JockMcTavish
04-21-2008, 07:20 PM
Anyone else here been to a homeopath or a naturalist? Be interested to hear if they made any difference?
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MSNik
04-21-2008, 10:07 PM
I have been. I actually went for about 4 months...then I tried Accupuncture- before that, PT and chiro....gotta be honest, none of it helped even alittle bit. MS is not something which can be helped with any of it; HOWEVER for some people, symtoms can be relieved...my nerve damage is too severe for chiro- and PT didnt touch the pain (it actually made mine worse) after 15 appts with the Accupuncturist, I gave up...
I do believe that the nutritionist who I visited, who gave me tips on supplements and vitamins might have helped me somewhat- I still take all of her recommendations daily, and when I went off of them for a month (due to having to before surgery) I felt awful...a month after I started back on them, the energy level came back up.
Homeopathic is one way to go; but again, only to treat symtoms...and with MS they come and go so quickly- its all a roll of the dice.
Hope it works for you...
Nikki
I do believe that the nutritionist who I visited, who gave me tips on supplements and vitamins might have helped me somewhat- I still take all of her recommendations daily, and when I went off of them for a month (due to having to before surgery) I felt awful...a month after I started back on them, the energy level came back up.
Homeopathic is one way to go; but again, only to treat symtoms...and with MS they come and go so quickly- its all a roll of the dice.
Hope it works for you...
Nikki
Bearygood
04-21-2008, 10:14 PM
Ah, Nikki, you know I do not agree except of course for there not being a guarantee. Homeopathy is medicinal. Most medicine either comes from nature or tries to duplicate it. Again, no guarantees but I do believe that a doctor of Homeopathy who knows what they're doing can make a difference in keeping the disease under control. Or at least that it's possible. :)
MSNik
04-22-2008, 08:48 AM
Hi Beary, knew I could count on you to keep this conversation going!;)
I DO KNOW that homeopaths, accupuncturists and even therapists CAN HELP RELIEVE SYMTOMS..but I cant honestly say that I think they can keep the disease under control...reason being, when I saw the homeopath, it actually caused my symtoms to flare and had me on steroids...when I started PT, my symtoms didnt respond at all. Accupuncture has been my biggest mistake so far with having increased symtoms and more flareups of original ones.
Homeopathic medicine, made of natural roots and herbs, I have used for years for soar throats, infections and even headaches. I chew ginger for upset stomaches, take all sorts of things for all sorts of reasons and HAVE found relief for geneal aches and pains...however, in my opinion- MS is not something which has a cure, and therefore, all the homeopathic meds in the world arent going to make it go away....some of the roots and herbs which I was prescribed for symtoms actually DID make my symtoms better for a short time, but then they started blowing out of proportion and left me with both Optical Neuritis and IV Steroids....I didnt find that my disease was under control at all- in fact, just the opposite. It was out of control.
I dont know how one qualifies a "good homeopath". There are no board certifications in this country for them. I thought the one I was seeing was great, for about a month...but I also adored my accupuncturist and he wasnt able to help me. Stimulating MS symptoms isnt always a good idea...
I will stand behind the simple fact that since this disease is so different for each of us, what works for one, might not work for another and vise versa. I do think that anything and everything is worth trying- especially natural things...however, I also know that for me- taking the natural approach has caused me more bad then good..and my doctors agree that I have been at my weakest, and had the most symtoms, when I was trying to work with natural meds with my MS...the only thing I continue to do is take my supplements for overall body health- because if they help fight off sickness and keep my body balanced, then I justify that they must be good for me....they certainly arent helping my symtoms!
Its another interesting debate...I would never tell someone not to try it themselves...but I answered the question honestly- it didnt work for me.
Nikki
I DO KNOW that homeopaths, accupuncturists and even therapists CAN HELP RELIEVE SYMTOMS..but I cant honestly say that I think they can keep the disease under control...reason being, when I saw the homeopath, it actually caused my symtoms to flare and had me on steroids...when I started PT, my symtoms didnt respond at all. Accupuncture has been my biggest mistake so far with having increased symtoms and more flareups of original ones.
Homeopathic medicine, made of natural roots and herbs, I have used for years for soar throats, infections and even headaches. I chew ginger for upset stomaches, take all sorts of things for all sorts of reasons and HAVE found relief for geneal aches and pains...however, in my opinion- MS is not something which has a cure, and therefore, all the homeopathic meds in the world arent going to make it go away....some of the roots and herbs which I was prescribed for symtoms actually DID make my symtoms better for a short time, but then they started blowing out of proportion and left me with both Optical Neuritis and IV Steroids....I didnt find that my disease was under control at all- in fact, just the opposite. It was out of control.
I dont know how one qualifies a "good homeopath". There are no board certifications in this country for them. I thought the one I was seeing was great, for about a month...but I also adored my accupuncturist and he wasnt able to help me. Stimulating MS symptoms isnt always a good idea...
I will stand behind the simple fact that since this disease is so different for each of us, what works for one, might not work for another and vise versa. I do think that anything and everything is worth trying- especially natural things...however, I also know that for me- taking the natural approach has caused me more bad then good..and my doctors agree that I have been at my weakest, and had the most symtoms, when I was trying to work with natural meds with my MS...the only thing I continue to do is take my supplements for overall body health- because if they help fight off sickness and keep my body balanced, then I justify that they must be good for me....they certainly arent helping my symtoms!
Its another interesting debate...I would never tell someone not to try it themselves...but I answered the question honestly- it didnt work for me.
Nikki
Bearygood
04-22-2008, 11:11 AM
Nikki, I actually agree with most of what you say in your last post. It's hard to recognize a good Homeopath without personal recommendations or your own experience annd certainly, what works for some may certainly not work for others. It's just that when someone states so resolutely and not just as their own opinion that something like like this will NOT work, you can pretty much count on me to chime in. :)
As you know, I love my acoupuncturist. I will never forget my first visit to him. I started off the appt. by telling him that I really believe in acupuncture. He replied "But you can't!" Unusual response -- I assured him I did. Then he said "No, you can't believe in it. It's never worked for you." Ah, I got it then. Fast forward and I CAN now say I'm a believer and he wouldn't argue. ;)
To me, Homepathy is a different thing than acupuncture. Since it's medicinal, I don't know it's impossible it could work in keeping the disease under control. That said, whatever the thought process is in treatment would likely be very different than how Copaxone works and also R, A and B.
Jock, I hope you continue to keep us posted on your experiences with Homeopathy.
As you know, I love my acoupuncturist. I will never forget my first visit to him. I started off the appt. by telling him that I really believe in acupuncture. He replied "But you can't!" Unusual response -- I assured him I did. Then he said "No, you can't believe in it. It's never worked for you." Ah, I got it then. Fast forward and I CAN now say I'm a believer and he wouldn't argue. ;)
To me, Homepathy is a different thing than acupuncture. Since it's medicinal, I don't know it's impossible it could work in keeping the disease under control. That said, whatever the thought process is in treatment would likely be very different than how Copaxone works and also R, A and B.
Jock, I hope you continue to keep us posted on your experiences with Homeopathy.
Nenu
04-22-2008, 12:02 PM
Beary I'm so with you here. I went to my chiro/acu today, because I was having a flare up with the nerve in my face on the right again (over the past few days, getting progressively worse). Since having the acutens unit over that area today, the nerve seems to have calmed down dramatically. Plus it helped the burning cheek/mouth on that side :)
Oh, and my guy also gave me an answer to my mystery arm pain. He said I had 'atrophy' (I think it was) in that the muscle in my left arm is losing mass, and that could very well explain why it began after the contrast injection (damage to the muscle when the needle was done). He pointed out the size difference with my 2 arms... I never noticed this before! So he also did the acutens unit on my left arm to help with the pain, and around my wrist. So he's going to focus on that on future visits as well.
Oh, and my guy also gave me an answer to my mystery arm pain. He said I had 'atrophy' (I think it was) in that the muscle in my left arm is losing mass, and that could very well explain why it began after the contrast injection (damage to the muscle when the needle was done). He pointed out the size difference with my 2 arms... I never noticed this before! So he also did the acutens unit on my left arm to help with the pain, and around my wrist. So he's going to focus on that on future visits as well.
Bearygood
04-22-2008, 01:31 PM
I haven't been keeping up with acupuncture for my MS but when I was seeing him and experiencing major tingling, he did some neuro-transmission work and when I woke up the next morning, the tingling had GREAT subsided. Nenu, we are lucky that we've had success -- and I really do understand why those who haven't would have a hard time believing (back to that anecdote about my conversation with my doctor. ;))
I hope that I eventually get to a Homeopath -- when time and $$ coincide, I intend to. I have the name here of one who was recommended to me.
I hope that I eventually get to a Homeopath -- when time and $$ coincide, I intend to. I have the name here of one who was recommended to me.
MSNik
04-22-2008, 04:08 PM
Hi Guys...im actually glad to hear that people do have good experiences with some of this because I have always stated, and stand by what I said that for each of us the disease is so different, that what might not work for me, wouldnt stop me from telling someone else to try it....
Bearygood- thanks for sort of agreeing with me!:D I think I said it slightly wrong, but you DID know what I was trying to say....I really do think that its very possible that any of the more natural treatments might work- why do you think I keep trying them? However, with over 50 lesions on my brain, Ive got some significant nerve damage...its not reversible from what they are all telling me- and the pain which accompanies it could drive a girl to drink- but instead, I try to find ANYTHING which will relieve it...to date, nothing really has, but I do notice that Tumeric, more than any other supplement, seems to help the tingling...When I went off of it, for my surgery, there was a noticable difference.
Nenu- just one question, how could contrast, which is put in your vein, affectd your muscle? Atrophy, as you explained it, is basically loss of muscle tone or use- and MS does cause Atrophy if we dont exercise our weaker sides/muscles...I agree that it could be causing you much pain; but I dont see the link between contrast and atrophy of a muscle...did he give you more of an explanation? I do know that with my left hand and arm being completely tingley and painful (at all times) its a chore for me to work out that side of my body regularly,but i force myself. I can see the difference in the weights I use on my left side and right side, but I continue to fight NOT to let that side atrophy..
and to everyone else who is reading this post- natural cures/meds/docs are all something to explore; however its really important to qualify that with there is no CURE for MS - therefore anyone who tries to 'sell' you a cure should be looked at carefully....however, with this disease comes a host of symtoms which are ever changing- that being said, finding ways to naturally ease pain and help reduce symptoms is something that I think we all would like to find...keep on posting things which have worked for you- I definately want to keep my options open that something out there will help!
Hugs
Nikki
Bearygood- thanks for sort of agreeing with me!:D I think I said it slightly wrong, but you DID know what I was trying to say....I really do think that its very possible that any of the more natural treatments might work- why do you think I keep trying them? However, with over 50 lesions on my brain, Ive got some significant nerve damage...its not reversible from what they are all telling me- and the pain which accompanies it could drive a girl to drink- but instead, I try to find ANYTHING which will relieve it...to date, nothing really has, but I do notice that Tumeric, more than any other supplement, seems to help the tingling...When I went off of it, for my surgery, there was a noticable difference.
Nenu- just one question, how could contrast, which is put in your vein, affectd your muscle? Atrophy, as you explained it, is basically loss of muscle tone or use- and MS does cause Atrophy if we dont exercise our weaker sides/muscles...I agree that it could be causing you much pain; but I dont see the link between contrast and atrophy of a muscle...did he give you more of an explanation? I do know that with my left hand and arm being completely tingley and painful (at all times) its a chore for me to work out that side of my body regularly,but i force myself. I can see the difference in the weights I use on my left side and right side, but I continue to fight NOT to let that side atrophy..
and to everyone else who is reading this post- natural cures/meds/docs are all something to explore; however its really important to qualify that with there is no CURE for MS - therefore anyone who tries to 'sell' you a cure should be looked at carefully....however, with this disease comes a host of symtoms which are ever changing- that being said, finding ways to naturally ease pain and help reduce symptoms is something that I think we all would like to find...keep on posting things which have worked for you- I definately want to keep my options open that something out there will help!
Hugs
Nikki
Nenu
04-22-2008, 04:20 PM
Nenu- just one question, how could contrast, which is put in your vein, affectd your muscle? Atrophy, as you explained it, is basically loss of muscle tone or use- and MS does cause Atrophy if we dont exercise our weaker sides/muscles...I agree that it could be causing you much pain; but I dont see the link between contrast and atrophy of a muscle...did he give you more of an explanation? I do know that with my left hand and arm being completely tingley and painful (at all times) its a chore for me to work out that side of my body regularly,but i force myself. I can see the difference in the weights I use on my left side and right side, but I continue to fight NOT to let that side atrophy..
Hello Nikki! ~hugs~
To be honest, I'm not sure... it could be that the muscle was already in that condition, and that further damage from the needle was caused. That's all he could figure. I'm honestly not sure. All I know is, the arm was sore after the contrast, and it never ceased from then on.
I think (but unsure) that my left side is the weaker side. I am right hand dominant. I can tell that my left leg is more problematic than the right. While laying on my back at the chiro, my left foot seemed to 'droop' to the left (toe pointing down more) in a relaxed position than my right foot (that sat upright without issue). I definitely need to start beefing up on the weights!
Hello Nikki! ~hugs~
To be honest, I'm not sure... it could be that the muscle was already in that condition, and that further damage from the needle was caused. That's all he could figure. I'm honestly not sure. All I know is, the arm was sore after the contrast, and it never ceased from then on.
I think (but unsure) that my left side is the weaker side. I am right hand dominant. I can tell that my left leg is more problematic than the right. While laying on my back at the chiro, my left foot seemed to 'droop' to the left (toe pointing down more) in a relaxed position than my right foot (that sat upright without issue). I definitely need to start beefing up on the weights!
MSNik
04-22-2008, 05:05 PM
Hey Nenu...its all very interesting, the whole Atrophy thing...keep in mind, when you talk about weaker sides, that the brain is a mirror..if you have more lesions on your RIGHT side of your brain, youre going to have more weakness in your left side...and the other way around.
All of my lesions are on the right side of my brain..my left side is the one which is always in pain with nerve damage- and less strength. Its been explained to me by numerous Neuros and therapists that this is normal.
All I can tell you is keep trying to strengthen that muscle...this is where PT might be a good idea for you. It can help teach you ways to strengthen, without hurting yourself and hopefully they can monitor progress to see if it is helping...something to consider. I know all about pain- its tough, isnt it?
Hang tight..and hugs,
Nikki
All of my lesions are on the right side of my brain..my left side is the one which is always in pain with nerve damage- and less strength. Its been explained to me by numerous Neuros and therapists that this is normal.
All I can tell you is keep trying to strengthen that muscle...this is where PT might be a good idea for you. It can help teach you ways to strengthen, without hurting yourself and hopefully they can monitor progress to see if it is helping...something to consider. I know all about pain- its tough, isnt it?
Hang tight..and hugs,
Nikki
Nenu
04-22-2008, 05:14 PM
Pain indeed, for too long. I haven't had a pain free day in a very long time it feels. My main nerve pain strangely is in the right side of my face. The muscular problems seem to be left side of the body. Too strange.