Multiple Sclerosis I do not want to be down for long. I want to keep Going.?

Question

Doctors laid a heavy trip on me in November after first presentation. How long to be on drugs or off drugs is
a whip to my nerves either way.

Answer 1

Dear Nina,

I empathize with you, and can understand what you may likely be thinking and feeling. It's quite a wake-up call. But! Consider this the language of your body and an opportunity to strive for wellness.

While you've not mentioned the aspects of your November attack, it must have been severe enough to warrant the involvement of a Neurologist and subsequent tests, the current definitive marker of diagnosis being test results derived from an MRI displaying visible lesions. I also assume you've been asked to select a protocol of medication, typically beta-interferon delivered by injection and for attacks, a course of prednisone I.V. (4 day infusion program followed by a one week taper using prednisone in tablet form).

My neurologist, also the foremost research leader in Canada, is currently conducting clinical trials of the effectiveness of Vitamin D for treatment of M.S. When I last saw him in February 2006, he said that patients were safely taking Vitamin D doses of 32,000 IU per day. I currently take 20,000 IU/day along with calcium and magnesium, while avoiding certain dietary items such as Dairy, Gluten, Sugar, Salt, Hydrogenated Oils (fried foods especially) and Meat. After now more than 1 full year without Rebif (beta interon injections 3 times per week), and no prescribed medications whatsoever, I remain attack free and have returned to work, with no other symptons aside from fatigue. When I was first diagnosed in Sept 2004, with over 20 lesions appearing on my MRI and 3 severe attacks back-to-back, a neurologist suspected my case was more advanced and the prognosis was rather bleak.

Please refer to this link; the information here offers a wealth of knowledge regarding suspected causes, lifestyle changes and nutritional recommendations etc. Knowledge is empowering, and you CAN be well.

Specifically regarding Vitamin D (video)
http://www.direct-ms.org/plannedresearch.html

If ever I can be of help to you, please contact me privately via email (see my Yahoo answers profile for the link to reach me).

Keep your faith. Good Health to you Nina.

Answer 2

I'm very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I have a neighbor and good friend who has had MS for 20 years. He walked when he didn't feel like it. When walking became really difficult he started walking in a pool to keep the muscles strong.

Are you a Vietnam vet? They may have some programs available.

Answer 3

You will need to be on immunosupressants for the rest of your life in order to keep your immune system from attacking additional neurons. Your neurologist will be able to tell you more. Your steroids can be adjusted a lot, and you probably won't need them once you get your immune system under control.

KEEP MOVING. Do everything you can to keep functioning at as high of a level as you can.

Answer 4

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I heard of this natural liquid supplement but forgot the name which has a lot of vitamins and minerals and good for MS. Email me to [e-mail] and I will look for the name for you.