I don't think I have whatever it was that I had anymore.

[Shashi]

My title says it all.

Whatever this things was that I've had, whether MS or whatever, for the past six years, I don't think that I have it anymore.

I'm still taking baclofen for spasticity, but it hasn't been bad at all. I'm not having any numbness, nerve pain, fatigue, brain fog, or any of the other acute or chronic symptoms I've dealt with for so long. Typically I have a flare up in October when the weather changes, but nothing so far (knock wood!) I feel great, better than I have in probably 15 years.

I don't know whether to chalk this up to the fact that I'm eating healthy, exercising every day, losing weight (39 pounds since February and 74 pounds since 2008), or maybe because my Vit. D levels are up in the 80s instead of down in the 20s as they were for so long. Whatever is going on, I'm cautiously ecstatic!

I think it's gone! (Knock on wood!)

[poohb3ar]

WOOHOO!

shashi, i'm so happy for you!!!!
i'm glad that you're feeling so good!
just keep doing what you're doing and Lord willing you'll keep feeling great.

the weight loss is amazing! being smaller solves a lot of problems. so does exercise & eating right.
don't go off meds without consulting dr. , they may be part of the reason you're doing so well.

good for you! enjoy this time of good health!
may the Lord bless you with a lot of it!!!

[CasinoKathy]

Thats certainly great news Shashi! I'm so happy for you and hope whatever is was is gone for good!

[lusciousleaves]

Hey! That is so good to hear!

Not only am I very happy for you, I hope to be following in your footsteps just the same. My health meter keeps ticking upward ever so slowly. Got the Vitamin D levels up, that helped. Getting better sleep. That helped. Quitting smoking helped. Adding in more fruits and veggies is helping (when I can get to it, but every little bit is better than none at all). My activity level has double compared to a year ago, flare ups are not as severe or as long lasting although they are just as frequent. And I'm actually feeling well enough to start adding in some cardio and strength training along with the PT exercises I was taught last fall.

Keep up the good work, Shashi! Your story is inspiring and motivating. Thanks for popping in to share your update.

[twisterred]

Wonderful news indeed!

Your courage and taking charge of your health posts are inspiring and makes me so happy for you.

Something is agreeing with you.
Congratulations!

[JerryD]

So happy to hear something wonderful for a change on the board. Good for you and I pray for continued good things for you. Your actions for your health are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

[mjan]

Thats certainly great news Shashi! I'm so happy for you and hope whatever is was is gone for good!

WOW Kathy great pic!! Luv the hair, the smile=you are HOT!!

Jan

[mjan]

Hey Girlfriend, been wondering about you! Now we know you are better=whoo hooo!!!

Yes, my guess is the diet change, EXERCISE pushed the inflammation away=YAY~

Thanks for sharing this.. so inspirational.

How's your teaching load? Still working those long days?

Hugs, Jan

[techie]

Me Too!

May 'it' be gone forever!
Congrats on the weight loss and exercise.
You rock girl
techie

[BigA]

That's fantastic.

Diet and exercise.

[Seasha]

WOO-HOO! Congrats Shashi! Be it gone forevermore!!

[apple19]

Sounds good Shashi. It sounds like you are on the right course.

Take good care!

[Cat Mom]

Wow Lisa, that is excellent!! Congrats on your weight loss, eating right, exercising... everything! I wish you continued success with taking charge of your health, you've been very inspiring to me and, I'm sure, many others. Keep up the good work and please keep us posted on your journey!
Jen

[annwithane]

I am thrilled for you! May you be forever symptom free! I want you to know I so appreciate your postings about Acetyl L-Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid. I had never heard of these supplements and they have since helped me immensely with fatigue and brain fog. Thank you so much!

I hope you don't mind me asking a question about your experience. I had what I would call an attack in June. It lasted a few weeks and I've had sensory symptoms and spasticity every day since. Overall, I've been feeling better and better each month; however, I've noticed a pattern in that my symptoms intensify before and during my period and then lessen again after my period. I've had all the tests --- MRIs, EMG, lumbar puncture, ruled everything else out with bloodwork. All tests normal except for brain lesions "not typical" of MS and a vitamin D level of 10. I asked my neuro about hormonal influences and he told me that he has had female patients who have these symptoms for years, they get through "the change" and then their symptoms disappear. I'm sure that your healthy regime has aided in your recovery but I'm also wondering if you can relate to the hormonal side of things at all?

Anne

[Shashi]

I am thrilled for you! May you be forever symptom free! I want you to know I so appreciate your postings about Acetyl L-Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid. I had never heard of these supplements and they have since helped me immensely with fatigue and brain fog. Thank you so much!

I hope you don't mind me asking a question about your experience. I had what I would call an attack in June. It lasted a few weeks and I've had sensory symptoms and spasticity every day since. Overall, I've been feeling better and better each month; however, I've noticed a pattern in that my symptoms intensify before and during my period and then lessen again after my period. I've had all the tests --- MRIs, EMG, lumbar puncture, ruled everything else out with bloodwork. All tests normal except for brain lesions "not typical" of MS and a vitamin D level of 10. I asked my neuro about hormonal influences and he told me that he has had female patients who have these symptoms for years, they get through "the change" and then their symptoms disappear. I'm sure that your healthy regime has aided in your recovery but I'm also wondering if you can relate to the hormonal side of things at all?

Anne

Anne,

My situation was a bit different because I had my ovaries removed in December of 2007 and have been on HRT since then. But I do remember before my surgery that my symptoms seemed to be worse at that time of the month. I'd also have more frequent flare ups back then, every few months it seemed.

If your Vit. D is that low, you definitely could be having problems from it. Are you on supplements to boost your levels? I take 10,000 IU five days a week. It's taken over a year to get my levels from 26 to 66. If you haven't already, do some research on Vit. D deficiency. It can cause a lot of symptoms similar to MS symptoms. (Check out this link for more information: http://www.drfranklipman.com/symptom...-d-deficiency/)

I'm glad the ALC and ALA are working for you. I definitely could not function without them.

Good luck and I hope you find some answers soon.

Hugs,

Lisa