This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hello everybody,
I'm a third year pharmacy student at a pharmacy school in Chicago who is looking for someone who might be interested in helping me with a project that I was assigned. I need to find a particular condition or medication that I have an interest in, and find someone who is taking medications for it. I currently have a sister who is on interferon therapy for her MS, and I thought this might be a good forum to find some help. I need to do an interview (email or phone) with a person living in the US who is currently on Gilenya or Ampyra (or 4-AP) and wouldn't mind sharing their experience with the drug (side effects, how it helped with symptoms), as well as sharing a brief history of their MS. I would also probably ask about other medications you have used in the past for MS and how those worked, as well as medications for other conditions that you may have. This would be strictly anonymous and you wouldn't even have to share your name if you don't feel comfortable. If you might be interested you can PM me or respond to this post.
Thanks,
Sean
PS- Sorry Mods if this post is not appropriate for this topic

Hi, Sean – I commend you for your choice of project subject. You have described it very clearly and intelligently; you have found a community here at ThisIsMS who want to advance every aspect of MS. I know we have members using Gilenya or Ampyra who may step forward to participate in your project. Unfortunately, I do not qualify. Like many others here, I have used Betaseron, Avonex, and Copaxone, without satisfaction; I am currently on NO medication.

I wish you every success with your project and your pharmacy career.

hi sean i don't qualify either - not in US, no meds.

but i will say that i have a pharmacist for one my heroes

i didn't know it, but when i was in almost my worst condition ever, it turned out i had side effects from taking larger doses of vitamin d3 at the same time as smaller doses of calcium and magnesium.

this particular pharmacist told me i needed to take some magnesium at the same time as the d3, and some separately. i had been suffering severe dysphagia up until that point, so bad that i felt like my life was in danger. the pharmacist's suggestion restored my throat function in two days (it took a lot longer to get my magnesium stores back up, but the scariness was gone).

anyway, pure genius. i went back later to tell him how much i appreciated his expertise.

now anyone that is taking lots of vitamin d3 and comes within range, hears from me to ensure properly balanced mineral intakes, with attention to timing

good luck with your studies!

_________________
my approach: no meds so far - just balanced whole foods (partial 'paleo', much less outright elimination), science, supplements, & bloodwork
my regimen - www.thisisms.com/ftopict-2489.html
www.whfoods.com, www.nutritiondata.com

Hi, Sean
I recommend LDN (Low Dose Neltrexone) for autoimmune diseases including MS. I myself have been taking it for almost a year with wonderful results and no side effects. Type LDN on net and you will get bundle of info. Good Luck

Thanks for the kind words and suggestions!!!