Just diagnosed with MS

Hi, i was just very recently diagnosed with MS and was wondering if anybody can shed some light on what i should be doing (ie: what steps i should be taking right now to cope with it). I was thinking about seeing a Naturopathic doctor to see what herbal medicines would be worthwhile trying and so on and so forth. So, please can someone give some insight with this PLEASE. I have had and MRI of my cervical spine which is how i found out about my MS. My neurologist let me know about the leasions she found on the base of my brain, she said MS coninsides with my history which all started 8-11 months ago ( the bottom of both me feet went numb and a month later it moved to my knees then a few months later to my thighs and it is now all the up to my hips with numbness. So, please if someone can help with what i should be doing to help. I have been started on home nurses for 5 days who administor a salene IV with liquid form of pregnozone which seems to be help somewhat, the numbness in my legs seem to be minimizing a little, they are not as painfull to walk anymore , for now.

[Lulu54]

Hi BigP and welcome to the MS forum here at Medhelp.  This is a wonderful, compassionate and very smart group who will be happy to guide you through any questions you may have.  Being the 4th of July weekend down here in the States it may be kind of slow until monday, but be assured there are over 100 regulars on this site and some one will have experience with naturopathic treatment.

The IV solumedrol prednisone should help with the present symptoms - it will reduce the swelling.  I hope it works for you to help you to return to a near normal state.

You don't say - did your neuro prescribe any of the CRABs for you - copaxone, rebif, avonex or betaserone?  Those are the four standard injectible treatments for MS.

We have lots of information on our health pages - yellow icon, upper right side, that will explain a lot of what you are facing.  Please take some time and read through as much as you can - of course do it a bit at a time.

Remember that MS doesn't kill us - its not like having cancer.  It just has the ability to make our lives pretty darn interesting and complicated.  education is a key to getting through this with the best possible attitude.

again welcome, and I hope you will come around often.

my best,
Lulu

[BigP572]

Hi Lulu, Thank you for getting back to me so very quickly. I really do appreciate you reading and replying to my post. My neurologist did not start me on any CRABs. She just started the IV solumedrol prednisone from tuesday of this past week and saturday si my last taking it. She did give me a two week prescription of Prednisone with another medication to help settle my stomach from the prednisone. Like i said i am so very new to MS at this point. But my outlook with it could not be better. I am willing to try anything, Naturopathic medicines, Chinese herbal doctor i will even go as far as the african rain forrest to boil all the bark off all of the trees to find something to help or cure this. I have nothing but HIGH and GOOD hopes. Atleast my wife and I now know why when have not been able to get pregnant for the last two years ( seeing as i now know i have a Central Nervouse System disease ) but i do have a great Urologist who is very understanding and is going to help us to concieve (conceive) our own child. But Lulu, again thank you for getting back to me so very quickly. I feel so much betting knowing that i have a world of knowledge backing me on my uphill battle with MS.

[Lulu54]

You have me laughing - when I started doing accupuncture (great success with fertility issues , ttoo - you may want to check the stats on it!) my husband asked if I was going to see a witch doctor in Africa next and I told him the same thing - if it will help I will do anything.

I would suggest you look at a combination of western medicine complimented by other opptions.  I have guests due here any minute, but I will be happy to continue this thought in a few days after they leave.

In the meantime, learn everything you can- but take it in small doses so you don't overwhelm yourself.

be well,
Lulu

PS  - your wife is welcome here too- we have a few partners/caregivers who pass through here  as well.  AND we have a lot of Canadians and UK members who can help you navigate your medical systems with all the intricacies.

[BigP572]

Lulu, I wish you all the best this weekend with the Independance party you are having tomorrow. I do very much look forward to speaking to you again about this MS business. Again, thank you so very much for answering my cry for help.

[Wobbly]

Hi there, I just wanted to welcome you to the forum, I've been on this forum for awhile but I'm not Dx with MS.  So, I'm one of the friends here in Limboland.  You will notice that there are a few of us here.. alot start out that way and finally get the answers.  

so keep in touch and take care
wobbly
undx

[BigP572]

Hi Wobbly,

Thank you for the welcome to the forum.Can i ask, seeing as you are not Dx'ed with MS, What symptoms if any do you have, just out of curiosity?

[sllowe]

Adding on a welcome to you! I'm glad you know what you are facing now.

Sounds like you made it through a big step that many have a hard time with, and that is, believing your dx, and then the willingness and strength to seek what is out there to help or cure it.  

As I'm sure you've found - no cure as of yet. But, there are the DMDs that have shown to heal existing damage and/or lessen attacks and progression.  They're not for everyone, since tolerability varies from person to person, etc.

I hope this course of steroids simmers things down for you.  
Thank you for joining us and see you around,
-shell

[HVAC]

Hi,
  My local MS Society was helpful to me. They sent me all kinds of information including a book about being newly diagnosed.

I am careful with alternative medicine. Because MS is an over reaction of the immune system I was told to be careful of anything that was meant to boost the immune system. Does your Neurologist have a social worker or Nurse manager to answer questions?

Welcome and good luck,
Alex

[Guitar_grrrl]

I'm also recently diagnosed (5/09).  

I'm taking the complimentary approach (as opposed to a truly alternative approach).  So  I'm using a combination of Acupuncture and Rebif to address the immune system regulation, and just 5 mg of Valium at night to deal with spasms I experience.  

Welcome, and good luck!
Cheers,
Guitar_grrrl