Doctors Finally Recognize They Need to Hold Off on MS Drugs

[Guest guest]

http://64.4.26.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN & lah=48cd640df3c59eafb99ba1efb6734e43 & \

lat=1097044128 & hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2emercola%2ecom%2f2004%2fsep%2f18%2f\

ms_drugs%2ehtm

 

 

Doctors Finally Recognize They Need to Hold Off on MS Drugs

 

 

Experts are urging newly-diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients to take

a " close observation by their doctors " approach to treatment. Patients also

advised against taking medication for the first few years of the disease,

according to a Mayo Clinic study.

 

In the past, doctors traditionally encouraged MS victims to take a proactive

approach by starting prescription treatment in case of a future attack.

However, the Mayo research suggests that doctors and patients could hold off

for a few years in order to monitor the disease's progression.

 

Researchers said this is because their results indicate that the longer the

duration of the disease and the lower the level of disability, the more

likely patients are to remain stable and not get worse. There are cases of

benign MS, one researcher said, adding this can be identified during

analysis of a patient, even at the five-year mark.

 

Study organizers called the news a big break.

 

These findings will potentially impact the 17 percent of all U.S. MS

patients who have benign cases of the disease. Researchers suggest that

there are about 70,000 benign MS patients, assuming the total of MS patients

in the United States to be 400,000.

 

Patients with benign MS are defined as having had the disease for 10 years

or more with a low level of disability. This is measured by the Expanded

Disability Status Scale (EDSS), which ranges from zero (a normal

neurological exam) to 10 (death due to MS). Benign MS patients register a

score of two or less because they have less than 10 percent likelihood of

developing a significant disability in the future. To further clarify the

scale, a score of four indicates a patient has moderate disability but is

able to walk unassisted; a score of six means the patient is dependent on

some type of assistive walking device, while those that need wheelchairs

register a score of eight.

 

Researchers said benign MS patients often describe themselves as normal.

However, they still can experience attacks but it is unlikely they will lead

to permanent disability. One doctor said a bad attack might cause a problem,

such as vision loss in one eye, but only temporarily. The symptoms seem to

come and go, but most of the time there are no visible signs of the disease.

 

Study Results:

 

*

 

Only 7 percent of MS patients who score a 2 or less will, after 10

years, progress to a greater level of disability (score of four)

*

 

Not one of those patients needed a wheelchair, even after 20 years

with the disease

*

 

MS patients who, after 10 years, had an EDSS score of 2.5 to 4 were

more likely to reach a greater level of disability

*

 

After 20 years with MS, 12 of 21 patients in this situation registered

score greater than four.

 

Mayo Clinic experts said that while this study confirms past data, it

seriously challenges many doctors who do not believe MS can be benign. It is

the common course of action to begin interferon drug therapy, with

immunomodulatory medications, as soon as possible, for as long as possible,

instead of observing the natural course of the disease.

 

EurekAlert August 30, 2004

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

Perhaps, doctors who practice conventional medicine are beginning to get the

message that potentially lethal drugs merely serve as a temporary solution

to a long-term problem. I've been saying this for years!

 

In this study, researchers found that a wait-and-see approach to prescribing

medication for MS patients, based on their level of disability, could save

some patients pain and money, as well as give doctors a better picture of

the disease.

 

Interferon drugs, like those prescribed to MS and cancer patients, can

damage brain functions and are among the conventional medications that may

harm or even kill their users. Dr. Russell Blaylock explores this topic in

his article Harmful Brain Effects of Interferons.

 

For MS patients, I recommend the following natural treatments as an

alternative to drugs:

 

*

 

Normalizing vitamin levels are very important. Anyone with MS or at

risk for it should know that vitamin D helps treat and prevent the disease.

It is imperative that MS patients have their vitamin D blood levels checked.

Patients should strive to reach optimal levels -- between 45 and 50. This

can be done with a combination of sun exposure and supplemental vitamin D.

The sun is the best source but if you follow my newsletter then you'll know

that I also recommend cod liver oil.

*

 

Following a diet based on an individual's metabolic type also is

essential. If one does not have the proper body pH, many critical enzyme

systems will not function properly. Eating for your type can help your body

perform at its best. We invite you to take our free test to find out more.

*

 

Nearly all those with automimmune diseases, like MS, have a

significantly unresolved emotional issue that needs to be addressed. In

fact, studies show that stress, especially emotional can contribute to

automimmune diseases. Because I've found energy psychology techniques to be

the best, tools like EFT provide patients with the power to improve

themselves, inside and out.

 

Prescription medications are part of the reason our Modern Health Care

System is the Leading Cause of Death. This is sad, considering prescription

drugs only work for about half of the population. And many Americans fall

victim to overuse of drugs that often do not benefit them, making them a

waste of money.

 

Prescription drugs can cause several other serious conditions including:

 

* Heart problems

* Kidney problems

* Liver problems

* Depression

 

In addition, filling these prescriptions costs Americans, and our

government, more money each year. A simple way to break out of that

dangerous, expensive cycle is to to my free twice-weekly health

e-newsletter. By doing so, you'll be one step ahead on the latest medical

news and health information, and learn how to avoid the traps and ploys of

drug industries.

 

Related Articles:

 

MS, Parkinson's Symptoms Reversed

 

Yoga Relieves Fatigue in MS Patients

 

Amazing Recovery From Multiple Sclerosis

 

Think Prescription Drugs are Safer and More Scientifically Proven Than

Supplements? Think Again.

 

Multiple Sclerosis: A Chronic Mycotoxicosis?

 

_______________

Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee®

Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963