Brian and Kat - How nice to hear from KickASers! I haven't checked in for many months; just too busy chasing a toddler... Please allow me a short update before I get to the SAM-e.
Since my last forum post, I kinda hit bottom. Way too much pain and fatique to function. Found a new and improved Rheumatologist who diagnosed a bad fibromyalgia flare on top of the AS. Seems I was falling apart due to severe deep sleep deprivation. After weaning my son, I regained some strength almost immediately by taking Amitriptyline 10 mg at bedtime. Also, he got me on DHEA drops 5 mg / daily with relief of flare syptoms in 3 months. Ahhhh, a new lease on life... Sustained energy, and no more chronic fire in the joints, just varying levels of stiffness.
I still take SAM-e in 600 mg doses once or twice a day and find it very helpful. It is especially good to replace the Amitriptyline for restful sleep and better morning mobility(taken at bedtime). I also take it in the afternoon occasionally to take the edge off evening stiffness. Basically, if I get adequate rest and eat less starch, the SAM-e is enough to keep me going and it gives me hope for phasing off the DHEA. If I am really desperate for sleep, I will take a dose of Amitriptyline.
After taking SAM-e off and mostly on for several years now, this is what I can say about my experience:
At doses of 600 mg the effect is reliable easing of pain and improved flexibility, also mood enhancement (hard to say which comes first, but who cares?).
At smaller doses I found it hard to be sure of the effect; either didn't notice much difference or couldn't weed out other contributing factors.
It does make a difference when my stomach is entirely empty before and after administration (at least 30 minutes).
After experimenting with several brands, the best preparation I've found is Nature Made 200 mg enteric coated tablets. Lately I've been taking their Joint Action combination tablets with Glucosamine 500 mg.
So far, I haven't noticed any adverse side effects. The positive effects seem to last several hours with gradual onset and subsidence. I don't know much about the metabolic aspects, just read some research indicating that it seems harmless and often helpful.
BTW: With the DHEA I have noted some negative side effects including a few facial hairs, increased sense of aggression and even irritability (without SAM-e). Positive effects include amazing resistance to infection. Amitriptyline helps me sleep like a baby but increases my dry eye.
Hope this helps. I am happy to hear from you and wish you better days to come. I will look forward to news.
Patrice
I read recipes the same way I read science fiction. I get to the end and think, "Well, that's not going to happen."
