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Bacteria Divide People Into 3 Types, Scientists Say
By CARL ZIMMER
Published: April 20, 2011

In the early 1900s, scientists discovered that each person belonged to one of four blood types. Now they have discovered a new way to classify humanity: by bacteria. Each human being is host to thousands of different species of microbes. Yet a group of scientists now report just three distinct ecosystems in the guts of people they have studied.

Blood type, meet bug type.

“It’s an important advance,” said Rob Knight, a biologist at the University of Colorado, who was not involved in the research. “It’s the first indication that human gut ecosystems may fall into distinct types.”

The researchers, led by Peer Bork of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany, found no link between what they called enterotypes and the ethnic background of the European, American and Japanese subjects they studied.

Nor could they find a connection to sex, weight, health or age. They are now exploring other explanations. One possibility is that the guts, or intestines, of infants are randomly colonized by different pioneering species of microbes.

The microbes alter the gut so that only certain species can follow them.

Whatever the cause of the different enterotypes, they may end up having discrete effects on people’s health. Gut microbes aid in food digestion and synthesize vitamins, using enzymes our own cells cannot make.

Dr. Bork and his colleagues have found that each of the types makes a unique balance of these enzymes. Enterotype 1 produces more enzymes for making vitamin B7 (also known as biotin), for example, and Enterotype 2 more enzymes for vitamin B1 (thiamine).

The discovery of the blood types A, B, AB and O had a major effect on how doctors practice medicine. They could limit the chances that a patient’s body would reject a blood transfusion by making sure the donated blood was of a matching type. The discovery of enterotypes could someday lead to medical applications of its own, but they would be far down the road.

“Some things are pretty obvious already,” Dr. Bork said. Doctors might be able to tailor diets or drug prescriptions to suit people’s enterotypes, for example.

Or, he speculated, doctors might be able to use enterotypes to find alternatives to antibiotics, which are becoming increasingly ineffective. Instead of trying to wipe out disease-causing bacteria that have disrupted the ecological balance of the gut, they could try to provide reinforcements for the good bacteria. “You’d try to restore the type you had before,” he said.

Dr. Bork notes that more testing is necessary. Researchers will need to search for enterotypes in people from African, Chinese and other ethnic origins. He also notes that so far, all the subjects come from industrial nations, and thus eat similar foods. “This is a shortcoming,” he said. “We don’t have remote villages.”

The discovery of enterotypes follows on years of work mapping the diversity of microbes in the human body — the human microbiome, as it is known. The difficulty of the task has been staggering. Each person shelters about 100 trillion microbes. (For comparison, the human body is made up of only around 10 trillion cells.) But scientists cannot rear a vast majority of these bacteria in their labs to identify them and learn their characteristics.

As genetics developed, scientists learned how to study the microbiome by analyzing its DNA. Scientists extracted DNA fragments from people’s skin, saliva and stool. They learned how to recognize and discard human DNA, so that they were left with genes from the microbiome. They searched through the remaining DNA for all the variants of a specific gene and compared them with known species. In some cases, the variants proved to be from familiar bacteria, like E. coli. In other cases, the gene belonged to a species new to science.

These studies offered glimpses of a diversity akin to a rain forest’s. Different regions of the body were home to different combinations of species. From one person to another, scientists found more tremendous variety. Many of the species that lived in one person’s mouth, for example, were missing from another’s.

Scientists wondered if deeper studies would reveal a unity to human microbiomes. Over the past few years, researchers have identified the genomes — the complete catalog of genes — of hundreds of microbe species that live in humans. Now they can compare any gene they find with these reference genomes.

They can identify the gene’s function, and identify which genus of bacteria the microbe belongs to. And by tallying all the genes they find, the scientists can estimate how abundant each type of bacteria is.

In the recent work, Dr. Bork and his team carried out an analysis of the gut microbes in 22 people from Denmark, France, Italy and Spain. Some of their subjects were healthy, while others were obese or suffered from intestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease. Dr. Bork and his colleagues searched for fragments of DNA corresponding to the genomes of 1,511 different species of bacteria. The researchers combined their results with previous studies of 13 Japanese individuals and 4 Americans.

The scientists then searched for patterns. “We didn’t have any hypothesis,” Dr. Bork said. “Anything that came out would be new.”

Still, Dr. Bork was startled by the result of the study: all the microbiomes fell neatly into three distinct groups.

And, as Dr. Bork and his colleagues reported on Wednesday in the journal Nature, each of the three enterotypes was composed of a different balance of species. People with type 1, for example, had high levels of bacteria called Bacteroides. In type 2, on the other hand, Bacteroides were relatively rare, while the genus Prevotella was unusually common.

“You can cut the data in lots of different ways, and you still get these three clusters,” Dr. Bork said.

Dr. Bork and his colleagues found confirmation of the three enterotypes when they turned to other microbiome surveys, and the groups continue to hold up now that they have expanded their own study to 400 people.

This is soooo true!! But the responsible bacteria have still to be found... I mean obviously probiotics don't cure MS nor Parkinson, so could it be that the bacteria that "cause" MS are actually good bacteria, that are aprt of our immune system? and that is why we can't kill them, and they just keep reproducing?....

@ filmmaker. i have wondered about the bacterial factor in MSers about how we are high in folic acid, have tendencies toward bacterial, fungus and yeast infections, I have seen high platelets mentioned on this site. also I have seen low uric acid and too much intestinal flora mentioned on this site. the funny thing with lupus is that they are low in folate, low in platelets, high in uric acid. when you think about how if we do not turn nitrogen into urea, it turns to amonia. before attacks I always smell amonia. I think about how I put nitrogen on my grass to help it grow and wonder if something in my body is creating a perfect envirnment for bacteria and other plant life to thrive

tara97, i am convinced that MS is a bacterial infection coming from the stomach and gut just like lupus but a different kind of bacteria... I think the reason why we are high in uric acid has to do with the liver-kidney function, if MS (like lupus) is bacterial that means it's in our blood, and the liver and kidneys have to work very hard on filtrating it... Now i do not know exactly which MS symptoms are from the bacteria, which are from the immune system trying to cope and which are from the organs working really hard to keep our body alive... I do know that if MS causes iron deposits on brain (and not only on brain but we have a tendancy to bruise very easily, break into hives, have blood clots... like with lupus) there must be some underlying reason that causes blood vessels to break and leak...

Candidiasis
Summary

Candidiasis is a fungal infection produced by a species of Candida Fungi, particularly Candida Albicans. Candida fungi normally reside harmlessly in various parts of the body.

If the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract becomes seriously depleted the candida proliferate and can produce root like structures which damage the villi along the intestinal tract leading to a 'leaky gut'.

There are many causes of candidiasis cited, such as: repeated antibiotic use, poor diet, steroid medications, birth control pills, malnutrition, cytotoxic drugs.

Symptoms of candidiasis include: chronic fatigue, depression, yeast infections, bloating, joint or muscle pain, genital itching, hyperactivity, athletes foot, hair loss.


Candidiasis is a fungal infection produced by a species of Candida Fungi, especially Candida Albicans. Candida fungi are found in many places in the environment and some reside harmlessly with the other bacteria residing in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract. [1]. In a normal healthy person the immune system and the beneficial bacteria prevent the overgrowth of candida. One of the purposes of Candida Albicans in our digestive tract is to recognise and alleviate harmful bacteria. A healthy person can have millions of Candida Albicans.[2]

If the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract is reduced by antiobiotics, pesticides, chlorine or if the person's immune system has been weakened by illness (particularly by AIDs or diabetes) malnutrition or certain medications (such as corticosteroids or anti cancer drugs) the candida fungi can dramatically increase in numbers causing numerous symptoms. Also poor diet, alcohol and incorrect pH in the digestive system can cause candida to proliferate and invade the body.

In it's normal yeast state candida is harmless but as a fungus it becomes invasive producing root like structures called rhizoids that can push through the mucous membranes or intestinal walls damaging the villi (finger like projections along the intestinal tract) and allowing undigested food particles, toxins and bacteria to move through the lining and enter the bloodstream resulting in leaky gut syndrome. Your antibodies attack the particles and wait for them to appear again ready for another attack when you eat the same foods. Then you end up with food intolerances and allergies as well as sensitivities to the environment. [3]. Candidiasis and Leaky Gut Syndrome often go hand in hand and left untreated can lead to advanced stages of disease.

Causes of Candidiasis

There are many causes of Candidiasis such as: repeated use of antibiotics, diet high in sugar /refined carbohydrates/processed foods, birth control pills, malnutrition, steroid medications, alcohol, cytotoxic drugs. Anything that compromises the immune system can result in the reduction of friendly bacteria in the intestines and allow Candida Albicans to proliferate.

Symptoms

Chronic fatigue, depression, yeast infections, abdominal bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, brain fog, poor memory, confusion, mood swings, chronic joint or muscle pain or weakness, allergies, hair loss, athlete's foot, recurring ear or sinus infections, nail ridges, nail fungus, flatulence, nasal congestion, indigestion/ heartburn, eczema, dark circles under eyes, bad breath, itchy scalp, constant coated tongue, skin fungus infections, genital itching, worse symptoms in damp, moldy or muggy places, sensitivities to environment, low blood sugar, carbohydrate, sugar or vinegar cravings, impotence, prostatitis, night sweats, persistent cough, hyperactivity, hyperthyroidism.

Candida, needs looking at


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Candida Albicans is a yeast that lives in our intestinal tract. It is also the yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections. It is normal to have small amounts of Candida so the friendly and protective bacteria in our body called "Acidophillus and Bifidus" can use it as food. When something happens to kill off these friendly bacteria the Candida cells begin to multiply out of control. Candida can spread throughout the intestinal tract causing bloating, gas, food reactions and allergies, constipation, diarrhea and a host of digestive complaints. Candida can also spread to the vaginal area, the prostate, the heart, lungs, liver and cause numerous symptoms and illnesses. The true causes of Candida are not a mystery. They are also not the same for each individual person. Some people have Candida due to a combination of causes. To begin with lets look at the true causes and discuss each.
1. ANTIBIOTICS
Antibiotics are a common cause of Candida. Antibiotics destroy both harmful bacteria and good bacteria. When antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria it gives the Candida a chance to begin to multiply. Anyone who has been treated with antibiotics for acne, major dental work or any condition where antibiotic use has been frequent, more than 1 course of 7-10 days, is a prime candidate for Candida.
2. BIRTH CONTROL PILLS OR DEVICE
Oral birth control pills are mostly the hormone estrogen. Supplemental estrogen in the synthetic form has been found to promote the growth of yeast. Several years ago the Great Smokies Medical lab published studies showing that hormones could effect intestinal bacteria. A common compliant of women on birth control pills is yeast infection. The copper IUD is another possible yeast promoter. It has been observed by David Watts, Ph.D., that copper promotes the growth of yeast. Often copper IUD users develop excessive levels of copper in their tissues. Excess copper can depress the adrenal, thyroid and immune systems of the body. This can make it more difficult for the body to resist yeast.
3. EXCESSIVE STRESS AND ELEVATED CORTISOL
Stress can cause yeast growth for several reasons. Stress causes the release of certain hormone called CORTISOL . Cortisol can depress the immune system and also raise blood sugar. The elevation in blood sugar can feed the yeast cells allowing them to grow quickly. The depression in immune function will leave the body defenseless against the sudden elevation in yeast. These two reaction tend to happen together as cortisol goes up. This is the exact reason why stress causes Candida. Cortisol can be addicting to the body. It raises sugar and relieves inflammation. There have been a few studies that show the body can become addicted to it and try to keep it elevated. There are several simple nutrients that help lower cortisol levels back to normal by telling the nervous system to relax. Testing for cortisol can be done with the Adrenocortex Stress Test.
4. TAP WATER CONSUMPTION
Common tap water is high in chlorine which has been found to destroy friendly intestinal bacteria. This will allow Candida to grow as covered earlier.
5. PARASITES AND INTESTINAL WORMS
Parasites and intestinal worms are more common then anyone would think. Some researchers have estimated that over 85% of all people living in North America and Canada have parasites. Parasites can be large worm-like creatures or small microscopic organisms. Either type destroy friendly bacteria in the intestines making yeast overgrowth possible. Parasites can be detected in the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis.
6. CONSTIPATION
Constipation can be caused by Candida. However constipation can also lead to Candida. If one does not have Candida and then becomes constipated for any reason, Candida may begin to grow. A digestive tract which is constipated is slow moving and becomes very alkaline. An alkaline environment is exactly what Candida does best in. The more alkaline the digestive tract the happier the Candida becomes. It does not matter what causes the constipation. Constipation for any reason can easily cause Candida.
7. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Excess alcohol can directly destroy friendly bacteria and allow yeast to grow. Beer can be a particular problem not because of the yeast but because of its maltose content. Maltose is a sugar that is derived from malt. Malt sugar is very potent and can feed yeast cells very quickly. People with Candida also tend to develop allergies to all yeast products whether the yeast is healthy or not. This does not mean that hard spirits or wine in excess are any safer. Alcohol should always be used in moderation. Drugs can also cause yeast overgrowth particularly if they disturb the digestive system. Any medication or drug that can cause a gastrointestinal side effect may cause yeast growth by disturbing friendly bacteria.
8. HYPOTHYROID
Low thyroid is very common in cases of Candida. The thyroid gland has an important effect on the immune system. Adequate thyroid function also helps the digestive system operate correctly. As pointed out earlier, lack of proper digestive secretions can cause reduction of friendly bacteria. Constipation is also common with low thyroid. Body temperature will drop if thyroid function is low. A drop in body temperature stops many different chemical reactions from taking place. Some of these chemical reactions stop Candida overgrowth.
9. IMMUNE DEFICIENCY
Any condition that results in a weakened immune system can bring about Candida. Most notable are AIDS and CANCER. Candida can be considered a side effect of these more threatening illnesses.
10. HORMONAL IMBALANCE
It has been long recognized that an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can be a causative factor in yeast overgrowth. In order to support friendly intestinal flora, adequate amounts of both hormones are needed. Great Smokies Medical Lab published a paper several years ago which explained how these hormones are essential to the health of friendly bacteria.

Any upset in this balance can cause yeast overgrowth. The hormonal imbalance must be corrected after the yeast has been reduced or relapse is sure to occur.
11. DIABETES
This is the most difficult case to deal with. It is essential that the diabetes be addressed first and the blood sugar be gotten under control. It is impossible to eliminate Candida while the blood sugar is high. There are specific herbs that are anti-fungal and have traditionally been used to lower blood sugar. I developed this protocol 2 years ago and have used it with good results, but I feel that most people should go right on a diabetic protocol to lower their sugar before attempting any Candida elimination. So here you have the 12 true causes of Candida.

Candida is becoming a very well known and recognized problem in this country. It has been estimated at 30% of all Americans have Candida. Now that we've addressed the causes, let's discuss why it is serious.

The major waste product of yeast cell activity is acetaldehyde and the by-product ethanol. Many people have a low iron content because this mineral is hard to absorb when Candida is present, and therefore have little oxygen in the tissues. Ethanol can cause excessive fatigue and reduces the strength and stamina which takes away ambition. It destroys enzymes needed for cell energy and causes the release of free radicals that encourages the aging process. Candida Albicans in an incredible destroyer of health and is the main missing link in many of our modern day diseases and sub-health conditions. The fact that Candida can rob the body of its nutrition and poison the tissues with it toxins is a major contribution, directly or indirectly to the following list of serious conditions:
1. Intolerance of perfumes, odors, fumes, fabric shop odors and tobacco smoke
2. Complaints that worsen in damp, muggy or moldy places
3. Athletes' foot, jock itch, fungal infections on the skin or nails
4. Craving for sugar, bread or alcohol
5. Prostitis or vaginitis
6. Diarrhea
7. Constipation
8. Abdominal distention, bloating or pain
9. Gas or flatulence
10. Rectal itching or rash
11. Colic
12. Diaper rash
13. Vaginal itch, burning or persistent infections
14. Kidney, bladder infections
15. Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder with possible infection)
16. Sinus infections
17. Joint pain or swelling
18. Acne
19. Hives
20. Rashes
21. Itching skin
22. Eczema
23. Psoriasis
24. Loss of sex drive
25. Impotence
26. Fatigue
27. Feeling drained
28. Memory loss
29. Feeling spaced out
30. Numbness, burning or tingling
31. Muscle aches
32. Muscle pains
33. Flu-like symptoms
34. Endometriosis (irregular or painful menstruation)
35. Cramps or menstrual irregularities
36. P.M.S
37. Spots in front of eyes
38. Erratic vision 39. Drowsiness
40. Irritability or jitteriness
41. Mood swings
42. Depression
43. Suicidal feelings
44. Headaches
45. Hypoglycemia
46. Feeling of swelling and tingling in the head
47. Heartburn
48. Indigestion
49. Belching
50. Intestinal gas
51. Mucus in the stools
52. Hemorrhoids
53. Dry mouth
54. Sores or blisters in the mouth
55. Bad breath
56. Nasal congestion
57. Nasal discharge
58. Nasal itching
59. Post nasal drip
60. Sore or dry mouth
61. Sore or dry throat
62. Cough
63. Pain or tightness in the chest
64. Wheezing or shortness of breath
65. Asthmatic symptoms
66. Burning or itching eyes
67. Burning on urination
68. Ear pain
69. Ear aches
70. Ear discharges
71. Painful intercourse
72. Food allergies or food reactions
73. Hayfever
74. General allergies
75. Thrush
76. Hair loss

The majority of people who have Candida do not realize they have it until become seriously ill. The symptoms are so numerous and seemingly unrelated that it is very perplexing to both doctor and patient. Candida itself is totally preventable and if you have this condition, there is a special way in which it can be completely and permanently eliminated. This is a remarkable anti-fungal program that overcomes Candida in a more reliable and permanent manner. If you can remove this parasite from your body using a natural approach, you will also remove all the negative effects and symptoms along with it. This program will significantly improve your digestion and all associated weaknesses including bloating, constipation, ulcers, colitis, colon problems, gas, chronic fatigue, aches and pains and many kinds of subtle and nagging health problems. Even acute infections such as the common cold, Epstein Bar Virus, bladder infections, skin eruptions, etc. can be prevented or significantly improved. It will especially take the stress off of the immune system, the glands and the nervous system. Reproductive organ problems which can have their roots in a Candida Yeast infection may eventually disappear. Many negative conditions may slowly go way with this incredible technique and it can help increase food assimilation by as much as 50%.

As you can see, the symptoms are so varied no one person has all the same set as another. The average Candida sufferer has 20 or more of these (while others have less and some have more). Many times they have given up on ever finding out what was wrong with them because all of these symptoms seem unrelated. One patient spent 7 days in the hospital, was wheeled from one examination room to another--a grand tour of the hospital--only to be told it was all in her head. She was charged over $6000.00 for that stay. Upon her release a stool analysis was done and Candida was found. In addition, her symptoms were worsened by all the jello and the horrible hospital food.

Symptoms of Candida, regardless of what they are, will worsen in hot, humid or muggy weather. Like any mold or fungus, heat and humidity help it grow and spread. Symptoms can also vary according to one's diet. Sugar, alcohol, starches, fermented foods, sweets (even fruits) will increase symptoms by feeding the yeast organisms. This will cause them to grow and release more toxins which will produce symptoms. Stress is key in triggering symptoms. It has long been recognized that stress plays a part in lowering the immune function of the body. The immune system is what tries to keep the yeast under control. Simply being over-worked, over- tired, or over-stressed will cause an increase in Candida and therefore its symptoms. The environment one lives in can play a big role if one is exposed to toxic metals, fumes, smoke, pollution, and in direct contact with various chemicals. The immune system can become overloaded and therefore further dip which will allow more yeast to grow. If one finds that these conditions cause an increase in symptoms, there is a very good chance that Candida is present. Proper testing is essential to determine this for sure and to find out how bad the condition is. Blood tests can be inaccurate if they only test for Candida antibodies and antigens. These tests can show positive even after the Candida is gone or if one simply has an allergy to yeast.
Facts About Candida
Yeast secrete an enzyme that digests the lining of the intestines.
Yeast shifts the immune system from Th1 to Th2. This sets the stage for allergies and viral infections.
Yeast enzymes break down IgA. IgA is the most predominant type of antibody that is found covering the gut mucosa. IgA keeps toxins and bacteria from binding to the cells that line the intestines. Without enough IgA, the intestines become inflamed, and the lymphoid tissue in the gut swells.
The byproducts of certain yeasts or fungus are able to alter the bacterial content of the intestines. (The fact that fungal metabolites can do this should come as little surprise. Many of our antibiotics are made from molds.)
Candida secretes an enzyme that reduces the body’s ability to kill Staphyloccocus aureus, a common pathogen in human intestines.
Yeast creates toxins like tartaric acid, acetylaldehyde and arabinol that interfere with the body’s ability to produce energy.
Drs. Truss, Galland and Ionescu have all measured reduced levels of amino acids, imbalances of fatty acids and deficiencies of various vitamin and minerals in their yeast syndrome patients. In particular, yeast reduce the body’s coenzyme Q10, coenzyme B6, alpha ketoglutaric acid, taurine, and asparagine. Some types of yeast promote the formation of pentosines. These create a functional deficiency of B6, lipoic acid and folic acid.
The most dramatic proof of harmful yeast toxins comes from the Great Plains Laboratory. Tartaric acid from yeast causes muscle weakness. Dr. Shaw discovered very high levels of tartaric acid in the urine of two autistic brothers. Both had such severe muscle weakness that neither could stand up. When treated with an antifungal called Nystatin, the tartaric acid measurements declined, and the children improved. When the Nystatin was discontinued, the tartaric acid levels rose, and the children got worse. Often, Dr. Shaw also finds tartaric acid in the urine of those with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by muscle pain, poor sleep and tender points.
Yeast can be present in the intestines even if they don’t show up in a stool culture. Dr. Leo Galland has shown that the yeast can be damaged and not grow in a culture, even though the yeast were present in a stool sample.
The most harmful place for yeast seems to be in the small intestine. This was shown in a study of children with failure to thrive. Biopsies of the upper small intestine were taken and were examined with an electron microscope. The yeast were embedded in the intestinal lining in their invasive fungal or mycelial form. Some of these children had no yeast showing up in their stool. Yet the yeast in this first part of their intestinal tract was interfering with their nutrition.

Hi!

I will only post one or two items a day which are relevant findings to myself, which may also be relevant to others.

They are pasted from my blog, and info I have gleened over the last 3-4 years

I dont mean to upset anyone, just to provide alternative possibilities.

I have stayed out of the NHS system that exists today.
I do not have an ms nurse or see a neurologist.

I was diagnosed in 2000 on a possitive MRI

There are answers out there, always go with your gut reaction and instinct. I wont sit down be quiet and just wait, I'm not that well behaved, I suppose a bit naughty really, but hey ho thats just me.

Hi

Its great to hear from another voice. Welcome and post away.

i used to blame candida for some of my problems. my naturopath and doctor indicated it was a fungal opportunistic infection of immunocompromised patients, and i didn't believe it at first.

ZINC AND IMMUNOCOMPETENCE IN PROTEIN-ENERGY MALNUTRITION
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lance ... 7/abstract
... To see if their defect in cell-mediated immunity was also associated with zinc deficiency ten children were skin-tested with Candida antigen on both arms. One test site was covered with local zinc sulphate and the other with placebo ointment. There was a highly significant increase in the typical delayed-hypersensitivity reaction at the site covered with zinc. The magnitude of the difference between the supplemented and unsupplemented arms correlated negatively with the plasma-zinc concentration. These data show that zinc deficiency is a cause of the immunoincompetence seen in malnutrition. The normal reactions of the zinc-supplemented side indicate that, of the many nutritional deficits of malnourished children, zinc deficiency specifically impairs the cell-mediated immune system..."

i have also posted quite a bit here at TIMS about zinc and leaky gut. using phrases such as 'tight junctions' between cells, if any reader cares to go searching. the junctions are strong in zinc repletion, but they break down in zinc deficiency.

i used to get candida findings back from the lab when i was zinc deficient, but not any more.

lots of those symptoms have links to zinc status too. i posted on the zinc candida connection on your other thread. optimal zinc is on the order of 18 umol/L. some sources suggest a normal range of 11.5 - 18.5 umol/L. most ms patients sit in the low teens. healthy controls average 18.2 umol/L.

my mess/ms




Monday, 29 November 2010my mess
My mess/ms

I sat in my wheelchair, afraid and alone,
I hate being here I want to go home,
The thought of just sitting, for the rest of my life,
Cuts into my heart, like a long jagged knife,
Is this it, right now, how life is to be,
But luckily not, not happening to me,

Suicide was no option, that road I wont take,
But consider just this, ms maybe fake,
I focussed my mind on alternative routes,
Eventually I’ll succeed, in giving the boot,
My first port of call, a physio called Louise,
Who actually listened and did humour me,

And thank God that she did, acupuncture she gave,
Now that wheelchair sits there, I wont be its slave,
As time did pass by, the better I’d feel,
I’m liking this hand, a much fairer deal.
I’m back on my feet, with my walker ahead,
But I now know I wont, be forever in bed,

Its all so complex, a hell of a mess,
This stupid disease, that they all call ms,
I will not conform, there are answers I seek,
I will not just sit, shut up and be weak,
I will continue my quest, for however long,
They need not prove me right, but just prove wrong,

Stress is the worst thing, to let it all grow,
The effect it sure has, only I seem to know,
Stress feeds through your day, from morning to night,
It wont let you rest, its always in sight.
Stress feeds off stress and then feeds my mess,
It gets bigger and bigger and never gets less.

Its hard I now know to break into this house,
But my stress now lays quiet like some kind of mouse,
The bladder’s the key, break the link in that chain,
And now I can watch it, go off with its pain,
When the link has been broken, you begin to live life,
Ms didn’t break me, and make me its wife.

I have taken it slow, at my kind of pace,
Not rushed or fought it, as is complex like lace,
But now that I see, now what hides it all,
I want to tell others, just give them a call,
Prognosis alone, causes all kinds of stress,
But strip it away, and there is no ms

By ME

are you in a wheelchair full time fee or in and out with R&R?

Hi!

I am in it at present, but only as a temp measure until my chiro (from where I have just returned) manages to recorrect my misalignments caused by misalignned Atlas.

I was labelled with MS 10 years ago, I'll eventually prove by walking that they got it wrong oops!!!!

Fiona (fee001)

Whats R&R?

relapsing remitting.