P450-Arimidex-Antidepressives-Aromasin

Helloooooo Ladies All.....



First to say that I passed my second year on 27 Sep (the date of my BC surgery). Today, I am writing with an update after my visit with the surgeon yesterday. Sorry for the UPPER CASE thing … and no, I’m not manic….I just so much want to be clear for the sake of others who may benefit from our sharing our collective knowledge and experiences….especially to relieve pain and depression.



A summary of “the problem is…”: My last visit was March past when I was biting her head off because I hated the side effects of Arimidex. I was also fed up with taking anti-depressives and their side effects. She offered a three-month vacation and on her exit from the office glanced back and said “but it isn’t the Arimidex”. Then what!!!! I’d like to know…..The oncologist disagreed with three months and agreed one month and to consider a change to Aromasin.



I set out on a quest from March until August between the following doctors … my GP, a rheumatoidologist and an endocrinologist. I kept abreast of most medical information here at “ask the expert” and our discussions boards of breastcancer.org



DESPERATE I posed the questions on this thread ….and, “when the student is ready, the teacher will come” …..



BEFORE returning to the course of anti-depressives that didn’t work the first time I took them….I TRIED the kind advise offered here … MAGNESIUM ….



DAY 18 ….. after first taking MAGNESIUM Pidolato. (Mag2) …. The change is so significant that I can say unconditionally that I will always take this suppliment.



My conversation with the surgeon yesterday …. I summarized the wonderful vacation from Arimidex …. Told her about the increase of my thyroid meds …. Discussed the weird labs for cholesterol and triglycerides that shifted back to “my normal” in a month’s time after the increased thyroid med ….and very excitedly I told her about the Magnesium and how it helped … she was very happy for me……then we discussed what “kind” of magnesium ….. I told her that according to this article glutamate and aspartate are “toxic” for depression and make it worse. She said “Mag2” and I shook my head yes and said that is what the pharmacist gave me … is it OK? Pidolato? She said ”Yes of course….and good for the muscles”. I asked is there any problem with Arimidex and this suppliment and she “No problem”. I said that was good to hear because if I couldn’t take the magnesium, I intended to stop the Arimidex and any other AI.



I showed her the article “Rapid recovery from major depression using magnesium treatment” Medical Hypotheses (2006), Eby G, Eby K. … where I found the information … pointed to specific sections and we chatted more about it. …then time for the physical exam.



I’m feeling “sore” and “tender” and she said to continue to massage the breast …. Use sweet almond oil … to help move the fluids that can build up ….



My husband was not with me for the first time of our visits since the surgery … I explained that he was recovering from his vitrectomy….but she was very pleased with my Italian and understood me perfectly. I was so thrilled at this as well. The doctor speaks English, but I help here during Race for the Cure and I need to speak in Italian to be helpful to the other women.



So, I bounced off the exam table … she set my next appointment for March of next year and sent me on my way….smiling!!!!!!!!!!!



I know this is a long story….but all of them are….and sometimes they need to be told…..I hope that someone here can reach to MAGNESIUM and find the same RELIEF….and isn’t that what we are here about?



Thanks again Rosemary and Kris Blinded by Science….. By the way, I’m looking for pasta made from whole grain wheat and I even have my husband convinced…he sees the BIG difference in me since taking the MAGNESIUM (much found in whole grain wheat). I did find pasta made with Cocao! Yes, really! Not sweet of course. I’m planning a meal with it and I’ll let you know how it taste. Wish I could invite you both to our dinner table to share in it.



Shiela … do see the endocrinologist … if the thyroid is hypo and without the correct dosage, the affects to the muscles and mental status is significant ….and interferes with metabolizing MAGNESIUM in our body.



Joan …. I don’t remember if you said that you tried this suppliment? But we both seem to be walking a similar path with the AI side effects and maybe the MAGNESIUM can help? We’ll talk again in NOVEMBER (wink wink)



Saluki…I HIGHLY recommend MAGNESIUM over anti-depressives….life is so much MORE again to me without anti-depressives. I am returning again to my writing group and I don’t feel that “internal brain ache push to do” that I had before…not to mention my body doesn’t mind moving again. I still do what I call “the Arimidex shuffle”, but it lessens and gives my brain room to think of something else beside pain!!!! I’m even thinking to get a dog who will need attention and exercise (scottish terrier or white terrier?)





OK then … hubby is better but not yet full sight…but we are hopeful all is well with a little patience. Oh, and yes....I will continue Arimidex as long as the Magnesium helps.

Hi TIOM …



Buon giorno! The best part of being a global community is that someone is always awake while someone else is sleeping. It’s like “standing guard” for the other. Thanks too for your comments. I hope that this thread has been of some help to many.



To answer your questions, I think that the links provided by Rosemary44 and Kris BBS were very helpful, so I repeated them here. But if you scroll back through the thread, both of these ladies offer more food for thought worth the read.



About the dosage, I take one envelope a day….in the morning about one hour after my Arimidex and Eutirox (thyroid). I take my vitamins, glucosamine MSM and Vit C after lunch. I drink Karkada tea at lunch as a diuretic to relieve bloating. My surgeon agreed the Karkada is a good idea. She advised that Magnesium can cause bloating.



“principio attivo: magnesio pidolato g 2,250 (corrispondenti a 184 mg di ione Mg++); eccipienti: saccarina sodica, acido citrico monoidrato, saccarosio, aroma di limone”



Rosemary’s research and link…

http://george-eby-research.com/html/magnesium-for-depression.pdf



Kris BBS’ research and links ….



http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsWho/0,3923,4023|Crataegus+oxyacantha,00.html -- this is a description for the hawthorn that I use for anxiety…effective, subtle … 10 drops in a little water on an empty stomach….recommended by my pharmacist.



http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR202644 -- this listed information on magnesium, the various types, where in the world to buy it, etc. Mag2 is listed here



http://www.organotechnie.com/magnesiu.htm -- the company that makes magnesium pidolato – very good information—and I loved her comment “….to find it, go to the top”



I see my endocrinologist on Saturday morning … hopefully we close the loop on the questions of calcium type and D3 suppliment together with the Magnesium. It is my guess that the balance of the three requires monitoring, thus the package information for Mag2 recommended care when taking D3. I’ll learn more Saturday I hope. If not, I’ll find a endocrinologist at Gemelli Hospital and University to get to the bottom of it.



About the term “the Arimidex shuffle”…. I thought that I created the phrase here on the boards last year … I didn’t know it already existed....oh well.



Thanks for your encouragement and wishes.



Auguri tutti sempre (Best wishes to all as always),

Hi Susie,



Thanks for your support and comments.



About magnesium pidolate ... I think the info that Rosemary found in the translation was that the pidolate helps with absorption. I can't imagine that there isn't something in US that correlates .... the pidolate is probably a marketing thing more than a substanative thing.



My surgeon suggested that you can find the magnesium at any health store or gym. Fear not, we are all of us more the same than different....at least that is my experience.

http://www.globalcalcium.com/10magnesium_pidolate.htm

http://askwaltstollmd.com/archives/mg/240681.html




Best wishes,

Kris BBS,



I took time to look at the web site you passed along earlier for the maker of magnesium pidolate. On their home page they state "no animal" and "no GMO". The fact that they do not use genetically modified products may explain why it is not available in US...trade issues? Or maybe there is another manufacturer for this product in US.



In any event, I sent them a "thank you" email.



Rosemary,



Thanks for the pasta reference. I haven't seen that specific name in this region but there are other whole wheat pasta advertising on TV. I'm certain that I'll find it. I asked at the pasta shop if they make "pasta integrale" but they said no. They make the pasta from cacao for a restaurant. We left our telephone number for when they make the next batch...she said probably 20 days. I'll try the health food shop.



I'm still very pleased with the results of the magnesium pidolate. This combined with Hawthorne for bedtime is perfect together.....especially less pain in the joints....I always try to dress in the morning without the help of anything to maintain my balance. It's my "intentional yoga" practice that is use during the day for my muscle tone. I noticed now that I can lift my legs higher to put on my jeans and without that striking pain in my lower back that before accompanied the movement. The little things in life that help to make it better. Best of all is that my brain is happy again...no more little disconnects or shocks from the anti-depressives. Maybe I'll need them at another time in life....but not today.



Yesterday I planted the winter pansies. I accidently broke an olive oil jug, so I turned it into a planter....always the alchemist.



Best wishes to all

Bumping this up ... similar conversations recently

Hi Saluki!



Thanks for writing and yes ... it was quality time with the family on both coasts...a very good trip....which I don't think I would have enjoyed as much without the help of magnesium. I could actually feel myself smiling! I'm still amazed....permit me to sound like a broken record on this matter.



I found myself missing to visit these boards. The information is wonderful, but I missed to visit with everyone. It was good too that I stepped outside of it for awhile though. We speak so openly here....I was amazed at the stunned faces when BC was discussed. Our conversations here really are unique.



It's been a while since I read this thread ... since that time ....



Astra Zeneca and Paul Mason (mg.com) acknowledged my emails. And, after reading the article that you posted from the ASA, I sent a note to the chairman of Mayo Clinic. I'm unabashed to try and find an ear to listen to us...wholly....instead of in pieces. The hope is for other women walking beside us to find some relief from the Arimidex Shuffle ... the mental fog ... the resulting depression that steals our very precious moments.



Sorry that I couldn't visit some of you in person...my time with the family was full.



I found and tried the whole wheat pasta .... ummmmm, not exactly the same taste ..... I'll keep searching to find one that satisfies the palate....or a sauce that compliments better the taste of this pasta! I'm thinking mushroom sauce or fresh tomatoes and peppers....back to the drawing board.



The pasta made with cocoa ... not yet tried ... I'll visit the pasta shop soon now that we've returned.



Thanks for the D3 reminder ... I agree ... it's important.



Glad too to hear that the doctors are supportive of your "alternate" approach. I hope very much that as your body readjusts itself you'll find yourself feeling better.



Thanks for all of your posts...the research needs to be shared again, and again, and again.



Best wishes to all ..... as always