Exacerbations

[GinniBoBinni]

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]

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, Swank, 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.

[andreamc]

Hi.
I was just introduced via Email to a person who is naturally treating her MS also. If you would like, Email me personally and I will get you in touch with her to hear more information. I think she might be able to help. My address is andreamc@cros.net. Hope to hear from you soon!

[Bigpaw]

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]

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