Background: 5 years W&W CLL, however, regular severe infections and finally a severe viral-induced ITP in October resulting in 1 platelet and 9 day hospitalization. So, even though my platelets were back up in the 60-70's after 6 weeks, they didn't stabilize at that level and, as we weened down the prednisone, I'm now at 13, so....
Beginning a 5-week course of Rituxan tomorrow. Very hopeful because if I didn't know it, I would say I'm in perfect health - my energy and mood are very good. Most promising areas of interest and self-study these days: KETO diet (with high protein to avoid weight loss); 12-hour fasting between dinner and breakfast (again, the effects are all positive).
Wondering if a longer fast (3-day water) or intermittent fasting might help re-set my immune system along with everything else I'm doing. Problem is I'm a bit low in the BMI index so no one in the fasting field will supervise me.
Finally, I've continued my mind/body work - meditation, special healing music and self-hypnosis/NPL, walks in nature. The more I practice these, the better I feel and my numbers improve.
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jawdfs
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I am reasonably well versed in the modalities that you have written about, so may be able to offer some comments......
Although you have been treated for ITP, you are now moving into a CLL treatment for your thrombocytopenia. You probably already know that the medications for ITP and CLL differ in their actions. Hopefully, the Rituximab will clear your marrow to some extent to allow your platelet numbers to re-establish themselves.
Fasting is an excellent modality in both the intermittent form and longer term water fasts. (I have done up to 10 days while having CLL). But I would take the cue from those physicians who don't want to supervise you with a low BMI. Perhaps stick with your 12 hour daily fast. That can be increased to 14 or 16 hours without hardship should you so desire.
With reference to your Keto diet, I offer a small caution. High protein diets do not manifest negatively in the short term, but in the long term, both the protein and the fats associated with it do not serve the body well. Perhaps you might research this a little further for yourself.
Finally, I myself have been a practitioner of mind/body work for the past 50 years and can confirm their efficacy when suitable modalities are practiced.
I like the idea of Rituxan to help and I also like the idea of mindfulness living, meditation and long, spiritual walks.
I am not too keen on diets that exclude food groups or fasting. I am not aware of any mainstream Cll doctor that would advocate fasting or any fad diet. I think rather a balanced diet with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables over processed food would be best. Some prefer vegan, which I think can be healthy. I personally like meat, fish and poultry in my diet
I would run the fasting thing by your doctor. I haven’t seen any clinical studies to support fasting as a way to improve platelets, indeed I would worry taking nutrients out of my diet might have the opposite effect.
What does your doctor say? I would be surprised if your doctor was encouraging fasting or recommending a keto diet. I am curious what your doctor thinks.
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