is there an MS support thread on here?

[vermontmomma]

is there an MS support thread on here? I couldn't find one but may not be looking in the right spot. 

[vermontmomma]

anything?

[Koalamom]

I am in VT too and I have lyme disease that is just like MS. Not sure if I qualify for this thread.

[vermontmomma]

I'm not even sure if this is even officially a thread but of course you're welcome in! I know very little so far about this diagnosis or lyme disease for that matter and would love to hear more about others' experiences or tips for dealing. Honestly I'm shocked there wasn't already something up since everyone I talk to knows of someone who has MS or cured it in someway or another, from there the details always get kind of fuzzy though.

[Ornery]

I just saw this.  I haven't seen any other threads around here but I haven't really looked.  I was officially diagnosed with MS in October after an episode of optic neuritis in April that was undiagnosed, bladder and bowel issues all summer and then losing the use of my right arm for quite awhile.  They finally did MRI's and I had multiple active lesion in my brain and spine.

Since then, it has been a huge rollercoaster.  At the end of November, I went into remission from that attack and it lasted until I wore myself out over Christmas.  Since then I've been struggling with horrible neuropathy and foot drop in that leg.

I'm currently taking a massive load of supplements and vitamins and Gabapentin but that's all.  I did a course of IV steroids in November.

I'm still thinking about the interferon shots.  I decided to try substantially changing my diet to a very low fat, absolutely low carb, mostly vegetable and protein diet that is completely clean (i.e., no processed foods).  I'm hoping this will do it as I really don't believe interferon is the way to go.  I struggle with the idea that this is one of those diseases that no one understands and yet they are trying to push really strong chemicals on me. 

Anyway, how are you?  When were you diagnosed?  What do you struggle with? 

[BubblingBrooks]

You ladies might find this article to be of interest.
I am passing it onto a friend at church as well.
http://www.westonaprice.org/dentistry/1957-root-canal-dangers.html 
 

[Ornery]

That is an interesting article, thank you for sharing it.  It doesn't apply to my specific situation as I hadn't ever had a root canal until last month and I've never had amalgram fillings or any tooth extractions.

Honestly, I think in my circumstance I have a little more interest in the aspartame connection with MS.  I don't know enough about the science behind that, but I know I've been drinking 4-5 cans of Diet Coke since I was 11.  I'm 32 now.   That is a whole heck of a lot of aspartame.

Again, I personally don't think they know enough about MS to be comfortable with following their suggested protocol for treating it.   It is scary how much we just don't know.

[Jayray]

I don't technically have MS at this point, but I had a single episode from a spinal chord lesion back in 2006.  The first doctor I saw was certain I was going to be diagnosed and wanted to put me in a clinical trial with the highest dose of interferon plus a high dose of lipitor (they think it has beneficial properties to the nervous system--at least they did at that time).  Thankfully, I got a second opinion!  My second doctor just wanted to monitor me with regular MRIs rather than diving into life-changing drugs.  All of them have been clear so far.

I still have tingling basically all the time in my hands, feet and legs, but I've gotten used to it. 

I try to keep up with what's going on with MS research.  There is so much!!  There are so many new drugs in the pipeline that seem less drastic than the interferons.  It also seems that there is a lot of lifestyle/nutrition things you can do.

Anyway, I just wanted to get in on the thread even though I've only had one episode.