The Marshall Protocol Study Site > PROGRESS REPORTS [members in study cohort] > Phase One Alumni Forum > Natalie's Story..
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The Marshall Protocol Study Site > PROGRESS REPORTS [members in study cohort] > Phase One Alumni Forum > Natalie's Story.. |
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natalie17 Moderator 
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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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natalie17 Moderator
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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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Marber144 Member in Phase 2 
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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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Deb Grabetz Member in Phase 3 
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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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wind flower Member in Phase 1
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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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wind flower Member in Phase 1
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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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Ron Member in Phase 2 
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 Congratulations from The Netherlands!!! Ron |
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Sunset Health Professional
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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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Sunbeam Member in Phase 2
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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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Jeannine Board Staff 
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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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natalie17 Moderator
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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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natalie17 Moderator
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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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Dr Trevor Marshall Research Team 
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Vicki SA Member in Phase 3 
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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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Deb Grabetz Member in Phase 3
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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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Aunt Diana Moderator 
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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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Scarlett Member in Phase 3
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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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Lottis Health Professional 
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Wonderful the read this! Your progress makes me so very, very happy!!! /Lottis |
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eClaire Member in Phase 2 
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Yeah!!! is all I have to say! |
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Sunbeam Member in Phase 2
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Fantastic Natalie. Go, go, go! This year will be even better. Take care, Lynn. |
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k Member in Phase 3
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Just wanted to add my Congratulations too Natalie! I can totally relate - especially the "I want to test this...", you know, expecting payback etc... and it not coming. Being so used to "oh I can't do this, I can't do that because... it'll be too loud / bright / I'll have to stand / I'll have to walk (more than two metres) / there aren't benches/seats where I'll be able to rest / there's 4 stairs you need to go up to get there.... etc etc". It's so exciting isn't it!!!!!!!!! WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!! take care, k |
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HeatherK Member in Phase 2 
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Oh Natalie!!! I so needed to read this thread this morning, so happy for you...teary!!!! (we need a tears of JOY smiley icon). Wow 2 days in a row, that is awesome. When once we had no hope of ever this fatigue lifting . I am remembering those days too of "I just cant do this because....." I am encouraged to keep at this, even on a day 8 and my shoulder is paining...oh my. When pain lets up I realize I do have more energy consistently too..whoopee! I am not out in daylight yet, but looking forward to evening outings this summer. Cheers Heather |
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ake Member in Phase 3 
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Fantastic Natalie. Your story makes me happy. What can life be beutiful Ake l |
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natalie17 Moderator
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Thanks to all above - everyone I speak to on here is amazing. It just keeps getting better.. My first weekend away (at my partner's beach house for 2 nights) in over 3 years;   (Note NoIRS in hand in first image!). Words cannot describe how thankful I am for the MP right now. I've said it before & I'll say it again - no, immunopathology is not fun but it is SO worth it. Nat |
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Carole Board Staff 
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CONGRATULATIONS, Natalie! Your story is so inspirational! Wishing you many more gigantic leaps on your timeline to wellness! . . . Carole  |
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Dr Trevor Marshall Research Team
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HeatherK Member in Phase 2
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Natalie!!!! These pics are Soooo exciting! I am absolutey thrilled for you. Just love your grin!!! I do notice it is a slightly overcast day. To be able to experience all senses at the beach, the surf, the wind, the gulls, and barefoot in the water, oh what a pleasure..... We have shared before how we both miss the beach. You give me so much hope. I am not there yet but I think I will print off these pics and keep them handy to keep me encouraged 3 hip-hip--hurrahs for the MP ! So Happy for you Heather Last edited on Sun May 10th, 2009 16:16 by HeatherK |
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Sheila-Fl Member in Phase 2 
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CONGRATULATIONS....................I will be looking forward to seeing more pictures of you as you blossom, like watching those time-elapsed photos of flowers blooming. Sheila |
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Caitiegirl Member in Phase 2
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Wow Natalie! You have come such a long way! Congratulations! *\o/* Mindy |
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Julia Member in Phase 3 
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k Member in Phase 3
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My congratulations too Natalie. Very excited and happy for you. regards, k |
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ake Member in Phase 3
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Nice to see you so happy. How precious health is. It makes us grateful people. Thanks to the MP Ake |
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BARNEY Moderator 
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MP is very worth it Natalie and you are a good example of that...you look beautiful and happy. HANG IN THERE, WE WILL MAKE IT!!!BARNEY |
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jayemcee Member in Phase 3
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You certainly do look radiant Natalie. With the wind in your hair and the water lapping around your feet, you certainly would have had a sense of freedom and exhiliration after so long in confinement. May there be much more joy and freedom to experience in the coming weeks/months. Cheers, Jan |
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Sunbeam Member in Phase 2
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Wonderful new Natalie. You give us all so much hope. keep up the good work, Take care, Lynn. |
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natalie17 Moderator
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Thanks to all above. Julia - I wouldn't say restored yet, but definitely getting there. Today is my 2 year MP anniversary. I think back to two years ago, when I started. Barely or unable to move or speak at times. In constant pain. Unable to stand up. My 21st birthday was the worst birthday of my life, and 2007 the worst year of my life. I used to always say "I know I'm not, but I feel like I'm dying". No more. No symptoms that the MP has helped me rid have returned. I couldn't even list what has improved because there's so many little things that have, but this is a fantastic example; The other day I was speaking to someone about how I am frustrated I can't go out more, work, study, drive everywhere - basically do what I want when I want. He asked me what I'd done on the weekend and I told him that I had lunch at outdoors at a cafe. He pointed out all the different things that I had achieved, simultaneously, in doing that that, 2 years ago, I couldn't have handled any of the elements. Even alone. - I woke up and made my own breakfast. Ate it sitting up in the kitchen. - I checked my emails and responded to all 18. - I showered, standing (I have gotten rid of the chair!). - I blow dried my hair. - I got dressed (about 12 times as I didn't know what to wear!). - I got in a car and was driven 20 minutes (each way). - I listened to loud music in the car. - I sat up for much more than 2 minutes. - I ate most of a serving of pumpkin lasagna (no way I could handle the fat & carbs in that 2 years ago). I felt full, not sick. - I ate it in almost direct sunlight to no effect. - I ate it whilst talking to Max. - I ate it whilst talking to Max having to isolate his voice from all the other voices coming from tables around us. - I got home and did physical activity for 3+ hours (interactive game, Wii for those who know it). - I cooked my own dinner. - I sat up at the dinner table with my family and ate my dinner. - I stayed up until 2am watching Tour De France with Max (he is a fan). This was after taking a shopping trip twice in the 3 days prior. I was fine the day after. ... I think that speaks for itself! I am currently on an abx break (25mgs mino qod only to keep knee pain at bay) and am taking it day by day. Trying not to think ahead. 35 days since last Zith. We'll see.. I'm hoping 2010 will be 'my year', and 2011 will see a return of normal life. Thanks to all who send me PMs, emails etc in support when I write posts. Your experiences are priceless to me. Natalie |
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k Member in Phase 3
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Happy 2 Year MP Anniversary and Congratulations!!! Absolutely WONDERFUL and inspirational to read of all your progress. I am so happy for you!!!! I agree with your friend, that certainly is some day. I'm not up to that much activity in one day yet... hopefully it is not too far away. k Last edited on Fri Jul 31st, 2009 04:07 by k |
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Sallie Q Member in Phase 3 
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natalie17 wrote: "No symptoms that the MP has helped me rid have returned. I couldn't even list what has improved because there's so many little things that have, " - Surely does, that's awesome Natalienice that you are celebrating your Happy Anniversary |
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marion villa Member in Phase 3 
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really beautiful! congratulations dear Natalie!!! |
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BARNEY Moderator
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Natalie, I am with you, there are so many little things that MP has healed that I only remember them when someone new posts and names somethings they have had wrong. No more migraines, asthma problems (breathing), MCS and my hips have been the big ones that I truly love. We really should have kept better records, I guess....cause the old saying comes in here.............out of sight, out of mind. Karna’s thoughts: Sometimes I just need reminding that it's not about winning the race, it's about just crossing that finish line. Drink plenty of water, xtra (sea) salt (regular salt is mostly chemicals) as needed, lots of rest while avoiding the sun and avoiding Vit D in your foods!!!!! HANG IN THERE, WE WILL MAKE BARNEY |
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Deb Grabetz Member in Phase 3
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Hello Natalie! Wow! Somehow my link to your thread was not coming to me...and I missed all of your beautiful pictures and updates! When I think back to the young woman I read about who could hardly move from her couch, much less consider going up and down stairs and see these beautiful pics of you outside and looking healthy again I am overcome with joy!!! Great to see Natalie...You are hope, You are inspiration, You are the work of the Marshall Protocol! |
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