This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hi WW,
I'm glad that one is your fascination and not mine because it's hard enough to keep my obsession fed with the little pertinent information that is published regarding hygiene hypothesis related stuff.

Are you ever able to find articles regarding the mutual exclusivity of MS and gout?

Bob

I want to thank everyone for the replies.

They say "Opinions are like noses-- everyone has one." My opinion is that MS may be caused by infection or some environmental effect. The statistical numbers cannot be ignored.

Colorado is a very transient state. 1/5 people that curently live here did not grow up in the state but moved due to the great employmnet opportunities. I myself, grew up in Ohio. (btw, my brother also has MS and my sister has Fibromyalgia). So, the statistical numbers do not support the theory of people are destined to have MS after the age of 14. I think the percentage of MS folks that grew up here versus the ones that moved here latter in life are roughly the same.

Migratory birds theory is interesting. It kind of fits in with my infection hunch- paranoroid thought process. I was tested for Lyme disease at the first diagnosis. It was negative. I guess it could be wrong. I have multiple enhancing lesions on the brain. Can Lyme disease cause lesions? Perhaps I should get tested again?

As far as Colorado having lots of connections with MS groups and support, I am thankful that my progression hasn't required me to request any special assistence from these fine, wonderful organizations.

I was diagnosed four years ago and haven't seen a neurologist in 3.5 years. Unless you are on an Interferon, can anyone think of any reason why we should go and see a neurologist and put up with their rude, boorish behavior?

Wilson,

The only time I go to a neuro now is when I have a family physician that is unfamiliar with MS and they want me to get checked out so that they have a neuro to call and ask questions about me if necessary.

If you are not on any med for the disease, there is no reason to go see a neuro, in my opinion.

gwa

I recall seeing study results like this. Don't have a direct link though. A paper did a review of all gout research articles and cross referenced it for people with MS. They found zero matches. Whether or not that means anything significant is anyones call, but I think it is what supports some of the uric acid and inosine research.

Hi Bob
ach it's a good 8 years since I was really into the gout/uric acid article-trawling, but there is research out there, especially on uric acid levels - thanks for that info Rainer, sounds about right to me but there was a good bit more besides...
I can't immediately tell you what was the exact calibre or nature of the research I found then- and I'm sure there's been more since.
My little lad is only 4 weeks old and I'm really tired....sorry to sound so vague but I know I won't have the time to get back into this any time soon!

Interestingly enough I found out that pregnancy, sunshine exposure, interferons, low-dose aspirin, and I think vitamin D all increased your uric acid levels - can't recall now but vitamin d/calcium metabolism was tied into uric acid levels too. And blood sugar.

I know I shouldn't throw a comment in if I can't back it up.....couldn't help myself but maybe someone else with a bit of time can do a bit of delving. In the end I stopped searching for it because it was far more complex than I could deal with. I like the hygeine hypothesis and helminths too!

Hi WW,
I don't blame you. Enjoy every second and minute that your little ones are young. I did, and I still enjoy them, but I suddenly find myself old and the time between now and when move out and on their own seems too short!
No, that isn't the reason I questioned you. I remember someone posting information earlier and I know that information exists.
I have to admit that it's so complicated that it's not easy to get interested in. Then again, the term "mutually exclusive" can't help but grab attention. Always and never situation are needed in MS research.

Bob

You could always try Babelfish. It produces somewhat readable translations.

NHE

Hi NHE,

I've used Babelfish for sentences and phrases (usually German to English) and those are sometimes hard to get the meaning even after translation. I'm wondering what would happen to an entire article?

No way to find out other than to try! Maybe Spanish to English is an easier translation? I'll let you know how it turns out.

Bob

Wilson -

Borrelia sp (lyme) and other cell wall deficient bacteria can absolutely cause lesions. You were probably tested for lyme via Elisa which has decent Specificity (if it's positive it's probably really positive) and abysmal Sensitivity (if it's negative it may well not be negative). Better testing is to get a Western Blott for Lyme. Then even beyond that - you look at the postive bands in the test - several of which are uniquely specific for borrelia. If you are positive for a borrelia specific lyme band - it's like being just a little bit postive on a pregnancy test.

You may or may not finding anything but it's probably worth your while to try.

Leave no stone unturned - MS bites.

Hey Bob no that's ok! I didn't take you up that way at all - I'm just irritated with myself for being so vague and normally I'd be more disciplined about knowing what I was posting.

Actually, I just thought you were being too hard on yourself!

Most everyone reads things which causes them to form opinions, but six months down the road can't remember all the specifics well enough to make a good case for it.

Bob

Daisy, thank you very much for all the info about Lyme. I am assuming I can go to any testing area (like Quest) if ordered by a MD. Do you know where I can find a website or detailed information so I can print off exactly the test I want so my general physician knows what to order?

Thanks

Hi guys

Odd question, and I was just wondering out loud really...

Does anyone know if the South African tick bite fever caused by Ricketsia (bad spelling) is in any way related to your Lyme disease?
It is caused by a bite from an infectious tick - you get a red bite that turns black, a rash, swollen lymph glands, high fever, and killer headaches. Treatment if Tetracycline abx.

Thanks

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Al