Friday, July 16, 2010

Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms Return

As I mentioned in my last post, I stopped taking the Total Amino Solution (TAS) a few weeks ago due to allergy problems.  This week my protracted withdrawal symptoms have returned.  Like the first time, it started with a runny nose, and graduated to neck pain, nausea and dizziness.  A couple of days ago my musical hallucinations came back temporarily, which is when I realized that things really weren't right.  I was exercising, and it's also been hot and humid here, so those are probably factors as well.

Since I can't take protein powder or TAS, it's been a little difficult to find a way to manage the symptoms.  I'm still trying to eat a fair bit of animal protein, which does give me some temporary relief.  I've also been using activated charcoal capsules and bentonite clay.  The charcoal seemed to help, but I haven't noticed much difference from the clay yet.  I think the problem with those is that they don't really get into the bloodstream to clean out the toxins there.

I've laid off the exercise, and the coffee, and I'm trying to stay cool.  It's not as bad as the first time, but I'm not up to the productivity levels I had a few weeks ago.  I'm not depressed, but I am grumpy.  It's not just that I'm frustrated by being sidelined again, there is definitely a negative cast to my mood.

I will stick with the remedies I can do and wait it out, I guess.  Usually by mid-August the weather turns around here, the days may stay hot but the nights cool off, which is a big relief.  I know other long time Empowerplus users still experience protracted withdrawal occasionally, so this is not totally unexpected.  Still, it is a pain.