instead of sugar…
May 6th, 2004
…and wheat in my life I’ve added a daily(ish) walk in the woods and 50mg of sertraline. The walk in the woods is G’s idea, the sertraline is something my doctor thinks might help. I read an article about a small trial of the drug on people with ME/CFS. A mother and daughter, both diagnosed with ME/CFS took part and after 56 days of taking a small dose the mother woke up one morning suddenly feeling completely different, as if she’d had the best night’s sleep for years. It took a week or two for the daughter to wake up feeling the same. I’m trying not to get my hopes up. So far all that’s happened is that I’m feeling very dopey and a little nervous of the outside world.
I’ve not been outside today. The sun is shining, so I think I might take a drink out and sit on the bench for a while. Probably not to the studio though. My current paintings are lost in the mess there - I’ve finally got my new cupboards but only have them half together. The thought of trying to figure out just how they go together feels a little daunting. Not that things have to be accomplished today…
May 6th, 2004 at 6:10 pm
is that 50mg once a day with a food?
May 6th, 2004 at 7:13 pm
Hi Hetty - yes, I take it after breakfast. It says “with or after food” on the box. It’s a selective seratonine reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
May 7th, 2004 at 1:59 pm
crossing paws it works michael.Don’t knock nature… I found my beach walks when feeling very grotty helped my mental state if nothing else.
I definately think a big chuck of my problem has been the desire to ‘achieve’. Finding another way of being is a top priority. I’m aware that even blogging can be turned into a competitive sport.
May 7th, 2004 at 7:53 pm
You too will soon be chirpy and annoying so beware! Seriously, do hope you strike lucky and this could be a turning point. You know I have been there. Nice to see you the other day. I’ve ordered the Truitt book (it’s coming from America). Lotsa love, June
May 8th, 2004 at 1:11 pm
I’ve just googled sertraline. Sounds like an interesting choice. I’ve noticed quite a few mentions of serotonin (sp?) in relation to CFS/ME. Good luck.
May 11th, 2004 at 12:14 pm
When I googled sertraline, I realized I’d tried it a few years ago.
Can’t remember what was wrong with it, though. Must’ve been a side effect of some kind, like not being able to sleep. It was called Zoloft. I suppose it’s only natural that our bodies are different and some things work for some people and not others. 
Hope it works out for you!
May 11th, 2004 at 4:11 pm
A few years ago the doctors in Germany put me on an SSRI and one other medication to help with the ME/CFS. The combination helped with some of the symptoms but not will all. Am still on the two meds. Good luck with it… i really hope it helps you!
May 11th, 2004 at 4:39 pm
Thanks to all for the supportive comments. I’m a bit up and down at the moment but will write some more about how things are going soon.
Hetty - I think Zoloft is a brand name of sertraline. I’m not sure how I’m going to do on it. So far I seem to be having a fair few side-effects, interestingly enough an upsurge in symptoms I’ve had in the past or an intensification of current ones. My doctor did say that I could expect that for the first couple of weeks. Hopefully I’ll see a dropping off of them in a few more days. Fingers crossed…