This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

hi.
i've been looking for a MS forum - glad to have found this one.

ok back story - we're aussie's. we have an 8yo daughter who has a complex medical condition. she had a bone marrow transplant at 2yrs, now 8 she's had 36 operations and regularly sees 15 different specialists. she's a lot of work but a very awesome kid. our 4yo son is medically complicated as well. we also have my husbands 17yo half sister living with us as her home life wasn't ideal and she needed to change schools. she is a great kid, great student (yr12) and very helpful around the house.

6 months ago my husband had optic neuritis (and lost nearly all of the vision in his left eye - which has since mostly returned) he saw an optometrist, opthalmologist and then neurologist, had an MRI that suggested MS but being the first episode the neuro wasnt able to confirm MS. he set a repeat MRI for 6 months time. which was a few weeks ago. during the last six months he has experienced more symptoms and on thursday we got confirmation that he has RRMS and he's grown two new leisions.

as we suspected this would be the case i didnt expect to be so upset by the confirmation. we've already been through so much together i thought i'd be fine with his MS diagnosis but i'm drifting between anger and desperate sadness for the unfairness of life..

hubbys neuro suggested he start on copaxone. we're trying to research and allow him to make the best decision for him - i'm all for it but it is his body!

i look forward to getting to know some of you.

Welcome to ThisIsMS. I believe that you have found a supportive community.

hi kb, welcome to the forum!

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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

Welcome to ThisIsMS, KB. With your extensive experience with the medical profession, you will have much to offer us, I'm sure. But we are willing to share our opinions and experiences when you ask.

Your reaction ("drifting between anger and desperate sadness") to your husband's diagnosis is completely human and to be expected. I think that because you and your husband have "already been through so much together" the two of you WILL handle this situation, too.

Your approach to the suggestion of Copaxone is commendable – research (even info here in the forums) and make the best decision for you. There are many people here, including me, who have opted to use diet and exercise instead of or after trying the approved MS medications. I have found the story of Dr. Terry Wahls and her dramatic improvement inspiring (http://www.TerryWahls.com); although her diet is extreme, in my opinion, it holds some basic, usable ideas. AND it offers us the hope that things can improve.

We are glad you found us.

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My hypothesis: excess insulin (hyperinsulinemia) plays a major role in MS, as developed in my initial post: http://www.thisisms.com/forum/general-discussion-f1/topic1878.html "Insulin – Could This Be the Key?"

We've been aware of terry wahls for a while now and yes her story is encouraging and inspiring. As is another lady's story I came accross. Ultimately it's my husband choice what path we take, but we strongly believe in complimentary suppliments, a good diet and the possible use of medication. He is a very fit and healthy man (apart from the MS he has asthma, eczema, hay fever) but he is a farmer, very active. He doesn't like sweet foods and isn't overweight. He does drink a reasonable amount of beer tho and I've been reading a bit about yeast and personally think he should cut the beer but he disagrees. Lol. The man likes his beer.
How do we learn where to start with suppliments?

Well initially you can start with breakfast totally on fruits(different colored ones) and some soup of green leafy vegetables...
To include sulphur in the diet, include garlic and onion in the soup and with regular foods....You can take 2 eggs daily also to feed the body with all the essential nutrients...Well I am also an ms patients.. sort of following this as per trrry wahls diet plan....although alongside I am also on Avonex as my neurologist stressed too much on to begin after seeing my lesions, so i thought why to take chances....

some info on supplements: regimens-f22/topic2489.html

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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