Question:

Poor Nikki, we will purr and pray that she starts feeling much better soon. Jazz & his mama — Irulan from the stars we come to the stars we return from now until the end of time

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yesterday, Nikki had a violent coughing attack, then threw up and was unsteady on her legs for a moment, then gasped for breath a few times before she seemed back to normal. I called TED and talked about the situation with her. I told her I’m not happy with giving Nikki Prednisone every day. She called in a prescription for another drug with the active ingredient theophylline (the brand name here in Finland is Retafyllin, but it’s manufactured by a Finnish company, so probably not known by that name elsewhere). It’s supposed to relax and open the air passages into the lungs. TED warned me that some cats can’t take this drug, because they get nauseous. It’s been 12 hours now since I gave Nikki the first dose, and she seems to be doing fine. I haven’t heard a wheeze or cough out of her. I talked to TED about inhaled meds instead of pills, but she didn’t seem to know very much about them. She recommended that I contact the only cats-only TED’s office in Helsinki, and that’s what I’ve been planning to do anyway. I’m going to wait and see what this new drug does, and whether I can cut back the cortisone. One problem with this pill is that you’re not supposed to crush it. You have to swallow it whole (or, in Nikki’s case, half) to make the effect last as long as possible. So, what I did was take Nikki in my arms, hold her firmly, then pop the Retafyllin into her mouth and keep it shut for a while. Then I popped in her Prednisone pill and held her mouth shut. Then I gave her some turkeybird. ;o) I think she swallows both pills. Both Frank and Nikki have stopped eating their meds mixed in sour cream (they stopped shortly before Mere came to us). So lately I’ve mostly mixed their hyperthyroidism meds into their gooshyfood. The drawback is, of course, that I can’t be quite sure that they get an equal amount of their medicines, but I try to monitor their eating and make sure that each eats about half of the food. They have separate bowls, but they always have to check out the other bowl to see if the other one is getting something better. The pattern goes like this: I set down the two bowls. Frank comes and eats from his own bowl, then from Nikki’s bowl. Nikki sits off to the side and watches him eat. When he’s done, Nikki goes and eats out of her own bowl. Then she eats out of Frank’s bowl. Repeat until both bowls are empty. They get the same dosage of the hyperthyroidism meds, so I’m hoping they get about their fair share when they share the bowls like this. Of course, now there’s also Mere’s plate to check out. Since Mere won’t eat catfood, but only fresh meat and fish, her food is usually veeeerry interesting to the big cats. I try to keep them away but I can’t be there all the time to watch them. I give F&N their own share of fresh meat every other day too, but somehow it just tastes better if it comes from the ‘baby’s’ plate. — Marina, Frank, Nikki, and Mere marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki

Response:

Lots of purrs and best wishes for the new medicine to work really well and for both Nikki and Frank to take just the right amount of their thyroid medicine, — Polonca & Soncek

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yesterday, Nikki had a violent coughing attack, then threw up and was unsteady on her legs for a moment, then gasped for breath a few times before she seemed back to normal. I called TED and talked about the situation with her. I told her I’m not happy with giving Nikki Prednisone every day. She called in a prescription for another drug with the active ingredient theophylline (the brand name here in Finland is Retafyllin, but it’s manufactured by a Finnish company, so probably not known by that name elsewhere). It’s supposed to relax and open the air passages into the lungs. TED warned me that some cats can’t take this drug, because they get nauseous. It’s been 12 hours now since I gave Nikki the first dose, and she seems to be doing fine. I haven’t heard a wheeze or cough out of her. I talked to TED about inhaled meds instead of pills, but she didn’t seem to know very much about them. She recommended that I contact the only cats-only TED’s office in Helsinki, and that’s what I’ve been planning to do anyway. I’m going to wait and see what this new drug does, and whether I can cut back the cortisone. One problem with this pill is that you’re not supposed to crush it. You have to swallow it whole (or, in Nikki’s case, half) to make the effect last as long as possible. So, what I did was take Nikki in my arms, hold her firmly, then pop the Retafyllin into her mouth and keep it shut for a while. Then I popped in her Prednisone pill and held her mouth shut. Then I gave her some turkeybird. ;o) I think she swallows both pills. Both Frank and Nikki have stopped eating their meds mixed in sour cream (they stopped shortly before Mere came to us). So lately I’ve mostly mixed their hyperthyroidism meds into their gooshyfood. The drawback is, of course, that I can’t be quite sure that they get an equal amount of their medicines, but I try to monitor their eating and make sure that each eats about half of the food. They have separate bowls, but they always have to check out the other bowl to see if the other one is getting something better. The pattern goes like this: I set down the two bowls. Frank comes and eats from his own bowl, then from Nikki’s bowl. Nikki sits off to the side and watches him eat. When he’s done, Nikki goes and eats out of her own bowl. Then she eats out of Frank’s bowl. Repeat until both bowls are empty. They get the same dosage of the hyperthyroidism meds, so I’m hoping they get about their fair share when they share the bowls like this. Of course, now there’s also Mere’s plate to check out. Since Mere won’t eat catfood, but only fresh meat and fish, her food is usually veeeerry interesting to the big cats. I try to keep them away but I can’t be there all the time to watch them. I give F&N their own share of fresh meat every other day too, but somehow it just tastes better if it comes from the ‘baby’s’ plate. — Marina, Frank, Nikki, and Mere marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – {{{{Marina}}} Being the caregiver of older kitties can be so hard.  I’m sorry for all the difficulties you’re having with Nikki’s meds (and Frank, too).  Do any of their meds come in a liquid form or is there some possibility of compounding them via a pet pharmacy?  Purrs for you and for them.  Is Nikki on a high dose of Prednisone?  My RB cat Frodo had to take prednisone for several years due to some liver problems but he wasn’t on a high dose and the only side effect he had was it made him thirstier. Thinking of you, Thanks, Christine. Nikki gets half a pill of prednisone (2.5 mg) per day. I think that’s a pretty high dose. The thing is, it seems to me that she feels a bit bloated, as if she’s retaining fluid. AIUI, that’s a common side-effect with prednisone. Of course, it may feel that way because I’ve become used to carrying skinny little Mere around, and Nikki is so much ‘fluffier’ than her. I can’t be quite sure. I’d be happiest if I could just get her off the prednisone completely.

Trying not to get too chemical, corticosteroids have two classes of effect: glucocorticoid, or anti-inflammatory, and mineralocorticoid, or water-and-salt retaining.  There are conditions where high mineralocorticoid activity is useful, but generally, the drugs are used more for inflammation.   The drugs also vary in how much anti-inflammatory action they have per unit of weight. With an oral drug, you can just give more pills, but in a skin cream, an inhaler, or a joint injection, you are limited in the volume you can physically apply, so the most potent drugs tend to be for skin application. As the anti-inflammatory potential goes up, and usually the potency per weight, the water-retaining properties go down. If prednisone, a medium potency and inexpensive drug causes water retention, ask your vet if you might switch, say, to dexamethasone or beclamethasone. These are still fairly cheap, but will cause less water retention.

Response:

{{{{Marina}}} Being the caregiver of older kitties can be so hard.  I’m sorry for all the difficulties you’re having with Nikki’s meds (and Frank, too).  Do any of their meds come in a liquid form or is there some possibility of compounding them via a pet pharmacy?  Purrs for you and for them.  Is Nikki on a high dose of Prednisone?  

This is something I’ve wanted to research in more detail, but apparently cats are more tolerant to corticosteroids (prednisone’s family) than humans.  With people, a two-week or so course of oral corticosteroids usually has few side effects. Very often, the course with people starts with a high dose and then gets reduced every 3 days or so.  In general, however, long-term oral or injected corticosteroid therapy in humans has risks. These risks are often very justified for any number of serious diseases. One of the considerations, incidentally, for humans, and I would expect cats, is that if the patient has been on long-term corticosteroid therapy and needs surgery or is highly stressed, they MUST get supplemental drugs.  One of the effects of long-term therapy is that it suppresses the ability of the adrenal glands to make certain hormones for dealing with stress. Even a 5-10 mg daily oral dose needs care with people. One of the very nice things is that corticosteroid asthma inhalers, which can deliver huge concentrations to the lungs, simply have no significant absorption in adults, and may have slight absorption in children.  To some extent, the prednisone dose depends on body weight. So, when a 5 kilogram (11 pound) cat gets 5 milligrams daily, it’s interesting to realize that 5 mg of prednisone would have noticeable effects in a 100 kg human. 100 mg of prednisone is considered a high dose in humans, and will likely have lots of other side effects.  Yet, by weight, 5mg in a cat is equivalent to 100mg in a human. Yes, you can get prednisone as a liquid. It may need to be compounded, or it may be worth checking if the vet will give you a different corticosteroid available in a pediatric liquid form. The latter would be much cheaper. You can’t mix most drugs into the predisone solution, but what works quite well with many drugs is to draw the first drug into the syringe (assume you need 1 ml of each). Draw the prednisone solution up to the 1ml mark, and draw the next drug up to the 2ml mark.  That way, you can squirt them in together.

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Just one other thing about prednisone — I’ve just taken it as a pill, but when a little of it caught in my throat, it was EXTREMELY bitter. Solutions really should be flavored. Clifford (RB) liked tuna, and, for only cat reasons, the strawberry-cream flavor used for amoxicillin.

Response:

{{{{Marina}}} Being the caregiver of older kitties can be so hard.  I’m sorry for all the difficulties you’re having with Nikki’s meds (and Frank, too).  Do any of their meds come in a liquid form or is there some possibility of compounding them via a pet pharmacy?  Purrs for you and for them.  Is Nikki on a high dose of Prednisone?  My RB cat Frodo had to take prednisone for several years due to some liver problems but he wasn’t on a high dose and the only side effect he had was it made him thirstier. Thinking of you,

Thanks, Christine. Nikki gets half a pill of prednisone (2.5 mg) per day. I think that’s a pretty high dose. The thing is, it seems to me that she feels a bit bloated, as if she’s retaining fluid. AIUI, that’s a common side-effect with prednisone. Of course, it may feel that way because I’ve become used to carrying skinny little Mere around, and Nikki is so much ‘fluffier’ than her. I can’t be quite sure. I’d be happiest if I could just get her off the prednisone completely. About the pilling; Dan has very kindly offered to send me some treats that open up and you can put a pill inside. I’ve read about them before, and looked for them here, but haven’t found them. If Dan sends me a packet, I could take it to a pet store and show it to them, and maybe get them to order some for me. Or maybe even the vet would do it. — Marina, Frank, Nikki, and Mere marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki

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<snipped No helpful advice I can offer, but purrs for all on the way across the Pond. Sam, closely supervised by Misteltoe

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Purrs for Nikki, I hope the Retafyllin helps. — Adrian (Owned by Snoopy & Bagheera) A house is not a home, without a cat.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yesterday, Nikki had a violent coughing attack, then threw up and was unsteady on her legs for a moment, then gasped for breath a few times before she seemed back to normal. I called TED and talked about the situation with her. I told her I’m not happy with giving Nikki Prednisone every day. She called in a prescription for another drug with the active ingredient theophylline (the brand name here in Finland is Retafyllin, but it’s manufactured by a Finnish company, so probably not known by that name elsewhere). It’s supposed to relax and open the air passages into the lungs. TED warned me that some cats can’t take this drug, because they get nauseous. It’s been 12 hours now since I gave Nikki the first dose, and she seems to be doing fine. I haven’t heard a wheeze or cough out of her. I talked to TED about inhaled meds instead of pills, but she didn’t seem to know very much about them. She recommended that I contact the only cats-only TED’s office in Helsinki, and that’s what I’ve been planning to do anyway. I’m going to wait and see what this new drug does, and whether I can cut back the cortisone. One problem with this pill is that you’re not supposed to crush it. You have to swallow it whole (or, in Nikki’s case, half) to make the effect last as long as possible. So, what I did was take Nikki in my arms, hold her firmly, then pop the Retafyllin into her mouth and keep it shut for a while. Then I popped in her Prednisone pill and held her mouth shut. Then I gave her some turkeybird. ;o) I think she swallows both pills. Both Frank and Nikki have stopped eating their meds mixed in sour cream (they stopped shortly before Mere came to us). So lately I’ve mostly mixed their hyperthyroidism meds into their gooshyfood. The drawback is, of course, that I can’t be quite sure that they get an equal amount of their medicines, but I try to monitor their eating and make sure that each eats about half of the food. They have separate bowls, but they always have to check out the other bowl to see if the other one is getting something better. The pattern goes like this: I set down the two bowls. Frank comes and eats from his own bowl, then from Nikki’s bowl. Nikki sits off to the side and watches him eat. When he’s done, Nikki goes and eats out of her own bowl. Then she eats out of Frank’s bowl. Repeat until both bowls are empty. They get the same dosage of the hyperthyroidism meds, so I’m hoping they get about their fair share when they share the bowls like this. Of course, now there’s also Mere’s plate to check out. Since Mere won’t eat catfood, but only fresh meat and fish, her food is usually veeeerry interesting to the big cats. I try to keep them away but I can’t be there all the time to watch them. I give F&N their own share of fresh meat every other day too, but somehow it just tastes better if it comes from the ‘baby’s’ plate.

Purrs and tail wags that Nikki is feeling better soon.  I know the routine of "it tastes better if it comes from HIS plate."  I’ve used it against them when I really needed to.  Picture a big dog trying to eat the cat food "accidently" left out in a teeny tiny kitty bowl.  :-) — Margaret Fine

Response:

{{{{Marina}}} Being the caregiver of older kitties can be so hard.  I’m sorry for all the difficulties you’re having with Nikki’s meds (and Frank, too).  Do any of their meds come in a liquid form or is there some possibility of compounding them via a pet pharmacy?  Purrs for you and for them.  Is Nikki on a high dose of Prednisone?  My RB cat Frodo had to take prednisone for several years due to some liver problems but he wasn’t on a high dose and the only side effect he had was it made him thirstier. Thinking of you, Christine and Omar, Oreo, Midnight, Robin & Tucker

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yesterday, Nikki had a violent coughing attack, then threw up and was unsteady on her legs for a moment, then gasped for breath a few times before she seemed back to normal. I called TED and talked about the situation with her. I told her I’m not happy with giving Nikki Prednisone every day. She called in a prescription for another drug with the active ingredient theophylline (the brand name here in Finland is Retafyllin, but it’s manufactured by a Finnish company, so probably not known by that name elsewhere). It’s supposed to relax and open the air passages into the lungs. TED warned me that some cats can’t take this drug, because they get nauseous. It’s been 12 hours now since I gave Nikki the first dose, and she seems to be doing fine. I haven’t heard a wheeze or cough out of her. I talked to TED about inhaled meds instead of pills, but she didn’t seem to know very much about them. She recommended that I contact the only cats-only TED’s office in Helsinki, and that’s what I’ve been planning to do anyway. I’m going to wait and see what this new drug does, and whether I can cut back the cortisone. One problem with this pill is that you’re not supposed to crush it. You have to swallow it whole (or, in Nikki’s case, half) to make the effect last as long as possible. So, what I did was take Nikki in my arms, hold her firmly, then pop the Retafyllin into her mouth and keep it shut for a while. Then I popped in her Prednisone pill and held her mouth shut. Then I gave her some turkeybird. ;o) I think she swallows both pills. Both Frank and Nikki have stopped eating their meds mixed in sour cream (they stopped shortly before Mere came to us). So lately I’ve mostly mixed their hyperthyroidism meds into their gooshyfood. The drawback is, of course, that I can’t be quite sure that they get an equal amount of their medicines, but I try to monitor their eating and make sure that each eats about half of the food. They have separate bowls, but they always have to check out the other bowl to see if the other one is getting something better. The pattern goes like this: I set down the two bowls. Frank comes and eats from his own bowl, then from Nikki’s bowl. Nikki sits off to the side and watches him eat. When he’s done, Nikki goes and eats out of her own bowl. Then she eats out of Frank’s bowl. Repeat until both bowls are empty. They get the same dosage of the hyperthyroidism meds, so I’m hoping they get about their fair share when they share the bowls like this. Of course, now there’s also Mere’s plate to check out. Since Mere won’t eat catfood, but only fresh meat and fish, her food is usually veeeerry interesting to the big cats. I try to keep them away but I can’t be there all the time to watch them. I give F&N their own share of fresh meat every other day too, but somehow it just tastes better if it comes from the ‘baby’s’ plate. — Marina, Frank, Nikki, and Mere marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki

Response:

Yesterday, Nikki had a violent coughing attack, then threw up and was unsteady on her legs for a moment, then gasped for breath a few times before she seemed back to normal. I called TED and talked about the situation with her. I told her I’m not happy with giving Nikki Prednisone every day. She called in a prescription for another drug with the active ingredient theophylline (the brand name here in Finland is Retafyllin, but it’s manufactured by a Finnish company, so probably not known by that name elsewhere). It’s supposed to relax and open the air passages into the lungs. TED warned me that some cats can’t take this drug, because they get nauseous. It’s been 12 hours now since I gave Nikki the first dose, and she seems to be doing fine. I haven’t heard a wheeze or cough out of her. I talked to TED about inhaled meds instead of pills, but she didn’t seem to know very much about them. She recommended that I contact the only cats-only TED’s office in Helsinki, and that’s what I’ve been planning to do anyway. I’m going to wait and see what this new drug does, and whether I can cut back the cortisone. One problem with this pill is that you’re not supposed to crush it. You have to swallow it whole (or, in Nikki’s case, half) to make the effect last as long as possible. So, what I did was take Nikki in my arms, hold her firmly, then pop the Retafyllin into her mouth and keep it shut for a while. Then I popped in her Prednisone pill and held her mouth shut. Then I gave her some turkeybird. ;o) I think she swallows both pills. Both Frank and Nikki have stopped eating their meds mixed in sour cream (they stopped shortly before Mere came to us). So lately I’ve mostly mixed their hyperthyroidism meds into their gooshyfood. The drawback is, of course, that I can’t be quite sure that they get an equal amount of their medicines, but I try to monitor their eating and make sure that each eats about half of the food. They have separate bowls, but they always have to check out the other bowl to see if the other one is getting something better. The pattern goes like this: I set down the two bowls. Frank comes and eats from his own bowl, then from Nikki’s bowl. Nikki sits off to the side and watches him eat. When he’s done, Nikki goes and eats out of her own bowl. Then she eats out of Frank’s bowl. Repeat until both bowls are empty. They get the same dosage of the hyperthyroidism meds, so I’m hoping they get about their fair share when they share the bowls like this. Of course, now there’s also Mere’s plate to check out. Since Mere won’t eat catfood, but only fresh meat and fish, her food is usually veeeerry interesting to the big cats. I try to keep them away but I can’t be there all the time to watch them. I give F&N their own share of fresh meat every other day too, but somehow it just tastes better if it comes from the ‘baby’s’ plate. — Marina, Frank, Nikki, and Mere marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki

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there all the time to watch them. I give F&N their own share of fresh meat every other day too, but somehow it just tastes better if it comes from the ‘baby’s’ plate. EVERYTHING tastes better from the ‘baby’s’ plate. ;o)  Except that for Francesca and Nina, everything seems to taste better if they steal it from Unka Pan. I hope Nikki is soon back in form, and that the coughing and wheezing, poor girl.  She has  a kitten to educate, after all. Melissa

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yodeled: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Yesterday, Nikki had a violent coughing attack, then threw up and was unsteady on her legs for a moment, then gasped for breath a few times before she seemed back to normal. I called TED and talked about the situation with her. I told her I’m not happy with giving Nikki Prednisone every day. She called in a prescription for another drug with the active ingredient theophylline (the brand name here in Finland is Retafyllin, but it’s manufactured by a Finnish company, so probably not known by that name elsewhere). It’s supposed to relax and open the air passages into the lungs. TED warned me that some cats can’t take this drug, because they get nauseous. It’s been 12 hours now since I gave Nikki the first dose, and she seems to be doing fine. I haven’t heard a wheeze or cough out of her. I talked to TED about inhaled meds instead of pills, but she didn’t seem to know very much about them. She recommended that I contact the only cats-only TED’s office in Helsinki, and that’s what I’ve been planning to do anyway. I’m going to wait and see what this new drug does, and whether I can cut back the cortisone. One problem with this pill is that you’re not supposed to crush it. You have to swallow it whole (or, in Nikki’s case, half) to make the effect last as long as possible. So, what I did was take Nikki in my arms, hold her firmly, then pop the Retafyllin into her mouth and keep it shut for a while. Then I popped in her Prednisone pill and held her mouth shut. Then I gave her some turkeybird. ;o) I think she swallows both pills. Both Frank and Nikki have stopped eating their meds mixed in sour cream (they stopped shortly before Mere came to us). So lately I’ve mostly mixed their hyperthyroidism meds into their gooshyfood. The drawback is, of course, that I can’t be quite sure that they get an equal amount of their medicines, but I try to monitor their eating and make sure that each eats about half of the food. They have separate bowls, but they always have to check out the other bowl to see if the other one is getting something better. The pattern goes like this: I set down the two bowls. Frank comes and eats from his own bowl, then from Nikki’s bowl. Nikki sits off to the side and watches him eat. When he’s done, Nikki goes and eats out of her own bowl. Then she eats out of Frank’s bowl. Repeat until both bowls are empty. They get the same dosage of the hyperthyroidism meds, so I’m hoping they get about their fair share when they share the bowls like this. Of course, now there’s also Mere’s plate to check out. Since Mere won’t eat catfood, but only fresh meat and fish, her food is usually veeeerry interesting to the big cats. I try to keep them away but I can’t be there all the time to watch them. I give F&N their own share of fresh meat every other day too, but somehow it just tastes better if it comes from the ‘baby’s’ plate.

It just almost stops your heart when this happens out of the blue, to your healthy, *older* babies  Purrs that she feels better soon. Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com

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I took theophyllin for my asthma for over twenty years.  Its much easier or you than steroids.  The only real trick is getting the proper dose into a cat. They used to check my blood levels fairly often.  

Yep. It has a lot of drug interactions that affect the level.  It can, incidentally, interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills and anticonvulsants (well, they all can interact). Also it has a lot in common with a good strong cup of coffee (which will treat a mild asthma attack in a pinch) in that its a bit of a stimulant.

You are on the right track with coffee, since caffeine does have some bronchodilating effects.  Tea, on the other hand, contains more theophylline than caffeine. Strong tea is more likely to help asthma. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Yesterday, Nikki had a violent coughing attack, then threw up and was unsteady on her legs for a moment, then gasped for breath a few times before she seemed back to normal. I called TED and talked about the

Lots of purrs for Nikki. I hope the new med works better and that the new TED is able to help find a good solution. — Victor M. Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM)

Response:

Yesterday, Nikki had a violent coughing attack, then threw up and was unsteady on her legs for a moment, then gasped for breath a few times before she seemed back to normal. I called TED and talked about the situation with her. I told her I’m not happy with giving Nikki Prednisone every day. She called in a prescription for another drug with the active ingredient theophylline (the brand name here in Finland is Retafyllin, but it’s manufactured by a Finnish company, so probably not known by that name elsewhere). It’s supposed to relax and open the air passages into the lungs.

First, hugs, regular purrs, and special purrs from Mr. Clark, who is both head nurse and top sergeant around here. Theophylline is an old asthma drug, but still useful. It probably makes more sense in veterinary practice, since many of the best human meds are inhaled, much more difficult to do with cats.   Theophylline is of a chemical group called methylxanthines. Caffeine is the best known of these, the other two naturally occurring ones being theophylline and theobromine.  Tea, rather than coffee, contains a good deal of theophylline. Theobromine is more found in chocolate. TED warned me that some cats can’t take this drug, because they get nauseous. It’s been 12 hours now since I gave Nikki the first dose, and she seems to be doing fine. I haven’t heard a wheeze or cough out of her. I talked to TED about inhaled meds instead of pills, but she didn’t seem to know very much about them. She recommended that I contact the only cats-only TED’s office in Helsinki, and that’s what I’ve been planning to do anyway. I’m going to wait and see what this new drug does, and whether I can cut back the cortisone.

There are a couple of other things in human medicine that might be worth considering — but definitely get an opinion from a cat specialist.   Sometimes, you can reduce the side effects of prednisone by giving it every other day, doubling the dose but allowing the body more time to recover. Another approach, which I don’t know if it works in cats, is to supplement prednisone with very low doses of the anticancer drug methotrexate.  The combination uses lower doses of either than if done alone. Again not knowing if they are used in cats, another class of fairly recently reduced oral drugs for asthma are leukotriene inhibitors, such as zafirleukast. One problem with this pill is that you’re not supposed to crush it. You have to swallow it whole (or, in Nikki’s case, half) to make the effect last as long as possible.

It’s usually given as a 12-hour time release tablet. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -So, what I did was take Nikki in my arms, hold her firmly, then pop the Retafyllin into her mouth and keep it shut for a while. Then I popped in her Prednisone pill and held her mouth shut. Then I gave her some turkeybird. ;o) I think she swallows both pills. Both Frank and Nikki have stopped eating their meds mixed in sour cream (they stopped shortly before Mere came to us). So lately I’ve mostly mixed their hyperthyroidism meds into their gooshyfood. The drawback is, of course, that I can’t be quite sure that they get an equal amount of their medicines, but I try to monitor their eating and make sure that each eats about half of the food. They have separate bowls, but they always have to check out the other bowl to see if the other one is getting something better. The pattern goes like this: I set down the two bowls. Frank comes and eats from his own bowl, then from Nikki’s bowl. Nikki sits off to the side and watches him eat. When he’s done, Nikki goes and eats out of her own bowl. Then she eats out of Frank’s bowl. Repeat until both bowls are empty. They get the same dosage of the hyperthyroidism meds, so I’m hoping they get about their fair share when they share the bowls like this. Of course, now there’s also Mere’s plate to check out. Since Mere won’t eat catfood, but only fresh meat and fish, her food is usually veeeerry interesting to the big cats. I try to keep them away but I can’t be there all the time to watch them. I give F&N their own share of fresh meat every other day too, but somehow it just tastes better if it comes from the ‘baby’s’ plate.

Response:

I took theophyllin for my asthma for over twenty years.  Its much easier or you than steroids.  The only real trick is getting the proper dose into a cat. They used to check my blood levels fairly often.   Also it has a lot in common with a good strong cup of coffee (which will treat a mild asthma attack in a pinch) in that its a bit of a stimulant. Jo

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yesterday, Nikki had a violent coughing attack, then threw up and was unsteady on her legs for a moment, then gasped for breath a few times before she seemed back to normal. I called TED and talked about the situation with her. I told her I’m not happy with giving Nikki Prednisone every day. She called in a prescription for another drug with the active ingredient theophylline (the brand name here in Finland is Retafyllin, but it’s manufactured by a Finnish company, so probably not known by that name elsewhere). It’s supposed to relax and open the air passages into the lungs. TED warned me that some cats can’t take this drug, because they get nauseous. It’s been 12 hours now since I gave Nikki the first dose, and she seems to be doing fine. I haven’t heard a wheeze or cough out of her. I talked to TED about inhaled meds instead of pills, but she didn’t seem to know very much about them. She recommended that I contact the only cats-only TED’s office in Helsinki, and that’s what I’ve been planning to do anyway. I’m going to wait and see what this new drug does, and whether I can cut back the cortisone. One problem with this pill is that you’re not supposed to crush it. You have to swallow it whole (or, in Nikki’s case, half) to make the effect last as long as possible. So, what I did was take Nikki in my arms, hold her firmly, then pop the Retafyllin into her mouth and keep it shut for a while. Then I popped in her Prednisone pill and held her mouth shut. Then I gave her some turkeybird. ;o) I think she swallows both pills. Both Frank and Nikki have stopped eating their meds mixed in sour cream (they stopped shortly before Mere came to us). So lately I’ve mostly mixed their hyperthyroidism meds into their gooshyfood. The drawback is, of course, that I can’t be quite sure that they get an equal amount of their medicines, but I try to monitor their eating and make sure that each eats about half of the food. They have separate bowls, but they always have to check out the other bowl to see if the other one is getting something better. The pattern goes like this: I set down the two bowls. Frank comes and eats from his own bowl, then from Nikki’s bowl. Nikki sits off to the side and watches him eat. When he’s done, Nikki goes and eats out of her own bowl. Then she eats out of Frank’s bowl. Repeat until both bowls are empty. They get the same dosage of the hyperthyroidism meds, so I’m hoping they get about their fair share when they share the bowls like this. Of course, now there’s also Mere’s plate to check out. Since Mere won’t eat catfood, but only fresh meat and fish, her food is usually veeeerry interesting to the big cats. I try to keep them away but I can’t be there all the time to watch them. I give F&N their own share of fresh meat every other day too, but somehow it just tastes better if it comes from the ‘baby’s’ plate. — Marina, Frank, Nikki, and Mere marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yesterday, Nikki had a violent coughing attack, then threw up and was unsteady on her legs for a moment, then gasped for breath a few times before she seemed back to normal. I called TED and talked about the situation with her. I told her I’m not happy with giving Nikki Prednisone every day. She called in a prescription for another drug with the active ingredient theophylline (the brand name here in Finland is Retafyllin, but it’s manufactured by a Finnish company, so probably not known by that name elsewhere). It’s supposed to relax and open the air passages into the lungs. TED warned me that some cats can’t take this drug, because they get nauseous. It’s been 12 hours now since I gave Nikki the first dose, and she seems to be doing fine. I haven’t heard a wheeze or cough out of her. I talked to TED about inhaled meds instead of pills, but she didn’t seem to know very much about them. She recommended that I contact the only cats-only TED’s office in Helsinki, and that’s what I’ve been planning to do anyway. I’m going to wait and see what this new drug does, and whether I can cut back the cortisone. One problem with this pill is that you’re not supposed to crush it. You have to swallow it whole (or, in Nikki’s case, half) to make the effect last as long as possible. So, what I did was take Nikki in my arms, hold her firmly, then pop the Retafyllin into her mouth and keep it shut for a while. Then I popped in her Prednisone pill and held her mouth shut. Then I gave her some turkeybird. ;o) I think she swallows both pills. Both Frank and Nikki have stopped eating their meds mixed in sour cream (they stopped shortly before Mere came to us). So lately I’ve mostly mixed their hyperthyroidism meds into their gooshyfood. The drawback is, of course, that I can’t be quite sure that they get an equal amount of their medicines, but I try to monitor their eating and make sure that each eats about half of the food. They have separate bowls, but they always have to check out the other bowl to see if the other one is getting something better. The pattern goes like this: I set down the two bowls. Frank comes and eats from his own bowl, then from Nikki’s bowl. Nikki sits off to the side and watches him eat. When he’s done, Nikki goes and eats out of her own bowl. Then she eats out of Frank’s bowl. Repeat until both bowls are empty. They get the same dosage of the hyperthyroidism meds, so I’m hoping they get about their fair share when they share the bowls like this. Of course, now there’s also Mere’s plate to check out. Since Mere won’t eat catfood, but only fresh meat and fish, her food is usually veeeerry interesting to the big cats. I try to keep them away but I can’t be there all the time to watch them. I give F&N their own share of fresh meat every other day too, but somehow it just tastes better if it comes from the ‘baby’s’ plate.

Ohh. I hope that Nikki continues to do better. Poor girl

Response:

Sincere purrs and meatloaf meditations for your two beloved companions to get adjusted to revised pill/food regimen. I know you love them dearly.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yesterday, Nikki had a violent coughing attack, then threw up and was unsteady on her legs for a moment, then gasped for breath a few times before she seemed back to normal. I called TED and talked about the situation with her. I told her I’m not happy with giving Nikki Prednisone every day. She called in a prescription for another drug with the active ingredient theophylline (the brand name here in Finland is Retafyllin, but it’s manufactured by a Finnish company, so probably not known by that name elsewhere). It’s supposed to relax and open the air passages into the lungs. TED warned me that some cats can’t take this drug, because they get nauseous. It’s been 12 hours now since I gave Nikki the first dose, and she seems to be doing fine. I haven’t heard a wheeze or cough out of her. I talked to TED about inhaled meds instead of pills, but she didn’t seem to know very much about them. She recommended that I contact the only cats-only TED’s office in Helsinki, and that’s what I’ve been planning to do anyway. I’m going to wait and see what this new drug does, and whether I can cut back the cortisone. One problem with this pill is that you’re not supposed to crush it. You have to swallow it whole (or, in Nikki’s case, half) to make the effect last as long as possible. So, what I did was take Nikki in my arms, hold her firmly, then pop the Retafyllin into her mouth and keep it shut for a while. Then I popped in her Prednisone pill and held her mouth shut. Then I gave her some turkeybird. ;o) I think she swallows both pills. Both Frank and Nikki have stopped eating their meds mixed in sour cream (they stopped shortly before Mere came to us). So lately I’ve mostly mixed their hyperthyroidism meds into their gooshyfood. The drawback is, of course, that I can’t be quite sure that they get an equal amount of their medicines, but I try to monitor their eating and make sure that each eats about half of the food. They have separate bowls, but they always have to check out the other bowl to see if the other one is getting something better. The pattern goes like this: I set down the two bowls. Frank comes and eats from his own bowl, then from Nikki’s bowl. Nikki sits off to the side and watches him eat. When he’s done, Nikki goes and eats out of her own bowl. Then she eats out of Frank’s bowl. Repeat until both bowls are empty. They get the same dosage of the hyperthyroidism meds, so I’m hoping they get about their fair share when they share the bowls like this. Of course, now there’s also Mere’s plate to check out. Since Mere won’t eat catfood, but only fresh meat and fish, her food is usually veeeerry interesting to the big cats. I try to keep them away but I can’t be there all the time to watch them. I give F&N their own share of fresh meat every other day too, but somehow it just tastes better if it comes from the ‘baby’s’ plate. — Marina, Frank, Nikki, and Mere marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki

Response:

Question:

solvents have never bothered me.  perfumes of any sort, on the other hand, alway have.

<snip And my asthma, personally, (and I would imagine most people’s) is triggered by such solvent fumes. <snip

Response:

Has anybody here ever worked in a ‘cleanroom’ environment?

Yes, I have occasionally. (I’m a PhD in Materials Science and work at the moment at a national lab.) I have NOT found cleanrooms help at all, becasue they are usually -filled- with fumes from solvents. And my asthma, personally, (and I would imagine most people’s) is triggered by such solvent fumes. Acetone, alcohols, TCA, chemicals used for lithography, etc. It’s *hard* to breathe in there! Also, the outfits you must wear are a bit uncomfortable (and hot, and claustrophobic), and tend to increase stress, which can also make the asthma worse. It would be much better to, say, attack your house, and make IT as much of a cleanroom as you can – get rid of all rugs, all mold, get a good hepa for the bedroom (the "quietaire" models are reasonable, quiet, and have no "ion makers", which are terrible), mattress/pillow covers, and lose the forced air heating. That’s my mantra, and helps me a ton. Whenver I travel to see my fiance in his forced-air cooling/heating house, my asthma gets ten times worse. Even with the special furnace filter. That is VERY NOT cleanroom. More like the opposite! -Jenny

Response:

Has anybody here ever worked in a ‘cleanroom’ environment?

I have always found that my allergies are better are work, where there is air conditioning, then at home, where we simply open the windows when it gets hot.  While I often work in a cleanroom, I don’t see much difference between the cleanroom and the office cubicles.  Then again, my allergies are not that severe. Yes, I have occasionally. (I’m a PhD in Materials Science and work at the moment at a national lab.) . . .  I have NOT found cleanrooms help at all, becasue they are usually -filled- with fumes from solvents. And my asthma, personally, (and I would imagine most people’s) is triggered by such solvent fumes.  Acetone, alcohols, TCA, chemicals used for lithography, etc.

As you must know, you should NEVER smell any fumes from solvent in a well-run cleanroom.  Any facility that allows employees to smell solvent fumes has improperly installed or maintained fume hoods and is in violation of federal laws (in the US) and likely state and local ones as well.  I find it hard to believe that such poor conditions are occurring at a US national lab, although I can imagine that safety might be poor in some university labs.  If you work in a facility where you are regularly getting whiffs of solvents, you should loudly complain to your employer and consider contacting enforcement agencies if necessary.  At my workplace I never smell any solvent fumes unless I do something dopey like stick my head in the fume hood. — (650) 236-2231 [daytime]        http://www.wsrcc.com/alison/ CA voters, send a message: write-in "Richard Riordan" in November 2002.

Response:

Question:

Check that Singulair dosage, should be once a day. The 100 percent on the oxygen doesn’t mean your not in trouble, ask your doctor if they gave you a blood gas when you were in the ER and see what the oxygen level was there. Also ask your doctor about Claritin or Alegra for allergies and maybe inhaled steroids instead of or with the prednisone. Not sure about this one but I think Zyflo and Singulair do they same thing. Maybe Colin will jump in here about this one. Lane

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – please be patient with me , I have been thru a lot. I have been suffering from mild asthma for the last 2 years. PFT tests have revealed that I don’t seem to breath out all the air I inhale, giving me a "breathless" feeling, even though my air passages are fairly clear. It has been under control for 18 months.  I suffered an asthma atack about a month ago that my albuterol inhaler did not abate. It lasted about 30 min and after about 3-4 puffs, I was even lighter headed and shorter of breath so I , for the 1st time for asthma, went to the ER. I was given a breathing treatment of Xoponex and felt better and released. I must tell you I am 35 and was diagnosed with asthma about 2 years ago. Before this attack ,I have  had it under control using albuterol for rescue and Advair 100/50 2 puffs per day. Since that day, I haven’t had a clear day and have been back to the er 4 times since. Each time I go back , my blood oxygen level is normal, (100%) and my blood pressure is normal, 120/80. EKG normal. Meanwhile my medication has been tripled. I now take: Singulair – 2 pills per day Advair 500/50 Zyflo 600mg 4 times per day prednisone  15 mg per day Achiphex 20 mg per day Generic Reglan 10 mg per day I have had to go back to my pulmonologist 4 times because I have these "episodes" where I either 1) get short of breath or 2) get a very tight chest, sometimes painful. I am not kidding. I have had the following tests done by the pulmonologist: 1) Chest X-Ray- does not reveal anything wrong, no pleurisy or spots on lungs 2) Upper GI – test to see if I suffer from Reflux that could cause the tightness or shortness of breath- came back negative. 3) 2 EKG’s  and also a heart stress test on  a treadmill that reveals nothing apparantly wrong with my heart. 4) upper CT scan (MRI) that does not show any blood clots in my lungs. 5) Blood works that don’t reveal anything wrong. I am going to see an alergist early next week. I have this constant pressure right smack in the middle of my diaphragm. It feels like someone punched me in the  stomach the day before and now feels like I am holding my fist in the middle of my chest with medium pressure. I don’t have to tell you how uncomfortable that feels day in and day out and how . I still have trouble exercising and doing any heavier physical activity. (lifting weights, etc). My pulmonologists thinks it is caused by anxiety and has prescribed first, Xanax .25mg/day and the another anti drepressant called Effexxor (225mg /day) for a week. Neither seems to do anything at all to make me feel better only sleepy. I only feel relaxed when I am asleep and those first few drowsy minutes in the morning. I am going to seek a second opinion since this doctor has "exhausted his bag of tricks". I know I am a mess, but I have never had any other problems like this before. All this has transpired in the last month. For the record, I am a creature of habit and haven’t tried anything new in the last 3 months. Same detergent, same foods, same workplace, cleaned the house, car, and bed linen all that. I stay in on high pollen days. most of the doctor’s seem to think that I am freaking out and the "tightness" is actually like a painful muscle spasm in my diaphragm causing me discomfort. Has anyone ever had their symptoms put on anxiety or nervousness ? and if so , how are you coping ? Thanks for any serious advice in advance.

Response:

Check that Singulair dosage, should be once a day. The 100 percent on the oxygen doesn’t mean your not in trouble, ask your doctor if they gave you a blood gas when you were in the ER and see what the oxygen level was there. Also ask your doctor about Claritin or Alegra for allergies and maybe inhaled steroids instead of or with the prednisone. Not sure about this one but I think Zyflo and Singulair do they same thing. Maybe Colin will jump in here about this one. Lane "

Response:

interesting, my primary care physician mentioned something about diverticular from my upper GI, but said that he wanted to see me get my asthma under control before we worried too much about it . What is diverticular exactly ?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had a problem similar to you but not as extreme.  I had a full pulmonary test at the hospital, a endoscopies and cat scan with contrast and diverticulitis and a fungus (the fungus was deep in my throat).  I was put on antibiotics for the diverticulitis and Nystatin (swish and swallow a lot call it) and used my emergency inhaler Proventil hcf when needed.  This is just a suggestion on what might be happening but there are some others here that might be able to help you better than me.  UM MOM Susan please be patient with me , I have been thru a lot. I have been suffering from mild asthma for the last 2 years. PFT tests have revealed that I don’t seem to breath out all the air I inhale, giving me a "breathless" feeling, even though my air passages are fairly clear. It has been under control for 18 months.  I suffered an asthma atack about a month ago that my albuterol inhaler did not abate. It lasted about 30 min and after about 3-4 puffs, I was even lighter headed and shorter of breath so I , for the 1st time for asthma, went to the ER. I was given a breathing treatment of Xoponex and felt better and released. I must tell you I am 35 and was diagnosed with asthma about 2 years ago. Before this attack ,I have  had it under control using albuterol for rescue and Advair 100/50 2 puffs per day. Since that day, I haven’t had a clear day and have been back to the er 4 times since. Each time I go back , my blood oxygen level is normal, (100%) and my blood pressure is normal, 120/80. EKG normal. Meanwhile my medication has been tripled. I now take: Singulair – 2 pills per day Advair 500/50 Zyflo 600mg 4 times per day prednisone  15 mg per day Achiphex 20 mg per day Generic Reglan 10 mg per day I have had to go back to my pulmonologist 4 times because I have these "episodes" where I either 1) get short of breath or 2) get a very tight chest, sometimes painful. I am not kidding. I have had the following tests done by the pulmonologist: 1) Chest X-Ray- does not reveal anything wrong, no pleurisy or spots on lungs 2) Upper GI – test to see if I suffer from Reflux that could cause the tightness or shortness of breath- came back negative. 3) 2 EKG’s  and also a heart stress test on  a treadmill that reveals nothing apparantly wrong with my heart. 4) upper CT scan (MRI) that does not show any blood clots in my lungs. 5) Blood works that don’t reveal anything wrong. I am going to see an alergist early next week. I have this constant pressure right smack in the middle of my diaphragm. It feels like someone punched me in the  stomach the day before and now feels like I am holding my fist in the middle of my chest with medium pressure. I don’t have to tell you how uncomfortable that feels day in and day out and how . I still have trouble exercising and doing any heavier physical activity. (lifting weights, etc). My pulmonologists thinks it is caused by anxiety and has prescribed first, Xanax .25mg/day and the another anti drepressant called Effexxor (225mg /day) for a week. Neither seems to do anything at all to make me feel better only sleepy. I only feel relaxed when I am asleep and those first few drowsy minutes in the morning. I am going to seek a second opinion since this doctor has "exhausted his bag of tricks". I know I am a mess, but I have never had any other problems like this before. All this has transpired in the last month. For the record, I am a creature of habit and haven’t tried anything new in the last 3 months. Same detergent, same foods, same workplace, cleaned the house, car, and bed linen all that. I stay in on high pollen days. most of the doctor’s seem to think that I am freaking out and the "tightness" is actually like a painful muscle spasm in my diaphragm causing me discomfort. Has anyone ever had their symptoms put on anxiety or nervousness ? and if so , how are you coping ? Thanks for any serious advice in advance.

Response:

I definitely have the breathless thing going, although not a severely as you have.   It’s occurred to me that some anti-depressant or anti anxiety drug might be helpful.   You’ve been taking it for a week,  I’d be interested to know if it finally takes effect after a while. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My pulmonologists thinks it is caused by anxiety and has prescribed first, Xanax .25mg/day and the another anti drepressant called Effexxor (225mg /day) for a week. Neither seems to do anything at all to make me feel better only sleepy. I only feel relaxed when I am asleep and those first few drowsy minutes in the morning. I am going to seek a second opinion since this doctor has "exhausted his bag of tricks". I know I am a mess, but I have never had any other problems like this before. All this has transpired in the last month. For the record, I am a creature of habit and haven’t tried anything new in the last 3 months. Same detergent, same foods, same workplace, cleaned the house, car, and bed linen all that. I stay in on high pollen days. most of the doctor’s seem to think that I am freaking out and the "tightness" is actually like a painful muscle spasm in my diaphragm causing me discomfort. Has anyone ever had their symptoms put on anxiety or nervousness ? and if so , how are you coping ? Thanks for any serious advice in advance.

Response:

I went through a period similar to the one you describe. Were your breathless periods for the most part the worst at night, or just before rain or on high ozone days?  It was just about 2 years after I was diagnosed with asthma too. I was just unable to take any antidepressants due to the "sleepiness factor", but then I never really thought that was my problem. It went on for several months and I had negative test results for everything, so the doctors decided it was all in my head.  I finally moved and got better – actually didn’t use any meds at all for about a year. Since then, I have started having positive test results for Sinus disease, Gerd, a low diffusion capacity, and I am coughing stuff up. And when I am now having breathing problems, I have high blood pressure. You would think I could get a proper diagnosis, but no, after 10 years of this, I had 3 different opinions from 3 different Pulmonologists last year alone. I think that pretty much sums up the state of Pulmonology today. They are trying to come up with new tests (like NO instead of spirometry ), and a replacement for methelcoline challenge, but all that is years away. I thought the SOB was really hard to deal with, but since then I have found it doesn’t mean much. You would think the body would KNOW it was in trouble, but from what I read, you can be in trouble and not know it or feel SOB while you are OK (as people with POTTS or panic attacks do). Well, I hope you post back if you ever get someone who can figure it out. My current doctor just says I have some kind so inflammation going on because Intal and Singulair help me. But I find it frustrating that I can’t get an answer, and I have to prove I need asthma drugs to every new doctor I get. By the way, I have only had short periods since (a day here or there) when I feel the way I did those months. Hope it improves for you too. Can you try a change of environment (vacation to the seashore or something)?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – please be patient with me , I have been thru a lot. I have been suffering from mild asthma for the last 2 years. PFT tests have revealed that I don’t seem to breath out all the air I inhale, giving me a "breathless" feeling, even though my air passages are fairly clear. It has been under control for 18 months.  I suffered an asthma atack about a month ago that my albuterol inhaler did not abate. It lasted about 30 min and after about 3-4 puffs, I was even lighter headed and shorter of breath so I , for the 1st time for asthma, went to the ER. I was given a breathing treatment of Xoponex and felt better and released. I must tell you I am 35 and was diagnosed with asthma about 2 years ago. Before this attack ,I have  had it under control using albuterol for rescue and Advair 100/50 2 puffs per day. Since that day, I haven’t had a clear day and have been back to the er 4 times since. Each time I go back , my blood oxygen level is normal, (100%) and my blood pressure is normal, 120/80. EKG normal. Meanwhile my medication has been tripled. I now take: Singulair – 2 pills per day Advair 500/50 Zyflo 600mg 4 times per day prednisone  15 mg per day Achiphex 20 mg per day Generic Reglan 10 mg per day I have had to go back to my pulmonologist 4 times because I have these "episodes" where I either 1) get short of breath or 2) get a very tight chest, sometimes painful. I am not kidding. I have had the following tests done by the pulmonologist: 1) Chest X-Ray- does not reveal anything wrong, no pleurisy or spots on lungs 2) Upper GI – test to see if I suffer from Reflux that could cause the tightness or shortness of breath- came back negative. 3) 2 EKG’s  and also a heart stress test on  a treadmill that reveals nothing apparantly wrong with my heart. 4) upper CT scan (MRI) that does not show any blood clots in my lungs. 5) Blood works that don’t reveal anything wrong. I am going to see an alergist early next week. I have this constant pressure right smack in the middle of my diaphragm. It feels like someone punched me in the  stomach the day before and now feels like I am holding my fist in the middle of my chest with medium pressure. I don’t have to tell you how uncomfortable that feels day in and day out and how . I still have trouble exercising and doing any heavier physical activity. (lifting weights, etc). My pulmonologists thinks it is caused by anxiety and has prescribed first, Xanax .25mg/day and the another anti drepressant called Effexxor (225mg /day) for a week. Neither seems to do anything at all to make me feel better only sleepy. I only feel relaxed when I am asleep and those first few drowsy minutes in the morning. I am going to seek a second opinion since this doctor has "exhausted his bag of tricks". I know I am a mess, but I have never had any other problems like this before. All this has transpired in the last month. For the record, I am a creature of habit and haven’t tried anything new in the last 3 months. Same detergent, same foods, same workplace, cleaned the house, car, and bed linen all that. I stay in on high pollen days. most of the doctor’s seem to think that I am freaking out and the "tightness" is actually like a painful muscle spasm in my diaphragm causing me discomfort. Has anyone ever had their symptoms put on anxiety or nervousness ? and if so , how are you coping ? Thanks for any serious advice in advance.

Response:

I had a problem similar to you but not as extreme.  I had a full pulmonary test at the hospital, a endoscopies and cat scan with contrast and diverticulitis and a fungus (the fungus was deep in my throat).  I was put on antibiotics for the diverticulitis and Nystatin (swish and swallow a lot call it) and used my emergency inhaler Proventil hcf when needed.  This is just a suggestion on what might be happening but there are some others here that might be able to help you better than me.  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – please be patient with me , I have been thru a lot. I have been suffering from mild asthma for the last 2 years. PFT tests have revealed that I don’t seem to breath out all the air I inhale, giving me a "breathless" feeling, even though my air passages are fairly clear. It has been under control for 18 months.  I suffered an asthma atack about a month ago that my albuterol inhaler did not abate. It lasted about 30 min and after about 3-4 puffs, I was even lighter headed and shorter of breath so I , for the 1st time for asthma, went to the ER. I was given a breathing treatment of Xoponex and felt better and released. I must tell you I am 35 and was diagnosed with asthma about 2 years ago. Before this attack ,I have  had it under control using albuterol for rescue and Advair 100/50 2 puffs per day. Since that day, I haven’t had a clear day and have been back to the er 4 times since. Each time I go back , my blood oxygen level is normal, (100%) and my blood pressure is normal, 120/80. EKG normal. Meanwhile my medication has been tripled. I now take: Singulair – 2 pills per day Advair 500/50 Zyflo 600mg 4 times per day prednisone  15 mg per day Achiphex 20 mg per day Generic Reglan 10 mg per day I have had to go back to my pulmonologist 4 times because I have these "episodes" where I either 1) get short of breath or 2) get a very tight chest, sometimes painful. I am not kidding. I have had the following tests done by the pulmonologist: 1) Chest X-Ray- does not reveal anything wrong, no pleurisy or spots on lungs 2) Upper GI – test to see if I suffer from Reflux that could cause the tightness or shortness of breath- came back negative. 3) 2 EKG’s  and also a heart stress test on  a treadmill that reveals nothing apparantly wrong with my heart. 4) upper CT scan (MRI) that does not show any blood clots in my lungs. 5) Blood works that don’t reveal anything wrong. I am going to see an alergist early next week. I have this constant pressure right smack in the middle of my diaphragm. It feels like someone punched me in the  stomach the day before and now feels like I am holding my fist in the middle of my chest with medium pressure. I don’t have to tell you how uncomfortable that feels day in and day out and how . I still have trouble exercising and doing any heavier physical activity. (lifting weights, etc). My pulmonologists thinks it is caused by anxiety and has prescribed first, Xanax .25mg/day and the another anti drepressant called Effexxor (225mg /day) for a week. Neither seems to do anything at all to make me feel better only sleepy. I only feel relaxed when I am asleep and those first few drowsy minutes in the morning. I am going to seek a second opinion since this doctor has "exhausted his bag of tricks". I know I am a mess, but I have never had any other problems like this before. All this has transpired in the last month. For the record, I am a creature of habit and haven’t tried anything new in the last 3 months. Same detergent, same foods, same workplace, cleaned the house, car, and bed linen all that. I stay in on high pollen days. most of the doctor’s seem to think that I am freaking out and the "tightness" is actually like a painful muscle spasm in my diaphragm causing me discomfort. Has anyone ever had their symptoms put on anxiety or nervousness ? and if so , how are you coping ? Thanks for any serious advice in advance.

Response:

please be patient with me , I have been thru a lot. I have been suffering from mild asthma for the last 2 years. PFT tests have revealed that I don’t seem to breath out all the air I inhale, giving me a "breathless" feeling, even though my air passages are fairly clear. It  has been under control for 18 months.  I suffered an asthma atack about a month ago that my albuterol inhaler did not abate. It lasted about 30 min and after about 3-4 puffs, I was even lighter headed and shorter of breath so I , for the 1st time for asthma, went to the ER. I was given a breathing treatment of Xoponex and felt better and released. I must tell you I am 35 and was diagnosed with asthma about 2 years ago. Before this attack ,I have  had it under control using albuterol for rescue and Advair 100/50 2 puffs per day. Since that day, I haven’t had a clear day and have been back to the er 4 times since. Each time I go back , my blood oxygen level is normal, (100%) and my blood pressure is normal, 120/80. EKG normal. Meanwhile my medication has been tripled. I now take: Singulair – 2 pills per day Advair 500/50 Zyflo 600mg 4 times per day prednisone  15 mg per day Achiphex 20 mg per day Generic Reglan 10 mg per day I have had to go back to my pulmonologist 4 times because I have these "episodes" where I either 1) get short of breath or 2) get a very tight chest, sometimes painful. I am not kidding. I have had the following tests done by the pulmonologist: 1) Chest X-Ray- does not reveal anything wrong, no pleurisy or spots on lungs 2) Upper GI – test to see if I suffer from Reflux that could cause the tightness or shortness of breath- came back negative. 3) 2 EKG’s  and also a heart stress test on  a treadmill that reveals nothing apparantly wrong with my heart. 4) upper CT scan (MRI) that does not show any blood clots in my lungs. 5) Blood works that don’t reveal anything wrong. I am going to see an alergist early next week. I have this constant pressure right smack in the middle of my diaphragm. It feels like someone punched me in the  stomach the day before and now feels like I am holding my fist in the middle of my chest with medium pressure. I don’t have to tell you how uncomfortable that feels day in and day out and how . I still have trouble exercising and doing any heavier physical activity. (lifting weights, etc). My pulmonologists thinks it is caused by anxiety and has prescribed first, Xanax .25mg/day and the another anti drepressant called Effexxor (225mg /day) for a week. Neither seems to do anything at all to make me feel better only sleepy. I only feel relaxed when I am asleep and those first few drowsy minutes in the morning. I am going to seek a second opinion since this doctor has "exhausted his bag of tricks". I know I am a mess, but I have never had any other problems like this before. All this has transpired in the last month. For the record, I am a creature of habit and haven’t tried anything new in the last 3 months. Same detergent, same foods, same workplace, cleaned the house, car, and bed linen all that. I stay in on high pollen days. most of the doctor’s seem to think that I am freaking out and the "tightness" is actually like a painful muscle spasm in my diaphragm causing me discomfort. Has anyone ever had their symptoms put on anxiety or nervousness ? and if so , how are you coping ? Thanks for any serious advice in advance.

Response:

Question:

Let you all know later, so that any of you who have OA can safely use this supplement and your allergist can help you. Keep you posted! Just out of idle curiosity – has this ever been actually tested to see if it is effective for the treatment or OA? http://www.nih.gov/niams/niamssearchengine.htm (search on glucosamine) Here’s one http://www.nih.gov/niams/healthinfo/osteoarthritis/textonly.htm

From the second link: "Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Both of these nutrients are found in small quantities in food and are components of normal cartilage. Scientific studies on these two nutritional supplements have not yet shown that they affect the disease" Sounds like the people selling the stuff are relying on hype instead of facts. "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

Response:

She never wrote to them to explain that it was an adverse reaction to medication.  I have a new doctor now, who says it’s not his job to keep track of a patient’s adverse reactions.  A specialist told me it *is* the primary care physician’s job to do so. My suspicion is nobody wants to be bothered with the paperwork or bureaucracy involved.  And, for instance, if I tried another SSRI and the same things happened and I reported it, would they then contact the MOT and have my license suspended again?

IMO, you have good reason to be pissed off at your doctor.   "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

Response:

A specialist told me it *is* the primary care physician’s job to do so.

Damn specialists are always trying to put everything off on the PMD. It is equally the specialist’s responsibility.. — CBI, MD

Response:

OTOH one might argue that no one’s keeping track of side effects of prescription medictions either.

All reported side effects of prescription medications go into an FDA database.  (Doctors are supposed to report medication side effects, but I wonder how often this actually happens.) "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

Response:

Let you all know later, so that any of you who have OA can safely use this supplement and your allergist can help you. Keep you posted! Just out of idle curiosity – has this ever been actually tested to see if it is effective for the treatment or OA?

http://www.nih.gov/niams/niamssearchengine.htm (search on glucosamine) Here’s one http://www.nih.gov/niams/healthinfo/osteoarthritis/textonly.htm J

Response:

OTOH one might argue that no one’s keeping track of side effects of prescription medictions either. All reported side effects of prescription medications go into an FDA database.  (Doctors are supposed to report medication side effects, but I wonder how often this actually happens.)

I’m trying a poll on another newsgroup. http://www.ascp.com/medreporting/ This is of interest to me since, during a tryout of an SSRI, 6 years ago, the doctor absolutely denied that the medication was causing a whole host of problems, until I went in to ask her to examine my head (no jokes please), because I had had an "event" at work and woke up on the floor with my head banging (several times) against a nearby desk.  She reported me to the Ministry of Transportation, who took a month to advise me that my driver’s license was suspended, pending further health investigations.  In the meantime, I stopped the medication and the events stopped. So then I had to somehow get to out of town work and back into town for tests, over a period of months, with no vehicle! The driver’s license was re-instated, but two years later, there was still the "alert" on their (MOT) computer, and the last letter I have, says that if there’s any (negative) change, I am legally required to let them know. She never wrote to them to explain that it was an adverse reaction to medication.  I have a new doctor now, who says it’s not his job to keep track of a patient’s adverse reactions.  A specialist told me it *is* the primary care physician’s job to do so. My suspicion is nobody wants to be bothered with the paperwork or bureaucracy involved.  And, for instance, if I tried another SSRI and the same things happened and I reported it, would they then contact the MOT and have my license suspended again? J

Response:

Hi Michelle, Looks like the FDA has started a database on adverse reactions http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/supplmnt.html http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/aems.html Run a search (bottom of the page) on Schiff, then on glucosamine separately. Also your allergist and pharmacist might be interested in this database, so they can report adverse events, if any. FYI and FWIW J PS I had a CT-scan yesterday and one of the questions asked was if I had allergies to seafood.  I told them I don’t remember.  I stopped eating it years ago, possibly because of allergic reaction.  My point is, this is important info to know, for now and future in terms of medical testing, due to the contrast materials which are injected to do the imaging. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am the person who posted the question in using Gluscosamine for my Osteo Arthritis. Well, I have some new news, I called my allergist and he noticed that I had never been tested for shellfish and so I am going to get tested for lobster,crab, and other shellfish next Monday after noon. Also, told me to purchase the supplement and bring it with me. Hopefully, I can use this supplement with my OA for the cartilege in my knees.  Bonus also, if I can get something for my lobster, crab allergy, I could be able to enjoy eating these shellfish again with no hives, etc.  Just wishing! Let you all know later, so that any of you who have OA can safely use this supplement and your allergist can help you. Keep you posted! Michelle

Response:

Again there are several reports that may well be related to insulin problems (even the "falling" one) Glucosamine is used to produce rats with a model for diabetes. If you have any family history, or personal tendencies toward diabetes you should give this (Glucosamine) a wide berth! I am aware that this isn’t asthma, but we don’t need more problems as well. Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity."

Response:

FYI You are "preaching" to the wrong person. Run the searches that I suggested and you’ll see that both asthma and pancreas have had some reports. (and that database is not well-known, ie is by no means anywhere near showing adverse effects since many don’t even know about the database, many aren’t on-line, and some people can’t be bothered reporting. OTOH one might argue that no one’s keeping track of side effects of prescription medictions either. JMO J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Again there are several reports that may well be related to insulin problems (even the "falling" one) Glucosamine is used to produce rats with a model for diabetes. If you have any family history, or personal tendencies toward diabetes you should give this (Glucosamine) a wide berth! I am aware that this isn’t asthma, but we don’t need more problems as well. Boyd

Response:

Let you all know later, so that any of you who have OA can safely use this supplement and your allergist can help you. Keep you posted!

Just out of idle curiosity – has this ever been actually tested to see if it is effective for the treatment or OA?   Or is it nothing but advertising hype? "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

Response:

There are 3 types of ingredients to this Glucosamine that you can that is. MSM is a relative to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a unique therapeutic agent used worldwide in the treatment of many       painful and inflammatory conditions. MSM has many of DMSO’s properties, but without the oyster-like odor..

And MSM is nothing but a scam.  Look up the scientific research on it. All this stuff does in provide sulphur in amounts greatly in excess of your body’s needs.  This is another example of a ’supplement’ doing nothing but padding the bank accounts of the dishonest. "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

Response:

There are 3 types of ingredients to this Glucosamine that you can that is. MSM is a relative to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a unique therapeutic agent used worldwide in the treatment of many       painful and inflammatory conditions. MSM has many of DMSO’s properties, but without the oyster-like odor.. And MSM is nothing but a scam.  Look up the scientific research on it.

Did and decided against it. Only provided the info since the poster was calling it MSN. I was referring to glucosamine (about experimenting), since it has been suggested to me by a valid doctor for osteoarthritis.. Thanks J

Response:

In laboratory research rats are commonly given glucosamine to induce insulin resistance. I know that this doesn’t mean anything to humans (necessarily), but I would approach this stuff with caution to say the least. Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity."

Response:

In laboratory research rats are commonly given glucosamine to induce insulin resistance. I know that this doesn’t mean anything to humans (necessarily), but I would approach this stuff with caution to say the least.

Like you would expect the people selling this stuff to tell you about it?  Even the people selling Ephedra claim it is ’safe.’ "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

Response:

Like you would expect the people selling this stuff to tell you about it?  Even the people selling Ephedra claim it is ’safe.’

Hi Colin and the group, When I was in Albuquerque two weeks ago, information flashed on the local TV regarding a Class Action lawsuit representing individuals or families of individuals that had been injured or died from ephedra use.  It’s about time. Something else I was told by a GP about ephedra (ephedrine) was that it was a beta blocker and could possibly prove fatal to an asthmatic.  And they sell this stuff OTC. Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Like you would expect the people selling this stuff to tell you about it?  Even the people selling Ephedra claim it is ’safe.’ Hi Colin and the group, When I was in Albuquerque two weeks ago, information flashed on the local TV regarding a Class Action lawsuit representing individuals or families of individuals that had been injured or died from ephedra use.  It’s about time. Something else I was told by a GP about ephedra (ephedrine) was that it was a beta blocker and could possibly prove fatal to an asthmatic.  And they sell this stuff OTC.

My understanding is that it is not a beta blocker but just the opposite. It stimulates the adrenergic (same as adrenaline) system and so would be a beta agonist. If anything, this would help asthma symptoms. There are better ways to achieve the same effect. — CBI, MD

Response:

I am the person who posted the question in using Gluscosamine for my Osteo Arthritis. Well, I have some new news, I called my allergist and he noticed that I had never been tested for shellfish and so I am going to get tested for lobster,crab, and other shellfish next Monday after noon. Also, told me to purchase the supplement and bring it with me. Hopefully, I can use this supplement with my OA for the cartilege in my knees.  Bonus also, if I can get something for my lobster, crab allergy, I could be able to enjoy eating these shellfish again with no hives, etc.  Just wishing! Let you all know later, so that any of you who have OA can safely use this supplement and your allergist can help you. Keep you posted! Michelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Like you would expect the people selling this stuff to tell you about it?  Even the people selling Ephedra claim it is ’safe.’ Hi Colin and the group, When I was in Albuquerque two weeks ago, information flashed on the local TV regarding a Class Action lawsuit representing individuals or families of individuals that had been injured or died from ephedra use.  It’s about time. Something else I was told by a GP about ephedra (ephedrine) was that it was a beta blocker and could possibly prove fatal to an asthmatic.  And they sell this stuff OTC. My understanding is that it is not a beta blocker but just the opposite. It stimulates the adrenergic (same as adrenaline) system and so would be a beta agonist. If anything, this would help asthma symptoms. There are better ways to achieve the same effect. — CBI, MD

Response:

I am an asthmatic taking Flovent and Serevent and Provental. Just was diagnoised with  Osteo Arthritis in my left knee this week. Doc suggested getting over the counter Gluc osamine for the cartilege . I told doc I have been reading about the success with this OTC drug on arthritis patients, but that I am allergic to crab and lobster, but can eat fried clams and oysters, but watch my limit.  Well, dumb doctor said well, keep looking for "pure" Glucosamine until you find it!: Anyone on this list that has this disease and asthma and can take this without an allergic reaction? Called my allergist but he was out of town so will call Monday. Called my pharmacist and he called "Schiff" brand of Vitamins,etc. and they told him they had had no allergic reactions with their customers that were allergic to shellfish. They said that people are usually allergic to the iodine and the enzyme(?) product in the fish. Theirs is made from shrimpshells. Help! I don’t need to be on pain killers yet but he uses this for the bone against bone grinding. Now I can’t walk for excercise nor treadmill for my excercise induced excercing. I am not much of a swimmer, but will hang on the side and do leg excercises. There are 3 types of ingredients to this Glucosamine that you can that is. Info appreciated. Michelle

Response:

Called my allergist but he was out of town so will call Monday. Called my pharmacist and he called "Schiff" brand of Vitamins,etc. and they told him they had had no allergic reactions with their customers that were allergic to shellfish. They said that people are usually allergic to the iodine and the enzyme(?) product in the fish. Theirs is made from shrimpshells.

Be wary of this information.  Typically, these companies do not really know what is in their products.  Also, beware of products that are over-hyped.  In fact it may be a good idea for your pharmacist to ask the manufacturer if they have done any sort of testing to ensure human safety. "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

Response:

There are 3 types of ingredients to this Glucosamine that you can that is.

MSM is a relative to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a unique therapeutic agent used worldwide in the treatment of many        painful and inflammatory conditions. MSM has many of DMSO’s properties, but without the oyster-like odor.. AFAIK there are different brands, potencies, batches and nobody is over-seeing production of such.  Since I have wild reactions to things that many others seem to be able to tolerate, I’ll let you do the experimenting, if you so choose.  Let us know, ok? J

Response:

Question:

Thanks everyone for your information on warm air vent heating systems. Having spoken again with the current owner of the porperty I plan to buy, and  taking into consideration all your replies, I will most likey be making an offer for the home in the very near future. Thanks once again. Regards Jason

Response:

Jason, My wife and I bought a house in the Uk last year with a warm air system.  My wife has asthma and had no problems last winter.  I get hay fever and also had no problems.  The system is 12 years old now and has a filter to filter out dust.  You clean it every fortnight.  Make sure you’ve got a filter in the house you wish to buy, but I think you can get them fitted.  I’m told that systems built in the 70s are very poor and certainly don’t help asthma. Check the age of the system.  If it was built in the 70s then you will need a new bolier anyway soon.  The new ones have electrostatic filters.  They are made by Johnson ansd Starley. Hope this helps. Andrew Sanders

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone. I’m a chronic asthmatic living in the UK and I am in the process of buying a new house. I looked at a house yesterday that used a gas fired, warm air vent system for heating the home. Basicly, when you turn the heating on, warm air is blown out through vents in the walls. I have not lived in a house with this style of heating before and I am not sure whether it would be very condusive towards my asthmatic condition. I can imagine that it would throw up a lot of dust and whatever other crap collects in the vents. I could be completely wrong though, and it will perfectly fine. Does anyone have any experince of living in a home with this style of heating, and if so did it affect your asthma in any way? My wife and I really like this place, and at the moment this is the only factor that is holding us back. My asthma is a chronic condition but I have had it since the age of three (now 25) and I can control it perfectly with the help of beclomethasone twice a day. I would not class myself as a severe asthmatic, but it could certainly turn that way given the wrong living conditions. If you do not understand the heating system I described, then please say and I will try to explained it a little better. Any help/advice/experience would be much appreciated. Regards Jason

Response:

With the ducts in the ceiling and walls you beat the biggest problem MOLD. You still have to clean then periodically and keep good filters on them. I sealed the furnace and put almost hepa filters in the return air grates in the house. My next step is to put a device that exchanges outdoor and indoor air through a heat exchanger, You will see a big drop in humidity. Possibly enough to cause lung irritation and nose bleeds. A humidifier will fix that up. Once you get it right you will like it. — Gordon    W5RED

: Jason I have a similar heating system with ducts in the floor.  Although : they must be : kept clean the outlet in the bedroom still gives me headaches.  I think this : is simply because the moving air drys my sinuses. A friend had this also and : suggested to close the bedroom outlet and use an electric convection panel : type heater. This is certainly a better option!  I keep my house pretty dry : and cool to avoid molds etc. this may be significant! : : Bill : : Hi everyone. : : I’m a chronic asthmatic living in the UK and I am in the process of buying : a : new house. : I looked at a house yesterday that used a gas fired, warm air vent system : for heating the home. Basicly, when you turn the heating on, warm air is : blown out through vents in the walls. : : I have not lived in a house with this style of heating before and I am not : sure whether it : would be very condusive towards my asthmatic condition. I can imagine that : it would : throw up a lot of dust and whatever other crap collects in the vents. I : could be completely : wrong though, and it will perfectly fine. : : Does anyone have any experince of living in a home with this style of : heating, and if so : did it affect your asthma in any way? : : My wife and I really like this place, and at the moment this is the only : factor that is holding : us back. My asthma is a chronic condition but I have had it since the age : of : three (now 25) and I can control it perfectly with the help of : beclomethasone twice a day. I would not class : myself as a severe asthmatic, but it could certainly turn that way given : the : wrong living conditions. : : If you do not understand the heating system I described, then please say : and : I will try to explained it a little better. : : Any help/advice/experience would be much appreciated. : : Regards : Jason : : : :

Response:

Jason I have a similar heating system with ducts in the floor.  Although they must be kept clean the outlet in the bedroom still gives me headaches.  I think this is simply because the moving air drys my sinuses. A friend had this also and suggested to close the bedroom outlet and use an electric convection panel type heater. This is certainly a better option!  I keep my house pretty dry and cool to avoid molds etc. this may be significant! Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone. I’m a chronic asthmatic living in the UK and I am in the process of buying a new house. I looked at a house yesterday that used a gas fired, warm air vent system for heating the home. Basicly, when you turn the heating on, warm air is blown out through vents in the walls. I have not lived in a house with this style of heating before and I am not sure whether it would be very condusive towards my asthmatic condition. I can imagine that it would throw up a lot of dust and whatever other crap collects in the vents. I could be completely wrong though, and it will perfectly fine. Does anyone have any experince of living in a home with this style of heating, and if so did it affect your asthma in any way? My wife and I really like this place, and at the moment this is the only factor that is holding us back. My asthma is a chronic condition but I have had it since the age of three (now 25) and I can control it perfectly with the help of beclomethasone twice a day. I would not class myself as a severe asthmatic, but it could certainly turn that way given the wrong living conditions. If you do not understand the heating system I described, then please say and I will try to explained it a little better. Any help/advice/experience would be much appreciated. Regards Jason

Response:

There is much recent discussion about cleaning the air piping.  This seems to originate from campaigns to sell an unproven service and, while it has its advocates, its value has been questioned by several technically oriented individuals on this newsgroup.  As an engineer, I share their view.  You can’t

In favour of duct cleaning:  We bought a house that had a 30 year old oil furnace that was not always well maintained.  There was black tar-like crap all over the place, especially in the ducts.  This stuff acted like glue, and the ducts were so bad that you could reach in and grab handfuls of grime (NO KIDDING).  The dirt in this place (not just the ducts) was so disgusting and so well built-up that event some of the grates for the cold air return were plugged.  Add to this all the fact that the previous owners all chain-smoked, never dusted, had birds (flying around freely and pooping wherever they saw fit) and dogs, never vacuumed, and I’m sure you can imagine how bad the ducts were, not to mention the rest of the place.  Duct cleaning saved us time and money, by making it so that we didn’t have to rip out and replace any ducts. Now, when our new furnace turns on (that old oil one definitely went to furnace heaven), there is no longer a smell of oil, cigarettes, and who knows what else – there is only warm air.  We actually had the new furnace installed about a week or two before the ducts got cleaned, so I know for sure that the cleaning made a difference.  I turned the furnace on a couple of times, to make sure it worked (it was summer and not really necessary to have it on), and before the ducts were cleaned, the air that came out smelled incredibly bad and was dusty.  After the ducts were cleaned, the air was fine. I’m sorry, but I think it’s important to have duct cleaners around. They are actually quite useful.  (mind you, I don’t see us needing them again for a good number of years, since smoking is not allowed in this house and I’ll be damned if I let our new furnace get like that crappy old one that was here before) Vicky P.S. I think my message is mainly that if you can grab handfuls of dirt out of your ducts, duct cleaning services would help you.  ;-)  Maybe this service is getting a bad name from those who call the cleaners in when they really don’t need to.

Response:

I looked at a house yesterday that used a gas fired, warm air vent system for heating the home. Basicly, when you turn the heating on, warm air is blown out through vents in the walls. Does anyone have any experience of living in a home with this style of heating, and if so did it affect your asthma in any way?

This style of heating is nearly universal in western U.S. for the past 50 years.  I have lived in nothing else since developing allergies (50 years ago) and asthma (20 years ago).  If properly installed and maintained, replacing the intake filters periodically, it should not be a source of probllems.  For example, although I have had onset of symtoms when people walked across the carpet raising dust, I have never noted onset of symptoms when the furnace blower started. There is much recent discussion about cleaning the air piping.  This seems to originate from campaigns to sell an unproven service and, while it has its advocates, its value has been questioned by several technically oriented individuals on this newsgroup.  As an engineer, I share their view.  You can’t get more dirt out of the pipe than goes into them and it is obvious that in the long run the pipes do not create or aggravate the problem.  Further, if the air velocity in the pipes were low enough to permit it settling there, it wouldn’t be high enough to move it out later. You must, of course, examine the house for problems important to an asthmatic — how new are the carpets, did the previous owner have pets, etc. It sounds like you are in a position to upgrade your present housing.  Lucky you.  Congratulations.  Exercise a prudent buyer’s caution but, if the heating system appears to be well maintained, you shouldn’t be fearful, in my view.

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http://www.gascape.org/Chem%20Analysis.html Suggest that you have a home heating expert do an inspection (or make it a condition of part of the offer to purchase) as this type of system can cause serious damage, BTDT.  Some people in Canada have done their own (sometimes deadly) additions/mods to such venting systems because they don’t fully understand such (trying to save money instead of paying experts). Requires annual inspection to make sure that the fuel is burning clean and that no fumes are emitting. The exhaust portion of gas furnace and/or water heater must be totally intact..ie no rusty or disconnected pipes. In addition the chimney should be inspected from time to time and should have a grill on the top of it to prevent animals/birds getting in (dead or alive) from blocking the exhaust. There is usually a chimney cleanout at the bottom of the chimney (inside or outside) that should be kept cleared annually and allows visual inspection to make sure that the chimney is not blocked at some point (by seeing partway up the chimney or seeing the amount of daylight that’s coming through). The return and supply pipes are typically  buried above basement ceilings and/or behind drywall/walls.  You want to make sure that these are compliant with the mfrs specs (size of pipes/ distance from the chimney etc etc).  Also important that the chimney is to building code spec (specific number of feet above the roofline so maximum drawpower but no downdraft). A fresh air intake is important (not all have them installed) along with a filter on the cold air return (hepa filter, I believe) but perhaps someone else will correct me on that. A forced air system (gas or other) tends to blow more of whatever is in the house around more…(so if you have dust mites, they will blow around more as the furnace cycles off/on).  If there is old hardwood floors with dust between the cracks…… This type of system, if vigilantly maintained, is an excellent heating system but might be a bit more "irritating" for someone with asthma than say, a hot water radiator style heating system (which also requires vigilance in the basement or wherever the fuel is being burned). In addition for every heated area, there should be a cold air return.  This is not always complied with since sometimes the heating system has been added long after the home was originally built. I used to (semi-annually) vacuum out the vent areas.  There are also "duct cleaning" companies but that remains controversial (is there dust/mould collecting in the pipes? ie is the cost worth any benefit, do they cause more harm than good..ie stir up whatever has settled in the pipes so that subsequent days/weeks/months more ends up circulating around the home). Don’t forget the carbon monoxide monitors. In a nutshell, a lesson in one type of home heating system Best J PS I don’t officially have asthma but have always been "sensitive" to dust, fumes, perfumes etc.  An improperly vented system, a year ago, caused me serious upper respiratory distress and  on-going health problems. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone. I’m a chronic asthmatic living in the UK and I am in the process of buying a new house. I looked at a house yesterday that used a gas fired, warm air vent system for heating the home. Basicly, when you turn the heating on, warm air is blown out through vents in the walls. I have not lived in a house with this style of heating before and I am not sure whether it would be very condusive towards my asthmatic condition. I can imagine that it would throw up a lot of dust and whatever other crap collects in the vents. I could be completely wrong though, and it will perfectly fine. Does anyone have any experince of living in a home with this style of heating, and if so did it affect your asthma in any way? My wife and I really like this place, and at the moment this is the only factor that is holding us back. My asthma is a chronic condition but I have had it since the age of three (now 25) and I can control it perfectly with the help of beclomethasone twice a day. I would not class myself as a severe asthmatic, but it could certainly turn that way given the wrong living conditions. If you do not understand the heating system I described, then please say and I will try to explained it a little better. Any help/advice/experience would be much appreciated. Regards Jason

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Hi everyone. I’m a chronic asthmatic living in the UK and I am in the process of buying a new house. I looked at a house yesterday that used a gas fired, warm air vent system for heating the home. Basicly, when you turn the heating on, warm air is blown out through vents in the walls. I have not lived in a house with this style of heating before and I am not sure whether it would be very condusive towards my asthmatic condition. I can imagine that it would throw up a lot of dust and whatever other crap collects in the vents. I could be completely wrong though, and it will perfectly fine. Does anyone have any experince of living in a home with this style of heating, and if so did it affect your asthma in any way? My wife and I really like this place, and at the moment this is the only factor that is holding us back. My asthma is a chronic condition but I have had it since the age of three (now 25) and I can control it perfectly with the help of beclomethasone twice a day. I would not class myself as a severe asthmatic, but it could certainly turn that way given the wrong living conditions. If you do not understand the heating system I described, then please say and I will try to explained it a little better. Any help/advice/experience would be much appreciated. Regards Jason

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have only told what happened to me, I haven’t made any "claims". Karen Okay, truce.  Sorry I’m so touchy.  I get flamed so many times when I offer that my vitamins might help someone else’s problem.  What’s say we start over, Edie.  What would you like to know? Karen and how about you keep up a policy of only posting factual and provable information and become the first alternatice meds salesman on a.s.a to do so? posting incorrect information or unproven assertions in order to persuade people to buy your product will (and should) be met with rebuttals and corrections eric "the alternative to seeing things in black and white is to see them in full colour"

if you are selling a product then stating that that product has done a particular thing for you is making a claim that it has that effect…in which case we would expect to see supporting evidence…even then it would be anecdotal you cannot sell something on the back of such a statement and expect it to be treated the same way as a simple straightforward contribution by a contributor to the group who has no real or implied profit motive this is not calling you a liar, it is simply that in a society full of false and misleading advertising many of us don’t take such statements at face value any more, we expect to see it backed up with real evidence before we accept the honesty of the advertiser eric "the alternative to seeing things in black and white is to see them in full colour"

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Unfortunately this is a fact of e-life. This is why I no longer use my name or e-mail address when posting. I did not start out this was but I can tell you that the change has resulted in a near absence of spam.

Any spammer stupid enough to send me junk generally doesn’t get a second chance to send me more junk – at least, not from the same account I don’t see why spammers should force the rest of us to hide behind pseudonyms and munged addresses. They’ve mail-bombed me, they’ve signed me up for all sorts of weird and wonderful mailing lists, they’ve even sent me abuse and personal threats in e-mail – but I’m damned if I’m going to let them bully me into submission… Chris — Chris King                    | I don’t buy goods or services from spammers. http://www.csking.demon.co.uk | your ISP to cancel your account.

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I was also contacted by people wanting to sell me vitamins and air filters.  This has never happened to me before.  (I have been on Usenet for a few years now.)  Is this the brave new world of the internet or is there something about this group that attracts commercial traffic looking to take advantage of the uninformed?

You are considered to be in the prime demographic group for people marketing questionable medical ‘treatments.’  They just love to find people with an ailment that cannot be cured because they can be frequently conned into buying something worthless out of desperation. No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

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This is not the forum for a discussion of vitamins or what really amounts to an attempt to sell them. Supplemental vitamins play no role in asthma. Go aw

Whoa! wait a minute.  If vitamins can help Asthma or anyother ailment, then this could be a forum for discussion of vitamins and how they help Asthma.  I, for one, would like to know what might work, because I have a history of new diseases from all the "approved" meds my doctor gives me.  I have also taken Metabolife, which is herbs etc to stop me from eating so much and found it helped my irritable bowel problems and my chronic 51 year old habit of nail biting.  We need to have an open mind on things, that way we can all learn more about our diseases.  Helen

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This is not the forum for a discussion of vitamins or what really amounts to an attempt to sell them. Supplemental vitamins play no role in asthma. Go away.

I have another comment on this subject.  My son, age 12, has severe asthma, and his allergist suggest Klonepin to help it.  I was really baffled about how a tranquilizer would help his asthma, but it does.  Especially when he is upset over something and his asthma kicks up.Obviously, when he has an infection it doesn’t work.  We can always learn something new.

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This is not the forum for a discussion of vitamins or what really amounts to an attempt to sell them. Supplemental vitamins play no role in asthma. Go aw Whoa! wait a minute.  If vitamins can help Asthma or anyother ailment, then this could be a forum for discussion of vitamins and how they help Asthma.

The effects of vitamins on asthma have been tested in clinical trials. They were found to be useless. Despite this, the vitamin quacks are still marketing them as ‘cures’ for asthma. No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

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Okay, truce.  Sorry I’m so touchy.  I get flamed so many times when I offer that my vitamins might help someone else’s problem.  What’s say we start over, Edie.  What would you like to know? Karen

This is not the forum for a discussion of vitamins or what really amounts to an attempt to sell them. Supplemental vitamins play no role in asthma. Go away.

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I have only told what happened to me, I haven’t made any "claims".   Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Okay, truce.  Sorry I’m so touchy.  I get flamed so many times when I offer that my vitamins might help someone else’s problem.  What’s say we start over, Edie.  What would you like to know? Karen and how about you keep up a policy of only posting factual and provable information and become the first alternatice meds salesman on a.s.a to do so? posting incorrect information or unproven assertions in order to persuade people to buy your product will (and should) be met with rebuttals and corrections eric "the alternative to seeing things in black and white is to see them in full colour"

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Okay, truce.  Sorry I’m so touchy.  I get flamed so many times when I offer that my vitamins might help someone else’s problem.  What’s say we start over, Edie.  What would you like to know? Karen

and how about you keep up a policy of only posting factual and provable information and become the first alternatice meds salesman on a.s.a to do so? posting incorrect information or unproven assertions in order to persuade people to buy your product will (and should) be met with rebuttals and corrections eric "the alternative to seeing things in black and white is to see them in full colour"

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I was also contacted by people wanting to sell me vitamins and air filters.  This has never happened to me before.  (I have been on Usenet for a few years now.)  Is this the brave new world of the internet or is there something about this group that attracts commercial traffic looking to take advantage of the uninformed? Edie

Unfortunately this is a fact of e-life. This is why I no longer use my name or e-mail address when posting. I did not start out this was but I can tell you that the change has resulted in a near absence of spam.

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Okay, truce.  Sorry I’m so touchy.  I get flamed so many times when I offer that my vitamins might help someone else’s problem.  What’s say we start over, Edie.  What would you like to know? Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – People post their questions, and people post their answers. My answer was vitamins, so I am blacklisted on this group.  I don’t get it. Well, you never told me anything about the vitamins or how they could help in a specific way.  You just offered to sell them to me.  BTW, I just asked a question of the group.  I don’t know anything about a black list.  Also, you were not the only one to try and sell me things. Edie

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I posted a week or so ago looking for information about asthma in young children.  Thanks to the many kind people who responded with good web sites and their own experiences. I learned a lot and appreciate your help.  We have an appointment with a pediatric pulmonolgist at the end of the month so I think we are on the right track. I was also contacted by people wanting to sell me vitamins and air filters.  This has never happened to me before.  (I have been on Usenet for a few years now.)  Is this the brave new world of the internet or is there something about this group that attracts commercial traffic looking to take advantage of the uninformed? Edie

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People post their questions, and people post their answers.  My answer was vitamins, so I am blacklisted on this group.  I don’t get it. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I posted a week or so ago looking for information about asthma in young children.  Thanks to the many kind people who responded with good web sites and their own experiences. I learned a lot and appreciate your help.  We have an appointment with a pediatric pulmonolgist at the end of the month so I think we are on the right track. I was also contacted by people wanting to sell me vitamins and air filters.  This has never happened to me before.  (I have been on Usenet for a few years now.)  Is this the brave new world of the internet or is there something about this group that attracts commercial traffic looking to take advantage of the uninformed? Edie

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People post their questions, and people post their answers. My answer was vitamins, so I am blacklisted on this group.  I don’t

get it. Well, you never told me anything about the vitamins or how they could help in a specific way.  You just offered to sell them to me.  BTW, I just asked a question of the group.  I don’t know anything about a black list.  Also, you were not the only one to try and sell me things. Edie

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Question:

H’lo, my name is Linda Hinkle and my grandpa has been an asthma sufferer up until last year.  I work for a company called Herbalife, and on a hunch one year I gave him a gift of herbals that were suppossed to help asthma.  Well thanks to these herbals he doesn’t use his inhaler anymore for over a year, and he has a new outlook on life.  Anyone wishing information on this herbal remedy can contact me at God Bless, Linda Hinkle

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Thermojetics Herbal Tablets–Green <Herbalife International 33 yo F used product (bid, ?dose) in 11/93 until 1st week in 1/94,  when she started having dizzy spells that progressed to involve numbness of L arm & forehead, weakness of both legs, SOB, and shaky feelings. 1/30/94 seen in ER for dizziness & tachycardia, Dx labyrinthitis, Tx Valium, d/c on Antivert. 2/2/94 episodes worsened, including dizziness, severe tachycardia, and SOB. She was transported to hospital & admitted w/extensive w/u (CAT, XR echo, doppler, halter, labs). D/c on 2/8 on Tenormin and Ativan w/Dx of SVT. Normal PE in 10/93. No h/o allergies or CV disease. Mother (insomnia) & husband (blood in stool) using product w/various SSx. Sister took product w/o problems. Thermojetics Herbal Tablets–Beige Thermojetics Herbal Tablets–Green, Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3 <Herbalife International 55 yo F reports grand mal seizure after 3 days on product per directions. No significant past history, normal CT and EEG. No meds or other dietary supplement products. Thermojetics Herbal Tablets–Green <Herbalife International. 34 yo F died following diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Mother of deceased found bottles of <Herbalife Green & Beige tablets in home of the deceased. Duration and detail of use are unknown. Deceased appeared to be in excellent health until approx. 3 months prior to her death when she developed SOB & n/v while skiing in Colorado despite numerous previous ski trips in same location which were uneventful. She was diagnosed with “high altitude sickness.” Symptoms persisted and she subsequently underwent cardiac catheterization 3 months after onset of sxs. Results of cath were apparently consistent with PPH and indicated that she would need heart/lung transplant in 3-5 years. She died 3 days later in August 94. Past medical history is significant only for hospital admission 1 year prior to death for CP, SOB, and possible pneumonia. Thermojetics Herbal Tablets–Green <Herbalife International. 39 yo F used <Herbalife Diet Plan which consisted of the following 5 products: Formula 1 Protein Drink Mix (2 tablespoon bid); Formula 2 Multivitamin-Mineral Tablet (1 tablet tid); Formula 3 Cell Activator Capsules (2 capsule bid); Herbal Beige Tablet (1 tablet bid); Herbal Green Tablet (3 tablet bid) all taken as directed on label. No other products were being used at the time she developed the adverse events. 3-4 months after starting plan, she began experiencing blurred vision and headache. 2 weeks later she began experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, slurred speech, and numbness on right side of her body. Evaluation by neurologist indicated patchy sensory deficit in right leg, most pronounced in foot. MRI of brain showed findings consistent with recent hemorrhage associated with cavernous malformation. Evaluation by internist indicated negative w/u for Lyme disease and no additional significant findings. Symptoms improved after consumer discontined use of products. Freddy C’est une affirmation qui est fausse. Ceux qui la colportent risquent d’

Question:

As someone who makes a living as a respiratory therapist, I can state with confidence that respiratory therapy can and does help asthma, both in the preventative sense and therapeutic sense. I even use the information/knowledge I have to manage my own affliction with this disease. If you so desire, feel free to e-mail me any questions you may have and if I do not know the answers by God I will get them for you. Lee Lewis, RRT http://www.carilion.com Roanoke Memorial Hospital Department of Respiratory Care Services, Clinical Team Leader

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I was wondering if anyone has used respiratory therapy for their asthma, and if so, what they thought of it.

Martin…… I tried to reply earlier to this but I think it did not post….. I would assume you have used or seen a Respiratory Therapist when you have been to the hospital with an attack or to be tested.  Perhaps you are meaning some sort of pulmonay Rehab program.  Can you be more specific? take care Scooby RCP, EMT-P Perinatal-Pediatric Respiratory Specialist

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Martin, It depends on what kind of respiratory therapy.  Aerosol treatments, inhalers, postural drainage and percussion (PD&P), Pulmonary Rehab or education.  All can help especially education.  PD&P can irritate the airways and cause bronchospasm so it is always smart to take your reliever (bronchodilator) medication before that treatment. Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone has used respiratory therapy for their asthma, and if so, what they thought of it.

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I was wondering if anyone has used respiratory therapy for their asthma, and if so, what they thought of it.

Hi Martin……could you be more specific?  As a Respiratory Therapist I would assume that you *have* used our services anytime you go to the hospital.  Are you perhaps meaning a Pulmonary Rehab program? Scooby RCP, EMT-P Perinatal-Pediatric Respiratory Specialist

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Question:

I have not been here in several months and may have missed any comments on this supplement which is basically sulfur.  Has anyone in here tried this for pain and if so, with what results. I have been successful for over a year at avoiding a spinal fusion, have tried most of the available drugs offered over the past 10 yrs with very little relief, currently receive facet joint injections of cortisone which are helping quite a bit. But, I am always looking, like many of us, for something other than prescription drugs with their many side effects that frequently cause more problems.  Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks! [Image]

I think the MSM is worth a try. It sure can’t hurt, and it may help. I tried it, along w/ tons of other things including the facet joint injections. Ended up w/ surgery in April, about 50% healed at this point. But I sure would try the MSM, what’s to lose? Good luck w/ it, Deenie

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I posted this a week ago, but went through the postings and don’t see it so I would like to ask again if anyone has used MSM supplements for pain and if so what has been your experience?

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Hi This has nothing to do with what you asked. I love your background and music that accompanies your post. Its great and a welcome touch of nice in a very bland communication medium. Regards David   I posted this a week ago, but went through the postings and don’t see it   so I would like to ask again if anyone has used MSM supplements for pain   and if so what has been your experience?

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I have not been here in several months and may have missed any comments on this supplement which is basically sulfur.  Has anyone in here tried this for pain and if so, with what results. I have been successful for over a year at avoiding a spinal fusion, have tried most of the available drugs offered over the past 10 yrs with very little relief, currently receive facet joint injections of cortisone which are helping quite a bit. But, I am always looking, like many of us, for something other than prescription drugs with their many side effects that frequently cause more problems.  Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks!

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I have read that a new nutritional food supplement now being sold in health food stores–known as MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) can be helpful in relieving and even reversing asthma and other respiratory diseases. I have been taking this stuff for about two weeks and I feel that it has made a difference in my symptoms.  I am breathing more deeply and with less effort. However–I feel that I must also consider the possibility of the placebo effect in operation here. Has anybody else had any experiences with taking MSM for asthma or any other respiratory disorders? Arthur

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Has anybody else had any experiences with taking MSM for asthma or any other respiratory disorders?

MSM is nothing more than a sulphur supplement.  Sulphur is needed by the human body only as a trace element. The real trick behind MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is the profit margin on the stuff.  The stuff is actually an industrial chemical that is available for (literally) pennies a pound.  However it is repackaged as a ‘nutritional supplement’ and sold for $20 for a few ounces. Since the profit margins on this stuff are huge – the unscrupulous people selling the stuff are claiming that it will treat just about everything. (In alternative medicine the greater the profit margin – the greater the number of diseases it is advertised to treat).

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I have read that a new nutritional food supplement now being sold in health food stores–known as MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) can be helpful in relieving and even reversing asthma and other respiratory diseases. I have been taking this stuff for about two weeks and I feel that it has made a difference in my symptoms.  I am breathing more deeply and with less effort. However–I feel that I must also consider the possibility of the placebo effect in operation here. Has anybody else had any experiences with taking MSM for asthma or any other respiratory disorders? Arthur

How about that!  The same stuff I give my older arthritic horses?  It makes their joints healthier, eases their arthritis.  I have asthma and I never heard of using MSM for it.  It has been on the vetereinary market for the past 10 years.  Maybe I should go dig into their suppliment and see if it works?

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My wife takes it for allergies (and her allergy induced Asthma).  It works wonders.  It cut her attacks by over 50%.  Amazing stuff. Robert How about that!  The same stuff I give my older arthritic horses?  It makes their joints healthier, eases their arthritis.  I have asthma and I never heard of using MSM for it.  It has been on the vetereinary market for the past 10 years.  Maybe I should go dig into their suppliment and see if it works?

Robert H

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Has anybody else had any experiences with taking MSM for asthma or any other respiratory disorders? Arthur

My wife, who has experienced chronic, sometimes life-threatening asthma since 1970 (3 NDEs) tried MSM for about 3 months during the past year and could notice no noticable improvement using it. — Cliff Gieseke, San Antonio, Texas

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I have been taking MSM for three months.  Following are my conclusions: 1)  It has helped me!  Overall, I am now breathing more deeply      and fully with much less resistance than before.   2) Dose level may be important.  At first, I took one or two 1000 mg     tablets a day.  This helped for about a month.  Then the weather     changed (My #1 "trigger) and it seemed to stop working.  So I     increased the dose (4 teaspoons a day of the powdered form)     and it is working again. Overall, I find that it is effective.  However, it does not completely overcome attacks triggered by weather changes–especially from warm to cold. Margaret

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 ….I have been taking this stuff for about two weeks and I feel that it has made a difference in my symptoms.  I am breathing more deeply and with less effort. However–I feel that I must also consider the possibility of the placebo effect in operation here. Has anybody else had any experiences with taking MSM for asthma or any other respiratory disorders? Arthur

How about that!  The same stuff I give my older arthritic horses?  It makes their joints healthier, eases their arthritis.  I have asthma and I never heard of using MSM for it.  It has been on the vetereinary market for the past 10 years.  Maybe I should go dig into their suppliment and see if it works? Thanks for the reminder! I started taking MSM a couple of days last week and it seemed to help my allergies. I’ll start again this week and see how it works for a couple of weeks. Bruce Nilson PS to Equilady: Do you also use magnets on your horses joints?

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How about that!  The same stuff I give my older arthritic horses?  It makes their joints healthier, eases their arthritis.  I have asthma and I never heard of using MSM for it.  It has been on the vetereinary market for the past 10 years.  Maybe I should go dig into their suppliment and see if it works?

Actually, people on the healthfraud mailing list have commented that the stuff does not work for horses either. PS to Equilady: Do you also use magnets on your horses joints?

Magnet therapy.  Proven to be worthless in study after study.  But it is a demosstration of the power of hype over fact.

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Bruce Nilson PS to Equilady: Do you also use magnets on your horses joints?

Bruce – No, I have never used magnets on my horse’s joints.  I have seen devices that they use on racehorses, intended for the joints.  My horses are not expensive or making money, they are just pets and hobby, so I don’t see any reason to get into a whole lot of stuff for them. – Linda

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No, I have never used magnets on my horse’s joints.  I have seen devices that they use on racehorses, intended for the joints.  My horses are not expensive or making money, they are just pets and hobby, so I don’t see any reason to get into a whole lot of stuff for them.

<grin Just as well.  ’Magnet therapy’ was first debunked by Benjamin Franklin. Since then they have failed to demonstrate any form of effectivness when actually tested.  Magnet therapy is like homeopathy – accepting the theory requires that you ignore the laws of physics, chemistry and statistics. But there are allways the gullible types who will believe anything.

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And I guess because you say it doen’t work, it must be quackery, right? Ya’ know, I know many people for whom alternative treatments, like homoe therapy, herbal, aromatherapy, etc. have worked and worked well. It doesn’t work for everything, but neither does all the medication in the world. So, unless you want to call the countless numbers of us who tout the success of these remedies liars, pipe down. And if it IS placebo effect, so what? Is that any less an important effect? The idea that the MIND can alter the BODY? Wow, what a concept. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, I have never used magnets on my horse’s joints.  I have seen devices that they use on racehorses, intended for the joints.  My horses are not expensive or making money, they are just pets and hobby, so I don’t see any reason to get into a whole lot of stuff for them. <grin Just as well.  ’Magnet therapy’ was first debunked by Benjamin Franklin. Since then they have failed to demonstrate any form of effectivness when actually tested.  Magnet therapy is like homeopathy – accepting the theory requires that you ignore the laws of physics, chemistry and statistics. But there are allways the gullible types who will believe anything.

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And I guess because you say it doen’t work, it must be quackery, right?

If it cannot work, and has been proven not to work and somebody is still marketing the stuff then it is quackery.  Actually this should be regarded as fraud – since armatherapy, magnet therapy and homeopathy have been proven to be ineffective. (And the people recommending and selling the stuff _know_ this). Ya’ know, I know many people for whom alternative treatments, like homoe therapy, herbal, aromatherapy, etc. have worked and worked well.

Has it actually worked or do you think it worked?  If something really works then you should be able to validate it scientifically. Even if something ‘works’ can you be sure it is actually safe?  Herbal remedies poison people all the time – but you will never see warnings about side effects and contraindications on the labels.  It doesn’t work for everything, but neither does all the medication in the world. So, unless you want to call the countless numbers of us who tout the success of these remedies liars, pipe down. And if it IS placebo effect, so what? Is that any less an important effect? The idea that the MIND can alter the BODY? Wow, what a concept.

And if it is an effect of ‘mind over body’ wouldn’t it be better if it were studied and verified rather than hawked as a quack remedy?  You can think something works – but all you can do is guess.  You really have no idea if the ‘remedy’ worked, or if some other factor was responsible. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – But there are allways the gullible types who will believe anything.

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<grin Just as well.  ’Magnet therapy’ was first debunked by Benjamin Franklin. Since then they have failed to demonstrate any form of effectivness when actually tested.  Magnet therapy is like homeopathy – accepting the theory requires that you ignore the laws of physics, chemistry and statistics. In the NYTimes a few months ago there was an article on magnet therapy. A highly regarded doc in Texas set out to expose the quackery of magnet therapy. Turns out it worked on him and friends for some kinds of pain. He did a little study and found that it worked an a wide variety of aches and pains. I beleive the University of Washington medical school is doing a follow up. Perhaps somebody could do a search of the NYT. Bruce Nilson

Response:

In the NYTimes a few months ago there was an article on magnet therapy. A highly regarded doc in Texas set out to expose the quackery of magnet therapy. Turns out it worked on him and friends for some kinds of pain. He did a little study and found that it worked an a wide variety of aches and pains. I beleive the University of Washington medical school is doing a follow up. Perhaps somebody could do a search of the NYT.

Or maybe somebody can get the actual research results?  (Do you really expect a reporter to understand how a clinical trial is conducted?) Remember that this made it to the papers because it was unusual.  Also remember that if you do enough studies you are going to (through random chance) get one that produces positive results.  This is why it is not a good idea to rely on the results of one study – especially if there are numerous similar studies that have produced conflicting results.

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What is MSM and does it work at all?  Anyone know?  I read some ads that say it is good for asthma and allergies.  Anyone tried it? Yana

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What is MSM and does it work at all?  Anyone know?  I read some ads that say it is good for asthma and allergies.  Anyone tried it?

Never heard of it.  Can you give more info about the ad? You migh want to discuss this stuff with your doctor – if he never heard of it then the ad is likley ‘hot air.’ ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

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Does anyone know what  the supplement MSM is?  It is supposed to help with allergies and asthma, but I wanted more info before trying it.  Thanks

Response:

Does anyone know what  the supplement MSM is?  It is supposed to help with allergies and asthma, but I wanted more info before trying it.  Thanks

It is a nutritional supplement that its manufacturers claim will help asthma and allergies. However, be aware that it has sulfa-related products in it and probably should not even be tried any anyone sensitive to sulfa. Joan

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Ken! Great to hear that the MSM is working.  There’s nothing quite like enhancing the entire mind/body system to help individual illnesses. Del — you can order MSM (supportive aid in relieving pain and swelling associated with arthritis, as well as being an overall immune booster) from KV Vet Supply.  You can get a free catalog by calling 800-423-8211. Lori

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MSM is Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane and I purchase it in capsule form from the health food store. Judi

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What is MSM and where can it be obtained please? Del – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anybody ever used this product for arthritis? Thanks Jack Watts We started him on half a teaspoon of MSM per day (in addition to the above) about a month ago and although it is still "early days" it has made a noticeable difference already.  He is now quite obviously generally much more comfortable and does not cry all the time.  There seems to be a definite improvement in his mobility and so far indications are that there is some benefit from MSM.

Response:

Has anybody ever used this product for arthritius? Thanks Jack Watts

Response:

Has anybody ever used this product for arthritis? Thanks Jack Watts

Hi I asked basically this same question in the NG about a month ago – a search of Deja News should give you the thread.   To quickly recap, I have an eleven year old Keeshond with bad arthritis and other orthopaedic problems and had read a newspaper article claiming that MSM is some sort of "wonder drug" for dogs (and people).  Dizzie is already in Cartrophen injections AND Carprofen (Rimadyl) but was still in permanent discomfort. We started him on half a teaspoon of MSM per day (in addition to the above) about a month ago and although it is still "early days" it has made a noticeable difference already.  He is now quite obviously generally much more comfortable and does not cry all the time.  There seems to be a definite improvement in his mobility and so far indications are that there is some benefit from MSM.  As it happens I had to take both my dogs to the vets for routine kennel cough vaccinations last Tuesday and mentioned to the vet that Dizzie was on MSM in addition to veterinary treatment.  My vet said that if MSM was helping Dizzie then we should keep him on it and if possible reduce his other medication. Hope this helps Ken Battersby To reply by Email please remove X from <GlobalnetX.co.uk

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Help:::: i have been suffering from P. for a long time and no luck on clearing it up where do i get msm is it a perscription ????? Dave

Response:

Help:::: i have been suffering from P. for a long time and no luck on clearing it up where do i get msm is it a perscription ????? Dave MSM is NOT a prescription drug.  You can find it at your local health store. Good luck

Response:

Help:::: i have been suffering from P. for a long time and no luck on clearing it up where do i get msm is it a perscription ????? Dave MSM is NOT a prescription drug.  You can find it at your local health store. Good luck

Hi, Could you be a little more specific, what is MSM ? Thanks, Harold

Response:

MSM is a food supplement that is available at health food and nutrition centers (and apparently also your local pet supply store) that is an oxidized derivitive of the old arthritis "miracle cure" DMSO.  there are a number of websites that go into significant detail about the chemical make-up of the product, as well as what it is supposedly good for.  just enter "MSM" into any search engine and you’ll get about 3000 hits that will give you the details.

Response:

several months back, there was a flurry of postings on MSM, with several people saying they had some rapid and drastic improvement, and promisingto keep the group updated on the results.  but…alas…they never posted any such updates.  I started using MSM on Thursday (it’s now Sunday nite), and I’ve noticed some fairly significant reduction in spot size and numbers.  i’m wondering if this is temporary, a fluke, or what…

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I’ve been using MSM  (3000mg/day) since  January. It (combined with glucosamine sulfate) has been fantastic for my PA, but has done nothing for my P.

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Kwierbate, I’ve been taking MSM since people started posting about it here last January….My PA had been cleared by diet some years before I started taking it, so I’m not sure about the effects in that regard in my case.  My guess is that it’s more beneficial in healing PA than P.  I’m also not sure about the effects on what contribution it has made to my skin clearing since I do take and do a lot of other things for that.  But it generally is supposed to skin health, and I do believe that my cleared skin is smoother and healthier in appearance, and that MSM may be contributing to that. Lisanorth – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – several months back, there was a flurry of postings on MSM, with several people saying they had some rapid and drastic improvement, and promisingto keep the group updated on the results.  but…alas…they never posted any such updates.  I started using MSM on Thursday (it’s now Sunday nite), and I’ve noticed some fairly significant reduction in spot size and numbers.  i’m wondering if this is temporary, a fluke, or what…

Response:

Can someone tell me what MSM and ric are? Just call me stooooopid, Shirley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – several months back, there was a flurry of postings on MSM, with several people saying they had some rapid and drastic improvement, and promisingto keep the group updated on the results.  but…alas…they never posted any such updates.  I started using MSM on Thursday (it’s now Sunday nite), and I’ve noticed some fairly significant reduction in spot size and numbers.  i’m wondering if this is temporary, a fluke, or what…

Response:

Has anyone in this group used MSM for Psoriasis relief? does it work? Please respond, I am thinking of trying it.

Response:

Has anyone in this group used MSM for Psoriasis relief? does it work? Please respond, I am thinking of trying it.

Hey Mike,     I do take MSM, but it is taken in combination with so many other supplements I couldn’t comment as to its effectiveness by itself.  I have been in remission lately which could be due to many factors.  I can say that it is relatively inexpensive and to my knowledge is not hazardous.  I would urge you to do a search on Altavista or Yahoo and type in MSM you will get several thousand hits.  Study up on the subject.  I always try and solicit the opinions of others as well. Good luck if you try it. Before you buy.

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I’ve been using B12, MSM and GS (Glucosamine Sulphate) and Chondroitin in oral mist sprays 4 times a day for almost a year now and my nail P stays about 95 per cent clear. Helps with other area’s too.

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Oh well keep it up Lee

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It is definitely working for me. I started about a month ago. My p went from bright red and is now white and flat. I had it on about 65% of my body, much of it gone or almost gone. Usually it flares like the dickens when I get my period and this month it did not for the first time I can remember. I take 3000 MSm and 1500 Glucsimne sulfate daily. Jean

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What is MSM? Can it be bought over the counter? Brian

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Methyl Sulphonyl Methane, and in Canada, Yes, and over the net, http://www.naturesnutrition.com/SKU/3320.htm and other places too, I’m sure. BTW I’ve also started to supplement my MSM and GS (Glucosamine Sulphate) capsules with a topical MSM/GS cream and the results seem even better, though it’s early days (2). I’ll try to remember to post the manufacturer tomorrow (I’m in bed and I can’t be arsed to get up yet again!!). Cheerio, Simon What is MSM? Can it be bought over the counter? Brian

– N.B. Munged email address & my ISP is Canadian, OK?

Response:

Does this product work or is it a load of rubbish, I would be greatful for any feed back. Lee

Response:

Does this product work or is it a load of rubbish, I would be greatful for any feed back.

If you listen to the promoters, it works great.  If you listen to the critics, there’s no evidence to say that it works great, or even at all.  From my own look around a bunch of medical literature, I’d say the critics are correct. This is not to say it’s a load of rubbish, though.  It could very well work. It’s just that there is no good, solid, scientific evidence that it does, and Coburn doesn’t count. – Dave W. http://members.aol.com/psorsite/

Response:

Does this product work or is it a load of rubbish, I would be greatful for any feed back.

Dave, I have been using MSM for about 4 1/2 months. Psoriasis limited to elbows and nails. Elbows much improved from when I started, but not clear. The really big patches have broken into a bunch of smaller patches with good skin between, covering a smaller a general area. No improvement of the nails. Progress is very slow. Cheers, Ron

Response:

Ken! Great to hear that the MSM is working.  There’s nothing quite like enhancing the entire mind/body system to help individual illnesses. Del — you can order MSM (supportive aid in relieving pain and swelling associated with arthritis, as well as being an overall immune booster) from KV Vet Supply.  You can get a free catalog by calling 800-423-8211. Lori

Response:

MSM is Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane and I purchase it in capsule form from the health food store. Judi

Response:

What is MSM and where can it be obtained please? Del – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anybody ever used this product for arthritis? Thanks Jack Watts We started him on half a teaspoon of MSM per day (in addition to the above) about a month ago and although it is still "early days" it has made a noticeable difference already.  He is now quite obviously generally much more comfortable and does not cry all the time.  There seems to be a definite improvement in his mobility and so far indications are that there is some benefit from MSM.

Response:

Has anybody ever used this product for arthritius? Thanks Jack Watts

Response:

Has anybody ever used this product for arthritis? Thanks Jack Watts

Hi I asked basically this same question in the NG about a month ago – a search of Deja News should give you the thread.   To quickly recap, I have an eleven year old Keeshond with bad arthritis and other orthopaedic problems and had read a newspaper article claiming that MSM is some sort of "wonder drug" for dogs (and people).  Dizzie is already in Cartrophen injections AND Carprofen (Rimadyl) but was still in permanent discomfort. We started him on half a teaspoon of MSM per day (in addition to the above) about a month ago and although it is still "early days" it has made a noticeable difference already.  He is now quite obviously generally much more comfortable and does not cry all the time.  There seems to be a definite improvement in his mobility and so far indications are that there is some benefit from MSM.  As it happens I had to take both my dogs to the vets for routine kennel cough vaccinations last Tuesday and mentioned to the vet that Dizzie was on MSM in addition to veterinary treatment.  My vet said that if MSM was helping Dizzie then we should keep him on it and if possible reduce his other medication. Hope this helps Ken Battersby To reply by Email please remove X from <GlobalnetX.co.uk

Response:

Help:::: i have been suffering from P. for a long time and no luck on clearing it up where do i get msm is it a perscription ????? Dave

Response:

Help:::: i have been suffering from P. for a long time and no luck on clearing it up where do i get msm is it a perscription ????? Dave MSM is NOT a prescription drug.  You can find it at your local health store. Good luck

Response:

Help:::: i have been suffering from P. for a long time and no luck on clearing it up where do i get msm is it a perscription ????? Dave MSM is NOT a prescription drug.  You can find it at your local health store. Good luck

Hi, Could you be a little more specific, what is MSM ? Thanks, Harold

Response:

MSM is a food supplement that is available at health food and nutrition centers (and apparently also your local pet supply store) that is an oxidized derivitive of the old arthritis "miracle cure" DMSO.  there are a number of websites that go into significant detail about the chemical make-up of the product, as well as what it is supposedly good for.  just enter "MSM" into any search engine and you’ll get about 3000 hits that will give you the details.

Response:

several months back, there was a flurry of postings on MSM, with several people saying they had some rapid and drastic improvement, and promisingto keep the group updated on the results.  but…alas…they never posted any such updates.  I started using MSM on Thursday (it’s now Sunday nite), and I’ve noticed some fairly significant reduction in spot size and numbers.  i’m wondering if this is temporary, a fluke, or what…

Response:

I’ve been using MSM  (3000mg/day) since  January. It (combined with glucosamine sulfate) has been fantastic for my PA, but has done nothing for my P.

Response:

Kwierbate, I’ve been taking MSM since people started posting about it here last January….My PA had been cleared by diet some years before I started taking it, so I’m not sure about the effects in that regard in my case.  My guess is that it’s more beneficial in healing PA than P.  I’m also not sure about the effects on what contribution it has made to my skin clearing since I do take and do a lot of other things for that.  But it generally is supposed to skin health, and I do believe that my cleared skin is smoother and healthier in appearance, and that MSM may be contributing to that. Lisanorth – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – several months back, there was a flurry of postings on MSM, with several people saying they had some rapid and drastic improvement, and promisingto keep the group updated on the results.  but…alas…they never posted any such updates.  I started using MSM on Thursday (it’s now Sunday nite), and I’ve noticed some fairly significant reduction in spot size and numbers.  i’m wondering if this is temporary, a fluke, or what…

Response:

Can someone tell me what MSM and ric are? Just call me stooooopid, Shirley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – several months back, there was a flurry of postings on MSM, with several people saying they had some rapid and drastic improvement, and promisingto keep the group updated on the results.  but…alas…they never posted any such updates.  I started using MSM on Thursday (it’s now Sunday nite), and I’ve noticed some fairly significant reduction in spot size and numbers.  i’m wondering if this is temporary, a fluke, or what…

Response:

Has anyone in this group used MSM for Psoriasis relief? does it work? Please respond, I am thinking of trying it.

Response:

Has anyone in this group used MSM for Psoriasis relief? does it work? Please respond, I am thinking of trying it.

Hey Mike,     I do take MSM, but it is taken in combination with so many other supplements I couldn’t comment as to its effectiveness by itself.  I have been in remission lately which could be due to many factors.  I can say that it is relatively inexpensive and to my knowledge is not hazardous.  I would urge you to do a search on Altavista or Yahoo and type in MSM you will get several thousand hits.  Study up on the subject.  I always try and solicit the opinions of others as well. Good luck if you try it. Before you buy.

Response:

I’ve been using B12, MSM and GS (Glucosamine Sulphate) and Chondroitin in oral mist sprays 4 times a day for almost a year now and my nail P stays about 95 per cent clear. Helps with other area’s too.

Response:

Oh well keep it up Lee

Response:

It is definitely working for me. I started about a month ago. My p went from bright red and is now white and flat. I had it on about 65% of my body, much of it gone or almost gone. Usually it flares like the dickens when I get my period and this month it did not for the first time I can remember. I take 3000 MSm and 1500 Glucsimne sulfate daily. Jean

Response:

What is MSM? Can it be bought over the counter? Brian

Response:

Methyl Sulphonyl Methane, and in Canada, Yes, and over the net, http://www.naturesnutrition.com/SKU/3320.htm and other places too, I’m sure. BTW I’ve also started to supplement my MSM and GS (Glucosamine Sulphate) capsules with a topical MSM/GS cream and the results seem even better, though it’s early days (2). I’ll try to remember to post the manufacturer tomorrow (I’m in bed and I can’t be arsed to get up yet again!!). Cheerio, Simon What is MSM? Can it be bought over the counter? Brian

– N.B. Munged email address & my ISP is Canadian, OK?

Response:

Does this product work or is it a load of rubbish, I would be greatful for any feed back. Lee

Response:

Does this product work or is it a load of rubbish, I would be greatful for any feed back.

If you listen to the promoters, it works great.  If you listen to the critics, there’s no evidence to say that it works great, or even at all.  From my own look around a bunch of medical literature, I’d say the critics are correct. This is not to say it’s a load of rubbish, though.  It could very well work. It’s just that there is no good, solid, scientific evidence that it does, and Coburn doesn’t count. – Dave W. http://members.aol.com/psorsite/

Response:

Does this product work or is it a load of rubbish, I would be greatful for any feed back.

Dave, I have been using MSM for about 4 1/2 months. Psoriasis limited to elbows and nails. Elbows much improved from when I started, but not clear. The really big patches have broken into a bunch of smaller patches with good skin between, covering a smaller a general area. No improvement of the nails. Progress is very slow. Cheers, Ron

Response:

I take 2000-4000 mgs a day of MSM.  I have noticed a great improvement.  I bought a big bottle at Costco.  You can find it online at ebay too.  I take garlic, boraage oil, evening primrose oil, alpha lipoic acid, glucophage and aldaction (spiro) too.  Topicals didn’t work for me and Accutane won’t either (acne is hormonally caused).  Diet modification, prescription medicine and supplements did the trick.  My face has never been clearer!…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After several courses of the infamous Accutane, I think I’d like to give MSM a chance.  Although I never had any of the more severe side-effects( ie. suicide attempts, depression, liver problems), I couldn’t wear my contacts or workout while on it.  The acne came back after every course within months, want to try something different. Also went the anti-biotics route and I stopped after hearing about how it messes your immune system/intestinal tract up. Since I’ve pretty much given up any hope of having an easy way out of this disgusting disease, I changed my diet and reduced stress as much as possible, etc.  Have had some improvement but there’s plenty room for more.  I have done some research on MSM and I think I could benefit from it.  I see so many brands, I’m not quite sure which to trust or is highest quality.  So, if anyone has tried this stuff…please let me know how it went. Thanks in advance.

Response:

It costs $13-$14 at the costco in Dallas!!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After several courses of the infamous Accutane, I think I’d like to give MSM a chance.  Although I never had any of the more severe side-effects( ie. suicide attempts, depression, liver problems), I couldn’t wear my contacts or workout while on it.  The acne came back after every course within months, want to try something different. Also went the anti-biotics route and I stopped after hearing about how it messes your immune system/intestinal tract up. Since I’ve pretty much given up any hope of having an easy way out of this disgusting disease, I changed my diet and reduced stress as much as possible, etc.  Have had some improvement but there’s plenty room for more.  I have done some research on MSM and I think I could benefit from it.  I see so many brands, I’m not quite sure which to trust or is highest quality.  So, if anyone has tried this stuff…please let me know how it went. Thanks in advance. Since MSM is a pure chemical, not a mixture or recipe, any MSM should act exactly as any other, as long as it is not mixed with other stuff. I get a big bottle of 300 1000 mg tablets for about $8 at Costco (Price Club).   Good luck with your experiment. — John Popelish

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After several courses of the infamous Accutane, I think I’d like to give MSM a chance.  Although I never had any of the more severe side-effects( ie. suicide attempts, depression, liver problems), I couldn’t wear my contacts or workout while on it.  The acne came back after every course within months, want to try something different. Also went the anti-biotics route and I stopped after hearing about how it messes your immune system/intestinal tract up. Since I’ve pretty much given up any hope of having an easy way out of this disgusting disease, I changed my diet and reduced stress as much as possible, etc.  Have had some improvement but there’s plenty room for more.  I have done some research on MSM and I think I could benefit from it.  I see so many brands, I’m not quite sure which to trust or is highest quality.  So, if anyone has tried this stuff…please let me know how it went. Thanks in advance.

Since MSM is a pure chemical, not a mixture or recipe, any MSM should act exactly as any other, as long as it is not mixed with other stuff. I get a big bottle of 300 1000 mg tablets for about $8 at Costco (Price Club).   Good luck with your experiment. — John Popelish

Response:

After several courses of the infamous Accutane, I think I’d like to give MSM a chance.  Although I never had any of the more severe side-effects( ie. suicide attempts, depression, liver problems), I couldn’t wear my contacts or workout while on it.  The acne came back after every course within months, want to try something different. Also went the anti-biotics route and I stopped after hearing about how it messes your immune system/intestinal tract up.   Since I’ve pretty much given up any hope of having an easy way out of this disgusting disease, I changed my diet and reduced stress as much as possible, etc.  Have had some improvement but there’s plenty room for more.  I have done some research on MSM and I think I could benefit from it.  I see so many brands, I’m not quite sure which to trust or is highest quality.  So, if anyone has tried this stuff…please let me know how it went.   Thanks in advance.  

Response:

does methylsulfonyl-methane helps in the treatment of acne?? anyone have use it and got good results?

Response:

does methylsulfonyl-methane helps in the treatment of acne?? anyone have use it and got good results?

I have been taking MSM 2000 mg/day for over a year.  Within the first month that I started taking it I noticed a marked reduction in oil and cysts.   Along with a modified diet (avoiding foods that trigger the acne) and additional supplementation, the MSM has helped to keep my clear. Dee

Response:

I also take 2000 mg/day (not sure for how long now) and it’s made a huge difference, both in my acne and psoriasis – thanks again, Dee!!! Sprucedale – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – does methylsulfonyl-methane helps in the treatment of acne?? anyone have use it and got good results? I have been taking MSM 2000 mg/day for over a year.  Within the first month that I started taking it I noticed a marked reduction in oil and cysts. Along with a modified diet (avoiding foods that trigger the acne) and additional supplementation, the MSM has helped to keep my clear. Dee

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – you seem to know quite alot on MSM what other vitamins do you take is B5 one of them I take vitamin C and E and a year ago after learning about it here and studying it on the web, started taking MSM.  A month ago, I started a B complex that has about 10 times the m.d.r. of B5 since hearing about all the good effects on this group.  I don’t know much about acne, since this is not my skin problem.  But I have found this group to be very educational and stimulating.  It is a great kick to see people helping each other out with difficult problems.  Web business may be nice, but this is wonderful. — John Popelish

Yeah i read some past posts of yours on deja..apparently you have/had some kinda eczema that you managed to cure through the H&S mask.. —                                      /                                                   / .—–.          I am the Great Cornholio!!         |/ –`-`-                                             |                |  I need TP for my bunghole!!         |   _–         |                                      _| =-.     |      |  Come out with your pants down!      o|/o/      |      |                                      /  ~       |      |  heh-heh.  This is cool.  heh-heh        |     |      |                                           _/__/       |                                         /            __                                         -| Metallica|| |                                         ||          || |                                         ||          || |                                         /|          / /          /                         / /                     |                  |        /                  /       |      ___ | | / /       |      /                 |      |                /       |      _    |      |       |         |      |       |       _ /|     I am Corn Julio!!! I need TP for my      |      __     <_o)o-    bunghole!!!! Where we come from we      |     |                 have no bungholes…Would you like          ||                to be my bunghole?        |   |__          _      /        |   |           (*___)  /        |   |       _     |    /        |  /       | UUUUU__         |        _nnnnnn_-          |      /          |_____/

Response:

just started taking MSM with my B5 and zinc routine. iam taking about 2grams a day. 1gram in the morning and one at night. its powder so i put it in orange juice.  MSM is a natural form of sulfur (organic sulfur) found in foods. we could be getting more but modern food preperation destroys MSM reducing the intake. MSM helps tissue bonds, flexibility of cell walls, the ability to transmity fluids in tissue, cartilage strength, and joint health. basically pretty good for ya skin. people here say it reduces scars on your face. can people taking it please tell me what sort of results i will see in the near future.

Response:

you seem to know quite alot on MSM what other vitamins do you take is B5 one of them

Response:

you seem to know quite alot on MSM what other vitamins do you take is B5 one of them

I take vitamin C and E and a year ago after learning about it here and studying it on the web, started taking MSM.  A month ago, I started a B complex that has about 10 times the m.d.r. of B5 since hearing about all the good effects on this group.  I don’t know much about acne, since this is not my skin problem.  But I have found this group to be very educational and stimulating.  It is a great kick to see people helping each other out with difficult problems.  Web business may be nice, but this is wonderful. — John Popelish

Response:

just started taking MSM with my B5 and zinc routine. iam taking about 2grams a day. 1gram in the morning and one at night. its powder so i put it in orange juice.  MSM is a natural form of sulfur (organic sulfur) found in foods. we could be getting more but modern food preperation destroys MSM reducing the intake. MSM helps tissue bonds, flexibility of cell walls, the ability to transmity fluids in tissue, cartilage strength, and joint health. basically pretty good for ya skin. people here say it reduces scars on your face. can people taking it please tell me what sort of results i will see in the near future.

Since having plenty of MSM changes the way tissue is built, it does not have any short term effects that you will notice.  only after there has been time for you to replace tissue will you see differences.  It takes about a month to replace the outer layers of skin.  it takes about a year to replace most of your hair and nails. This is one of the least dramatic things, but over months, the improvements can be quite noticeable.  Take a few before pictures (especially if you have some old scars that are clear enough to show up on the pictures).  Then take the same picture the same way, after 6 months and after 1 year.   — John Popelish

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Dr. Joe has been a member of this ng for a long time and his compassionate and sensible advice is welcome and completely free to all.   Supplement manufacturers could teach investment bankers something about greed. No other industry is so rife with lies and innuendo about untreated and questionably safe products. You may pin your hopes on voodoo for all I care, but flaming Dr. Joe, who after all, has treated thousands of acne sufferers, is ungrateful and immature.

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        Beware of DHEA; it can itself cause acne. It flared mine         almost immediately (and buzzed out my nerves as well!).  - G – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks, Dee (and RIP) – I really appreciate your input!  Along these same lines, as a female now age 46, at 40 I was having hot flashes, increasingly profound PMS (and acne) , so the doc put me on Prozac, bcp’s and accutane.  WHeee!   After tolerating the various side effects of Prozac and the different bcp’s we tried over two years, (the accutane was 5 mos.and did clear up the cysts-for a while) I began experimenting with St. John’s Wort, phytoestrogens, DHEA, and pregnenolone.  After stabilizing my cycle again, I started working on the anti-aging aspects of Gh boosters and attacking the acne with diet and supplements (MSM plus anti-candida).  It all goes hand-in-hand with an over-all healthy lifestyle, good quality nutrition, exercise and taking CONTROL by educating yourself about the options available.   Laura Root, CIDESCO Diplomate Offices of Dr. Jeffrey J. Ptak Phoenix, AZ Oof!  Prozac, bcp’s and accutane all at the same time!  I’m glad you made it out alive  The placebo effect must have been pretty strong!  :-D I had sorta bad PMS also until I started supplementing with calcium and magnesium.  I take 1000 mg Cal and 750 mg Mag.  That seems to have stopped the moodiness and the tenderness. I have not tried St. John’s Wort (nor Kava) but sometimes when I am feeling stressed out or I’m having trouble sleeping I take 5-HTP 50 mg.  It relaxes without drowsiness.  How much SJW do you take and what does it feel like? What are Gh boosters? Thanks, Dee  

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Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe

Dr. Joe striks again

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Oof!  Prozac, bcp’s and accutane all at the same time!  I’m glad you made it out alive  The placebo effect must have been pretty strong!  :-D

Yeah, and to think I had (have) a concealed carry permit at the time, too! I had sorta bad PMS also until I started supplementing with calcium and magnesium.  I take 1000 mg Cal and 750 mg Mag.  That seems to have stopped the moodiness and the tenderness.

Yep. I have not tried St. John’s Wort (nor Kava) but sometimes when I am feeling stressed out or I’m having trouble sleeping I take 5-HTP 50 mg.  It relaxes without drowsiness.  How much SJW do you take and what does it feel like?

I weaned myself off SJW about a year ago, and now don’t have any of the old bottles to refer to, although I know it was a minimal dose.  It just helped me "space" and quit thinking at night – didn’t really knock me out, so to speak, but I used to obsess, make lists in my head, get ticked at myself for various things, acne, extra weight, etc., you know that kind of stuff.  It never left me feeling hung over in the am, which I had a real problem with while on prozac (was only on 10 or 20 mg of that) What are Gh boosters?

Growth hormone boosters – proprietary combinations of amino acids that stimulate the pituitary to produce more GH – which significantly dwindles after age 20.  Originally HGH (human growth hormone-genetically engineered – Somatrope, Eli Lilly, injectable) was used in children who were not growing; researchers have been using it (without FDA approval) for a number of years for its anti-aging properties.  There are some companies (many are MLMs – which I avoid like the plague) that have produced different GH boosters for those of us who don’t like needles, and, of course, there is controversy about whether the amino acid combos work, because of going through the digestive tract.  E-mail me privately if you’d like more info. Laura Root, CIDESCO Diplomate Offices of Dr. Jeffrey J. Ptak Phoenix, AZ

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks, Dee (and RIP) – I really appreciate your input!  Along these same lines, as a female now age 46, at 40 I was having hot flashes, increasingly profound PMS (and acne) , so the doc put me on Prozac, bcp’s and accutane.  WHeee!   After tolerating the various side effects of Prozac and the different bcp’s we tried over two years, (the accutane was 5 mos.and did clear up the cysts-for a while) I began experimenting with St. John’s Wort, phytoestrogens, DHEA, and pregnenolone.  After stabilizing my cycle again, I started working on the anti-aging aspects of Gh boosters and attacking the acne with diet and supplements (MSM plus anti-candida).  It all goes hand-in-hand with an over-all healthy lifestyle, good quality nutrition, exercise and taking CONTROL by educating yourself about the options available.   Laura Root, CIDESCO Diplomate Offices of Dr. Jeffrey J. Ptak Phoenix, AZ

Oof!  Prozac, bcp’s and accutane all at the same time!  I’m glad you made it out alive  The placebo effect must have been pretty strong!  :-D I had sorta bad PMS also until I started supplementing with calcium and magnesium.  I take 1000 mg Cal and 750 mg Mag.  That seems to have stopped the moodiness and the tenderness. I have not tried St. John’s Wort (nor Kava) but sometimes when I am feeling stressed out or I’m having trouble sleeping I take 5-HTP 50 mg.  It relaxes without drowsiness.  How much SJW do you take and what does it feel like? What are Gh boosters? Thanks, Dee  

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You go, Rip Certainly Dr. Joe is entitled to his personal opinion.  But when a doctor gives an opinion, often it’s taken as a "professional" one based on some kind of knowledge.  Unfortunately, doctors that graduate from "modern" medical schools are given little to no education in areas such as nutrition, herbs, dietary supplementation, natural healing methods, etc.  They are taught surgery and drugs.  And the reigning body of drug information is the FDA.

Thanks, Dee (and RIP) – I really appreciate your input!  Along these same lines, as a female now age 46, at 40 I was having hot flashes, increasingly profound PMS (and acne) , so the doc put me on Prozac, bcp’s and accutane.  WHeee!   After tolerating the various side effects of Prozac and the different bcp’s we tried over two years, (the accutane was 5 mos.and did clear up the cysts-for a while) I began experimenting with St. John’s Wort, phytoestrogens, DHEA, and pregnenolone.  After stabilizing my cycle again, I started working on the anti-aging aspects of Gh boosters and attacking the acne with diet and supplements (MSM plus anti-candida).  It all goes hand-in-hand with an over-all healthy lifestyle, good quality nutrition, exercise and taking CONTROL by educating yourself about the options available.   Laura Root, CIDESCO Diplomate Offices of Dr. Jeffrey J. Ptak Phoenix, AZ

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe Cigarettes do not cause cancer!  Its been proven many times in medical studies for years.  Damn, when are you people going to realize that modern medicine is never wrong!  You know, also, I was brushing up on my medical books the other day and became really excited about a new acne therapy developed just last year in 1723 that utilizes leaches to suck the toxins from your blood to cure acne.  Yes, modern medicine has all the answers!   Dr. Joe, you would be wise to not make such a statement here where there are many people who are having great success with this treatment.  You have been polluted in medical school to believe that anything that is not FDA approved is rubbish.  That, my friend, is absurd.  As absurd as saying that diet has no effect on acne; which MOST derms believe.  Like I have said in the past, why is it that people who have never heard of the food/acne connection will come here and ask the group if they have ever heard of ‘XYZ’ causing a breakout. Just coincidence 1000000 times over?  Dont be ridiculous.     Drink some FDA approved diet soda with Nutra Sweet in it.  Guess what?  The stuff begins to turn into Formaldehyde, Formic acid, and methanol over time when exposed to temps in the 80’s.  Scary eh?  FDA approved and consumed by BILLIONS.  Yup.       SHOW ME THE F&%#’ing study that PROVES that MSM wont help acne sufferers….otherwise, shut the hell up. -Rip You go, Rip   Certainly Dr. Joe is entitled to his personal opinion.  But when a doctor gives an opinion, often it’s taken as a "professional" one based on some kind of knowledge.  Unfortunately, doctors that graduate from "modern" medical schools are given little to no education in areas such as nutrition, herbs, dietary supplementation, natural healing methods, etc.  They are taught surgery and drugs.  And the reigning body of drug information is the FDA. The FDA is not some kind of all-knowing god.  It is not even unbiased or impartial.  It is swayed by the big drug manufacturers.  Here is an article from today’s paper: New Reviewers of Drug have Ties to its Maker   from the Los Angeles Times WASHINGTON – On the eve of a crucial hearing to reassess the diabetes pill Rezulin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has appointed two new members to an advisory panel – both of whom have financial ties to the drug’s manufacturer.       Dr. Mayer B. Davidson of the UCLA School of Medicine and Dr. Saul M. Genuth of Cleveland have received income during the last two years as leaders of a private diabetes education group funded exclusively by the makers of Rezulin, the Warner-Lambert Co. and its Japanese partner.     On Friday, the FDA panel is expected to recommend whether to restrict, withdraw, or expand use of the drug, which has been linked to dozens of liver-failure deaths.     Dr. Davidson said the FDA knew about his financial ties.     FDA officials said the appointments were made to add further expertise to the committee.  The FDA can disregard conflicts of interest under such circumstances. That last line really calls into question the credibility of every decision and ruling ever made by the FDA.  How many potentially dangerous drugs are brought before an advisory panel each year and subsequently kept on the market because of the sway of doctors sponsored by the pharm company?  This practice is clearly in the best interest of the drug companies and the FDA only, i.e. $$$Big Bucks$$$, and not that of the health of the American people. Dee PS Pass me a cancer stick and a diet Coke, wouldja Rip?  I need to chill out.  Obviously all my experiences with non-FDA approved supplements are just hallucinations  ;-)  The acne must still be on my face somewhere – or maybe I just misplaced it!   I better go look for it  ;-)

Better yet, go drink some diet coke and give yourself Lupus to worry about!  GO FDA!  GO FDA!!! RAH RAH RAH!!!  Our saviours!!!  The patron saints of good health!!!!! *grin* Laterz Dee, -Rip

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Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe

What, exactly, are you a doctor of? Your writing seems to display your ignorance more than anything else. Perhaps you should take some courses in naturopathic medicine before you comment on a supplement’s worth.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe Cigarettes do not cause cancer!  Its been proven many times in medical studies for years.  Damn, when are you people going to realize that modern medicine is never wrong!  You know, also, I was brushing up on my medical books the other day and became really excited about a new acne therapy developed just last year in 1723 that utilizes leaches to suck the toxins from your blood to cure acne.  Yes, modern medicine has all the answers!   Dr. Joe, you would be wise to not make such a statement here where there are many people who are having great success with this treatment.  You have been polluted in medical school to believe that anything that is not FDA approved is rubbish.  That, my friend, is absurd.  As absurd as saying that diet has no effect on acne; which MOST derms believe.  Like I have said in the past, why is it that people who have never heard of the food/acne connection will come here and ask the group if they have ever heard of ‘XYZ’ causing a breakout. Just coincidence 1000000 times over?  Dont be ridiculous.     Drink some FDA approved diet soda with Nutra Sweet in it.  Guess what?  The stuff begins to turn into Formaldehyde, Formic acid, and methanol over time when exposed to temps in the 80’s.  Scary eh?  FDA approved and consumed by BILLIONS.  Yup.       SHOW ME THE F&%#’ing study that PROVES that MSM wont help acne sufferers….otherwise, shut the hell up. -Rip

You go, Rip   Certainly Dr. Joe is entitled to his personal opinion.  But when a doctor gives an opinion, often it’s taken as a "professional" one based on some kind of knowledge.  Unfortunately, doctors that graduate from "modern" medical schools are given little to no education in areas such as nutrition, herbs, dietary supplementation, natural healing methods, etc.  They are taught surgery and drugs.  And the reigning body of drug information is the FDA. The FDA is not some kind of all-knowing god.  It is not even unbiased or impartial.  It is swayed by the big drug manufacturers.  Here is an article from today’s paper: New Reviewers of Drug have Ties to its Maker    from the Los Angeles Times WASHINGTON – On the eve of a crucial hearing to reassess the diabetes pill Rezulin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has appointed two new members to an advisory panel – both of whom have financial ties to the drug’s manufacturer.        Dr. Mayer B. Davidson of the UCLA School of Medicine and Dr. Saul M. Genuth of Cleveland have received income during the last two years as leaders of a private diabetes education group funded exclusively by the makers of Rezulin, the Warner-Lambert Co. and its Japanese partner.      On Friday, the FDA panel is expected to recommend whether to restrict, withdraw, or expand use of the drug, which has been linked to dozens of liver-failure deaths.      Dr. Davidson said the FDA knew about his financial ties.      FDA officials said the appointments were made to add further expertise to the committee.  The FDA can disregard conflicts of interest under such circumstances. That last line really calls into question the credibility of every decision and ruling ever made by the FDA.  How many potentially dangerous drugs are brought before an advisory panel each year and subsequently kept on the market because of the sway of doctors sponsored by the pharm company?  This practice is clearly in the best interest of the drug companies and the FDA only, i.e. $$$Big Bucks$$$, and not that of the health of the American people. Dee PS Pass me a cancer stick and a diet Coke, wouldja Rip?  I need to chill out.  Obviously all my experiences with non-FDA approved supplements are just hallucinations  ;-)  The acne must still be on my face somewhere – or maybe I just misplaced it!   I better go look for it  ;-)

Response:

Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe

Cigarettes do not cause cancer!  Its been proven many times in medical studies for years.  Damn, when are you people going to realize that modern medicine is never wrong!  You know, also, I was brushing up on my medical books the other day and became really excited about a new acne therapy developed just last year in 1723 that utilizes leaches to suck the toxins from your blood to cure acne.  Yes, modern medicine has all the answers!   Dr. Joe, you would be wise to not make such a statement here where there are many people who are having great success with this treatment.  You have been polluted in medical school to believe that anything that is not FDA approved is rubbish.  That, my friend, is absurd.  As absurd as saying that diet has no effect on acne; which MOST derms believe.  Like I have said in the past, why is it that people who have never heard of the food/acne connection will come here and ask the group if they have ever heard of ‘XYZ’ causing a breakout. Just coincidence 1000000 times over?  Dont be ridiculous.      Drink some FDA approved diet soda with Nutra Sweet in it.  Guess what?  The stuff begins to turn into Formaldehyde, Formic acid, and methanol over time when exposed to temps in the 80’s.  Scary eh?  FDA approved and consumed by BILLIONS.  Yup.        SHOW ME THE F&%#’ing study that PROVES that MSM wont help acne sufferers….otherwise, shut the hell up. -Rip

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Dee, Are you taking any other medications along with the MSM?   JP

JP, All I am using now is diet and several supplements.  I am not using any OTC or prescription meds. Dee

Response:

It would be very nice if one of you would respond to the original question – what exactly IS MSM? Obviously it’s a supplement of some kind. What does MSM stand for? If you’re having success with it, please share the info. Thanks.

MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane.  It is a bio-available form of sulfur. I am having very good results with it, with reduction in oil production and cysts.  Last month I wrote a long post describing my experience.  It is in DejaNews with the subject "MSM and acne". Dee

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Can someone tell me anything about MSM, it’s properties, side effects, where I can purchase it and how much it might be? Also can you send any responses to mail box as I don’t think I’m getting all the messages from this news group. Thanx

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Where can I buy MSM in Germany?

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I ordered a bottle of Natrol MSM 500 mg, 200 capsules from a shop on the net, and it was about $20 with s/h. In about two weeks I got a catalog from a company called Swanson Vitamin Discounts – don’t know if they are on the net.  They had an offer for Natrol MSM 500 mg, 200 caps, buy 1 get 2 free.  I ordered and got three bottle for $19.95.   If anyone is interested, their phone number is 1-800-437-4148.  The catalog expires May 31, 99.  The catalog had a discount code, which identified me as a recipient of the catalog.  At this great price, it might be worth a phone call. Audrey

Response:

Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe

Response:

Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe

This flies directly in the face (pun intended of the experience of several people in the group, including me.  I have been using MSM for 3 months and there is a dramatic reduction in oil production and cysts, with no side-effects.  Nothing I have tried has worked as well, except for Minocin which also gave me nausea, dizziness, suppressed immune system, and yeast infections. MSM’s ingredient, sulfur, is a building block of collagen and keratin that also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. What exactly is your statement based upon?  I am not aware of any studies that prove or disprove the efficacy of MSM in acne sufferers. Note that lack of published studies does not imply that something automatically does not work and should be discarded out-of-hand. Dee

Response:

another question: has MSM helped to reduce/irradicate the cysts that you did/do have, or does it just prevent new ones from forming? if it did help to remove cysts, did it do so without leaving scars (or at least not deep ones)? jen

Well, I had one cyst that had been there for close to a year and within 6 weeks on MSM, it had shrunk and totally disappeared.  There is no scar, but then I don’t scar very easily. Dee

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Dee, Are you taking any other medications along with the MSM?   JP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dee, I couldn’t find your post on dejanews, but I was just wondering if the MSM cleared you up like it did me.  I have not had a pimple since I started taking MSM, 1000mg twice daily.  I started 3 weeks ago! Yay!  That is the same with me, going on 3 months now.  The oil production has reduced and there are no more cysts (except when I go off my diet, then they make an attempt to surface but a double dosage knocks them back again). I’m so glad to hear that it’s working for you!  :-) Dee

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It would be very nice if one of you would respond to the original question – what exactly IS MSM? Obviously it’s a supplement of some kind. What does MSM stand for? If you’re having success with it, please share the info. Thanks.

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What is MSM in fact? I never heard of it. Thanks for replying in advance.

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What is MSM in fact? I never heard of it. Thanks for replying in advance.

Look in DejaNews www.dejanews.com for a post entitled "MSM and acne".  It’s a long post about MSM and my experience to date with it. Dee

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Dee, I couldn’t find your post on dejanews, but I was just wondering if the MSM cleared you up like it did me.  I have not had a pimple since I started taking MSM, 1000mg twice daily.  I started 3 weeks ago!  

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Dee, I couldn’t find your post on dejanews, but I was just wondering if the MSM cleared you up like it did me.  I have not had a pimple since I started taking MSM, 1000mg twice daily.  I started 3 weeks ago!  

Yay!  That is the same with me, going on 3 months now.  The oil production has reduced and there are no more cysts (except when I go off my diet, then they make an attempt to surface but a double dosage knocks them back again). I’m so glad to hear that it’s working for you!  :-) Dee

Response:

another question: has MSM helped to reduce/irradicate the cysts that you did/do have, or does it just prevent new ones from forming? if it did help to remove cysts, did it do so without leaving scars (or at least not deep ones)? jen Yay!  That is the same with me, going on 3 months now.  The oil production has reduced and there are no more cysts (except when I go off my diet, then they make an attempt to surface but a double dosage knocks them back again). I’m so glad to hear that it’s working for you!  :-) Dee

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is it true that MSM can heal scarring ? I’m pretty sure it did for me. It was a very slow process, though.

I’m pretty sure it doesn’t, sorry Tried it for 8 months, not a single sign of any kind of improvement !

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I’ve used it for over a year and notice that it has helped a lot with scarring…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – is it true that MSM can heal scarring ? I’m pretty sure it did for me. It was a very slow process, though. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t, sorry Tried it for 8 months, not a single sign of any kind of improvement !

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: is it true that MSM can heal scarring ? Works for me – it took about a year, though, before I noticed any results.

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2 g a day – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How much were each of you taking?!?  I just started with 2g per day and the bottle says to take 1 -3 of the 1g tablets per day. I’ve used it for over a year and notice that it has helped a lot with scarring… is it true that MSM can heal scarring ? I’m pretty sure it did for me. It was a very slow process, though. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t, sorry Tried it for 8 months, not a single sign of any kind of improvement !

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How much were each of you taking?!?  I just started with 2g per day and the bottle says to take 1 -3 of the 1g tablets per day.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve used it for over a year and notice that it has helped a lot with scarring… is it true that MSM can heal scarring ? I’m pretty sure it did for me. It was a very slow process, though. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t, sorry Tried it for 8 months, not a single sign of any kind of improvement !

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is it true that MSM can heal scarring ?

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is it true that MSM can heal scarring ?

I’m pretty sure it did for me. It was a very slow process, though. — John Popelish

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So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc? It’s a search engine..

Its lazyness

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I’m using MSM in a topical cream form and it’s wonderful.  It’s a type of sulfur and as many of us who have been to the dermatologist’s office know, sulfur is often used as a topical agent for acne. Gosh, the stuff is great. However, as it is a moisturizer, I would stick to 500mg of the pill form two to three times a day. I’ve heard that it works wonders as well.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc?

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So what is the total amount of MSM you take a day? And you really think it does help with acne scars? I think yes.  Especially  the keloid type ones..

Darn, I’ve got the depressed-type scars so I guess it won’t help me (I’m assuming that "keloids" are raised scars). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – —                                      /                                                   / .—–.          I am the Great Cornholio!!         |/ –`-`-                                             |                |  I need TP for my bunghole!!         |   _–         |                                      _| =-.     |      |  Come out with your pants down!      o|/o/      |      |                                      /  ~       |      |  heh-heh.  This is cool.  heh-heh        |     |      |                                           _/__/       |                                         /            __                                         -| Metallica|| |                                         ||          || |                                         ||          || |                                         /|          / /          /                         / /                     |                  |        /                  /       |      ___ | | / /       |      /                 |      |                /       |      _    |      |       |         |      |       |       _ /|     I am Corn Julio!!! I need TP for my      |      __     <_o)o-    bunghole!!!! Where we come from we      |     |                 have no bungholes…Would you like          ||                to be my bunghole?        |   |__          _      /        |   |           (*___)  /        |   |       _     |    /        |  /       | UUUUU__         |        _nnnnnn_-          |      /          |_____/

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So what is the total amount of MSM you take a day? And you really think it does help with acne scars?

I think yes.  Especially  the keloid type ones.. —                                      /                                                   / .—–.          I am the Great Cornholio!!         |/ –`-`-                                             |                |  I need TP for my bunghole!!         |   _–         |                                      _| =-.     |      |  Come out with your pants down!      o|/o/      |      |                                      /  ~       |      |  heh-heh.  This is cool.  heh-heh        |     |      |                                           _/__/       |                                         /            __                                         -| Metallica|| |                                         ||          || |                                         ||          || |                                         /|          / /          /                         / /                     |                  |        /                  /       |      ___ | | / /       |      /                 |      |                /       |      _    |      |       |         |      |       |       _ /|     I am Corn Julio!!! I need TP for my      |      __     <_o)o-    bunghole!!!! Where we come from we      |     |                 have no bungholes…Would you like          ||                to be my bunghole?        |   |__          _      /        |   |           (*___)  /        |   |       _     |    /        |  /       | UUUUU__         |        _nnnnnn_-          |      /          |_____/

Response:

So what is the total amount of MSM you take a day? And you really think it does help with acne scars? I think yes.  Especially  the keloid type ones.. Darn, I’ve got the depressed-type scars so I guess it won’t help me (I’m assuming that "keloids" are raised scars).

That’s right.  But take it, it might do other stuff like faster recovery time after a pimple or whatever dries off and stuff.   —                                      /                                                   / .—–.          I am the Great Cornholio!!         |/ –`-`-                                             |                |  I need TP for my bunghole!!         |   _–         |                                      _| =-.     |      |  Come out with your pants down!      o|/o/      |      |                                      /  ~       |      |  heh-heh.  This is cool.  heh-heh        |     |      |                                           _/__/       |                                         /            __                                         -| Metallica|| |                                         ||          || |                                         ||          || |                                         /|          / /          /                         / /                     |                  |        /                  /       |      ___ | | / /       |      /                 |      |                /       |      _    |      |       |         |      |       |       _ /|     I am Corn Julio!!! I need TP for my      |      __     <_o)o-    bunghole!!!! Where we come from we      |     |                 have no bungholes…Would you like          ||                to be my bunghole?        |   |__          _      /        |   |           (*___)  /        |   |       _     |    /        |  /       | UUUUU__         |        _nnnnnn_-          |      /          |_____/

Response:

So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc?

Response:

So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc?

MSM stands for meythyl sulfonyl methane, an organic molecule than contains sulfur in a form that is very useful to all living cells.  It is almost tasteless (slightly bitter to som people) and is present in all living tissue.  but it is very temperature sensitive, and is altered by cooking temperatures, so if a significant part of your diet is not uncooked cells (sushi, fruits and vegetables, etc.), you are probebly a bit short of this nutrient.  It is involved in several important biochemical processes but one of the important ones for acne is its involvement in the production of amino acids that get built into proteins that make up skin an othe tissue. I have read that if you take any more than about 500 mg with a meal, not all of it will be absorbed.  So a useful amount may be 500 mg to 1500 mg taken 500 mg per meal.  I am a bit lazy, and just take 1000 mg with supper, but this probably wastes some of that.  Since I started taking it about a year ago, I noticed that all my old scars are dissappearing, and I heal much faster after an injury (and I am not just talking about paper cuts).   — John Popelish

Response:

So what is the total amount of MSM you take a day? And you really think it does help with acne scars?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc? MSM stands for meythyl sulfonyl methane, an organic molecule than contains sulfur in a form that is very useful to all living cells.  It is almost tasteless (slightly bitter to som people) and is present in all living tissue.  but it is very temperature sensitive, and is altered by cooking temperatures, so if a significant part of your diet is not uncooked cells (sushi, fruits and vegetables, etc.), you are probebly a bit short of this nutrient.  It is involved in several important biochemical processes but one of the important ones for acne is its involvement in the production of amino acids that get built into proteins that make up skin an othe tissue. I have read that if you take any more than about 500 mg with a meal, not all of it will be absorbed.  So a useful amount may be 500 mg to 1500 mg taken 500 mg per meal.  I am a bit lazy, and just take 1000 mg with supper, but this probably wastes some of that.  Since I started taking it about a year ago, I noticed that all my old scars are dissappearing, and I heal much faster after an injury (and I am not just talking about paper cuts). — John Popelish

Response:

So what is the total amount of MSM you take a day? And you really think it does help with acne scars?

I think it helps with all scars, an also in preventing new ones.  I have no idea if it has any other, more direct effects on the symptoms of acne.  I think the best dose is 500 mg 3 times a day, with meals. But I am too lazy to carry it around with me during the day, so I take 1000 mg once a day.  It is very nontoxic, so if you want to experiment with higher dosages, you take very little risk. — John Popelish

Response:

So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc?

It’s a search engine.. —                                      /                                                   / .—–.          I am the Great Cornholio!!         |/ –`-`-                                             |                |  I need TP for my bunghole!!         |   _–         |                                      _| =-.     |      |  Come out with your pants down!      o|/o/      |      |                                      /  ~       |      |  heh-heh.  This is cool.  heh-heh        |     |      |                                           _/__/       |                                         /            __                                         -| Metallica|| |                                         ||          || |                                         ||          || |                                         /|          / /          /                         / /                     |                  |        /                  /       |      ___ | | / /       |      /                 |      |                /       |      _    |      |       |         |      |       |       _ /|     I am Corn Julio!!! I need TP for my      |      __     <_o)o-    bunghole!!!! Where we come from we      |     |                 have no bungholes…Would you like          ||                to be my bunghole?        |   |__          _      /        |   |           (*___)  /        |   |       _     |    /        |  /       | UUUUU__         |        _nnnnnn_-          |      /          |_____/

Response:

I agree with the reply below on MSM.  Sure it does not cure acne but my skin seems alot drier and there has been a reduction on the smaller lumpy stuff on my face. People have said MSM causes insomnia.  I just found that if you take it late at night, it made me want to pee during the night so I just take them no later than 3pm now. Plus MSM has other benefits which if you take the time and do some research on it, it can be a good addition to your vitamin intake. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I knew this would happen.  I remember posting a warning about it when this whole thing started.  Then some person said I was an "IDIOT" and other things for giving data showing it not to be all it was supposed to be.  So then I just let it take it’s course.  I assume many people now found out the hard way, and lost a bit money wise. Oh well.  Lesson learned now. The fact, that there are no more posts about MSM doesn’t mean, that this supplement is not helping to fight acne. Maybe all MSM users got rid of their acne and are not even interested in visiting this NG anymore, or maybe people got bored discussing MSM, since there’s been enough info posted already. Personally, I have been taking MSM for 2 weeks and my acne got a bit better , but what is more encouraging is  that my skin became less oily. I’m going to stick with MSM for another month or so before deciding weather it really works for me or not. Peace.

Response:

I knew this would happen.  I remember posting a warning about it when this whole thing started.  Then some person said I was an "IDIOT" and other things for giving data showing it not to be all it was supposed to be.  So then I just let it take it’s course.  I assume many people now found out the hard way, and lost a bit money wise. Oh well.  Lesson learned now. Hey,  has anyone else noticed that all of the posts on MSM have suddenly stopped?  I tried it myself for about a month with no luck.  I think it was just the fad of the moment.        Jan

– New   Dr. Biotech         Free monthly Biotech Journal http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/Node/8210/ Comming soon to an ISP near you…

Response:

I knew this would happen.  I remember posting a warning about it when this whole thing started.  Then some person said I was an "IDIOT" and other things for giving data showing it not to be all it was supposed to be.  So then I just let it take it’s course.  I assume many people now found out the hard way, and lost a bit money wise. Oh well.  Lesson learned now.

The fact, that there are no more posts about MSM doesn’t mean, that this supplement is not helping to fight acne. Maybe all MSM users got rid of their acne and are not even interested in visiting this NG anymore, or maybe people got bored discussing MSM, since there’s been enough info posted already. Personally, I have been taking MSM for 2 weeks and my acne got a bit better , but what is more encouraging is  that my skin became less oily. I’m going to stick with MSM for another month or so before deciding weather it really works for me or not. Peace.

Response:

I too didn’t notice a big change in my skin until I started taking 3000 mg a day and then noticed some improvment.  I think it has helped me Anna   Anna R.N. Have you ever noticed?  Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac.      – George Carlin

Response:

Hey,  has anyone else noticed that all of the posts on MSM have suddenly stopped?  I tried it myself for about a month with no luck.  I think it was just the fad of the moment.        Jan

Response:

Hey,  has anyone else noticed that all of the posts on MSM have suddenly stopped?  I tried it myself for about a month with no luck.  I think it was just the fad of the moment.        Jan

I tried it for a month with vague results, so I thought I would just give up. I then tried to change the dosage, and that was the trick, I just wasn’t taking enough. Initially I was taking 2000mg a day. Since I switched to 3000mg I’ve seen a massive difference. You might just need to adjust your daily intake. Of course, it might just not work for you either My girlfriend just started taking it at 3000mg a day, and after less than a week she’s seeing the difference. On thing I’ve noticed is that cuts heal faster too. Colin

Response:

I have a couple of customers that buy MSM for their nails and they have noticed a difference. One was a nail biter. She said they are to strong to bite anymore. But, for most of my customers on MSM it is for pain in ligiments, tendons ect… and they keep comming back for more swearing they will NEVER quit taking it. I know I won’t quit. I even give it to my 14 year old dog, he acts like he feels better, we’ll see and I’ll post it he’s only been on it a few days. I hear I have the best prices on the stuff and the best quality 99.9% pure. If you want a price give me an e-mail.

Response:

What’s MSM (Methyl sulfonyl methane)????

Response:

What’s MSM (Methyl sulfonyl methane)????

MSM is a bio-available form of sulfur.  Sulfur is present in all living cells.  It is important to the body for different functions, such as resisting bacterial infections, collagen synthesis and wound healing, liver function and detoxification reactions, and insulin action. Sulfur is present in natural foods, but is very fragile and is destroyed by processing and storage.  MSM is a stable compound which can provide sulfur in a form readily assimilated by the body. Dee

Response:

Dee, have you noticed any improvement in nail strength or growth  since you started the msm?

Response:

Dee, have you noticed any improvement in nail strength or growth  since you started the msm?

Yes.  My nails are stronger and less brittle.  They don’t chip or flake like they used to.  I’m not sure about the growth, they’ve always grown at a pretty steady pace.  But they are definitely stronger. Dee

Response:

I have been taking 10g daily of B5 with excellent results. Last week I ordered more B5 and decided to try MSM with it, in hopes of fading some scarring. I got 1000mg tablets. The label says 1 or 2 tablets once or twice daily. That is kind of a big window… can anyone here suggest an appropriate dosage? I hope I don’t have to take dozens of them… they are huge. Thanks, Crystal

Response:

I got 1000mg tablets. The label says 1 or 2 tablets once or twice daily. can anyone here suggest an appropriate dosage?

I’m taking one tablet of 1000mg MSM once a day. I think that should be enough, if I remember some suggestions in postings here correctly. Greetz,

Response:

Could anybody please tell me whether MSM definately works to reduce ice pick / indented scarring ? I have tried a lot of treatments for my scarring and so am dubious and cynical about everything now. Any answers / experiences would be greatly appreciated.. Thanx

Response:

Could anybody please tell me whether MSM definately works to reduce ice pick / indented scarring ? I have tried a lot of treatments for my scarring and so am dubious and cynical about everything now. Any answers / experiences would be greatly appreciated.. Thanx

It is very unlikely to make them disappear.  They represent deep damage to several layers of the skin, and that structure would have to be completely reconstructed for them to become completely invisible. That said, I have been very surprised how well some other kinds of scars have improved after 6 months to a year on MSM, so it might make a visible improvement, eventually.  But don’t expect anything dramatic on a very short time. — John Popelish

Response:

I have been taking 10g daily of B5 with excellent results. Last week I ordered more B5 and decided to try MSM with it, in hopes of fading some scarring. I got 1000mg tablets. The label says 1 or 2 tablets once or twice daily. That is kind of a big window… can anyone here suggest an appropriate dosage? I hope I don’t have to take dozens of them… they are huge. Thanks, Crystal

I read somewhere, that people can absorb roughly 500 mg from any one dose, so I suspect that they just want to sell you more pills.  One a day is a common dose, but one per meal is plenty.  I think that it is also more useful if taken with food, since MSM is a nutrient that would be found in food, if it had not been cooked. I take 1000 mg with dinner. — John Popelish

Response:

I am quite interested by MSM.. I know I’ve gotten a few responses to my last post. But I am looking for all the info I can gather..What dosage is everyone taking? and has anyone had any side effects? and, most importantly, has anyone seen any results from MSM alone? (on no other medication for acne?) I’ve tried searching on the web, but there is not much there. Mainly it is about muscle damage, and arthritis. Thanks!

Response:

I am quite interested by MSM.. I know I’ve gotten a few r"N&W-Q/? to my last post. But I am looking for all the info I can gather..What dosage is everyone taking? and has anyone had any side effects? and, most importantly, has anyone seen any results from MSM alone? (on no other medication for acne?) I’ve tried searching on the web, but there is not much there. Mainly8&I2P82-bout muscle damage, and arthritis. Thanks!

Response:

Hey !  I went to HK this summer, and I got my first break out of acne there in HK….. I think that the humid climate caused the breakout. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks you very much, John. What I need to do now is to find a bottle of MSM here in Hong Kong, and it seems to be a difficult task… Is MSM a new thing that come out in recent years or already been used for a long time? I’m just curious… I first hard about it here last year, but people were already talking about it as something that had been discussed a long time earlier.  So I just went to Deja and search this group for references to MSM (600 hits) and found some of the earliest mentions. This is the oldest one I found: and this is a pretty informative tutorial on the substance that says it was first isolated in early 1980s: http://www.nutriteam.com/msm.htm I hope these are helpful. — John Popelish ——

Response:

Summer in HK is hot and wet, plus air pollution, does make my face worse , and I’ve to wash my face at least 3 times a day. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey !  I went to HK this summer, and I got my first break out of acne there in HK….. I think that the humid climate caused the breakout. Thanks you very much, John. What I need to do now is to find a bottle of MSM here in Hong Kong, and it seems to be a difficult task… Is MSM a new thing that come out in recent years or already been used for a long time? I’m just curious… I first hard about it here last year, but people were already talking about it as something that had been discussed a long time earlier.  So I just went to Deja and search this group for references to MSM (600 hits) and found some of the earliest mentions. This is the oldest one I found: and this is a pretty informative tutorial on the substance that says it was first isolated in early 1980s: http://www.nutriteam.com/msm.htm I hope these are helpful. — John Popelish ——

——

Response:

The reason why it is important to use pure MSM is that many manufacturers make brands that contains additives like sodium.  This can have a counterproductive effect if sodium is one of your acne triggers.

Glad I asked.  Containing acne triggers is a completely different thing from being 100% MSM.  For instance, mine is packaged in or with a little of: dicalcium phosphate, gelatin, magnesium stearate and silica.  these are common dilutants and handling additives in food supplements, but it makes then not 100% MSM.  Anyway, if I was so sensitive to sodium that the amount in a pill would trigger acne, then there would also be enough in almost anything I could eat. You are obviously correct when you say there are a lot of "stuff" already in your stomach, but diluting MSM with additives before they can get to your stomach may not make them as effective as they can be; and thus we end up with people bitching about it not working.

I think you are getting a little obsessive, here. MSM will not be for everyone.  But for people with oily skin it can be a God send.  Incidentally, many acne masks contain sulphur as well.

(my opinion follows) So does gunpowder.  But that doesn’t imply that it would also be good for acne.  Organic chemistry is a lot more subtle than a list of atoms in something.  MSM is a particularly digestible and absorbable form of organic sulfur.  You could eat a cup of pure sulfur and not absorb as much as with one 500 mg capsule of MSM.  And spreading MSM on your face is a completely different thing than putting elemental sulfur on it for much the same reason.  Elemental sulfur reacts with air to produce acid ions that keep the surface of your skin at a low pH while MSM does nothing of the kind.   Every cell and tissue in your body contains some sulfur and it is particularly plentiful in certain tissues like connective tissue, skin, hair and who knows what else.  If your diet is low in sulfur or you do not absorb it well, then MSM might help you balance the supply against the demand.  Result, healthier skin.  You find out if you are short of sulfur by taking some for a while.  If it is not the problem, then taking more will not be the solution.  A bit of sodium or whatnot, will not determine the outcome of the experiment. — John Popelish

Response:

Thanks you very much, John. What I need to do now is to find a bottle of MSM here in Hong Kong, and it seems to be a difficult task… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is MSM a new thing that come out in recent years or already been used for a long time? I’m just curious… I first hard about it here last year, but people were already talking about it as something that had been discussed a long time earlier.  So I just went to Deja and search this group for references to MSM (600 hits) and found some of the earliest mentions. This is the oldest one I found: and this is a pretty informative tutorial on the substance that says it was first isolated in early 1980s: http://www.nutriteam.com/msm.htm I hope these are helpful. — John Popelish

——

Response:

Thanks you very much, John. What I need to do now is to find a bottle of MSM here in Hong Kong, and it seems to be a difficult task…

I see it in every grocery store, pharmacy and health food store around here (Virginia, USA), so I suspect someone sells it in Hong Kong. Perhaps a pharmacist might point you towards some if you ask for Methyl Sulfonyl Methane.  There are also lots of places that sell it on the net. — John Popelish

Response:

Is MSM a new thing that come out in recent years or already been used for a long time? I’m just curious… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The reason why it is important to use pure MSM is that many manufacturers make brands that contains additives like sodium.  This can have a counterproductive effect if sodium is one of your acne triggers. Glad I asked.  Containing acne triggers is a completely different thing from being 100% MSM.  For instance, mine is packaged in or with a little of: dicalcium phosphate, gelatin, magnesium stearate and silica.  these are common dilutants and handling additives in food supplements, but it makes then not 100% MSM.  Anyway, if I was so sensitive to sodium that the amount in a pill would trigger acne, then there would also be enough in almost anything I could eat. You are obviously correct when you say there are a lot of "stuff" already in your stomach, but diluting MSM with additives before they can get to your stomach may not make them as effective as they can be; and thus we end up with people bitching about it not working. I think you are getting a little obsessive, here. MSM will not be for everyone.  But for people with oily skin it can be a God send.  Incidentally, many acne masks contain sulphur as well. (my opinion follows) So does gunpowder.  But that doesn’t imply that it would also be good for acne.  Organic chemistry is a lot more subtle than a list of atoms in something.  MSM is a particularly digestible and absorbable form of organic sulfur.  You could eat a cup of pure sulfur and not absorb as much as with one 500 mg capsule of MSM.  And spreading MSM on your face is a completely different thing than putting elemental sulfur on it for much the same reason.  Elemental sulfur reacts with air to produce acid ions that keep the surface of your skin at a low pH while MSM does nothing of the kind. Every cell and tissue in your body contains some sulfur and it is particularly plentiful in certain tissues like connective tissue, skin, hair and who knows what else.  If your diet is low in sulfur or you do not absorb it well, then MSM might help you balance the supply against the demand.  Result, healthier skin.  You find out if you are short of sulfur by taking some for a while.  If it is not the problem, then taking more will not be the solution.  A bit of sodium or whatnot, will not determine the outcome of the experiment. — John Popelish

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Response:

Is MSM a new thing that come out in recent years or already been used for a long time? I’m just curious…

I first hard about it here last year, but people were already talking about it as something that had been discussed a long time earlier.  So I just went to Deja and search this group for references to MSM (600 hits) and found some of the earliest mentions. This is the oldest one I found: and this is a pretty informative tutorial on the substance that says it was first isolated in early 1980s: http://www.nutriteam.com/msm.htm I hope these are helpful. — John Popelish

Response:

The reason why it is important to use pure MSM is that many manufacturers make brands that contains additives like sodium.  This can have a counterproductive effect if sodium is one of your acne triggers.   You are obviously correct when you say there are a lot of "stuff" already in your stomach, but diluting MSM with additives before they can get to your stomach may not make them as effective as they can be; and thus we end up with people bitching about it not working. MSM will not be for everyone.  But for people with oily skin it can be a God send.  Incidentally, many acne masks contain sulphur as well. Cheers, Frankie. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (snip) The key to winning with MSM is to make sure that it is 100% pure.  One other added benefit of MSM is that because it consists of sulphur it will help people who have normally oily skin (such as I). Please make sure that you buy 100% pure MSM and accept no substitutes or else YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED! (snip) Why are you so sure the purity of MSM is important?  The moment it hits your stomach, it gets mixed with lots of stuff.  And since it is a food supplement, why would it be necessary for it to be any more pure and unmixed than any other part of your diet is? By the way, I just started taking it to see if I can see any effect. Since sulfur to sulfur bonds are what hold hair and nail protein together, I am hoping to see some improvement in mine after taking it a while.

Response:

I live in Hong Kong. I’ve been to more than 10 local pharmacies, none of them are selling MSM, pharmacists there even don’t know what MSM is! Is it really that difficult to find MSM? Also, is there any journal article about using MSM for acne? I can’t find any so far. ——

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You can get MSM from any good health food store.  It is not available by prescription because it is not a drug.  I’ve been using it now for over a week and will swear to all of you, that I did see very good results. The key to winning with MSM is to make sure that it is 100% pure.  One other added benefit of MSM is that because it consists of sulphur it will help people who have normally oily skin (such as I).   Please make sure that you buy 100% pure MSM and accept no substitutes or else YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED! I use Organika brand MSM www.organika.com Cheers, Frankie. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I live in Hong Kong. I’ve been to more than 10 local pharmacies, none of them are selling MSM, pharmacists there even don’t know what MSM is! Is it really that difficult to find MSM? Also, is there any journal article about using MSM for acne? I can’t find any so far. ——

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(snip) The key to winning with MSM is to make sure that it is 100% pure.  One other added benefit of MSM is that because it consists of sulphur it will help people who have normally oily skin (such as I). Please make sure that you buy 100% pure MSM and accept no substitutes or else YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED!

(snip) Why are you so sure the purity of MSM is important?  The moment it hits your stomach, it gets mixed with lots of stuff.  And since it is a food supplement, why would it be necessary for it to be any more pure and unmixed than any other part of your diet is? By the way, I just started taking it to see if I can see any effect. Since sulfur to sulfur bonds are what hold hair and nail protein together, I am hoping to see some improvement in mine after taking it a while. — John Popelish

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Hi all, I’ve seen some stuff on the net about MSM (Methyl-Sulfanyl-Methane) and its use in the prevention of acne. As the information was from a company that sells MSM I am extremely sceptical about it. Has anyone here ever heard of or tried MSM, what do you think? Thanks, Brian.

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Hi all, I’ve seen some stuff on the net about MSM (Methyl-Sulfanyl-Methane) and its use in the prevention of acne. As the information was from a company that sells MSM I am extremely sceptical about it. Has anyone here ever heard of or tried MSM, what do you think? Thanks, Brian.

msm is a natural sulfur compound found in foods and present in body tissue . sulfur is helpful to acne,especially if you are deficient which  is common due to its lessened quantity in todays proccessed foods.  whether you get sulfur as msm or another supplement it is an essential nutrient in everyones diet.

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Been offline for the past few months and unable to keep up todate with this newgroup.  Today is my first time back online and I thought that I would check out the recent postings.  WOW where have all the people that raved about MSM gone. For weeks and weeks every 2nd or 3rd posting to this group was connnected to MSM, and now NOTHING!!!!!! Were we all duped, were all those posting raving about MSM done secretly by the MSM marketers who have now slid back into the shadows safe in the knowledge that there product who knows ????

Well now you’ve done it.  Shall I be the first to ask "What is MSM?"  :-D I’m still using MSM and it’s still working.  I used to post an update every month or so in the beginning and that would cause a flurry of postings.   I’ve been using it for almost 9 months now.  The oil production is normalized and I break out only if I don’t double the dose after I eat something I shouldn’t or have too much carbs.  The break-outs around my period have stopped also. It’s not quick and easy (changing one’s diet can be hard for some people) but it works for me.  And no I don’t market it, I make no money from it. Dee PS If you’re annoyed about seeing posts on topics you are not interested in, use your newsreader’s kill-file filter.

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anyone remember this supposed miracle cure?  what happened to all the posts?

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Been offline for the past few months and unable to keep up todate with this newgroup.  Today is my first time back online and I thought that I would check out the recent postings.  WOW where have all the people that raved about MSM gone. For weeks and weeks every 2nd or 3rd posting to this group was connnected to MSM, and now NOTHING!!!!!! Were we all duped, were all those posting raving about MSM done secretly by the MSM marketers who have now slid back into the shadows safe in the knowledge that there product who knows ????

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Hi! Does anyone know if MSM exists in the greek market and what is the brand that sells it?

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Hi! I’ve been reading the posts and everybody is talking about MSM? What is it? What is the daily dose? Thanks in advance

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Hi! I’ve been reading the posts and everybody is talking about MSM? What is it? What is the daily dose? Thanks in advance

It is an organic (carbon containing molecule) sulfur dietary supplement.  The letters refer to the words, methyl sulfonyl methane, which describes the structure of the molecule (a pair of methane groups that straddle a sulfur dioxide group). It was discovered fairly recently, and in known to be involved in protein synthesis and other biochemical processes.  Apparently, all proteins are held together in larger assemblies by disulfide bonds, and if you are short on bio-available sulfur, all tensile tissue (skin, hair, nails, tendons, cartilage, etc.) is constructed with compromises.  It is suspected by some that scar tissue generation instead of more normal healing is part of this compromise.   The minimum dietary requirement has not officially been established, or even that it is a necessary nutrient.  If you search this stuff on the web, you will find lots of hype and advertising, and just a bit about actual research.  About the only thing that is pretty certain is that it is one of the least toxic substances you can eat.  Sugar and salt are relatively more toxic.  So at least, you are very unlikely to hurt yourself taking a bit of it. This lack of good research evidence is why we talk about personal experience with it so much.  It is about all that there is, but this is pretty tantalizing. — John Popelish

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What is MSM? Sorry for this question but I’m new here and little lost. Thanks

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<big snip fr33dom – the lady who occasionally swears

I forgot – there was another person named Freedom in here.  I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes, so I’m going for a different nick. BTW, if you read my last post, I bought a brand other than Natrol for my MSM.  The brand that I have is TriMedica.  Their bottle has 250 capsules, 500 mg each.  They recommend "one to three capsules daily, or as directed by your health care practitioner".  Other people are taking even more and not experiencing problems, though, just better skin.  Then again, those other people are not just washing their faces with soap and water in addition, either. I’ve tried Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid with only temporary results, so I have chucked the idea of effective treatment in those chemicals.  I have been wondering about a possible addition to my regimen in Paula’s Choice AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) skin care.  Perhaps if I read on, I’ll find where I can get it.  I recommend you do the same, addicted. The Lady who Occasionally Swears

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What is MSM? Sorry for this question but I’m new here and little lost. Thanks

It stands for Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, and it is a natural form of sulfur, taken orally in capsule form.  The people in this group use it for its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory qualities in order to clear up their acne, but I have read that it also aids in digestion, among other things.  It should be available in your local drugstore or possibly in GNC. I personally got mine at Eckerd (depending on where you live, you might know ‘em) about a week ago.  I started with the maximum dose, or 1,500 mg a day, in order to hit my moderate (not cystic, but major and persistent as hell) acne with an antibiotic one-two punch from the beginning.  I hope something comes out of this supplement with at least a two-week trial, but as for now, it doesn’t appear to have done much for my skin, if anything.  It certainly has had a significant ill effect on my digestive tract, though.  Over the course of the first week, if I wasn’t running to the bathroom with a hyperactive bowel, I had heartburn just like back in the days before I went on Prilosec, only this time, WITH the Prilosec.  Today, the bumps on my forehead have gone down somewhat, but then yesterday, I decided to cut back to 1g (1,000 mg) per day, so I don’t know if it was the MSM or luck.  Only time will tell… Other people have gone for a few months on MSM and have sworn by the stuff based on their results, so I’m probably going to stick with it after the two-week period.  I just know I can’t handle the maximum dose because of my GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease).  You may be different. Actually, I didn’t know that MSM existed until I went lurking in this group for a few weeks (hi there, all ), and in addition to the MSM, I learned about studies conducted with Pantothenic Acid (or Vitamin B5) and Zinc Gluconate that look promising. Stay tuned.  I know I will. fr33dom – the lady who occasionally swears

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You can buy Paula’s AHA and BHA products at http://www.cosmeticscop.com/ I love here AHA and BHA but you have to be consistent and give it time to work.  Her stuff is very gentle. JP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <big snip fr33dom – the lady who occasionally swears I forgot – there was another person named Freedom in here.  I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes, so I’m going for a different nick. BTW, if you read my last post, I bought a brand other than Natrol for my MSM.  The brand that I have is TriMedica.  Their bottle has 250 capsules, 500 mg each.  They recommend "one to three capsules daily, or as directed by your health care practitioner".  Other people are taking even more and not experiencing problems, though, just better skin.  Then again, those other people are not just washing their faces with soap and water in addition, either. I’ve tried Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid with only temporary results, so I have chucked the idea of effective treatment in those chemicals.  I have been wondering about a possible addition to my regimen in Paula’s Choice AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) skin care.  Perhaps if I read on, I’ll find where I can get it.  I recommend you do the same, addicted. The Lady who Occasionally Swears

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I have been taking MSM (methylsulphonylmethane — a sulphur compound) for about 3 months now and have noticed a serious reduction in oil production on my face and back/chest. Has any one else had this experience with MSM?  I take it twice a day in a 500 mg capsule form.

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I have been taking MSM (methylsulphonylmethane — a sulphur compound) for about 3 months now and have noticed a serious reduction in oil production on my face and back/chest. Has any one else had this experience with MSM?  I take it twice a day in a 500 mg capsule form.

Yes!  I have been meaning to post about it, but wanted to observe for a bit longer.  I have been taking it for 2 months now, 1000 mg twice a day.  I started to see a difference in my skin after about 2 weeks.  I have noticed less oil and, most importantly for me, **no more cysts**!  At this point my skin is completely clear.  I just ordered some more so I don’t run out!   I’m glad to hear you have been having success with it too! Dee

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Okay, I’ll bite. Is it a perscription drug or available over the counter from a pharmacy? And what’s the average cost?

MSM is a nutritional supplement.  It is a form of sulfur that is very bio-available, meaning the body can use it easily. I have been getting it mail-order from the Vitamin Shoppe, www.vitaminshoppe.com, but I have also seen it in drug stores.  The Natrol brand is 60 caps (1000 mg each) for US $12.00. Dee

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been taking MSM (methylsulphonylmethane — a sulphur compound) for about 3 months now and have noticed a serious reduction in oil production on my face and back/chest. Has any one else had this experience with MSM?  I take it twice a day in a 500 mg capsule form. Yes!  I have been meaning to post about it, but wanted to observe for a bit longer.  I have been taking it for 2 months now, 1000 mg twice a day.  I started to see a difference in my skin after about 2 weeks.  I have noticed less oil and, most importantly for me, **no more cysts**!  At this point my skin is completely clear.  I just ordered some more so I don’t run out! I’m glad to hear you have been having success with it too! Dee

Okay, I’ll bite. Is it a perscription drug or available over the counter from a pharmacy? And what’s the average cost? — [begin anti-spam block]

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I take 2000-4000 mgs a day of MSM.  I have noticed a great improvement.  I bought a big bottle at Costco.  You can find it online at ebay too.  I take garlic, boraage oil, evening primrose oil, alpha lipoic acid, glucophage and aldaction (spiro) too.  Topicals didn’t work for me and Accutane won’t either (acne is hormonally caused).  Diet modification, prescription medicine and supplements did the trick.  My face has never been clearer!…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After several courses of the infamous Accutane, I think I’d like to give MSM a chance.  Although I never had any of the more severe side-effects( ie. suicide attempts, depression, liver problems), I couldn’t wear my contacts or workout while on it.  The acne came back after every course within months, want to try something different. Also went the anti-biotics route and I stopped after hearing about how it messes your immune system/intestinal tract up. Since I’ve pretty much given up any hope of having an easy way out of this disgusting disease, I changed my diet and reduced stress as much as possible, etc.  Have had some improvement but there’s plenty room for more.  I have done some research on MSM and I think I could benefit from it.  I see so many brands, I’m not quite sure which to trust or is highest quality.  So, if anyone has tried this stuff…please let me know how it went. Thanks in advance.

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It costs $13-$14 at the costco in Dallas!!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After several courses of the infamous Accutane, I think I’d like to give MSM a chance.  Although I never had any of the more severe side-effects( ie. suicide attempts, depression, liver problems), I couldn’t wear my contacts or workout while on it.  The acne came back after every course within months, want to try something different. Also went the anti-biotics route and I stopped after hearing about how it messes your immune system/intestinal tract up. Since I’ve pretty much given up any hope of having an easy way out of this disgusting disease, I changed my diet and reduced stress as much as possible, etc.  Have had some improvement but there’s plenty room for more.  I have done some research on MSM and I think I could benefit from it.  I see so many brands, I’m not quite sure which to trust or is highest quality.  So, if anyone has tried this stuff…please let me know how it went. Thanks in advance. Since MSM is a pure chemical, not a mixture or recipe, any MSM should act exactly as any other, as long as it is not mixed with other stuff. I get a big bottle of 300 1000 mg tablets for about $8 at Costco (Price Club).   Good luck with your experiment. — John Popelish

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After several courses of the infamous Accutane, I think I’d like to give MSM a chance.  Although I never had any of the more severe side-effects( ie. suicide attempts, depression, liver problems), I couldn’t wear my contacts or workout while on it.  The acne came back after every course within months, want to try something different. Also went the anti-biotics route and I stopped after hearing about how it messes your immune system/intestinal tract up. Since I’ve pretty much given up any hope of having an easy way out of this disgusting disease, I changed my diet and reduced stress as much as possible, etc.  Have had some improvement but there’s plenty room for more.  I have done some research on MSM and I think I could benefit from it.  I see so many brands, I’m not quite sure which to trust or is highest quality.  So, if anyone has tried this stuff…please let me know how it went. Thanks in advance.

Since MSM is a pure chemical, not a mixture or recipe, any MSM should act exactly as any other, as long as it is not mixed with other stuff. I get a big bottle of 300 1000 mg tablets for about $8 at Costco (Price Club).   Good luck with your experiment. — John Popelish

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After several courses of the infamous Accutane, I think I’d like to give MSM a chance.  Although I never had any of the more severe side-effects( ie. suicide attempts, depression, liver problems), I couldn’t wear my contacts or workout while on it.  The acne came back after every course within months, want to try something different. Also went the anti-biotics route and I stopped after hearing about how it messes your immune system/intestinal tract up.   Since I’ve pretty much given up any hope of having an easy way out of this disgusting disease, I changed my diet and reduced stress as much as possible, etc.  Have had some improvement but there’s plenty room for more.  I have done some research on MSM and I think I could benefit from it.  I see so many brands, I’m not quite sure which to trust or is highest quality.  So, if anyone has tried this stuff…please let me know how it went.   Thanks in advance.  

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does methylsulfonyl-methane helps in the treatment of acne?? anyone have use it and got good results?

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does methylsulfonyl-methane helps in the treatment of acne?? anyone have use it and got good results?

I have been taking MSM 2000 mg/day for over a year.  Within the first month that I started taking it I noticed a marked reduction in oil and cysts.   Along with a modified diet (avoiding foods that trigger the acne) and additional supplementation, the MSM has helped to keep my clear. Dee

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I also take 2000 mg/day (not sure for how long now) and it’s made a huge difference, both in my acne and psoriasis – thanks again, Dee!!! Sprucedale – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – does methylsulfonyl-methane helps in the treatment of acne?? anyone have use it and got good results? I have been taking MSM 2000 mg/day for over a year.  Within the first month that I started taking it I noticed a marked reduction in oil and cysts. Along with a modified diet (avoiding foods that trigger the acne) and additional supplementation, the MSM has helped to keep my clear. Dee

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – you seem to know quite alot on MSM what other vitamins do you take is B5 one of them I take vitamin C and E and a year ago after learning about it here and studying it on the web, started taking MSM.  A month ago, I started a B complex that has about 10 times the m.d.r. of B5 since hearing about all the good effects on this group.  I don’t know much about acne, since this is not my skin problem.  But I have found this group to be very educational and stimulating.  It is a great kick to see people helping each other out with difficult problems.  Web business may be nice, but this is wonderful. — John Popelish

Yeah i read some past posts of yours on deja..apparently you have/had some kinda eczema that you managed to cure through the H&S mask.. —                                      /                                                   / .—–.          I am the Great Cornholio!!         |/ –`-`-                                             |                |  I need TP for my bunghole!!         |   _–         |                                      _| =-.     |      |  Come out with your pants down!      o|/o/      |      |                                      /  ~       |      |  heh-heh.  This is cool.  heh-heh        |     |      |                                           _/__/       |                                         /            __                                         -| Metallica|| |                                         ||          || |                                         ||          || |                                         /|          / /          /                         / /                     |                  |        /                  /       |      ___ | | / /       |      /                 |      |                /       |      _    |      |       |         |      |       |       _ /|     I am Corn Julio!!! I need TP for my      |      __     <_o)o-    bunghole!!!! Where we come from we      |     |                 have no bungholes…Would you like          ||                to be my bunghole?        |   |__          _      /        |   |           (*___)  /        |   |       _     |    /        |  /       | UUUUU__         |        _nnnnnn_-          |      /          |_____/

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just started taking MSM with my B5 and zinc routine. iam taking about 2grams a day. 1gram in the morning and one at night. its powder so i put it in orange juice.  MSM is a natural form of sulfur (organic sulfur) found in foods. we could be getting more but modern food preperation destroys MSM reducing the intake. MSM helps tissue bonds, flexibility of cell walls, the ability to transmity fluids in tissue, cartilage strength, and joint health. basically pretty good for ya skin. people here say it reduces scars on your face. can people taking it please tell me what sort of results i will see in the near future.

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you seem to know quite alot on MSM what other vitamins do you take is B5 one of them

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you seem to know quite alot on MSM what other vitamins do you take is B5 one of them

I take vitamin C and E and a year ago after learning about it here and studying it on the web, started taking MSM.  A month ago, I started a B complex that has about 10 times the m.d.r. of B5 since hearing about all the good effects on this group.  I don’t know much about acne, since this is not my skin problem.  But I have found this group to be very educational and stimulating.  It is a great kick to see people helping each other out with difficult problems.  Web business may be nice, but this is wonderful. — John Popelish

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just started taking MSM with my B5 and zinc routine. iam taking about 2grams a day. 1gram in the morning and one at night. its powder so i put it in orange juice.  MSM is a natural form of sulfur (organic sulfur) found in foods. we could be getting more but modern food preperation destroys MSM reducing the intake. MSM helps tissue bonds, flexibility of cell walls, the ability to transmity fluids in tissue, cartilage strength, and joint health. basically pretty good for ya skin. people here say it reduces scars on your face. can people taking it please tell me what sort of results i will see in the near future.

Since having plenty of MSM changes the way tissue is built, it does not have any short term effects that you will notice.  only after there has been time for you to replace tissue will you see differences.  It takes about a month to replace the outer layers of skin.  it takes about a year to replace most of your hair and nails. This is one of the least dramatic things, but over months, the improvements can be quite noticeable.  Take a few before pictures (especially if you have some old scars that are clear enough to show up on the pictures).  Then take the same picture the same way, after 6 months and after 1 year.   — John Popelish

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Dr. Joe has been a member of this ng for a long time and his compassionate and sensible advice is welcome and completely free to all.   Supplement manufacturers could teach investment bankers something about greed. No other industry is so rife with lies and innuendo about untreated and questionably safe products. You may pin your hopes on voodoo for all I care, but flaming Dr. Joe, who after all, has treated thousands of acne sufferers, is ungrateful and immature.

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        Beware of DHEA; it can itself cause acne. It flared mine         almost immediately (and buzzed out my nerves as well!).  - G – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks, Dee (and RIP) – I really appreciate your input!  Along these same lines, as a female now age 46, at 40 I was having hot flashes, increasingly profound PMS (and acne) , so the doc put me on Prozac, bcp’s and accutane.  WHeee!   After tolerating the various side effects of Prozac and the different bcp’s we tried over two years, (the accutane was 5 mos.and did clear up the cysts-for a while) I began experimenting with St. John’s Wort, phytoestrogens, DHEA, and pregnenolone.  After stabilizing my cycle again, I started working on the anti-aging aspects of Gh boosters and attacking the acne with diet and supplements (MSM plus anti-candida).  It all goes hand-in-hand with an over-all healthy lifestyle, good quality nutrition, exercise and taking CONTROL by educating yourself about the options available.   Laura Root, CIDESCO Diplomate Offices of Dr. Jeffrey J. Ptak Phoenix, AZ Oof!  Prozac, bcp’s and accutane all at the same time!  I’m glad you made it out alive  The placebo effect must have been pretty strong!  :-D I had sorta bad PMS also until I started supplementing with calcium and magnesium.  I take 1000 mg Cal and 750 mg Mag.  That seems to have stopped the moodiness and the tenderness. I have not tried St. John’s Wort (nor Kava) but sometimes when I am feeling stressed out or I’m having trouble sleeping I take 5-HTP 50 mg.  It relaxes without drowsiness.  How much SJW do you take and what does it feel like? What are Gh boosters? Thanks, Dee  

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Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe

Dr. Joe striks again

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Oof!  Prozac, bcp’s and accutane all at the same time!  I’m glad you made it out alive  The placebo effect must have been pretty strong!  :-D

Yeah, and to think I had (have) a concealed carry permit at the time, too! I had sorta bad PMS also until I started supplementing with calcium and magnesium.  I take 1000 mg Cal and 750 mg Mag.  That seems to have stopped the moodiness and the tenderness.

Yep. I have not tried St. John’s Wort (nor Kava) but sometimes when I am feeling stressed out or I’m having trouble sleeping I take 5-HTP 50 mg.  It relaxes without drowsiness.  How much SJW do you take and what does it feel like?

I weaned myself off SJW about a year ago, and now don’t have any of the old bottles to refer to, although I know it was a minimal dose.  It just helped me "space" and quit thinking at night – didn’t really knock me out, so to speak, but I used to obsess, make lists in my head, get ticked at myself for various things, acne, extra weight, etc., you know that kind of stuff.  It never left me feeling hung over in the am, which I had a real problem with while on prozac (was only on 10 or 20 mg of that) What are Gh boosters?

Growth hormone boosters – proprietary combinations of amino acids that stimulate the pituitary to produce more GH – which significantly dwindles after age 20.  Originally HGH (human growth hormone-genetically engineered – Somatrope, Eli Lilly, injectable) was used in children who were not growing; researchers have been using it (without FDA approval) for a number of years for its anti-aging properties.  There are some companies (many are MLMs – which I avoid like the plague) that have produced different GH boosters for those of us who don’t like needles, and, of course, there is controversy about whether the amino acid combos work, because of going through the digestive tract.  E-mail me privately if you’d like more info. Laura Root, CIDESCO Diplomate Offices of Dr. Jeffrey J. Ptak Phoenix, AZ

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks, Dee (and RIP) – I really appreciate your input!  Along these same lines, as a female now age 46, at 40 I was having hot flashes, increasingly profound PMS (and acne) , so the doc put me on Prozac, bcp’s and accutane.  WHeee!   After tolerating the various side effects of Prozac and the different bcp’s we tried over two years, (the accutane was 5 mos.and did clear up the cysts-for a while) I began experimenting with St. John’s Wort, phytoestrogens, DHEA, and pregnenolone.  After stabilizing my cycle again, I started working on the anti-aging aspects of Gh boosters and attacking the acne with diet and supplements (MSM plus anti-candida).  It all goes hand-in-hand with an over-all healthy lifestyle, good quality nutrition, exercise and taking CONTROL by educating yourself about the options available.   Laura Root, CIDESCO Diplomate Offices of Dr. Jeffrey J. Ptak Phoenix, AZ

Oof!  Prozac, bcp’s and accutane all at the same time!  I’m glad you made it out alive  The placebo effect must have been pretty strong!  :-D I had sorta bad PMS also until I started supplementing with calcium and magnesium.  I take 1000 mg Cal and 750 mg Mag.  That seems to have stopped the moodiness and the tenderness. I have not tried St. John’s Wort (nor Kava) but sometimes when I am feeling stressed out or I’m having trouble sleeping I take 5-HTP 50 mg.  It relaxes without drowsiness.  How much SJW do you take and what does it feel like? What are Gh boosters? Thanks, Dee  

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You go, Rip Certainly Dr. Joe is entitled to his personal opinion.  But when a doctor gives an opinion, often it’s taken as a "professional" one based on some kind of knowledge.  Unfortunately, doctors that graduate from "modern" medical schools are given little to no education in areas such as nutrition, herbs, dietary supplementation, natural healing methods, etc.  They are taught surgery and drugs.  And the reigning body of drug information is the FDA.

Thanks, Dee (and RIP) – I really appreciate your input!  Along these same lines, as a female now age 46, at 40 I was having hot flashes, increasingly profound PMS (and acne) , so the doc put me on Prozac, bcp’s and accutane.  WHeee!   After tolerating the various side effects of Prozac and the different bcp’s we tried over two years, (the accutane was 5 mos.and did clear up the cysts-for a while) I began experimenting with St. John’s Wort, phytoestrogens, DHEA, and pregnenolone.  After stabilizing my cycle again, I started working on the anti-aging aspects of Gh boosters and attacking the acne with diet and supplements (MSM plus anti-candida).  It all goes hand-in-hand with an over-all healthy lifestyle, good quality nutrition, exercise and taking CONTROL by educating yourself about the options available.   Laura Root, CIDESCO Diplomate Offices of Dr. Jeffrey J. Ptak Phoenix, AZ

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe Cigarettes do not cause cancer!  Its been proven many times in medical studies for years.  Damn, when are you people going to realize that modern medicine is never wrong!  You know, also, I was brushing up on my medical books the other day and became really excited about a new acne therapy developed just last year in 1723 that utilizes leaches to suck the toxins from your blood to cure acne.  Yes, modern medicine has all the answers!   Dr. Joe, you would be wise to not make such a statement here where there are many people who are having great success with this treatment.  You have been polluted in medical school to believe that anything that is not FDA approved is rubbish.  That, my friend, is absurd.  As absurd as saying that diet has no effect on acne; which MOST derms believe.  Like I have said in the past, why is it that people who have never heard of the food/acne connection will come here and ask the group if they have ever heard of ‘XYZ’ causing a breakout. Just coincidence 1000000 times over?  Dont be ridiculous.     Drink some FDA approved diet soda with Nutra Sweet in it.  Guess what?  The stuff begins to turn into Formaldehyde, Formic acid, and methanol over time when exposed to temps in the 80’s.  Scary eh?  FDA approved and consumed by BILLIONS.  Yup.       SHOW ME THE F&%#’ing study that PROVES that MSM wont help acne sufferers….otherwise, shut the hell up. -Rip You go, Rip   Certainly Dr. Joe is entitled to his personal opinion.  But when a doctor gives an opinion, often it’s taken as a "professional" one based on some kind of knowledge.  Unfortunately, doctors that graduate from "modern" medical schools are given little to no education in areas such as nutrition, herbs, dietary supplementation, natural healing methods, etc.  They are taught surgery and drugs.  And the reigning body of drug information is the FDA. The FDA is not some kind of all-knowing god.  It is not even unbiased or impartial.  It is swayed by the big drug manufacturers.  Here is an article from today’s paper: New Reviewers of Drug have Ties to its Maker   from the Los Angeles Times WASHINGTON – On the eve of a crucial hearing to reassess the diabetes pill Rezulin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has appointed two new members to an advisory panel – both of whom have financial ties to the drug’s manufacturer.       Dr. Mayer B. Davidson of the UCLA School of Medicine and Dr. Saul M. Genuth of Cleveland have received income during the last two years as leaders of a private diabetes education group funded exclusively by the makers of Rezulin, the Warner-Lambert Co. and its Japanese partner.     On Friday, the FDA panel is expected to recommend whether to restrict, withdraw, or expand use of the drug, which has been linked to dozens of liver-failure deaths.     Dr. Davidson said the FDA knew about his financial ties.     FDA officials said the appointments were made to add further expertise to the committee.  The FDA can disregard conflicts of interest under such circumstances. That last line really calls into question the credibility of every decision and ruling ever made by the FDA.  How many potentially dangerous drugs are brought before an advisory panel each year and subsequently kept on the market because of the sway of doctors sponsored by the pharm company?  This practice is clearly in the best interest of the drug companies and the FDA only, i.e. $$$Big Bucks$$$, and not that of the health of the American people. Dee PS Pass me a cancer stick and a diet Coke, wouldja Rip?  I need to chill out.  Obviously all my experiences with non-FDA approved supplements are just hallucinations  ;-)  The acne must still be on my face somewhere – or maybe I just misplaced it!   I better go look for it  ;-)

Better yet, go drink some diet coke and give yourself Lupus to worry about!  GO FDA!  GO FDA!!! RAH RAH RAH!!!  Our saviours!!!  The patron saints of good health!!!!! *grin* Laterz Dee, -Rip

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Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe

What, exactly, are you a doctor of? Your writing seems to display your ignorance more than anything else. Perhaps you should take some courses in naturopathic medicine before you comment on a supplement’s worth.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe Cigarettes do not cause cancer!  Its been proven many times in medical studies for years.  Damn, when are you people going to realize that modern medicine is never wrong!  You know, also, I was brushing up on my medical books the other day and became really excited about a new acne therapy developed just last year in 1723 that utilizes leaches to suck the toxins from your blood to cure acne.  Yes, modern medicine has all the answers!   Dr. Joe, you would be wise to not make such a statement here where there are many people who are having great success with this treatment.  You have been polluted in medical school to believe that anything that is not FDA approved is rubbish.  That, my friend, is absurd.  As absurd as saying that diet has no effect on acne; which MOST derms believe.  Like I have said in the past, why is it that people who have never heard of the food/acne connection will come here and ask the group if they have ever heard of ‘XYZ’ causing a breakout. Just coincidence 1000000 times over?  Dont be ridiculous.     Drink some FDA approved diet soda with Nutra Sweet in it.  Guess what?  The stuff begins to turn into Formaldehyde, Formic acid, and methanol over time when exposed to temps in the 80’s.  Scary eh?  FDA approved and consumed by BILLIONS.  Yup.       SHOW ME THE F&%#’ing study that PROVES that MSM wont help acne sufferers….otherwise, shut the hell up. -Rip

You go, Rip   Certainly Dr. Joe is entitled to his personal opinion.  But when a doctor gives an opinion, often it’s taken as a "professional" one based on some kind of knowledge.  Unfortunately, doctors that graduate from "modern" medical schools are given little to no education in areas such as nutrition, herbs, dietary supplementation, natural healing methods, etc.  They are taught surgery and drugs.  And the reigning body of drug information is the FDA. The FDA is not some kind of all-knowing god.  It is not even unbiased or impartial.  It is swayed by the big drug manufacturers.  Here is an article from today’s paper: New Reviewers of Drug have Ties to its Maker    from the Los Angeles Times WASHINGTON – On the eve of a crucial hearing to reassess the diabetes pill Rezulin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has appointed two new members to an advisory panel – both of whom have financial ties to the drug’s manufacturer.        Dr. Mayer B. Davidson of the UCLA School of Medicine and Dr. Saul M. Genuth of Cleveland have received income during the last two years as leaders of a private diabetes education group funded exclusively by the makers of Rezulin, the Warner-Lambert Co. and its Japanese partner.      On Friday, the FDA panel is expected to recommend whether to restrict, withdraw, or expand use of the drug, which has been linked to dozens of liver-failure deaths.      Dr. Davidson said the FDA knew about his financial ties.      FDA officials said the appointments were made to add further expertise to the committee.  The FDA can disregard conflicts of interest under such circumstances. That last line really calls into question the credibility of every decision and ruling ever made by the FDA.  How many potentially dangerous drugs are brought before an advisory panel each year and subsequently kept on the market because of the sway of doctors sponsored by the pharm company?  This practice is clearly in the best interest of the drug companies and the FDA only, i.e. $$$Big Bucks$$$, and not that of the health of the American people. Dee PS Pass me a cancer stick and a diet Coke, wouldja Rip?  I need to chill out.  Obviously all my experiences with non-FDA approved supplements are just hallucinations  ;-)  The acne must still be on my face somewhere – or maybe I just misplaced it!   I better go look for it  ;-)

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Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe

Cigarettes do not cause cancer!  Its been proven many times in medical studies for years.  Damn, when are you people going to realize that modern medicine is never wrong!  You know, also, I was brushing up on my medical books the other day and became really excited about a new acne therapy developed just last year in 1723 that utilizes leaches to suck the toxins from your blood to cure acne.  Yes, modern medicine has all the answers!   Dr. Joe, you would be wise to not make such a statement here where there are many people who are having great success with this treatment.  You have been polluted in medical school to believe that anything that is not FDA approved is rubbish.  That, my friend, is absurd.  As absurd as saying that diet has no effect on acne; which MOST derms believe.  Like I have said in the past, why is it that people who have never heard of the food/acne connection will come here and ask the group if they have ever heard of ‘XYZ’ causing a breakout. Just coincidence 1000000 times over?  Dont be ridiculous.      Drink some FDA approved diet soda with Nutra Sweet in it.  Guess what?  The stuff begins to turn into Formaldehyde, Formic acid, and methanol over time when exposed to temps in the 80’s.  Scary eh?  FDA approved and consumed by BILLIONS.  Yup.        SHOW ME THE F&%#’ing study that PROVES that MSM wont help acne sufferers….otherwise, shut the hell up. -Rip

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Dee, Are you taking any other medications along with the MSM?   JP

JP, All I am using now is diet and several supplements.  I am not using any OTC or prescription meds. Dee

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It would be very nice if one of you would respond to the original question – what exactly IS MSM? Obviously it’s a supplement of some kind. What does MSM stand for? If you’re having success with it, please share the info. Thanks.

MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane.  It is a bio-available form of sulfur. I am having very good results with it, with reduction in oil production and cysts.  Last month I wrote a long post describing my experience.  It is in DejaNews with the subject "MSM and acne". Dee

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Can someone tell me anything about MSM, it’s properties, side effects, where I can purchase it and how much it might be? Also can you send any responses to mail box as I don’t think I’m getting all the messages from this news group. Thanx

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Where can I buy MSM in Germany?

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I ordered a bottle of Natrol MSM 500 mg, 200 capsules from a shop on the net, and it was about $20 with s/h. In about two weeks I got a catalog from a company called Swanson Vitamin Discounts – don’t know if they are on the net.  They had an offer for Natrol MSM 500 mg, 200 caps, buy 1 get 2 free.  I ordered and got three bottle for $19.95.   If anyone is interested, their phone number is 1-800-437-4148.  The catalog expires May 31, 99.  The catalog had a discount code, which identified me as a recipient of the catalog.  At this great price, it might be worth a phone call. Audrey

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Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe

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Look, Acne sufferers, don’t waste your precious bucks.  This will not do diddly squat for your acne.  I’ll try to comment on what will as I work through the other posts here. Dr. Joe

This flies directly in the face (pun intended of the experience of several people in the group, including me.  I have been using MSM for 3 months and there is a dramatic reduction in oil production and cysts, with no side-effects.  Nothing I have tried has worked as well, except for Minocin which also gave me nausea, dizziness, suppressed immune system, and yeast infections. MSM’s ingredient, sulfur, is a building block of collagen and keratin that also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. What exactly is your statement based upon?  I am not aware of any studies that prove or disprove the efficacy of MSM in acne sufferers. Note that lack of published studies does not imply that something automatically does not work and should be discarded out-of-hand. Dee

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another question: has MSM helped to reduce/irradicate the cysts that you did/do have, or does it just prevent new ones from forming? if it did help to remove cysts, did it do so without leaving scars (or at least not deep ones)? jen

Well, I had one cyst that had been there for close to a year and within 6 weeks on MSM, it had shrunk and totally disappeared.  There is no scar, but then I don’t scar very easily. Dee

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Dee, Are you taking any other medications along with the MSM?   JP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dee, I couldn’t find your post on dejanews, but I was just wondering if the MSM cleared you up like it did me.  I have not had a pimple since I started taking MSM, 1000mg twice daily.  I started 3 weeks ago! Yay!  That is the same with me, going on 3 months now.  The oil production has reduced and there are no more cysts (except when I go off my diet, then they make an attempt to surface but a double dosage knocks them back again). I’m so glad to hear that it’s working for you!  :-) Dee

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It would be very nice if one of you would respond to the original question – what exactly IS MSM? Obviously it’s a supplement of some kind. What does MSM stand for? If you’re having success with it, please share the info. Thanks.

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What is MSM in fact? I never heard of it. Thanks for replying in advance.

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What is MSM in fact? I never heard of it. Thanks for replying in advance.

Look in DejaNews www.dejanews.com for a post entitled "MSM and acne".  It’s a long post about MSM and my experience to date with it. Dee

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Dee, I couldn’t find your post on dejanews, but I was just wondering if the MSM cleared you up like it did me.  I have not had a pimple since I started taking MSM, 1000mg twice daily.  I started 3 weeks ago!  

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Dee, I couldn’t find your post on dejanews, but I was just wondering if the MSM cleared you up like it did me.  I have not had a pimple since I started taking MSM, 1000mg twice daily.  I started 3 weeks ago!  

Yay!  That is the same with me, going on 3 months now.  The oil production has reduced and there are no more cysts (except when I go off my diet, then they make an attempt to surface but a double dosage knocks them back again). I’m so glad to hear that it’s working for you!  :-) Dee

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another question: has MSM helped to reduce/irradicate the cysts that you did/do have, or does it just prevent new ones from forming? if it did help to remove cysts, did it do so without leaving scars (or at least not deep ones)? jen Yay!  That is the same with me, going on 3 months now.  The oil production has reduced and there are no more cysts (except when I go off my diet, then they make an attempt to surface but a double dosage knocks them back again). I’m so glad to hear that it’s working for you!  :-) Dee

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is it true that MSM can heal scarring ? I’m pretty sure it did for me. It was a very slow process, though.

I’m pretty sure it doesn’t, sorry Tried it for 8 months, not a single sign of any kind of improvement !

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I’ve used it for over a year and notice that it has helped a lot with scarring…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – is it true that MSM can heal scarring ? I’m pretty sure it did for me. It was a very slow process, though. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t, sorry Tried it for 8 months, not a single sign of any kind of improvement !

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: is it true that MSM can heal scarring ? Works for me – it took about a year, though, before I noticed any results.

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2 g a day – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How much were each of you taking?!?  I just started with 2g per day and the bottle says to take 1 -3 of the 1g tablets per day. I’ve used it for over a year and notice that it has helped a lot with scarring… is it true that MSM can heal scarring ? I’m pretty sure it did for me. It was a very slow process, though. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t, sorry Tried it for 8 months, not a single sign of any kind of improvement !

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How much were each of you taking?!?  I just started with 2g per day and the bottle says to take 1 -3 of the 1g tablets per day.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve used it for over a year and notice that it has helped a lot with scarring… is it true that MSM can heal scarring ? I’m pretty sure it did for me. It was a very slow process, though. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t, sorry Tried it for 8 months, not a single sign of any kind of improvement !

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is it true that MSM can heal scarring ?

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is it true that MSM can heal scarring ?

I’m pretty sure it did for me. It was a very slow process, though. — John Popelish

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So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc? It’s a search engine..

Its lazyness

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I’m using MSM in a topical cream form and it’s wonderful.  It’s a type of sulfur and as many of us who have been to the dermatologist’s office know, sulfur is often used as a topical agent for acne. Gosh, the stuff is great. However, as it is a moisturizer, I would stick to 500mg of the pill form two to three times a day. I’ve heard that it works wonders as well.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc?

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So what is the total amount of MSM you take a day? And you really think it does help with acne scars? I think yes.  Especially  the keloid type ones..

Darn, I’ve got the depressed-type scars so I guess it won’t help me (I’m assuming that "keloids" are raised scars). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – —                                      /                                                   / .—–.          I am the Great Cornholio!!         |/ –`-`-                                             |                |  I need TP for my bunghole!!         |   _–         |                                      _| =-.     |      |  Come out with your pants down!      o|/o/      |      |                                      /  ~       |      |  heh-heh.  This is cool.  heh-heh        |     |      |                                           _/__/       |                                         /            __                                         -| Metallica|| |                                         ||          || |                                         ||          || |                                         /|          / /          /                         / /                     |                  |        /                  /       |      ___ | | / /       |      /                 |      |                /       |      _    |      |       |         |      |       |       _ /|     I am Corn Julio!!! I need TP for my      |      __     <_o)o-    bunghole!!!! Where we come from we      |     |                 have no bungholes…Would you like          ||                to be my bunghole?        |   |__          _      /        |   |           (*___)  /        |   |       _     |    /        |  /       | UUUUU__         |        _nnnnnn_-          |      /          |_____/

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So what is the total amount of MSM you take a day? And you really think it does help with acne scars?

I think yes.  Especially  the keloid type ones.. —                                      /                                                   / .—–.          I am the Great Cornholio!!         |/ –`-`-                                             |                |  I need TP for my bunghole!!         |   _–         |                                      _| =-.     |      |  Come out with your pants down!      o|/o/      |      |                                      /  ~       |      |  heh-heh.  This is cool.  heh-heh        |     |      |                                           _/__/       |                                         /            __                                         -| Metallica|| |                                         ||          || |                                         ||          || |                                         /|          / /          /                         / /                     |                  |        /                  /       |      ___ | | / /       |      /                 |      |                /       |      _    |      |       |         |      |       |       _ /|     I am Corn Julio!!! I need TP for my      |      __     <_o)o-    bunghole!!!! Where we come from we      |     |                 have no bungholes…Would you like          ||                to be my bunghole?        |   |__          _      /        |   |           (*___)  /        |   |       _     |    /        |  /       | UUUUU__         |        _nnnnnn_-          |      /          |_____/

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So what is the total amount of MSM you take a day? And you really think it does help with acne scars? I think yes.  Especially  the keloid type ones.. Darn, I’ve got the depressed-type scars so I guess it won’t help me (I’m assuming that "keloids" are raised scars).

That’s right.  But take it, it might do other stuff like faster recovery time after a pimple or whatever dries off and stuff.   —                                      /                                                   / .—–.          I am the Great Cornholio!!         |/ –`-`-                                             |                |  I need TP for my bunghole!!         |   _–         |                                      _| =-.     |      |  Come out with your pants down!      o|/o/      |      |                                      /  ~       |      |  heh-heh.  This is cool.  heh-heh        |     |      |                                           _/__/       |                                         /            __                                         -| Metallica|| |                                         ||          || |                                         ||          || |                                         /|          / /          /                         / /                     |                  |        /                  /       |      ___ | | / /       |      /                 |      |                /       |      _    |      |       |         |      |       |       _ /|     I am Corn Julio!!! I need TP for my      |      __     <_o)o-    bunghole!!!! Where we come from we      |     |                 have no bungholes…Would you like          ||                to be my bunghole?        |   |__          _      /        |   |           (*___)  /        |   |       _     |    /        |  /       | UUUUU__         |        _nnnnnn_-          |      /          |_____/

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So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc?

Response:

So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc?

MSM stands for meythyl sulfonyl methane, an organic molecule than contains sulfur in a form that is very useful to all living cells.  It is almost tasteless (slightly bitter to som people) and is present in all living tissue.  but it is very temperature sensitive, and is altered by cooking temperatures, so if a significant part of your diet is not uncooked cells (sushi, fruits and vegetables, etc.), you are probebly a bit short of this nutrient.  It is involved in several important biochemical processes but one of the important ones for acne is its involvement in the production of amino acids that get built into proteins that make up skin an othe tissue. I have read that if you take any more than about 500 mg with a meal, not all of it will be absorbed.  So a useful amount may be 500 mg to 1500 mg taken 500 mg per meal.  I am a bit lazy, and just take 1000 mg with supper, but this probably wastes some of that.  Since I started taking it about a year ago, I noticed that all my old scars are dissappearing, and I heal much faster after an injury (and I am not just talking about paper cuts).   — John Popelish

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So what is the total amount of MSM you take a day? And you really think it does help with acne scars?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc? MSM stands for meythyl sulfonyl methane, an organic molecule than contains sulfur in a form that is very useful to all living cells.  It is almost tasteless (slightly bitter to som people) and is present in all living tissue.  but it is very temperature sensitive, and is altered by cooking temperatures, so if a significant part of your diet is not uncooked cells (sushi, fruits and vegetables, etc.), you are probebly a bit short of this nutrient.  It is involved in several important biochemical processes but one of the important ones for acne is its involvement in the production of amino acids that get built into proteins that make up skin an othe tissue. I have read that if you take any more than about 500 mg with a meal, not all of it will be absorbed.  So a useful amount may be 500 mg to 1500 mg taken 500 mg per meal.  I am a bit lazy, and just take 1000 mg with supper, but this probably wastes some of that.  Since I started taking it about a year ago, I noticed that all my old scars are dissappearing, and I heal much faster after an injury (and I am not just talking about paper cuts). — John Popelish

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So what is the total amount of MSM you take a day? And you really think it does help with acne scars?

I think it helps with all scars, an also in preventing new ones.  I have no idea if it has any other, more direct effects on the symptoms of acne.  I think the best dose is 500 mg 3 times a day, with meals. But I am too lazy to carry it around with me during the day, so I take 1000 mg once a day.  It is very nontoxic, so if you want to experiment with higher dosages, you take very little risk. — John Popelish

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So what IS MSM anyway? How much a day etc?

It’s a search engine.. —                                      /                                                   / .—–.          I am the Great Cornholio!!         |/ –`-`-                                             |                |  I need TP for my bunghole!!         |   _–         |                                      _| =-.     |      |  Come out with your pants down!      o|/o/      |      |                                      /  ~       |      |  heh-heh.  This is cool.  heh-heh        |     |      |                                           _/__/       |                                         /            __                                         -| Metallica|| |                                         ||          || |                                         ||          || |                                         /|          / /          /                         / /                     |                  |        /                  /       |      ___ | | / /       |      /                 |      |                /       |      _    |      |       |         |      |       |       _ /|     I am Corn Julio!!! I need TP for my      |      __     <_o)o-    bunghole!!!! Where we come from we      |     |                 have no bungholes…Would you like          ||                to be my bunghole?        |   |__          _      /        |   |           (*___)  /        |   |       _     |    /        |  /       | UUUUU__         |        _nnnnnn_-          |      /          |_____/

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I agree with the reply below on MSM.  Sure it does not cure acne but my skin seems alot drier and there has been a reduction on the smaller lumpy stuff on my face. People have said MSM causes insomnia.  I just found that if you take it late at night, it made me want to pee during the night so I just take them no later than 3pm now. Plus MSM has other benefits which if you take the time and do some research on it, it can be a good addition to your vitamin intake. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I knew this would happen.  I remember posting a warning about it when this whole thing started.  Then some person said I was an "IDIOT" and other things for giving data showing it not to be all it was supposed to be.  So then I just let it take it’s course.  I assume many people now found out the hard way, and lost a bit money wise. Oh well.  Lesson learned now. The fact, that there are no more posts about MSM doesn’t mean, that this supplement is not helping to fight acne. Maybe all MSM users got rid of their acne and are not even interested in visiting this NG anymore, or maybe people got bored discussing MSM, since there’s been enough info posted already. Personally, I have been taking MSM for 2 weeks and my acne got a bit better , but what is more encouraging is  that my skin became less oily. I’m going to stick with MSM for another month or so before deciding weather it really works for me or not. Peace.

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I knew this would happen.  I remember posting a warning about it when this whole thing started.  Then some person said I was an "IDIOT" and other things for giving data showing it not to be all it was supposed to be.  So then I just let it take it’s course.  I assume many people now found out the hard way, and lost a bit money wise. Oh well.  Lesson learned now. Hey,  has anyone else noticed that all of the posts on MSM have suddenly stopped?  I tried it myself for about a month with no luck.  I think it was just the fad of the moment.        Jan

– New   Dr. Biotech         Free monthly Biotech Journal http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/Node/8210/ Comming soon to an ISP near you…

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I knew this would happen.  I remember posting a warning about it when this whole thing started.  Then some person said I was an "IDIOT" and other things for giving data showing it not to be all it was supposed to be.  So then I just let it take it’s course.  I assume many people now found out the hard way, and lost a bit money wise. Oh well.  Lesson learned now.

The fact, that there are no more posts about MSM doesn’t mean, that this supplement is not helping to fight acne. Maybe all MSM users got rid of their acne and are not even interested in visiting this NG anymore, or maybe people got bored discussing MSM, since there’s been enough info posted already. Personally, I have been taking MSM for 2 weeks and my acne got a bit better , but what is more encouraging is  that my skin became less oily. I’m going to stick with MSM for another month or so before deciding weather it really works for me or not. Peace.

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I too didn’t notice a big change in my skin until I started taking 3000 mg a day and then noticed some improvment.  I think it has helped me Anna   Anna R.N. Have you ever noticed?  Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac.      – George Carlin

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Hey,  has anyone else noticed that all of the posts on MSM have suddenly stopped?  I tried it myself for about a month with no luck.  I think it was just the fad of the moment.        Jan

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Hey,  has anyone else noticed that all of the posts on MSM have suddenly stopped?  I tried it myself for about a month with no luck.  I think it was just the fad of the moment.        Jan

I tried it for a month with vague results, so I thought I would just give up. I then tried to change the dosage, and that was the trick, I just wasn’t taking enough. Initially I was taking 2000mg a day. Since I switched to 3000mg I’ve seen a massive difference. You might just need to adjust your daily intake. Of course, it might just not work for you either My girlfriend just started taking it at 3000mg a day, and after less than a week she’s seeing the difference. On thing I’ve noticed is that cuts heal faster too. Colin

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I have a couple of customers that buy MSM for their nails and they have noticed a difference. One was a nail biter. She said they are to strong to bite anymore. But, for most of my customers on MSM it is for pain in ligiments, tendons ect… and they keep comming back for more swearing they will NEVER quit taking it. I know I won’t quit. I even give it to my 14 year old dog, he acts like he feels better, we’ll see and I’ll post it he’s only been on it a few days. I hear I have the best prices on the stuff and the best quality 99.9% pure. If you want a price give me an e-mail.

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What’s MSM (Methyl sulfonyl methane)????

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What’s MSM (Methyl sulfonyl methane)????

MSM is a bio-available form of sulfur.  Sulfur is present in all living cells.  It is important to the body for different functions, such as resisting bacterial infections, collagen synthesis and wound healing, liver function and detoxification reactions, and insulin action. Sulfur is present in natural foods, but is very fragile and is destroyed by processing and storage.  MSM is a stable compound which can provide sulfur in a form readily assimilated by the body. Dee

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Dee, have you noticed any improvement in nail strength or growth  since you started the msm?

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Dee, have you noticed any improvement in nail strength or growth  since you started the msm?

Yes.  My nails are stronger and less brittle.  They don’t chip or flake like they used to.  I’m not sure about the growth, they’ve always grown at a pretty steady pace.  But they are definitely stronger. Dee

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I have been taking 10g daily of B5 with excellent results. Last week I ordered more B5 and decided to try MSM with it, in hopes of fading some scarring. I got 1000mg tablets. The label says 1 or 2 tablets once or twice daily. That is kind of a big window… can anyone here suggest an appropriate dosage? I hope I don’t have to take dozens of them… they are huge. Thanks, Crystal

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I got 1000mg tablets. The label says 1 or 2 tablets once or twice daily. can anyone here suggest an appropriate dosage?

I’m taking one tablet of 1000mg MSM once a day. I think that should be enough, if I remember some suggestions in postings here correctly. Greetz,

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Could anybody please tell me whether MSM definately works to reduce ice pick / indented scarring ? I have tried a lot of treatments for my scarring and so am dubious and cynical about everything now. Any answers / experiences would be greatly appreciated.. Thanx

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Could anybody please tell me whether MSM definately works to reduce ice pick / indented scarring ? I have tried a lot of treatments for my scarring and so am dubious and cynical about everything now. Any answers / experiences would be greatly appreciated.. Thanx

It is very unlikely to make them disappear.  They represent deep damage to several layers of the skin, and that structure would have to be completely reconstructed for them to become completely invisible. That said, I have been very surprised how well some other kinds of scars have improved after 6 months to a year on MSM, so it might make a visible improvement, eventually.  But don’t expect anything dramatic on a very short time. — John Popelish

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I have been taking 10g daily of B5 with excellent results. Last week I ordered more B5 and decided to try MSM with it, in hopes of fading some scarring. I got 1000mg tablets. The label says 1 or 2 tablets once or twice daily. That is kind of a big window… can anyone here suggest an appropriate dosage? I hope I don’t have to take dozens of them… they are huge. Thanks, Crystal

I read somewhere, that people can absorb roughly 500 mg from any one dose, so I suspect that they just want to sell you more pills.  One a day is a common dose, but one per meal is plenty.  I think that it is also more useful if taken with food, since MSM is a nutrient that would be found in food, if it had not been cooked. I take 1000 mg with dinner. — John Popelish

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I am quite interested by MSM.. I know I’ve gotten a few responses to my last post. But I am looking for all the info I can gather..What dosage is everyone taking? and has anyone had any side effects? and, most importantly, has anyone seen any results from MSM alone? (on no other medication for acne?) I’ve tried searching on the web, but there is not much there. Mainly it is about muscle damage, and arthritis. Thanks!

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I am quite interested by MSM.. I know I’ve gotten a few r"N&W-Q/? to my last post. But I am looking for all the info I can gather..What dosage is everyone taking? and has anyone had any side effects? and, most importantly, has anyone seen any results from MSM alone? (on no other medication for acne?) I’ve tried searching on the web, but there is not much there. Mainly8&I2P82-bout muscle damage, and arthritis. Thanks!

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Hey !  I went to HK this summer, and I got my first break out of acne there in HK….. I think that the humid climate caused the breakout. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks you very much, John. What I need to do now is to find a bottle of MSM here in Hong Kong, and it seems to be a difficult task… Is MSM a new thing that come out in recent years or already been used for a long time? I’m just curious… I first hard about it here last year, but people were already talking about it as something that had been discussed a long time earlier.  So I just went to Deja and search this group for references to MSM (600 hits) and found some of the earliest mentions. This is the oldest one I found: and this is a pretty informative tutorial on the substance that says it was first isolated in early 1980s: http://www.nutriteam.com/msm.htm I hope these are helpful. — John Popelish ——

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Summer in HK is hot and wet, plus air pollution, does make my face worse , and I’ve to wash my face at least 3 times a day. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey !  I went to HK this summer, and I got my first break out of acne there in HK….. I think that the humid climate caused the breakout. Thanks you very much, John. What I need to do now is to find a bottle of MSM here in Hong Kong, and it seems to be a difficult task… Is MSM a new thing that come out in recent years or already been used for a long time? I’m just curious… I first hard about it here last year, but people were already talking about it as something that had been discussed a long time earlier.  So I just went to Deja and search this group for references to MSM (600 hits) and found some of the earliest mentions. This is the oldest one I found: and this is a pretty informative tutorial on the substance that says it was first isolated in early 1980s: http://www.nutriteam.com/msm.htm I hope these are helpful. — John Popelish ——

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The reason why it is important to use pure MSM is that many manufacturers make brands that contains additives like sodium.  This can have a counterproductive effect if sodium is one of your acne triggers.

Glad I asked.  Containing acne triggers is a completely different thing from being 100% MSM.  For instance, mine is packaged in or with a little of: dicalcium phosphate, gelatin, magnesium stearate and silica.  these are common dilutants and handling additives in food supplements, but it makes then not 100% MSM.  Anyway, if I was so sensitive to sodium that the amount in a pill would trigger acne, then there would also be enough in almost anything I could eat. You are obviously correct when you say there are a lot of "stuff" already in your stomach, but diluting MSM with additives before they can get to your stomach may not make them as effective as they can be; and thus we end up with people bitching about it not working.

I think you are getting a little obsessive, here. MSM will not be for everyone.  But for people with oily skin it can be a God send.  Incidentally, many acne masks contain sulphur as well.

(my opinion follows) So does gunpowder.  But that doesn’t imply that it would also be good for acne.  Organic chemistry is a lot more subtle than a list of atoms in something.  MSM is a particularly digestible and absorbable form of organic sulfur.  You could eat a cup of pure sulfur and not absorb as much as with one 500 mg capsule of MSM.  And spreading MSM on your face is a completely different thing than putting elemental sulfur on it for much the same reason.  Elemental sulfur reacts with air to produce acid ions that keep the surface of your skin at a low pH while MSM does nothing of the kind.   Every cell and tissue in your body contains some sulfur and it is particularly plentiful in certain tissues like connective tissue, skin, hair and who knows what else.  If your diet is low in sulfur or you do not absorb it well, then MSM might help you balance the supply against the demand.  Result, healthier skin.  You find out if you are short of sulfur by taking some for a while.  If it is not the problem, then taking more will not be the solution.  A bit of sodium or whatnot, will not determine the outcome of the experiment. — John Popelish

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Thanks you very much, John. What I need to do now is to find a bottle of MSM here in Hong Kong, and it seems to be a difficult task… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is MSM a new thing that come out in recent years or already been used for a long time? I’m just curious… I first hard about it here last year, but people were already talking about it as something that had been discussed a long time earlier.  So I just went to Deja and search this group for references to MSM (600 hits) and found some of the earliest mentions. This is the oldest one I found: and this is a pretty informative tutorial on the substance that says it was first isolated in early 1980s: http://www.nutriteam.com/msm.htm I hope these are helpful. — John Popelish

——

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Thanks you very much, John. What I need to do now is to find a bottle of MSM here in Hong Kong, and it seems to be a difficult task…

I see it in every grocery store, pharmacy and health food store around here (Virginia, USA), so I suspect someone sells it in Hong Kong. Perhaps a pharmacist might point you towards some if you ask for Methyl Sulfonyl Methane.  There are also lots of places that sell it on the net. — John Popelish

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Is MSM a new thing that come out in recent years or already been used for a long time? I’m just curious… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The reason why it is important to use pure MSM is that many manufacturers make brands that contains additives like sodium.  This can have a counterproductive effect if sodium is one of your acne triggers. Glad I asked.  Containing acne triggers is a completely different thing from being 100% MSM.  For instance, mine is packaged in or with a little of: dicalcium phosphate, gelatin, magnesium stearate and silica.  these are common dilutants and handling additives in food supplements, but it makes then not 100% MSM.  Anyway, if I was so sensitive to sodium that the amount in a pill would trigger acne, then there would also be enough in almost anything I could eat. You are obviously correct when you say there are a lot of "stuff" already in your stomach, but diluting MSM with additives before they can get to your stomach may not make them as effective as they can be; and thus we end up with people bitching about it not working. I think you are getting a little obsessive, here. MSM will not be for everyone.  But for people with oily skin it can be a God send.  Incidentally, many acne masks contain sulphur as well. (my opinion follows) So does gunpowder.  But that doesn’t imply that it would also be good for acne.  Organic chemistry is a lot more subtle than a list of atoms in something.  MSM is a particularly digestible and absorbable form of organic sulfur.  You could eat a cup of pure sulfur and not absorb as much as with one 500 mg capsule of MSM.  And spreading MSM on your face is a completely different thing than putting elemental sulfur on it for much the same reason.  Elemental sulfur reacts with air to produce acid ions that keep the surface of your skin at a low pH while MSM does nothing of the kind. Every cell and tissue in your body contains some sulfur and it is particularly plentiful in certain tissues like connective tissue, skin, hair and who knows what else.  If your diet is low in sulfur or you do not absorb it well, then MSM might help you balance the supply against the demand.  Result, healthier skin.  You find out if you are short of sulfur by taking some for a while.  If it is not the problem, then taking more will not be the solution.  A bit of sodium or whatnot, will not determine the outcome of the experiment. — John Popelish

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Is MSM a new thing that come out in recent years or already been used for a long time? I’m just curious…

I first hard about it here last year, but people were already talking about it as something that had been discussed a long time earlier.  So I just went to Deja and search this group for references to MSM (600 hits) and found some of the earliest mentions. This is the oldest one I found: and this is a pretty informative tutorial on the substance that says it was first isolated in early 1980s: http://www.nutriteam.com/msm.htm I hope these are helpful. — John Popelish

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The reason why it is important to use pure MSM is that many manufacturers make brands that contains additives like sodium.  This can have a counterproductive effect if sodium is one of your acne triggers.   You are obviously correct when you say there are a lot of "stuff" already in your stomach, but diluting MSM with additives before they can get to your stomach may not make them as effective as they can be; and thus we end up with people bitching about it not working. MSM will not be for everyone.  But for people with oily skin it can be a God send.  Incidentally, many acne masks contain sulphur as well. Cheers, Frankie. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (snip) The key to winning with MSM is to make sure that it is 100% pure.  One other added benefit of MSM is that because it consists of sulphur it will help people who have normally oily skin (such as I). Please make sure that you buy 100% pure MSM and accept no substitutes or else YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED! (snip) Why are you so sure the purity of MSM is important?  The moment it hits your stomach, it gets mixed with lots of stuff.  And since it is a food supplement, why would it be necessary for it to be any more pure and unmixed than any other part of your diet is? By the way, I just started taking it to see if I can see any effect. Since sulfur to sulfur bonds are what hold hair and nail protein together, I am hoping to see some improvement in mine after taking it a while.

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I live in Hong Kong. I’ve been to more than 10 local pharmacies, none of them are selling MSM, pharmacists there even don’t know what MSM is! Is it really that difficult to find MSM? Also, is there any journal article about using MSM for acne? I can’t find any so far. ——

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You can get MSM from any good health food store.  It is not available by prescription because it is not a drug.  I’ve been using it now for over a week and will swear to all of you, that I did see very good results. The key to winning with MSM is to make sure that it is 100% pure.  One other added benefit of MSM is that because it consists of sulphur it will help people who have normally oily skin (such as I).   Please make sure that you buy 100% pure MSM and accept no substitutes or else YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED! I use Organika brand MSM www.organika.com Cheers, Frankie. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I live in Hong Kong. I’ve been to more than 10 local pharmacies, none of them are selling MSM, pharmacists there even don’t know what MSM is! Is it really that difficult to find MSM? Also, is there any journal article about using MSM for acne? I can’t find any so far. ——

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(snip) The key to winning with MSM is to make sure that it is 100% pure.  One other added benefit of MSM is that because it consists of sulphur it will help people who have normally oily skin (such as I). Please make sure that you buy 100% pure MSM and accept no substitutes or else YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED!

(snip) Why are you so sure the purity of MSM is important?  The moment it hits your stomach, it gets mixed with lots of stuff.  And since it is a food supplement, why would it be necessary for it to be any more pure and unmixed than any other part of your diet is? By the way, I just started taking it to see if I can see any effect. Since sulfur to sulfur bonds are what hold hair and nail protein together, I am hoping to see some improvement in mine after taking it a while. — John Popelish

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Hi all, I’ve seen some stuff on the net about MSM (Methyl-Sulfanyl-Methane) and its use in the prevention of acne. As the information was from a company that sells MSM I am extremely sceptical about it. Has anyone here ever heard of or tried MSM, what do you think? Thanks, Brian.

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Hi all, I’ve seen some stuff on the net about MSM (Methyl-Sulfanyl-Methane) and its use in the prevention of acne. As the information was from a company that sells MSM I am extremely sceptical about it. Has anyone here ever heard of or tried MSM, what do you think? Thanks, Brian.

msm is a natural sulfur compound found in foods and present in body tissue . sulfur is helpful to acne,especially if you are deficient which  is common due to its lessened quantity in todays proccessed foods.  whether you get sulfur as msm or another supplement it is an essential nutrient in everyones diet.

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Been offline for the past few months and unable to keep up todate with this newgroup.  Today is my first time back online and I thought that I would check out the recent postings.  WOW where have all the people that raved about MSM gone. For weeks and weeks every 2nd or 3rd posting to this group was connnected to MSM, and now NOTHING!!!!!! Were we all duped, were all those posting raving about MSM done secretly by the MSM marketers who have now slid back into the shadows safe in the knowledge that there product who knows ????

Well now you’ve done it.  Shall I be the first to ask "What is MSM?"  :-D I’m still using MSM and it’s still working.  I used to post an update every month or so in the beginning and that would cause a flurry of postings.   I’ve been using it for almost 9 months now.  The oil production is normalized and I break out only if I don’t double the dose after I eat something I shouldn’t or have too much carbs.  The break-outs around my period have stopped also. It’s not quick and easy (changing one’s diet can be hard for some people) but it works for me.  And no I don’t market it, I make no money from it. Dee PS If you’re annoyed about seeing posts on topics you are not interested in, use your newsreader’s kill-file filter.

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anyone remember this supposed miracle cure?  what happened to all the posts?

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Been offline for the past few months and unable to keep up todate with this newgroup.  Today is my first time back online and I thought that I would check out the recent postings.  WOW where have all the people that raved about MSM gone. For weeks and weeks every 2nd or 3rd posting to this group was connnected to MSM, and now NOTHING!!!!!! Were we all duped, were all those posting raving about MSM done secretly by the MSM marketers who have now slid back into the shadows safe in the knowledge that there product who knows ????

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Hi! Does anyone know if MSM exists in the greek market and what is the brand that sells it?

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Hi! I’ve been reading the posts and everybody is talking about MSM? What is it? What is the daily dose? Thanks in advance

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Hi! I’ve been reading the posts and everybody is talking about MSM? What is it? What is the daily dose? Thanks in advance

It is an organic (carbon containing molecule) sulfur dietary supplement.  The letters refer to the words, methyl sulfonyl methane, which describes the structure of the molecule (a pair of methane groups that straddle a sulfur dioxide group). It was discovered fairly recently, and in known to be involved in protein synthesis and other biochemical processes.  Apparently, all proteins are held together in larger assemblies by disulfide bonds, and if you are short on bio-available sulfur, all tensile tissue (skin, hair, nails, tendons, cartilage, etc.) is constructed with compromises.  It is suspected by some that scar tissue generation instead of more normal healing is part of this compromise.   The minimum dietary requirement has not officially been established, or even that it is a necessary nutrient.  If you search this stuff on the web, you will find lots of hype and advertising, and just a bit about actual research.  About the only thing that is pretty certain is that it is one of the least toxic substances you can eat.  Sugar and salt are relatively more toxic.  So at least, you are very unlikely to hurt yourself taking a bit of it. This lack of good research evidence is why we talk about personal experience with it so much.  It is about all that there is, but this is pretty tantalizing. — John Popelish

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What is MSM? Sorry for this question but I’m new here and little lost. Thanks

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<big snip fr33dom – the lady who occasionally swears

I forgot – there was another person named Freedom in here.  I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes, so I’m going for a different nick. BTW, if you read my last post, I bought a brand other than Natrol for my MSM.  The brand that I have is TriMedica.  Their bottle has 250 capsules, 500 mg each.  They recommend "one to three capsules daily, or as directed by your health care practitioner".  Other people are taking even more and not experiencing problems, though, just better skin.  Then again, those other people are not just washing their faces with soap and water in addition, either. I’ve tried Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid with only temporary results, so I have chucked the idea of effective treatment in those chemicals.  I have been wondering about a possible addition to my regimen in Paula’s Choice AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) skin care.  Perhaps if I read on, I’ll find where I can get it.  I recommend you do the same, addicted. The Lady who Occasionally Swears

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What is MSM? Sorry for this question but I’m new here and little lost. Thanks

It stands for Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, and it is a natural form of sulfur, taken orally in capsule form.  The people in this group use it for its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory qualities in order to clear up their acne, but I have read that it also aids in digestion, among other things.  It should be available in your local drugstore or possibly in GNC. I personally got mine at Eckerd (depending on where you live, you might know ‘em) about a week ago.  I started with the maximum dose, or 1,500 mg a day, in order to hit my moderate (not cystic, but major and persistent as hell) acne with an antibiotic one-two punch from the beginning.  I hope something comes out of this supplement with at least a two-week trial, but as for now, it doesn’t appear to have done much for my skin, if anything.  It certainly has had a significant ill effect on my digestive tract, though.  Over the course of the first week, if I wasn’t running to the bathroom with a hyperactive bowel, I had heartburn just like back in the days before I went on Prilosec, only this time, WITH the Prilosec.  Today, the bumps on my forehead have gone down somewhat, but then yesterday, I decided to cut back to 1g (1,000 mg) per day, so I don’t know if it was the MSM or luck.  Only time will tell… Other people have gone for a few months on MSM and have sworn by the stuff based on their results, so I’m probably going to stick with it after the two-week period.  I just know I can’t handle the maximum dose because of my GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease).  You may be different. Actually, I didn’t know that MSM existed until I went lurking in this group for a few weeks (hi there, all ), and in addition to the MSM, I learned about studies conducted with Pantothenic Acid (or Vitamin B5) and Zinc Gluconate that look promising. Stay tuned.  I know I will. fr33dom – the lady who occasionally swears

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You can buy Paula’s AHA and BHA products at http://www.cosmeticscop.com/ I love here AHA and BHA but you have to be consistent and give it time to work.  Her stuff is very gentle. JP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <big snip fr33dom – the lady who occasionally swears I forgot – there was another person named Freedom in here.  I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes, so I’m going for a different nick. BTW, if you read my last post, I bought a brand other than Natrol for my MSM.  The brand that I have is TriMedica.  Their bottle has 250 capsules, 500 mg each.  They recommend "one to three capsules daily, or as directed by your health care practitioner".  Other people are taking even more and not experiencing problems, though, just better skin.  Then again, those other people are not just washing their faces with soap and water in addition, either. I’ve tried Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid with only temporary results, so I have chucked the idea of effective treatment in those chemicals.  I have been wondering about a possible addition to my regimen in Paula’s Choice AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) skin care.  Perhaps if I read on, I’ll find where I can get it.  I recommend you do the same, addicted. The Lady who Occasionally Swears

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I have been taking MSM (methylsulphonylmethane — a sulphur compound) for about 3 months now and have noticed a serious reduction in oil production on my face and back/chest. Has any one else had this experience with MSM?  I take it twice a day in a 500 mg capsule form.

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I have been taking MSM (methylsulphonylmethane — a sulphur compound) for about 3 months now and have noticed a serious reduction in oil production on my face and back/chest. Has any one else had this experience with MSM?  I take it twice a day in a 500 mg capsule form.

Yes!  I have been meaning to post about it, but wanted to observe for a bit longer.  I have been taking it for 2 months now, 1000 mg twice a day.  I started to see a difference in my skin after about 2 weeks.  I have noticed less oil and, most importantly for me, **no more cysts**!  At this point my skin is completely clear.  I just ordered some more so I don’t run out!   I’m glad to hear you have been having success with it too! Dee

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Okay, I’ll bite. Is it a perscription drug or available over the counter from a pharmacy? And what’s the average cost?

MSM is a nutritional supplement.  It is a form of sulfur that is very bio-available, meaning the body can use it easily. I have been getting it mail-order from the Vitamin Shoppe, www.vitaminshoppe.com, but I have also seen it in drug stores.  The Natrol brand is 60 caps (1000 mg each) for US $12.00. Dee

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been taking MSM (methylsulphonylmethane — a sulphur compound) for about 3 months now and have noticed a serious reduction in oil production on my face and back/chest. Has any one else had this experience with MSM?  I take it twice a day in a 500 mg capsule form. Yes!  I have been meaning to post about it, but wanted to observe for a bit longer.  I have been taking it for 2 months now, 1000 mg twice a day.  I started to see a difference in my skin after about 2 weeks.  I have noticed less oil and, most importantly for me, **no more cysts**!  At this point my skin is completely clear.  I just ordered some more so I don’t run out! I’m glad to hear you have been having success with it too! Dee

Okay, I’ll bite. Is it a perscription drug or available over the counter from a pharmacy? And what’s the average cost? — [begin anti-spam block]

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Personally I think it’s the best thing since bottled beer..

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It’s help me find relief. I agree with you.

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Not long ago I read post by a husband who said he and his wife were taking MSM and it was helping them.  I’ve tried to find it so that I can get in touch and share my experience with them.  I also have some questions.  If they happen to see this, please contact me.  Thanks. Kathy

Hi Kathy,  I think Porter takes MSM.  You could ask him when he posts but reading the joke is up to you.  LOL Harv Houston,Tx

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Hi Kathy,  I think Porter takes MSM.  You could ask him when he posts but reading the joke is up to you.  LOL Harv Houston,Tx

OH come on Harv!!!!  You know the jokes are funny—<G ——pssst Kathy—-go ahead—-read them…… Take care, Lori

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Not long ago I read post by a husband who said he and his wife were taking MSM and it was helping them.  I’ve tried to find it so that I can get in touch and share my experience with them.  I also have some questions.  If they happen to see this, please contact me.  Thanks. Kathy

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Has anyone tried MSM?  My understanding and what I have read it works wonders. Didn’t do a thing for me; just cost a lot. Pat

I tried it once on the advice of an acupuncturist.  Neither one helped.  My hip joint was too far gone and had to be replaced.  I’m taking glucosamine/chondroitin in the hope of saving other joints. Joyce

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Hi,     It has worked wonders with me, but I don’t have RA. I take a modest dose of  3 grams MSM with 2 grams Vitamin C daily.     It doesn’t work for everyone…but if you feel really cruddy after the first few days, it is detoxing you and working. I have GREAT hair and strong nails, too.     I can’t use Glucosamine/Chondroitin due to collagen probs…so thank Heaven MSM works for me. ( Hint, hint…GS/C to try if MSM flops.) Best of Luck Hugs  from Rosie — "If you wanna get it done, you gotta fight for yourself." — Meat Loaf, Bat Outta Hell II

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Terry, I take MSM for Fibromyalgia & it has helped me a lot. MSM has helped my OA a little. MSM has helped a lot of ppl with FMS. I have not heard of it helping anyone with RA though, except actor James Coburn & he has an interest in a company that sells it. You can read a MSM FAQ put together by an amf FMily member at http://users.rcn.com/ereshkigal/msm.htm Check with your doctor before using any alternative treatment. GramPaHugs, Alex, Has anyone tried MSM?  My understanding and what I have read it works wonders. —  Any information is included for informational  or entertainment purposes only,  No endorsement is implied or intended. * Love radiating from 45.10n x 93.30w   M/SP Mn * Care giver to THE SACRED TEMPLE CATS of the Kingdom of W.H.I.N.E. * <a href="http://home.mn.rr.com/apbiii/whine.html"AOL Click</a * Medical,Genealogy,Cat – Links – HearMe Voice Chat * <a href="http://home.mn.rr.com/apbiii"AOL Click</a * Don’t worry about life, *  you’re not going to survive it anyway

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Has anyone tried MSM?  My understanding and what I have read it works wonders.

Yes, it does.  If you try it be sure there is a patent # on the bottle. Porter

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Has anyone tried MSM?  My understanding and what I have read it works wonders.

I got taken in and spent a fair whack of money trying it for 3 months – it did nothing. Jayne

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I got taken in and spent a fair whack of money trying it for 3 months – it did nothing. Jayne

If it didn’t have a patent# on it, it probably wasn’t even MSM just some scam stuff that is sold as MSM.  I think that’s why it doesn’t work for so many because they didn’t get the real thing.   PORTER

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says… Has anyone tried MSM?  My understanding and what I have read it works wonders.

This is a link from the Arthritis Foundation.  They did an excellent unbiased article on MSM. Good resource. http://www.arthritis.org/readarthritistoday/1999_archives/1999_11_12e… If the link wraps you may need to paste it into your browser.   — website: http://members.home.net/mzuschlag

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Has anyone tried MSM?  My understanding and what I have read it works wonders.

Didn’t do a thing for me; just cost a lot. Pat

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It’s also not very effective if you don’t take lots of water with it. The Vitamin C helps, being a pain reliever anti-oxidant. I use GNC brand. 16 bucks for 2 months worth….even a poor arthuritic like me can buy it. It’s the 5-HTP at 25 bucks a month for my daughter that’s costly. <g Thanks for the patent advice, Porter. Less Stiff Hugs from Rosie — "If you wanna get it done, you gotta fight for yourself." — Meat Loaf, Bat Outta Hell II

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got taken in and spent a fair whack of money trying it for 3 months – it did nothing. Jayne If it didn’t have a patent# on it, it probably wasn’t even MSM just some scam stuff that is sold as MSM.  I think that’s why it doesn’t work for so many because they didn’t get the real thing. PORTER

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Has anyone tried MSM?  My understanding and what I have read it works wonders.

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Has anyone tried MSM?  My understanding and what I have read it works wonders.

It has allowed actor James Coburn to beat the odds, he has now experienced TWO ‘15 minutes of fame’. JDShine

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Has anyone tried MSM?  My understanding and what I have read it works wonders.

What you have been reading is propoganda.  And what you are understanding is wrong. Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

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Has anyone tried MSM?  My understanding and what I have read it works wonders.

Teri, Many of us have tried MSM along with a lot of other stuff. There are at least 2 people that post here who have had very good results with it. PORTER/ WHERE ARE YOU? Most have not. I do know that a higher percentage of people in the FMS group use it with some success. I wish like hell it had worked for me. It did’nt. Perhaps those that are using it will contact you privately. It is controversial here and many that are taking it don’t admit it to the rest of us johnie you gotta do what you gotta do to get thru your goddamn day

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Hi Terry, I take MSM for Fibromyalgia & it has helped me a lot. MSM has helped my OA a little. MSM has helped a lot of ppl with FMS. I have not heard of it helping anyone with RA though, except actor James Coburn & he has an interest in a company that sells it. You can read a MSM FAQ put together by an amf FMily member at http://users.rcn.com/ereshkigal/msm.htm Check with your doctor before using any alternative treatment. GramPaHugs, Alex, Has anyone tried MSM?  My understanding and what I have read it works wonders.

–  Any information is included for informational  or entertainment purposes only,  No endorsement is implied or intended. * Love radiating from 45.10n x 93.30w   M/SP Mn * Care giver to THE SACRED TEMPLE CATS of the Kingdom of W.H.I.N.E. * <a href="http://home.mn.rr.com/apbiii/whine.html"AOL Click</a * Medical,Genealogy,Cat – Links – HearMe Voice Chat * <a href="http://home.mn.rr.com/apbiii"AOL Click</a * Don’t worry about life, *  you’re not going to survive it anyway

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MSM Ultra FreeLife International is proud to release Dr. Earl Mindell’s latest  nutritional breakthrough, MSM Ultra. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a  naturally-occurring sulfur compound and dietary derivative of DMSO. MSM is a  natural form of organic sulfur found in the fluid and tissues of all living  organisms. It is present in a variety of foods, including most fresh raw fruit  and vegetables, milk, meat, seafood, and some grains. However, MSM is easily  lost during moderate food processing. Cooking, drying, smoking, pickling, and  long-term storage can deplete the MSM content of food. It is unlikely that  sufficient MSM is ingested to significantly contribute to the nutritional  sulfur requirement. According to United States Patent #4,616,039, too low a body concentration of  MSM results in adverse physical and psychological stress, tissue and organ  malfunction, fatigue and increased susceptibility to diseases. MSM is  effective in alleviating gastrointestinal upset such as produced by the  ingestion of aspirin and other pharmaceuticals or parasitic infections. MSM is  very effective in fighting allergic reactions to inhalants, igestants, dust  mites and their fecal matter. MSM has been found very effective in fighting  chronic fatigue syndrome and is very active against parasitic infections,  microbial, and fungal problems of the intestinal and urogenital tracts. Individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, chronic  constipation, nausea, hyperacidity and/or epigastric pain or inflammation of  the mucus membranes experience dramatic relief through oral administration of  500-1500mg of MSM daily. Recommended dosages are between 1000-6000mg daily  (twice per day) with the meals. Pharmacological uses for Methyulsulfonylmethane (MSM) (information gained from U.S. Patent #4,559,329)

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I went to my doctor yesterday for asthma that had worsened over the last week. I thought it was due to a very slight cold, since I had a sore throat and mild sneezing early in the week also.  She said most likely allergies, which I know I have anyway, and know about staying away from triggers etc. I am also taking pulmicort, serevent, and albuteral. She gave me Allegra. I am concerned about side effects since I am on so many medications anyway. I am very sensative to medicine, I tried Claritin last year and felt like a zombie.  I seem to also always get headaches from most medications.  I haven’t begun to take the Allegra yet, and am nervous to begin. Does anyone have experiene taking this drug with asthma medications? Or just in general as well, and how did you react to it?  I know the doctor said it can actually make people hyper. Well I get hyper enough from my asthma medicine, and even get heart palpitations if I up dosages, so I am nervous abou adding allegra. Thanks for feedback. Lissa

Antihistmines are used to treat rhinitis (hay fever) and some other allergies like hives–it doesn’t directly help asthma unless postnasal drip from rhinitis is getting into lungs. Allegra is the new improved version of Seldane, which was removed from the market last year due to some unfortunate side effects; interactions with other drugs and even grapefruit juice. The 3 safe nonsedating antihistamines are Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec. If you are taking this for hay fever/nasal congestion, there are other ways to go; nasal sprays. The safest one is Nasalcrom, (cromolyn, same drug as used in Intal), now OTC. A number of steroid nasal sprays are available which are very effective in treating nasal congestion; Flonase, Nasonex, Rhinocort, Vancenase And for runny nose, there is the Atrovent Nasal. Decongestant nasal sprays can be used, but not for more than 3 days. You could try splitting an Allegra pill, to see how it goes. A link: http://www.allegra.com/ Allegra Headaches are common with decongestants, so you probably don’t want to use them. There is a version of Allegra with pseudoephedrine decongestant, Allegra-D. If your problem is asthma consider using a Peak Flow Meter to monitor lung function; and an Action Plan to increase asthma meds when peak flow drops below 80%; typically double inhaled steroids (Pulmicort in your case) and use Ventolin as needed. Be sure to use Pulmicort correctly; exhale first, then take a powerful breath (after turning the knob forward and back) thru the inhaler, which may take 3 sec or so. And hold breath for a few seconds after inhaling. Check instructions on package. If not done correctly, the powder can deposit in throat and not reach lungs. Ellis

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I went to my doctor yesterday for asthma that had worsened over the last week. I thought it was due to a very slight cold, since I had a sore throat and mild sneezing early in the week also.  She said most likely allergies, which I know I have anyway, and know about staying away from triggers etc. I am also taking pulmicort, serevent, and albuteral. She gave me Allegra. I am concerned about side effects since I am on so many medications anyway. I am very sensative to medicine, I tried Claritin last year and felt like a zombie.  I seem to also always get headaches from most medications.  I haven’t begun to take the Allegra yet, and am nervous to begin. Does anyone have experiene taking this drug with asthma medications? Or just in general as well, and how did you react to it?  I know the doctor said it can actually make people hyper. Well I get hyper enough from my asthma medicine, and even get heart palpitations if I up dosages, so I am nervous abou adding allegra. Thanks for feedback. Lissa

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 Does anyone have experiene taking this drug with asthma medications? Or just in general as well, and how did you react to it?

Hi, Lisa! I take Allegra in addition to Combivent, Flonase nasal spray, and Flovent and prednisone, as well as multiple other meds for high BP and other medical problems. I used to take Claritin, but my BP doc made my asthma doc switch me to Allegra because she was concerned that Claritin was making my BP higher (it wasn’t!). Claritin worked a bit better, but I’ve had no side effects from Allegra. Your mileage may vary, of course, but keep in mind that if your allergies aren’t controlled, your asthma may get out of hand—NOT a good thing!

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anyone have experiene taking this drug with asthma medications? Or just in general as well, and how did you react to it? My doctor gives it to me after I have had a reaction to a shot.  I am going to be taking it about four hours before the shot as of this week. I have not had any problems with it.  

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I take Allegra with various asthma medications. Its virtue is — no side effects with anything!  It sometimes is less effective than Claritin for some people. There are three drugs today — allegra, claritin,and zyrtec. They are in a different universe from past antiallergy antihistimines.  I wish the asthema drugs were as kind and gentle. anyone have experiene taking this drug with asthma medications? Or just in general as well, and how did you react to it? My doctor gives it to me after I have had a reaction to a shot.  I am going to be taking it about four hours before the shot as of this week. I have not had any problems with it.

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