This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hello Tims people, My name is Dr. Michael Flanagan. Costumenational asked me to stop by and join the discussion from time to time. So I submitted my ID and password and the next thing I knew was I was validated and threatened with excommunication if I did not say something within twenty-four hours. So here I am not knowing quite what to say. I am a complete newbie when it comes to forums and social internet communication. As you can see I still use capital letters which is old school.

As I told costumenational, you people are pioneers paving the way for other neurodegenerative diseases. The difference is you are all fired up. I decided to and end run around the resistance and wrote my book for lay people to engage patients in the debate as a force multiplier. What you are doing is an all out frontal assault and costumenational has the spirit of a Spartan general.

Speaking of costumenational, judging by his x-rays he is lucky to be alive. Just a little more twist would probably have killed him. Unfortunately, his neck has been that way for ten years now.
Anyway, I'll be back. MFDC

Welcome to our forum, doctor

yes, welcome!

Glad to have you aboard!

Wonderrful to have you here!

Welcome, Dr. Flanagan, and thanks for joining the forum! I've only had a chance for a brief look at your website, but it immediately got my attention! I'm 58 yo, dxed with MS ten years ago after many, many years of unexplained symptoms. Huge extended family with <i>no</i> other MS, but my father had Parkinson's disease (as well as multi-infarct dementia from numerous cerebral hemorrhages), my mother had normal pressure hydrocephalus (treated with a shunt) and unexplained blackouts, and an uncle had Alzheimer's (all deceased now). More recently, my 17 yo daughter has Raynauds (white fingertips when cold), gets lightheaded easily, has passed out, and needs excessive sleep (fatigued).

In 1983, after experiencing weeks of partial numbness in one leg, up to the groin, (for which the MDs could find no cause), my first chiropractic adjustment (ever) caused an excruciating headache (including vomiting), and <i>on the table</i> during the second adjustment, sensation returned to my leg.

Until recently, when I first learned about CCSVI, I'd always figured it was a pinched nerve that was relieved. Now I wonder whether it was relief from a blood flow obstruction, and possibly related to my MS (CCSVI?).

Since I can remember, I've always been relatively lethargic, and thought that my average 90/60 blood pressure might be to blame. Always fatigued in hot or humid weather, though I've found a supplement that's worked wonders there.

I'm on waiting lists for CCSVI screening/treatment, but thinking I should go to a specialist chiro first. Can you recommend a qualified practitioner familiar with your thesis in the Raleigh/Durham/Cary/Chapel Hill area of NC?

(Over the years I've been to many chiros, but after that first experience, I can't say I've noticed any benefit. This might be a hard sell with my husband!)

Thank you!

Liz

PS And maybe, for those unfamiliar with it, you could briefly explain your thesis. Thanks!

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CCSVI:  Making Sense of MS

Hello all and thanks for the warm welcome,
Liz, You have a fascinating family and personal health history. It requires much more careful scrutiny than I can do here. I believe Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are related to NPH. In fact, I think it is one of the root causes and NPH is most likely due to chronic venous drainage problems. The problems get worse as we age which is why neurodegenerative diseases show up later in life. MS is different because it shows up early. You have leg complaints and lethargy and low blood pressure. Your daughter has Raynaud's.
It sounds to me like you may be passing on possible design problems that can be managed. Have you ever been checked for spondylosis or stenosis? Has your daughter been checked for thoracic outlet syndrome?
Your low BP also doesn't help. It can cause chronic ischemic conditions in the brain.
It sounds as though you had bad full spine diversified chiropractic care. UC chiropractic is worth a try but I have a sneaky suspicion you have lumbopelvic problems as well.

Hi Doc very pleased to see you here, I'm reading you book at present and I am excited to learn from your insights, I'm a slow reader nowadays so don't hold any exams for a week or two please!
Thanks for joining us, Nigel.

Hey Doc,

I realise this 'chiropractic view' of anatomy is the perspective from which you come, but cervical subluxations as a ‎'Likely link' to one cause for all neuro degenerative diseases?

This is a bit of a stretch in my view. Would you mind outlining the most convincing evidence for this theory or do we have to read your book to find out?

What studies if any are published in independent (non-chiropractic) peer reviewed journals and support this view?

One last question. I guess your recommended course of action to remain symptom free is for one to have your 'upper cervical spine subluxations' treated by ..... um ... 'chiropractic treatment'?

Hello Nigel, Take your time and enjoy the book. It's not just about neurodegenerative conditions. It's about upright posture and the human brain. I wrote it as a story to make it easier to digest because it is full plate of pertinent information. You can test me when you are done. It's a lot for anyone to remember. The human brain is incredible.

Liz, Looking back over your family history, I am curious if your daughter has low blood pressure, slow pulse, weak blood, or all of the above. Is she similar to you? Binswanger's or MID is more typically due to high blood pressure type problems or poor blood flow, called ischemia, similar to mini strokes. There is also a condition called vascular Parkinson's, which is similar to MID.

MID, blackouts, Raynaud's, light headedness, sleep problems, lethargy, fatigue, low blood pressure. It sounds like you have some arterial circulatory supply problems in the family. Venous drainage problems can further complicate arterial circualtion to the brain. I will discuss it in future posts.

I recently posted a study of an upper cervical correction of Chiari malformation compressing the brainstem which resulted in restoration of CSF flow, arterial blood flow, venous flow and intracranial compliance.

If you have a specific question regarding anatomy and the unique design of the skull, spine and circulatory system of the brain due to upright posture then ask it in an intelligent and respectfull way.

If you continue to be disrespectful, I will discontinue visiting this site.

Welcome Doctor and thank you very much for spendng your time answering our questions.

Please, don't be upset for some regulars of TIMS, they are a minority. It is sad but being this forum an open one, this people make use of that to resolve personal inner conflicts.

I would like to remind to those who maybe are not aware that the Doctor has been invited to this forum by costumenational.

Thank you very much again Doctor.

I have my first question, would you mind?

I have been diagnosed with a demyelinating disease (probable MS - have 4 lession in my brain and on in my cervical spine) One doctor recently diagnosed me with CCSVI. After that he performed a careful physical examination. He discovered that my left leg is 10 mm (almost half an inch) shorter than the right. Since september I have been wearing a supplemental heel in my left foot to compensate . I have noticed a reduced L'Hermitte and less tingling in my left leg and arm. Everybody inluding the doctor say that this is very common, but the doctor wants to repeat the doppler in a moth or two. I just would like to have your take on all of this and on having the spine twisted like this for years. Thank you very much. This is my x-ray:

Dear doctor Flanagan, words are not enough for me to express my gratitude. Not only for saving my life (which of course matters the most for me) but also for joining us.
The two years that followed my "diagnosis" i ve seen it all. Negative doctors, clueless doctors, "skeptical" doctors, you name it, everything but caring doctors. On the other hand, i met wonderful people in here who i like to think as family. People who are batling with something no human ever should. Maybe this is the reason they are superhumans..All intelligent and caring. Thirsty for the truth wich hopefuly will shine soon enough.
The time of the FAT COWS has ended. At least this is the way i see it. And like i have already told you, i will use everything in my disposal to spread awareness.
I don't see myself as a general but it works for me if this is what it takes to spread the word. There are others who have done so much more...

Thank you for being an exceptional physician but mostly being the person you are. You care and this is VERY rare nowadays.

Collaboration between physicians is number one priority.

So, i am calling all my fellow patients, caregivers and everyone who browse through "thisisms" to use the power this tool gave to us to move forward. There is no other option.

I trust Dr Flanagan will see what we are really made of and there is no doubt that he will be hooked.
I know him good enough to be certain that he will help a great deal.

Dear Dr Flanagan, welcome.

Dear TiMS members:

Dr Flanagan has certainly more important things to do with his life appart from replying to us.

If some of you do not care about what he has to say, please dont bother to come in here and play smart. Dr Flanagan is not trying to make money here. Some of you may find this difficult to squize into your thick heads and i trust that the moderators of this website will take some measures.

Let's welcome someone who has spent many many years trying to explain what may be wrong with some of us.

Last but not least, i am convinced that there are some rats in here. Be careful.