Herb Questions - and another random one

These questions make total sense, but even if they didn't, always feel free to ask!

The anesthesia used in colonoscopy can cause neurological symptoms and change a person's neurotransmitters. When I had an endoscopy, the anesthesia did not flare my neuro symptoms much (thank goodness) but the few moments of euphoria I felt while waking up from it depleted my dopamine for more than a week, and put me in a very depressed state. These effects vary by person, but the meds used definitely can have an effect. The stress (if you find such things stressful) can also tank your adrenal system and require some recovery.

Another thing the colonoscopy procedure can accomplish - through the prep - is to damage your colon microbiome, which also affects neurotransmitters as well as nutrient absorption, gut permeability, immune function, digestion, etc. It's a big deal for some people, even if you use a limited-ingredient prep beverage. The procedure itself can increase gut permeability as well, especially if that's already an issue for you, as well as disrupt biofilms, releasing active bacteria, viruses, parasites, and heavy metals.

So in short, yes, it makes complete sense that you would see an increase in symptoms following a colonoscopy. Have you done anything since to help things get back to normal in your colon, like taking probiotics, aloe vera, or glutamine?

I hope the colonoscopy gave you some useful information!

Pain on the soles of your feet is very common with Bartonella. Perhaps the teasel and JK are causing you to herx? They both can "hit" Bartonella.

I hope it all resolves for you soon!

Thanks sara and Girlie! Sara - now I am afraid that I've done permanent neuro damage by getting the colonoscopy. Do you know if this is permanent? Is there anything I can do to reverse the effects? I'm very concerned and upset that I even got the procedure done now I appreciate any feedback you are willing to share. As far as getting the colon back on track, I've slowly been adding back in fermented foods. I've noticed that it's been hard to keep weight on since the procedure, sounds like I really need to work on the gut. Any suggestions?! I feel like I'm asking a lot of you, thanks for the help
Girlie - I wasn't really stressed before the procedure - but I am now! Go figure.
I appreciate the help. Be well.

I think it's highly unlikely that anything permanent happened! I didn't mean to scare you! Colonoscopies often are pretty uneventful, and I'm sure you had a perfectly good reason for having one done. Everything should even out soon.

I would take something to heal gut lining (glutamine, aloe vera, etc.) and it's great that you are repopulating good bacteria with fermented foods. It makes sense to keep treating infections (even with a low dose of an herb or two) and to add in binders, in case the infections and other biofilm inhabitants got stirred up. Just make sure the binders don't constipate you.

Also, I should have been more clear that the neurotransmitter stuff caused by anesthesia usually corrects itself within a few days. The only thing you might want to support actively is the gut stuff, and just keep doing what you normally do for infections, your immune system, etc.

I just meant to reassure you that it's not crazy to think that you might feel a flare in a few symptoms following a colonoscopy! Sorry for causing alarm.

We've all been there! New symptoms, flares, and so much unpredictability can be so frustrating and freaky and disorienting.

You're right about binders. Bentonite clay and activated charcoal can be good binders to start. I like bentonite clay because you can but it as liquid or powder, and start with just a tiny dose. (Plus you can use it for other things if you end up not liking it as a binder, such as face masks!) Other binders you might already have are modified citrus pectin and chlorella. A lot of people forget that plain old vegetables can bind to toxins in your gut and help to ferry them out, too, so be sure your GI tract is moving and getting some veggies.

Make sure you drink a lot of water with clay and charcoal.