I will see him on Wednesday at my next appointment. We'll talk more about that when I see him.
Dr. C stated that stress will never improve fibromyalgia. He said that we also need to talk about me relaxing and destressing; he said I need to "work on a lifestyle of relaxation".
Dr. C suggested starting with Epsom salt baths. Epsom salt contains tons of magnesium which is both healing and relaxing, and great for headaches. I told him that I would go out and buy some and try that tonight.
His response was, "Yes...but take time for you in the tub, and soak it up, chill out!!!!!!!!"
This made me laugh. It seems as though he's getting to know me since he felt the need to stress that I need to "chill out"!
After that, he said, "We have to work on two hours a day of destressing for you."
What?!? Two hours a day?!? Maybe he doesn't really know me at all!
My response was, "Two hours?!? I'm looking forward to hearing your suggestions because based on my commitments and responsibilities that seems near impossible to me right now. But, I'm open to anything...& have told you from the beginning that you just tell me what to do & I'll do it. I trust you & have faith in this process."
To which, his simple reply was, "We will chat."
I see him on Wednesday, and am looking forward to that chat.
I did take his advice, and bought the Epsom salt. I sat in the tub for 20-30 minutes and read. Can't remember the last time I've done something like that. I've been in a semi-coma since.
I'm doing everything Dr. C has told me to do, and I will continue to do everything he tells me to do.
I have faith in this process...and faith in the One {Jesus} who led me to this process.
H.O.P.E. = Hold On Pain Ends!
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