Randy Cassingham's Blog

Posted by Mekhong Kurt, Bangkok, Thailand on September 8, 2008:

I'm going to repeat what's already been said by many already: thanks a million for all you do. I got way behind in reading everything, including "This Is True," during a 7-week visit to the States (late June-mid-August) and am just now catching up. I'm glad you and your doctor are working on the situation, and hope it works out for you.

And that it doesn't stress your *wife* out too much.

And as has also already been noted . . . we'll wait.

Posted by Diana, South Africa on September 9, 2008:

This is True and HeroicStories are the best newsletters.

Has the water in your area got a high level of potassium? My son had an interesting observation - if a person cooks their own food, they tend to instinctively avoid the foods that are problematic without actually identifying them, eg instead of thinking "I don't feel like bananas" they will incorporate apples in a meal, but if the person is sitting down to a meal of ready-cooked food the instinct does not work as well. Best wishes for your Good Health!

Posted by Mark, Seattle on September 10, 2008:

Daa-yum dude, take care of yourself, you're a national treasure.

Posted by Mary, Grand Junction, CO on September 13, 2008:

I have had the exact symptoms more than once, even at present, including the PVC's. (I thought the docs were ridiculing my plumbing the first time I heard that term.) One of my medications at one time was "water pills" for HBP, which caused my potassium to disappear, and I had a heart attack. Now I use Spironolactone, which regulates my potassium. Occasionally, I do indulge in a banana just for old times sake. Thanks for reminding me. In a lot of ways, This Is True is very much a part of my life!

Lucky you to have a very caring wife! Thanks to her too.

Posted by Lorrie, Kailua, Oahu on September 23, 2008:

Glad you're feeling better! It's always a scary thing when one's heart is involved. Maybe another trip to Hawaii is required. :)

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I'll be there as soon as I can! -rc

Posted by Craig in Circle Pines, MN on September 24, 2008:

You said: Pure vitamin C . . . going to see if I can get a chemical analysis to see if it's contaminated with something.

HEY! I know where you can find a tank full of sharks to take that case: True Stella Awards. Ever hear of it? ;-)

Medic since 1968 (South side Chicago). Wife thinks I minimize stuff. Not a doctor, but I understand the difference between trouble and serious trouble. Then again, sometimes I need a shove, too.

Thanks, Kit!

Posted by Steve, Jackson, MI on September 27, 2008:

I'm really glad you got that sorted out Randy.

I've seen people take the supplements and claim all kinds of things for them. From good looks (Sorry, not working for you!) to perfect health (Gesundheit! Do you need a kleenex?).

You'll probably be amazed at what is in that 'pure' vit. C.

If you have any friends in the local college/university you might want to give them a call and see if they could run a GC/MS for you. They could probably get it done by the analytical students. That would probably give you the quickest breakdown of what you were ingesting.

Posted by Dewitt - Austin, Tx on September 27, 2008:

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. In too high of a dose and depending your body's sensitivity, it can cause acidosis which causes a shift of potassium from the cells of your body into your blood. I suspect this is what happened to you rather than the supplement being contaminated.

Posted by Greta R.N., Indianapolis,IN on September 27, 2008:

I was working in the ICU of a large metro hospital, when I started getting more and more pvc's. I hooked myself up to a monitor to verify, and yes... IT WAS TRUE [pardon the pun] I did note, they were all unifocal, and looked alike. Sometimes on a busy day there would be more than 10 a min... I had patients on lidocaine drips that were having less pvc's than me [they were however multifocal]

I made an appointment with a Cardiologist, who was the favorite with our nurses.... he had a southern accent, and reminded me of an oldtime gun slinging Sheriff. "I have so many at nite, in bed, sometime I'm afraid I will go into V-tach." .... Him, in a slow drawl.. "ok, tell you what to do...hold a 10 lb sandbag over your chest, and, if this happens ... when you lose consciousness,that sandbag will hit your chest, and cardiovert. That put me at ease, after a big lol.

He put me on a beta-blocker, which slowed my heart, and did not accomadate running around doing what I needed to be doing in the unit....so, I dc'd the beta-blocker, and ignored the whole situation. Guess what? all went away, and never came back. that episode lasted almost 6 mos. in the 70's. I was in my early 30's then, and am a fine little ole lady now. May this be the case with you too!

Posted by Melissa, California on September 27, 2008:

I'm glad you are feeling better. I would highly recommend the book Natural Causes: Death, Lies and Politics in America's Vitamin and Herbal Supplement Industry, by Dan Hurley. It's a real eye-opener.