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natalie17
Moderator
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Posted: Mon May 19th, 2008 07:28 |
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Natalie's phase 1 thread - http://www.marshallprotocol.com/forum20/10017.html
Before I started the MP I was severely effected with CFS/ME/CFIDS for two years after being diagnosed with glandular fever in August of 2005. In March of 2007 I became worse after two courses of antibiotics (amoxicillin).
From that point on I was mainly bed bound (only up to use the loo/shower in a chair, had insane insomnia, had trouble digesting, had periods of paralysis at least once a week, extreme orthostatic intolerance, extreme congnitive dysfunction (unable to read, use the computer much or even look at too many things at once or my symptoms would increase). I found it difficult then to find peopel who were as ill as me with CFS/ME on the MP. A quick search now & a few pm's shows there are plenty of us.
I have been on the MP for 10 months. I was overwhelmed when my doctor first suggested it & sent me the information, but I soon got used to the lifestyle.
Although still mainly bed bound, I have experienced many improvements (I am smiling as I am writing this because when I think about the collectively, I have come such a long way). Some of these imrpovements include;
- Extreme insomnia has disappeared completely.
- Ability to digest a wider variety of foods.
- HUGELY improved cognitive function (I can now watch tv at night, listen to some music & use the pc for up to 6 hours a day - all impossible on any level pre-MP, amongst other things).
- I can now talk for more than 1 minute & no longer lose my voice for any amount of time.
- I no longer experience any paralysis (& haven't since beginning phase 2). This is the improvement that has made me the happiest  .
- I am now able to wander around a bit - I even regularly walk down the full flight of stairs in my home!
- I can have a visitor for up to 3 hours as opposed to the 20 minutes I could tolerate before, & carry conversation the whole time.
- I can talk on the phone again, it's still limited but was impossible before.
- I can read short articles & small sections of books.
- I had recurring "ear infections" that doctor's could not find evidence of before starting the Marshall Protocol. They have since resolved & I now know they weren't ear infections. I also experienced blocked ears & itchiness, as well as a strange dampness in the ears.
There are many more improvements, such as my family commenting on how much more clearly I speak, but as you can see even though I am still mainly bed bound, my health is improving already - & I wasn't expecting that until uch further into the protocol.
I am a vegetarian which makes the diet for the protocol a little more difficult, but I assure any vegetarians considering the protocol that it does not make it impossible. I would be happy to offer any food ideas to fellow vegetarians.
Things I have learnt on the MP/about the MP;
- An (at least) basic understanding of the science behind it helps you to understand what your body is experiencing.
- Go slowly. The moderators/other members/your doctor will say it a lot to you but slow & steady really will win the race. Never let your IP get out of hand (which will happen if you go too fast).
- Listen to your body. You get a lot better at this as you go along. I find now my body clearly tells me when it's time to change a dose & I find trying to plan it ahead (I will increase to x in x days) is useless.
- You really do need to be patient & the guidelines really are there for a reason. If you think that covering up in the sun or wearing NoIRS is silly a minute in the sun is good at proving most people wrong.
- Increasing the frequency of your benicar when IP worsens really does help.
Apart from this site, two things have helped me a lot through the MP - pm-ing other members & speaking to them, & http://www.bacteriality.com.
The only thing I regret about the MP is not learning about it & starting it sooner.
Natalie
June 08:
I took a break just 3 months into the protocol (I hadn't yet mastered managing IP & it got way out of hand) & even then, only being off the abx (still on the benicar) for 2 weeks, I noticed a huge improvement. This bed bound girl cleaned her room - wardrobe, draws, the lot - in one day! I was amazed. I haven't been able to do it again, but it's getting easier to feel the improvements through the 'IP fog' as I call it.
I didn't find it hard to go back on it because I knew if I felt that good after 3 months.. imagine how I'd feel after 3 years!
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CFS/ME| Inderal Clonazepam OC | Sept06 1,25D=75 Jun09 25D<4.4| avoid D, sunscreen when out | Ph?? |MP Knowledge Base
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natalie17
Moderator
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Posted: Thu Sep 18th, 2008 06:57 |
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Oh wow, writing these always brings tears to my eyes (of joy).
Well tomorrow is my 22nd birthday and what better way to start off celebrating than to acknowledge all the improvements I've had so far thanks to the MP.
If anyone reading this has followed me from the start you will rememeber me talking about my 21st birthday.. it seems like last month. I managed to sit up, leaning heavily on the table with my immediate family, for about 3 minutes on my 21st birthday, and I suffered for the week following.
How far have I come? Well.. plans for this birthday include a few hours with my 4 cloest girlfriends tonight, a dinner with my partner tomorrow night, a visit from my partners parents Saturday afternoon and a 3 course dinner with my family Saturday night.
...... and I can sit up for all of that. In fact, when using my laptop, even though it's always on my bed, I never have to lie down anymore. I am always sitting up, supporting myself .
Now to more of a list format...
Carrying on from my last alumni post...
- Extreme insomnia has disappeared completely - still stands.
- Ability to digest a wider variety of foods - still stands.
- HUGELY improved cognitive function (I can now watch tv at night, listen to some music & use the pc for up to 6 hours a day - all impossible on any level pre-MP, amongst other things). - Now I can watch TV whenever I want, listen to music every day and use the PC as much as I like.
- I can now talk for more than 1 minute & no longer lose my voice for any amount of time. - I now speak on the phone for up to and sometimes over an hour at least once a week. People who have followed me on the phone have commented how much clearer I speak.
- I no longer experience any paralysis (& haven't since beginning phase 2). This is the improvement that has made me the happiest . - Still no paralysis!
- I am now able to wander around a bit - I even regularly walk down the full flight of stairs in my home! - I now walk down the stairs at least once a day, and walk up a full flight of stairs, un-aided, at least once a week
- I can have a visitor for up to 3 hours as opposed to the 20 minutes I could tolerate before, & carry conversation the whole time. - I can now have multiple visitors and sit up for the entire visit at a dining table.
- I can read short articles & small sections of books. - I have read a few light novels.
New Improvements -
- My weight has stabilised. I am no longer dropping weight.
- My blood tests are showing improvement. Things that haven't been normal in years have returned to normal and are staying that way.
- Brain fog is pretty in-frequent. As most of you would recognise I am now clear-minded enough to help out here .
- I have more physical energy. I can dance for 10 minutes if I choose to (most days). It does push my limits, but when I do 'push it', it takes the rest of the day at most to recover, where as it used to take a week or more. Obviously I don't actually reccommend pushing yourself.
- I can listen to music every day. I know I already mentioned that above but it's just a recent realisation and it makes me SO happy.
- I have been taken for a few short drives at night... with NO pay back .
- I understand things when they're explained to me. Ie. a year ago I could not do a simple maths equation in my head - now I can easily.
- There is only about 2 days a month where I am not well enough or not up to a visitor.
- There are also only about 2 days a month when I am down about my situation. I guess that's because it's improving so much!
- I also had a day where my mood just flipped. I didn't realise I was an unhappy or down person (I always thought I was very up-beat) until a couple of months ago when all of a sudden I felt this joy that I don't ever rememebr experiencing.. and it's stuck around .
I am still mainly bed bound, I am still pretty much completely house bound, and I am still a very sick woman... long way to go. But I am getting better! The IP, the taking tablets, the avoiding mushrooms (the only thing I actually miss at this point) is trivial when I consider how much I am improving.. and I had a diagnosis of very severe CFS/ME and didn't expect to see any improvements until at least the 18 month-2 year mark.
If you haven't started the MP yet and you're reading this... it is hard. It requires more discipline and determination than anything else I've ever had to do, and the IP/herx is uncomfortable. But my goodness.. if I could just show you a clip of what I was like pre-MP, and what I am like now.. you would be amazed.
To give some idea.. pre-MP I lay on my back all day, doing nothing. I stared at the roof because any other images (such as looking at my desk) would send me paralysed.. so the white roof was easiest. Music, TV, doing too much of anything (speaking to someone for more than 2 minutes) would send me paralysed. I could barely read or type. I used the PC only to report my MP progress... sometimes I was so weak I could not pick up a fork to eat my dinner and would lie down next to my plate and try to scoop my food into my mouth (I refused to let anyone feed me because I was in denial about the severeity of my illness).
Now look at me... (above)! I even manage to eat downstairs with my family once a week .
I wish I could jump out of the computer screen and show you how insanely happy I am and how grateful for the MP I am.
Imagine what my alumni post will be like in a year on my 23rd birthday... stay tuned...
I now know I'll be able to go back to study one day, buy a house with my partner, have children.. do whatever I want. When? Who cares.. it's going to happen, and I couldn't say that before.
Life is exciting again
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CFS/ME| Inderal Clonazepam OC | Sept06 1,25D=75 Jun09 25D<4.4| avoid D, sunscreen when out | Ph?? |MP Knowledge Base
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Marber144
Member in Phase 2
| Joined: | Wed Mar 5th, 2008 |
| Location: | Connecticut USA |
| Posts: | 92 |
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Posted: Thu Sep 18th, 2008 09:01 |
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Good Morning, Natalie!  ~~~~HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY!!!~~~~
Thank you for sharing your progress with us and for also helping us newer ones with our learning MP. Your world has opened up (from gazing at your ceiling) & you are now blessing us all. CONGRATULATIONS on your BD & on your progress!! Enjoy your time with friends and family...!
~ Martha 
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Lyme Bart Babs Erlich Dx'00| DDD&HashimotoDx'01| OA Dx'90| HTN Dx'99|FM Dx'03|ApneaDx'06| Levoxyl Mucinex| 25D:Mar08/Jul08/Oct08/Jan&Apr09/Oct09= 14/20/11/9/7 ~125D:60 ~~~Beni:Jun08 Ph1:Jul08 Ph2:Aug08 ModPh2:Aug09~~~
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Deb Grabetz
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Thu Sep 18th, 2008 14:15 |
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Hello Natalie and a very Happy Birthday!
What joy to read a report like yours...as a mom of two daughters close to your age, I was also thinking about your family. They must be celebrating another year of your life with such hope for your future!!! Oh happy day...xoDeb
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Sarcoidosis/lungs, lymph,liver, GI, neuro, D125,42,D125,18 (5/09) Ph1,7/07, Ph2,3/08,cover up, NoIRs, low lux home,Back to work after 2 yrs; 4/07D25/11 1/08D25-0 Weaned Pred with MP/Massage
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wind flower
Member in Phase 1
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Posted: Thu Sep 18th, 2008 20:14 |
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| Natalie, you are seeing amazing improvement, I'm so happy for you. You are wise beyond your years due to such loss of health at your age. You will never be one to take anything in life for granted. You've been blessed with a giving soul that enables you to reach out of your own illness and dedicate time to helping and counseling others. Best wishes to you as you continue to restore your health...I'll be looking forward to your 23rd birthday update! wind flower
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Rheumatoid Arthritis/joint pain/depressed spirit
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wind flower
Member in Phase 1
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Posted: Thu Sep 18th, 2008 20:14 |
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| Natalie, you are seeing amazing improvement, I'm so happy for you. You are wise beyond your years due to such loss of health at your age. You will never be one to take anything in life for granted. You've been blessed with a giving soul that enables you to reach out of your own illness and dedicate time to helping and counseling others. Best wishes to you as you continue to restore your health...I'll be looking forward to your 23rd birthday update! wind flower
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Rheumatoid Arthritis/joint pain/depressed spirit
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Ron
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Fri Sep 19th, 2008 01:59 |
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Congratulations from The Netherlands!!!
Ron
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Dad with RA, MP 01/08| 25D-16.8| Apr08 7.1 Sep08 11.6 Mar09 7.6 Jul09 17 Dec09 10.4| oxycodon, NoIRs, limited outings covered up
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Sunset
Health Professional
| Joined: | Tue Oct 16th, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 119 |
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Posted: Fri Sep 19th, 2008 04:52 |
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Natalie, your story is inspiring. I have days now, like you use to have, that make me want to just give up. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, it's nice to know that there may really be a light at the end of the tunnel.
warm regards,
Sunset
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FM, CFS, migr HA, low adrenal, RBC coinfection 11/07 1,25D70, 25D48, 7/08 25-D 21;11/08 25-D 22; 2/09 25-D 15.6; 7/09 25-D 11; 10/09 25-D 5ng/mL. olmesart 40mg+20mg SL, T4 25mcg QAM, T3 7.5mcg BID. NoIRs/limit lite exp
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Sunbeam
Member in Phase 2
| Joined: | Thu Dec 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Perth, Australia |
| Posts: | 358 |
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Posted: Sat Sep 20th, 2008 11:36 |
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Hi Natalie,
I'm so happy to read your latest post. it is wonderfu to see your writings and to know that all is going so well for you. Have a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends.
Cheers to the Birthday Girl!!
Lynn
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CFS. gen neuro. muscular tightening whole body pulsates|ADL's limited| 125D 30 MP 4/07 Panadol Mersyndol Noirs. Low lux home homebound. ph 2 1/2/08 25D <6 8/08
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Jeannine
Board Staff
| Joined: | Sun Aug 28th, 2005 |
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Posted: Sun Sep 21st, 2008 06:48 |
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Tears of joy for you! Thank you for all you do here on the sites! I am enjoying to getting to know you my MP friend!
Jeannine
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CFS FM Lyme Morgellon's Depression/Anxiety 125D49 Ph1Aug06 25D <4(april 08)Prozac Valium Aleve ModPh2May07 Ph2Apr08 NoIRs limited outings covered lo lux home
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natalie17
Moderator
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Posted: Mon Sep 29th, 2008 10:42 |
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Just wanted to say thank you to all for the lovely birthday messages. The MP is a wonderful community to be a part of.
Also wanted to let you all know that not only did I survive my 3 nights of consectuive birthday celebrations well and then have two visitors the week after - but this past Saturday I managed to drive a car for 5-10 minutes .
First time in two years and it was an amazing feeling!
Take care to all.. we're all so insanely lucky to be on this treatment.
Nat 
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CFS/ME| Inderal Clonazepam OC | Sept06 1,25D=75 Jun09 25D<4.4| avoid D, sunscreen when out | Ph?? |MP Knowledge Base
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natalie17
Moderator
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Posted: Sun Jan 11th, 2009 07:44 |
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I'm so happy that I just have to post right now.
Keep in mind, as you read this, that about 2 years ago I genuinely thought I'd never leave the house again and was preparing myself for that life.
Yesterday, the 10/01/09, I went down to the local shops and bought some nuts, walked around on the main road a bit (in the sun) etc, about an hours outing all up. I arrived home and played Wii - for those of you unfamiliar with Wii, I was playing a sports game where you use the controller (a Wii is a console, similar to a playstation etc) as if it were the actual racket/baseball bat/etc you are using it as on screen. I played tennis (standing, swinging my arms about) for a good two hours. I can do this most days now, but the fact I did it the same day as an outing was really great and new.
Fantastic day - but it gets better.
This morning (11/01/09) I woke up feeling like i had the energy to do something again. Not that I've ever wavered in my 'faith' that the MP is, in fact, a cure, but I said to myself 'ok, I am going to test this'. For those without CFS/ME, our good days are usually followed by days of needing rest and excess symptoms. I didn't wake up this way, so I wanted to test the MP (sorry Dr. M, but I like to do my own experiments too!).
I got up, showered (still sitting), dressed up in my MP friendly gear and got in the car (my partner drove). He asked me where I wanted to go and I explained I wanted to go to a large shopping centre/mall 15 minutes away just to see it (it's been extended since I've been ill).
We got there, and I got out, and then I walked half the length of the mall, entering numerous shops, bought a top - no breaks to sit. Amazing! I had tears in my eyes I was so happy. I took photos just because I don't think I'll believe I did it yesterday.
Back in the car to go home, and my body still said it was ok (I left the shopping centre in fear I wouldn't make it back to the car - and it was very loud etc). Before arriving home, we walked through 4 display homes in two different locations (we're looking at property at the moment).. amazing again! I tried to go for a 3rd display location but was too tired - and the too tired meant me getting out of the car, standing, and going "I could do it, but if I do, I'll suffer'.
.. and now I am here, typing all of this, telling you. I am completely mentally alert, I am sitting up on my bed with no support to my back, I have tried on the top I bought (which has about 15 buttons - I never used to be able to handle buttons as it hurt my hands) and I am talking to Mum as I type!
Yes, I am very fatigued and have increased symptoms, but I did it. I can do it. It was an impossibility before. My body said I could and I could.. two days in a row. Biggest evidence yet that it's not just improvement in my CFS/ME, or a good day - but I'm actually being cured. Cured!
Can't tell you how happy I am right now. Wish this sort of happiness (especially the happiness I experienced when I entered the shopping centre) to every single one of you! It is so worth all the work.
Nat x
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CFS/ME| Inderal Clonazepam OC | Sept06 1,25D=75 Jun09 25D<4.4| avoid D, sunscreen when out | Ph?? |MP Knowledge Base
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Dr Trevor Marshall
Foundation Staff
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Posted: Sun Jan 11th, 2009 08:56 |
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Vicki SA
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Sun Jan 11th, 2009 08:58 |
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G'day Natalie,
So good to hear you news! I hope you just keep on improving as I have done.
After 3 years on the MP, I can now do things everyday and any recovery needed generally happens overnight. The time I need to spend horizontal everyday just continues to drop. December's average was 10.75hours/day and that is pretty normal I reckon. I just keep getting more active and this is such a buzz to those of us with ME/CFS. It is so great to be able to do more things in a day!
All the best,
Cheerio Vicki
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ME/CFS 2000, Splenectomy, 8/05 - 1,25D51,25D16.5, Ph1 12/05, Ph3 1/07, Zoton 30mg, 2008 - cover with light r/t Work 3/7, NoIRs, hat, cover well, invis. zinc for outside, low lux home, Sept08 25D - 8
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Deb Grabetz
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Sun Jan 11th, 2009 13:12 |
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Nat WOW --what great news! When I commenced the MP you were a pretty sick young lady also. I used to think a lot about you because you have so much life out there to live and it just didn't seem fair that you were struggling so. Yeah, Nat, I know sometimes life isn't fair but when I look at you I think of my own young adult children --and although I was treading water myself, I think somehow being older made it easier for me to accept!
This is such wonderful news...and another success story for us all to applaud and be grateful for...  I was getting a little teary myself reading your post...I so remember being in that place when I started feeling well...it is hard to explain to anyone who has not been ill...but for those of us who begin to rally it is an incredible thing to witness!
Many more "good signs" Nat...you surely deserve them! Deb
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Sarcoidosis/lungs, lymph,liver, GI, neuro, D125,42,D125,18 (5/09) Ph1,7/07, Ph2,3/08,cover up, NoIRs, low lux home,Back to work after 2 yrs; 4/07D25/11 1/08D25-0 Weaned Pred with MP/Massage
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Aunt Diana
Moderator
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Posted: Sun Jan 11th, 2009 20:48 |
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I know exactly how you feel....I am so happy for you, and for me, and for all of us; because this is real and it works!!! It's like "pinch me" to make sure I'm not dreaming that's how wonderful this is.
Thank you Dr. Marshall
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Lyme 1987, neuro cardio fatigue achiness brain fog depression, anxiety. Pacemaker, D.1,25 32; D <5; 12/07 <6, hydrocodone, lorazapam, benedryl, zantac, colase, Noirs, cover-up or avoid sun, house <30lux. Feb 08 Phase 3. 6/08 D <4, D1,25
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Scarlett
Member in Phase 3
| Joined: | Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 120 |
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Posted: Sun Jan 11th, 2009 22:59 |
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Natalie,
Thank you for taking the time and energy to share with all of us on the MP your wonderful news. We all need encouragement and your post did just that!!!
Scarlett
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Sarcoidosis, gastric paresis, osteopenia, hypotension, migraines, dry eye,insomnia, transient global amnesia,endometrosis. Initial 125D48, 25D58, MP-3/3/08, PhaseII-3/28, Phase III 11/08 D Level 18 as of 5/09
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Lottis
Health Professional
| Joined: | Sun Jan 21st, 2007 |
| Location: | Sweden |
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Posted: Mon Jan 12th, 2009 09:24 |
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Wonderful the read this! Your progress makes me so very, very happy!!!
/Lottis
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HTN,LVH,CHF,arrhythmia,hypercholesterol,IBS? fibromyalgia?salivarystones,gallstones,ect...|15feb-07 init. 1,25D 37,5,|25-D 7,8(latest 15/2-07)| Ph1 29/7-08| Palliativ Meds. at the present; |Zoloft|NoIR's|covered up|disabled|
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eClaire
Member in Phase 2
| Joined: | Mon Sep 25th, 2006 |
| Location: | Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 837 |
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Posted: Mon Jan 12th, 2009 15:36 |
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| Yeah!!! is all I have to say!
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38mo on MP; CFS FMS MCS COPD hypermob. IBS/GERD osteopor.; 125D48 25D<4;
NoIRs during most daylight outings & covered up; home w/o NoIRs
Ph1.Dec06 * ModPh2.Jun07 * AbxBrk.Mar-May08 * Ph2.Oct-Nov08 * Ph1.Jan2009
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Sunbeam
Member in Phase 2
| Joined: | Thu Dec 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Perth, Australia |
| Posts: | 358 |
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Posted: Wed Jan 28th, 2009 03:36 |
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Fantastic Natalie. Go, go, go! This year will be even better.
Take care, Lynn.
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CFS. gen neuro. muscular tightening whole body pulsates|ADL's limited| 125D 30 MP 4/07 Panadol Mersyndol Noirs. Low lux home homebound. ph 2 1/2/08 25D <6 8/08
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