Has anyone beat relapses of MS with diet alone?

[ceeweed]

I have just been diagnosed with MS and so far it has been only numbness and L'hermittes as my symptoms ... Dr wants me to go on DMD and I am considering waiting until my second attack to see how it progresses for me ... and after reading so much about nutrition and supplements with MS, I am wondering how much it is true and if anyone has succeeded with this treatment alone in decreasing their relapses????

I also understand that reducing stress is also key and wondered how many others have also found this to be helpful in relapses?

I am concerned however of where and when and how the next attack/relapse will occur ... so want to do whatever is reasonable to slow down the progress.

Thanks so much

[Irene5353]

MS may rage in some in the first 5 years - it did in me.  As for the Copaxone.  Use the Shared Solutions hotline - they have helped me.  I was on Copaxone for nearly 10 years.  Some idiot calling himself a neurologist took me off it and I have many more lesions 3 years later.  My good doc retired.  He did not want to rock the boat with ongoing care.  When docs stick with bad docs rather than stick up for their patients something is terribly wrong with their brains and not yours.  Words to the wise.  

Tingle Tingle - you need some support - also dethrone DENIAL!

[Irene5353]

Anxiety is normal with a diagnosis like MS.  Try working out to the extent you can without getting overheated - that will help with the anxiety.  

Has spinal issues been ruled out as well?  I imagine you have already been through the ringer with the diagnostic work up.  

Cultivate friendships and do not dwell on the future.  None of us can predict the future whether we have MS or not. Just try to live each day sensibly and enjoyable.  

I read that you are an artist - well use this angst for that pursuit - don't let it block you by bogging yourself down in research.  Half the time these studies get thrown out with research down the road.  

I think the main advice I can give you is for you to have an excellent doctor who you can trust.  If you trust the doctor to stand by you for whatever the MS brings then you can live your life much more richly, (not talking about $), than if you have a clinician who is asleep at the wheel!  That is very important.

I also advise newly diagnosed to use PT when you are coming out of an attack so that you can maximize your strength and flexibility for as long as possible.  

It also helps to help others so try giving back to those who have other issues other than MS.  Being too immersed in the MS stuff will cause you to go bonkers.  

More advice - do not tell too many people about the diagnosis.  Close friends that you trust and family that you trust.  People are afraid of illness period.  It is the Denial of Death syndrome.  That book written by Ernest Becker is very helpful in acceptance.  

This advice comes form someone who has live the anxiety and fear and I hope I have been helpful even a little.

[Irene5353]

I'd say no on diet alone.  It is important to have a healthy diet and keep your weight managed early because using a wheelchair when heavy is no fun.  

Go on Copaxone - it has the least side effects but speak with your doc too.

I understand about wanting control.  A lack of control especially when the source is our own bodies is sometimes maddening.  Rightly so.  

Get support by joining a support group.  I recommend a face to face group for those early on.  I was lucky early on when the MS Society had groups for newly diagnosed and long diagnosed.  We talked some serious talk but mostly we laughed our assess off and encouraged each other to keep going.  Now most of the groups are for newly diagnosed folks with MS.  I think mixing it up is more helpful but funding probably dictates that too.  Good luck!  There is no rhyme or reason to MS.  There is reason in your life but do not look to MS to predict that - you must dictate that and if MS interrupts it now and then - just know that this person is living for 28 years with relapsing remitting MS with progression but not such that I am using a wheelchair.  Thank you all the physical therapists and pt assistants of the world!

[kwarendorf]

When I was diagnosed my MS had already progressed to SPMS. At that time I decided to clean up my act. I ate poorly and was over weight. Also at that time I started Tysabri.  I have not had a relapse since my dx14 months ago. Because I have SPMS it's hard to say whether my lack of relapses is due to Tysabri or losing 40 pounds and eating well.

I don't really care why :-) I do know that my body is at war, albeit with itself. Anything I can do to help it fight that war, including eating very well, I'm going to do :-)

Kyle

[sllowe]

MS is such a varying animal. I try to be faithful to healthy food (limit bad when I do have it), and medicine.

I'm not completely loyal to either ALL the time, but I do my best.

I have to add here and mention that reading this discussion made me smile and warmed my heart for more than one reason and here is why...

1.) it addresses that there is realistically no perfect mix or fix for any of us 2.) doesn't bash what the medical community, science, nature and reasearch has provided so many of us 3.) greatly respects the disease and individual course 4.) provides so much hope !

Many of us have seen people come and go from forums who seek to misinform patients, or otherwise condemn medicine or science for no other reason than to voice opinion.

I sincerely thank you for asking such an "important question," and further thank all those who have written responses so honestly, and factual.  

Hope this serves as both inspiration and motivation to our MSers, and also hope it serves as a "model" means of discussion where healthy forum families are concerned :)  

What a discussion - hope all read it! Hope to see you around. Thank you for joining our forum.
-Shell

[tingletingle]

I started Copaxone in Aug 2011 and gave up Oct 2012

I developed MS May 2011 and to May 2012 experienced 8 exacerbations lasting between 4 days and 2-3weeks.

Copaxone kicks in anywhere from 3 - 9 months. My situation may very well have stabilized as a result of the DMD.

Yes, I agree the first five years show disease course but I also believe the first two are more significant. Statistics tell me that I will most likely need a cane to walk in five years.  

I have no idea why I experienced such a baptism of fire in the first year. All I can say is MS is a very individual disease. It has a worse prognosis for middle aged males whose symptoms don't go away and who didn't start with or haven't had ON.

So we are in very different categories I believe dimply because of gender. Keep searching till you find what works for you and I hope that you include  your neuro is the conversation.

Ok I'm off to find healthy Christmas recipes to impress my in-laws and friends.

Merry Christmas everyone.
Blessings
Alex