2nd Multiple Sclerosis Inclined Bed Therapy IBT Pilot Study Results

Introduction,Saturday 20-Mar-1999
I was diagnosed 21 years ago with relapsing/remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
I am 48 years old and on a motorized scooter. I began Mr.
Fletcher's study Jan. 31 1999. Because of my MS bladder problems
I was getting up 2-3 times a night to go to the bathroom. After only
a week I was not getting up at all during the night or only once
occasionally. This study has made for a much more restful night's
sleep. As I continue to show improvements I will post them here and
encourage you to do the same. There was no cost involved and the
benefits thus far have been well worth it! I set up this board for
others involved in this study to have a place to exchange info. If I
can be of help or answer any questions please respond to me. Mr.
Fletcher is in contact with me and we encourage your questions and
comments. ,Cheryl,clin...@flash.net

Re: Introduction,Sunday 21-Mar-1999 I have
had relapsing/remitting MS for 12 years now. I am 31 and have two
daughters. I am interested in this study and would like to try to
create the sleeping position you describe. Can you tell me how to make
the bed in this manner the measurements and the easiest way without
buying a new bed etc.? My husband would not want to do this (at least
right away!) so I have a twin bed that I can use. Please let me know
your thoughts. Thank you! ,Valerie,vale...@sonner.com

Re:

Re: Introduction,Sunday 21-Mar-1999 writes,Hi
Valerie
I have sent you some information in plain text format. In case you have
problems receiving it here is the relevant information.
Adapt your own bed
To sleep as nature intended us to or ä Naturesway a bed is raised
placing the head end on two 15cm or six inch blocks. Hooking the
casters or legs over the blocks helps to stabilise the bed. If your
bed is the type that joins in the centre you will need to support the
join with two 3inch or 7.5 cm blocks. The casters at the foot end of
the bed should be removed to give the correct slope and added
stability. Check the height by measuring from the floor to the top of
the mattress. If your bed is longer than a standard bed then you must
adjust the height of the blocks accordingly. I have used free wooden
off cuts from a timber yard or building site.
A wooden wedge placed under the mattress or even folded blankets will
do the job but be sure to recheck the angle as the blankets often
compress and more should be added to make up the difference. Blocks
should not be used to raise bunk beds as they become unstable. Be
patient and expect a little discomfort while gravity adjusts your body
to the new posture. You may feel some discomfort in the spine and neck
this appears to be a threshold which has to be passed and is probably
due to us developing a more upright posture. If you would like to help
me in my ongoing research or would simply like to monitor your own
progress see the (enclosed) diary entry form to record any changes in
your health
Make sure the blocks support the base of the bed and are not resting on
the castors.
6 inch block at the head end 3 inch block in the centre to support the
join in a divan type bed and castors off the bottom to give it
stability.
If your bed is not joined in the centre then all you need is two six
inch blocks under the head of the bed making sure that the blocks are
placed under the base of the bed and not under the castors if castors
are fitted.
If your bed has legs without castors then place the blocks under the
legs at the head end of the bed.
Important Notice
Disclaimer
Please consult your doctor if you are at all concerned about trying
this therapy Please feel free to discontinue as we cannot and do not
accept responsibility for any loss either by damage to property or
injury which you may feel is due to sleeping with your bed raised. The
responsibility for which rests entirely with you.
We are not nor may we be held responsible for the way that you chose
to elevate your bed whatever methods you chose you and only you are
entirely responsible.
Andrew ,Andrew K Fletcher,

Re: Introduction,Thursday 8-Apr-1999
Do I simply raise the head of my bed by 6inches to try this?
,,stun...@hotmail.com

My Experience,Saturday 20-Mar-1999 writes,I was
diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS in November 1994 after several
years of an increasing weakness in my right leg and urgency
incontinence.
In late November I began Mr. Fletcher's study. Immediately I was able
to sleep all night without getting up to use the bathroom. After two
months I was able to stop taking Oxybutanin to help with bladder
control and now I only wear pads for extended trips away from home.
At about 3-1/2 months into the study I began to experience periods I
call "normal legs " without evident weakness in my weak leg and
with a reduced foot drop. Those periods are intermitent but continue
to be of longer duration. A few days ago I had one that lasted most of
a day.
To say I am excited is a gross understatement. I believe I am
experiencing a profound reversal of my neurological damage. ,Betty
Iams,

Bladder Problems,Monday 22-Mar-1999
I started on the program 12th January. I have chronic progressive MS. My
bladder problems whilst they were not bad have reduced considerably. My
weak left is yet to improve but it is certainly not getting any worse.I
look forward to improvements in the coming months ,Michael
Hunt,Michael.L.H...@btinternet.com

Osteoporosis,Wednesday 24-Mar-1999 10:28:05,212.228.66.3 writes,Ruby
2nd April 98
Over two years ago I sat in the armchair reading a small advert which
asked people to raise their bed by six inches at the head and to reply
and tell what benefits had been noted. (No explanation was given) At
the time I could not move my neck to my left or right side and it ached
continuously. I was unable to sleep at night as i could not get
comfortable. I was only able to turn by gently easing myself. It took
about three to four turns. Getting out of bed was a major obstacle. I
needed help to dress and undress.
I spent most of my nights in the chair with the result that I was
always tired and had no energy.
My problem is osteoporosis of the upper and lower spine. I had tried
hormone replacement therapy and wasted a small fortune with bone
speacialists and ostopaths.
I was resigned to living my days out as best I could having been told
that there was nothing more that could be done for me.
I expected nothing but had nothing to lose so Harry raised the bed by
six inches. We did not take it very seriously but were happy to try
anything.
On the fourth night I had the first full nights sleep since I don't
remember when. By the end of the week I was sleeping naturally and
turning over with ease. My dressing was a problem no longer each day
it became easier. I was able to turn my head without pain right or
left to see the clock without getting up from my chair.
There have been many other benefits too. I have worn glasses from the
age of seven years and I am now sixty eight years. Last year was the
first time I was told that there was a small improvement. My hair
appears thicker my hair brush needs cleaning less often.
Harry had a large suptuating scar since he was six years old. He has
had to continually dress it all of his life. But now it has healed up.
His ear which constantly gave him trouble wityh a discharge has now
cleared up completely.
We both feel that the clock has been put back for us! I give thanks for
this invention and wish Andrew every success in the future for the
benefits he has given us and will continue to do so.
Yours truly
Ruby
This letter was sent to me in the knowledge that it would be used to
help others to follow. Ruby to this day enjoys the continued benefits
of this simple intervention.
Andrew

,Ruby (Pilot Study Participant)

Re: Multiple Sclerosis,Wednesday 20-Oct-1999 22:55:53,151.198.128.173
writes,Andrew I have to say many thanks to you. Sleeping is so
enjoyable now. I have ms dx'd in 1983. I have been in a wheelchair
since 1985. I started the inclined bed on May 10 1999. The reason I
started is that I was tired of getting up 2 3 4 times a night to use
the bathroom. The first night I slept right through not needing to use
the bathroom. That was an unbelievable event! These are some of the
changes that have occurred since using the inclined bed: 1.-Now I get
up maybe 1 time a night. 2.-I used to wake up during the night with
my joints aching-they don't ache anymore 3.-I sleep much deeper now
and if something wakes me up I can go right back to sleep. 4.-I
am not so stiff upon rising. My muscles were always so tight it took
awhile to be able to move comfortably. 5.-When I first stand up from
the side of my bed I feel a little burst of energy upon rising that
makes it easier for me to stand (this is only in the last 2 months).
6.-I am starting to be able to roll over without such tremendous
effort. 7.-I have better control over my bladder. 8.-The
spasticity in my legs seems to be decreasing. 9.-My legs are
becoming stronger. They don't give out on me as quickly as they used
to. 10.-My metabolism seems different I don't crave food all the
time.I have lost weight. All these positive things make me glad that I
waited to see results. I can't wait to see what next month brings!
Thank you again Andrew and God bless you and your work. Jean Marie
,Jean Marie,Nesar...@bellatlantic.net

Re: Multiple Sclerosis,Friday 16-Jul-1999 19:18:19,151.198.144.75
writes, July 16 1999 I started the inclined bed May 10 1999. I
experienced immediate results in that I don't have to get up 2 or 3
times a night to use the bathroom. Sleeping is so much easier. I fall
asleep quicker and I sleep deeper. Joint pain that I would get from
sleeping on my hands has disappeared. I also have better bladder
control during the day. I am in a wheelchair all the time except for
getting up to use the bathroom. My feet are so very swollen. What can
help them besides staying in bed all day. Will sleeping on the incline
eventually make them go down? Thanks again Andrew. Jean Marie ,Jean
Marie,Nesar...@bellatlantic.net

Re: Multiple Sclerosis,Wednesday 14-Apr-1999 08:34:37,159.134.235.137
writes,Really feeling the benefit of sleeping the night through without
having to get up to use the bathroom.I am almost back to
'normal'.Was away for a few days and missed the raised bed.Had to
get up during the night. ,maire,mmaster...@dromore.iol.ie

Re: Multiple Sclerosis,Thursday 20-May-1999 14:12:56,209.102.188.226
writes,I am interested in knowing how you raised your bed in order to
help your MS symptoms. I have Relapsing Remitting MS and have been
dealing with my symptoms for 7 yrs. If this is something that would
help I really would like to know how to go about doing this. I look
forward to your response. ,Debbie Haigler,dadandmom...@yahoo.com

Multiple Sclerosis,Wednesday 24-Mar-1999 16:31:27,212.228.66.3
writes,In February 1996 I began taking part in Andrew Fletcher's
Experiment to assess what would be gained by sleeping at an angle. As
instructed I raised my bed by six inches at the head and expected to
slide to the other end. Fortunately that did not happen. But after a
few weeks I started to notice a change in my multiple sclerosis
symptoms. I first of all noticed a significant change in my
circulation. The right foot was no longer uncomfortably hot during the
evenings and the signs of impending varicose veins in my legs
disappeared.
Walking became much easier especially after I tried using a
dehumidifier in the bedroom to control the moisture levels in the
atmosphere.
Another very pleasing improvement was in the use of my right hand I
began to write more legibly and to handle cups and cutlery with greater
ease.
In September 1996 I mystified my optician when a routine eye test
showed a marked improvement in the MS damaged right eye. Six months
later more visual improvement was found.
This was an unusual occurrence and could only be explained by the
action of a healing process in the optic nerve. The optician was very
interested in Andrew's experiment and contacted him to find out more!
Other members of my family have also been invloved in the experiment.
We raised my teenage daughter's bed by the same angle in an attempt
to alleviate a life long insomnia problem. To our astonishment she
slept soundly the very first night!
It goes without saying that we shall not be reverting to sleeping
horizontally but intend to continue using Andrew's healthier
alternative.
Endnote from Andrew
Pauline's eyesight improved so much that she is now legally entitled
to drive a car without wearing spectacles.

,Pauline (Pilot Study Participant) ,

Spinal Cord Injury,Thursday 25-Mar-1999 02:32:16,212.228.66.3
writes,John sustained a complete spinal cord injury at T9&T10. So
severe was the damage that his daughter was told at the Salisbury
Spinal Unit that; 'His spine was smashed to smithereens' and he
would always be totally dependent on others.
John made no progress for two years following his accident. Since
joining the inclined bed trial in April 1995 he is now living in his
own flat receiving no outside help and is totally independent.
John is now able to maintain his own body temperature and his
sensitivity of touch which was five inches above his naval has moved
down to his pubic area and he can actually feel that he is sitting.
He used to suffer constantly from muscle spasms and has reported
massive improvements in that area. He no longer suffers from night
sweats and the urine infections which caused him severe problems have
stopped. The muscles in his legs were locked solid and are now supple.
John's upper body strength has increased substantially and is visible
in the size of his arms and chest. He has regained bowel control and
some bladder control and has also reported considerable improvements in
sight.
The oedema in his legs has gone.
These improvements represent only a portion of the benefits he has
gained from the inclined bed therapy and he continues to grow stronger
as each day passes
Andrew Fletcher November 1997

,John (Pilot study participant) 1st SCI mentioned in MSRC Report.,

Re: Spinal Cord Injury,Saturday 8-May-1999 23:15:21,142.165.111.100
writes,My 23-year-old son has a C-6/7 spinal cord injury. He's
quadreplegic. he's sceptical about trying new things. Can anyone
share with me about their experiences trying the inclined bed theory?
I'd like him to try it but need to "sell" it to him. Sandy ,,