Reflections on Your Protocol
Date Added: 9/28/2010
John B -
3/4/2009
9:05:19 PM
Hi Mel,
As you requested, here are my thoughts on your protocol as well as suggestions for improvement and long term effectiveness. As you know, I am not a physician and do not presume here to dispense medical advice or treatment, but I will share with you my opinions based on the facts you have shared with me about your experiences and the admittedly limited research I have done on the various components of your protocol.
First of all, let me affirm that in my opinion, Morgellon's Disease is real, it is pathologically verifiable, and it is physically and psychologically debilitating. I believe that the fierce and unrelenting nature of Morgellon's symptoms are more than enough to cause depression, anxiety, panic disorders and all manner of psychological instability, and the standard diagnosis of 'paranoid delusions' is both a medical copout and a product of the arrogance and ignorance of so-called modern medicine.
I believe that at its core, Morgellons is an immune deficiency syndrome that allows infestation of the skin with harmful bacteria, fungi, parasites and other opportunistic pathogens that would otherwise be held in check in persons with a healthy and balanced immune response. Therefore, successful short term and long term treatment demands a multifaceted approach such as the one you have undertaken to lower overall infection (immune system burden), control inflammation and to restore integrity, strength and balance to the immune response.
My thoughts on the products listed as they appear in your protocol:
Molecula Silver
Although frankly the scientific explanation provided for this product is somewhat lacking (its production is apparently a closely guarded secret), there is no question that silver ions absolutely contain powerful antimicrobial properties; antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral.
Because of its much smaller particle size, 'nanonized' or 'angstrum' silver reportedly has cellular absorption advantages over larger particulate products, but in my experience, even colloidal silver works well. Prior to the introduction of 'modern' antibiotics it was used extensively in hospitals.
From what I can gather, Molecula Silver appears to be the result of an process analogous to a homeopathic remedy in which typically an aqueous solution containing one target mineral, say sulfur, is diluted over and over until it reaches dilutions that are so small that there are literally no atoms of sulfur left, only their 'residual energy' that was left behind in the water. As we know, homeopathic remedies have a proven track record, having demonstrated powerful and consistent effects on the human body for centuries.
So not having any personal experience with the product, I will certainly not dismiss it solely because it is represented to deliver silver energy or essence. Energetics is a concept foreign to modern medicine, and we still have much to learn. If they have indeed succeeded in improving upon the performance of ionic and colloidal silver, then they have a powerful and authentic natural medicine on their hands.
In fact, I am actually about to personally put Molecula Silver to the test, as I am battling a rather pernicious and opportunistic bug that my daughter brought home and which has temporarily taken up residence in my lungs. As I refuse to resort to chemical antibiotics, I will let you know how it turns out. I also plan to undergo a course of treatment with MMS in the near future in order to become better acquainted with its properties and use.
Back to silver... the antiseptic properties of silver are not yet clearly understood, but they are certainly acknowledged by pretty much everyone but the drug companies that make synthetic, side effect laden antimicrobials. Silver ions have increasingly found their way into widespread use in industrial, manufacturing, medical equipment and consumer applications, especially with the recent emergence of nanotechnology.
The most likely contribution of the silver to the success of your protocol is in terms of silver's broad spectrum antimicrobial support, and the resulting overall reduction to your immune system burden. Assuming the product is as powerful as advertised, three potential cautions here:
1. With long term use, supplementation with probiotics (Essential Flora) would be well advised to make sure that adequate populations of healthy bacteria are maintained in the gut. I know that many people claim that silver ions are highly selective, targeting only pathogenic species, but since we don't know that for sure and probiotics can only help, why take a chance? I know you are already taking Essential Flora or MagniFlora Seven, but wanted to point out here why it is so urgently needed (there are also other potent antimicrobials in the protocol).
2. It is reported that Molecula Silver is high in nitrates. The website points to some recent studies indicating that dietary nitrates are harmless (sounds like research funded by Jimmy Dean and Oscar Meyer). Based on the overwhelming majority of studies that have been published to date, long term exposure to excessive nitrates is associated with increased cancer risk. But how much is too much? According to your results, and the results of others who have provided equally impressive testimonials, it has apparently not become an issue.
3. With widespread dieoff of fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections comes resulting widespread toxicity. The liver and other detoxification organs must not only deal with the inherent toxicity of your drug treatments, but also the toxic agents generated in the dieoff of pathogens (often characterized as a 'healing crisis'). This is only a temporary issue that presumably exists as a necessary side effect of treatment.
Targeted detoxification support will improve quality of life, especially early on in the process of recovery. At any rate, I am glad that you are now taking Liver CS Plus to support your liver and other detoxification organs.
MMS (Chlorine Dioxide)
Chlorine dioxide is a widely used antiseptic agent for water purification. Its use is preferred over chlorine because it is a highly effective bactericidal agent at much lower concentrations than chlorine, and it appears to be much less reactive with organic matter (thereby lowering the accumulation of harmful byproducts). Referred to by some as a form of 'stabilized oxygen', it is hailed by many as a safe and wide spectrum antimicrobial supplement and oxidizer of free radicals.
A consensus of opinion has not yet been reached as to the mechanism of bactericidal action of chlorine dioxide, but it is commonly used in slaughterhouses to control bacterial growth without bleaching the meat (excessive oxidation) or imparting undesirable (chlorine or its derivatives) odors. Unlike chlorine (hypochlorite solution) which reportedly works by interfering with bacterial glucose metabolism and requires a 150ppm solution to reduce bacterial populations by 90%, chlorine dioxide has been shown to be equally effective at 5 to 25 ppm.
Also unlike chlorine, chlorine dioxide is not fat soluble... another encouraging factor since chlorine is known to react with fatty tissues to form carcinogenic compounds.
Rather than targeting bacterial glucose metabolism (cellular energy systems), chlorine dioxide appears to target protein synthesis capabilities of bacterial cells, thereby halting (rather than diminishing) reproductive capabilities. Along with stabilized oxygen's apparent selective targeting of anaerobic species, this may partially explain why it requires much lower doses to be effective, and why if used properly, it appears to be much less toxic.
In view of your experience and the testimony of countless others who ardently believe in the healing powers of MMS, there certainly appears to be mounting anecdotal evidence for its potential as a natural medicine. However, it also appears to have very significant potential for toxicity if abused or mistakenly overdosed. For that reason, I would not sell MMS without full disclosure of its potential toxicity and I would not characterize it as harmless to an ignorant public that generally assumes that if a little is good, a lot is better. Good advice when taking it would be to take it slow and pay attention to your body's messages.
At first I wondered if using both the MMS and Bactrim to lower your infection load might be overkill, but based on your experiences in adjusting your doses etc., one would have to assume that the sulfa drug may be targeting certain pathogens that the MMS does not reach, and vice versa.
Bactrim
Bactrim contains a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, two separate antibiotics that treat different types of infection caused by a broad spectrum of bacteria. Among other things, Bactrim is approved to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
Known as a sulfa drug, Bactrim is reportedly highly toxic; so toxic that it made the famous Dr. Douglass' '10 Worst Drugs in Medicine' list for its alleged ability to trash critical organs and organ systems in the body.
Among its numerous published side effects are difficulty breathing, folic acid deficiency (and related anemia), sunburn sensitivity, allergies, asthma, stomach and headache, watery or bloody diarrhea, kidney stones, muscle pain or weakness, fever, and finally itching, clay colored stools, dark urine, and jaundice (all signs of liver or kidney damage).
Since Bactrim reportedly works by affecting folic acid metabolism, I would think you would want to add some folic acid to this protocol... especially if taking a sub-label dose of Complete Thymic Formula (the par dose of six captabs contains 400 mcg of folic acid).
If you dare, file this one under the 'whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger' category. Ironically, sometimes a little bit of poison can be a good thing. This is the underlying premise for radiation and chemotherapy. It is a very good thing that you are now protecting your liver with Liver CS Plus.
On the positive side, if you go on the assumption that Morgellons involves chronic immune suppression and widespread infection, Bactrim has the power to wipe out virtually the entire battle field! As they say, desperate times call for desperate measures.
Speaking of battle fields, in your body, the battle field that matters most is the intestinal wall... all the more reason that you have added MagniFlora Seven to your regimen. Cautions (1) and (3) above apply even more here.
Limbrel (Flavocoxid)
As prescription drugs go, this one is unusual in that it is actually classified as a medicinal food. It contains phytonutrients from two herbal extracts: flavonoids from blue skullcap (scutellaria baicalensis) and flavans from acacia catechu.
These natural compounds are from a class of compounds known as polyphenols, which are renowned for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Many of the health benefits of colored fruits and vegetables, red wine, and green tea are directly related to their flavonoid content.
Limbrel is known as a dual action anti-inflammatory because it is thought to inhibit the action of both COX-2 and 5-LOX inflammatory enzymes. Investigated and approved specifically for the dietary management of the metabolic processes underlying symptoms of osteoarthritis, the most likely beneficial role of Limbrel in your protocol is in reducing inflammation, possibly a factor in helping get your runaway immune response under control.
Non-synthetic pharmaceuticals like this one are rare, and its noted lack of cautions or side effects are therefore no coincidence... although they apparently could not resist the urge to add totally unnecessary toxic dyes (FD&C Blue #1, and FD&C Green #3)... presumably to make the pills look cool.
Dr. Burgstiner's Original Complete Thymic Formula
After having reviewed my entire website, you understand how critical and foundational thymus gland support is to optimizing immune system strength and integrity. Suffice it to say that it is the work of the thymus gland to not only help organize and orchestrate the battle plans, but to help restore order and peace when the battle is over. Thymus gland support is absolutely essential to both short term and long term success in dealing with the challenges of any chronic illness.
In Summary
It is interesting that in reviewing your experience, part of what you have done included using manageable doses of toxic chemicals to create an inhospitable environment in your body to reduce the population of immune offenders. It is also interesting that you intuitively reduced the normal dose of the Complete Thymic Formula during this time, which lowered your exposure to immune stimulants and antioxidants.
Perhaps what has occurred is not unlike spiritual rebirth, for the scriptures tell us that things must die before they can be born again. Now that you have been delivered from the beast, so to speak, at some point your focus will shift from the necessary and temporary self destructive (chemo approach) to detoxification and restoring full health and vitality.
The more you embrace restoration of integrity to your immune system and strengthening of critical health pathways such as digestion, assimilation and detoxification, the more sense it makes to fully embrace the Burgstiner Wellness Protocol.
For me, the suffering of Morgellons patients paints a dramatic picture of how Hell is described in God's word; sudden onset, constant, inescapable torment, intense isolation in darkness... and for Morgellons sufferers, in the face of abandonment by 'modern medicine'... the perceived removal of all hope for eternity.
I praise God that through your life, your faith, your determination and your protocol, truth is being revealed, He is being glorified and He is demonstrating even now His authority over sickness and death. May God bless you richly as you endeavor to help birth hope and new life in others who are suffering.
All of this really lights my fire because after all, this is what Logos Nutritionals is all about... 'Bringing Hope to Life'!
John Burgstiner
Founder
Logos Nutritionals |
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