thank you so much for this post, Karen! I'm going to check with my doctor and naturopath about some of the supplements and I've forwarded the article to several people I know who have problems with energy levels.
my mother started seeing a naturopath in the student clinic at Toronto's College of Naturopathic Medicine and when she (not my mother, that is) became a full-fledged N.D., I started seeing her, as well. She does home visits, which is terrific and she's also become a close family friend. Anyway! I don't know how much it costs in the US, but of year is about $100 per session. Luckily, my private health insurance covers about five or six visits a year. if you live in an area that has a college of naturopathy, you may be able to access a student clinic where you'd be seen by a student supervised by a licensed N.D. - these types of clinics are usually cheaper and on a sliding scale fee structure. It's really important that you get somebody who's licensed so they know what they're doing - check out the website for the Association of American Naturopathic Medical Colleges to get started in your hunt, as well as get more information about what they do.
Thanks, Lene. I'd be interested in hearing what your doctor and naturopath have to say about the supplements. My doctor is on board with the three I take – CoQ10, NADH and B12. I think I remember her saying she doesn't want me to take the Acetyl-L-Carnitine, though, but I'm not sure why. It's on my list to ask her about at my next visit. – Karen
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Wow...you are reading my mind. I have been very concerned about my fatigue which in my case is caused by my MS. I don't like taking medications so much either but I did break down and began taking Provigil. It works. However...it gives me insomnia...so now I need something to sleep. I have some of those supplements you have spoken about. I am trying to take the Provigil only when I need it but that is sometimes hard to ascertain. The other thing about Provigil is the cost. There is no generic. I have insurance but I am still paying $90 a month out of pocket. This is a lot for a medication.
I definitely want to share this post with our members on MyDepressionConnection. So many of our members complain of fatigue. This post will definitely give them some ideas to ask their doctor about.
I will have to visit your site more often!
MM
I used to be on Provigil also. I have Fibro too and had awful issues with fatigue. But about a year ago, my insurance company sugguested a new generic Nuvigil which is less expensive and works just like Provigil. I have been on Nuvigil ever since and it has worked the same. So try asking your dr. about Nuvigil.
Hi there
This is very interesting. I have tried Nuvigil...I found it to be very strong and long lasting but my doctor said it was more expensive. I need to ask about this.
Thanks so much for sharing. I will definitely look into this.
Welcome to ChronicPainConnection, MM. I'm so glad to have you visit us. And I appreciate you sharing the article with your members. The supplements have really made a huge difference for me. I had no idea Provigil was so expensive. I know I won't be trying it now since I don't have any insurance.
You mentioned that you need to find something to help you sleep. About a year ago I found something that has me literally sleeping like a baby. Getting quality sleep is an enormous problem for people with fibromyalgia, so this find has been a major blessing. I'm actually sleeping soundly and waking up feeling refreshed now, which is something I had not experienced for more than 20 years. Believe it or not, it's all due to a line of sleepwear that is infused with negative ions. Here's a link to the review I wrote on it: Goodnighties Recovery Sleepwear: A Product Review I can't imagine sleeping without them anymore. – Karen
I was just going to suggest that to her. I took 'Profigial', but cut the pills. Once when I was waiting at the window, I said something to the nurse. At the time my Ins. was having everyone in the office 'jumping threw hoops' to get it approved, not that I blame them. I used their 'Mail Order', for a 90 pills it would of cost over a 'Thousand' dollars!! So I told the Nurse how I cut them up, she said nothing. But a Man behind wispered, that he did too.
When I first got a 'sample' pack, I follered what the Dr. said. Take one a day, well for 24hrs I couldn't sleep, guess my body wasn't use to them.
Now I'm getting the 'Nuvigil', which I don't think work as well, but cost my Ins. around $500.00, for a 90 pills. They seem happier with the lower cost & approve them, with no hassel.
With this heat, I'm so tired, anyone else with the same problem?
With 'Nuvgil', I nap an hr. a day & I think my body is use to them, thats why there not working as well for me. Oh, well at least I'm not fallng asleep in my soup..LOL.