Dentist Appointment

Dentist appointment yesterday. Blech. Hate, hate, hate going to the dentist and not because I don’t like my dentist (I actually have one I really like!) or have a fear about going. I don’t like going because it hurts horribly. For hours and days afterward. Yes, a simple cleaning can be extremely painful. I always get some anxiety before going because I know what it is going to feel like and for how long. Having SPD, I experience pain from many activities that most people do not; lights, sound, smell, touch, décor, energy, heat. It’s not necessarily that I don’t like these things, it is that they hurt me.

I went to my appointment prepared; took some L-Theanine that had me very relaxed, several ibuprophen, fidgets in hand, mantra in mind, dark glasses on, even counted screen holes in ceiling fan to distract my mind from what I was feeling. Yes, it went smoothly and I did not panic or have an anxious meltdown of any sort and on the bright side my teeth are now sparkly clean. I'm proud of myself for not cancelling my appointment (and trust me I thought about it and really wanted to). That said I left with red rashy skin, hives, sweating, headache, jaw pain, canker sores from gloved fingers/tools in my mouth, throbbing temples, dizzy, eyes hurt, itchy, nausea, exhausted, and feeling like someone beat me up, all from a typical cleaning.
Four hours after appointment I was still in pain despite taking more ibuprophen. Noises sound magnified, felt totally overwhelmed by everything afterward.
Wake up this morning to swollen face, sore jaw, sore tongue, sore teeth, headache. SPD sucks and is a total curse in times like this! Yes I went to my appointment and didn’t die from it, but I truly hurt and pills, a positive attitude, preparedness – nothing stops it. My hygienist is aware of my TMJ and SPD and they do try to give me breaks, let me close my jaw often, try to be quick, and not hurt me & I am so thankful for that.

Song That Caught My Ear

Ever hear a song that catches your ear? I was listening to Americana songs the other night and this came on. Something about it called to me. Makes me think of being in nature, sunshine, happy. Love her voice. Just thought I'd share...





Blurring days together, one sip at a time
We drove north to the woods and took a walk outside
Getting lost to free our minds
Listen to the quiet, hear the heartbeat of the pines


Let the sun kiss away the pale
Let the wind run through our hair
Tell our souls don't give in to fear
Leave no trace
Leave no trace of being here


Tension nearly drowned us, one day at a time
Filled our hands with regret, and my bed with crimes
Losing breath with every lie
Listen to the quiet, hear the heartbeat of the pines
 
Let the sun kiss away the pale
Let the wind run through our hair
Tell our souls don't give in to fear
Leave no trace


We've taken this trail as far as it can go
Turn around, take it home
Turn around, take it home


Let the sun kiss away the pale
Let the wind run through our hair
Tell our souls don't give in to fear
Leave no trace
Leave no trace of being here

Helpful Find

Saw this website, Avoid Humans, posted on Facebook. Very cool, based on your location, it lists places (bars, coffee shops, libraries, restaurants, etc.) near you with the least amount of humans. Great idea! Will be using for sure. Check it out at Avoid Humans.

Supplements

I have been, for the most part happily, enjoying my Spring /Summer by spending plenty of time outdoors with my dogs, planting & tending to flower beds, and doing home improvement projects.
One of my last posts I wrote about Methyl B12. I wanted to give it enough time to see whether or not it would truly help. I do believe it has. My husband said he noticed a difference in me and other than the first three days when I did feel very hypersensitive with all of my senses, I feel better. After doing more research a month after I started taking the Methyl B12, I added other supplements and they also seem to help. I’ve been taking 800mcgs of Megafolinic once daily, 100mgs of L-Theanine once daily, a probiotic once daily of 14 billion good bacteria, and a 1000mg Flaxseed pill for Omega 3 daily. This partnered with almost daily skin brushing and joint compressions has been helping me tremendously. I still have had some bad days or things outside my control set off my senses, but I generally feel better, more in control of my reactions, can make better decisions, stop a meltdown before it starts. I’ve been sleeping better and my digestion and tummy issues have also improved.
I have been getting more sun and fresh air and that could also have something to do with feeling good. There was a time that for 3 days in a row, I forgot to take my pills the other week and I felt horrible, depressed, super sensitive, gloomy.
All of the supplements I am taking are available at Iherb and if you use coupon code MOD625, you will receive $5 off your first order or $10 off your first order of $40 or more!
So I am still plugging away at this new journey; learning, seeking help, trying new things.

Dionysus

New brooch...

©2014 Bliss Works Studio

Methyl B12

A person in one of my groups reported that their doctor prescribed them injections of 1mg of Methyl B12 for sensory issues related to their Asperger's Syndrome. Out of curiosity I looked it up and see there are tons of articles and studies promoting the use of Methyl B12 to treat the symptoms of Autism and SPD. Methyl B12 for general use reports promoting better sleep cycles, digestion, lifting brain fog, brain and nerve health, and partnered with Folic Acid reduces levels of homocysteine.


I am not a doctor nor am I advising anyone to try this, but upon further research and out of desperation to lessen my own sensory issues, I have decided to try it for myself. Most doctors advise taking an intramuscular injection or nasal spray, but over the counter sublingual form is acceptable. Pills that you swallow do not work as well since you must have a healthy gut to be able to digest and absorb them properly.




The US National Library of Medicine reports that a study on the effect of Methyl B12 on children with Autism suggests it is ineffective on treating behavioral symptoms but may alleviate symptoms of Autism possibly by reducing oxidative stress.


The most common side effects are: sensory overload, poor or disrupted sleep, hyperactivity, increased stimming, and mouthing of objects. Many articles suggest lowering the dose if side effects should occur.




Consistent delivery should be given the first five weeks and to achieve maximum effectiveness, 18-24 months.




I've found Methyl B12 is not that cheap and is not the same as B12 - it must say Methyl or Methylcobalamin. However almost all grocery and drug stores in my area carry the micro lozenges. I was able to pick up a bottle of 90 5,000mcg micro lozenges at CVS with a manufacturers coupon and a sale for only $9, but it is normally priced $18 and change. I also ordered some at 10,000mcg that are also vegan and gluten-free from IHerb.com. *If you are a new customer use coupon code MOD625 to get $5 off your first purchase or $10 off your purchase over $40! Right now IHerb has a trial in which you can try a bottle of 30 5,000mcg Methyl B12 tablets for only .50 cents!




It is widely known that people who follow a strict Vegetarian diet are deficient in B12, and as a long time Vegetarian who is very picky and refuses to eat many things, it probably can't hurt me to try it. I will post any observations or side effects.