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From Multiple Sclerosis, a Multiplicity of Challenges
NY Times ^ | March 4, 2008 | JANE E. BRODY

Posted on 03/06/2008 9:55:53 PM PST by neverdem

When it comes to understanding, preventing and treating chronic diseases, multiple sclerosis ranks among the most challenging. The word “multiple” is apt in more ways than one.

Various suggested causes include early-life exposure to certain viruses or toxic agents, geographic and dietary influences, inherent immunological defects and underlying genetic susceptibilities.

MS is highly unpredictable. Rarely are any two patients alike in the presentation, duration and progression of symptoms; even the underlying cause of disability in MS is being reconsidered. And rarely do any two patients respond in the same way to a given therapy, be it medically established or alternative. Trial and error is the name of the game, experts say, because it is often not possible to know in advance what will work best for individual patients.

These are the frequent underpinnings of confusion and distrust among those afflicted and their families. They sometimes give rise to claims that the organizations raising large amounts of money to support research and patient services and the scientists studying the disease have no intention of finding a cure, lest it put them out of business. It is a ridiculous notion on its face, since many of those involved in fund-raising and research have watched loved ones suffer and succumb to diseases like MS.

The failure of the medical establishment to solve mysteries like MS also prompts many patients to seek alternative remedies suggested by friends and relatives or found on the Internet. Many of these remedies are harmless, and some may actually be helpful, at least for a time. But when the remedies keep patients from trying the best that modern medicine can offer — or when they interact negatively with established remedies — the result can be a far more rapid downhill course than might otherwise have occurred...

(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: diseases; fda; health; medicine; ms; multiplesclerosis
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1 posted on 03/06/2008 9:55:54 PM PST by neverdem
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To: neverdem; Joya

PING


2 posted on 03/06/2008 10:34:39 PM PST by Quix (GOD ALONE IS GOD; WORTHY; PAID THE PRICE; IS COMING AGAIN; KNOWS ALL; IS LOVING; IS ALTOGETHER GOOD)
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To: Quix

I am fortunate to have an excellent Neurologist with a world wide reputation for his research and treatment of MS. I was on Avonex but the side effects were so unpleasant and the benefits so minimal we stopped it. My doctor believes I am a good candidate for Tysarbi. But it has one unavoidable side effect it causes financial hemorrhage.

My sister has told me quite seriously and soberly that my MS is caused by a PH imbalance. Yep a few sips of apple cider vinegar and the myelin sheaths and axons will be in tip top shape once again.


3 posted on 03/06/2008 10:57:22 PM PST by lastchance (Hug your babies.)
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To: lastchance

You said “myelin sheaths and axons”: are you talking about nerves and tendons?


4 posted on 03/06/2008 11:17:34 PM PST by SatinDoll (Desperately seeking a conservative candidate.)
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To: lastchance

One of my FREEPER friends has reported significant progress through following . . .

A MORE EXCELLENT WAY by Henry Wright.

Sounds like quite a challenge to overcome regardless. But I think there are increasingly better answers than ever before.

Thanks for your kind reply.


5 posted on 03/06/2008 11:18:42 PM PST by Quix (GOD ALONE IS GOD; WORTHY; PAID THE PRICE; IS COMING AGAIN; KNOWS ALL; IS LOVING; IS ALTOGETHER GOOD)
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To: dawn53

Thought you might want to read it.


6 posted on 03/07/2008 3:59:16 AM PST by 2ndClassCitizen
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To: 2ndClassCitizen
Thanks for the ping. The author doesn't mention Tysabri, her research must be a little behind. However, recent concerns have evidently emerged (melanoma, jcv in csf) but I've also read great reports for some people on what the drug is doing.

I thought this was interesting, and I don't think I've ever heard this expressed before:

Ms. Blackstone states it is important for patients to recognize an impending relapse — common indicators are fatigue and “a heightened sense of vulnerability, as if the person can tell something bad is going to happen” — and not try to work through a relapse. “It’s better to rest” and “avoid engaging in strenuous activity,” she suggests.

I've always noticed my relapses are preceded by what feels to me like a sense of anxiety, but I thought it was just me. Hmmm. And resting is my way to handle relapses, I don't do steroids...I just wait them out, but my lifestyle, work situation affords me that choice.

Thanks again for the ping.

7 posted on 03/07/2008 4:22:14 AM PST by dawn53
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To: Quix

I’ve had MS since 1998, and looking back I can see where my symptoms began a few years prior to that.

I have R/R MS and was told to use one of the ABC drugs. I chose copaxone due to its supposedly less drastic side-effects than the other injectables.

I had severe reactions to the drug so quit taking it. I currently use an “alternative” treatment that works well across all my symptoms...it is, however, frowned upon by most government agencies in this country.

MS truly is the Monster.


8 posted on 03/07/2008 5:17:38 AM PST by Be_Politically_Erect (Conservative from birth...Republican no more.)
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To: dawn53

Changes in barometric pressure trigger worsening symptoms in me. The hardest symptom to battle is unrelenting severe pain 24/7. It is also not fun when my brain gives a command and the body goes “what did you say or even outright rebels and does something different than commanded” I think my nerves must use adolescent children as their role model.

Like you for me rest seems the best response when I sense a relapse. I become almost hypersensitive to touch and extremely fatigued. I hope your relapses are few and far between.


9 posted on 03/07/2008 7:34:43 AM PST by lastchance (Hug your babies.)
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To: Quix

Quix, I am not familiar with that book, but shall certainly look into it. Thanks for the kind advice.


10 posted on 03/07/2008 7:35:41 AM PST by lastchance (Hug your babies.)
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To: SatinDoll

No. Here is a link to an excellent glossary of terms commonly used when discussing MS.

http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/3468/gloss.html

Hope that helps.


11 posted on 03/07/2008 7:39:47 AM PST by lastchance (Hug your babies.)
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To: lastchance

I get the hypersensitive feelings too. During a relapse, sounds get magnified and that drives me bonkers.

I just don’t like the unpredictability of the whole thing. Like you said, things don’t work the way you want them to and at just the times you want to feel good, you feel bad, and there’s not a thing you can do about it, but wait it out.

Neil Cavuto has some interesting insight on his feelings about the disease. Here is the link, he has three interviews on this page:

http://faceofms.org/browse.php?mode=last&page=3&cat=C


12 posted on 03/07/2008 7:45:20 AM PST by dawn53
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bump


13 posted on 03/07/2008 7:48:31 AM PST by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
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To: lastchance; All

You are welcome.

Brace yourself. It’s about half Scripture interspersed.

He’s a pastor who was persistently pestering God about why only 5% of the folks he prayed for were ever healed.

His website is

HTTP://WWW.BEINHEALTH.COM

God began to show him specific roots of specific diseases. Basically, not doing life the way God has instructed . . . some generational sins etc. When folks correct their part, God heals. Often instantly but probably more often in a gradual ‘walking out’ of the corrections, by His grace and help.

He says on p 65:

“In this ministry, we deal with many autoimmune diseases: lupus, Chron’s, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and MS, to name a few. All autoimmune diseases have a spiritual root of self-hatred, self-bitterness, and guilt. Diabetes can be defeated. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can be defeated. All autoimmune diseases can be defeated or can be prevented.”

REASONS for spiritually rooted diseases:

1. Separation from God, His Word, and His Love
2. Separation from Yourself.
3. Separation from Others.

Healing Spiritually Rooted Diseases p 84

All healing of spiritually rooted diseases begins with:

1. Your coming back in alignment with God, His Word, His person, His nature, His precepts and what He planned on this planet for you from the beginning. The solution is restoration.

2. Accepting YOURSELF in your relationship with God; getting rid of your self-hatred, getting rid of your self-bitterness, getting rid of your guilt and coming back in line with who you are in the Father through Jesus Christ.

3. Making peace with your brother, your sister and all others, if at all possible.

So, the beginning of all healing is restoration.

p. 178:

MS is rooted in deep, deep self-hatred and guilt, and spiritually it is very close to diabetes in that it involves a father’s rejection. I want to say something to you. THE FATHER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF THE FAMILY. THE FATHER, NOT THE MOTHER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS DAUGHTER’S VALUE SYSTEM AND HER SELF-ESTEEM. [CAPS was bolded instead of all caps in original]

“I don’t give men many breaks because I know the tragedy of my own life. I’ve had to learn this thing the way the Word teaches it, not the way my generation has lived it. I’ve had to have some paradigm shifts in my thinking as a human being and a man of God. I have to represent God the Father to my children. I have to be to my wife as Christ is to the Church. I don’t have a choice.” p 178

Testimonials:

pE-13

“I am being healed of M.S.! The clock was turned back on my physical limitations by one year and I am almost off all my medications. You helped me get my life back.”

“Every day is like Christmas—I can’t wait to get up and see what has been restored today. R.D.”

BLESSINGS,


14 posted on 03/07/2008 8:23:24 AM PST by Quix (GOD ALONE IS GOD; WORTHY; PAID THE PRICE; IS COMING AGAIN; KNOWS ALL; IS LOVING; IS ALTOGETHER GOOD)
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To: Quix

I have no self hatred or loathing. I love Jesus with all my mind, heart and soul. What I loath is the sins I commit or am tempted to commit. When this happens I turn to Christ in prayer. If I sin I have guilt but that guilt only binds me if I do not bring it to Christ and seek His forgiveness. If the sin be mortal I would confess and receive absolution.

My father died when I was 7 years old. But I really don’t think he did it as a way of rejecting me.


15 posted on 03/07/2008 9:02:22 AM PST by lastchance (Hug your babies.)
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To: lastchance

Sounds great.

Of course, I know nothing of your particulars other than what you tell me.

I just know that Wright’s stuff has made a lot more sense than anything else I’ve come across in general and regarding all the diseases he’s had such great success with. He does also operate in significant anointing.

We do know that the Scripture about sins of the fathers to the 3rd & 4th generation has an impact on all of us.

And, recent scientific research has shown that what we say A LOT AND THINK A LOT

ALTERS OUR VERY DNA.

God’s best to you in your walk with Him, certainly. Sounds like you have your priorities straight.

Blessings,


16 posted on 03/07/2008 9:54:42 AM PST by Quix (GOD ALONE IS GOD; WORTHY; PAID THE PRICE; IS COMING AGAIN; KNOWS ALL; IS LOVING; IS ALTOGETHER GOOD)
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To: lastchance

BTW, children are not always so rational about things such as death of a parent.


17 posted on 03/07/2008 9:55:27 AM PST by Quix (GOD ALONE IS GOD; WORTHY; PAID THE PRICE; IS COMING AGAIN; KNOWS ALL; IS LOVING; IS ALTOGETHER GOOD)
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To: Quix

I still grieve and miss my dad. Even at that young age it was faith that got me through that very wrenching and sorrowful time of my life. Jesus will take our burdens up if we ask and have full trust.


18 posted on 03/07/2008 10:13:58 AM PST by lastchance (Hug your babies.)
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To: lastchance

RIGHT YOU ARE.

Though it is typically very difficult for those of us who have had an inadequate, incomplete, whatever fractured sort of relationship with a Dad . . . to have full trust in almost anyone—including God. I’m still working on it at 61!


19 posted on 03/07/2008 10:17:56 AM PST by Quix (GOD ALONE IS GOD; WORTHY; PAID THE PRICE; IS COMING AGAIN; KNOWS ALL; IS LOVING; IS ALTOGETHER GOOD)
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To: SatinDoll
You said “myelin sheaths and axons”: are you talking about nerves and tendons?

Individual cells in the nervous system are called neurons. Some neurons have myelin sheaths around their axons. Here's a typical illustration of a myelinated neuron.

Here's a primer.

20 posted on 03/07/2008 3:22:44 PM PST by neverdem
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