9-10 years ago, I was diagnosed with “undifferentiated connective tissue disease”, whatever that is (a big name for something causing me a lot of pain, and no real idea what). Subsequently, I was diagnosed with Reynaud’s disease and fibromyalgia. I lived on the highest does of every NSAID out there. I had to take Darvocet or Vicodan at night for pain. I lived on antidepressants. My mother read several articles about the effects of Aspartame – and knowing that I have drank only diet sodas since she can remember (I am now 41 years old), she urged me to stop using anything with Aspartame in it. I told her she was crazy, but that I would give it 3 months.
I saw my rheumatologist in July of 2004. On that day, he drew blood (as usual) and I told him I was going to give up anything with Aspartame for 3 months. I then wanted to redraw my blood and see if there was a difference. He told me it was a waste of time. He had never heard of such nonsense. I went home that day (July 15) and gave it up. By the 3 month mark I had set for myself, I was able to cut my meds in half – completely eliminating my meds at night. I decided to continue since I did see a change. To this day, I am off everything. I have an occasional Aleve for “old age” pains, but no nsaids, no narcotics/analgesics, no antidepressants. I have not been back to me MD to tell him, but plan to soon.
I truly believe it was the Aspartame. Two months ago, I started dieting. I read labels for Aspartame. I never thought yogurt would have Aspartame in it, so I didn’t look. After eating this type of yogurt for 2 weeks, I was developing my old pains – hips, knees, neck, shoulders, fingers, etc. I decided to check the label and what do you know – Aspartame.
I stopped immediately and within one week, I was feeling better.