When I go to Pilates class, every other woman in the class is in yoga pants and a sleeveless workout top. I too am in yoga pants, but with a long-sleeved shirt and a sweater, shivering my way through the class, while everyone else sweats. I only get warm if we do push ups or mountain climbers, despite the fact that I am usually the only one using the heaviest weights.
One of the common symptoms of Hypothyroidism and/or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an affliction that affects at least 30,000,000 Americans, is cold intolerance. This means that your body is unable to generate heat to regulate your body temperature when you are cold.
Conversely, when it is hot outside, I can actually feel my body cooling itself off. Its awesome to feel my body working to cool down. But when its cold, my body is not able to summon heat to warm me up. My only hope is extra sweaters, coats, socks, mittens, and a coat, even when I inside my own house. You can’t believe how much money I spend on heating my house.
The cold is literally in my hands and feet but also a chill pervades my torso. I tense up against it even though I know I better. When I entertain the notion of leaving the awesome Bay Area for less expensive parts of the U.S., the list of affordable options dwindles rapidly due to extremely cold weather. Boise? Burlington? Ann Arbor? OMG. Someone would find me dead with icicles coming out of every pore.
But, wait, there is hope! Its been three months since I have been taking LDN. In the last ten days I definitely feel warmer, despite the chill in the air. Could it be the LDN? After all it lowers pain and inflammation levels and brings about a sense of well being. If my Hashimoto’s Autoimmunity is causing the cold intolerance, it makes sense that LDN could lower the inflammation that is preventing my body to regulate its temperature properly.
Want to know more about LDN? This is from the LDN Research Trust’s 2020 Patient brochure:
LDN creates an increase in the production of endorphins, which should result in a reduction of painful symptoms and an increased sense of wellbeingLDN increases levels of endorphins should be expected to stimulate the immune system, promoting an increase in the number of T lymphocytes. This effect was first documented by Dr. Bihari in New York. This increase in T-cell numbers apparently restores a more normal balance of the T-cells. The effects of the disease process are significantly reduced.LDN may also act directly on these immune cells to stimulate or restore normal immune functions.
I read about LDN and often it takes a long time for symptoms to reduce. I know many people who saw immediate results and others who saw none, and still others who after a year of diligence, finally got a reduction in pain or inflammation.
It took me about two years of pondering and research it to try LDN. I love and am so grateful for the LDN reprieve. I have less overall pain, a greater sense of well being most days, and now this new experience of being less cold. Its a miracle.
If you are interested in finding out more about LDN and if it is right for you, check out www.ldnresearchtrust.org and please note their directions:
Consult your doctor prior to using this medication if you are currently taking long acting opiate medicines like codeine, tramadol, morphine, fentanyl or oxycodone. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding without informing your doctor.Dosing Options for LDN — For many conditions, your prescriber will usually start treatment at a low-dose and increase gradually over a period of weeks until you are stable at your goal dose (“Go-Low, GoSlow”). Starting dose can vary from 0.5 mg to 1.5 mg and is increased up to 4.5 mg, which is the maximum dose for Low Dose Naltrexone — although you may have a lower goal dose per your provider’s instructions.LDN dosing for patients with chronic pain conditions will start at an Ultra-Low Dose and you will take the medication twice daily, separating it by 4–6 hours from short acting opioid medications.
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