Case Study – Day 14

Finally, my doctor was back from Italy and wrote my prescription to have a pint of blood taken out to reduce my hemoglobin count which was 16.5 and should be in the range I will 11. I had a painless procedure done that in all took about 40 minutes with an appointment. I noticed a little reduction in pain in my neck this morning no nausea.

The Benefits of Bloodletting

  • May help stave of illnesses. …
  • May reduce risk for cancer. …
  • Reduces hardening of the arteries and heart attack risk. …
  • May improve insulin sensitivity, thus decreasing risk for type 2 diabetes. …
  • Burns calories. …
  • Regularly purging yourself of iron is particularly beneficial for men’s health.

Also, another note regarding medical care and doctors that fall under my insurance:

The neurologist I must use now is Dr. Jeffrey Rubin. My first visit I was in a lot of pain and frustrated because the only reason I had to go to him now is to get my Xanax refilled because the new drug laws. I told him that I have post TBI/CTE he did not know what CTE was. Then after I told him I suffered multiple concussions mostly through fighting and football. He said, “oh, you’re what we call punch-drunk” which is ridiculous coming from a doctor. I bit my tongue. He was pretty nice overall. He’s from Canada. He went through a long story about speaking Italian and told a really poor joke which took 20 minutes or more.

After he did a memory test. He asked me to write on the paper. what is the first thing that comes to my mind? I wrote your jokes are terrible and don’t make me feel any better trying to be funny. He wrote the prescription and walked out offended. I realized I might’ve made a mistake. I walked after him using my cane and told him I was just being sarcastic, and I have a strange sense of humor and I hope I did not offend him. He said I’ll see you in three months and walked away. So, my goal was over those three months I would be able to get away from using Xanax, but it seems that will be delayed until September or October. I have been making so many different changes with my body. This particular medication has me in the lock. So, I wrote him a nice polite letter telling him. I would like to apologize if I offended him. And since I have no other neurologist that are working with me if you would like to be one of the many doctors on the case study. I went to his office in person left the letter as well as the bloodwork that I would be requesting, website information, Palm Beach Post article on my disease, and let him know my goal has shifted. I would like to stay on the Xanax until September or October and then have him work with Dr. Russell Bourne to help me get off the Xanax and possibly nonaddictive anxiety/ stress medication. That was approximately a month ago my next appointment is July 1.

So, anticipating on July 1 I will need a refill for the Xanax, and he won’t be cooperative. I have left several messages at his office asking him to give me a call back. And I have never received a call from him or his office. All I could do is hope on July 1 that will be issuing a refilling for my Xanax and continuing with my plan. Anyone that is ever contemplating taking Xanax or any benzodiazepine if you learned nothing else from this website, though I am not a doctor or a licensed therapist and I cannot give advice, but in my opinion on this one subject of medication do not take this medication longer than a week. Once it has a hold on you not only can you die if you stop taking it, but after three weeks it doesn’t work anyway unless you up the dosage.

Case Study – Day 13

I am still not able to do my gym session. I met with my primary care doctor and I got my bloodwork back; I will be posting it on the website. My vitals and blood pressure are better, and my pulse was great. I lost 14 pounds.

I am introducing spaghetti squash, with Rao’s marinara sauce, it’s the only sauce I’ve ever have and it’s the closest to what I make. I also added sweet potatoes and I am going to be having Cheerios every day to reduce my cholesterol. I also found a great product from Trader Joe’s to curve my sweet tooth and sugar cravings; it’s called simply light fine chocolate bar, and it contains no sugar added zero trans fats gluten-free. This can be a lifesaver for me at night with my cravings I can have a couple pieces and drink a lot of water. If something is too good to be true you know the saying, I’ll have to do my research on the product because on the back it says 2 g of sugar and 9 g of sugar alcohol which I don’t know what that is.

Case Study – Day 7

I am still feeling extremely nauseous and have a lack of strength and the sweats. Weird dreams that I can’t breathe in my sleep wake me up. Numbness in my arms and chronic migraines and dizziness hinder my actions. I’m going to stick to the nutrition plan adding some watermelon and pineapple for sugar. I am stopping all supplements except turmeric for the pain. I was able to walk the dogs and pushed through the pain for 20 minutes.

Case Study – Day 3

Day 3 with Paolo

Day 6, Feeling confident in my ability to remain disciplined and consistent with the CPMHA nutrition and supplement plan. Noticeable side effects include a decline in my energy levels as well as excruciating, debilitating pain. As a result, I have not been able to complete a physical therapy session or a tailored workout.  Next week, I will work to push through and complete my scheduled regime. My body is experiencing withdrawal symptoms due to cutting out processed sugar from my diet. As a result, I am coping with extreme nausea and sweats. While other symptoms such as the migraine and fatigue may be attributed to my post TBI, it’s unclear if they could also be a factor of the new dietary restraints. Research has detailed that withdrawal from cutting out processed sugar will have an effect on the body lasting anywhere from 7 to 10 days.

The blood labs results are not back yet.. The technician took 12 vials of what looked to be red glue, as it slowly filled to the top. The technician detailed that her previous role at a blood bank conducted a procedure where they would withdrawal a pint of blood to increase circulation, promoting a thinner, healthier bloodstream. She had conducted the procedure on a few S.W.A.T team officers, and a fraction had noticeable differences in neck pain immediately following the process, even with claims of feeling “healthier” overall, which was further defined as increased energy and mental responsiveness, as well as heightened serotonin and endorphin levels.

She then told me to contact my doctor first thing in the morning and request that he write a prescription to withdrawal a pint of blood to a blood bank. She elaborated that I could be a prime candidate for a stroke or a heart attack due to the thickness of hemoglobin in my blood count.

Unfortunately. my primary care doctor, is on vacation for two weeks. With that being said, I reached out to the covering doctor to see if he’d be able to follow through on the technician’s request. Several messages had been shared to him over the span of two days without any word back, and even a visit in person. The only news I was given was that I would have to wait out the next two weeks until Dr. X returned from vacation.

Thanks to Medicaid, my conditions qualify me for some medical coverage and relief. But, if I would’ve had a better insurance plan, I would be able to see better doctors and get better care.

However, I am grateful for what I have because a lot of people that CPMHA has the ability to help don’t have insurance of any type.

Daily hurdles I have to go through in effort to get proper medical attention is incredibly lengthy and stressful. I have never been a hypochondriac, and I try to not be high maintenance.  I’ve always made an effort to show appreciation and kindness when dealing with the medical community. But honestly, I feel when you’re flagged with the mental illness of any kind you’re treated different. The challenge is the misconstrued stereotypes and jaded, cataclysmically-elitist ideologies. When coming to a practice in an effort to express a medical request, it’s not uncommon to be looked down on me and told, “What do you expect? You have Medicaid not a PPO.” If I wasn’t so proactive, I would receive no treatment at all. I tell my family and friends how the system wears you out. If you have a mental health issue. They should make it easier to assist somebody and streamline the process. Hopefully one day the United States healthcare system will get their act together. If enough of us Bring their situation to the people in charge or spread awareness like our camping and Oprah Winfrey up-and-coming documentary on mental illness. (Note) We are trying to get on their radar. anyone who comes across our platform. I would love for you to refer us to her staff. In closing I hope you all stay strong. Be kind to others, be productive today and tomorrow. And call your local politician and complain blow up their phones or vote them out of office until they make it easier on you and your family to get proper healthcare.

 

Case Study – Day 1

Case Study with Paolo Dell Aquila – Day 1

Today, I started the CPMHA independent case study.

My goals:

  • To decrease the swelling in my brain and inflammation throughout my body and to reduce my chronic body pain and migraines,
  • Lose 100 pounds within the next nine months
  • I researched out of Europe and designed this program myself. This is all-natural and there should be no side effects. We want to point out that this is experimental and if anyone tries to follow it on their own, that they should consult their doctor and make sure they’re not allergic to any of the items or ingredients involved.

CPMHA FIRST DAY INDEPENDENT CASE STUDY

May 2015: – physically strong, Height: 5’10 ½ & Weight: 220 lbs. Started to notice small symptoms

As of today May 28, 2019

  • Weight: 327 lbs
    Ht 5ft 7.5(in)
    BMI 50.45 index
    BP 150/84(mm HG)
    HR 87(/min)
    Oxygen sat%97(%)
    Pain: 9 (1-10)

Migraines every day

My vision has been declining over the past month and a half. I had one episode where I went blind for approximately 3 minutes.
Memory is getting worse every day mostly short-term.
Last seizure was four months ago.
People can go to my symptoms page for more details: my coping strategies are changing as symptoms arise.

Medications

As of approximately two and a half months ago, I went cold turkey and stopped all pain medications/Opiates.

Currently, I am only taking:

Testosterone CYP injections 1.5 ML a week. I have been on the TRT for three months now. I am feeling a little better with more strength and endurance. A positive for sure! My original marker was 75 for my testosterone levels before I started my TRT.  I had an extremely low number for a man my age, 51. It’s probably due to all the concussions and pain meds over the years. My goal is to be in the range of 700 to 1,000 within the end-of-the-year. Based off of the latest research that is the right range for men my age to get maximum brain function and energy.

Xanax anywhere from one mg to 3 mg a day. I have been going through a very stressful and painful time. The Xanax is helping but my goal Is to come off it completely in September or October at the latest and switch to non-addictive anxiety medication.

I also take:

  • Cymbalta for pain and depression I take 60 mg of twice a day.
  • Zofran as needed for nausea.
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Clonidine 0.1 mg twice a day
  • Losartan 50mg 1 tab 2x daily
  • amlodipine,10mg once a day
  • Metoprolol 25mg 1 tab twice a day
  • Pantoprazole 40mg once a day

Organic medical marijuana 2 to 3 times a week (sometimes, side effects consist of the munchies and slight paranoia, but not always.

I prefer CBD.  All I need is one hit of a vape pen for pain unless I am nauseous and I am feeling the spins.

Nutritional intake Products and supplements

    • COQ10
    • FISH OIL
    • GREENS Capsules
    • CHROMIUM
    • B COMPLEX
    • TUMERIC
    • CINNAMON EXTRACT
    • GLUCOSAMINE
    • MSM
    • MAGNESIUM
    • Vitamin D3, 5,000

My physical therapy/exercise program 6 to 7 days a week.

  1. Whole Body Cryogenic Therapy
  2. Non-bearing weight cardio exercise, for example, treading water or swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes. After one month we might introduce lightweight functional Weight training exercises.
  3. Myofascial stretching therapy
  4. Sports & Aromatherapy massage
  5. Hot yoga
  6. Acupuncture
  7. Full body traction.
  8. IV vitamin therapy
  9. Cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment and plan created twice a month unless in crisis

Foods

  • Juices (1 a day)
    • Pineapple, Turmeric, Cucumber, and Cinnamon Juice
      • 1 pineapple
      • 2 cucumbers
      • 15 three-inch pieces of fresh turmeric root
      • 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
    • Kale, Grape, Ginger and Lemon Juice
      • 1 bunch kale
      • 1 cup grapes
      • 1 slice ginger, optional
      • Juice of a lemon wedge
    • Fennel and Apple Detox Juice
      • 10 ounces of spinach
      • 1 bunch of mint
      • 1 cucumber
      • 2 apples, cored
      • 1 fennel bulb
      • Half a lemon
    • Blueberry Green Juice
      • 2 cups of fresh blueberries
      • 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
      • 2 Fuji apples
    • Watermelon, Basil and Lime Juice
      • 1 small watermelon, rind and seeds removed, cut into 2-inch cubes
      • 6 Basil leaves
      • Juice of half a lime
    • Oils
      • Extra virgin olive oil
      • Avocado oil
      • Flaxseed oil
    • Herbs and Spices
      • Himalayan Salt
      • Cinnamon
      • Garlic
      • Sage
      • Peppermint
      • Turmeric
      • Holy Basil
      • Cayenne Pepper
      • Ginger
      • Fenugreek
      • Rosemary

Nuts and seeds

  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Walnuts
  • Raw almonds

Meals

  • 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, dinner) plus 2 snacks.
  • Only organic 70% Anti-inflammatory plant-based diet: vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds… 30% Chicken, Turkey, Grass-fed Beef, Bison, elk meat

No dairy

Eggs

BLOOD WORK

Lab technician said my blood was like glue meaning the hemoglobin is way too high. My doctor should’ve spotted it. I’m a prime candidate for a stroke or a heart attack. She recommended I get a prescription from the doctor, go to a blood bank and get a pint of blood taken out to thin the blood naturally. This is why we have to push hard with this awareness program.

 

Today’s doctors are not thorough (we will repeat the same blood panel/Work every 6 to 9 months to see if there are any positive or negative changes. I am fighting with the insurance company to see if we can get brain scans, but they will not approve of it. They will only do them for me one a year.

BLOOD WORK 5/28/19
• Lipid Panel – Measures cholesterol levels
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) – Measures 14 different components
• Routine Comprehensive Urinalysis With Microscopic Examination on positive results
• Iron and Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC)
• Thyroid Panel with TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential

  • Heart
    • Thyroid
    • Circulatory System
    • Liver
    • Kidneys
    • Glands
    • Nerves
    • Bones
    • Muscles
  • LP (lipid panel)
    • LDL – “Bad Cholesterol”
    • HDL – “Good Cholesterol”
    • Total Cholesterol
    • Triglycerides

CMP
• (ALT) Alanine aminotransferase
• Albumin
• (ALP) Alkaline phosphatase
• (AST) Aspartate aminotransferase
• (BUN) Blood urea nitrogen
• Calcium
• Carbon dioxide (Bicarbonate)
• Chloride
• Creatinine
• Glucose
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Total Protein
• Total Bilirubin
• BUN/Creatinine Ratio (calculated)
• Albumin/Globulin Ratio (calculated)
• Globulin (calculated)

Male Hormone Panel includes testing levels
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Total Testosterone
• IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor)
• Uric Acid
• Lipid Panel
• Thyroid Panel
• Human Growth Hormone (hGH)/Growth Hormone (GH)
• Estradiol, Sensitive

UA (urinalysis)
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test
Thyroid Test Panel with TSH

  • T3 uptake (Triiodothyronin)
    • T4 (Thyroxine)
    • T7 (Free-T4 Index)
    • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

CBC (Complete Blood Count)
• (RBC) Red Blood Cell Count
• (MCV) Mean Corpuscular Volume
• (RDW) Red Blood Cell Distribution Width
• (Hgb, Hb) Hemoglobin
• (MCHC) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration
• (MCH) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin
• (WBC) White Blood Cell Count
• Hematocrit
• Percentage and Absolute Differential Counts / White Blood Cell Differential
• Platelet Count
• • Red Blood Cell Count – This measures the complete amount of red blood cells in the blood.
• • White Blood Cell Count – Measures how many white blood cells are in the blood.
• • Platelet Count – Determines how many platelets are in your blood.
• • Percentage and Absolute White Blood Cell Differential Counts – This part of the test provides the relative percentage of each type of white blood cells to the total, as well as a count of each type of these white blood cells.

  • • Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) –
    • • Hemoglobin –
    • • Hematocrit – • Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) – This portion of the CBC test
    • • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) –
    • • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
  • Testosterone Free and Total Test
    • Estradiol, Ultrasensitive Test
    • Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential & Platelets
    • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
  • Estradiol, Ultrasensitive Test

Need to lower Cortisol levels as well so we can correlate any changes.
• Infection
• Injury
• Stress (Emotional or Physical)
• Strenuous Activity
• Steroid Medications
• Sleep
• Weight gain or loss
GGT Test (Gamma Glutamyl Transferase)
Renal (Kidney) Function Panel
Inflammation and blood proteins
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
C-reactive protein (CRP)
Plasma viscosity (PV)
The CRP test
ESR
PV test

 

Hello, my name is Alexander Dwork. My former coach, Paolo Dell Aquila, suffers from Post Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He was a football player, wrestler, and boxer, and is one of my favorite people in the world. Within the past few years, he has shown precursor signs of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).

It has become my mission to help understand how we as a community can improve the quality of life for those suffering from TBI and the pre-cursor signs of CTE.

Currently, I am learning a lot about our medical system and how it treats patients. Paolo was recently dropped from his pain management doctor and it has made it incredibly difficult for him to live comfortably. His pain is at a 10 out of 10, and now we are searching for other ways for him to improve his quality of life. Our goal right now is to get him stronger physically. His mental toughness is incredibly high. Anyone going through a similar situation understands. The pain is extremely high and it is hard to cope some days. We aim to slowly build his strength.

I personally am setting up the groundwork for the organization. We are planning events for this year and the future. One of our ideas is a viewing of the movie Concussion. This event will spread awareness and shed light on the pressing issues that we currently face in the world of athletes, veterans, and the general population. One of the most important things we can do for our suffering loved-ones is to be there for them and show them the good and fun things in life. Paolo always has done that for me and now I am doing my best to pass on the kindness. If anyone has any ideas or would like to help, feel free to reach out!

Paolo spoke to me on the phone today and told me:
“What drove me my whole life is that I am afraid to fail.”

He has been going through a tough time lately but what drives him to keep pushing and living is our mission. To improve quality of life, educate, and spread awareness about CTE/TBI.

Our goal is to educate and teach coping skills that will hopefully reduce physical, emotional and mental stress and pain that affects the “patients”- the athletes, veterans, and their families affected by CTE/ TBI.

Follow our story as we do our best to navigate this medical maze and improve lives.

If you know anybody suffering, do not hesitate to private message me or contact me on this page. If it is an emergency call 911, refer the person to http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/, or drive them to then nearest hospital.

The possible signs and symptoms of CTE include
Extreme mood changes, irritability, aggression, speech and language difficulties, loss of motor control (weakness) impulsivity, trouble swallowing, vision and focusing problems, trouble with sense of smell, difficulty thinking, depression or apathy, short-term memory loss, difficulty planning and carrying out tasks, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/…/c…/symptoms-causes/syc-20370921

Here’s Paolo in the ER from last week. He’s a fighter!