Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

MS Awareness Month March 8-14 2010

For those with Multiple Sclerosis, this is the week to make everyone aware of it. It might be a good idea to let your local papers know about it and ask if they’d write something about it. Let your groups know, spread the word.

On a more personal note and the topic of the post:

I’ve been feeling awful lately. The MS is in full swing and usually when this happens it’s because I have an infection going on, or I am really over doing it and put myself in a bout. But, it’s funny, I can usually tell the difference and this time it felt like an infection.

For those who aren’t aware, this is true for anyone with multiple sclerosis – infections, bacterial or viruses, affect ms. This is just the nature of the beast – if you’re sick, your ms will worsen. That’s why it’s essential for ms patients to have infections treated promptly.

So, I went to my doctor today, pretty sure I had a UTI (urinary tract infection) and sure enough I do. My PCP is kind of afraid of me because of the chemical sensitivity (MCS). She once told me that when she enters the exam room and sees me there she takes a step back. Not too comforting, let me tell you.

Anyway, she put me on Macrobid, a ten day script. It’s the antibiotic that worked in December 08 when I started again with recurring UTIs (the last one was around 25 years ago). I was on and off macrobid for 3 months because the doctors didn’t treat me properly for cystitis. The normal protocol never works with me – my unique body I guess. I even ended up in the emergency room because of the infection. Finally I went to a urologist who actually listened to me and realized I needed a long term treatment and then maintenance.

So, tonight I start the generic to Macrobid.  My PCP wants me back in 14 days to see if the little critters are gone. But, if the infection is not, I will be back on the antibiotic again and the bacteria will have had a chance to reinforce during the lapse of Macrobid. I understand doctors are cautious with antibiotics especially with someone with MCS, but playing did it kill it or not isn’t very wise either.

I will also call my urologist and hopefully get an appointment as soon as possible. I know my body and what it usually takes to get rid of the UTI.

I’ve been very diligent in watching my diet to help avoid sinus infections. I avoid sugar and chocolate (two sinus infection instigators for me) and I’ve been trying to avoid processed foods and I stopped drinking my 4 ounces of diet pepsi a couple of times a week. And, I’ve been pretty good at staying away from any form of cow’s milk – that mucus causing enzyme is as bad as eating chocolate for me.

Sorry I’m ranting on here. The tip for the day: KNOW YOUR BODY! And, if you have MS, be sure to drink plenty of water because MS patients are prone to bladder problems and UTIs. And, as I stated above, have any infection treated promptly.

And, don’t be afraid to tell your doctor how you think you should be medically treated.

All my well intentions of posting regularly to this site have been governed by my well-being lately. I’m doing my best to overcome this. I’m listening to my Think Right Health Now cd, along with reading about the power of the mind.

In Excuses Begone!, author Dryer quotes from The Biology of Belief with the phrase: perception controls genes.

I’m working on it!

Until next time,

Karen

I know it’s been a while. I was hoping to post to this site at least 2 times a week, but as life will do at times, it had other plans for me.

I had a little episode that warranted me having to get an ekg, 24-hour heart monitor, blood work, and a sonogram of my abdomen. I’m happy to report all seems to be well.

Hey, you know what, I change that statement: ALL IS WELL! I’ve been reading three different books on well being and listening to Think Write Now, I Am Healed Now! every night. Sooner or later this positive thinking and empowerment will take root!

I would give you the link to I Am Healed Now!, but they don’t sell it any longer – I bought it several years ago. I’m not sure why they discontinued it, in fact I’m going to contact the company and ask.

I’ve been creating another website, my third Blue Host site. I also have 3 blogsites, two of which are active. And, I try to write for ezines such as Suite101 and EzineArticles as well as work on writing children’s books. So, I keep pretty busy.

Okay, down to business:

For those of you in the NY area and are able to or know friends, family, acquaintances who are:

The New York City – Southern New York Chapter will host Walk MS 2010 at 7 locations on April 17th and 18th in Manhattan and Staten Island, and Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties.

Each location will feature a Walk MS festival including a fun zone for kids, food, and entertainment. It’s a great cause, raising critical funds in support of annual programs and services, and the Society’s research initiatives.

For more info visit: www.walkMSnyc.org

This information comes from the NMSS Connection Winter 2010 magazine (for NYC – Southern New York Chapter).

These Walks and Bike Rides actually do raise money for MS. The NYC Bike MS in October 2009, raised more than $3 million!

The NMSS provides a number of great support and help systems for sufferers of MS. If you aren’t a member, you should join your local chapter.

I hope to post more regularly.

Until next time,

Karen

Should you get the H1N1 Vaccine if you have multiple sclerosis?

This weekend, my local Duane Reed drug store had the H1N1 shot available and CBS FM was covering the event.

The only ones I know who actually got the shot so far are my grandsons (one and three-years-old), but that was before the controversy about its potential ineffectiveness.

I get the annual regular flu shot since I have a number of health problems and ALL my doctors, even my acupuncturist, recommends it, but I haven’t gotten the H1N1.

I asked my neurologist about the H1N1 vaccine and he said the determining factor was on an individual basis. He went on to discuss that those in the health field and others that deal with the public such as teachers would probably benefit from getting it. But, all in all, I got the impression he wasn’t recommending it for me. He did mention that they weren’t sure of the neurological benefits or drawbacks.

Next, I asked my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome specialist. She was to the point and just said, NO. I didn’t bother asking why since there has been so much controversy over this shot that I just assumed this was a factor in her advising her patients not to get the shot.

Then, I asked my acupuncturist, Henry Zhen-Hong Lee. I value his opinion because he is not only an amazing NYS Licensed Acupuncturist and NCCA DPL. Herbalogist, but he was also a medical doctor in China. He advised I should get the shot  because of my health problems.

Finally, I asked my allergist. She is a very knowledgeable doctor and I trust her advise. She advised that as long as my grandsons got the shot, I shouldn’t need to.

I am fortunate to have a great group of doctors who I respect and  feel confident with.

So…I don’t think I’ll be getting the shot this year. I’ll reevaluate next year.

To find out what the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has to say about the H1N1 vaccine and MS, read this article at:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/research/research-news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=2115

Please note, this is in no way intended as advise to anyone – it’s your responsibility to discuss your health plans or questions with your doctor.

Until next time,

Karen

Here is an interesting study on caffeine and Multiple Sclerosis.

Caffeine Could Help Prevent Multiple Sclerosis
January 6th, 2010

http://opposedmoney.bfora.com/caffeine-could-help-prevent-multiple-sclerosis/

A mod study is suggesting that having specific cups of coffee a day could halt the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The researchers made this discovery in a study with mice bred to develop an MS-like condition, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, or EAE.

Those who were fed the equivalent of six to eight cups of coffee a day did not develop EAE.

The scientists from the U.S. and Finland believe the caffeine affects a molecule called adenosine, which plays a role in sleep and energy production and when the mice were dosed with caffeine, adenosine could not link to a particular receptor on the surface of cells.

This appeared to have an indirect effect on the ability of immune cells to enter the nervous system at a part of the brain called the choroid plexus, and the mice did not develop EAE.

They hope that the finding may prove to be relevant for other autoimmune diseases, in which the body uses the weapons of the immune system against itself, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Professor Linda Thompson of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, says this is an exciting and unexpected finding which could be important for the study of MS and other diseases.

The study was carried out in collaboration with Dr. Jeffrey Mills and Dr. Margaret Bynoe of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, along with colleagues in Finland’s University of Turku.

According to Professor Thompson there is much more work to be done for the prevention of multiple sclerosis in humans and she says a retrospective study of people with MS to track their caffeine intake and the effects on the disease could be an important next step in the research process.

Professor Thompson says if a correlation between caffeine intake and reduced MS symptoms is then found, that would point to further studies in humans.

MS is a disorder of the central nervous system which causes weakness, numbness, a loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech and bladder control and it affects 2.5 million people worldwide.

Current treatments are limited only to slowing the progress of the disease once it is established.

Experts recommend no more than five cups of coffee a day.

The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Wow, wouldn’t that be a wonderful treatment! I wonder if tea has the same effect?

Although, MS has more physiological disorders than just sleep and energy. What about the pins and needles, vision disturbances, bladder problems, balance and mobility issues…

Most often when a patient is diagnosed with MS, the neurologist recommends one of the immunomodulating drugs (such as FDA-approved interferons or glatiramer acetate).

From personal experience, rather witnessing those I know on these drugs, these drugs do seem to afford the patient a much better quality of life. But, with any drug, there are possible side effects.

According to news from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), an Italian study concludes that:

 ”‘This large-scale study adds significant support to considering MS treatment as soon as possible following a diagnosis of probable or definite MS,’ commented John R. Richert, MD, who heads research and clinical programs at the National MS Society.”

I haven’t started a immunomodulating drug yet. My doctor recommended Co-Paxone, but because I also have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, I held off. I’ve been going to an acupuncturist for three years now and, thank God, have been holding my own. So, my doctor doesn’t insist I go on the medication.

If you’d like to read the entire story at NMSS, go to:

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=2359

Quadriplegia, also called tetraplegia, is devastating for the patient and his family. Being a caregiver to a quadriplegic family member it is both physically and emotionally challenging.

Spinal cord injuries are most often the cause of quadriplegia, but it can also be caused by nerve diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease ). It is the paralysis of all four limbs (both legs and arms). According to Spinal Injury Network, quadriplegia can have different levels of functionality; the location of the injury on the spine will be the determining factor. Quadriplegia usually affects other bodily functions as well.

To read more go to Suite 101.

Along with writing health articles, I also write articles about writing and marketing. Within this genre, I write reviews for children’s books and non-fiction books.

My most recent review is a fiction children’s book that deals with a child learning her mother has MS. This is a must have book to help children gain an understanding of what MS is, how it’s diagnosed, and what to expect. It’s also full of great resources.

While it’s not available for sale yet, keep your eye out for it:

Title: Mom’s Story – A Child Learns About MS
Author: Mary Jo Nickum
Publisher: Chalet Publishers, LLC
ISBN: 978-098408365-7

Mom’s Story is a 74 page quick and easy read. It is a story about a nine-year-old child who learns that her mother has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The book delves into the processes involved from the first symptoms to a diagnosis, all while depicting the main character’s emotions and reactions as well as those of her siblings. The family goes from the initial fear that is common when a loved one is diagnosed with MS, to learning about the illness.  Knowledge about MS helps a great deal to alleviate those initial fears.

To read the entire review at BookPleasures.com, CLICK HERE.

Karen

Simple changes in eating habits can have a wonderful effect on you health. A number of studies point to a low-fat and low-carb diet for a healthier you. But, there is more to it than just this.

In addition to eating a low-fat and low-carb diet, there are foods that should be avoided, especially for those with Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune illnesses. While there are a number of foods on the ‘to avoid list,’ two in particular are essential to take note of.

Check out the entire article:

Foods to Avoid with Multiple Sclerosis
Autoimmune Diseases, Chronic Illnesses and Your Diet

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2377450/foods_to_avoid_with_multiple_sclerosis.html

Karen

Healthy Eating is an important factor in everyone’s well-being, but it’s especially important for people suffering with autoimmune diseases and other chronic illnesses, such as Multiple Sclerosis.

The old expression, “You are what you eat,” is absolutely true. There has been a great deal of research that points to the benefits of eating healthy. This research also lets us know what we need to eat to improve our health.

Read more at:

http://disabilities.suite101.com/article.cfm/changes_to_your_diet_and_multiple_sclerosis

Karen

Last night, Dr. Rudy Cartwright, MS Expert and health coach, presented an interesting and informative webinar on “7 Secrets About MS That Will Get Rid of Your Fatigue, Stop Your Pain & Numbness, & Clear Up Your Brain Fog So That You Can Start Enjoying Life Again”

If you haven’t seen it yet, you can check it out for free here:

Dr. Rudy Cartwright

Since a few people weren’t able to attend for various reasons, the webinar is available FREE for a limited time. It will explain what
you what you need to do to start getting rid of all your unwanted symptoms, including fatigue, pain, brain fog, balance problems,
loss of vision, etc.

It doesn’t cost you a penny and by watching the video, you can find out the action items that you can start doing immediately!

Take an hour of your time…you don’t want to miss out on this one.

Talk to you soon,
Karen

PS.  I know your time is valuable and I wouldn’t have you waste it if this wasn’t worth it. Do take a look.

Here’s that link again: Dr. Rudy Cartwright