This life hack made living with MS a little easier for me
A columnist shares her strategy to avoid disruptive infections
A disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for multiple sclerosis (MS) is a form of treatment that alters how the disease develops over time. DMTs have the potential to impede the progression of MS and decrease the number of relapses a patient experiences.
In MS, the immune system is overactive, which leads it to mistakenly attack the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It also attacks the protective layer around the nerves called the myelin sheath, ultimately exposing nerve fibers that can prevent the flow of communication signals between the brain and body.
The body does attempt to repair the damaged myelin sheath, but it never completely recovers. The repair process leaves behind lesions and scars that are indicators of MS. The disruption of signals throughout the body can lead to an endless list of symptoms, including vision loss, chronic pain and fatigue, numbness, impaired coordination, and more.
That said, the purpose of DMTs is to lessen that immune system activity as a way to prevent damage to the myelin sheath.
My history with DMTs
When I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis during my senior year of high school, my MS specialist prescribed me a DMT in the form of a self-injection three times a week. But that regimen wasn’t suitable for me at the time. Soon after that, my doctor decided to switch my prescribed DMT to an oral tablet taken once a day, which I found much more convenient.
I’m still on this treatment today because it’s slowed my MS progression and reduced my number of relapses. The only problem I’ve encountered over the years of taking a DMT is a depletion in the number of lymphocytes, or white blood cells, in my immune system.
The main purpose of lymphocytes is to protect the body from foreign invaders such as infections, viruses, and bacteria. When your body doesn’t have an appropriate number of lymphocytes, you become more susceptible to foreign invaders — which have taken over my body.
Unwanted infections
Over the years, I’ve experienced many infections caused by various bacteria. Sometime in March 2021, for instance, I was exposed to bacteria that caused a skin condition that’s lasted for years.
When I first noticed this skin condition, I immediately used my friend, Google, to find home remedies and over-the-counter medicines and ointments that could eradicate the bumps on my legs. But nothing worked.
Since I’m stubborn, I didn’t want to search for a dermatologist because I thought I could take care of the skin condition myself. Over time, the bumps doubled in number and became more severe than I’d anticipated.
After a convincing series of small lectures from my mom, I finally caved in and visited a dermatologist. She began by identifying the invader that had taken over my body, then started to freeze off the bumps by using cryotherapy, which freezes and removes abnormal tissue.
Before I left the dermatologist’s office, she gave me a piece of advice that I’ve implemented into my weekly routine. She suggested that I begin to take bleach baths, but I’d never heard of such a thing.
“Run a warm bath, pour in ¼ cup of bleach, and sit in it for 10 minutes,” she instructed me.
Bleach baths are now an essential weekly regimen for me because they disinfect my body from any foreign bacteria or germs that could develop into an infection.
We all have our own life hacks and strategies that make our lives easier. What are your special MS life hacks? Please share in the comments below.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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Comments
Sandra
Bleach was a good solution to skin issues. Thank you for article and the best for You going forward. From a 82 yr senior dealing with PP MS for 35 years.
Lucy Pye
A beautifully written column Desiree and I thank you for your general approach to life with MS. Thank you for your wise words from one so young.
ELIZABETH COHEN
FOR HEALING SKIN ISSUES AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM I TAKE VIMERGY LIQUIS ZINC. I HAVE FOUND THAT EVEN OPEN WOUNDS HEAL QUICKLY. ALTHOUGH I HAVEN'T TRIED IT, FRESH CELERY JUICE IS RECOMMENDED BY THE MEDICAL MEDIUM ESPECIALLY FOR SKIN ISSUES. I WISH YOU WELL.
K. E. Everhart
Wow! Thank you so much for this wonderfully written column. I'd.never considered skin issues to be related to my low lymphocyte counts (DMT = S1p regulator).
I was in a study some years ago & the Dr advised me that I could use dandruff shampoo as a body wash 1x every month or so-- which seemed to have had an overall positive effect. He didn't tell me that my skin issues could be related to the effects of the DMT though. That was a great observation on your part!
Oddly enough, I do have a dermatologist appt later this week.
Elizabeth Hale
I swim and do water aerobics. The chlorinated indoor pool has done wonders for my skin for over 15 years. I only rinse off after workouts. I also bathe with an Italian lemon and olive oil soap free from artificial ingredients.