Well meaning but misguided friends - what do you do?

[Footsie3110]

A few friends have been sending me links and info lately about how MS can be cured by removing fillings, eating a paleo diet, taking colostrum, aloe vera, snake venom etc etc.

I love that they care enough to offer this info, but it's getting a bit much and I don't want to offend them.

Is there a nice tactful way to let them know I'm not interested in what I personally consider to be quackery? I readily admit that it's just my own views, and further testing might prove these methods to actually work, but until that time I'd rather not be told the only reason I feel bad is because I eat carbs and have a few fillings.  

[maxthecat43]

I usually do what Kyle does too.  They mean well.  

Tammy

[JaneK1975]

I'm with Kyle on this one. If it's a friend, it's usually easier to simply thank the person without even commenting on whether or not I plan to accept their advice. As much as possible, I try to focus on how much it means to me that the person cared enough to take the time to research MS, when they probably have their own responsibilities to worry about. With family, sometimes that's difficult when they want to get nosy and follow up to see if you are following their orders, but I haved use the nod, smile, and ignore methodology in those situations with moderate success.

It's no fun dealing with this stuff. Sorry you're going through it.

Best,
Jane

[Lulu54]

I'm going to guess you are newly diagnosed and these friends are desperate to find a way to help.  Their acts of kindness will slow down - but watch for the activity to pick up the next time another 'cure' hits the headlines.  

I like the ideas offered above on how to kindly say thanks but no thanks.

[thomas_decker]

Say them at this moment you are on a treatment  plan and you want to stick to it  .You can say this treatment and life style modifications is helping you even though it is not going to cure your Multiple Sclerosis

[PastorDan]

You could let them know that you have investigated "alternative medicine" ideas, but want to wait until more mainstream science buys into a solution before risking your own life on an unproven idea.

Certainly thank them for their concern, and do listen to them, for they might sometimes have good ideas.

If you make it clear that you weigh new ideas carefully in the light of credible science, though, they might get the message.

[kwarendorf]

In a word, no. There is no way to tell friends and family that you're all caught up on all the info on MS :-)

When you tell people that you have an incurable disease that is attacking your central nervous system they tend to freak. All of their sharing of information is their way of doing something, when in reality nobody can do anything :-) They mean well. Just nod, smile and say thank you :-)

Merry Christmas,
Kyle