Multiple Sclerosis - An Alternative Journey

Multiple Sclerosis has an array of symptoms thatacupuncture/herbalist. I found Dr. Henry
play havoc on the sufferer's life. The mostZhen-Hong Lee in the Yellow Pages.
common symptom is fatigue, but heat intoleranceDr. Lee is a NYS Licensed Acupuncturist and an
and balance problems are fairly common also. AsNCCA DPL Herbalist. He also has degrees in
with most illnesses, MS affects everyone a littleEastern medicine from Traditional Chinese Medical
differently. One sufferer may have severe heatCollege, and in Western medicine from the Beijing
intolerance and another may have more of aMedical College specializing in neurology and
problem with his or her balance and walking ability.psychiatry. I made an appointment the same day
One patient may suffer with vision and bladderI found him in the book. I explained I had MS,
problems and another may suffer more with pinsalong with a number of other syndromes and
and needles and numbness. Whichever theillness, and I gave him my symptoms. With
combination of symptoms, each combination iscomplete confidence he told me he specialized in
debilitating.MS and could help me. That was the beginning of
My particular symptoms include: disabling fatigue,my alternative journey.
pins and needles from head to toes, extremeI began my treatments twice a week for a
sensitivity to heat, and body aches, especially incouple of months, then I went to once a week,
my feet and toes. Occasionally, there are otherthen every ten days, and then every other week.
symptoms involved, but those are the moreDr. Lee has a unique herb he designed specifically
constant ones. Unfortunately, I also have Multiplefor MS, but because of the MCS I decided to go
Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). This means I getwith the acupuncture only.
severe reactions to chemicals such asThis decision made the road to improvement
medications, nickel, and tape. I even get reactionssomewhat slower, but I improved none-the-less. I
to Prednisone which is an emergency drug usedam sure if I watched my diet I would be able to
for flare ups of MS. I also cannot toleratego down to a once a month treatment, but my
chemical smells, including perfumes, shampoos,will power seems to have gone on an extended
cleaners, ozone, film developer, and even gasvacation with no forwarding address. The three
ovens.most important foods I should avoid, as should
For a number of years my neurologist, Dr. Brianany person with an autoimmune disease, are, in
Apatoff (New York City) recommended I go onthe order of importance: sugar, processed foods,
Copaxone. This is a daily injected medication usedand white bread. I'm thinking of hiring a PI to help
to slow the progression of MS. Dr. Apatoff feltin the search for my will power.
Copaxone would be the least likely to cause aThis has been my alternative experience so far.
reaction in my body. I held off though. Then inMy symptoms have improved as has my quality
2006, I decided, out of desperation, to search forof life. But, it's important to remember that
an alternative option. First, I found a naturopathicworking along with any treatment creates more
doctor and made an appointment. The problembenefits and creates them faster. Diet and
was her office had scented oils permeatingexercise are a factor in creating a healthier you.
throughout which caused my Asthma to act up,And, with any health decisions, always be sure to
so I had to leave. I then choose to look for andiscuss your plans with your medical doctor.