HI my name is Julie and although I have likely had relapsing remitting MS for 35 years I was only diagnosed in March this year.
I am now on Vumerity one of the oral disease modifying treatments. I am very keen on alternative approaches as well and would very much like to hear from other people who have tried other approaches on top or indeed instead of conventional medicine. I am a palliative care nurse and am hoping to return to practice next week.
Wishing everyone well
Warmest wishes
This is my favourite approach. Great adjunct to a DMD, great for metabolic and general health, and it’s free. Dr Food is so powerful, I think.
1 Like
Hi Julie. I definitely wouldn’t try anything instead of the medication/ treatments recommended by the established health profession but I do follow additional options.
My history is diagnosed 17 years ago and on Avonex.
I follow the suggestions set out in Overcoming MS (OMS) and also take various supplements.
Sorry - posted my comment before I had finished it.
The OMS program was developed by a Professor of Medicine (emergency medicine) in Australia. He has MS himself and develop a program to support the mind and body in dealing with MS and consisting of : diet , Vitamin D, exercise and meditation/ mindfulness to keep mind and body as calm as possible. I definitely think it’s worth having a look at the OMS website and also the book ( although most if not all of the books content can be found on the website).
The supplements I take are CoEnzyme Q10 - supports cells in producing energy; N Acetylene Cysteine - an anti oxidant, and alpha lipoid acid ( there are some current trials investigating alpha lipoid acid as part of a treatment for MS- I think one of them is listed somewhere on the Society website).
Whether all the above has made any significant difference to my experience of MS is anyones guess but it all helps keep me as fit and healthy as possible in the circumstances.
P.S if you think about taking any of these supplements first check that they are OK with any other medicines or conditions that you have . I’m OK with them but for some conditions and medications they can have side effects
I should have made it clear that I do this as well as taking Tysabri, not instead of. In my personal experience, dealing as well as possible with MS means action on a lot of fronts - conventional meds (DMDs, anti-depressants and HRT in my case), sleep, nutrition, exercise, all that. Supplements too, but they’re very much the least important part of the regime, as I see it.
Just to add that like Alison, and so long as it doesn’t carry risks/ harmful effects, I try to cover all possibilities. There are quite a few which seem a bit too unlikely/ a little off the wall and I don’t bother with them. Alison has mentioned antidepressants and yes I also include those - there have been several studies looking at the protective effects of antidepressants- probably worth checking out the reports of the studies. I sort of go on the basis that anything that helps protect the brain from inflammation brought on by stress, anxiety etc is worth a go.
I also drink 1/2 to 1 bottle of red wine a week on the basis of a limited amount is probably good for everyone, red wines have a fair amount of beneficial antioxidants and of course , I like a good red wine 
1 Like
Hello Julie,
I remember trying Bowen Therapy for my MS 22 years ago; it felt like deep massage on my spine.
In my first 10 years after initial diagnosis, I only had complimentary therapy and then I turned to conventional medicine in the next 10 years.
Best regards,
JP