Exacerbations - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

GinniBoBinni · 02-15-2001, 10:29 AM

Hi!

I was dx with rrms 12/2000 via an MRI that showed two lesions in my cervical spine. My first symptom was in 94 - ocular neuritis that lasted one month, in the right eye. My second exacerbation was in 97 - fatigue, muscle weakness in legs, tingling and numbness. Now again in 2000 the tingling came back and this time I went to the Neuro for tests, hence the dx. The spinal tap came up neg for MS though.

I wish to treat this naturally, no drugs. Any advice?

Anyone ever heard of or experimented with EMF as a treatment? My brain MRI showed some small spots of MS, but also a pineal gland cyst...

Curious in Venice (CA),
ginnibobinni

nrvwoman · 02-17-2001, 07:12 AM

Hi Ginnibobinni,

I was dx in Sept'99 at age 42 (and no prior symptoms!). I am doing some alternative/complementary, as well as traditional treatments for the MS.

What is EMF? I have done a lot of reading and research, but that doesn't ring a bell.

So far, I am taking Provigil, LDN (low dose naltrexone), Vit.B-12 (sometimes sublingual, sometimes IM), histamine/caffeine,magnesium/potassium, and a good multiple vitamin/mineral formula. My neurologist gave me tons of info in Nov about the ABC's, and next month I have an appt to discuss them. Copaxone seems to be the direction I am leaning. I have been reading a lot about Liver/Thiamine injections as another alternative treatment, and am looking into it.

Luckily, I found an alternative/complementary dr relatively close by, and am not winging it on my own.

One of the biggest/important "treatments" from what I have read, is diet and exercise. And, I AM a slacker there! As far as diet, there is so much out there, it confuses me...the Zone, Eat Right for Your Type, Palelithic, S****, Roger McDougall's,Water Cure, and then the diet doesn't matter faction.

The main thing I have found, is to try one new "thing" at a time, that way you can tell what is working and what may not be. And to have a dr. or pharmacist with a good knowledge of complementary medicine (I have both) to guide you. My neuro, however, is very conservative.

Bigpaw · 05-10-2001, 07:42 AM

I have been diagnosed with MS since 1985 and have had no exacerbations since that time. I have been on Avonex for 1-1/2 years. Last week I saw my neurologist and mentioned about how bad my handwriting was. He put me on Baclofen and I could not believe how sick I got on half a pill. I immediately went off of that and the next day started experiencing tingling in my left leg. I am hoping it is only coincidence that this is happening after taking only one pill. Anyway, I have decided that I would like to try alternative medicine but really don't know where to turn. Everything I read seems to indicate this could be dangerous. I wouldn't even consider going off of my Avonex but would like to see an improvement in the handwriting. Any information about alternative medicine/herbs that others have tried and feel are beneficial would be of interest.

GinniBoBinni · 05-17-2001, 09:02 AM

I am on betaseron, and have taken such supplements as Calcium, multi-vitamin, B complex, Evening Primrose Oil, Coenzyme Q10, amino acids, Acidophilus, st. john's wort. I take these off and on and they do seem to help, but was warned by my acupuncturist that taking them all - all the time could be harmful.

The best benefit I get is from juicing. I buy loads of organic produce and I juice it and drink it daily. I use mixtures of Kale, Cilantro, Parsley, Carrots, Apples, Burdock Root, Beets, and sometimes Ginger for a little spice. All together it doesn't taste bad, though for some it is an acquired taste. I got my husband hooked on it!! But I feel more energy from drinking the juice than from anything else and know I am getting my proper vitamins and minerals this way.

Best of luck,

Ginni