What pills have you quit taking, looking for alternatives?

[moolie]

hqueen13, please tell us what kind of eye drops you use? I don't like to use the OTC ones that have all the chemicals.

And, I just wanted to mention, to you who have carpal tunnel issues, you might want to try turmeric, for the inflammation. I use it for various inflamed arthritis joints. It lessens hair fall out, too, for those of you (me) who have thinning hair. By something like 30%.

Turmeric is amazing stuff--it also helps fight infections and is good for digestive upsets. I put it into everything that can take it--to the point that some of my wooden spoons are dyed yellow from it

Never knew about the hair thing though, but we all have super thick hair to begin with, even hubs.

 

[heatherlynnky]

I have really undocumented Asthma. My doctor wanted me to see a specialist even though she was positive. She tried to put me on an inhaler and some steroid pills and wanted me to consider more than just allergy pills. Its been over a year since I have had to use any steroids. I keep the emergency puffer just in case and its watched BUT I use a homeopathic blend specifically for asthma. I also have been taking astralgus to increase immune system and lung function.

I am also premenopausal. Lots of fun. I use all natural for everything. I also have endometriosis and have been coping with that naturally. Many of my supplements not only help with the perimenopause but also with my breathing and the mild arthritis I have. Evening primrose, flax seed oil, Oat grass tea( massive amounts of vitamines especially magnesium, potassium, and b vitamines). Tons of vitamine C.

We also use natural meds for colds and flu. This is the first time I had the flu and it was horrid but short lived thanks to some very good homeopathics meds fro Boiron. We do lots of aromatherapy, homepathic, lots of teas and even accupressure. I do not like pharma at all.

Ooo almost forgot Raw Apple cider vinegar with the mother. Man that stuff if effective. Athletes foot for the oldest boy, no problem. Yeast infections, exzema, and even indigestion. Stuff is awesome.

 

[txcanoegirl]

For those of you with severe carpal tunnel syndrome...don't discount surgery.

I had it so severe in both hands, that for every two hours of sleep, I'd have an hour or two sleepless, pacing the house until the pain subsided. Daytime symptoms were bad, too. It affected my work, sleep, everyday activities, and play. I had the surgery on one hand, then the other 6 weeks later. I have now been pain-free, symptom-free for 7 years.

It's definitely possible that some of you may still be at a stage where you can manage the symptoms, such as using braces at night, strategic placement of pillows, extra B-complex vitamins, healthy diet, exercise, pain meds, limiting the things that make it worse, etc., but if it is changing the quality of your life, it may be time for more drastic measures. I'm certainly glad I did.

Jill

 

[hqueen13]

hqueen13, please tell us what kind of eye drops you use? I don't like to use the OTC ones that have all the chemicals.

And, I just wanted to mention, to you who have carpal tunnel issues, you might want to try turmeric, for the inflammation. I use it for various inflamed arthritis joints. It lessens hair fall out, too, for those of you (me) who have thinning hair. By something like 30%.

http://www.vitacost.com/similasan-allergy-eye-relief-0-33-fl-oz That's the direct link to the eye drops. They have a couple other varities, but that of course is the one I use. That website is also the one I use, it has great prices. If anyone is interested in ordering from it, please do let me know as I can provide you with a referral link that will give you and I a discount

Txcanoegirl - I'm glad you had results with the surgery. It is an inflammatory response in the body, so focused diet work as well as body work and supplementation usually goes a long way to avoid being under the knife

 

[so lucky]

Oh! The Similasan is what I am using now! It helps a little, but not when I get a really itchy fit going on. I have to take diphenhydramine for that (benedryl) (the cheap allergy pills from Dollar Store) (also the active ingredient in most OTC sleep aids)
I also found a natural eyedrop for dry eyes, specifically for women. It is distributed by Baer Company. It is supposed to counteract the dryness in eyes that is caused by women's hormones. Or lack therof.

Edited on 4/11/13 to say that the company I bought the eye drops from is spelled Baar. They have a nice catalog. They sell some Edgar Cayce remedies, as well.

 

[heatherlynnky]

For those of you with severe carpal tunnel syndrome...don't discount surgery.

I had it so severe in both hands, that for every two hours of sleep, I'd have an hour or two sleepless, pacing the house until the pain subsided. Daytime symptoms were bad, too. It affected my work, sleep, everyday activities, and play. I had the surgery on one hand, then the other 6 weeks later. I have now been pain-free, symptom-free for 7 years.

It's definitely possible that some of you may still be at a stage where you can manage the symptoms, such as using braces at night, strategic placement of pillows, extra B-complex vitamins, healthy diet, exercise, pain meds, limiting the things that make it worse, etc., but if it is changing the quality of your life, it may be time for more drastic measures. I'm certainly glad I did.

Jill

You can also try a DO Doctor of osteopathy. I went to one and have no issues anymore. It took about 6 visits and I was good to go. Mine was so bad I could not write anymore.

 

[Marianne]

For those of you with severe carpal tunnel syndrome...don't discount surgery.

I had it so severe in both hands, that for every two hours of sleep, I'd have an hour or two sleepless, pacing the house until the pain subsided. Daytime symptoms were bad, too. It affected my work, sleep, everyday activities, and play. I had the surgery on one hand, then the other 6 weeks later. I have now been pain-free, symptom-free for 7 years.

It's definitely possible that some of you may still be at a stage where you can manage the symptoms, such as using braces at night, strategic placement of pillows, extra B-complex vitamins, healthy diet, exercise, pain meds, limiting the things that make it worse, etc., but if it is changing the quality of your life, it may be time for more drastic measures. I'm certainly glad I did.

Jill

You can also try a DO Doctor of osteopathy. I went to one and have no issues anymore. It took about 6 visits and I was good to go. Mine was so bad I could not write anymore.

I don't know if I'd be a good candidate for surgery anymore. I have had this for at least 10 years. Also don't have any health insurance :/ .
Jill, what was the treatment from the DO?

I went off Premarin probably 8 years ago or so. Dr wouldn't prescribe it unless I had a pap EVERY year (I had a hysterecomy 20 years before that) AND a mammogram EVERY year (no breast cancer history in family). I have an issue w/ radiation in my boobies. If there was any history of breast cancer, it'd be a different deal, ya know? And his exam? He was in the room with me for less than 2 minutes.
Sorry, I digress. Massive hot flashes, agh. What helped me the most was really cutting back on coffee or anything with caffeine, and a little fan on my night stand.

I had good luck with premarin. But I had a close friend that died from cancer, she begged me to get off of it. Her sis was a pharmacist and she wouldn't take it. I asked two other pharmacists, one said that's some nasty stuff. My doc said that the benefits outweighed the risks. Maybe so, but I'd rather try some more natural stuff.

 

[Marianne]

hqueen13, please tell us what kind of eye drops you use? I don't like to use the OTC ones that have all the chemicals.

And, I just wanted to mention, to you who have carpal tunnel issues, you might want to try turmeric, for the inflammation. I use it for various inflamed arthritis joints. It lessens hair fall out, too, for those of you (me) who have thinning hair. By something like 30%.

Turmeric is amazing stuff--it also helps fight infections and is good for digestive upsets. I put it into everything that can take it--to the point that some of my wooden spoons are dyed yellow from it

Never knew about the hair thing though, but we all have super thick hair to begin with, even hubs.

There is so much good info here, I'm going to have to break this down into several posts!!

Okay, I bought ground tumeric a few months ago. I can't figure out what to do with it. I also saw that Azure Standard had tumeric root.
Suggestions on what it can go in?

 

[tortoise]

I'm starting cognitive behavioral therapy soon in attempt to reduce my need for anti-anxiety medication. I've been doing good. I used to take 10 pills a day for mental health issues and to counteract the side effects of the meds, costing $900 - $1,000 per month. I'm down to 2 cheap as-needed prescriptions that cost less than $5/month. I definitely NEEDED the medication when I was on it. I'm thankful that I've been doing well without it for a YEAR! (Wow, that feels good to say! )

For alternatives, learning what I can and cannot tolerate was huge. Exercise, schedule, and support from friends was a big part of it too. I'm certainly not cured and I'm aware symptoms can return. But for now, I'm doing fine by knowing my limits and staying within them.

 

[Marianne]

I have really undocumented Asthma. My doctor wanted me to see a specialist even though she was positive. She tried to put me on an inhaler and some steroid pills and wanted me to consider more than just allergy pills. Its been over a year since I have had to use any steroids. I keep the emergency puffer just in case and its watched BUT I use a homeopathic blend specifically for asthma. I also have been taking astralgus to increase immune system and lung function.

I am also premenopausal. Lots of fun. I use all natural for everything. I also have endometriosis and have been coping with that naturally. Many of my supplements not only help with the perimenopause but also with my breathing and the mild arthritis I have. Evening primrose, flax seed oil, Oat grass tea( massive amounts of vitamines especially magnesium, potassium, and b vitamines). Tons of vitamine C.
We also use natural meds for colds and flu. This is the first time I had the flu and it was horrid but short lived thanks to some very good homeopathics meds fro Boiron. We do lots of aromatherapy, homepathic, lots of teas and even accupressure. I do not like pharma at all.

Ooo almost forgot Raw Apple cider vinegar with the mother. Man that stuff if effective. Athletes foot for the oldest boy, no problem. Yeast infections, exzema, and even indigestion. Stuff is awesome.

Do you actually have oat grass and make tea or buy the tea?
I'm such a ninny when it comes to teas. I know you can make teas with leaves, fruits even barks of various plants. I'm a basic black tea kind of girl, but I'm willing to change my ways.
I read that mullion tea was good for lung support. Anyone try that?

What is astralgus?

I actually have COPD, some days are better than others. At the time I was diagnosed, I was so sick from a bacterial lung infection that I was no longer smoking. Side effects, more side effects from drugs, finally got better and never went back to smoking. Doc said there was a good chance I would not end up with a hose in my nose since I'd quit smoking. But I still have days that I can't do anything as I get so breathless. Other days I'm good to go within reason. SO, anything that actually will help with lung support is of interest to me.

I love ACV! I always have a jar brewing in the cupboard and a small bottle in the frig. Good stuff.