That's so weird Mark- can you figure how the Klonopin works for that? I don't get it. I can take an Aleve and it doesn't touch it but the Klonopin has been working great. I was so focused on not taking it unless I was desperate (I tried to wait 2 days in between taking 0.5 mg...so one day with 0.5 and then two days ...or at least one...with nothing). Then, I read something saying that best results come when used consistently so I've been taking 0.5 daily and have noticed a huge difference in my mental state (a lot more calm) and my muscles have felt much better (not loose mind you, but much better- I feel like I can exercise in the same was as I normally would).
Jenn- as far as natural anti-inflammatories...I do have one thing that works as a natural anti-inflammatory that is going to sound a little odd but it involves a particular type of workout...here's the web address I'm actually certified in the Wave Workout and have instructed it for a couple years. Interestingly enough, I taught it up until my previous gym closed in July, after which the BFS got bad (never thought about it until now). I remember when doing the certification, the instructor said that doing a wave workout on a consistent basis had an anti-inflammatory effect on muscles. I thought it was all a bunch of bull until my tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendon in my shin and ankle) that I had for years went away after I started doing it. They don't know why or by what mechanism it works so I was I could give you more information on the reasoning. Basically it works like this (a side note- you'll want to check with your doctor because of your heart issue however I don't think it would be a problem- my husband cardiologist told him it's fine and then it actually improves performance of your heart). You need a heart rate monitor (which they sell at Walmart for about $30) and a heart rate chart (see the following link) .
You can do it in any way you like...treadmill, elliptical, fast walking outside. The key is this...the whole workout takes under 1/2 hour. (CYCLE 1) You start off walking at about 60% of your maximum rate rate (see the chart) for 2 minutes (we'll call this your aerobic section), then you need to do something to raise your heart rate up to about 80% of your maximum (into the red zone) for 60 seconds (fast walk, run, jump rope, hi impact aerobics)- we'll call this your anaerobic section, then you rest (head always above your heart) for approx. sixty seconds focusing on your breathing and dropping your heart rate- wait until you drop to 60% or less of your maximum) ..we'll call this your rest section. You do 7 cycles this way (see below)- total 28 minutes.
This type of workout also increases your metabolism so don't be surprised if you drop a few pounds too. It's a fantastic way to strengthen your heart, increase your metabolism, and get the weird antiinflammatory effect that they can't really explain (they think it has something to do with the way the cycles are put together and the variations in heart rate).
Your maximum heart rate (basic formula) is 220 minus your age. So for me, my max would be 220-34= 186 beats per minute. 60% would be 111 beats per minute, 75% would be 139.5, 80% would be 148.8, and 95% would be 176.7 beats per minute (you will see the beats per minute reading on the heart rate monitor, not the percentage- once you do it a few times, you'll know where you should be)
So, as above with listing of where your heart rate percentage (of maximum) should be ...
CYCLE Aerobic (2 min) Anaerobic (1 minute) Rest ( approx 1 minute)
1 60% 80% drop to 60%
2 70% 85% drop to 60%
3 75% 88% drop to 60%
4 75% 90% drop to 60%
5 75% 92% drop to 60%
6 75 % 94% drop to 60%
7 75% 95% drop to 60%
