Kayaking

Thanks to my wife's birthday I have finally gotten out and kayaked after my move south to NC. It's only taken 5.5 years. We had a great time on the New River in VA. It reminds me that I need to do things and try not to get to protective of what I do.

Anniversary

Well it was my 1 year anniversary with MS in August (My first sign of ON). It has been an interesting year to say the least. September brings on my annual visit to my neuro. MRI, blood tests the "N" tests. I am also going to meet with Dr. Qutab today to sort through my blood tests and overall wellness. I will have a complete report for everyone as soon as I have everything back from both doctor's.

Multiple Sclerosis International Federation

Beautiful Day - English from MSIF on Vimeo.

PART XI

Well it has been quite some time since I have posted. Has it really been two months? Wow, I guess have been busy with things more than I thought.

My MS is always there as I am sure it is with some of you. Everyday I wake up and analyze my body and mind to see where I am at for the day. I have a type of mental checklist to formulate what I feel I can and can't do for the day. I'm hoping not to become OVER cautious with what I do.

It's a real worry for me that I will shut myself down too much and do less out of fear (common I would think). I rely a lot on my wife for balance with this issue. Should I go out in the heat today, should I push through the tiredness I feel. Is that my MS or my normal body talking....? That pain or ache I have in my leg(s) is that from being out of shape, the walk I took or something else? I am sure anyone with MS could form a LONG list here, but you get the general idea.

Pushing yourself is a good thing but over doing or doing something stupid is another thing completely.

Anyway enough analyzation and on to what has been going on with me. First off I am coming up on the one year anniversary with MS in my life. It seems like light years since my blindness from optic neuritis, telling my wife I have MS, the hospital stay, telling my family, the doctors etc., etc. Eventually and with lots of help and eduction I did find my way.

To recap here is what I am doing right now. In addition to the Swank Diet I have cut out processed sugar and all dairy. Continuing on with my supplements and vitamins. The life blood of what I am doing. I now take everything twice a day (total of 51 pills, 6 sublinguals and 6 drops in water daily). Add in my Atlas Orthogonist, exercise (when I can), positive thinking and some meditation and there you have it.

I have to say I am in MUCH better condition then I was last August. I started my journal in January to keep a daily and weekly recap of everything going on with me and MS. It's interesting to review the 7 months and look at what has happened. I have had 21 "bad" days. These are days that I am in terrible shape for one reason or another (some MS, some not). I have had 61 "outstanding" days. These are days where I have felt exceptionally well. The rest of the days are all "average" days of feeling good and active. The "bad days are all weighted into the first 2 1/2 months. I have only had only 7 "bad" days since March 21st 2009. My program is working for me.

My eye is doing very well and only seems off when I am severely over tired. It appears this will be an ongoing issue for me. The fatigue I had originally has lessened since the introduction of the supplements. It's like night and day. I rarely need a daily nap as I did before. The rest of my body seems about the same except for one new issue.

On June 7th I started having some problems with my legs. The symptoms were soreness, aches and a sense of falling asleep in my feet. I gave it a week or so to see if it was just something physical from over doing or walking etc. The symptoms seem to come and go and increase from prolonged sitting in the same position. I went immediately to my chiro and got adjusted. Instant change and relief from my symptoms. My entire lower body felt tired and sore from relief for a couple of days. It appears at this point this is probably not MS related but I will be keeping a serious eye on it.

I learned of some new equipment when I was at my appointment with Dr. Meehan and thought I would pass it along. They now have the MRS2000 (Magnetic Resonance Stimulation) LINK 2, LINK 3). Here is a brief blurb about it.

Electromagnetic therapy applies magnetic fields–either static or pulsed. Low Pulsing Magnetic Fields (PEMF) are used instead because a constant magnetic field is unable to penetrate the whole body and also the body's cells soon become used to a constant magnetic field. The pulsating field can be optimized to the correct frequency of vibration to effects the whole system and its long term use has many benefits. With low pulsating electromagnetic fields the cells can not be damaged.

Today, magnetic therapy is well established worldwide. Japan has given official approval for the use of pulsed magnetic devices for healing. Over 1000 clinical studies world-wide document the effectiveness of Magnetic- Resonance- Stimulation. The German-made MRS 2000+ designo is the “next step” as well as the new benchmark in the field of pulsating magnetic therapy for home, medical or clinical use.

I am doing a bit of research on this and will most likely add this to my MS and overall health regime.

Well that's about it for now.
I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying life.
Dave

Sunshine Can Actually Decrease Your Vitamin D

Very interesting video/information on vitamin D. Make sure you are taking the proper steps to maximize your time in the sun. Not to crazy about the idea of people not showering for two days but this is a very interesting video.

Get safe sun!


http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/05/12/Shocking-Update-Sunshine-Can-Actually-Decrease-Your-Vitamin-D-Levels.aspx

Short story, BIG reminder!

I have been feeling so good lately I am starting to FORGET what got me here. Its seems all to easy to stop with the naps, the supplements/herbs, getting my sun, and the exercise once you start feeling like yourself again.

BIG REMINDER don't stop whats gotten you better. Good thing I have a great wife keeps tabs on me!

MS Walk in Saratoga N.Y.

My family is participating in a MS walk in Saratoga NY. Please donate if you can. Click Here

Candida

Well I am feeling great these days. The only thing tired or sore is my body and thats from trying to get back in shape after all this.

I wanted to pass along my thoughts on everyone that has MS and those that don't getting tested for Candida. It may sound all to familiar to some of us but it may have a link/tie in with people that have MS. If you have time read the book "Healing MS" by Ann Boroch and pay attention to chapter 2.

Some major contributing factors are use of antibiotics, steroids (cortisone, prednisone), birth control pills, estrogen replacement therapy, poor diet, chemotherapy, radiation, heavy metals, alcohol overuse, drugs, and stress.

"Immune weakness is probably the most obvious reason for the development of candidiasis. When the immune system is compromised the body is vulnerable to attack from a wide variety of pathogens – not just candida. Interestingly, candida can often start to flourish when a person uses antibiotics as antibiotics kill off the good bacteria that are instrumental in keeping candida production in check. When good bacteria is depleted the environment for candida to thrive is created."

Some of the most frequent Candida symptoms are:
abdominal gas, headaches, migraines, excessive fatigue, cravings for alcohol, anxiety, vaginitis, rectal itching, cravings for sweets, inability to think clearly or concentrate, hyperactivity, mood swings, diarrhea, constipation, hyperactivity, itching, acne, eczema, depression, sinus inflammation, pre-menstrual syndrome, dizziness, poor memory, persistent cough, earaches, low sex drive, muscle weakness, irritability, learning difficulties, sensitivity to fragrances and/or other chemicals, cognitive impairment, thrush, athletes foot, sore throat, indigestion, acid reflux, chronic pain

"Most people are unaware that it even exists, because most main stream doctors are uneducated about its impact on our health. People suffering from this condition often go from doctor to doctor for years and are usually told they are a hypochondriac or that it is stress or a psychiatric problem, before ever discovering the real culprit."

There are several options for testing if you ask your neuro or GP.

Stool Tests
Stool tests can be very valuable for detecting bacterial and other infections of the gastrointestinal tract. They are not however reliable for detecting Candida. See the bottom of the page for Candida tests.

Hormone Panel
Multiple labs offer this.

Blood test:
Candida albicans Assay for Candida albicans and the Immuno 1 BloodprintTM for Delayed Food Allergies.

Two saliva self test at home.(additional link http://www.candida-albicans-cure.com/candida-test.html)

1.
A Simple Test You Can Do at Home
First thing in the morning, before you put ANYTHING in your mouth, get a clear glass and fill with water. Work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of water. Check the water after a moment or within 2-3 minutes, then within every 15 minutes.

If you have a candida yeast infection, you will see strings, like cloudy legs, traveling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or "cloudy" saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water. If there are no strings, the water is as clear as it was before you spit in the glass and the saliva is still floating after at least one hour, you are probably candida yeast free. The more strings and cloudiness there is and the faster it develops, the greater the overgrowth.

2.
First thing in the morning, before you put ANYTHING in your mouth, get a clear glass and fill with water. Work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of water. Check the water after a moment or within 2-3 minutes, then within every 15 minutes.

If you have a candida yeast infection, you will see strings, like cloudy legs, traveling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or "cloudy" saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water. If there are no strings, the water is as clear as it was before you spit in the glass and the saliva is still floating after at least one hour, you are probably candida yeast free. The more strings and cloudiness there is and the faster it develops, the greater the overgrowth.

Part X.....a rebirth?

Well it has now been 60 days on the supplements. I have to tell you I feel reborn to some extent. My fatigue and overall feelings are almost back to what I remember as normal. My head is clear, most of the "cognitive" things I had going on have dwindled away. The only catch is when I miss sleep, stay up late or wear myself out physically. Sad to say at this point the physically part is way to easy to do but I will get there soon enough.

I have been keeping up on my journal for the most part throughout my 60 days. There were a few days in February that I missed as I was really sick. I decided to start color coding my days as well as writing a recap each day. Red for bad, orange for great days and nothing for the days I will call "symptomatic" . Meaning there is something there but it is minor. So here is the recap. 2 bad days, 20 great days, 20 symptomatic days. 9 of the last 11 have been great days! As you can see that does not equal 60. The missing days are the days I was down with the "bug", 18 in total. The great news on the bug is it did not cause any flair ups with my MS. During that time I stayed away from any immune based remedies. I just went through it sticking with the diet, my supps program. and sleep. How my wife can deal with me is beyond a mystery, I would be lost without her.

Now to the rebirth of sorts that I am feeling. My body is the part that has become the next step. It appears I have everything going where I want it and my lazy, confined body now needs to catch up. WELCOME back warm weather. Getting out, exercising, doing yard work, horseback riding and even walking long distances can now be a bit frustrating. I have been so locked in (literally and figuratively) with the winter and starting my road back I am not sure what my body being out of shape vs and MS symptom feels like anymore. Are the aches, soreness and being tired from exercise or not? It's a simple answer to solve. Get out and do it and see where it leads. I never thought stacking wood could feel so good. Being OUTSIDE and getting myself going is the next step and I can't wait to see where it goes.

An Open Letter To Those Without MS

I came across this letter today. While everything does not apply to me personally. This letter is a great summation of the thoughts that run around in a person with MS's head. I could not have come up with something better.


An Open Letter To Those Without MS

Having MS means many things change, and a lot of them are invisible. Unlike AIDS and Cancer, most people do not understand even a little about MS and its effects, and of those that think they know, many are actually mis-informed. In the spirit of informing those who wish to understand ...

... These are the things that I would like you to understand about me before you judge me...

___________________________________

Please understand that being sick doesn't mean I'm not still a human being. I have to spend most of my day sitting on my arse, and if you visit I probably don't seem like much fun to be with, but I'm still me stuck inside this body. I still worry about stuff and work and my family and friends, and most of the time I'd still like to hear you talk about yours too.

___________________________________

Please understand the difference between "happy" and "healthy". When you've got the flu you probably feel miserable with it, but I've been sick for years. I can't be miserable all the time, in fact I work hard at not being miserable. So if you're talking to me and I sound happy, it means I'm happy. That's all. It doesn't mean that I'm not in a lot of pain, or extremely tired, or that I'm getting better, or any of those things. Please, don't say, "Oh, you're sounding better!". I am not sounding better, I am sounding happy. If you want to comment on that, you're welcome.

___________________________________

Please understand that being able to stand up for five minutes, doesn't necessarily mean that I can stand up for ten minutes, or an hour. With a lot of diseases you're either paralyzed, or you can move. With this one it gets more confusing.

___________________________________

Please repeat the above paragraph substituting, "sitting up", "walking", "thinking", "being sociable" and so on ... it applies to everything. That's what this kind of illness does to you.

___________________________________

Please understand that MS is variable. It's quite possible (for me, it's common) that one day I am able to walk to the park and back, while the next day I'll have trouble getting to the kitchen. Please don't attack me when I'm ill by saying, "But you did it before!", if you want me to do something then ask if I can. In a similar vein, I may need to cancel an invitation at the last minute, if this happens please do not take it personally.

___________________________________

Please understand that "getting out and doing things" does not make me feel better, and can often make me seriously worse. MS may cause secondary depression (wouldn't you get depressed if you were stuck inside for ages on end!?) but it is not created by depression. Telling me that I need some fresh air and exercise is not appreciated and not correct - don't you think that if I could possibly do it that I would?

___________________________________

Please understand that if I say I have to sit down/pee/lie down/take these pills now, that I do have to do it right now - it can't be put off or forgotten just because I'm out for the day (or whatever). MS does not forgive.

___________________________________

If you want to suggest a cure to me, DON'T. It's not because I don't appreciate the thought, and it's not because I don't want to get well. It's because I have had almost every single one of my friends suggest one at one point or another. At first I tried them all, but then I realized that I was using up so much energy trying things that I was making myself sicker, not better. If there was something that cured, or even helped, all people with MS then we'd know about it. This is not a drug-company conspiracy, there is worldwide networking (both on and off the Internet) between people with MS, if something worked we would KNOW.
___________________________________

If after reading that, you still want to suggest a cure, then do it, preferably in writing, but don't expect me to rush out and try it. If I haven't had it suggested before, I'll take what you said and discuss it with my doctor. He's open to new suggestions and is a great guy, and he takes what I say seriously.
___________________________________

In many ways I depend on you - people who are not sick - I need you to visit me when I am too sick to go out, I need you to shop for me, I need you to cook and clean for me, I need you to take me the the doctors, sometimes I need you to support me so I can walk to the bathroom without falling over.

I need you on a different level too ... you're my link to the outside world, if you don't set up my recliner in the lounge-room I can't watch TV and if you don't bring home a newspaper I can't read it. If you don't come to visit me then I won't get to see you.

... and, as much as it's possible, I need you to understand me.

___________________________________

Adapted by S Hamilton 2004 - taken from an article by Ricky Buchanan. When forwarding or publishing elsewhere please use the URL of Ricky Buchanan's original version - http://notdoneliving.net/foothold/openletter/

Permission to reproduce here kindly given by Ricky Buchanan, who has also included Sue's version on Ricky's site here:http://notdoneliving.net/foothold/openletter/options.html

MS Awareness Week March 2-8, 2009!

Please do something to help in the awareness week! Next year I will have an event or something for everyone to take part in but please don't let this year go buy. Get involved someplace and "Move It".

Some of the headlines out there this week!
A Week for Millions of People Impacted By MS to Move It and Come Together In Support of the MS Movement

MS Activists are Moving It to Improve Health Care for People with MS

Corporate partners Moving It to End MS

This is a watershed year in MS research with more than a dozen new therapies moving through the MS pipeline including the first two oral disease modifying drugs and the first symptom management drug that improves walking;

Exciting new research is also underway into Vitamin D and MS which is revealing an ever stronger tie between susceptibility to MS and reduced levels of Vitamin D;
Recent discoveries of new genes that make people susceptible to MS are providing clues to stopping and preventing the disease
The six Pediatric MS Centers established across the country offer the potential for finding the cause of MS by studying children with the disease, who could still harbor clues to what caused their MS because the environmental triggers may still be present.

What MS Type do I have?

I had a couple discussions come up recently about what type of MS I had and what others had. In doing some research I came across this great breakdown and thought I would post it.


1. Relapsing/Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRmultiple sclerosis):
This is characterised by relapses (also known as exacerbations) during which time new symptoms can appear and old ones resurface or worsen. The relapses are followed by periods of remission, during which time the person fully or partially recovers from the deficits acquired during the relapse. Relapses can last for days, weeks or months and recovery can be slow and gradual or almost instantaneous. The vast majority of people presenting with Multiple Sclerosis are first diagnosed with relapsing/remitting. This is typically when they are in their twenties or thirties, though diagnoses much earlier or later are known. Around twice as many women as men present with this variety.

2. Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPmultiple sclerosis):
In this form of multiple sclerosis a person who initially had relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis begins to develop a gradual deterioration in nerve function, with or without relapses. After a number of years many people who have had relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis will pass into a secondary progressive phase of the disease. This is characterised by a gradual worsening of the disease between relapses. In the early phases of Secondary Progressive, the person may still experience a few relapses but after a while these merge into a general progression. People with secondary progressive may experience good and bad days or weeks, but, apart from some remission following relapsing episodes, no real recovery. After 10 years, 50% of people with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis will have developed secondary progressive. By 25 to 30 years, that figure will have risen to 90%.

3. Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (PRmultiple sclerosis):
Progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis shows clear progression in the level of disability from the time symptoms first begin, but with episodes of clear relapses that may or may not be associated with some recovery following the acute episode. This form of multiple sclerosis follows a progressive course from onset, punctuated by relapses. There is significant recovery immediately following a relapse but between relapses there is a gradual worsening of symptoms.

4. Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPmultiple sclerosis):
This type of multiple sclerosis is characterised by a gradual progression of the disease from its onset with no remissions at all. There may be periods of a leveling off of disease activity and, as with secondary progressive, there may be good and bad days or weeks. PPmultiple sclerosis differs from Relapsing/Remitting and Secondary Progressive in that onset is typically in the late thirties or early forties, men are as likely women to develop it and initial disease activity is in the spinal cord and not in the brain. Primary Progressive multiple sclerosis often migrates into the brain, but is less likely to damage brain areas than relapsing/remitting or secondary progressive - for example, people with Primary Progressive are less likely to develop cognitive problems.

Other terms often used to describe forms of multiple sclerosis are:
Benign multiple sclerosis: This is a sub-group of relapsing/remitting. It is used to describe the disease in people who have had multiple sclerosis for fifteen or more years without picking up any serious and enduring disability. One of the neurologists that I saw put it at ten years. It's a bit of a false label really and people with benign multiple sclerosis are often reclassified as Secondary Progressive after a number of years [Hawkins and McDonnell, 1999].
Malignant multiple sclerosis: Also known as Marburg's Variant and Acute Multiple Sclerosis. This is a label given to forms of multiple sclerosis where the disease progresses very rapidly from onset leading to severe disability within a relatively short period of time. Fortunately, this form of multiple sclerosis is extremely rare.

Chronic Progressive multiple sclerosis: Primary Progressive and Secondary Progressive used to be lumped together as Chronic Progressive (CPmultiple sclerosis) but this term is no longer officially recognised although you will still see it referred to now and then.

Transitional/Progressive multiple sclerosis: Another form of the disease which is sometimes referred to but not widely used, is Transitional/Progressive (TPmultiple sclerosis). This is characterised by a progressive course beginning many years after an isolated bout.

Devic's Disease: Also known as Neuromyelitis Optica, Devic's disease is a related condition to multiple sclerosis that is characterised by an attack of Optic Neuritis in both eyes followed by severe inflammation of the spinal cord (Transverse Myelopathy).

Balo's concentric sclerosis: This is another very rare disease that resembles multiple sclerosis. Clinically, it is very hard to distinguish Balo's concentric sclerosis from multiple sclerosis but MRI scans show the lesions in Balo's to be concentric rings of intact myelin and demyelinated zones. It is more common in China and the Philippines than elsewhere.

Sick of being Sick

Well once again I have been away for a bit. I have been very sick with some type of bug. It has been quite a long haul through this sickness and I am still not myself. My eye that I had ON in is now starting to bother me a bit. Tired and sore. My vision has not really been effected, so that's a REAL positive. Getting sick on top of my MS has now become a long fight with the fear of my MS.

People without MS may not may not understand that infections are compounded by an autoimmune disease. When we get sick with a “real” foreign threat the risk of our MS symptoms worsening or our immune systems causing and MS relapse increases. Our bodies become very vulnerable to an attack from the immune system itself.
Being that I am not taking any of the immunosuppressive medications I do escape the side effects that can make you feel even worse. I really feel for those that have to handle that as well.

I continue to stay positive and battle my way back. Hopefully things this week or next will be back to what I now call normal. I have kept up with my journal and will be giving you an update very soon on my progress with my supplement regimen.

For those interested I started a Facebook group titled the Natural approaches to Multiple Sclerosis. The title basically sums up what it is about.

PART IX, FEELING BETTER!

I have been away from the blog for a bit and I apologize for not updating it sooner. A lot going on with the holidays, tests and the new program Dr. Qutab has put me on. It has been an interesting few weeks. Below I will break down what I am doing and how it's been, but I need to give you an update and a caution on B12.

As most of my readers know I was taking 8000 B12 a day and at my last blood test I was up to 800. My B12 was obviously extremely low originally. Here is the BIG REMINDER to everyone. MAKE SURE you TEST your levels often to keep up on EVERYTHING. My latest blood test for B12 was 1837! To say we were all shocked was an understatement. I have since stopped taking it and will default back to 2000 a week and see where my levels settle at. I will say this again, PLEASE - especially if you are doing things yourself - TEST your blood and see where your levels are before you do anything.

After all the tests, blood vials, pokes and prods, here is where I am at and what I am doing. My last blood tests showed the following:
DHEA at the low end acceptable
Candida at the low end acceptable
Serum carnitine at the low end acceptable
Vitamin D at the low end of acceptable
Vitamin B12 good at 800 (tested since WAY high at 1837)

What I am taking (yep it's alot):
Acetyl L Carnitine 6 capsules/day, B12 2000 1 tablet sublingual/week, Beta Plus 2 tablets per day (no gallbladder), Bio D Mulsion 6 drops/day, Bioctasol Forte 9 tablets/day, Bio Multi Plus 3 tablets/day, L Carnitine 4 capsules/day, My B Tabs 6 tablets sublingual/day, Nuclezyme Forte 9 capsules/day, Optimal EFA 6 capsules/day, Padma Basic 4 tablets/day, Phosphatidylserine 9 capsules/day, Zyrtec (allergies) 1 tablet/day There is a breakdown in previous posts of what each is and intended to help with.

After 14 days on my new system I have had a few days I have woken up and felt, dare I say, like my old self. I have been keeping a journal on everything from the first day. I have had 5 spectacular days (possibly 6 with today!) and one really bad day. The bad day I believe occurred because I was out in the cold for too long and it got me. The cold seems to seriously knock the crap out of me. I am eager to see where I am after 30 days. Things are seriously improving on the fatigue side for the most part. I am sure I will still have some days but there is no question I am getting better overall and that's all I can ask for.

Part VIII

Quick update here on my approach for the next month. I have met again with my nutritionist after my last blood tests (basic fatigue tests as I mentioned). In reviewing everything I am going to be taking the following in the amounts appropriate for my age and body weight. I am going on a heavy dose of D for a month and then will be backing off. My levels are VERY low. My hope is to follow the swank diet, exercise, meditate and add these supplements. After my MRI in four months I will reevaluate everything with my doctors.

Hoping to see some help with my fatigue battles. I am real tired of be tired.

I have include a generic breakdown of what each is and the basic intent.

Bio-D Mulsion Forte
Supplies vitamin D3 in an emulsified form to aid in uptake and assimilation, especially important for those with malabsorption issues.
Inadequate levels of vitamin D are common. While the importance of vitamin D for musculoskeletal health is well documented, its importance in numerous other aspects of health are now recognized. They include (but are not limited to) cardiovascular health and immune function.

Bioctasol Forte
Intended to increase energy. Nutritional support for oxygen utilization by muscle and nerve tissue. Supplies octacosanol (from rice) with antioxidant enzymes SOD and catalase.

Nuclezyme-Forte
Supplemental source of RNA and DNA with synergistic vitamins and mineral components.

Optimal EFAs
To replace Evening Primrose and Eskimo oils. Supplies a unique blend of the highest quality fish, flaxseed and borage oils, providing a balanced blend of omega-3, 6, and 9 essential fatty acids in optimal ratios.

My B-Tabs
This uniquely formulated combination of vitamins supports many metabolic functions including energy production, enzyme synthesis, and antioxidant activity. Research shows that Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP)is a precursor or building block for ATP. AMP is converted to ATP by the enzyme ATPase. AMP is fundamental in phosphorylation reaction and constitutes a vital metabolic link in energy, transfer mechanism, muscular contractions, enzyme reactions, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Adenosine is a naturally occurring cellular metabolite. It is one of the four purine nucleotides responsible for protein synthesis. Also shown to help in areas such as obesity, chronic fatigue syndrome, immune system, nervous system, fatigue, stress, sleep patterns, herpes simplex, shingles, epstein barr virus, multiple sclerosis, pain, bursitis, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, chronic thrombophlebitis, varicose vein complications.

L-Carnitine HCI
Supplemental source of L-Carnitine, an amino acid like compound. L-Carnitine plays a critical role in fat metabolism and energy production, and therefore supports healthy heart function. L-Carnitine is derived from meat sources in the diet, and is therefore often found lacking in those on vegetarian type diets.

Phosphatidylserine
Supplemental source of this important phospholipid which is a structural part of biologic membranes. Phosphatidylserine is involved in signal transduction activity, and may positively impact cognition.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Found throughout the central nervous system (CNS), Acetyl-L-Carnitine plays a key role in CNS metabolism, offering a source of acetyl groups for the synthesis of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter, and thereby supporting healthy brain function.

Padma 28
Comes from a traditional Tibetian herbal formula that has been used for centuries to support lifelong health. This natural formula is based on the Tibetan doctrine of maintaining a healthy equilibrium in your body. Padma was formulated to gently restore a healthy balance to revitalize your body.

Use of vitamin D in clinical practice

In those with serious illnesses associated with vitamin D deficiency, such as cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, autism, and a host of other illnesses, doses should be sufficient to maintain year-round 25(OH)D levels between 55-70 ng/ mL. Vitamin D-deficient patients with serious illness should not only be supplemented more aggressively than the well, they should have more frequent monitoring of serum 25(OH) D and serum calcium.

Claims that vitamin D may help prevent such a wide variety of diseases seem incredible until one realizes vitamin D is not a vitamin; rather, it is the only known substrate for a potent, pleiotropic, repair and maintenance, seco-steroid hormone with a single endocrine function, but multiple autocrine functions.

Full article:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_1_13/ai_n25332537/pg_1?tag=artBody;col1

Mayo Clinic December Updates

Treatments and drugs
There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment typically focuses on combating the autoimmune response and managing the symptoms. Some people have such mild symptoms that no treatment is necessary.

Medications
Drugs that are commonly used for multiple sclerosis include:

Corticosteroids. The most common treatment for multiple sclerosis.
Interferons. These types of drugs — such as Betaseron, Avonex and Rebif — appear to slow the rate at which multiple sclerosis symptoms. But interferons can cause serious liver damage.
Glatiramer (Copaxone). Doctors believe that glatiramer works by blocking your immune system's attack on myelin. This drug can cause serious side effects, so it's typically reserved for people who see no results from other types of treatments.
Therapies
A physical or occupational therapist can teach you stretching and strengthening exercises, and show you how to use devices that can make it easier to perform daily tasks.

Procedures
Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) looks a little like dialysis as it mechanically separates your blood cells from your plasma, the liquid part of your blood. Plasma exchange is sometimes used to help combat severe symptoms of multiple sclerosis relapses, especially in people who are not responding to intravenous steroids.

Lifestyle and home remedies
These steps may help relieve some symptoms of multiple sclerosis:

Get enough rest. Fatigue is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis, and getting your rest may make you feel less tired.
Exercise. Regular aerobic exercise may offer some benefits if you have mild to moderate MS. Benefits include improved strength, muscle tone, balance and coordination, and help with depression. Swimming is a good option for people with MS who are bothered by heat.

Be careful with heat. Extreme heat may cause extreme muscle weakness. Although some people with multiple sclerosis aren't bothered by heat and may enjoy warm baths and showers, be very careful before exposing yourself to extreme heat until you know how you'll react. Don't get into a hot tub or sauna unless there's someone nearby who can pull you out if necessary. If you do experience heat-related worsening of signs or symptoms, cooling down for a few hours usually will return you to your normal state.

Cool down. Many people with multiple sclerosis experience heat-related worsening of MS symptoms. If you live in a hot and humid area, consider having air conditioning in your home. Tepid or cool baths also may provide some relief.

Eat a well-balanced diet. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can help keep your immune system strong.

MS cure at Dalhousie University?

Not so fast my friend.

There is a few rumors floating around the MS forums that an apparent news reports stated researchers from Dalhousie university are close to a cure for MS. After doing some research and making a few phone calls this news was misinterpreted. Below is a recap of what I learned with the help of my wife.

Trudy Campbell, nurse practitioner with the MS Research Department at Dalhousie University, tells us the news spot referred to the End MS Campaign by the MS Society of Canada. They encourage donations which allow research to continue towards a cure for MS, but there is not a cure forthcoming in the very near future. She remains hopeful that within a few years they will find a cure, just not yet.
http://www.endms.ca/english/donate-now.aspx

Some news from MRF

I just got his via email and thought I would post it on. The email was mostly recruiting donations but it did have some news.

The MRF is supported by charitable donations from foundations, corporations and people like you. If you have already made a donation, the MRF is most grateful for your support. If not, we would appreciate a gift of any amount to help us maintain our aggressive research effort. I believe the MRF will achieve its goal to license for commercial development a myelin repair therapeutic target by July 2009. Your support and the support of your friends and family members will help to ensure our ability to do so, and to continue identifying new drug targets until a better treatment for people with MS is a reality.

http://www.myelinrepair.org/

Part VII

Well it’s been a long time since my last update and not a lot has changed. The diet appears to be helping me and it is going very well. I had a great Thanksgiving Swank dinner! On the flip side I am struggling a bit with fatigue as well as the cold weather. It appears I am sensitive to the cold much like the heat. Makes it tough to stay motivated and get out there. It’s really hard to balance how you feel, how things really effect you, and what may or may not be over analyzation. Thankfully, I have a great wife to lean on. Anne helps me a lot along the way and keeps me focused.

I had a phone conference with Dr. Qutab after my last test and my meeting with Dr. Greene. He reccomended some new blood tests. Once these are done we may adjust my diet and take natural approaches to my fatigue issues. Any further nutritional changes for my treatment plans will come after this blood test and my next meetings.
The new blood tests were as follows:
DHEA
Candida
Serum carnitine
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12 (follow up to see what the B12 I am taking is doing)

Some treatment options he mentioned that I am not currently doing are the following:

1. DHEA treatment
MS patients have been noted to have low DHEA levels. With treatment some have seen discernible improvement, in their quality of life, increased energy, better dexterity, greater limb strength, decreased numbness.

2. Anti-candida (anti-fungal) treatment with Nystatin or herbal alternative

3. L-carnitine
Deficiency of carnitine may contribute to fatigue by reducing energy production through fatty acid oxidation.

4. Histamine therapy
Being researched by Dr. Jonathan Wright. They are uncontrolled studies but are proving effective.

5. AMP (adenosine monophosphate) IM injections, 20-100 mg, 3 times per week for 6 months to 1 year
Alternately, it can be given sublingually, although the research is being done with injections.

6. Chinese herbal formulas

After my meeting with Qutab, it was back to Dr Greene to discuss everything and formulate what the neurological approach is going to be. I again passed all neurological testing and my eye is probably about 90%-95%. Dr. Greene agreed with the blood tests and I have had them (still waiting on results). I took her advice and did get a flu shot. After we went through all the meds and what Dr. Greene reccomends, I have decided the following: No medications at this time, MRI scheduled 6 months out (progress check), call in with ANY new symptoms or any questions. I will exercise, follow the diet, decrease any stress and take the natural approach for 6 months. At 6 months we will have the MRI and see where things are.

Another update soon.