Multiple Sclerosis – My Treatments

There are a number of treatments available to Multiple Sclerosis sufferers, although most appear to treat the symptoms rather than the condition itself. Check out this MS Treatments link for a very detailed account.

Some years ago I was offered Beta Interferon as the best bet for preventing further relapse. However, after discovering the possible side-effects and the method of administering the drug, I elected not to bother. At the time I was advised that this would be a daily self-administered injection and the side-effect would be a constant flu-like condition. Not a treatment that appealed a great deal. Beta Interferon is only available from certain NHS Trusts as it is a very expensive drug. As my MS symptoms are relatively minor compared to some, I didn’t think the benefits out-weighed the side-effects.

More recently, I have been prescribed  Prednisolone or Methylprednisolone, a steroid which claims to accelerate the recovery from relapse. I can report, that it appears to do just this, up to a point. I was prescribed a high initial dosage reducing over a two week period. The high dose treatment seemed to kick in wonderfully, but as the dosage decreased the multiple sclerosis symptoms began to re-appear. I can report that having completed this course of treatment the recovery from relapse was remarkably quick in comparison with my earlier relapses.

Now the embarrassing bit. Sildenafil (Viagra to you and I) supposed to give a boost to sexual performance and overcome the sexual dysfunctionality brought about by MS. All it did for me was give me a headache for about two days. But, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Sildenafil is not generally available on presciption from the NHS unless you have a recognised condition. Multiple Sclerosis IS one of those recognised. However, you will need to pluck up the courage to ask your GP for it.

Aimspro, Goat Blood Serum

Only recently, I was made aware of new treatment undergoing trials at the moment. Aimspro goat serum is derived from purified serum extracted from goat’s blood. It is thought that antibodies in the serum can help reduce the inflammation often associated with the myelin damage of the nervous system. Professor Angus Dalgleish of St George’s Hospital in South London has been conducting trials for three years. Dr. David Maizels of Kent has been treating patients on an ‘informed consent’ volunteer basis.

While the results of these trials have been very encouraging, the current trials are closed. However if the results continue to be encouraging, Aimspro goat serum may be available nationally in less than two years.

While this serum is being tried for the benefit of multiple sclerosis sufferers, it is believed that it may also be of help to those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Apparently, Aimspro was originally known as Caprivax, Daval obviously thought Aimspro was catchier! This information came from an article in the Daily Mail of April 27 2004.

For further information visit www.davalinternational.com.

It appears that this Aimspro treatment is gaining a lot of interest. Since I posted this article about the Aimspro goat blood serum almost 90% of the visitors coming to this page are searching for aimspro!

UPDATE: There has been a more recent article in the Daily Mail on 13th July 2004 about the goat’s blood serum, reporting that as many as 85% of patients on the trial are showing improvements with their symptoms. Read the FULL ARTICLE here.

Check out the Lobby Group link, above, for the latest.