| Snake Oil? As long as I can remember I have always had a very sensitive system. I react to a myriad of chemicals, medications and foods. I remember a particularly bad reaction to an antibiotic I took about twenty years ago. I had a delayed (seven days) drug reaction and developed hives from head to toe. That was one miserable weekend I spent trying to deal with the discomfort. More recently I experienced gastritis from taking the anti-andro, spironolactone. I was only taking 50 mg. per day. That amount was more than enough to put my stomach into distress. I just couldn't imagine how anyone could take four or five hundred mg. of spiro per day. I think taking that much would have killed me, or someone else. It made me feel anxious and agitated. When my doctor (okay he's a Dr. of Chiropractic and he's quite atypical) heard they wanted to give me Vioxx (for inflammation) and antibiotics for the surgery he expressed concern for my ablity to deal with the stress those things would put on my body. He made some suggestions for a pre and post surgery protocol. He gave me a list of things to do starting one week before the surgery. It involved megadosing on vitamin C, taking proteolytic enzymes, and a Standard Process formula (Congaplex) to boost my immunity. Being that I'm a vegetarian the thought of taking bovine extracts is not that appealing, especially with the mad-cow threat. If it was going to help eliminate the need for antibiotics I figured I needed to acquiesce. He offered plenty of reasons why studies have shown the prophylactic use of antibiotics is questionable, and yet is still standard operating procedure with a majority of physicians. I have a rich history of responding well to alternative forms of healthcare. I really respond well to things like acupuncture and massage therapy amongst others. For me this surgery protocol was not that much of a leap of faith. My desire was to go through the surgery with minimal drug use, though I kind of felt the painkillers would be a necessary evil. When I get to the surgery experience itself I'll relate how well this ended up working for me. The week of my departure for Montr�al I decided to have an acupuncture treatment. I like acupuncture for it's overall balancing effect upon my body and soul. Many times I have spent treatments in the ethers as my mind, body and soul coalesced. The trips are always unique and it usually takes me 10-15 minutes to get re-adjusted to the corporeal world. This particular treatment was remarkable once again. I spent the time fairly grounded although it turned out to be very sentimental. I felt the strong presence of my mother while I was being treated. I felt her comforting me just as she had always been able to do while she was still alive. I was postive she was giving me her blessing and her strength to endure the upcoming trauma. I so wished I could have shared more of my journey with her. When she passed away I knew there would be aspects of my journey that I would just have to accept missing out upon. Feeling her presence that night gave me sustenance and copius amounts of confidence as I prepared to make my trip to Montr�al. My acupuncturist loaded me up with a chinese herbal formula and a list of homeopathic preparations (including Arnica and Traumeel). Both proved to be beneficial in my healing process. I left there that night feeling energized and looking forward to the challenge ahead. There were only a few days left until I needed to pack up my car and head to Montr�al. After a long and sometimes agonizing wait it seemed I was finally on the verge of a new existence sans penis. The anticipation was great heading into the surgery. I just wanted to make sure that I took in every aspect of the next two weeks I would be spending in Montr�al. BACK NEXT |