Addressing my Inner Cabal

[enfoldedblue]

I decided to create this post because a thread I started on a different topic was heading in this direction and I thought it would be more appropriate to start fresh. I am choosing to share some of my process as there could be others who benefit from what I have learned, and likely there are people here with relevant knowledge and experiences of their own to share.
-------------------------

I was diagnosed with likely multiple sclerosis about four years ago. I decided not to take medication that the doctors were keen for me to take, and chose instead to make dietary changes.

This approach worked quite well and I eliminated most of my symptoms for several years. However, a year ago I started to notice difficulty walking and when it didn't go away I decided to take my diet back up a few notches. At this point I was eating pretty healthy (compared to most), but had gone quite lax on the sweet and gluten etc.

It was around this time (about a month ago) that my mother told me about something she had read that recommended high doses of antibiotics for those with MS or similar because high levels of pathogens were often found in this group.

When I heard this a light bulb went off in my head! I had known for years that I likely had a low grade infection. Whenever I was a bit stressed or tired I could ‘feel the tubes connecting my right ear, throat and nose. I always assumed it was generally under control and never worried much about it...and certainly never associated it with MS symptoms!

Through my research I learned that in a healthy state our bodies are populated by good bacteria that work in alignment with the body and the immune system. These bacteria are positively charged, thrive in a neutral to alkaline state and need oxygen to survive.

Conversely ‘Bad’ bacteria (those I call the inner cabal), are negatively charged, thrive in a low oxygen, acidic environment, and work for their own agenda...against the body and the immune system. These negative bacteria often work in tandem with other ‘negative’ bacteria and create biofilm a slimy substance, which acts as incredible networks that provides them with protection and allows them to communicate and send messages, to assist them in successfully working against the body and the immune system. Eventually as the biofilm establishes itself they begin to ‘steal’ important minerals from the body like calcium and magnesium to create solid structures in the biofilm...often referred to as fortresses.

I discovered several people who had used antibiotics to reverse their symptoms, and some using this approach regained full recovery.

Even though I am not a fan of antibiotics, the fear of losing the ability to walk led me investigate. One of the most successful antibiotic approaches is called the Vanderbilt Protocol and involves taking 3 different antibiotics for a year to 18 months. Because I know antibiotics to be damaging to the body and because one of the antibiotics is known to be carcinogenic this did not seem like the approach for me.

I decided to look at a natural ‘alternative’ approach. Luckily I know the man who makes one of Australia’s highest quality colloidal silver. The ‘factory’ happens to be based in my town. I went to see him and he recommended a three month intense course of silver and offered to provide it to me for a third of the normal cost. Since I had decided that a multi-pronged approach would be best I also decided to also include: Fresh garlic, turmeric, ginger, olive leaf extract, propolis, royal jelly, and Echinacea. -

When I began the treatment I almost immediately began to feel slightly achy and experienced mild headaches. Eventually I was in bed feeling like I had the flu. It got so strong I could almost hear the pathogens saying “come on...you know it was better when you were giving us what we wanted. Come on what about a brownie...it’ll be a win win for us all”. Luckily I understood that this was a healing crisis and knew that it was a good thing as it meant the approach was working. After a few days I began to get feeling back in my hand that had been numb for years.

Unfortunately because I have a son and responsibilities I needed to pull back on the treatment because the ‘die off’ symptoms were not conducive to quality mothering . I am taking things slower now.

A few years ago I looked into the MMS...and thought nah..not my style...I like a natural and gentle approach. However, after a lot of thought and some trepidation (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?62260-Does-MMS-damage-DNA), and now that I realize the seriousness of the infection (possible causing me to no longer be able to walk), I have decided to try using MMS. Certainly better than 3 types of antibiotics for a year!!!.

However I feel it is important to say I try not to see the pathogens as an enemy. Instead, more as something that has been allowed to get too big for its breeches and needs to be consciously managed to return to a healthy balance. I ultimately see it as a teacher. I always think that my higher self, knowing well the physical expression of me would, likely, wisely put a challenging health condition in my path, as otherwise I would probably continue eating an average diet, and never bother striving for such a high levels of health.

This is a quick take of my approach at the moment:

Because my issues are auto-immune related, I am focusing on re-establishing a healthy inner balance. I believe that through childhood stress, a dodgy diet for many years, and generational patterns, pathogens (with their own agenda, not in-line with the health of the whole), have gotten out of hand. My aim is to reduce the amount of pathogens, increase the amount of good bacteria and heal my intestines.

In terms of diet my approach is all fresh local organic vegies and organic grass-fed meat. For the moment I have cut out all sugar (except for a little honey sometimes) , even fruit, and starch. So no potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. This is because these foods are ones that candida etc thrive on. Luckily rutabaga fights candida, so I can have that as mash, or oven baked chips (with coconut oil). I only use cocnut oil for cooking and sometimes olive oil.

For healing my intestines I have eliminated all grains (except for a few tablespoons of brown rice occasionally). I also make bone broths with organic grass-fed bones (I let cook in slow cooker for days to release all the good minerals) everyday and drink this throughout the day as the minerals are great for re-building the walls of the intestines (compromised gut walls are often a factor in auto-immune diseases).

Everyday I also drink the green drink with kale, parsley, garlic ginger, turmeric, chlorella, and spirulina in order to feed my mitochondria. I also put in hemp seeds and chia seeds and take fish oil as this helps to ensure I am getting lot's of omega 3. (the fats also help with absorption)

I use maca powder to support my thyroid and adrenals and dandelion tea and royal jelly to support my liver.

I also have raw milk, yoghurt, kimchi and sauerkraut as well as probiotics to encourage the establishment of good bacteria.

I will try to go into more detail as I have time

[Octavusprime]

I've also been on the offensive in trying to get my gut back into good working order. IBS is my issue. Your regimen is intense! Please keep us updated to you findings both good and bad.

Good luck!

[Flash]

The heavy dosage of antibiotics going on for 3-4 years are related to MS patients being often misdiagnosed and in fact being very infected with Lyme disease. The only way to get rid of Lyme when it is well established is by heavy dosage of antibiotics for years, which most doctors won't want to give you.

There was a thread on this on avalon if I am not mistaken.

[enfoldedblue]

The heavy dosage of antibiotics going on for 3-4 years are related to MS patients being often misdiagnosed and in fact being very infected with Lyme disease. The only way to get rid of Lyme when it is well established is by heavy dosage of antibiotics for years, which most doctors won't want to give you.

There was a thread on this on avalon if I am not mistaken.

Yes there is a lot of misdiagnosis between MS, Lymes and Guillaine Barre and more.

Here is an article about MS and chlamydia pneumonia that you or others might find interesting:


Empirical antibacterial treatment of
infection with Chlamydophila pneumoniae
in Multiple Sclerosis







David Wheldon MB FRCPath




After much controversy there is now powerful evidence for the respiratory pathogen Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) pneumoniae being a causal factor in some variants of the neurological illness multiple sclerosis. A series of remarkable studies finds:





• the presence of C. pneumoniae gene sequences in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients who have the disease, and culture of the organism when sensitive cultural methods are used [Sriram S, Stratton CW, Yao S, Tharp A, Ding L, Bannan JD, Mitchell WM. Chlamydia pneumoniae infection of the central nervous system in multiple sclerosis. Ann Neurol. 1999 Jul;46



the whole article here: http://www.davidwheldon.co.uk/ms-treatment1.html

[Sidney]

Hi EB, There are a high number of MS victims, that test positive for lyme disease. Many co infections accompany lyme infections. Babasia, bartonella, and many others. You are on the right track, and it is smart to go slow. One thing you should consider is to incorporate a regular detox method to keep your liver kidneys etc. clear to get the bad stuff out as the die off is highly toxic. I have chronic lyme, and i wend undiagnosed for 12 years before getting a proper diagnosis. I struggle daily, and actually gave up on the treating of it because, i just get too sick when I treat the infection. I also have a child, and responsibilities, and unfortunately, I simply cannot conduct my life and treat my disease.
If you feel you need to find out for sure if you have LD or not, you need either a western blot, or bowen test. Many lamestream docs will offer you the elisa only which is only about 40 percent accurate if your infection is older than 90 days. There is tons of info online regarding lyme. All that said, you seem to have a pretty good handle on the diet aspect, but if you have progressed to the point of the MS DX, means your bacterial load is most likely quite high. I don't know your location, but there are only a handful of lyme literate doctors in the states, and they are not cheap either. there are also many yt videos made by lyme sufferers that are quite informative. I hope for your sake it is not lyme, however I know from my own research, that lyme is the fastest growing epidemic in the world, and it is a bio-weapon that was brewed up on Plum Island off the coast of Conneticut,in a US BIO Laboratory.
A huge percentage of many chronic illness are un-diagnosed cases of Lyme Disease, especially MS,Rhumetoid Arthritis,Alzheimers, and more.
Feel free to pm me if you like or need, lyme or not. :)

For more info on Bioweapon Lab on Plum Island, read the book "Lab 257" by Michael C. Carroll - This book is what took me down the Rabbit hole, and shook me to my core. Used copies can be found very inexpensively on amazon or ebay. I recommend it to anyone whether you have lyme or not, healthy or sick, especially if you have kids that play outside.

http://www.amazon.com/Lab-257-Disturbing-Governments-Laboratory/dp/0060011416

[lakewatcher]

I have been fighting the candida and CFS battle since 1990. Have been fighting the IBS battle since the late 70s. Made great progress in the 90s and then relapsed badly. Haven't done so well since. Have tried more healing approaches and agents and modalities than I can remember. Three of these experiments caused serious damage for which I've apparently never fully recovered.

I learned the very hard way that what is good medicine for one person can be literally poison for another. So I'm not going to give any advise about what to "take." I'm sure you have and will continue to research that thoroughly on your own.

The few and best things I've found that actually help me personally, turn out to be options that I don't usually have the resources now to afford.

But, there are perhaps additional things out there that might help you, if you are inclined to ask for guidance to them from above. Maybe that's your intention with this thread?

I will make one suggestion though, if I may. Not along the physical treatment lines, but along the "energetic approaches" lines. If you feel prompted, you might want to research something called "Earth Breathing", that is, if your are not already familiar with it.

I discovered a walking meditation method on my own (probably with spiritual help) that I evolved over several years time. Later I discovered the Earth Breathing method, which looks to be very similar to what I discovered. "Nothing new under the sun."

Well, this walking meditation is the most powerful healing practice that I know of for me personally. Course, I don't know whether that would be true for you too, but it might be worth checking into?

Love and blessings to you Christy, and best of luck.
You'll need it, if my experience is any indicator.

P.S. Very interesting OP.

[Sunny-side-up]

enfoldedblue Love and healthiness to you.

Two links to the above mentioned meditation techniques for anyone who is not aware of them:

walking meditation
http://taoism.about.com/od/meditation/ht/walking.htm

Earth Breathing method
http://www.wolfcreekarts.com/earthdiving.htm

The Earth Breathing Method should be done by all as a natural way of every day breathing.

I add to this method when i've charged the whole universe, I then focus on a large ball of generated healthy energy under my feet, this mirrors what I store above my head and I move and live supported by both balls of golden energy.

That is how I used to be, thank you for reminding me how I should now be again and breath for my own health and the reast of the universe!

Love and Light, Light and Love is you and all around you enfoldedblue

[CD7]

Well my heart goes out to you all who are suffering from one symptom or another. I have suffered with IBS, came on very suddenly in 2001-2002and has been a rollercoaster ride since.

Many people suffer from it and its my guess its from the food supply...

What has helped me a great deal is chiropractic care and aloe juice (genuine aloe juice) there are a lot of so called aloe juices out there that are hardly the real thing. Chiropractic care has helped immensely!! Clearing one's wire's that all connect to different parts of the body has its benefits.
Clearing blockages helps all of the organs operate to optimum potential...

[northstar]

walking meditation
http://taoism.about.com/od/meditation/ht/walking.htm

Earth Breathing method
http://www.wolfcreekarts.com/earthdiving.htm

The Earth Breathing Method should be done by all as a natural way of every day breathing.



I have been looking for some simple and effective meditations for a workshop I am going to be teaching. These two are excellent! Thanks for posting the links. :)

[enfoldedblue]

Hi EB, There are a high number of MS victims, that test positive for lyme disease. Many co infections accompany lyme infections. Babasia, bartonella, and many others. You are on the right track, and it is smart to go slow. One thing you should consider is to incorporate a regular detox method to keep your liver kidneys etc. clear to get the bad stuff out as the die off is highly toxic. I have chronic lyme, and i wend undiagnosed for 12 years before getting a proper diagnosis. I struggle daily, and actually gave up on the treating of it because, i just get too sick when I treat the infection. I also have a child, and responsibilities, and unfortunately, I simply cannot conduct my life and treat my disease.
If you feel you need to find out for sure if you have LD or not, you need either a western blot, or bowen test. Many lamestream docs will offer you the elisa only which is only about 40 percent accurate if your infection is older than 90 days. There is tons of info online regarding lyme. All that said, you seem to have a pretty good handle on the diet aspect, but if you have progressed to the point of the MS DX, means your bacterial load is most likely quite high. I don't know your location, but there are only a handful of lyme literate doctors in the states, and they are not cheap either. there are also many yt videos made by lyme sufferers that are quite informative. I hope for your sake it is not lyme, however I know from my own research, that lyme is the fastest growing epidemic in the world, and it is a bio-weapon that was brewed up on Plum Island off the coast of Conneticut,in a US BIO Laboratory.
A huge percentage of many chronic illness are un-diagnosed cases of Lyme Disease, especially MS,Rhumetoid Arthritis,Alzheimers, and more.
Feel free to pm me if you like or need, lyme or not. :)

For more info on Bioweapon Lab on Plum Island, read the book "Lab 257" by Michael C. Carroll - This book is what took me down the Rabbit hole, and shook me to my core. Used copies can be found very inexpensively on amazon or ebay. I recommend it to anyone whether you have lyme or not, healthy or sick, especially if you have kids that play outside.

http://www.amazon.com/Lab-257-Disturbing-Governments-Laboratory/dp/0060011416

Thanks Sydney,

I’m sorry to hear about your struggle with Lyme disease. I totally hear you on the challenge of working on healing and trying to be a fully available mum etc.

Yes I have read about several people who have been diagnosed with several conditions like you mentioned. A few days before my symptoms began, I got a tick right under my eye. I woke up in the middle of the night with a slight pain, and when I turned on the light and looked in the mirror I saw my eye was swollen from a tick. My partner was working away that night so I had to try to pull it out myself...with little success. The next day I had go to the doctor to have it removed.

Unfortunately here in Australia there is still officially no lyme disease, even though there are clearly many cases. A few Doctors acknowledge Lyme’s in Australia, but most still don’t. When I mentioned the tick to one of the specialists I saw, he simply brushed it off. I have heard that it is also very difficult to be tested here.

However though it is possible that Lyme is a factor I definitely know there is more at play. Everything started after the birth of my son. When a woman is pregnant our immune systems largely shut down (as a baby is partially a foreign body which the I.S. is designed to attack). If one has a chronic infection that the body was previously able to manage, it often has a chance to develop dangerously during this period.

Also after the birth of my son, while I was in a very fragile state, I stupidly consented to getting a MMR vaccine. I am sure this is relevant as well.

Anyway at this point I have decided that it is not so important what the title of illness is. I know that infection is key and for now am focusing on natural/alternative approaches that address the general infectious state and support my immune system and organs.

Thanks for your support

(I don't have a lot of time at the moment so will reply to comments as I can. Thanks to all for for sharing)

Big LOVE to all

[Sunny-side-up]

walking meditation
http://taoism.about.com/od/meditation/ht/walking.htm

Earth Breathing method
http://www.wolfcreekarts.com/earthdiving.htm

The Earth Breathing Method should be done by all as a natural way of every day breathing.



I have been looking for some simple and effective meditations for a workshop I am going to be teaching. These two are excellent! Thanks for posting the links. :)

northstar it was lakewatcher's posting that reminded me, thx lakewatcher


I will make one suggestion though, if I may. Not along the physical treatment lines, but along the "energetic approaches" lines. If you feel prompted, you might want to research something called "Earth Breathing", that is, if your are not already familiar with it.

I discovered a walking meditation method on my own (probably with spiritual help) that I evolved over several years time. Later I discovered the Earth Breathing method, which looks to be very similar to what I discovered. "Nothing new under the sun."

Well, this walking meditation is the most powerful healing practice that I know of for me personally. Course, I don't know whether that would be true for you too, but it might be worth checking into?

[enfoldedblue]

Thanks for your sharing Eugene,

For me I am trying to allow my body and intuition to lead on this healing journey...for the very reason that we are all so unique and what works for another might not work for me. The other day I asked my body what it needed and kelp is what surfaced. Later I had several coincidences around this and then discovered when I came across a Mercola article about MS that iodine (which is lacking in the soil in Australia...so is hard to get in diet especially if you don't eat iodized salt) is important for re-building the myelin sheath. Iodine was the one thing of those listed below that was missing from my diet.


As mentioned earlier, myelin is an insulating, waxy substance that sheathes the nerves in your central nervous system. Your myelin also needs specific nutrients to function properly, such as:
•Vitamin B1
•Vitamin B9
•Vitamin B12
•Animal-based omega-3 fat
•Iodine http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/12/23/overcoming-multiple-sclerosis-through-diet.aspx

I feel very much that I am being guided through this journey. The universe provides me with clues, tips and pieces of the puzzle that can come from anywhere in my surrounds...including the beautiful people on this forum. My job is to remain connected in my body and feel what resonates :) .

Also thanks to you and Sunny-side-up for telling me about the earth breathing meditation and providing the links. I will definitely look into this!

CD7 Thanks so much for sharing. My mom has IBS and I understand how difficult this can be. We really are being poisoned from so many angles!!! Often it is only when we begin to suffer in some way do we really seem to realize how toxic so much of the food that is being pushed on us really is.

I'm off to go the big markets where I used to love to go as they have the best brownies.... Now I'm excited about getting some good quality organic garlic....oh yeah :rolleyes: lol

Love, blessings and healing to all!!!

[onawah]

I am another huge fan of aloe vera. I've posted about this before, but this is another good thread for this info, I think.
I have a 33 lb. box of freshly picked organically grown aloe leaves shipped to me from Texas every month.
They are a specific strain of aloe leaves which are for ingesting, and grow to a size of about 1-3 lbs. each.
I trim the skin off and scoop about a pound of the gel into my blender every AM with fresh fruit juice and take it with my supplements, as also greatly enhances digestion.
They don't need refrigeration and will keep over a month as long as they are kept fairly cool and dry, with good air circulation.
In the natural form, without any processing, heat treating, additives, etc, it is a true miracle food.
It's good for so many things, the list is virtually endless.
Included are bowel and immune system health, lubrication of the joints, cleansing of all kinds of toxins, including heavy metals, and anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
I don't know if aloe vera is available in Australia, but I'm pretty sure it would grow well there, as it likes hot, dry climates.


As mentioned earlier, myelin is an insulating, waxy substance that sheathes the nerves in your central nervous system. Your myelin also needs specific nutrients to function properly, such as:
•Vitamin B1
•Vitamin B9
•Vitamin B12
•Animal-based omega-3 fat
•Iodine

Damage to the myelin sheath is also something I have been dealing with, as a result of the contaminated SV40 polio vaccine I received as a child, which contained stealth viruses from Rhesus monkeys, and causes a kind of encephalitis (damage to the sheaths which protect the brain).
That's a good list of nutrients. I have noticed improvement after incorporating B vitamins, iodine and animal based omega 3 fat in my diet. I was vegan and/or vegetarian for a long time, but have felt more grounded since I started eating some free range poultry again and especially the chicken soup I make featuring bone broth.



Well my heart goes out to you all who are suffering from one symptom or another. I have suffered with IBS, came on very suddenly in 2001-2002and has been a rollercoaster ride since.

Many people suffer from it and its my guess its from the food supply...

What has helped me a great deal is chiropractic care and aloe juice (genuine aloe juice) there are a lot of so called aloe juices out there that are hardly the real thing. Chiropractic care has helped immensely!! Clearing one's wire's that all connect to different parts of the body has its benefits.
Clearing blockages helps all of the organs operate to optimum potential...

[lakewatcher]

Thanks for your sharing Eugene,

For me I am trying to allow my body and intuition to lead on this healing journey...for the very reason that we are all so unique and what works for another might not work for me.


Thanks Christy. You got it! Actually, of course, you personally probably weren't in need of my comments in the first place. But maybe it's useful to state the cautions anyway. I've got a friend here in Utah, for example, who is a great fan of raw garlic. He likes to recommend it for everyone. "If it works for me, it will obviously work for you," kind of thing. He seems to have a hard time getting it that for the people who are allergic to raw garlic, like myself, it can be very dangerous, even fatal.

Well, the times on my journey when I got into trouble, were when I either got cocky and/or in too big a hurry to properly listen to my inner guidance. I don't imagine you would have any trouble with the cocky part ... but the too big a hurry part, well that gets a lot of us in trouble at times, I suspect.:)

Will keep you in my prayers ...

P.S. Thanks for the info on the iodine and myelin!

[Sidney]

I also wanted to add the one of the results of many of these diseases, is hypercoagulation (thickening of the blood). That alone causes many many of the symptoms, due to lack of circulation and oxygen getting to every cell of your body. Here is a good article explaining this, some of the symptoms, and suggestions of many natural products that can help. getting your blood thin can instantly make you feel better, especially with fatigue and brain function.
http://www.digitalnaturopath.com/cond/C546009.html


Hypercoagulation (Thickened Blood)

Search treatments and conditions

Conditions that suggest it | Contributing risk factors | Other conditions that may be present | It can lead to... | Recommendations

Hypercoagulation means thickened blood. Research from the late 1990s reveals that many patients with chronic disease may have an underlying coagulation defect contributing to their symptoms. While few doctors are familiar with this condition, understanding the theory behind it can help explain many symptoms. Treatment based on this theory can lead to improvement and even recovery.

David Berg of Hemex Laboratories has been studying the hypercoagulation often found in patients with chronic disease. This list currently includes CFS/FMS, myofascial pain syndrome, osteonecrosis of the jaw, fetal loss, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Sjogren's syndrome, IBS, Lyme disease, autism, gulf war illness and ADD.

Thick blood is the result of fibrin being deposited in the small blood vessels. Fibrin formation is the last step in the clotting process that stops bleeding when blood vessels are cut. Normally, long strands of fibrin weave a mesh around platelets and blood cells to form a clot that plugs the break in the wall of a vessel.

A very complex series of reactions activates the clotting process. The release of thrombin ultimately results in the production of a substance called soluble fibrin monomer (SFM). SFM is a sticky protein that increases blood viscosity (thickness) and results in the deposit of fibrin on the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels. Normally, a single burst of thrombin would generate a large amount of SFM that would produce strands of "cross linked" fibrin, resulting in an actual clot. However, in CFS/FMS and other chronic conditions, continuous generation of low levels of thrombin can occur. The result is hypercoagulation.

There are at least three possible causes or contributing factors:

Viruses, bacteria, mycoplasmas, and/or parasites activate certain antibodies in the immune system that trigger the production of thrombin, generate SFM and result in fibrin deposits.
Genetic coagulation defects can lead to hypercoagulation. White people are susceptible to this and black people have a resistance to it.
Chemical exposure can result in changes that trigger the coagulation process.
The results of this thickened blood are:
When fibrin coats the walls of the capillaries, nutrient and oxygen delivery to muscle, nerve, bone and organ tissue is compromised.
The fibrin coating the capillaries and producing thick blood can make virii and bacteria less accessible to treatment.
Thicker blood is harder to pump.
By depriving the gut of proper nourishment, hypercoagulation may be a major factor in IBS. If the bowel is deprived of blood, cells will die too rapidly.
The endothelial cells lining the capillaries are the source of heparans, the body's natural blood thinners. When fibrin coats these cells, the heparans cannot be released, reducing the body's ability to dissolve the fibrin.
Hypercoagulation can be detected by Hemex Laboratories' ISAC (Immune System Activation of Coagulation) test panel. Five substances are measured, and abnormal results on any two are considered a positive test result. Studies show that 79-92% of CFS/FMS patients have a hypercoagulation defect. A standard coagulation work up usually will not detect any abnormalities, since it only assesses the risk of actual clotting. The ISAC panel is 10 to 20 times more sensitive, as well as being more expensive.

In a 1998 study, heparin was given to 7 FMS and 9 CFS patients suffering from hypercoagulation. Of the 7 FMS patients, 1 reported some, 3 moderate, and 3 significant improvement. Of the 9 CFS patients, 4 reported moderate and 5 significant improvement.

Since then, David Berg has learned that the best chance of success involves treating both the hypercoagulation and the underlying pathogen(s). Ideally, a blood thinner such as heparin is prescribed one month before beginning antibiotics for bacteria (for example mycoplasma or chlamydia pneumonia) and/or transfer factor for viruses (such as HHV6, CMV and EBV). The heparin is continued throughout, and then slightly beyond, the course of anti-microbial treatment. It dissolves the fibrin, making the virus and/or bacteria more vulnerable, thus improving the treatment's effectiveness.

CFS/FMS patients who have been ill for more than ten years may show only one abnormality - or possibly none - on the ISAC test. A trial of heparin, however, especially if accompanied by antibiotics or transfer factor, may change that. Berg suspects that once a pathogen has a large area of fibrin deposits in which to settle, the less active it needs to be. It may therefore stop triggering the coagulation process. As the heparin removes the fibrin and allows a more effective attack against the pathogens, they reactivate and/or become more active, once again triggering the coagulation process. Most patients have more abnormalities on the ISAC test one month into treatment than on their initial test, indicating progress. They often must pass through a time of increased illness when the infection is temporarily activated.

The treatment of this condition is not easy or inexpensive. It requires a doctor who is familiar with the theory, comfortable with the lab testing and willing to individualize treatment.


Conditions that suggest Hypercoagulation (Thickened Blood):


Autoimmune Multiple Sclerosis / Risk
Crohn's Disease
Sjogren's Syndrome

Circulation
Arrhythmias/Dysrhythmias
In atrial fibrillation, the risk of thickened blood and subsequent stroke is increased. This is the reason why an anticoagulant is so frequently used.

Digestion
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Environment / Toxicity
Gulf War Illness

Immunity
Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Studies show that 79-92% of CFS/FMS patients have a hypercoagulation defect.

Infections
Lyme Disease

Mental
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD / ADHD)
Autism

Musculo-Skeletal
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Uro-Genital
Susceptibility To Miscarriages



Risk factors for Hypercoagulation (Thickened Blood):


Circulation Thrombocytosis

Metabolic
Nephrotic Syndrome (NS)
A hypercoaguable state, in which the blood abnormally overclots, is also seen in some patients with NS. This means that they are at risk for developing a blood clot in the legs or in the renal veins that transport blood from the kidney. Some patients take blood thinners to prevent this complication.

Supplements and Medications
Warfarin/heparin use
The use of anticoagulants suggests that there is an issue with blood clotting, though their administration may be given just to make sure the blood runs thin in order to prevent possible risks in some health conditions.



Hypercoagulation (Thickened Blood) suggests the following may be present:


Circulation Increased Risk of Stroke

Risks
Increased Risk of Coronary Disease / Heart Attack



Hypercoagulation (Thickened Blood) can lead to:


Immunity Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Studies show that 79-92% of CFS/FMS patients have a hypercoagulation defect.

Infections
Lyme Disease

Mental
Autism



Recommendations for Hypercoagulation (Thickened Blood):


Animal-based Heparin
Heparin or another anticoagulant may be used as the primary blood thinner. Each patient must be treated individually.

Fish Oil / Krill
See the link between Hypercoagulation and EPA.

Botanical
Ginkgo Biloba
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most researched herbs in America. It has been found repeatedly to have a natural blood thinning effect that is safe and well-tolerated. Its activities are more potent when the garlic is raw. Three cloves of raw garlic per day can have a substantial effect on the functioning of the blood, and will work just as well as conventional blood thinning medications without the side effects.

Kyolic (a standardlized, extracted, aged form of garlic) has numerous research studies demonstrating it's effectiveness in naturally thinning the blood

H. Kieswetter, M.D., of the University of Saarlandes, Hamburg, Germany, recently found that garlic could help patients suffering from peripheral arterial occlusive disease, characterized by blood clots in the legs. Typically, patients with the condition are asked to walk, because increased blood flow reduces the number of clots. However, they are easily discouraged because peripheral arterial occlusive disease causes extreme pain after walking only a short distance.

Kieswetter gave 32 patients 800 milligrams of garlic powder tablets daily for 12 weeks, while another 32 patients received a placebo. He then measured their "pain-free walking distance." For the first several weeks, both groups of patients progressed about as they would in a typical walking program. As time went on however, patients taking garlic were able to walk about one-third farther without pain. The researcher also noted that garlic's benefits, which included decreased blood pressure, could be detected after patients took a single garlic powder capsule. [Clinical Investigator (May 1993;71:pp.383-6)]

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis)
Ginger has been shown in research studies to inhibit platelet aggregation thus reducing abnormal clotting of the blood.

Cinnamon (Cinnamonum zeylanicum)

Extract
Fibrinolytic Enzymes

Nutrient
EPA (eicosapentanoic acid)
EPA from fish oils (or as a metabolite from omega 3 fatty acid metabolism) can make your blood thinner and less sticky.

Essential Fatty Acids
See the link between Hypercoagulation and EPA.

Vitamins
Vitamin E


Nattokinase- an enzyme link to more information on this natural blood thinner.
http://www.smart-publications.com/articles/nattokinase-the-natural-blood-thinner/

KEY
Weak or unproven link
Strong or generally accepted link
Proven definite or direct link
May do some good
Likely to help
Highly recommended








GLOSSARY

Antibody: A type of serum protein (globulin) synthesized by white blood cells of the lymphoid type in response to an antigenic (foreign substance) stimulus. Antibodies are complex substances formed to neutralize or destroy these antigens in the blood. Antibody activity normally fights infection but can be damaging in allergies and a group of diseases that are called autoimmune diseases.

Anticoagulant: A substance that prevents or delays blood clots (coagulation).

Bacteria: Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.

Chlamydia: A sexually-transmitted disease that is often without symptoms. Some females experience a white vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese, a burning sensation when urinating, itching, and painful intercourse. A clear watery urethral discharge in the male probably is a chlamydia infection.

Chronic: Usually Chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.

Cytomegalovirus: (CMV): A member of the herpes virus family which may induce the immune-deficient state or cause active illness, such as pneumonia, in a patient already immune-deficient due to chronic illness, such as cancer or organ transplantation therapy.

Epstein Barr virus: (EBV): A virus that causes infectious mononucleosis and that is possibly capable of causing other diseases in immunocompromised hosts.

Fibromyalgia: (FMS): Originally named fibrositis, it is a mysteriously debilitating syndrome that attacks women more often than men. It is not physically damaging to the body in any way, but is characterized by the constant presence of widespread pain that often moves about the body. Fibromyalgia can be so severe that it is often incapacitating.

Immune System: A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: (IBS) A condition that causes upset intestines for a long period of time. It is very unpleasant to the sufferer but tends to be harmless and usually does not lead to more serious complaints. The symptoms vary from person to person and from day to day. In order to be diagnosed with IBS, a person must have at least three of the following symptoms: pain in the lower abdomen; bloating; constipation; diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation; nausea; loss of appetite; tummy rumbling; flatulence; mucous in stools; indigestion; constant tiredness; frequent urination; low back pain; painful intercourse for women.

Multiple Sclerosis: Demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, causing patches of sclerosis (plaques) in the brain and spinal cord, manifested by loss of normal neurological functions, e.g., muscle weakness, loss of vision, and mood alterations.

Parasite: An organism living in or on another organism.

Protein: Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.

Stroke: A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, complete or partial loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The most common manifestation is some degree of paralysis, but small strokes may occur without symptoms. Usually caused by arteriosclerosis, it often results in brain damage.

Transfer Factor: Protein immunomodulators extracted from colostrum from immunologically stimulated animals that promotes specific immunity to certain antigens such as viruses.

Virus: Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.

[onawah]

Transfer Factor is one of the things that was recommended to me when I was diagnosed with CFS/FMS.
I've been taking it for years, and I think it helps.
The company that patented it charges a lot for it. but Source Naturals carries it for a lot less.
The importance of Natto is something I stumbled upon in an article from Dr. Mercola, as well as iodine.
(Little bells seem to ring when I hear about or read about something that my intuition tells me will help, and often it's not until later that I get corroboration, and find out why it helps.)

Another thing I would like to get is a grounding pad. Dr. Mark Sircus has been recommending them, and cannabidiol for chronic pain, which I want to try when I can get hold of some.
I think homemade kefir is the latest one that really set the bells off, along with fermented vegies, to which I've been adding curcumin or turmeric powder for inflammation.
Coconut oil is another good one for CFS, but I'm making my kefir now with young green coconuts from Thailand, and getting it fresh that way instead of in a jar.

[enfoldedblue]

Thanks guys,

A lot of good info coming together here. Thanks everyone for sharing!

I also use aloe (but my rabbit ate my big plant :eek: !). I am now using a pure liquid form which I add to smoothies...I know I know...not as good as the real stuff!! Onawah, what is the strain of aloe that you take?

Sidney (sorry for the sp error above in your name). Thanks for the info you posted about the blood thickening. I think the doses of raw garlic, ginger, turmeric, and fish oil I take should help with that.

Health in this day and age is such a huge complex puzzle! And it is not helped by the fact that the industry that is meant to assist us in terms of health is severely is severely compromised and 'at best' holds its bottom line ahead of human health.

[onawah]

I don't know what the name of the strain of aloe vera plants is, but I can find out and let you know.
Here is the link for the company's website: http://www.aloelabs.com/
You can see photos of the leaves they grow on the website.
They make a freeze dried, organic aloe gel powder which is probably what I would get if I couldn't get the fresh leaves.
Heat treating aloe is the thing I most object to with the bottled products, so I think the freeze dried is the better alternative.
Mike Adams of Natural News did some investigating into that issue, and he arrived at the same conclusion, though he may have been recommending a different brand of powder.

[Mu2143]

.........................

[enfoldedblue]

I don't know what the name of the strain of aloe vera plants is, but I can find out and let you know.
Here is the link for the company's website: http://www.aloelabs.com/
You can see photos of the leaves they grow on the website.
They make a freeze dried, organic aloe gel powder which is probably what I would get if I couldn't get the fresh leaves.
Heat treating aloe is the thing I most object to with the bottled products, so I think the freeze dried is the better alternative.
Mike Adams of Natural News did some investigating into that issue, and he arrived at the same conclusion, though he may have been recommending a different brand of powder.

Thanks, I think I will try growing it again...it grows really quickly here. I just need to keep it away from my bunnies :) !

[onawah]

The name of the aloe plants whose leaves I buy from Aloe Labs is Aloe Barbadensis

Following is probably more info than you would ever need (!) but hopefully will be helpful to anyone who wants to know more. As you can see with just a cursory glance, the amount of research done on aloe is as impressive as the findings, although the cancer industry would have you believe otherwise!

As I have said before, I think it's what is keeping my body alive, and I definitely recommend it.

Here are links for an article by Mike Adams of Natural News about aloe and also about the powdered aloe product he recommends.
http://www.naturalnews.com/021858_aloe_vera_gel.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/022016.html

Following is some info about aloe that I compiled from a few different sources:

"The proven workability of Aloe vera has created over 4,000 scientific papers to be written on the subject. There is no other plant that has been so thoroughly studied for its beneficial qualities to the human system.
No one is sure when Aloe was first used medicinally, but it is known that Chinese doctors were prescribing it at least 3,000 years ago and the Egyptian healers wrote of Aloe’s powers in the 4th century B.C.

In the scientific community there has been divergent theories on the application and workability of Aloe vera. But in the last 20 years with the advent of intensified scientific research, evidence has been fully established, demonstrating it’s diverse medicinal properties.

Aloe is second only to vitamins and minerals in respect to the amount of research conducted in the medical and nutritional communities. Over 4,000 scientific papers have been written to date, document this.
This compilation of abstracts is to remove Aloe vera out of mere folk lore and health fad and clearly show it has a full spectrum of healing benefits evaluated in a clinical environment.

In the final analysis, it will be clinical data which will clearly demonstrate that Aloe vera is a credible health alternative.

An article from The Journal of the IASC
Excerpt from a study by Dr. Faith Strickland, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

In years past it was popularly supposed that a deep suntan made us look better than the pale look we wore during the winter months... as though a mahogany tan meant that we could afford to go south for the winter, or to some sun-drenched island, instead of having to work for a living like our contemporaries. It set us apart from the drudges who worked all winter, unable to afford the sunny climates.

Well, we may have looked better (although some would dispute the fact), but it turns out that what we were really doing was bringing about potentially serious damage to our skin and immune systems.

Recent studies have shown that a bad sunburn, even one that we might have suffered many years ago, can turn into cancer in later life. Not all of these cancers turn out to be melanoma, the really serious form of skin cancer, and may be surgically removed. But melanoma can metastasize, or spread through the body, and that becomes a serious problem, indeed.

Now we have information that sunburn can, and often does, wreak havoc with the body’s immune system, leaving us vulnerable to other diseases. The immune system helps keep us well by providing the body’s primary defense against those germs and viruses that it recognizes as “foreign bodies.” When it is functioning well, we may expect to remain reasonably healthy. When it is compromised, illness results, in most cases, since our bodies are constantly being bombarded by things that can make us ill.

Exposure to Ultra Violet-B light, from the sun, has been shown to impair the cellular immune response of the skin, which may lead to tumor formation. But the work of Dr. Faith Strickland, of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, suggests the possibility that Aloe vera can not only stop the damage done to the immune system, but can actually restore the system to full working order.

Obviously this doesn’t mean that we can go out and get a worry-free sunburn, then apply some Aloe to our skin and forget about it. Nevertheless, if you do happen to get a bit more sun than intended, it makes good sense to get yourself some Aloe vera gel and gently massage it into the affected area. It won’t hurt, and it may well make you feel a good deal better.

The research done by Dr. Strickland and hundreds of other researchers and scientists is mounting up, resulting in a more complete understanding of the therapeutic value of Aloe vera gel and the many ways in which Aloe can contribute to the health and well-being of people throughout the world.


Aloe Vera is a wonderful detoxifier. Its anti-cancer value has been demonstrated in study after study. It is also an immunomodulator, meaning it will balance your immune system. .

There are many Aloe Vera products on the market, and the FDA hasn't helped much by allowing companies to claim 100% Aloe Vera juice if they add only one tablespoon of 100% Aloe Vera juice to a gallon of water. Additionally, companies can claim their product to be cold processed if they use HTST (High Temperature Short Time) processing.

In an article by Dr Bruce Eric Hedendal, D.C., Ph.D. he points out the effects of orally consumed Aloe Vera juice: "Urinary indican values decreased, indicating lowered bowel bacterial conversion of tryptophan and possible improved protein digestion and absorption, as well as reduced bowel putrefaction. This change, by itself, could help prevent colon cancer."

And finally, Dr. H. R. McDaniel, M.D., pathologist and researcher at the Dallas-Fort Worth Medical Center, has said, "The use of Aloe Vera will be the most important single step forward in the treatment of diseases in the history of mankind."

Why Aloe Works!

It could be said that it works because the Aloe Vera plant produces at least 6 antiseptic agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols, and sulphur. All of these substances are recognized as antiseptics because they kill or control mold, bacteria, fungus, and viruses, explaining why the plant has the ability to eliminate many internal and external infections. The Lupeol and salicylic acid in the juice explains why it is a very effective pain-killer.

Next, it could be said that Aloe Vera contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids, cholesterol, campersterol and B-sitosterol (plant sterols) which explains why it is a highly effective treatment for burns, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, acid indigestion, ulcers, plus many inflammatory conditions of the digestive system and other internal organs, including the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, kidney, and pancreas. B-sitosterol is also a powerful anti-cholestromatic which helps to lower harmful cholesterol levels, helping to explain its many benefits for heart patents.

If we add that Aloe contains at least 23 polypeptids (immune stimulators), then we understand why Aloe juice helps control a broad spectrum of immune system diseases and disorders, including HIV and AIDS. The polypeptids, plus the anti-tumor agents Aloe emodin and Aloe lectins, explains its ability to control cancer.

If the SYNERGISTIC RELATIONSHIP between the elements found in the sap, gel, and throughout the entire plant does not explain why whole leaf Aloe works, then NOTHING DOES! All of which explains why "Across Time" lay persons and physicians alike, have proclaimed that Aloe has the ability to heal, alleviate, eliminate, or even cure a monumental list of human diseases and disorders. Therefore it truly deserves the name, "Medicine Plant".

1.What is Aloe? -- This Word file provides an overview of the nutritional components of aloe vera, with special emphasis on aloe polymannans -- broken down into short chain, medium chain, large chain, and very large chain. Discusses what polymannans do in the body and why these nutrients have been disappearing from our diet in the industrial age.
2.Aloe's Growing Acceptance -- A short, three page Word file that discusses the increased acceptance of aloe vera, particularly on account of our better understanding of the effects of polymannans. These include immunomodulation effects and the anti-viral effects of acemannans -- with mention of the inhibition of HIV infection of lymphoblasts and the selective binding of HIV infected cells.
3.U.S. Patent No. 5,786,342 -- A clear leader in the research of mannans is Carrington Laboratories of Irving, Texas. (They have been the principal supplier to Mannatech , a popular multi-level marketing company in the U.S.) This patent, filed in June, 1995, and issued in July, 1998, discusses the known medicinal effects of acemannans in its corpus.
4.Effects of aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of Vitamins C and E . This study, conducted at the University of Scranton (Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA), demonstrates how the inner gel fraction of the whole leaf (which would contain acemannans) effected a substantial increase in the bioavailability of vitamins A and C in the subjects tested. Be sure to view the tables at the end of this four page paper.
5.Compliments Using Mannose -- Graphics show how protein enzymes in the blood called Compliments orchestrate immune system responses. Compliments coat invasive agents with mannose containing molecules so phagocytes can engulf them.
6.Aloe, Immunity, and Health Care -- This is the third page of the July, 2001 issue of "Inside Aloe," put out by International Aloe Science Council, Inc. Of particular value is the content, expressed in clear layman's terms, of the value of mannan glycoproteins (GP), which help the body identify "nearly all dangerous micro organisms," and the nature of their signal structure.
7.The biological activities of mannans and related complex carbohydrates (Doc, 9 pages) -- This study was conducted at Texas A & M University and probably funded by Carrington Laboratories. The study's abstract says it all: "Complex polymers containing mannose (mannans) possess significant biological activity when administered to mammals. When given orally, they inhibit cholesterol absorption and induce hypocholesterolemia. If administered by other routes, they bind to mannose-binding proteins and induce macrophage activation and interleukin-l release, inhibit viral replication, stimulate bone marrow activity, promote' wound healing, and inhibit tumor growth. This range of activities makes the mannans potentially important biological-response modifiers and therapeutic agents."
8.The Importance of Harvesting and Manufacturing Premier Aloe Vera -- This document like many of the links on this page were provided by colleagues and associates of Dr. R. Siegel, M.D., one of the foremost authorities on aloe research and the medicinal properties of its diverse nutrients. The dehydrate powder cited in this document is what you are purchasing from Alpha Omega Labs.
9.Aloe: The Source of Master Glyconutrient -- Dr. H. Reginald McDaniel (M.D.), like Dr. R. Siegel, is another pioneer in the field of aloe glyconutrients. This paper is a technical read, but it contains a level of depth on the importance of mannans in human physiology not contained in other documents. Despite being only slightly over a page in length, it gives both a chronological overview of what has happened since initial discoveries were made in the mid-80's through accepted principles now in vogue in the early 21st century. Among its elucidating points: (1) "Cell relationships from attraction of the sperm to the egg, embryological growth development and differentiation, cell adhesion, defense, healing, and programmed cell death with regeneration (apoptosis), is regulated by a sugar-coding domain in activator molecules." (2) "The medical and scientific community is now rapidly accepting the power of dietary sugars low or absent in the modern diet, to support restoration of health." (3) As always, the corrupt influence of the pharmaceutical industry to short-circuit advances in this field and the dissemination of both product and the knowledge behind it. On this same line of thinking is a two-page overview by Dr. R. Siegel on The Science of Immunity and The Regulation of Immunity.
10.Natural Plant Molecules -- Mannans are critical to immuno-function. This five-page paper, with ample footnoted references, provides technical descriptions of their mechanisms of action. A good primer on the subject for those who will appreciate the technical detail.
11.Innate Immune Mechanisms: Non-Self Recognition -- Abstract: "The innate immune system contains a range of cell-bound and soluble proteins which eliminate pathogens by recognizing unique molecular patterns expressed by microorganisms, but not by host cells. Alternatively, host cells express proteins that protect them from attack by the alternative pathway of complement activation whereas foreign organisms lack these protective proteins and are, therefore, susceptible to complement attack." This twelve page, 1999 paper was written by Christopher R. Parish with Australian National University and is a good primer
1.on the critical importance of recognition molecules.
2.Carbohydrate Research Headlines -- This is a good four-page summary of findings up to the 2001-2002 time frame; however, the contents are largely covered in other links above. Check out the graphic on inflammatory protein disposal and the role of mannans in the process on page two.
3.Inside A White Blood Cell -- Excellent graphic demonstrating the the effects of mannan deficiency and the mechanics behind mannose assistance in producing the right enzymes necessary for the immune system's white blood cells to do their assigned job.

Sunscreen

The sun has taken a lot of blame for our increased rates of skin cancers (along with the depletion of the ozone layer), but research uncovered by Dr David G Williams [Alternatives, April 1993; 4: 22] shows that the sun might not be the culprit, and hiding from the sun by using sunscreens can not only increase your chances of skin cancer, but it can increase your chances of all sorts of problems by interfering with vitamin D synthesis.

According to Dr Williams: "Despite what you may have been led to believe, there is not adequate scientific data to support the belief that sunscreens prevent skin cancer (melanomas or basal cell cancers)."

Melanin, Dr Williams points out, was thought to be only the pigment responsible for tanning, however, it has other important roles: it absorbs the UVA’s, UVB’s, and UVC’s in ultraviolet light, and neutralized oxygen free radicals during the invasion of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and from exposure to light. When you use a sunscreen, the melanocytes are not stimulated to produce melanin, which actually interferes with the skin’s natural ability to protect against the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Additionally, without melanin, the UVA’s are allowed to penetrate deeper and bombard blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues.

Your primary source of vitamin D comes from the sun. The use of sunscreens interferes with our body’s natural synthesis of this vitamin. The increased use of sunscreens has created such a deficiency of vitamin D that some researchers feel that mother’s milk is nearly devoid of vitamin D and that newborns need extra supplementation to avoid rickets.

In addition to a rise in rickets in America, Dr Williams describes a number of problems associated with vitamin D deficiencies: hearing loss at high frequencies, increased dental cavities, increased hip fractures, increase in colorectal cancer, breast cancer."

How to filet and aloe vera leaf: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb_YgTYqjiw

[CD7]

Thankyou onawah....im an aloe lover too!....just really love green stuff all around! Sage, spinach, lettuce, other things...:rolleyes: I love to put aloe on my skin as well as drink it!

[enfoldedblue]

This is something that I wrote shortly after the likely MS diagnosis. So far the discussion has been about the physical side of the healing process, but for me this is only part of the equation. In the MMS thread someone brought up the emotional aspects, which inspired me to share this.

Saturday, 31 July 2009


For many years now I've been delving been in exploring my inner self and world. This journey has been at times frightening, euphoric, challenging, confronting, humbling, empowering, mysterious, and fascinating. The further down I dug, the more aspects of myself I discovered and was able to bring up into the light of consciousness, and the more complete I felt myself become.

Recently I began to feel that the end of my quest for unity was approaching but that the last aspect to emerge from the depths was the scariest of all. I had glimpsed it in the past. One of the ways it appeared to me was as a vicious wounded animal stuck deep in a dark cave. The scary beast would lash and anything that approached. I knew that to complete myself I would need to embrace this dark, frightening aspect, but I didn't really know how.

In the meantime my search introduced me to two aspects that I came to call the Divine Whore and the Prima Donna. The Divine Whore is animalistic, sensual, free, aggressive, raunchy, and cocky. Whereas the Prima Donna is wholesome, sweet, prudish, judgmental, constrained, and refined. Needless to say these two aspects did not think much of each other. A few weeks ago, while working with these aspects I managed to create a constructive dialogue between the two. It was an extremely dynamic and rewarding dialogue which acted to heal the rift and bring not only peace between them, but a mutual understanding and respect.

It was shortly afterwards I finally found myself faced with the dark frightening energy that I had previously only glimpsed. The resolution between the Divine Whore the Prima Donna appeared to be the key to accessing this part of myself. Rather than approach with fear I showered this aspect with love and offered to release it from its dark confines and bring it up into the light of consciousness. In that moment I felt a deep, unified, harmonious love wash over me.

It was shortly after this that my arm went numb and began to lose its ability to function. When it became clear that MS was likely the cause I felt frustrated and angry. MS is a disease in which the immune system attacks the m and nerve coating in the brain. Two parts of the same body in conflict, it seemed dismally ironic that I should be struck with this illness so soon after I felt that I had achieved the inner unity I had been striving towards for years.

Why is this happening to me? This must be the universe's way of humbling me. I was feeling pretty pleased with myself. But I refuse to see myself as a victim. I trust that the universe is not out to get me. On some level I must have chosen this. I am the author and the main character in my life.

I fluctuate between fear and love. I want to die to end this nightmare... Everything will be okay I'm surrounded by love. I knew I had to find a balance between my positive and negative emotions. Too far in either direction could be dangerous. If I let myself float too far down the river of despair it would be difficult to get back; and if I forced myself to stay positive I would stifle the negativity that needed to be expressed. I guided myself through a precarious balance between the two.

I read on the Internet about people's stories of their battles with this disease. How they wanted to beat the wicked thing-a battle between good and evil. But my inner delving had taught me that it is a mistake enter this dualistic way of thinking. It felt innately wrong to my way of seeing the world, which is that ultimately we are all one. As I thought about this I decided to see this disease as a teacher instead of enemy. Seeing it as an ally instead of an opponent helped me to relax into this reality a little easier.

Then at some point it dawned on me that what was happening, rather than being a dismally ironic reaction to my inner workings, this was actually the physical manifestation of this process. This is what happened when the wounded, crippled, dark frightening aspect that had always been tucked deep away came the surface.

“Bet you really hate me now” it said. “It was easy to love me when I was just an abstract concept, but it's a bit different now it isn't it? You’ve been living the great life up here, while I've been toiling and suffering in the darkness, but now that we have been reunited you have to live with me.”

I saw it all so clearly then. Part of me thought ‘Great look what you've done. Couldn't just leave well enough alone could you. Had to go digging up trouble’. But my wiser part knew that this crippled aspect is part of me and to reject it would go against everything I had been working towards. Of course this part was hurt and angry it had been living in the depths where I had shoved everything I didn't want. Neglected and unloved it withered and began to seethe. And even though it had been tucked far away it had always been a part of me keeping me from ever feeling completely at peace.

I began to realize that rather than a curse this disease is an opportunity to heal that part of me in a real practical sense. It desperately needs to be loved and cared for, to be nurtured and doted on. I began to caress my arm I'm so sorry I love you you’re wanted I will not reject you. I felt a small hesitant smile appear.

Later on Saturday night I asked Tom to rub my shoulder as it was extremely tense because it was compensating for the deadened and muscles in my arm. As he rubbed away the tension I felt myself relax. Then something magical happened, the new aspect came to the forefront of my consciousness and began to cry with relief. ‘I'm finally free! Ahhh it feels so good, so unbelievably good’. I looked up at Tom and he saw me and started crying “ahh my sweet love, my sweet, sweet love” and held me tight and rocked me gently. Oh how I relished the embrace.
Afterwards I asked Tom what he had seen when he looked into my eyes. “So much sadness and hurt” he answered, “like a lost little girl”. The hardness melted away.
“It feels so good to be here after so long”, I cried. So good to be out of the darkness and bathed in love.

After I fell back into Tom arms and lay on his chest and a beautiful peace. Ever since I first made the MS connection my head had not stopped ticking, analyzing, striving to make sense and understand. Now I was finally able to stop and just be. Ahhh bliss.

It was after that to my out look began to shift, this wasn't just going to be a journey of hardship and struggle, there was going to be incredible joy as well.

[onawah]

More recent info on Lyme Disease here: post# 6237
http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?3596-Up-At-The-Ranch-And-Beyond/page312

[onawah]

Christy, your struggle sounds very familiar.


"Recently I began to feel that the end of my quest for unity was approaching but that the last aspect to emerge from the depths was the scariest of all. I had glimpsed it in the past. One of the ways it appeared to me was as a vicious wounded animal stuck deep in a dark cave. The scary beast would lash and anything that approached. I knew that to complete myself I would need to embrace this dark, frightening aspect, but I didn't really know how.

In the meantime my search introduced me to two aspects that I came to call the Divine Whore and the Prima Donna. The Divine Whore is animalistic, sensual, free, aggressive, raunchy, and cocky. Whereas the Prima Donna is wholesome, sweet, prudish, judgmental, constrained, and refined. Needless to say these two aspects did not think much of each other. A few weeks ago, while working with these aspects I managed to create a constructive dialogue between the two. It was an extremely dynamic and rewarding dialogue which acted to heal the rift and bring not only peace between them, but a mutual understanding and respect.

It was shortly afterwards I finally found myself faced with the dark frightening energy that I had previously only glimpsed. The resolution between the Divine Whore the Prima Donna appeared to be the key to accessing this part of myself. Rather than approach with fear I showered this aspect with love and offered to release it from its dark confines and bring it up into the light of consciousness. In that moment I felt a deep, unified, harmonious love wash over me."


Those two archetypal aspects of the Divine Feminine have been focal to my spiritual search and my being as well, for most of my adult life.
From identifying myself with the roles of Free Love/ Flower Child/Living Foods/Tantric practitioner to Zen nun/ Vedanta Renunciate/Wiccan/Devotee of the Divine Mother, my seemingly dual personality has fluctuated between those two poles and still does, even into my 60s.
Though without nearly so much outer fanfare nowadays, of course...

I think this process for everyone, men and women both, is ultimately about acceptance and trust in the Universal process, though in men and women the archetypes through which that plays out are somewhat different.

And though the causes of your health challenges may be somewhat different from mine, the symptoms are very similar, and the encephalitis-like symptom, which I also deal with, has been one of the scariest seeming to me, though not as much anymore.
But I have been dealing with that and the other symptoms now one way or another for most of my life, since my polio vaccine when I was 7, and it has taught me through first hand experience that our minds are not really as dependent on our physical brains as science has led us to believe.
When we leave our bodies, we are no less conscious, and so our brains are not really as necessary to our thought processes as we think, and our hearts are much more core to our being and our consciousness than science ever realized until recently, in any case...

I think spiritual practice and keeping our connection to Nature strong and evolving are very effective in helping us to focus our mental capacity into our non-physical bodies, and our sensitivity and perceptiveness may actually become more acute in some ways as we learn to do that.
Though we may feel at times we must do this out of necessity because of our health challenges, I too think that it has been an elective process to some extent as well, as such challenges can be wonderful teachers.

The goal of spirituality as I interpret it and as often defined traditionally in Zen, Vedanta and other paths, is to reach a balance that accepts both the darkness and the light of duality unequivocally.
For me, the inner exploration of both the sacred and the profane aspects of the Divine Feminine in my own being have been the core agents for this process, and I would imagine that is true for many woman who are going through the ancient "enlightenment" process and the current "Ascension" process (or whatever you want to call it), if indeed they are really very different.

Exploring our sexuality can be very useful in that process as the extremes of the sacred and profane are both so pronounced.
Releasing the cultural inhibitions that prevent us from even looking at those extremes in our own makeup can be very freeing --and we don't even have to act them out, just accept them...
The further we go into it, the more the deep, dark scary aspects come up for review, just as the most sublime and rarefied aspects do.

The key word, I think, is balance.
When we reach that, I think the roller coaster ride transmutes into something much more subtle, serene and less dramatic, and probably much more interesting in many ways, too...
Though when we look back on it, or see it in hologram vision (since time is an illusion), I imagine it becomes apparent it's been quite a fascinating journey, all along the way.
But it looks like we are in for BIG changes now, and I think I am about ready for that!

:wave: :hug:

[enfoldedblue]

Thanks for your reply Onawah. I didn't realize the type of symptoms you had. It is amazing how we can adapt. What initially can seem like a nightmare, can ultimately become normal once we have processed the fear.

We are such fascinating, complex creatures with so many layers and aspects to ourselves. And I agree the key does seem to be balance :) .

[onawah]

When the doctor who told me about the contamination in the SV polio vaccine and the symptoms it created it was bad enough, but when he specifically mentioned encephalitis, I freaked, with visual images of a swelling brain, deformed skull and resulting permanent retardation.
But it's not that--it's just an ongoing slow deterioration continuously counteracted by the methods I have learned to slow it down as much as possible, such as taking aloe and curcumin for the inflammation, etc. building the immune system through various other supplements and so on.
Overcoming the fear is definitely a big step!

[enfoldedblue]

Yes that would have been very scary to hear that. And infuriating that it was the result of something that was 'supposed' to protect you!! Sounds like you are handling it fabulously though. When we can move past anger and fear and focus on healing...I think we make significant progress.

BTW I took my first drop of MMS last night. I wasn't nauseous, but my body is very sensitive and I could feel it working. Felt a bit weird. Tonight I will take one more then try 2 the following evening.

LOVE to you xx

[Sidney]

More recent info on Lyme Disease here: post# 6237
http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?3596-Up-At-The-Ranch-And-Beyond/page312

Just wanted to make it a bit easier to access. The Lyme disease part is in the first half of the show. Thank you onawah, i had not seen that program. Listening now. :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU4OHHWTbxM

[onawah]

More good info here:
http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?62974-Lyme-Disease&p=724850#post724850