LDN & steroids HELP!!!!!

[Guest guest]

I came across this info on Dr. Lawerence's web site:

When starting this therapy in the treatment of MS, there may also be

some initial transient, though temporary, increase in MS symptoms.

Experience in using this method has demonstrated most commonly, such

as disturbed sleep, occasionally with vivid, bizarre and disturbing

dreams, tiredness, fatigue, spasm and pain. These increased symptoms

would not normally be expected to last more than seven to ten days.

Rarely, other transient symptoms have included more severe pain and

spasm, headache, diarrhea or vomiting. These additional symptoms

would appear to be associated with the previous frequent use of

strong analgesics, which effectively create an addiction and

dependency, thus increasing the body's sensitivity to pain. This

temporary increase in symptoms may also perhaps be explained when we

consider the manner in which this drug is expected to work.

Initially, MS occurs due to a reduction in the activity of the

controlling influence of the suppressor T-cells within the immune

system. During an acute relapse, the overall number of T-cells is

reduced, the normal balance of helper T-cells and suppressor T-cells

is disrupted and the damaging helper (CD-4) T-cells tend to

predominate. This is the situation most pronounced during an acute

relapse but occurs similarly, but to a lesser extent, in chronic

progressive MS. Under the influence of LDN there will be an expected

increase in the overall numbers of T-cells but, because the CD-4,

helper T-cells tend to predominate at this time, an increase in their

numbers will expectedly tend to increase MS symptoms. It is only when

the numbers of suppressor T-cells effectively " catch up " that the

normal balance is restored and symptoms once again diminish and

improve. In addition, because LDN stimulates the immune system and

many of the drugs routinely used by the NHS in the treatment of MS

further suppress the immune system, LDN cannot be used in company

with steroids, beta interferon, methotrexate, azathioprine or

mitozantrone or any other immune suppressant drug. If there is any

doubt, please submit a full list of the drugs you are presently

taking so that their compatibility may be assessed. In addition,

because LDN will also block the analgesic effects of any opiate drugs

(includes codeine, dihydrocodeine, morphine, pethidine or

diamorphine) presently being taken, the use of LDN will initially

greatly increase the level of pain experienced. It is therefore

advisable that any opiate-like drugs be discontinued at least two

weeks before this treatment is initiated. When starting the treatment

it is essential that any untoward or adverse side-effects are

reported immediately so that the treatment process can be further

assessed and, if necessary, modified. Dr. M R Lawrence, Registered

Office: Dietary Research Limited, 10 Heol Gerrig, Treboeth, Swansea,

West Glam SA5 9BP.

Telephone: 01792 – 417514; Company Registered Number 2615367

My sister in law got her LDN on Firday from Dr. , so she is on

day two. She has been on steroids for the past six months and a

codeine based pain killer. She stopped the pain killer (cold turkey)

two days befor starting the LDN but is still in the process of

weaning off the steroid. She has been on it for so long the Doctor

has her decreasing her dose by 5 mg every three days. At this rate

it will take her a month to be off it totally. Since starting the

LDN, she is experiencing more severe pain,diarrhea, stomach cramps

and more severe vision problems, much like Dr. lawerence states in

the info above.

Has anyone done both the steroids and the LDN? Do you think she

should stop the LDN until she's off the steroids. Dr. did not

indicate that any of this was a problem but now that I;ve read Dr.

Lawerence's info I am very concerned. I ant the LDN to help her ot

make her have more pain and suffering.

Does anyone have any expereince in this area. I sent an email to Dr.

lawerence asking these questions but do not know if he will respond.

Thanks.