natalie- What you are experiencing seems very normal to me. That doesn't make it easier!!! You are on the right road and it will get better. I just looked back at some of my old posts and I was really losing it mentally. I am not there anymore! I have so much more peace about this. I didn't have the die-off you are expereincing but my symptoms got much worse in the beginning and I have had continuing detox muscle pain- but I manage fine- not to scare you. Anyway-rejoice in the crappy feelings- it means stuff is leaving you. However make sure you keep Dr B updated and tell her what is going on. She can't read minds and she may want to back off some stuff if it is too intense. Email her when you are concerned. YOU WILL GET BETTER!!!! ((((((((((hug)))))))))))))

Hi Natalie,
All these symptoms you are feeling now is a sign that the treatment is working for you, and that you really need to stick thru to get rid of them. In the beginning, i mainly had headaches, heartburn and foggy head but i didn't have anything coming out of me, discharge etc like some of the other girls were going thru. Then 8 months into treatment than suddenly got hit so hard with severe flu like, achy, sore throaty feeling, like a truck hit me!! That continued for 2-3 months for me. I was barely able to function. I am feeling much much better now, everything calmed down and manageble. Also, don't hesitate to let Matia know about your symptoms, in case she may decide to adjust your herbs.
Do not be discouraged by how you feel now, it's not how it's going to be always. As you are detoxing and getting rid of all the toxins, it's very normal to feel this crappy but at least you know it's working. Be positive, because after this, you'll feel major relief. You just have to get rid of all the bad stuff in your system before you start healing. Unfortunately, there is no set time for how long this should last, as it all depends on the person. I hope the best for you, and i know you'll get thru this just fine. Hang in there girlie.

I know it is so difficult. For me the first three months were rough. Every two weeks I got the worse sore throat/flu that would last two weeks, and Matia would have to change my protocol. But then on the fourth month, no sore throat or flu feelings. I think we all experience different die off symptoms, but it is part of the healing. It will get better, Natalie. I encourage my daughter, who is also in treatment, the same way. You will get better dear! A big hug to you. :)

Hi Natalie:
I guess misery loves company. I am 2.5 months into treatment and have been struggling with an uptick in bladder symptoms since 4/22. A couple of days ago, Dr. B put me back on list 2 because I was not settling down. It was interesting that this happened because I was always really afraid that I didn't belong on List 3 but I was too into all my goodies to ever suggest it to Dr. B.
I don't have any great inspirational stories to tell you yet but I wanted to tell you that I was struggling mentally, too today. I just felt really scared that restricting my food even further wasn't going to work and then what was I going to do? The point is, reading that you are struggling too made me realize that what I am dealing with is hard but manageable and it helps a lot to hear that we are not alone.
I hope things ease up for you this week.
 
Bonnie

Natalie, I am 25 also and have been experiencing exactly what you describe. I have always been such a strong willed person that could put my mind to something and accomplish it. But when it came to this protocol and sticking with it I was an emotional wreck. I stayed on list one with no carbs at all for 4 months and then let my head get the best of me and my emotions and started a cycle of breaking it every few weeks but it would set me back every time I would do it and I would feel even more depressed and worthless and wondered if I would ever make it through. My advice....don't start this cycle. You got this...stick with it. It will get better. After two years I am on the road to healing without cheating at all in months. I feel amazing and it is getting easier and easier to not think about other foods. If If had stuck with it after staying on stage one for four months I would be better now but there are no "what if's" just do your best and don't be to hard on yourself because that brings in the guilty feelings and emotions and being sad and depressed won't give you your life back.  Stay motivated!! You can do it!! I tried to run away from everything once I got stuck in a cycle and could not get out. I felt so depressed and nothing in my life felt right. I was a professional rock climber with sponsorships, I was in nursing school but I felt like it was not right, and I was with a wonderful man who cared about me so much but because I was so unhappy all the time because of this I tried to run away from my life...but IC followed. I ended up losing the best man in the world after three years of a wonderful wonderful relationship because I started to question everything because nothing felt right. I started to wonder if my unhappiness had something to do with us, and I always felt guilty for cheating on the diet and then not feeling well, I felt like I had to be by myself to get through it so there was no pressure from anyone other than me but in reality no one put pressure on me other than me....my boyfriend just wanted me to be happy.   My brain is what made me sad... my lack of optimism, my lack of looking at myself when I am on the diet and saying “I look so healthy!!!" My skin is clear, my hair, my eyes, my teeth, they look great!" Instead I would dwell on what I had lost over time that was not the best habits anyway. I would always say “I don't even feel like me" I used to be so happy usually and energetic, and confident and so sure of everything and IC ripped it away. But I am getting my life back...and even if I can't get everything back....I have to move forward for me and be happy. I am so much happier now after just spending the time to be positive all the time!! Optimistic!! I know I will get better, I know I will and this will get easier and someday  I will look back and will say...I am so much better off than I was if I had not gotten IC.  Just tell yourself that and eventually you will.   Natalie...stick with it...I promise...It will pay off in the end.