Yes, I think you may have started out too quickly and it's good you are cutting back a bit. The stuffed feeling is not pleasant, I know. The smooth move tea cramps me up too. I only used it 2 or 3 times and decided I didn't like the effect. It goes through me in 2.5 hours rather than the 8-10 it says on the box. You will see ropes eventually. It takes some time for it to be re-hydrated slightly and released from your intestinal lining. You will know it when you see it. I'm not sure about the mothy things you are seeing. What color are they? I do see pieces of lettuce in my stool. I hope it's just because I don't chew as well as I should. I also get tomato skins and red pepper skins. So how did you like your first skin brushing? What brush did you get? I bought the one from Holistic Horizons. It's pretty scratchy but I am used to it now. Good for you for adding extra sleep, that's really good. Your body needs adequate rest to recover and recuperate. I am doing fine, thanks for asking. I've felt lazy and unmotivated lately though. Part of it is because I haven't been too good to myself with what food I put into my body. I don't know why I do that. My hubby bought some holiday candy and because I have Candida and crave sweets it's like bringing alcohol into the house of an alcoholic! Everyday I battle with this. And everynight I tell myself ok, tomorrow I will be better but I am not. Argh! Will I ever get the victory!? I hope so.