JamieMarc
Very helpful member
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2021
- Messages
- 506
- Reason
- DX FIBRO
- Diagnosis
- 10/2021
- Country
- US
- State
- FL
Since other threads were no longer open for comments, I just wanted to briefly share my experience with the guaifenesin protocol touted by Dr St Amand.
I tried the protocol in early 2024, strictly adhering to all of the guidelines set forth by Dr St Amand. Took me weeks to check and remove/store all of my salicylate products and replace them (expensively) with non-salicylate items (thank goodness I kept what I removed in a large tote). And, of course, following the dietary recommendations.
To be brief (remember, I followed the protocol to the letter), I experienced no change whatsoever in my fibromyalgia. I upped the dosage as instructed when needed, but still no success. Not only did I not get any relief whatsoever, I experienced, after months on the protocol, chronic congestion in my sinuses. I ignored it, thinking it could not be related to the guaifenesin. But then, when I had my dental x-rays done, my dentist said "you have a LOT of congestion in your sinuses." He even showed me the x-rays. NO dentist had ever seen this in me before and I was not sick with a cold or anything. That's when something clicked and I put two and two together. It made sense. Since guaifenesin thins the mucus, it was draining into my sinuses and causing discomfort. Also, a potential sinus infection.
Bottom line: After a minimum of 6 months on the protocol -- again, strictly following the guidelines -- I got nothing except severe sinus congestion. I do not recommend this treatment to fibromyalgia sufferers. Apparently, it has worked for some people. If you are considering it perhaps it will help you as it has some others. I just want to share my own neutral/negative experience with you and give you some additional information so you can decide for yourself.
One thing I did discover and keep from the protocol was the low-carb diet. I did find that I did feel much better and had less bloating, gas and other abdominal discomforts on a low-carb diet. So, the experiment for me was not a total failure. I may have never discovered that a low-carb diet makes me feel better otherwise. Makes me wonder if those who say they were "cured" of FMS are actually reaping the individual benefits of a low-carb diet instead.
So, I opened back up that tote (again, thankful I had the smarts to save everything) and started using my "discarded" salicylate products again. I feel, although the risks are probably pretty small, that this is a potentially unsafe treatment for fibromyalgia. I might add -- although I myself was aware of this -- that there have been no conclusive, scientifically sound studies (or even close) that prove this treatment to be effective. Thumbs down on the "guaifenesin protocol."
I tried the protocol in early 2024, strictly adhering to all of the guidelines set forth by Dr St Amand. Took me weeks to check and remove/store all of my salicylate products and replace them (expensively) with non-salicylate items (thank goodness I kept what I removed in a large tote). And, of course, following the dietary recommendations.
To be brief (remember, I followed the protocol to the letter), I experienced no change whatsoever in my fibromyalgia. I upped the dosage as instructed when needed, but still no success. Not only did I not get any relief whatsoever, I experienced, after months on the protocol, chronic congestion in my sinuses. I ignored it, thinking it could not be related to the guaifenesin. But then, when I had my dental x-rays done, my dentist said "you have a LOT of congestion in your sinuses." He even showed me the x-rays. NO dentist had ever seen this in me before and I was not sick with a cold or anything. That's when something clicked and I put two and two together. It made sense. Since guaifenesin thins the mucus, it was draining into my sinuses and causing discomfort. Also, a potential sinus infection.
Bottom line: After a minimum of 6 months on the protocol -- again, strictly following the guidelines -- I got nothing except severe sinus congestion. I do not recommend this treatment to fibromyalgia sufferers. Apparently, it has worked for some people. If you are considering it perhaps it will help you as it has some others. I just want to share my own neutral/negative experience with you and give you some additional information so you can decide for yourself.
One thing I did discover and keep from the protocol was the low-carb diet. I did find that I did feel much better and had less bloating, gas and other abdominal discomforts on a low-carb diet. So, the experiment for me was not a total failure. I may have never discovered that a low-carb diet makes me feel better otherwise. Makes me wonder if those who say they were "cured" of FMS are actually reaping the individual benefits of a low-carb diet instead.
So, I opened back up that tote (again, thankful I had the smarts to save everything) and started using my "discarded" salicylate products again. I feel, although the risks are probably pretty small, that this is a potentially unsafe treatment for fibromyalgia. I might add -- although I myself was aware of this -- that there have been no conclusive, scientifically sound studies (or even close) that prove this treatment to be effective. Thumbs down on the "guaifenesin protocol."
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