I just wanted to let you know how I’m feeling after two weeks away from NutraSweet. You may remember I had spoken to xxxxx xxxxxxx about a non-pharmaceutical for my excruciating insomnia – well, I no longer need one, as I sleep through the night now. The only lifestyle/dietary change I’ve made is the elimination of Aspartame (Diet Pepsi, more specifically). I still consume caffeine every day.
I was very concerned about gaining weight, because of my history of eating disorders, but so far, so good. I think I’m eating more, but haven’t gained an ounce.
The flashing lights in my eyes have settled down and I can’t wait until my retinal specialist examines me Monday – he’s skeptical about the Aspartame link, but when he sees my improvement, perhaps he’ll be more convinced.
My kids have noticed changes in my demeanor. I meet them outside when they get off the school bus, rather than them finding me exhausted in bed at 3 p.m. I’m also much clearer in the morning, and not prone to agitation.
I’ll keep you apprised of my progress along the way, and thank you so much for all the valuable information to which you have directed me.
Update
December 25 marked the last day of my 60-day withdrawal from Aspartame, and I just wanted you to hear how things are going. I’m still having an awful lot of vision problems – legally blind. What is now apparent is that this particular part of my affliction may be life-long, because of damage to the optic nerve and retina that is irreparable. My eyesight “waxes and wanes”, and the flashing lights sometimes make me feel like going insane!
However, on a more positive note, I am sleeping so much better, and I do not feel the rage and ensuing depression I felt when I was using Aspartame on a daily basis. My heart has stopped fluttering, my mouth doesn’t burn any more, and I feel a little more “there” I have not experienced any more grand mal seizures, either ( you may recall I had four in the period between 1994-1997 with no history of epilepsy, tumors or massive head injuries)
Monsanto has used the general population as guinea pigs, as far as I’m concerned. And in light of Fen-phen, Rezulin, and other drugs approved, then abandoned by the FDA, I am a firm believer that the FDA is not qualified to be a regulatory body when it it comes to the public well-being. To me, FDA approval is meaningless, as they say, you can put syrup on it, but that don’t make it pancakes!