Steroids & LDN

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Here's what Bob Lawrence has to say about steroids and LDN

----- Original Message ----- From: Dr Bob Lawrence

Debbie Russo

Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2003 9:47 PM

Subject: RE:

Dear Ms Russo,

Of those in whom I have tried to introduce LDN while still on steroids the introductory period has been prolonged and traumatic. I now consider that because steroids suppress both the immune system and the adrenal gland (important in coping with the stress-associated increase in MS symptoms) it is essential that the steroids be discontinued at least two weeks before LDN is started.

Because LDN and steroids work in completely opposite directions there is little point in taking both at the same time.

It is like trying to boil a kettle of water while adding ice-cubes to the water. You will achieve nothing!!

Regarding your sister I fail to understand the lunacy of putting someone with a chronic disease on such a massive dose of steroids. The LDN is simply being wasted in opposition to such a dose. She must abandon the LDN until the steroids are completely stopped.

I must suggest however that, after long-term therapy with such high doses of steroids she will likely suffer an MS relapse when she tries to stop them. I have seen others, on much lower doses, who were simply unable to stop taking them, with the inevitable onset of increasing symptoms when the dose was reduced.

Your sister is experiencing increased pain and diarrhoea as withdrawal symptoms from the opiates. I had one similar patient who was on Tramadol (a synthetic opiate) who found it impossible to stop the drug due to similar withdrawal symptoms. Because of this obvious addiction she was completely unable to adopt the LDN.

I regret that this method of treatment has created a burden that your sister may not be able to bear.

I am very sorry that I am unable to offer a more optimistic view.

With kind regards,

Bob Lawrence

-----Original Message-----From: Debbie Russo [mailto:debbie_russo@...]Sent: 09 November 2003 19:15bob.lawrence@...Subject:

Dr. Lawrence:

My sister-in-law just started on a 3 mg dose of LDN. I have read your information MS Resource Center and you are the only person to suggest that LDN cannot be taken with steroids. My sister in law has been on prednisone for the last six months. She is in the process of weaning off this drug. She is down to 25 mg a day (has been taking 40 mg' s day for the past 2 months. The doctor told her to reduce the dose my 5 mg every week. She was also on a codeine painkiller for months. She stopped taking this "cold turkey" two days before begin the LDN.

Should she stop the LD treatment until she is off the steroids and has gotten the codeine out of her system? She is experiencing increased pain and diarrhea.

The doctor who prescribed the LDN did not think any of this was an issue.

Thanks for your response.

Debbie Russo