tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65789059331652469712024-03-19T05:11:23.052-07:00MS - My SceneI have primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) which means it gets worse all the time (and has done for about 30 years now). MS has become "my scene" - physically. But mentally? Spiritually? No. This blog will explain why I'm still smiling.Virginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-85099132095858208532012-08-22T05:40:00.000-07:002012-08-22T05:40:00.590-07:00My "crash" sceneWell, this serves me right. I can't think how to start. And, oh wow, I wish I'd been writing smaller posts than I usually do, more often, so that there weren't these long breaks between them. <br />
<br />
Aha, but there's also been this eye problem... <em>Whereby</em>, I could hardly see the keyboard and so was lucky to put anything on the computer, let alone, my dear blog posts. For a while, till today...<br />
<br />
Today, thanks to Tom, my brilliant son, I got a reprieve from keyboard "blindness" and to write a bit longer... This morning, he stuck some large key stickers (c/o the RNIB [Royal National Institute for the Blind]) onto my keyboard, and made all of my writing endeavours easier...and much more fun!<br />
<br />
Yep, if I'm perfectly honest – and what is a blog for, if not for telling the absolute truth about one's life (that is, of course, if it's a journal and not something like a cookery blog!)? – I'm not in a very good state, physically. A few months ago, I had what my MS nurse would call a "crash" – perhaps an exacerbation, indicating that I have progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis (PRMS), rather than primary progressive (PPMS), as previously supposed: who knows? and: does it really matter? - a dramatic worsening of every symptom... <br />
<br />
But, we'll come to that - if we must! First of all, I should tell you the good stuff...<br />
<br />
Lucy's still here; Tom's back and is here most of the time; I - for some reason – have not gone yet...and – most important - God is constant; Jesus, with His cross, always leading... <br />
<br />
The biggest change in the home, without a doubt - and, thankfully – has to be my care package... Yes, you will remember how I wasn't getting on very well with the agency and, much as I did like and get on with my male carer ('A.'), Tom didn't...and, anyway, he (A.) left when his girlfiend got ill and then I got stuck with lots of women, most of whom liked me even less than I liked them... And so: I took my direct payments to <a href="http://www.gumtree.com/london">Gumtree</a>.<br />
<br />
I advertized for male PA/carers, heard from about a hundred applicants, interviewed three (all of whom wanted to move in right then!) and ended up employing one (I'll call him 'D.') – with Tom volunteering to be "cover-carer" (i.e. standing in for D. whenever he was on holiday, etc.).<br />
<br />
Well, D. had said he'd be here at least a year, he's into his fifth month now...and I couldn't have been happier with a carer...<br />
<br />
I think he's a saint! Really.<br />
<br />
D. is a young man, younger than Tom, a former carer for autistic children and a couple of physically disabled seniors. <br />
<br />
And he's so gentle, so quiet - I'm almost afraid of being too loud for him, and Tom and I together certainly are! – we (including Lucy!) hardly notice he's in the house. He spends a lot of time in his room (fortunately, his girlfriend is only half an hour away, so he does get to see her on some of his breaks), but is always there when I need him, and has proven himself to be selfless on many occasions. <br />
<br />
After all, the way I am now – i.e. "chair-ridden", in a recliner 24/7 – is hardly the way I was when he met me, or was expected to be in his "job description". No, he was never told that he might have to: clean up a poo from in and around the commode (who'd have planned it?!); force a slipper on an oedema foot in the mornings; take a drink/soothing words to a panicking client in the middle of the night. D. is selfless, patience personified...<br />
<br />
And I'm going to miss him like mad, when he goes next March (if I'm still here), and will have a hard time replacing him.<br />
<br />
That's all about D. but what about Tom, my wonderful son?<br />
<br />
Oh, Tom still finds it difficult, this situation of trying to be a carer, a loving son and, all the while, one of the lads.<br />
<br />
And I feel for him, I really do. Working full-time as office manager at <a href="http://www.baldwins.co.uk/">Baldwins</a> the herbalist's, then coming here to cook every night, usually staying, and giving up a large part of his weekends. <br />
<br />
Hardly socializing at all...<br />
<br />
And yet, it seems to be the way he wants it for now. Making the most of this, what could be the "end-time" with his mum. And I am so grateful.<br />
<br />
Lucy is still my very best friend during the day and I have to say that even carers have admired the way we communicate with each other. We can hold whole conversations, with her not saying a word (of course!), and I love it. She's such a good "listener", and I usually know from her eyes/body language what she wants. <br />
<br />
Now, she's another one who's been totally non-judgemental, and adapted to all the changes that I'm sure she really hates, without even a murmer.<br />
<br />
Oh yes, we still "travel", Lucy and I: going here, there and everywhere the Good Lord will let us go, in our dreams.<br />
<br />
So you see, that, even after the "crash", which seemed to curse my whole being, there are still many blessings in my life.<br />
<br />
I had the "crash" about two weeks after D's arrival: coughing up blood on a Saturday night; waking up on the Sunday morning to the hugest chest pain and the feeling that everything had been turned inside out. <br />
<br />
And then came the after-effects: the discovery of new problems, one after another: bent-double scoliosis (curvature of the spine); supination (rolling outwards) of left foot; oedema (complete with staphylococcus rash); breathlessness; lowered speech volume; bowels apparently twisted; eyesight almost gone; <em>maybe</em> a bit more cognitive dysfunction (a lot more denial!).<br />
<br />
Tom, who was here at the time, was the first to show great kindness, staying in the room with me the first few nights and then later, when I could no longer lift the left leg into bed, helping me buy the recliner chair.<br />
<br />
And then it was D's turn, not minding anything, accepting it all... <br />
<br />
And so the two of them have gone on...<br />
<br />
Others have also been kind.<br />
<br />
But not the Government (ATOS) who wanted a second ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) assessment form filled in, less than a year after the first.<br />
<br />
And not the Council who wanted their fiddly, financial assessment carried out, so that I could "contribute" to the cost of my care package.<br />
<br />
Well, I sort of see the reason for these things but, oh, the cruelty when people are sometimes so ill, they're literally close to death (Christian bureaucrats should remind themselves of Matthew 25:31-46 – <em>a.s.a.p.</em>).<br />
<br />
Herbs! My herbal remedies (see <a href="http://www.ms-myscene.blogspot.com/2007/10/supplements-herbs-essential-oils.html">here</a>) must surely be one of the main reasons I am still here, still trying and - even I am impressed! – still smiling.<br />
<br />
And Tom brings the herbs home from <a href="http://www.baldwins.co.uk/">Baldwins</a>, mixes them and puts them in jars; D. prepares and serves them on and off, all day, and I? Well, when I'm not taking them, I'm doing my best to promote the use of herbal remedies, as opposed to pharmaceuticals... <br />
<br />
I write quite a lot (still at it with the ten-year novel; loving flash fiction [stories of less than 1,000 words] for its speed; visit the odd [sometimes very odd!] forum), and I teach, or inform, if anyone asks a question about herbs.<br />
<br />
Turmeric/curcumin and cayenne are my favourites at the moment.<br />
<br />
And I guess I'd better close now, as fatigue sets in and I know the family (Tom and Lucy) is getting bored – they finished their shower half an hour ago! <br />
<br />
Promising shorter, individual, posts in future...<br />
<br />
God bless,<br />
<br />
Virginia<br />
<br />
P.S. Bought some great insoles from an online podiatrist called "<a href="http://www.drfoot.co.uk/#">Dr Foot</a>". Consequently, have: walked to the bathroom with a walking-frame and D. following (ready to catch me), and to the kitchen (further) with a walking-frame and Tom following (ditto above). I did not fall. 'Progress' of a good kind?!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Virginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-86946137154693162622011-11-01T08:01:00.000-07:002011-11-01T08:01:59.455-07:00Changing timesOh, I wish I could say something jolly to start off this post. It’s been so long coming…well, I certainly wouldn’t want to depress anyone (not even me should I ever re-read it again!).<br />
<br />
I did have a draft detailing all the hold-ups and put-downs that got me down over the past year. And I’d worked so hard on it (as also on, at least, one other blog post, part of a novel and a couple of short story intro’s), all saved on Word. But, guess what? In all the fatigue of MS, the exhaustion of outside inflences, I hadn’t “backed up” for a while…and - you’ve got it! – crash! My eight-year-old Thinkpad had the equivalent of a human heart attack, and died.<br />
<br />
Now this was the same week my mother died of a stroke and, before that, I’d cut my hair (well, Tom had!) from hip to ear length. <br />
<br />
In the month of September. At the beginning of August: my first live-in carer moved in, gave us all (Lucy, Tom when he was here – he’d had to give up his room – and me) claustrophobia, and re-damaged my left foot (distracted me on way to bathroom; twisted on metal threshold; a year’s healing and physio [my own version], since fall, ruined ). [Note: the carer still gives us claustrophobia. Wish he (!) had his own place nearby. My (?) mistake. We might speak of this later.]<br />
<br />
September also demanded I: 1) fill in that wretched – oh, I wrote so much about this in the last draft! – <a href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171894">ESA</a> (Employment and Support Allowance) form, and 2) keep an eye on which herbs and supplements the EU’s new licensing laws (April 2011 – see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Directive_on_Traditional_Herbal_Medicinal_Products">THMPD</a> [Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive]) would still allow us to buy through retailers (i.e. <a href="http://www.baldwins.co.uk/Essential-Oils/571?gclid=COn-v4Se8qsCFYob4QodskjRwg">Baldwins</a>, where Tom is manager, and I have bought my herbs for years).<br />
<br />
[Notes: 1) my MS nurse helped like mad with the ESA form, filling in answers and writing a report. I was put into the Support group, in the end, after the months of worry about it. <em>And</em> I didn’t get the threatened Medical, after … Thank you, S---. 2) I am happy to report that: at least the herbs in their raw state are available over-the-herbalist’s counter – no brand-name (God’s own?), you see, or medicinal endorsement on back of packaging. And most of the supplements, I know of/use, are still on the shelves…<em>if</em> with their potency weakened.] <br />
<br />
Yep, it was a whole bad month. Preceded by a good (oxymoron coming up) bad 11 months or so. Not a good year at all, since that fall.<br />
<br />
Just realized I haven’t mentioned my overall physical/MS state… Aha, perhaps that’s because I don’t want to engage with it, dignify it, admit it at all. Sad, isn’t it?<br />
<br />
But, okay: I spend too much time in my armchair now; find it harder and harder to force myself out of bed in the mornings; panic too much when I’m on my own (that feels as though it stems from a physical source, and/or is purely because I am worried about being ill alone or, worse, with Lucy so that she doesn’t know what’s happening), and all-in-all, am in a much more feeble state than I used to be.<br />
<br />
I have to say though, things might not be half so bad, if only other people were kinder. <br />
<br />
And I don’t mean outside people. Not so much. In fact, right here, right now I will say, hats off to Anglian Home Improvements who were great when they were contracted to do home improvements for my landlord. After hearing of my situation their spokesperson wrote me a very sympathetic email, assuring me they wouldn’t contact me again. Anglian Home Improvements really do seem to be the decent lot they are portrayed to be in those “we’re making a film” ads. Thank you, guys.<br />
<br />
The same gratitude must now go to Mulalley & Co. builders. In recent weeks, they too have shown compassion and understanding for someone who has chosen to stay at home rather than go into a Home, and who needs their “bubble” to remain calm and quiet. Mulalley: cheers to you all.<br />
<br />
The Government, EU, and, to some extent, the local council/RSL (Registered Social Landlord [in other words, bureaucracy]) must take a lot of the blame for the stress-exacerbated progression of my MS (as also for the suffering experienced by anyone having to fill in an ESA form or go without <em>their</em> traditional herbal remedies, etc. ).<br />
<br />
But, after all my rantings and dreadings of having to live, again, on a building site (as at my last address for a hellish “Regeneration” three years), at least in this home it’s stayed quiet enough, long enough, for the spiders to still enjoy their freedom to roam. (Don’t ask – but I’m down to about 30 a year!) The “Home Improvements” – so far (!) – have <strong>not </strong>been a huge problem. <br />
<br />
I’m afraid the ‘unkindness’ of which I speak, comes (I wish it was past tense, it isn’t), mainly, from family…but, also, quite a bit, from the present carer.<br />
<br />
Even the Care Agency (I <em>chose</em> to give my Direct Payments to!). This little group, which isn’t based in London and does seem to have lots of positive testimonials from clients and their relatives, decided to “punish” me, by not providing me with a “cover carer” when A. (I’ll call him ‘A.’ for the sake of his privacy) was away on his 10-day “break”. <em>Because</em> I hadn’t answered the ‘phone, the day <em>proposed </em>cover-carer rang up (at some un-appointed time). <em>Because</em> I’d “refused” (the word A. used to them) to take the call, as I was writing.<br />
<br />
Well, for Heaven’s sake, did anyone listen when I said, days later, that I might have been: on the loo; sleeping; praying; receiving visitors; panicking about something other than a ‘phone call; worrying about someone else (i.e. my mother/son/sister/brother/friend), and that it was against the Law – see Equality Act, Parts 2 & 3, I believe? No, of course they didn’t.<br />
<br />
And I probably should have made more noise about it…but, heck, I had to find another carer (which wasn’t easy but was, eventually, managed for day-time - thank you, E------ Care in SE London), and then Tom decided to stay…so we got by that way, and it was sort-of good. At least, we all three got some space!<br />
<br />
Maybe I’ll put the name of the bad agency here. They couldn’t sue me for libel, they put the explanation for their “punishment” in writing (clever huh?) and sent it to me (caring, huh?), Umm… Never did go to Athens!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I refuse to let this lot get me down. And I have missed my dear blogs so badly.<br />
<br />
So, I will be jolly again. And, you know what? I think I’ll put a copy of this post (like the one about the “fall”) on all my blogs, in order to move on: write about different topics with all of this, last year’s nonsense, out of the way.<br />
<br />
It might be the beginning of the end as far as my mortal coil (thanks, Shakespeare) is concerned, but, hey: I always meant to go about dying with dignity (do I need to say ‘naturally’?) and a smile on my face, and that’s what I intend to do.<br />
<br />
God bless all who’ve spent time reading this.<br />
<br />
VirginiaVirginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-36860865312652059302011-03-29T04:56:00.000-07:002011-03-29T06:11:15.134-07:00A fall comes before...a long silenceLast August I had a fall: a slip on the bathroom floor whereby my left leg flew under the shower chair, flipped it into the air and brought it down on top of me. So that I lay there, half on the hall floor, for an hour while I waited: first for Tom to arrive from work, and second – when he didn’t at his usual time – for the panic-button people and an ambulance crew to come and pick me up.<br />
<br />
And it was agony. And poor little Lucy (toy poodle - as if you didn’t know!), who was in her own room “resting” while I cleaned up her “mess”, remained nonchalant the whole way through: didn’t even respond to all my shouts into the alarm microphone or when the lady from the council and ambulance men finally came, and with me discovering more pain and damaged nerves (shaking leg) by the moment, caused so much commotion. In fact, I think the only time she perked up was when Tom entered the scene and she heard his voice, smelled his smell: that’s always a precursor to excitement from Lucy!<br />
<br />
I spent two weeks sitting and sleeping in the same chair (perhaps I should have gone for x-rays but I didn’t: just smeared arnica oil on everything and took extra herbs), and dear Tom waited on me hand and foot. He had a few days off to help but when he absolutely had to go back to work, left me a coffee table covered in flasks of coffee and herb teas, and cups of tissanes and spare cups…and crisps and biscuits…and, yet again, I’d never have managed without him. <em>What a hero</em>! <br />
<br />
[Note: rang social services screaming for help but found out file had been closed and had to wait for “re-allocation”. Not the first time we’ve heard that. Should make a lot of noise complaining about it. But it’s too boring. And I’ve got to think of more positive things. Or go down, mentally.] <br />
<br />
Yep, it took two weeks to be able to get back into my profiling bed and then - what a relief -: with my legs raised, the grotesque swelling gradually reduced and it got a bit easier to move: I started staggering – “furniture-walking” with a vengeance (never daring not to be holding something) and life looked a bit more hopeful. I spent about a month buying new and different slippers, online, till I found something I could stick with (literally, to the ground?!) and now, here we are…<br />
<br />
Well, I have to admit that fall is still having an effect: I still can’t walk brilliantly; lose my balance a lot more; feel pain where there was none, or a lot less, before and, worst of all, sometimes, feel helpless…<br />
<br />
I write constantly but too much gets drafted only to be ignored, through fatigue or depression, and then forgotten - going nowhere… And so there’s a new yardstick: if this piece <em>actually </em>does get posted…well, that’ll be an improvement and maybe the other bits I prepared for blogs can follow. That would be good.<br />
<br />
In the end, I just want to say, “I’m sorry”. For anyone else who’s had a fall (and I know there are many - some who are bed-bound as a result and develop infections). You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.<br />
<br />
VirginiaVirginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-21147951187376831152009-08-10T16:37:00.000-07:002009-08-11T08:16:08.434-07:00Trilogy intro - plus turmeric/curcuminThe next three posts all seem to go together so I’m going to publish them, hopefully in the order they were written (“MS is getting on my nerves” first), on the same day.<br /><br />However, even after eighteen months’ blogging, I’m not sure of the best way to go about it. I <strong>do</strong> want three separate posts, each with its own title and its own window…<br /><br />Oh, I don’t know, I suppose if I succeed, this little bit will be pointless. <em>Regardless</em> of whether the posts themselves are still topical - which they won’t be, if I don’t get a move on!…<br /><br />How about, then (just in case), I say something here to make this post, alone, worthwhile? Well, I can try…<br /><br /><strong>Turmeric</strong>. Most notably, its <strong>curcumin</strong> component.<br /><br />Wow! I have been using <strong>turmeric powder</strong>, twice a day – morning and bedtime – for the last few months and my gosh, I’m seeing, and feeling, improvements in my MS. My legs are less painful and stronger. I have more energy and keep going longer and more often. My brain (they say it’s a good preventative of Alzheimer’s and I can believe it!) has been on overdrive and I can’t stop writing/studying/writing again. I feel more optimistic about the future and am even making plans for it.<br /><br />All this, as well as saving my life as a bronchodilator. And I know it has.<br /><br />There you go! <strong>Turmeric</strong>/<strong>curcumin</strong>. I’m sure I’ll be talking/raving about it again, soon.<br /><br />But first, those three posts…Virginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-33340545163930040552009-08-10T14:33:00.000-07:002009-08-11T08:09:36.100-07:00MS is getting on my nervesYep, it’s getting too much now all this CNS (Central Nervous System) under attack and dying nonsense. It’s an insult. A long, drawn out wasting away of every little function, every big function, till you don’t know which one will collapse on you first. And it’s all just a waiting-game, with pain and chronic fatigue its constant companions.<br /><br />And no one talks about brain damage, which is what the lesions of sclerosis on your cerebrum cause and which ensures nobody likes you, ‘cos you have mood-swings and a vicious temper. And you’re left alone, too much, when you need help.<br /><br />MS is an insult.<br /><br />I guess it’s the bladder and the bowels that get you worst of all. They’re what really cause the aggro. And keep you hidden away and embarrassed, even in front of yourself. In front of anyone else (carers included)? Well, that’s where the body degradation lies, right there in the bathroom (or wherever!), in your toilet activities – or lack of them. That’s the humiliation and where you might lose your dignity.<br /><br />If you don’t watch out. And allow it.<br /><br />Which is easy to do, ’cos you get angry and you’re exhausted and in constant pain.<br /><br />The final insult, I suppose, will be when you die of something else and not MS itself (that’d make it ‘terminal’ with people forced to sympathise – they don’t want to) but another thing that you got or that happened, as a consequence of MS. A “complication”, as they call it. [Unless, of course, it’s one of those “life” things that can happen to anyone.]<br /><br />It’s not all bad though. There is still “the MS consolation” – I think <em>I </em>coined that one! With cognitive dysfunction (I forgot to mention it <em>due</em> to my cognitive dysfunction!), you hardly notice yourself slipping away.<br /><br />I just hope I’m slipping towards somewhere better! …Virginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-17911469003508972832009-08-10T14:17:00.000-07:002009-08-11T08:02:40.809-07:00PPMS "terminal"?<em>Debbie Purdy, a fellow PPMSer, took her case to the House of Lords and <a href="http://http//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8176713.stm">won</a>. In future it will be possible for someone to escort a person wishing to end their life to Switzerland (“Dignitas”), for example, without risking prosecution. I wrote the piece below after hearing complaints, from MSers, about PPMS (Ms Purdy’s type, though in the media, not always made clear) being described as “terminal”.<br /></em><br /><br />So, let’s take a look at this…<br /><br />Q. What is “primary progressive multiple sclerosis” (PPMS)?<br /><br />A. First of all, it’s MS by definition: multiple plaques of sclerosis in the brain and spine.<br /><br />Q. What are ‘plaques’? What is ‘sclerosis’?<br /><br />A. Plaques are lesions which “dig in” to tissue causing it to harden/break down. This result is called ‘sclerosis’.<br /><br />Many in the medical establishment believe that MS is an auto-immune disease with the immune system itself attacking the body: in MS, specifically, the myelin sheath (coating) normally protecting nerve fibres.<br /><br />I, personally (along with many naturopaths), believe the sclerosis to be caused by the yeast Candida Albicans (see: “<a href="http://http//ms-myscene.blogspot.com/2007/10/candida-albicans-and-ms-life-story.html">Candida Albicans and MS – a life story</a>”).<br /><br />The results are the same but not the “treatments” (see: “<a href="http://http//ms-myscene.blogspot.com/2007/10/supplements-herbs-essential-oils.html">Supplements, Herbs & Essential-oils</a>” for my own).<br /><br />Q. What do we mean by ‘progressive’?<br /><br />A. All bodily tissue is made up of fibres and neurons (nerve cells) belonging to the “central nervous system” (CNS). Once attached to the CNS the lesions worsen and multiply, spreading thoughout the body, causing increased degeneration. In PPMS this degeneration “progresses” continually with no remissions.<br /><br />Q. Which parts of the body depend on the CNS being healthy?<br /><br />A. Every single part. We are our nervous systems: our immune systems; every organ - large (brain, heart, lungs) and small (eyes, ears, bladder, bowels); our limbs and muscles; every sense and function (i.e. thinking, seeing, hearing, tasting, swallowing, urinating, defecating).<br /><br />Every part and everything about us, is dependent on our CNS.<br /><br />Q. So, is PPMS (as opposed to the other types of MS) terminal?<br /><br />A. How long <em>can </em>someone last with a progressively degenerating CNS and a compromised immune system?<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion: PPMS <em>is</em> terminal, if only because of the complications arising as a result of it.<br /></strong><br />Note: the most common causes of PPMS-related death are: suicide; choking; pneumonia (or other respiratory disease).<br /><br /><br /><strong>Disclaimer</strong>: as always, I write only from experience and research. I hold no formal qualifications in medicine.Virginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-16201478794082517512009-08-10T14:10:00.000-07:002009-08-11T07:55:02.090-07:00[Satire!] A note to Debbie Purdy...<strong>…following </strong><a href="http://http//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8176713.stm"><strong>Law Lords’ court ruling </strong></a><strong>(30th July ’09)<br /><br /></strong>Gee thanks, Debbie, now it will be easier to have someone come with us to Switzerland (“<em>Digni</em>tas” my***!) to end our lives. They’ll even be able to help us, if and when we MSers are too paralysed, and won’t get charged for committing a crime – as long as we <em>did </em>volunteer for it.<br /><br />Nice one! Because, it surely follows that it won’t be long before we won’t have to travel (too hard and tiring); relatives will be able to euthanize at their own discretion (always believing we <em>would </em>have wished it, of course). Doctors and nurses – even lovely carers - will be applauded for their “acts of mercy”…<br /><br />And, when the State realizes how “useful” this is to society, by extension, it will <strong>force</strong> the extinction of all elderly and infirm citizens: no one else will need to make those <em>burdensome</em> decisions again. We’ll all be free to relax.<br /><br /><em>Won’t</em> be long now. Thank you, Debbie (word to the wise, though: don’t try and take all the credit, it would have happened anyway).<br /><br />Your fellow PP [primary progressive] MSer,<br /><br />VirginiaVirginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-26169048544382439132008-10-23T09:26:00.000-07:002008-10-23T11:26:42.013-07:00Taking your next breathFor some, the next breath is not something that can be taken for granted (though, come to think of it nor should it be for anyone – we’ll all breathe our last one day). From one day to the next, the physical challenge of keeping the lungs filled with oxygen takes over from everything else: after this breath, the one I’m breathing now, will there be another?<br /><br />For some, it may mean hospitalisation, or even moving into a hospice.<br /><br />Yet there are things we can do before we reach that stage - herbal remedies, refinements in diet, extra mechanical aids in the home – to help now. I know, because I’m having to use them…<br /><br />I have primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), but apart from the usual symptoms of this disease (spastic, painful, legs; chronic fatigue; weak limbs; bladder and bowel incontinence; poor eyes; cognitive dysfunction), the biggest problem lately – the most worrying – has been with the lungs.<br /><br />I seem to have <a href="http://http//hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/Mosby_factsheets/asthma.html">asthmatic symptoms </a>(with panic but that’s another story!); I do have <a href="http://http//66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:4VYxyl-1s1EJ:www.thegodsplinter.btinternet.co.uk/TwilightZone/PostNasalDrip.htm+post-nasal+drip&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=uk">post-nasal drip</a>, and - as a smoker for half of my life - could expect to have <a href="http://http//www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068705/">chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) </a>. Many years ago I was diagnosed with <a href="http://http//hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/Tuberculosis.html">tuberculosis (TB)</a> but – and this can be verified by Guy’s Hospital, London – cleared it without the use of pharmaceutical drugs. The methods I use now are those I used then and would use for any of the following:<br /><br />- asthma;<br />- bronchitis;<br />- emphysema;<br />- pneumonia;<br />- pleurisy;<br />- TB;<br />- COPD (made up of the first three above);<br />- lung cancer;<br />- sinusitis.<br /><br />So, what are my methods? What<em> is</em> my Respiratory Rescue (RR)? Well, as I consider most things (health-wise) to be related to or caused by <a href="http://http//www.ei-resource.org/illness-information/environmental-illnesses/candida-and-gut-dysbiosis/">Candida Albicans</a>, it too, depends on my anti-Candida regime of <a href="http://http//ms-myscene.blogspot.com/2007/10/anti-candida-diet.html">diet </a>and <a href="http://http//ms-myscene.blogspot.com/2007/10/supplements-herbs-essential-oils.html">herbs</a>. It just means adding <em>more</em> herbs, specifically suited to the respiratory system:<br /><br /><strong>NB Dosages for all herbs (unless stated otherwise): one quarter of a teaspoon two or three times daily.<br /></strong><br /><strong>thyme</strong> – I could have called this piece ‘Thyme heals!’ for the importance of this wonderful herb – it works as an antiseptic (very strong), anti-spasmodic (esp. asthma spasms) expectorant [clears mucus] de-congestant – I now take one teaspoon in a tea, daily and would never (God willing!) be without it;<br /><br /><strong>eucalyptus </strong>– mainly used as expectorant/decongestant inhalant if breathing difficult, but especially valuable as chest and throat rub in times of infection/cough;<br /><br /><strong>elecampane </strong>– for me, I think, the original life-saver with TB: a powerful antiseptic/expectorant (does contain inulin [fructose] though, so would only use now in emergency);<br /><br /><strong>golden seal </strong>– an absolute life-saver: broad-spectrum anti-biotic (without side affects of phamaceuticals); can be used externally in the form of a paste (water added to powder), as a tea with the root, or by adding powder to water and drinking; I also use, with myrrh, for brushing teeth and gargling (good for post-nasal drip); a few grains internally, daily, for TB and other infections;<br /><br /><strong>echinacea </strong>– my #1 herb and leader in my anti Candida regime - worth noting again here for its invaluable assistance in any respiratory problems: great immune system strengthener and supporter; strong antiseptic; decongestant and expectorant;<br /><br /><strong>eyebright</strong> – another star in my herbal cast of characters (probably couldn’t see without it and would undoubtedly have much worse optic neuritis [eye pain with MS]); mentioned here for its ability, with echinacea, to clear sinuses – the perfect remedy for hayfever, rhinitis and nasal catarrh;<br /><br /><strong>golden rod</strong> – one more I now take daily: antiseptic and anti-catarrhal;<br /><br /><strong>tea tree oil</strong> – tea tree is an all-rounder – used for everything, and I use it all round the house as air-freshener/fumigator, decongestant and antiseptic for everyone! Also: three times a day as antiseptic mouthwash (with gargle!), and to kill any germs anywhere on anything or anyone – it will even wipe out fleas, mites (arachnids) and ticks on a dog! Essential shampoo for whole family. Works like eucalyptus but more gently, so I use more often, as chest-rub.<br /><br /><strong>turmeric root</strong> (as powder) – a recent discovery, for me: very effective (and safe) bronchodilator.<br /><br />Other herbs I have used, successfully, to clear lungs of congestion (but don’t take regularly – I think we all have to find the ones most suitable to our own bodies) include: <strong>mullein </strong>[slightly narcotic – no good for me!]; <strong>white horehound</strong>; <strong>pleurisy root</strong> (holding onto that in case of pneumonia!); <strong>plantain</strong>; <strong>watercress</strong>, and <strong>coltsfoot</strong>.<br /><br />And that’s about it. Those, plus the anti-Candida diet (be especially careful with dairy products [go without!] and perhaps wheat and other grains (all mucus-forming foods).<br /><br />Oh, and I do have a dehumidifier and air-purifier – great aid on breathless nights – and also keep a couple of oxygen bottles (the small mobile ones) handy. Touch wood, I haven’t had to use them lately (hah, tempting fate again, Virginia?!).<br /><br />Anyway, I hope some of this helps some of you and that taking your next breath will be trouble-free. God bless.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Disclaimer<br /></strong><br />The information I give here has been gathered from my own research and experiences of the last 20 years.<br /><br />The recommendations I make are for remedies which, through trial and error, my family and I have found to be most helpful.<br /><br />I have not used pharmaceutical products since 1990 and do not see anyone from the medical establishment (doctors, etc.), other than MS Nurse annually.<br /><br />***<br /><br />All herbs available from medical herbalists including (international mail order available): <a href="http://www.baldwins.co.uk/">G. Baldwin & Co.<br /></a>Virginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-57069039212910776452008-10-06T08:05:00.000-07:002008-10-06T09:34:39.161-07:00Catch-up...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77k8_gX6VUFtOjqQFt8fPQPETnnMFW5faaG7TEnAYf1-uDdkU3qmcOnqcExi2kF8VQr3fkIIrzADj01SLoJAx9c1L8JUXpPbj4_uQewXrvuLHAyj_c5Ym4vpZ3wU3YuXAZq8xJi0AKC-q/s1600-h/ferra.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254076739598764034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77k8_gX6VUFtOjqQFt8fPQPETnnMFW5faaG7TEnAYf1-uDdkU3qmcOnqcExi2kF8VQr3fkIIrzADj01SLoJAx9c1L8JUXpPbj4_uQewXrvuLHAyj_c5Ym4vpZ3wU3YuXAZq8xJi0AKC-q/s320/ferra.bmp" border="0" /></a> <em>Illustration by Tom Phillips</em><br /><br /><br /><div>Time to catch up with my MS (oh yeah, like that could ever happen!): the development of symptoms and ways they’re affecting my life. It’s been a while since I came to this blog just to “chat” – maybe some sort of denial? –and, let’s face it, this thing’s not going to stop in its tracks, do an about-turn, disappear – it’s here to stay and will, no doubt win the race. I <em>should </em>write about it and, hopefully, say something to help others - at least share an empathy with fellow-MSers.<br /><br />If MS was a racing-car, it would surely be a Ferrari: to my mind (and most others!), the most beautiful of cars and one of the finest pieces of engineering known to man. The fact that I’m anti-cars, because of their use of oil, and pollutant affect on the environment, is by-the-by here (!). I’m not naïve and can appreciate the skill involved in crafting such an exceptional machine (I hate noise – but that wonderful <em>growl</em> of the Ferrari engine…!). It wins… It wins in aesthetics, mechanics, and performance on the race-track, where it leaves rivals floundering.<br /><br />Yes, if MS were a racing-car it would be a Ferrari.<br /><br />And, what would we be, us poor little MSers with our spastic legs, chronic fatigue and wasted muscles? Where would we be, with our out-dated theories on <em>cause </em>having something to do with the immune system attacking the rest of our bodies (rubbish!), and the pharmaceutical drugs that do nothing but harm (side-effects) even if they are, duplicitously, offered as help?<br /><br />Oh, we’d be that tiny dot, still on the starting-line as the Ferrari sped towards the Finish. We’d be the poor suckers left behind - alone, in our cranky, old wheelchair!<br /><br /><br /><br />And that’s it with the car analogy. I hate car analogies (and too many use them!), except to say…<br /><br />It is, of course, our disease racing towards the chequered flag, which, in itself, marks the end of our existence. We must enter the race - at least try to keep up - if we are not to lose control completely. And that’s why I’m back here, at this blog. I can see (and feel, and sense) that the MS <em>has</em> me now. I know its progression (primary progrssive multiple sclerosis – PPMS) has been cruel.<br /><br />But the herbs – praise God! – do help. At least to keep symptoms under control (for instance, in keeping depression at bay; lessening fatigue and pain), and often as cures (e.g.: respiratory problems [see next post]; spasm; anxiety; exhaustion; insomnia).<br /><br />So this blog must go on, as long as I’m in the race! And, if I think about MS as a Ferrari (which I won’t – it’s an insult to the car!), maybe I can afford it a grudging respect.<br /><br />As it is, about the only thing they have in common, as far as I can see, is that they’re both man-made!<br /><br />Yes, I do believe that MS is the result somehow (pharmaceuticals; refined foods; chemicals and additives in food; chemical pollutants [i.e. petrol; perfumes]?) of modern-day society. The <em>post-industrialisation</em> age.<br /><br />But that’s another story for another time (though I did touch on it in the post ‘<a href="http://http//commentcolumn.blogspot.com/2007/10/environmental-illness-ei.html">Environmental Illness</a>’ in the <em>Comment Column</em> blog).<br /><br />See you soon.<br /><br /><strong>Note</strong>: ‘respiratory’ post to follow…<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Virginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-41978124225512244872007-12-06T11:23:00.000-08:002007-12-07T07:21:04.082-08:00Herbal cures for pressure soresIsn’t it incredible, and evil, how much pain one little scabby sore can cause?<br /><br />Take that pea-size patch at the bottom of your spine. Just under the coccyx Ouuch! If you’re immobile – and who with progressive MS isn’t? - there it will be. Fixed. for life. A permanent fixture. Part of your new anatomy and more alive than the rest. Ironic. Not funny.<br /><br />You sit back in your chair – at its best and most “pressure-relieving” cushioned – and bang: you’re right on it. You wriggle, you’re not comfortable, the scabby edge lifts. If it bleeds you’re in real trouble. The pain, pinching and raw is excruciating, you scream (if someone’s with you and you’re trying to be polite/tough (when aren’t you the latter?) silently/imperceptibly – you might just pull a “pained” face). You try to lift yourself forward and oww, there’s the new ones forming on your buttocks.<br /><br />You can’t sit. You can’t stand (your legs won’t hold you up and that’s a whole differnt ball-game of pain) and you can’t lie down. The sores are always with you (that reminds me of something!).<br /><br />They’re on your bottom, your elbows, your heels. There’s no escape.<br /><br />Perhaps I am being a bit flippant here. Sorry, it’s my way. I mean, if it weren’t so tragic it would be funny wouldn’t it, to someone (I usually think <em>the Devil</em>)? Anyway I laugh in the face of adversity, and, of course, look for ways to deal with things.<br /><br />I decided to share with you what I use because it seems to work and I know so many people (not just MSers of course), are suffering too much and having to have anti-biotics and dressings. Which calls for lots of nursing and is a nuisance for everyone (including financially, the NHS (or equivalent in your country)).<br /><br />Also, a friend on an MS Forum went down with them (bed-ridden for the forseeable future), and that breaks my heart.<br /><br />I’m not the only one who uses <strong>marigold/calendula ointment </strong>(I know that because Tom, of course, works at a Herbalist’s*) and it has a great reputation for healing pressure-sores. But, as we were saying, there’s many – iincluding all conventional practitioners – who don’t.<br /><br />In this family we have been astonished, and thrilled, by the superlative powers of the <strong> marigold flower </strong>to heal, for many years. Every little scratch and tear, cut and blister, spot and indescribable blemish. Eczema, psoriasis, you name it, it’ll be fading within minutes of application and in the case of a cut, closing before your very eyes. The miraculous <strong>marigold flower.</strong><br />Just smear some over the beginnings of a pressure-sore. Re-apply maybe every few hours (with me it’s usually daily) and <em>voila</em>, <em>ecco</em>, gone before you know it.<br /><br />It <em>is</em> best to get it early though because if you <em>do</em> leave them too long (or maybe someone with dementia for instance isn’t able to let anyone know in time; or an MSer might not feel it getting bad) they may become badly infected and possibly even threaten the bloodstream and so, life (septicaemia). If they get infected you <strong>do</strong> need an anti-biotic. <br /><br />And the best one to use is also herbal (God’s counter to all this [“... and as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.” – Gen 9:3]): <strong>golden seal </strong>(either powder-into-paste or a fluid-extract – again smeared over wound), you will kill the bacteria without doing damage to the rest of your body. <strong>Golden seal </strong>will eat a pus-ridden thing away.<br /><br />Both <strong>marigold </strong>(aka <strong>calendula</strong>) and <strong>golden seal </strong>are antiseptic and anti-fungal.<br /><br /><br />So, my prescription:<br />- <strong>marigold/calendula ointment</strong><br />- <strong>golden seal </strong>(as powder formed with water into paste, or fluid-extract)<br /><br />Available at any good herbalist’s (see below for mail order).<br /><br />NB <br />Ensure you are using pressure-relieving cushions on all seats and, if possible, the same with your mattress. (A profiling bed is worth it’s weight in gold. If necessary, beg, borrow or... (no, just those two!), one I did and am so grateful for it.)<br /><br />Also: keep up the anti-Candida/yeast diet; supplements, herbs and essential oils (see October posts). A lot to do with these things is fungal.<br /><br />May the sores <strong>not</strong> be with you!<br /><br /><br />*G Baldwin & Co., Medical Herbalist<br />Tel: 0207 703 5550<br /> <a href="http://www.baldwis.co.uk">www.baldwins.co.uk</a>Virginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-13278859289422156442007-10-12T09:23:00.000-07:002007-10-17T08:46:14.141-07:00Supplements, Herbs & Essential Oils(which I use in my anti-Candida/MS "regime")<br /><br /><br />Supplements:<br />(available from all good Health Food Stores)<br /><br />- <strong>pro-biotic</strong> - dairy-free if allergic to milk - beware of FOS (fructooligosaccharides) if fructose intolerant, I am;<br />- <strong>extra-virgin olive oil</strong> - lots of it;<br />- <strong>garlic</strong> - fresh if possible or else odour-free capsules/tablets - lots of it;<br />(N.B. All the above help to kill Candida.)<br />- <strong>evening primrose oil</strong> (I use Quest capsules);<br />- <strong>multi-vitamins</strong> – I use Nature’s Own “Food State”;<br />- <strong>biotin</strong> – extra to multi-vits;<br />- <strong>B-complex</strong> – extra as above;<br />- <strong>B12</strong> – extra as above;<br />- <strong>zinc</strong> – extra as above;<br />- <strong>lysine</strong> - if prone to herpes, I am.<br /><br /><br />Herbs:<br />(I do not recommend that you use these herbs or in these quantities. I ony relay to you what I have used, successfully, for years (17 as I write!). I do recommend, however, the herbal book by David Hoffman** as well as, again, the book on Candida by Leon Chaitow*. Any good herbalist will stock all herbs mentioned and supply by mail-order. I give you details of Baldwins*** below.) <br /><br />‘p’ = ‘powder’, ‘h’ = ‘natural herb’, ‘t.s.’ = ‘teaspoons’; all “dosages” given are per day;<br /><br />- <strong>echinacea</strong> (p) - alterative (“blood-cleanser”) good for whole being)/antiseptic/decongestant/great against coughs and colds/good for skin - 3 one-third t.s.;<br />- <strong>sage</strong> (p) – antiseptic/anti-fever (sweating)/emmenagogue (balances female hormones (sage replaces oestrogen))/anti-depressant/clears headaches/heals sore throats – 3 one-third t.s.; gargle for throats;<br />- <strong>damiana</strong> (p) – nervine (nerve tonic)/anti-depressant/emmenagogue/aphrodisiac (esp. for men) – 2 one quarter t.s.;<br />- <strong>kola</strong> (p) – nerve stimulant/anti-depressant– 3 large pinches<br />- <strong>cayenne pepper</strong> (p) – the best natural stimulant for the whole body/antiseptic/frees MS urine – one third t.s.;<br />- <strong>willow bark</strong> (p) – anti-inflammatory/anti-spasmodic/ anodyne (pain-killer) – 3 capsules (NB all the above can go in 3 different powder mixes a day);<br />- <strong>eyebright</strong> (h) – eye tonic/can be used as eye-wash in conjunctivitis/blepharitis – 2 t.s.;<br />- <strong>golden rod</strong> (h) – strengthens respiratory system– one and half t.s.;<br />- <strong>lavender flowers</strong> (h) - nervine (nerve relaxant)/anti-depressant/clears headaches/aids sleep – a dozen in tissane (small tea) or mixed in tea with other herbs;<br />- <strong>chickweed</strong> (h) – anti-itching/cooling/diuretic/laxative - 4 t.s. made into tea and used – when cool! – as lotion for healing/controlling eczema/psoriasis; one t.s. in tea for drinking;<br />- <strong>nettles</strong> (h) – vit. C/multi-mineral/cooling/anti-hisytamine – 2 t.s. in tea;<br />- <strong>parsley</strong> (h) – vit. C/multi-mineral/anti-depressant/emmenagogue – 2 t.s. in tea and on food;<br />- <strong>burdock</strong> (h) – alterative/diuretic – one t.s. in tea;<br />- <strong>red-clover</strong> (h) – anti-cough and asthma/emmenagogue/mild sedative/strengthens nerves – one-quarter t.s.;<br />- <strong>skull-cap</strong> (p) – sedative/strong nerve tonic/anodyne (esp. spasmodic legs) – one quarter t.s. when needed;<br />- <strong>myrrh</strong> (p) - anti-fungal/antiseptic– tip of t.s. (see next);<br />- <strong>golden seal</strong> (p) – anti-biotic (broad-spectrum)/good mixed with eyebright for eye-wash or drops/good with myrrh for brushing teeth – small pinch as anti-biotic (when necessary); tip of t.s. for teeth.<br /><br />Essential Oils (aromatherapy):<br />- <strong>lavender</strong> – anti-depressant/clears headache/nervine;<br />- <strong>geranium</strong> – anti-depressant;<br />- <strong>rose</strong> – /anti-depressant/emmenagogue/aphrodisiac;<br />- <strong>tea-tree</strong> – antiseptic (very strong) – used as gargle and room freshener.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />* <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Candida-Albicans-Could-Yeast-Problem/dp/089281795X">CANDIDA ALBICANS Could yeast be your problem</a>?</em> by Leon Chaitow N.D. D.O.. Published by Healing Arts Press, USA (1998). ISBN: 0-89281-795-X<br /><br />** <em><a href="http://www.bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/jsp/welcome.jsp?isbn=9780007145416&source=1177945481">HOLISTIC HERBAL </a></em>A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies by David Hoffman. Published by Harper Collins. ISBN: 0007 14 5411<br /><br />*** <a href="http://www.baldwins.co.uk">G.Baldwin & Co</a>. Medical Herbalist. Tel: 0207 703 5550. email: sales@baldwins.co.uk<strong></strong>Virginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-18528809854440333382007-10-12T08:44:00.000-07:002007-10-12T09:07:01.131-07:00Anti-Candida Diet(with my own additions)<br /><br />For the sake of brevity, please forgive further lists: this time of foods, etc. we musn’t have – ‘NO’ – and those we can – ‘YES’. I refer you again to Leon Chaitow’s book*.<br /><br /><br />NO:<br />- yeast;<br />- sugar;<br />- dairy (except live yoghurt and cottage cheese if not allergic to milk*);<br />- alcohol; <br />- smoked foods;<br />- pickles (inc. vinegars and sauces);<br />- tomatoes;<br />- refined grains (i.e. white flour);<br />- meats which contain anti-biotics (i.e. beef, pork, battery chickens);<br />- fruit (due to sugar content though some can tolerate some*).<br /><br />N.B. Don’t forget mushrooms are fungus and no anti-biotics (unless essential) or steroids.<br /><br /><br />YES:<br />- all vegetables and salad ingredients (except tomatoes/mushrooms);<br />- garlic, chillies (see ‘Herbs list) and all spices;<br />- extra-virgin olive oil;<br />- live yoghurt and cottage cheese (see above);<br />- wholegrain cereals (i.e. rice, pasta (gluten-free if coeliac));<br />- organic meats, game and poultry (i.e. free-range chickens);<br />- lamb;<br />- fish;<br />- yeast-free bread;<br />- (and me) pizza (with lots of garlic, olives and chillies to counter the things I shouldn’t have) - just because it cheers me up!<br /><br /><br /><br />* <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Candida-Albicans-Could-Yeast-Problem/dp/089281795X">CANDIDA ALBICANS Could yeast be your problem</a>?</em> by Leon Chaitow N.D. D.O.. Published by Healing Arts Press, USA (1998). ISBN: 0-89281-795-XVirginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-16056779860586300392007-10-12T07:20:00.000-07:002007-10-12T07:41:00.365-07:00Symptoms of Candida Albicans(with help from Leon Chaitow* to compensate for memory-loss!):<br /><br /><br />- anxiety;<br />- depression;<br />- irritability;<br />- chronic fatigue;<br />- abdominal pain;<br />- constipation;<br />- diarrhoea;<br />- bloating/wind;<br />- allergies;<br />- acne;<br />- migraine;<br />- cystitis;<br />- thrush;<br />- pre-menstrual tension (PMT);<br />- menstrual problems; <br />- sensitivity to perfumes (Multi-Chemical Sensitivity – MCS);<br />- poor memory;<br />- inability to concentrate;<br />- feelings of unreality;<br />- numbness, tingling and weak muscles;<br />- blurred vision;<br />- nasal congestion, <br />- etc. etc. <br /><br /><br /><br />* <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Candida-Albicans-Could-Yeast-Problem/dp/089281795X">CANDIDA ALBICANS Could yeast be your problem</a>?</em> by Leon Chaitow N.D. D.O.. Published by Healing Arts Press, USA (1998). ISBN: 0-89281-795-XVirginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-58214824132837632007-10-12T05:58:00.000-07:002007-10-21T08:41:38.909-07:00Candida Albicans and MS - a life story[A few MSers have asked me about this, and I meant to write it years ago. A bit late then, I hope the following helps.]<br /><br />Ah, the enemy! The dreaded fungus that is Candida Albicans (commonly known as just ‘Candida’), that is the ruination of so many people – whether they know it or not. And, almost certainly, a contributing factor in – if not the actul cause of - multiple sclerosis (MS).<br /><br />I probably need a disclaimer here. I am no medical expert and certainly not a microbiologist. I’m just someone talking from experience who’s done lots of research (many naturopaths agree) and who, most importantly I think, isn’t afraid to face the truth – even when it involves a revolting little parasite living within our own bodies that decides to take charge!<br /><br />I owe much of the ground-work for what I know to Leon Chaitow who with his book, <em>CANDIDA ALBICANS Could yeast be your problem</em>?* probably saved my life. I cannot recommened this text highly enough for anyone who wants to know more, and maybe has their own suspect symptoms of a “yeast allergy”. Information I give from Mr.Chaitow I will bracket L.C.* and the book itself I will give details of at the end of this piece.<br /><br />‘The end’? But where to begin?...<br /><br />Well, I guess where the Candida does, when it changes from its yeast form in your gut (everyone has it) into its mycelial (reproducing through a network of threads called hyphae), fungal form, Candida Albicans. (L.C.*). When it bursts through the abdominal wall, enters the blood-stream and breaks through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to cause the brain allergies which create so much havoc. This is how Candida begins, but <strong>why</strong>? And what can we do to prevent it occurring in others?<br /><br />Well, to answer the last question first: can we prevent stress or trauma? Infections, pain, disease? Can we increase sunlight (in a temperate climate), eradicate damp? <br /><br />Probably not, we think, these things are part of life. But you see, for the first two, stress and trauma, we can at least bolster ourselves to be able to deal with them if and when they do come along.<br /><br />We can raise our children to be strong, secure and confident individuals, who will work to ensure a calm existence for themslves and their families. We can hope for all families to love and support one another, unconditionally.<br /><br />Without doubt, a foundation of faith – religion - can be the permanent safety-net and friend we all need – the Truth we can depend on in those difficult times. And prayer is the best anti-depressant there is!<br /><br />We can make sure everyone grows up eating the healthiest food possible. (We will come to the anti-Candida diet later.)<br /><br />Then the next three: infection, pain, disease? “Aren’t they the ones you go to the doctor with?” you ask. And I answer with an emphatic “NO!”<br /><br />Because, in my opinion (I’m not alone), this is where so much has gone wrong. In the treatments the doctors have handed out (not always their fault – they learn about anatomy, the body and its possible ailments, presumably want to heal it, but NOT the remedies – they are taught to trust pharmaceutical companies to provide the medicines they need). <br /><br />And it’s pharmaceutical drugs: anti-biotics and steroids especially, that the yeast (now Candida Albicans) sees as a feast (on top of sugar, etc. which we will come to) and uses to spread out its deadly mycelium (mass of hyphae).<br /><br />We need not to get ill in the first place - or learn to use herbs (many “conventional” medicines are derived from plants) - to strengthen our immune systems. <br /><br />And this is where the last two in my “menu” (food for yeast) come in: lack of sunlight and damp. We need full-spectrum light to ignite our pituitary glands and drive the adrenals to produce the correct balance of hormones (L.C. and others). Without it we can develop SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and become depressed, physically and mentally. Our immune systems compromised. We need our environment to be dry – damp produces mould, shooting reproductive spores into the atmosphere, the air we breathe. With insufficient light and damp we become ill. Vulnerable. And the yeast will thrive.<br /><br />If you can’t – or don’t want to - leave the northern climes, I advise – and have - a light-box and de-humidifier. They at least help.<br /><br />It just takes a combination of two or more of these factors and, wallop, you’re a gonner. Candida has you!<br /><br />We’ve all seen fungus rotting food (sadly, Alexander Fleming (1881-1955) saw it on a culture dish and decided it (penicillin) would help us (well maybe, in small and only essential amounts - if no one knew or had alternative herbs handy - it might have done!)). Food, metal, rubber, damp areas, FLESH.<br /><br />Exactly! We’ve all seen it.<br /><br />And all you MSers, can you imagine that, that voracious mould, and the effect it would have on your myelin sheath/nerve fibres/brain cells? I rest my case!<br /><br />That’s how it starts. And proliferates. And takes over.<br /><br />In my own instance I give you – so that I don’t cry - a cold, emotionless, objective-as-possible list of good times I gave the beast (oh, was that meant to be a ‘y’?!): an atheistic, neglected childhood; bad diet (yeast, dairy, sugar-rich); un-schooled from 15 - 40; pregnant (with, too-long-untreated, thrush) at 15; no permanent home from 15 – 28; homeless on several occasions (yes, park benches!); baby adopted at 16; through a windscreen at 18 (anti-biotics); dermatitis (steroid ointment); sexual assault (x3); violence; two (civil) marriages; suicidal depression (more a reaction to circumstance I imagine, but perhaps Candida/MS/SAD!); fibroids; two caesareans; one hysterectomy; one haemorrhage (vaginal); prescribed sleeping-pill addiction from 27- 34; “cold-turkey” for a year followed by agoraphobia; swellings/blisters/bad,bad digestion – full-blown, blatant (needs-to-be-dealt-with) Candida.<br /><br />But I didn’t know what it was for another few – nightmare – years of symptoms. Until, after visiting a healthfood shop one day Tom (son, 27) found in one of their magazines an identitical list of maladies to my own. He read it out: “If you answer yes to [most] of these questions”. And we had it. We had a name. We never looked back.<br /><br />Tom was 11, I was 39. It was 1990. And neither of us has had a prescription since then.<br /><br />Through our favourite health-food store - G.Baldwin & Co. - which is also a medical herbalists, we soon discovered Leon Chaitow’s book*. And that was when the regime (as I call it) was born and became a way of life – which I hope Tom will pass on through his children (I will describe it over the next few posts).<br /><br />The anti-Candida diet, supplements and herbs have now fought many battles and won (including TB (can be verified by Guy’s Hospital, London) which came on for me in 1994 but which Tom, thank God, never got). And every day they help me – along with my faith (Tom and I converted to Catholicism in 1993) with my MS.<br /><br />God knows when the sclerosis began (or even the Candida really – I believe now they “ran” together) but I suspect (and I think the neurologist and GP did too when I was diagnosed in 2001) that I have had MS since at least my 20s. Maybe before if my bowels are anything to go by (and, therefore, also the Candida)!<br /><br />It doesn't matter. It’s not important.<br /><br />What is, is making the most of each tiny moment left and doing what we can for others.<br /><br />We both got degrees in English (Tom at 22, me at 47!). And I, at last, had some confidence – I was quite chuffed that I got mine at the “laid-back” Goldsmiths’ College, University of London – 2:1!<br /><br />And I did what I always wanted to do: worked as a reporter on a local ‘paper for a couple of years, before fatigue stopped me in 1999. That’s when the MS testing took off.<br /><br />Tom, who had started at Baldwins with work experience aged 16, is now office manager there. How blessed is that – herbs whenever we need them?!<br /><br />It’s not consistently easier – living on a council estate is better than homeless but really... I’ve had to do three years on a “Regeneration” (de-generation!) building-site before I came here for wheelchair access (2003). And we’re told they want to “improve” this housing soon. Over my dead body! Or insane mind! We’ve had Pharaoh ants, wasps and spiders - in infestation quantity. I had a second haemorrhage (this time lung) with TB – very frightening – probably caused by condensation pouring down the windows and walls. Terrible eczema (but now have chickweed – praise God! See herb post to come). Went bankrupt in 2000 as nerves examined by electrical prodding (‘Evoked Potentials’) MRI and lumbar puncture, and same year hammers and drills began. And, of course, the MS itself isn’t easy to live with.<br /><br />But it has improved. And, ironically - or with God’s grace - I am happier now than I ever have been.<br /><br />So, in answer to some: no I’m not physically “healed”. The MS is progressing – as it is meant to, the Candida still can be a nuisance. But I feel I have control now – they are under control. I know what to do and how to cope when the going gets tough.<br /><br />And, best of all, I am cheerful. And that is a miracle.<br /><br /><br /><br />* <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Candida-Albicans-Could-Yeast-Problem/dp/089281795X"><em>CANDIDA ALBICANS Could yeast be your problem</em></a>? by Leon Chaitow N.D., D.O. Published by Healing Arts Press, USA 1998 ISBN: 0-89281-795XVirginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-13000652213220059112007-09-21T19:25:00.000-07:002007-09-23T08:01:11.631-07:00The MS Society ForumAbout six months ago my fabulous son, Tom, set me up with the Internet. I guess I’d goaded him for a while over my frustrated blog ambitions. It was time. Let mother put her money where her mouth is.<br /><br />And so I did – the money part anyway. Thanks to DLA (Disability Living Allowance), being housebound (no new clothes needed) and no social life, I procured the works: wireless et al.<br /><br />It was hard work putting it together. A couple of times we had to call the one younger brother who still comes to see me (and have dinner), dear “Uncle” Blob. We needed his computer expertise. We thought... <br /><br />But what Blob (a family nickname we can’t trace!) actually did was allow us to take a break. We couldn’t just give him work to do, we had to play hosts. We’d all moan about the computer but Tom would cook a meal, I would converse, politely (bit of an effort sometimes with fatigue and emotional lability!) and then we’d all play poker. Fun and very construcive! I wish there were more nights like these. But it didn’t move us forward very much.<br /> <br /><br />I love Blob. He never talks about the MS but he’ll listen if I do, and sympathise in a non-pitying way which is perfect. And then he always encourages my writing because, having known me 40 years, he knows that writing is who I am. My raison d’etre. He knows how without it I’d be lost. <br /><br />In fact there’s the yardstick: while I still at least try to write I am alive. Someone those close to me will recognise. Someone I still know is me. Without it I might be, at least mentally, dead. I may need help.<br /><br />Anyway, the Internet (try to keep to the point!): in the end it really was Tom, and even me – with some help from the BT guys in New Delhi - who eventually got it (laptop plus broadband/wireless) set up and working. United with Tom’s laptop in his room. But what a headache. And the stress. I felt I lost another 10 years in the weeks it took to achieve this. The herpes had a field-day! (I hear it’s like this for most people – I’m sorry. And if you’ve got MS – or any debilitating disease - even sorrier. I thought technology was better than this – I waited till I was sure it would be!) And I hated it before I began. But then I always had. What with the addictions to surfing (and words like that), the games and the pornogaphy.<br /><br />In fact, it’s only because I heard priests on <a href="http://www.ewtn.com">EWTN</a> (The Eternal Word Television Network) talk about downloading the Pope’s encyclicals, etc. that I decided to try at all.<br /><br />And of course it’s perfectly “safe” if used wisely – and a bit craftily to avoid all the marketing disciples of Mammon.<br /><br />For a couple of months I did no more than get used to things like ‘Bookmarks’ and Google and every move I made would elicit another cry of: “Tommm!” And eventually he would come, when he’d worn me out more with my shouting/panicking/crying. Oh, it wasn’t his fault. It was my silly naivety and fool-hardy optimism. Learn how to use the Internet at 54 (gone up since then!), with PPMS? Mad!<br /><br />And it never would have been done without Tom.<br /><br />So, bless him, thank you Tom.<br /><br />And the blogs were on their way.<br /><br />Except they weren’t. Because one of the things I’d put on my ‘Bookmarks’ was the <a href="http://www.mssociety.org.uk">MS Society </a>and when looking up that address I discovered their Forum. Another round of stresses in the house: “Someone to chat to?” “Nice large print?” “Important info.?” I had to be registered.<br /><br />And next thing I know, I’m on it. (You’ll think I’m spoilt! Maybe I am.) First reading, to get used to its house-style, etc. and then chatting/writing. And I was hooked. Addicted. I was a computer addict. I couldn’t believe it.<br /><br />But I was grateful. And still am. And I love it.<br /><br />Because it got me writing again – without thinking: immediate. Just as the editor liked at the ‘paper I was on - till I had to stop the roving reporting to give way to fatigue.<br /><br />Oh, it’s like the good old days. Constant and continual. Always someone there in need of support or just friendship. Helpful – to everybody.<br /><br />Thank you MS Society.<br /><br />You and Tom, Blob, all the MSers, this is for you.<br /><br />And off we go...Virginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6578905933165246971.post-53770006105143180802007-09-21T19:10:00.000-07:002008-07-31T15:16:34.521-07:00MS BUBBLEThere is something very special about being in an MS “bubble”.<br />Alone, untouched by voice or hand, or even presence of another.<br />Protected, enveloped, by what? By peace. There is no panic here. No stress.<br />Only the blessing and golden light of being alone, <br />yet loved, in communion with the Holy Family.<br />Through silence and physical solitude to feel the soul surrender its own wordless prayer.<br />Contemplation.<br />And grace.<br />Amen.Virginia Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01749413905039515599noreply@blogger.com0