What and how it started...
The first incident "attack" that raised my concerns was in March 2013. Both of my legs from knees down to my feet were numb with the tingling feeling that you have for example when your blood circulation was stopped on a part of your body and blood starts running again.
This lasted 7d and then gone. In the meantime, I decided to check at the hospital my lower part blood circulation just in case but all were ok!
A similar feeling i had for few days now that I think of it again during the winter time of 2012.
Later in May 2013 I had my second and major attack. While I was building as a hobby my full size arcade console after couple weeks I felt my lower back little tired from working on the wood and wiring and my right side of my body started getting numb as was my legs on March. But now it was my complete right side! Even if you'd touch me on the right side I could not really feel it.
I thought it is from getting tired and working on the console but not. Its been already 14d and this feeling would not go away!
It was time t got to the emergency room for checking. I got scared. I described my symptoms and the got me into a 3h tests as they got worried for a head stroke. Thank God all ok. MRI on the head also clear!
The doctor advised though that I need to see a neurologist!!! I was shocked and said to my self "Who needs to see a neurologist, me? This is crazy."
They have advised to see a doctor here in MC and made an appointment.
(My) Dr Adlerfligel, immediately said to me after hearing the symptoms, numbness, tingling, fatigue etc (I had no blur vision, imbalance, depression high levels) advised that it is 99% Multiple Sclerosis.
To make 100% it was up to me to go ahead and have a spinal tap to check if there is inflammation in my spinal fluid (and it was when the results came out 2 weeks later).
I had no idea what it is (in detail) at the moment but I knew it was serious and that could lead to probable paralysis if I decide not to act quick...
After having my first MRI we found 2 lesions on the back of my neck but nothing in my brain.
All was well, I was taking my weekly injection of Avonex every Friday eve and a 1000mg paracetamol pill for the headache prior bed so I can sleep calm and wake up fine next day.
Next MRI, 6 months later showed 2 small lesion in the brain. Still on AVONEX.
After 1.5y later I noticed that I was getting easier tired, affected sexual performance... Within 4 months and during Christmas holidays of 2014 if I walked/standing for long my right leg started being weak and uncontrollable. Almost new years I noticed I could not lift my leg to get in to the bed at night. This scared me and I knew something is not working well.
I could not walk unassisted. I have to use a cane to support my self and I could not walk/stand more than 30'. I would need to sit for 15'+ before I can move again. I needed to go often to urinate if I drank liquids in the morning.
I met with my doctors in Monaco and Nice and they advised that I should go to second stage medication!!! I was advised to get an intravenous injection every 28 days of TYSABRI.
My doctors asked me to take a JC Virus test (was negative) as a precaution. They said it should be ok for the first 2 years but then to re test while taking TYSABRI.
I did my own research on Tysabri and JC virus. It was available with another name originally which resulted in 7 deaths, was stopped and re-introduced. By the time 2015 I was aware of 20 deaths due to it and JC Virus connection.
So I have said to my doctors that I wont be a clinical trial and I will stay on 1st stage medication as they initially proposed but change from AVONEX to TECFIDERA! (Tecfidera is also prefered in Ann's protocol)
My wife started for alternative way to test and she found Ann's protocol. I was open minded and had noting to lose so I've ordered the book, she read it first and then I did to prepare for ordering the supplements and food requirements.
And here is what happened!!!...
It was April 2015 when I had all things ready and started the strict protocol right away.
I was still using my cane for 3 months and I could only walk. If I was at a busy public place as a supermarket for an hour standing/walking, I had to rest for 2-3 hour laying at bed afterwards. So yes I was having minimum control of my legs, easily tired. With my wife's support I kept my mental health and tried to minimize my stress. And still taking my Avonex injections until mid May 2015 where I have finally got my prescription of Tecfidera!
BUT I was since 1st April 2015 on the strict 3 month Ann's protocol. The result...?
In just 15 days!!! I started feeling my body reacting to it in a positive way. I realized that the cane was not needed to keep my standing balance and If needed I would just touch a wall or something. This was the beginning of my reversal.
Every two weeks and month by month I was feeling better and stronger, more in control! (as said for 1.5month after started Ann's protocol still getting my Avonex which did nothing for me)
After 6 months I had my first apple pie piece or having a dessert every month. Yes I kept very strict all 6 months and just little flexible up to a year. After a year I started eating vegan 5 days a week (my wife eating the same way I was and studying to get the same diploma as naturopat as Ann. She learned a lot and as months passed she decided to become vegan.) and 2 days as vegetarian.
This is how I still eat now and I'm well with that from ethical and physical point.
Result is that I can enjoy life now in full! I have not used a support since. If I want to have a cafe with friends I will, I can have a glass of wine or piece of pizza but this not my daily thing. This is just occasionally which help in social life but all friends respect my way of living and choices and very happy to see their friend back in normal.
I m able to go back to the gym and work out, I can travel and walk for long hours. I finally have no numbness on my leg and I am 99% normal with MS symptoms reversed. I try to have control of stress levels which is the only thing can momentarily affect me.
I wish you all a good health. Keep an open mind and be strong. Don't give up and have faith and support from loved ones or friends. But do it for your self!!!
Spiro R.!
PS I had people see my drastic change and asked me what did I do. I happily spent hours to talk and explain, created this blog to explain things and help people in EU. But the disappointing thing was that I heard from MS patients knowing what I did... "oh I cant stop eating feta cheese", "oh I cant stop having my cappuccino" etc Only thing I can say, my health is my priority not the food processed choices...
This lasted 7d and then gone. In the meantime, I decided to check at the hospital my lower part blood circulation just in case but all were ok!
A similar feeling i had for few days now that I think of it again during the winter time of 2012.
Later in May 2013 I had my second and major attack. While I was building as a hobby my full size arcade console after couple weeks I felt my lower back little tired from working on the wood and wiring and my right side of my body started getting numb as was my legs on March. But now it was my complete right side! Even if you'd touch me on the right side I could not really feel it.
I thought it is from getting tired and working on the console but not. Its been already 14d and this feeling would not go away!
It was time t got to the emergency room for checking. I got scared. I described my symptoms and the got me into a 3h tests as they got worried for a head stroke. Thank God all ok. MRI on the head also clear!
The doctor advised though that I need to see a neurologist!!! I was shocked and said to my self "Who needs to see a neurologist, me? This is crazy."
They have advised to see a doctor here in MC and made an appointment.
(My) Dr Adlerfligel, immediately said to me after hearing the symptoms, numbness, tingling, fatigue etc (I had no blur vision, imbalance, depression high levels) advised that it is 99% Multiple Sclerosis.
To make 100% it was up to me to go ahead and have a spinal tap to check if there is inflammation in my spinal fluid (and it was when the results came out 2 weeks later).
I had no idea what it is (in detail) at the moment but I knew it was serious and that could lead to probable paralysis if I decide not to act quick...
After having my first MRI we found 2 lesions on the back of my neck but nothing in my brain.
All was well, I was taking my weekly injection of Avonex every Friday eve and a 1000mg paracetamol pill for the headache prior bed so I can sleep calm and wake up fine next day.
Next MRI, 6 months later showed 2 small lesion in the brain. Still on AVONEX.
After 1.5y later I noticed that I was getting easier tired, affected sexual performance... Within 4 months and during Christmas holidays of 2014 if I walked/standing for long my right leg started being weak and uncontrollable. Almost new years I noticed I could not lift my leg to get in to the bed at night. This scared me and I knew something is not working well.
I could not walk unassisted. I have to use a cane to support my self and I could not walk/stand more than 30'. I would need to sit for 15'+ before I can move again. I needed to go often to urinate if I drank liquids in the morning.
I met with my doctors in Monaco and Nice and they advised that I should go to second stage medication!!! I was advised to get an intravenous injection every 28 days of TYSABRI.
My doctors asked me to take a JC Virus test (was negative) as a precaution. They said it should be ok for the first 2 years but then to re test while taking TYSABRI.
I did my own research on Tysabri and JC virus. It was available with another name originally which resulted in 7 deaths, was stopped and re-introduced. By the time 2015 I was aware of 20 deaths due to it and JC Virus connection.
So I have said to my doctors that I wont be a clinical trial and I will stay on 1st stage medication as they initially proposed but change from AVONEX to TECFIDERA! (Tecfidera is also prefered in Ann's protocol)
My wife started for alternative way to test and she found Ann's protocol. I was open minded and had noting to lose so I've ordered the book, she read it first and then I did to prepare for ordering the supplements and food requirements.
And here is what happened!!!...
It was April 2015 when I had all things ready and started the strict protocol right away.
I was still using my cane for 3 months and I could only walk. If I was at a busy public place as a supermarket for an hour standing/walking, I had to rest for 2-3 hour laying at bed afterwards. So yes I was having minimum control of my legs, easily tired. With my wife's support I kept my mental health and tried to minimize my stress. And still taking my Avonex injections until mid May 2015 where I have finally got my prescription of Tecfidera!
BUT I was since 1st April 2015 on the strict 3 month Ann's protocol. The result...?
In just 15 days!!! I started feeling my body reacting to it in a positive way. I realized that the cane was not needed to keep my standing balance and If needed I would just touch a wall or something. This was the beginning of my reversal.
Every two weeks and month by month I was feeling better and stronger, more in control! (as said for 1.5month after started Ann's protocol still getting my Avonex which did nothing for me)
After 6 months I had my first apple pie piece or having a dessert every month. Yes I kept very strict all 6 months and just little flexible up to a year. After a year I started eating vegan 5 days a week (my wife eating the same way I was and studying to get the same diploma as naturopat as Ann. She learned a lot and as months passed she decided to become vegan.) and 2 days as vegetarian.
This is how I still eat now and I'm well with that from ethical and physical point.
Result is that I can enjoy life now in full! I have not used a support since. If I want to have a cafe with friends I will, I can have a glass of wine or piece of pizza but this not my daily thing. This is just occasionally which help in social life but all friends respect my way of living and choices and very happy to see their friend back in normal.
I m able to go back to the gym and work out, I can travel and walk for long hours. I finally have no numbness on my leg and I am 99% normal with MS symptoms reversed. I try to have control of stress levels which is the only thing can momentarily affect me.
I wish you all a good health. Keep an open mind and be strong. Don't give up and have faith and support from loved ones or friends. But do it for your self!!!
Spiro R.!
PS I had people see my drastic change and asked me what did I do. I happily spent hours to talk and explain, created this blog to explain things and help people in EU. But the disappointing thing was that I heard from MS patients knowing what I did... "oh I cant stop eating feta cheese", "oh I cant stop having my cappuccino" etc Only thing I can say, my health is my priority not the food processed choices...
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