LDN Video Interviews and Presentations

Debbie's Journey: Managing Chronic Pain with Low Dose Naltrexone

Today, we had the opportunity to hear Debbie's Chronic Pain story, a patient from the United States who is using  Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Debbie recounted going back to when she was seven years old and suffered a knee injury, leading to a series of medical interventions. Despite numerous surgical procedures, the chronic pain persisted, and she endured multiple operations without finding relief.

Eventually, Debbie was diagnosed with CRPS, marking the beginning of her battle with persistent pain. In her treatment process, Debbie started LDN with an initial dose of 1 milligram, which later required adjustment due to stomach-related issues. After starting on a lower dose and gradually increasing, Debbie noted an improvement in her condition. It took approximately six months for her to fully appreciate the benefits of LDN, which has helped manage her pain levels, albeit not without fluctuations.

Debbie's account emphasizes the potential efficacy of LDN in alleviating chronic pain, and her testimonial underscores the importance of individualized dosing and gradual titration to mitigate adverse effects. This insight highlights the significance of personalized treatment strategies in managing chronic pain. Overall, Debbie's experience serves as a valuable anecdote for healthcare professionals and patients alike, shedding light on the complexities of chronic pain management and the promising role of LDN.

Sara, shared her experience dealing with various health issues, including hypermobility, MCAS, CCI, endometriosis, and tethered cord. She explained that CCI affects the alignment of her skull and spine, causing pain and affecting her cranial nerves. Tethered cord, a newer diagnosis, is scheduled for surgery to release the condition in July. Sara has experienced symptoms since childhood, including dizziness, hand discoloration, and migraines. Her daily life is unpredictable, with varying levels of pain and difficulty recovering from injuries. Additionally, she has had allergic reactions without a clear cause. Despite the challenges, she remains resilient, working as a special education teacher and managing her health as best as she can. 

Living with MCAS and POTS: Sarah's Journey of Diagnosis and Management

The LDN radio show, hosted by Linda Elsegood, featured guest speaker Sarah from the US, who shared her experience of living with MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Sarah discussed her diagnosis of MCAS and how her symptoms became severe at the age of 29, possibly triggered by exposure to pesticides. She also mentioned experiencing allergies, rashes, and sinus infections since childhood, indicating early signs of her condition. Sarah emphasized the importance of dietary changes and finding a supportive doctor who recommended supplements to help manage her condition.

Micaela  from the US shared her journey of dealing with a complex health collapse. She experienced intense and painful symptoms affecting various body systems, leading to a mysterious and isolating experience. After several years of medical examinations, she was diagnosed with mold toxicity, chronic neurological Lyme disease, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Micaela’s treatment involved addressing mold exposure, tickborne infections, and managing MCAS symptoms, such as severe histamine reactions and food sensitivities. She found relief through a histamine-conscious diet, regulating her autonomic nervous system, and taking low-dose naltrexone. By addressing the root causes and stabilizing her immune system, Micaela experienced significant improvement in her health. She also emphasized the role of the autonomic nervous system in modulating immune responses and overall health. 

Mieke from Canada shares her personal experience with LDN in treating her health issues, including EDS, POTS, and MCAS. Mieke describes her symptoms, the impact on her daily life, and the positive effects of LDN in alleviating some of her symptoms, including chronic nightmares. 

 Judith, hailing from the United States, delved into the intricacies of navigating familial medical challenges associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). She candidly shared her personal journey of grappling with joint pain and instability stemming from EDS, while also shedding light on the diverse array of symptoms experienced by her children, including gastrointestinal issues, scoliosis, mast cell problems, and POTS. Of particular note were the severe manifestations experienced by Judith's middle child, encompassing convulsive syncope and migraines. Overcoming the hurdles of obtaining accurate diagnoses, Judith sought solace in the expertise of specialists, subsequently finding some respite through a combination of tailored medications and therapeutic interventions.

Dixie, shares her experiences living with multiple chronic conditions, including MCAS and EDS. She discusses her struggles with various symptoms, such as food sensitivities, skin rashes, environmental allergies, headaches, gut issues, and fatigue. Dixie also reflects on the challenges of getting accurate diagnoses and managing her complex symptoms. Overall, the interview provides valuable insights into the daily realities of living with overlapping chronic conditions and their impact on a person's life. 

Living with Multiple Chronic Illnesses: One Woman's Journey

Today, I'd like to share the inspiring story of Shelby, a brave individual from the United States who has been dealing with multiple chronic illnesses for over a decade. Shelby's journey began 11 years ago when she started experiencing a mysterious illness that left her constantly sick and seeking answers from various medical professionals.

Her health struggles led to the diagnosis of chronic active Epstein-Barr virus, which subsequently triggered a cascade of autoimmune issues and multiple chronic illnesses. Despite facing numerous hospital visits and consultations with different doctors, finding effective treatment and receiving a proper understanding of her condition proved to be a challenging and frustrating experience for Shelby.

After years of uncertainty, Shelby was eventually diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), a condition that was previously unknown to her and many healthcare providers she encountered. The lack of awareness and understanding of MCAS among medical professionals often left Shelby feeling isolated and misunderstood, with few options for appropriate care.

Shelby's perseverance led her to seek out specialized medical professionals, including a functional medicine doctor and a gastroenterologist, who were instrumental in guiding her towards the right treatment. One of the key therapies that significantly improved Shelby's quality of life was low-dose naltrexone (LDN), which helped balance her immune system and manage the symptoms of MCAS and other autoimmune conditions.

Before finding the right treatment and healthcare support, Shelby's daily life was severely impacted by her illnesses. As a high school junior, she was forced to discontinue her education due to the debilitating symptoms that left her bedridden and unable to carry out simple daily activities. From experiencing severe pain, muscle weakness, and constant nausea to enduring hospitalizations and drastic weight loss, Shelby's journey was filled with immense physical and emotional challenges.

Despite the hardships she faced, Shelby's resilience and determination shone through as she sought to raise awareness about MCAS and other underrecognized chronic illnesses. By sharing her experiences and advocating for a greater understanding of these conditions, Shelby aims to create a more supportive and informed community for individuals struggling with similar health challenges.

Shelby's story reminds us of the importance of empathy, awareness, and access to comprehensive care for individuals navigating complex chronic illnesses. Her journey reflects the ongoing need for increased education and recognition of conditions like MCAS, offering hope to those who often feel unseen and unheard within the healthcare system.

In conclusion, Shelby's unwavering spirit and commitment to spreading awareness about multiple chronic illnesses exemplify the resilience and strength of individuals facing similar health battles. Her journey is a testament to the power of advocacy, community support, and the pursuit of specialized care in navigating the complexities of chronic health conditions.

Lindsay shared her health journey. She discussed her experience of being diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). She described first noticing symptoms in her early 30s, leading to her POTS diagnosis in 2017 after fainting during a tilt table test. Lindsay also shared her battle with breast cancer, undergoing treatment, and successfully overcoming the challenges. In 2022, she encountered a frightening episode of rapid heart rate, trembling, and other distressing symptoms, prompting her to seek help from a functional gastroenterologist. Lindsay explained her ongoing struggle with gut issues, constipation, a dairy allergy, and skin problems, and how she has found relief through dietary adjustments and medication.

Cindy, a guest on the LDN radio show, shared her remarkable health journey. She described experiencing hypermobility from a very young age and enduring a multitude of health challenges, including menstrual issues, pots, and food allergies. Her difficult pregnancies and the revelation of her genetic predisposition to certain conditions shed light on the intricate genetic component of her health issues. Through her story, she emphasized the complexities of managing multiple health conditions and underscored the significance of comprehending the genetic factors at play in her health struggles.