Like most ALS patients, the idea of alternative treatment for ALS made me very hopeful back when I was diagnosed with ALS.
On the day I was diagnosed, Steven Shackel published an article in the ALS digest about the surprising results of his research on antioxidants. His website is filled with information on medicines, vitamins, minerals, theories, his studies and monthly evaluations. I used a plethora of antioxidants during the first two years of having ALS. Steven’s story is supported by Eric Gredney’s story.
During the same period I heard about Dr. Karsten Hagar, a German ALS patient who improved his health by ingesting 5000 IU of natural vit E everyday. I initially added this method to my programme, but stopped after 6 months.
In March of 1999 there was a lot of hubbub in America about the effects of Creatine, it supposedly being twice as effective as Rilutek. Creatine is also available for purchase in the Netherlands. I still use Creatine to this day because it makes my muscles feel less tired.
Since March of 2000 I have visited a neuropath on a bimonthly basis. He checks my blood for toxins and measures the energy lines of my central nervous system, making sure that they are energetic enough. I do not partake in alcohol, coffee or sugar. I feel like it improves my health. ALS patients are, of course, more susceptible to alternative treatments. After all, there is no medicine. Nonetheless, keep your head straight. Consider what the costs of treatment versus what the treatment actually achieves. I’ve put my faith in stem cell therapy, but that field of science is still in its infancy and won’t be helpful for at least another 10 years. I don’t keep up with new remedies anymore, be it alternative or scientific.