I didn't document the actual date I stopped, but I estimate that I have been off of the cat's claw for somewhere around a month. I am still unsure as to whether this experiment will prove a step in the right or the wrong direction as, very strangely, some symptoms have reappeared ... while others have waned or altogether disappeared.

My period started yesterday, and for the first time in several months I wasn't crushed with depression beforehand. I also have yet to get the pounding, life-stopping headache that comes every month or two, nor have I experienced the frozen neck. My nausea had greatly reduced, although it has notably reared its ugly head since PMS. (Hormones?) I am still able to exercise for more than a half hour without putting myself in bed for days at a time, although I am still only able to work out once or twice a week without "overdoing it."

On the flip side, the lymph node behind my left ear is swelling up again, although only at about half the size it used to. I am getting more spots than usual, although none of them are turning into rings or at all resembling "bull's eyes." I am regularly getting the "migraine aura" in my right eye, and I still am getting bouts of fatigue/pain ... although those bouts have been balanced out by a higher ratio of "good days," especially if I am well rested. My mind feels less sharp, unfortunately, but I am still sleeping. I noticed light night sweats the night before last; I have since worn my "hot flash pajamas" to bed, so I do not know if they recurred.

On some days the joint pain is better than usual, and on some days it is worse. I continue to get swelling in my knees. I am not currently experiencing any notable nerve pain, and my period is behaving amazingly "normal."

So, what does any of this mean? Wish I knew.... More soon.