FYI:

Long-Term Use Of Marijuana Has Minimal Impact On Cognition, Study Says
Results Reveal No "Substantial, Systematic Effect" Of Chronic Pot
Smoking On Neurocognitive Performance

Long-Term Use Of Marijuana Has Minimal Impact On Cognition, Study Says

Results Reveal No "Substantial, Systematic Effect" Of Chronic Pot
Smoking On Neurocognitive Performance
July 2, 2003 - San Diego, CA, USA
San Diego, CA: Smoking marijuana long-term has little-to-no impact on
neurocognitive performance in adults, according to findings published
last week in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological
Society.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of
Medicine analyzed data from 15 previously published, controlled studies
regarding the impact of long-term, recreational marijuana use on
neurocognitive performance including simple reaction time,
verbal/language skills, executive function, motor skills, learning, and
recognition, among other measurements.

"The results of our meta-analytic study failed to reveal a substantial,
systematic effect of long-term, regular cannabis consumption on the
neurocognitive functioning of users who were not acutely intoxicated,"
authors determined.
Marijuana smokers were indistinguishable from non-users in six of the
eight neurocognitive ability areas surveyed, the study found. The two
exceptions were in the domains of "learning" and "forgetting" (failure
to recall or recognize), though authors said that marijuana's apparent
negative impact on these skills was so slight that "the 'real life'
impact of such a small and selective effect is questionable."

Because the studies did not measure volunteers' neurocognitive abilities
prior to their marijuana use, nor distinguish between marijuana-only
smokers and polydrug users, authors said it was impossible to verify
whether the small but measurable decrements to learning and forgetting
were due to marijuana or other factors. Authors did note, however, that
by failing to control for such factors, they "actually increased the
likelihood of finding a [negative] cannabis effect." As a result, they
said it was "surprising to find [that marijuana has] such few and small
effects" on neurocognitive abilities.

"The small magnitude of the effect[s] ... suggests that cannabis
compounds ... should have a good margin of safety from a neurocognitive
standpoint," especially in controlled settings, authors concluded.
Allen St. Pierre, Executive Director of The NORML Foundation, said that
the results reinforce NORML's core position that marijuana prohibition
causes far greater harm than the responsible use of marijuana itself.
"The only significant long-term impact marijuana has upon cognitive
function is upon those who continue to irrationally demonize and
criminalize this plant," he said.

I know exactly how Kimber feels when Drs don't understand. Obviously they
haven't experienced the pain before. Drs must think we're a group of junkies
seeking for a high, don't they know it's easier to get stuff on the street if
that's all we wanted? Perhaps they don't know that we want to be out of pain,
lol, or even "normal". (whatever THAT is, lol)

You might want to switch primary care doctors. I found that my gyno who is a
midwife cared more about my health that my primary care doctor so I go to her
for most things. I told her about my primary rolling his eyes at me when I come
in, she grimaced, said I might want to consider switching, lol. (And when he
rolled his eyes at me I had a sinus infection and just wanted some antibiotics!)

I went through some terrible months but I am happy to say most of my symptoms
have subsided for the time being (QUICK... where's the wood?). I know it seems
like pure torture, what you are going thru right now, but it will subside or you
will find something that takes care of it. My friend that's a nurse told me
about two guys who have really bad restless leg with severe pain at night, they
take Parkinson's medicine for it and swear it's a miracle drug. I'll have to ask
her for the name of it again.  And there is always the other non-legal way to
make your symptoms subside, which I have to say does work. We really need to
band together as an MS community and see that it is legalized for medicinal
purposes.

Tali

Hi all you good people. My eyes got so bad when I was in my 30's that I had
triple vision. Of course no one knew what was going on in those days. My eyes
were terribly red, just awful looking. I tried different glasses...no go. I
would rub my eyes, and they would get infected. I almost went blind. Finally a
young doctor came into the area from Switzerland. He prescribed Sulfacetamide
Sodium and Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution, and in about two
weeks I was all clear. I still must use these drops occasionally. Some of my
doctors (regular) have had a fit over me using it so long, but you know what?
Now that I have had cataracts removed from both eyes just lately, I have 20-20
vision. I read and got my drivers license without glasses. Not bad for an old
crow nearly 79, huh? I know there is much fear about using anything with
hormones in it. We are told it causes cancer. Maybe it does when used unwisely.

Here is a little aside about hormones. When I became pregnant with my last child
39 years ago, I was in grave danger of miscarrying, so my doctor gave me
diethylstilbestrol (DES)..five big capsules per day up until my 8th month. I
gave birth to the healthiest of all of my three children with the easiest birth
and no complications. He is still amazingly healthy. I was told later (and you
probably read about it in all the papers) that if he had been female, he would
have developed cancer at puberty. True or not I don't know.  He has a daughter
10 who seems beautifully healthy, if that means anything.

So, the controversy over hormones goes on. No, I don't think hormones caused my
cataracts. My Mom and 2 sisters had them, and never ingested hormones in their
lives. Also, there was no sign of the M.S. symptoms ever during the time I was
taking the massive doses of DES.  I felt so good mentally and physically and my
husband and I went dancing every week, right up until my son was born!

I'm not propagating that anyone should run out and demand hormones for M.S. Not
at all. What worked for me may not work for others. I have had shots in both
hips, shoulders, and the bottom of one foot to relieve the pain, and it really
helped, after about two days, each time. I was able to return to work. Only one
shot per year is allowed for me. The last two times it has brought on menses
that lasted several days and no more after that. But that was a small price to
pay to be free from the pain. I went through menopause in 1978 abruptly, so this
alarmed me until tests were made to be sure I didn't have other problems.

Anyway, let's all keep trying and mayhap one day soon, it will all form a
pattern, and a cure will be found.

Oh, and while I think about it, I had never had a vaccination of any kind before
I had my first M.S. symptoms at about age 12. The only child hood disease I had
was chickenpox, which brought on shingles later.

My love and prayers to you all.
Granny Red.

Want to say welcome to Steve - I used to live in Bayfield WI as a teenager. It
was so nice to see Lake Superior everyday. Now I'm back in Texas. It is a good
idea to talk with others, that has really helped me too, and given me hope
forthe future! I've had MS since 1995, been through every treatment, including
chemo (yuk). Now I'm doing low dose naltrexone since Feb 04, with wonderful
results. I have my life back. There is a big movement to get research going, and
it is just getting off the ground. More info check out:
http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/

Myself and others have written many letters to Montel telling him about the
positive effect low dose naltrexone is having for those suffering with MS. It
amazes me that he prefers to promote something like pot, which is illegal
(naltrexone is FDA approved, althought not for MS - yet). And pot cuases lung
damage, worse than tobacco. OK, got that off my chest. Here is some positive
info on the active ingredient in pot that could offer relief from MS symptoms,
while sparing the lungs:

"GW Pharmaceuticals and Bayer HealthCare announced they have submitted an
application to Health Canada to market a cannabis based drug. The drug, Sativex,
has been developed for the treatment of the debilitating symptoms of Multiple
Sclerosis (MS) and severe neuropathic pain. The product contains the cannabis
extract tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol. GW Pharmaceuticals says,
"the medicine is administered by means of a spray into the mouth"."
check out: http://www.healthtalk.ca/ms_treatment_b_05152004_3923.php

Sammyjo

A neurologist from a major M.S. Center said at a conference I went
to that pot has a negative affect on memory and cognition.  A person
with M.S. may already have problems with memory and cognition,
therefore should be careful with marijuana use.  It is also habit
forming and smoking pot is worse than smoking cigarettes on health
(heart, lungs, cancer, etc.)
I would not do it.
Thank you, Daniel

On the Montel subject, I know not only from personal use, but have been
following several sites that have been showing the results of studies done
interenationally. If it's okay, I would be glad to share that site info. I will
need to look up the end, but it is NORML.(com,net,org). The abbreviations stand
for National Organization for Reformation of Marijuana Laws. They send all the
new studies, and trust me, there are many. The reason, or at least my opinion,
you don't hear about it is MONEY. The govt doesn't make any money on that, you
could grow your own, and in some states it is legal now. But what would
pharmaceutical companies loose? There the ones lobbying against its
legalization.

I've been to countries where it is legal (Holland, Canada {medicinal
use}). It has been shown to alleviate problems for over 45 illnesses,
from MS to PMS. I'm not joking about this.

I went to a private school, then into the service (Radioman, tested
often), then worked for 14 yrs cutting meat, being randomly tested the
whole time. So, I don't fit the medias' stereotype, noone does.

I just got a newsletter, which I would  like to send tomorrow with the
site keepers permission. It tells of one of the newest studies on MS,
and MJ.

Also, someone else will have to look this up, but it does say in
Genesis, "all seed bearing plants I give for your use."

I hope I spoke up for some of us,
Good luck,
JT

I read in Montel's book about his marijuana use for medicinal reasons and I
agree completely. Because it's illegal we feel strange discussing using it but I
can admit, a few months ago I tried it (hadn't used it since I was a teenager).
I hadn't slept more than 2 hours a night in what seemed like forever due to my
restless leg syndrome and pain in my legs. I slept great! My legs stopped
tingling and burning so I could sleep and that sleep did me wonders. I have also
heard from people that had cancer how wonderful it was for their appetite and
nausea so I do agree it should be legalized. Apparently the side effects are
considerably less than what you'd get in most pills. The Neurotin the Dr
prescribed  me not only didnt' work but made me gain weight. (Like I needed that
TOO!) Who knows what side effects there are, I didn't even look, was just so
happy to try anything, lol.

Is anyone interested on behalf of MS patients to contacting whomever we need to
contact to get the medicinal marijuana laws changed? I am and will look into it
if anyone else is interested.

Tali

First of all...welcome Steve. This group is a great place to share
information and get support. I'm sure you'll find a home here.

Just a little vent of frustration on my part.

I just can't seem to get my doctors to understand just how much pain
I have in my lower body. My legs and feet tingle and burn with pain.
More and more my hands are too. I have always had a high threshold
when it came to pain but I find myself crying because it hurts so
bad. I did finally get my doctor to put me on baclofen and it did
indeed help with the constant spasms and is pretty much keeping
those annoying episodes where my whole body "jerks and jumps" like
I've been shocked down to a minimum. But the pain...especially at
night when I'm trying to get to sleep can be unnerving.

I've been taking Darvocet N100 one or two tablets every 6 hours
which will help take an edge off the pain during the day usually but
lately the nights are more and more difficult. I have been dealing
with it by using biofeedback though and I'm getting by okay.

I don't think I want anything stronger really...maybe just a little
acknowledgement from the doc that it's more than minor aches and
pains as he calls them. I do have extensive arthritis in my spine,
knees and hips but this is not just joint pain and I can't seem to
get through to him it's not just simple arthritis pain. :-(  I know
what that feels like and this is much worse.

When I read the post about Montel, I thought to myself.."wow I'm
really not crazy...this burning pain CAN be the MS." I did feel
better in a way just knowing that I'm not alone with these symptoms
and I'm not a hypochondriac. It really is difficult to explain that
just because a person looks okay on the outside doesn't mean
everything is a okay on the inside. That's why having you all here
helps a lot. You all understand so well. Thanks for being here.

Kim

My first "episode" I had was optic neuritis.
I was diagnosed with MS a month after I had it.
I hope this helps and I hope this does not scare you.
God bless you.
Jammie

Hi,
I was diagnosed at age 33 (now 36) with MS after sudden
optic neuritis.  (I have 'watched' this board for at least 1 year but
have never posted. - sorry - one of THOSE people!:))  Started with
gray, opaque patch of vision in left eye, became no vision in left
eye, and then it came back completely (2.5 weeks maybe) to my same
NORMAL crappy near-sighted vision.

I had no symptoms (that I realized) until the optic neuritis
episode.  Don't want to freak you out, though. Be glad to give you
more info if you want...turned out my episodes of 8-10 week-long
vertigo 'spells' and some other things I thought were pinched nerves
were early symptoms & exacerbations.  I thought everyone felt like
that.  Are you having an MRI?  Who diagnosed your optic neuritis?
Neuro-opthamologist?  Has it gotten better yet?  There are other (not
many) causes of optic neur, as I'm certain you've found in your
research.

I wish you the best and hope you find some answers.  Everyone here is
just so supportive, as I've seen.

Take care,
Diana
Intro - 36 yr old female, married w/ 2 small children, diagnosed 6/2001
w/relapsing/remitting MS suddenly, rebif shots 1.5 yrs, now copaxone
(I have 'watched' this board for at least 1 year but have never posted. - Sorry
I'm one of THOSE people!)

I was also diagnosed at 24years of age like Alyson. It is good that you are
being proactive and seeking answers to the questions that you have. I had
bell's palsy not optic neuritis at diagnosis. But optic neuritis is
common, I have developed some of it over the passed 5 years. Most of
the people in my support group developed it as well during some
period of time. It might sounds crazy but I think that MS gave me an
alternative way to look at challenges and cherish life more than I
ever did.
Olga

Hello, I  have not been diagnosed with MS but I am worried that it
is in my future.

I recently was diagnosed with optic neuritis in my left eye and have
just finished a 3 day dose of steroids on a drip.

After my research it seems that optic neuritis more commonly than
not leads to MS for women (I am 24 years old)

I was wondering if any women here had ON as there first sign of MS?

Also, I read that 75% of women who get ON initially go on to develop
MS within 15 years. This stat I dislike.

I don't think I have any other MS symptoms.

Anyone with any thoughts or advice, thanks.

Alyson

Did anyone watch Montel Williams on the FOX  News  O'Reilly No Spin Zone
Show this week?  He was professing  interest to have marijuana
prescribed for medical use.  Montel has MS and smokes pot to relieve
pain and burning sensations in his legs.  I've never used marijuana and
would be very apprehensive due to legality, but would consider trying if
it really works.  Has anyone talked to their Dr.'s about this?   Please
share, if you dare:>)  Happy Holiday Weekend!  Loni

I had the same experience with Avonex--felt sick all week and it only
got worse.  Now I'm on Copaxone which is a daily injection but with a very
short, small needle and comes pre-filled and ready to go.  It's really not
bad to give as it's just "sub-cutaneous," under the skin, instead of into
the muscle as is avonex, and no side-effects.  Good luck with this!  Kai

I take Rebif, they come already prepared for you. I understand what you say
about Avonex, tried that. But besides the flu like symptoms I also got really
depressed. So I discontinued taking it and started on Rebif. And I think it's
working!!! I hope this helps : )

Thanks for your support, Jamie!  I'm not sure I will ever be able to
look at an injection as a gift:>)
I tried the weekly injection of Avonex for a year ...... my friend Linda
is a nurse and she was kind enough help me prepare the solution and give
me the injection each week.  I'm convinced the Avonex didn't help me at
all~ I spent most of each week totally out of it ~ tired beyond normal
and flu-like symptoms.   What are you using?  Maybe if I could use
something that I didn't have to prepare, I could handle  it better.
Would appreciate thoughts from all.  Thanks, Loni

my personal preference for building strong leg muscles is daily bike riding.
This aerobic exercise is great for leg muscles and its not  too exerting on the
body. I use an adult 3 wheeler because of my 'balance' and its easier on your
back. Hope this helps!

Hi,
I know how Loni feels about the needle thing!!! I was the same way when I was
diagnosed in '99, but thank God I had a boyfriend that was willing to go through
the training and give me the injections. But finally I had to do it myself and
the only way I could was to think of them as little presents I was giving
myself. I hope this helps there is no oral meds for us, but I believe we are all
strong and we can do anything we put our minds to. God bless everyone and keep
going!!!!!!!!!!
Jammie

Does any know of a way to make your legs stronger?

Hello to everyone here.
I've not posted here before, but I've lurked for several years on and off.

I was diagnosed with relapsing/remitting MS in April of 1996. I have written an
article which was published in a newsletter this spring.  This article is the
story of the past 8 years of my dealings with MS and the American Medical
system. Having just read Granny Red's post, I feel like sticking my neck out
here and offering anyone the chance to read my article. It is currently
published in the Spring 2004 issue of the Washington Bluegrass Association's
quarterly newsletter the "Bluegrass Gazette" which can be found at:
http://www.washingtonbluegrassassociation.org/website/spring2004wbagazetteweb.pd\
f (you'll need Adobe Acrobat to read it)

I am a semi professional (part time) bluegrass musician and am disabled with MS
as of 2001.  I have had to give up my career of being a wallpaper installer with
my own business. This article was written on my computer and is 10 pages long,
but very informative and I would be happy to share it with you. In it I tell of
what has happened to me and the events that took place leading up to my two
exacerbations.  It involves vaccinations triggering my attacks. I have lots of
medical documentation and an action pending with the government under the
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. I am pointing fingers and I challange
anyone to dispute this. My attorney is a vaccine injury specialist and a former
nurse of 10 years. There have been two hearings and I am currently waiting for
the courts to decide my case. I have and am receiving many comments from folks
from all walks of life who are praising me for having the guts to get this down
in print. But the truth is the inspiration I received to undertake the writting
of this document came from the passing of my beautiful, dear Irish mother in mid
March 2004.  he had suffered a heart attack on March 1st. She underwent a
quadruple bypass on March 9th. She never regained consciousness after the
surgery.  n March 15th I had to make the decision to discontinue her life
support and let her go. It was during this time, while she lay dying, I had the
determination and focus to write this article. She passed peacefully on the
first day of spring March 21st, 2004.

Sincerely and God Bless,
Sharon B

I always appreciate your remarks, Granny Red! I end up with the rubber leg
problem a few times a week, but I've learned if I catch it when it starts and
rest for a few minutes, the symptoms leave! Also the numbness in my fingers. 
Lately I'm battling positional vertigo...meaning that if I turn my body to the
left I get really dizzy...straight ahead not so bad, and the dizziness goes away
if I turn to the right. Weird, huh?? MS is full of surprises!! LOL

After seeing my progress at 10 weeks, and the results of the LDN
survey, an LDN trial is being proposed by my neurologist at Univ.
Texas! Will post follow ups.

LDN Survey now has over 260 responses
http://home.earthlink.net/~dflomer/LDN/

Yash yashagrawal@... is going to write a case study in
conjunction with my neuro, and is looking for any other neuros who
might be interested in collaboration on trials:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/lowdosenaltrexone/message/10829

Samantha

I have had severe stomach problems. Indigestion, gas, sometimes even
uncontrollable diarhea (a very embarassing thing to talk to your Dr about) I
changed my diet to include more fiber and less grease, etc and it helped
somewhat but not completely. So then I got rid of milk and that helped even
more. I still have occasional problems but no where near what it was. I was
afraid to go out in public at times. How do you tell your friends, "Oh, I'd love
to come out but I'm afraid I'll have an accident in public."

Now I'm working on reducing as much sugar in my diet as I can, a slow and
gradual process. Last week I had no problems with my legs at all. No restless
leg, no cramping muscles, etc. We all know that could just be coincidence but I
thought it was an interesting thing to note. And I have virtually no headaches!
This week I had a headache once (but I'm also coming down with a cold) and had
electric shocks in my toes just once. Definite improvement. I'll keep you guys
posted on my experiment, lol.

Hey, Ouch. Something NOT wonderful has hit me. I walked down the hall to get my
mail, and my left leg turned to rubber on me. With the help of my oversized
walker, I made it back to my abode. I had an appointment in a couple hours and
was determined to keep it, so I got my little light weight aluminum walker out
so I could get to the car. My big walker won't fit in the back seat, and lifting
anything into the trunk is out of the question. Anyhow, I made it there and
back, only to have my left ring and middle finger go dead on me. Now that's a
weird feeling. After a couple hours my fingers came alive, but not my leg. It's
somewhat like a wet noodle. I guess I can always just HOP on one leg,
huh?(:>(}Waaah!

Oh, well, it's all in a day of M.S.

Has anyone ever tried PROCARIN ?As I read about it, it is used as a transdermal
patch. I found it written in my old beat up address book. Sometime quite a few
years back, (about 12 years ago) a young lady came up to me outside the grocery
store and mentioned that I had M.S. I said not that I knew of. She said yes, she
could tell by the way I walked (with my cane..I thought I had a touch of
arthritis) She must have mentioned procarin to me and I jotted it down, along
with Cladribine...which sounds very ominous and is used like chemotherapy. Both
of these must be outdated by now. Just wondering.

Anyhow, I'm still alive and able to throw a punch, so I'll keep on swinging. You
do it, too, all of you.

I still don't see any use in having any more tests. What good will that do?
There isn't any cure yet, so why go through all that? I said before that I told
my doctor NO...it would just be a waste of time. The less stress on my old bod,
the better. They can just leave it alone so I can live in it longer. No use to
race my motor if I'm not going anywhere.

Here is a true story. When I was about 6 years old, my Mom gave me some string
beans to plant. I found a nice sunny spot and got them into the ground and
watered them. I waited about five days and couldn't leave well enough alone. I
just had to dig them up to see if they were growing. Not much had happened so I
replanted them AND dug them up again in a few days. The beans were barely coming
alive, so back into the ground they went. I continued this assault on them until
they finally peeped out of the ground, and grew a few inches. But all the
messing with them had stripped the life out of them and they just leaned over
and died. I feel like those poor little beans when the doctors start poking and
prodding and sticking me. I just feel like saying, "Dammit, leave me alone. None
of us are getting out of here alive, and I don't wanna go looking like a
pincushion!"

This is not to say that one shouldn't investigate to see if the problem might be
lupus, or just plain arthritis, or something else. There are treatments for the
myriads of other ailments that attack the human body. This is just my personal
feeling about endless tests when my doctor is convinced that I have M.S. I'm
sure she is familiar with all the signs when she has it herself.



Love to all and prayers.
Granny Red.

I take  one tablet a day - just before bedtime.  It helps a little, but
my night spasms are quite intense of late.  Should I ask my neurologist
for a stronger dose?  Are there any MS meds available without
injections?  Just curious.  I don't get along well with needles.  Guess
we just don't see "Eye  To Eye"
Any suggestions?
Loni

Great story, Loni! I quit smoking over 25 years ago.
I smoked alot until I was 20 yrs. old LOL!
My mom quit after she had smoked for over 50 years.
It was one of the best choices we ever made!
Hugs, Robin

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There are 6 messages in this issue.

Topics in this digest:

1. welcome
From: MKandMK
2. leg problem
From: latona51
3. I know how you feel
From: kimber
4. Smoking :>)
From: lonim
5. Baclophen
From: rperson42000
6. B/P
From: haino


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________________________________________________________________________

Message: 1
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 11:46:04 EDT
From: MKandMK
Subject: welcome

Welcome to the group Dean!

I had the same with the spasms, Steriods didn't help but Baclofen did. I take it 4 times a day and it has helped in everyway, Good Luck and be well........Marilyn




________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 2
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 17:03:54 -0000
From: latona51
Subject: leg problem

Hey I'm Tona -
I have the same problem with tightness in legs feels like there being ripped off to straighten out ... any suggestions?




________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 3
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 17:03:45 -0000
From: kimber
Subject: I know how you feel

I began to notice that my muscles below my waist (abdomen, pelvic, back and legs) would go into spasm and tighten up to the point of extreme pain. My body would also have these "jump" like spasms all the time in addition to my arm or leg flopping around in a spasm. At first the doctor gave me muscle
relaxants but they really didn't quite do the trick. I then had the
steroid injections which didn't help either (gee...could be because
they weren't addressing the part of the body that was causing the
spasms..the brain?). Actually all the steroids did was to exacerbate
an underlying syndrome I had called Cushings so I had both primary
and acquired Cushing's. The rapid weight gain from the steroid
combined with Cushing's Disease made me diabetic as well. Oh joy!
*grin*

Sorry...I went off on a tangent here...I was put on Baclofan and it
has really helped me more than anything else. I take it up to 4
times a day along with some pain medication and although I still
have pain in my back from disk disease, the spasms have improved a
lot. I still get some but that deep rooted pelvic tightness is gone
now. It may be worth your while to give it a try.

Kim




________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 4
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 13:49:11 -0400
From: lonim
Subject: Smoking :>)

I was a heavy smoker for many years. I tried to cut back, stop and
start many times ~ nicorette ~you name it, I tried it! Finally,
realizing it was truly not good for me and those who watched me puff
away like a mad dog (MS really made me Mad and still does:>) I decided
that mind over matter was the only way I could quit. When I told my
husband "today is the day", he shrugged his shoulders and walked off. We
both smoked from the time we met at 18 yrs of age.(we are now 55).
After all these years, it would be next to impossible. I sat down with
a cup of coffee, pack of Newport Menthol Lights, pen and paper. I
started writing "I CHOOSE NOT TO SMOKE, I CHOOSE NOT TO SMOKE, I CHOOSE
NOT TO SMOKE" puffing between each I CHOOSE NOT TO SMOKE line. I did
this until the pack was finished. That was nearly 5 years ago. I've
had an occassional craving but have not given in. My husband does not
smoke in the house ~ unfortunately he is still smoking, but is very
tolerant understanding of my choice. The house smells so much nicer
and clothes are smoke-free. I do not profess this to be a 'forever'
situation, but feel good about it at the moment. Wouldn't it be
wonderful to rid the body of MS in this way? I have decided that I will
not let this disease control me if possible. I am not able to work
outside of the home these days ~ confined to a wheelchair most days, but
have started selling on eBay, which allows me to offer limited income to
our budget. I decided after reading Granny Reds' stories to share this
story.

Thanks for the inspiration.
LONI









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Message: 5
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 14:19:24 -0700 (PDT)
From: rperson42000
Subject: Baclophen

Glad you joined our group. As for your question about Baclophen...I've been taking 20 mg. 3X daily for almost 3 years, and for me it's a life saver! I have really bad spacticity in my legs and if it weren't for muscle relaxers I probably wouldn't be walking. I'm also on Beta Seron injections every other day. I don't have quite as many relapses and they're not quite as severe as they used to be. Hugs, Robin



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Message: 6
Date: Wed, 12 May 2004 12:14:01 -0400
From: haino
Subject: B/P

My blood pressure was so totally out of control-no medicine helped it
until I went to an Asian physician-who told me to stop taking the blood
pressure medicine and to take 1-500 mg. L-Arginine Capsule-it is an
Amino Acid I'll be darned if it didn't work.
Since the past year my monthlyy checkups show Blood pressure
116/70-which the Dr. says it compares to a 21 year old.
Joan





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Laughter is God's medicine...so give and take in liberal doses!
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Hi all,
I'm curious about some symptoms I've been having -- if others of you have
them too.  I have chronic stomach problems, mostly discomfort, bloating and
indigestion.  I wonder if it could be MS related.  Also, I have pain in my
buttocks and the front of my pelvis when moving/walking a certain way.  I
have had low back problems but I have MS lesions on my spine so I'm
wondering if this is possiblly MS also.  I think someone else mentioned pain
in these areas also.  MS is such a strange disease and my symptoms seem to
be so atypical and I never know whether it's MS or something else.  The
other strange symptom is Meniere's like vertigo that is very severe and
episodic (once or twice a year).  No one, including my neuro and a
specialist, "neuro-otolaryngoligist" knows if it is Menieres or MS.  I've
been on Copaxone for two plus years and wonder if it's doing any good.  I'm
so glad you all are there.  Sometimes this is a lonely disease and it helps
to know there are others out there struggling with the same things.

I sent another email to Brand Institute Survey and just received an email
reply from them stating that my check is being mailed today.

I did happen to mention in my email to them that several participants were
inquiring about payment.  I just went through their 'contact us' link at:
https://www brandinst.com/MEMBERSERVICES/login3.asp

Good Luck to everyone!