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Hello!

I'm a young woman living in Europe (English is my third language).
I developed mild double vision in mid-February 2007, two days after a hepatitis A vaccination, which led to a neurology consult, spinal tap (positive) and CT (negative) on day 4, MRI (multiple T2 lesions) on day 5 and "probably MS"-diagnosis on day 6...
After the steroid course that started on day 7, I recovered completely.
Otherwise I was and am in excellent health, I never got seriously ill, I get a cold once every 4 years or so, have no other chronic diseases, am not feeling excessively tired or something, nothing at all.

I'm still in doubt about the diagnosis, but I insisted on starting a therapy against this possible MS. I started with Rebif 44 mcg in March. After some more research I found the Wheldon protocol and added Doxycycline 200 mg daily and Azithromycine 250 mg 3 times a week in April, and started with the first Metronidazole pulse in May, all thanks to this wonderful site.

I didn't experience any relapses in the past six months, which I am very grateful for, and I can handle the few Rebif-side effects very well (mainly just some red and dry spots on my legs). But I didn't experience any die-off reactions from the Wheldon protocol either, which made me think: is this mainly because my bacterial load is still rather small in the beginning of the disease, or is there another reason?
Could the fact that my first episode began after a vaccination with an inactivated virus (Havrix) reveal a personal susceptibility for a viral pathogen rather than a bacterial pathogen? I also noted that this was a repeat vaccination after 10 years, which would explain the presence of previously formed IgG-antibodies (not IgM), elevated IgG-index and possibly even oligoclonal bands... (they still don't know what those bands stand for, right?) I also tested positive for antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus, measles virus, varicella zoster virus and the bacteria Mycoplasma Pneumoniae. Borrelia antibodies (Lyme disease) came out negative.

Considering my history and the absence of die-off reactions to the Wheldon CAP, should I add an antiviral to my regime? Which one would that be: Amantadine (Symmetrel, Amantan)? Acyclovir (Valtrex)? Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), or something else?

Hello JP, it probably isn't needed and for this reason: relapses in MS can follow intracellular infections (a new C. pneumoniae infection or influenza A are the commonest) or any antigenic insult. Adequate Vitamin D stimulates the formation of cathelicidins, which are strongly active against herpesviruses: N-acetyl cysteine also has antiviral properties and ameliorates Flu A infections. You are aready on Rebif aswell as the antibiotics so all avenues are adequately covered. The majority of people by the time they reach their twenties will carry most of the antibodies you mention.

Persons with a short history of MS tend to have a small bacterial load and thus generally experience few reactions: this is one good reason for starting treatment as soon as possible, so don't worry about the lack of reactions!

Sarah

jp wrote:.., should I add an antiviral to my regime? Which one would that be: Amantadine (Symmetrel, Amantan)? Acyclovir (Valtrex)? Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), or something else?...

What you "should" do is all a matter of opinion. I have been on the abx's, and still managed to get a flu/cold. As these are are my trigger for a relapse, I now keep a pack of tamiflu on hand. I have only had to take it once since I had a prescription, and it worked wonders. I also have Amantadine, which I take as a prophylactic if someone is sick at work etc etc still not every day.

Thanks a lot both of you!

So Anecdote, when taking vit D, NAC and Rebif, that should cover the antiviral component adequately I understand. But primarily preventing CPn with antibiotics, so it can’t do its damage, bringing the viruses along. Is that right?

And CureOrBust, I know it’s all a matter of opinion. But still, I do value your opinion very much, because it is a lot more research-based and empirically tested than my own… I’m just a newbie in MS-world, still trying to grasp all the information there is. And not knowing what’s going to cause my second and next relapses: will it be a cold/flu, a vaccination, stress or nothing at all? Is there anything out there that could direct me to my personal susceptibility?
I guess only time will tell, that’s the bottom line with everything in MS.

Well, I don't think rebif will cover you for things antiviral, ather just keep your neuro happy, but the formation of cathelicidins by taking adequate vitamin D and then taking antibiotics active against Cpn which tends to encourage viral infections to follow along are what will really help.

Who knows, start now and you hopefully will never get that second relapse.

Sarah