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Winter blues!

Liselooh

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi all,
I'm wondering whether someone could help me?
I've recently been diagnosed with type 2. I take gliclazide and metformin as my medication etc. I also suffer with s.a.d. as it's coming into the winter months I wanted to know whether I could start taking st John's wort as I would normally.
I don't want to make an appointment with my go just to ask this and my next check up is November which is a long time away to consider delaying sjw.
So, can I start taking them?
Thanks in advance xx
 
I can't advise you about what to take. You'd need to talk to your doctor about it.
I can, however, tell you what my experience as been with SAD.
For the last four years I have been in hibernation mode once this time of year come around. I would have what I called whole body aches. Every muscule and joint felt like it was on fire. I always was low energy in the winter,but it was the worst before being diagnosed.
I didn't know what was wrong and had no energy. I slept for more the twelve hours if I could. With naps on the days I wasn't working.
I can honestly say since Starting the low carb full fat way of eating and getting my blood glucose under control I have much more energy. I'm walking 10 thousand steps 4-5 times a week and am thriving on 7-8 hours of sleep.
My mind is clearer. And I am actively seeking out social interactions. Before I wouldn't even want to talk on the phone.
So hopefully for you however you get your BG undercontrol it help with the symptoms of SAD.
 
If you google "St John's Wort contraindications", or combine the names of any meds you are on with "contraindications", you will get information on inadvisable combinations. None of us here can advise you to start/stop a drug.
Just as I was writing the above, Hotpepper20000 posted and I can second the affect of a LCHF diet. Actually it was amazing, a couple of weeks or so in, a wave of happiness came over me and the routine down in the dumps thoughts went.
Sally
 
I might be wrong but I'm sure I've read that diabetes and st. John's wort don't mix too well.
Always seek the advice of your GP or specialist, because of the effect these homeopathic remedies can react.

I once tried to convince my endocrinologist that I had SAD. I asked him if I was diagnosed with the condition, could I get six months on the NHS to live in a warmer climate (Like Greece!)
I think you know the answer!

He said it was just one of my multitude of symptoms and it would clear up doing without what was causing my symptoms, which was my intolerance to many foods.
 
Hi all,
I'm wondering whether someone could help me?
I've recently been diagnosed with type 2. I take gliclazide and metformin as my medication etc. I also suffer with s.a.d. as it's coming into the winter months I wanted to know whether I could start taking st John's wort as I would normally.
I don't want to make an appointment with my go just to ask this and my next check up is November which is a long time away to consider delaying sjw.
So, can I start taking them?
Thanks in advance xx
It is not only other medications that might be contraindicated but there are some foods and beverages that you need to abstain from.
Nobody here is medically trained so you really need to see your G.P.
 
If you don't want to take up your GP's time, you could ask your pharmacist.
 
Thanks all. To be honest I think I've been a bit down in the dumps since being diagnosed - a bit shocked and a bit in denail. So I'm feeling a little like I want to hibernate already. Believe it or not I was following the weight watcher plan and don't really like potato, pasta carby things so this diagnosis was a real shock but hey ho.
Thanks for your advice. I'll try to ask the go receptionist over the phone as I'm sure the pharmacist would advise that too xx
 
Something I had to learn is "carbs" are much more then potatoes and pasta.
I really do wish you well in finding what works for you.
This forum is great. There is always someone that can help.
 
Hi @Liselooh, I get down in the winter too. I took St John's Wort for years, but when I had to use chemical anti-depressants (dothiapin/dosulepin) I was advised I shouldn't take St John's Wort too. I also used to use a UVH light box. Now I take a holiday in the winter to somewhere sunny.
I also get out and sit in the park on sunny winter days even if it is freezing. I wrap up well and even just an hour's sunshine lifts my spirits.
 
Have you had your vitamin D levels checked. It helped my emensly.

How many carbs a day do you eat? I need enough healthy fats to stay energized. Though the gloomy days sure can catch up.
 
Hi @Liselooh, I get down in the winter too. I took St John's Wort for years, but when I had to use chemical anti-depressants (dothiapin/dosulepin) I was advised I shouldn't take St John's Wort too. I also used to use a UVH light box. Now I take a holiday in the winter to somewhere sunny.
I also get out and sit in the park on sunny winter days even if it is freezing. I wrap up well and even just an hour's sunshine lifts my spirits.

A holiday in the sun during winter sounds heaven! But funds won't permit it... (at the mo)

I'm going to try and phone the GP this morning, though getting through to an actual person will be challenging enough. I think they should have a GP posting board at every surgery where you could ask questions like this. Anyway, thank you again for your advice. XX
 
A holiday in the sun during winter sounds heaven! But funds won't permit it... (at the mo)

I'm going to try and phone the GP this morning, though getting through to an actual person will be challenging enough. I think they should have a GP posting board at every surgery where you could ask questions like this. Anyway, thank you again for your advice. XX

P.s And I wish you well over this coming winter xx
 
UPDATE: I phoned the surgery and the nurse said I should be fine to start taking them.... yay!!!
Thank you all. Xx
 
Hi all,
I'm wondering whether someone could help me?
I've recently been diagnosed with type 2. I take gliclazide and metformin as my medication etc. I also suffer with s.a.d. as it's coming into the winter months I wanted to know whether I could start taking st John's wort as I would normally.
I don't want to make an appointment with my go just to ask this and my next check up is November which is a long time away to consider delaying sjw.
So, can I start taking them?
Thanks in advance xx


Hello,

I'm type one, and suffer with depression and anxiety, and take st john's wart, as an alternative to anti d tablets and I'm completely fine, but i would check with your d nurse just to be sure :) xx
 
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