Hormones and MS

Here is new research that supports an older idea, that increasing hormone levels may promote remyelinization: http://www2.cnrs.fr/sites/en/fichier/cp_sclerose_english.pdf.

Given that hormone (or pseudo-hormone) therapy is probably much cheaper and less dangerous than the drugs out there, many or most of which are of questionable value, it would be wonderful if this were found to work in MSers, perhaps even those with SPMS and PPMS.

Survey of my readers

Wow!  It's been well over a month since my last posting... and according to the pageview statistics I still haven't lost all my readers!  Sorry for being so quiet, but besides enjoying the holidays (remember that we of Ukrainian ancestry get to enjoy TWO Christmases and TWO New Years in the space off three weeks!), I've been occupied with new physio activities and am busy with some volunteer activities.  With respect to physio, beside my usual (working out, swimming and yoga), I'm trying out Pilates (private lessons) to see if I can improve the strength of my left arm and leg - and so perhaps improve my mobility.

In any case, I have a couple of questions for my readers, one that was instigated by a friends question, and the other that came to mind because of my worries that an overseas trip I will be taking next month is going to aggravate my sciatica:

1. Has anyone had experience with Lyrica, especially for sciatic pain?  I have a prescription, but after reading about side effects I'm not sure I want to try it.
2. How many people have tried and/or are currently using marijuana for MS symptoms?  If so, what symptoms are you using it for, what form are you taking it, how effective is it (especially for pain)?

You can reply to my blog or e-mail me directly and I'll post any responses I receive as anonymous contributions, especially since we have a block-headed government that still continues to harass marijuana users.

Also, if you have any other pain mitigation techniques, I'd love to hear about them.  When I get some responses I'll also let you know my success with my two favorite methods: yoga and whiskey!