2nd Multiple Sclerosis Inclined Bed Therapy IBT Pilot Study Results

Sleeping Inclined,Monday 10-May-1999 13:08:04,161.184.27.42 writes, Hi
Andrew I am very sorry that I haven't replied to you sooner. My
computer blew up on me and I was without one for almost one month also
I haven't been feeling well I've had an ongoing battle with
bladder infections etc. However I'm going to see a specialist on May
13th regarding bladder and kidneys hopefully something might be done
about these infections.
As I explained in my first email to you I am a male sixty year old C-4
quadriplegic 17 years post injury. I also have Sleep Apnea which
requires me to be on a Bi-Pap machine at night to assist with my
inhalation and exhalation. I'm on a maintenance dose of antibiotics
for my ongoing bladder infections. Septa tablets times 2 daily. I
have had continual problems with my bowels ever since my accident and
bowel routines take up to four hours every third day. I take a daily
dose of stool softeners 2 tablespoons of Lactulose 2 Colace capsules
daily and two teaspoons of Prodium. I have high blood pressure and
I'm on Cozaar 50mg daily. I have tried many natural remedies over
the years trying to find some relief from these symptoms some have
seemed to help some didn't. I take vitamins and colloidal minerals
daily which seem to help some. I also take garlic capsules and ceyenne
capsules which also seem to help. I have Care Givers on a 24/7 basis
and I no longer use suppositories for my bowel routines instead I use
a water flushing system.
I started sleeping in the inclined position on March 1st 1999. My bed
has a trend and reverse trend mode on it and I just have my Care Giver
set it at six degrees which is approximately six in off the floor. To
date I have noticed very little difference. The first week I had sore
shoulders and neck but after that they quit bothering me. I have
noticed that I seem to have a little more sensation in my lower
extremities also I definitely have a little more feeling on the inside
of my arms from the arm pits down to the inside of my elbows. In the
second month I thought my blood pressure had gone down but if it did
it was only temporary as it is now back up to where it was when I
started. I do believe that I have noticed a slow but progressively
better and faster result in my bowel routines and I do think that my
body thermostat seems to be closer to normal than it has ever been
since my accident.
I apologize for not contacting you sooner and not using the form you
sent me for reporting (I lost it when my computer crashed) so if you
send me a new one I will use it from now on and also I will try to
report on a more regular basis health permitting.
I fully intend to keep on sleeping with my bed in the inclined position
even if I think it isn't helping as I'm finding it a more
comfortable way to sleep. Yours truly Gale ()
,Gale See,gale...@telusplanet.ne

Re: sleeping better already,Friday 14-May-1999 14:30:24,207.148.142.181
writes,BJLG
If you prefer non-invasive means to addressing your condition then you
might be interested in utilizing diet.
I adopted the regimen promoted by Ashton Embry two years ago
( www.cadvision.com/embrya/ ). I used to have SPMS but since diet
revision have enjoyed nothing but improvements in my health. I feel
very well too!
The only symptom of MS(and there were many) that remain with me is a
right foot drop. I hope this remnant nerve damage will reverse itself
perhaps even moreso now that I'm in the midst of the inclined bed
program.
Feel free to contact me. Cheers
,Nick,topol...@cadvision.com

I'm going to try,Tuesday 11-May-1999 02:25:08,206.103.56.128 writes,
I constantly scan the Web for health information and stumbled across
this message board. Read the messages here and then did a little more
research on the Web about the whole inclided bed thing. Decided I
wanted to try it but would have to convince my other half first. Well
I mentioned it to her and without any kind of objection she was willing
to try it out. Last night I raised our bed 4 inches (will do 6 if all
goes well) and it was a little ackward but we both slept OK. Anyway
I'm hoping to find improved health and sleep by doing this. Thought I
would introduce myself and say hi to everyone else here. Will post an
update when I notice something happening good or bad.
-david ,David Duddleston,david...@i2a.com
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/In

sleeping better already,Tuesday 11-May-1999 19:48:40,207.194.19.6
writes,I was diagnosed with RRMS in '93 but it has changed to a much
more progressive form now. I am unablr to walk without a walker do to
poor balance and stability. I started sleeping on an inclined bed 31/2
weeks ago and am hoping to see favorable results as time passes. So
far I have experienced some lower back pain but that has subsided now.
I sleep more soundly with little need to get up during the night to go
to the bathroom. The added sleep is lovily. I'm planning to
continue the study for several months in hope of some improvement in
stability balance and energy. I find this a very comfortable position
in which to sleep and can only look forward to improvement in the
future. I'm not on any meds. so whatever happens it won't be from
medical intervention. I really like a non-invasive approach. I
appreciated being sent all the gravity research information. Very
interesting and informative. Thank you ,BJLG,

Re: incline cot and swelling feet?,Friday 14-May-1999
01:33:45,212.1.135.53 writes,Hi Kathy
The inclined bed and correct sitting posture have been shown to reverse
oedema. It is my belief that the fluid resides in the lower limbs
because this simple flow and return system is caused by compromised
renal function. See fluid movement and toxins on the message board.
There may be some additional swelling when you begin this therapy but
it will soon begin to improve.
You could use a support/surgical stocking to apply a little pressure at
night. This will help to reduce the swelling.
Andrew ,Andrew,Grav...@currantbun.com

Re: incline cot and swelling feet?,Thursday 17-Feb-2000
12:56:49,195.8.87.244 writes,Hi Kathy When I started the raised bed I
had a very large swelling in my right calf and a swollen foot my
doctor did'nt go much on the idea of raising the head he was more in
favour of raising the feet
I did raise the head and the swelling is down there were no ill
effects.
I wish you all the very best and hope your swelling goes down you must
give it a go.
John ,John,

Re: sleep positions,Wednesday 18-Aug-1999 15:54:17,216.214.95.246
writes, Just wanted to let you know that I began sleeping inclined 4
nights ago. I have been diagnosed with R/R MS. Immediately noticed
that I slept through the night and have much less surface numbness
upon awakening. Very good program I highly recommend sleeping
inclined.
Mike ,Mike Heathcote,laurie.h...@toast.net
incline cot and swelling feet?,Wednesday 12-May-1999
19:04:39,205.188.199.173 writes,I understand the rasiing of the cot
BUT question this? I have extreme swelling of the feet
which are basically immobile will this hurt or help that
matter ????? any thoughts on this are VERY welcomed
thank you kathy ,kathykW,kath...@aol.com

sleep positions,Wednesday 12-May-1999 23:21:44,207.194.30.90 writes,Hi
all I postrd a message last night but forgot to ask this question. Is
there a best position in which to sleep on an inclined bed? eg. back
side etc. I want to give my body the best chance to respond. Thanks
BJLG ,BJLG,
Re: sleep positions,Thursday 13-May-1999 12:14:27,212.1.146.191
writes,It does not matter how you sleep so long as you are inclined. It
may help if you could alternate your posture though.
Try to stretch out rather than curl up and try to make sure that you
keep your hands down by your sides as sleeping with them by your face
is the same as holding them up in the air.
Andrew ,Andrew,Grav...@currantbun.com

Re: sleep positions,Tuesday 22-Jun-1999 22:26:48,205.188.198.42
writes,Stumbled on this board and am interested as I have
osteoporosis.
Read a number of comments.
But where do I find a description of your inclined bed-eg. how to
incline my bed at home? ,,GayleG...@AOL.com

A Neurologist Who Recommends Inclined Bed,Sunday 20-Jun-1999
17:02:27,204.210.52.139 writes,Recently my 44-year-old daughter was
diagnosed with relapsing/remitting MS. She apparently had her first
small episode about 10 years ago. One of the first things I suggested
to her was to elevate the head of her bed. She did that and reported
that the tingling and numbness in her legs was reduced by at least 50%
from the very first night.
She reported on the elevated bed to her neurologist and he told her
there is much scientific evidence to support the theory that the human
body is designed to function vertically as opposed to horizontally.
He said elevating the bed should improve all circulation in the body
and said he is recommending the elevated bed to all his MS patients in
the future. I am trying to get this neurologist to write something for
our message board and also for my Journey to Wellness newsletter and
website.
He also recommended the same diet nutrition stress reduction and
exercise program that I recommend. AND I THOUGHT IT WAS MY IDEA!!
Please visit my Betty's House...Life After MS website at
home.san.rr.com/iamshouse and watch for a statement from this
neurologist. He can open big doors for us in the allopathic medical
world. ,Betty Iams,bia...@san.rr.com

Sleeping Cool!,Thursday 13-May-1999 13:07:22,204.210.52.139 writes,
STAY COOL WHEN YOU SLEEP: I have recently made a discovery almost by
accident. One night when I got up in the middle of the night I noticed
that I was walking 100% normally without any foot drop. I also was
slightly chilled as I had been sleeping under only a sheet even though
the temperature was probably about 65 or less in my bedroom. When I
returned to bed I pulled up a blanket cuddled up under the covers and
went back to sleep. I woke up a couple of hours later at my regular
time to get up with my body warm and my foot drop evident again.
This experience caused me to begin charting my sleeping temperature and
how it related to my right leg weakness and foot drop. I have
definitely documented now that if I sleep under just a sheet I awaken
with considerably less leg weakness and foot drop. I also have
discovered that even if I feel a little chilled when I first lie down
and only cover myself with a sheet if I just lie still the chilled
feeling goes away.
As you all know I am participating in the Fletcher MS Study testing
the effects of the inclined bed. I have communicated with Andrew
regarding what I have discovered and he believes it is perhaps caused
by the fact that the raised bed increases our body temperature and
metabolism. If you are participating in Fletcher's study and sleeping
in an inclined bed please let me and Andrew know if you are able to
duplicate my observation. For myself I have found this a fascinating
phenomenon that replicates night after night. If you are also using a
dehumidifier which increases the body temperature even more you will
notice an even greater rise in body temperature.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are NOT participating in the MS Study and sleeping
in an inclined bed you may not wish to try this. It is possible it
could cause you to get too chilled.
I hope some of you who are in the MS Study will try this and let me
know if you have the same results. We know of course that hot
weather especially heat and humidity adversely affect MS. But it
never before occurred to me that my sleeping temperature would have en
affect also.
,Betty Iams,bia...@san.rr.com

Re: Sleeping Cool!,Friday 14-May-1999 18:59:54,207.194.30.120 writes,I
live on the "wet coast" of Canada and should probably use a
dehumidifer. Is there any information I should have before getting
one? Are they very expensive? Are they portable? Thanks for your
help. I enjoy your web site. BJLG ,BJLG,

Re: Sleeping Cool!,Sunday 16-May-1999 14:58:18,204.210.52.139 writes,To
BJLG: I got my dehumidifier (which Andrew suggested for me because I
live on the coast and high humidity is common here) at Sears. I
believe it was about $175. I placed it in my bedroom and I turn it on
for 2-3 hours before going to bed at night.
The Sears dehumidifiers come in either one or three speeds. I got the
single speed but if you are going to have it on at night I suggest you
get the three speed version because the single speed is somewhat noisy.
,Betty Iams,bia...@san.rr.com

Re: Sleeping Cool!,Monday 17-May-1999 14:55:07,204.123.2.83
writes,Betty
I have always found that reducing my body temp will reduce my symptoms.
In fact I sometinmes carry a digital thermometer. 9 times out of 10
if i'm doing well my temp is down in the 97's or visa-versa if
I'm warmer. And yes I do try to sleep w/ just a sheet - but it's
hard sometimes (don't want to shiver that DOES make things
worse...). But if I sleep cool - I have a better day!
Kevin ,Kevin Flanagan,kevin.l.flana...@digital.com

Re: Sleeping Cool!,Monday 17-May-1999 20:55:34,209.30.181.242 writes,I
have found that if not warm at night my symptoms are worse. My foot
turns purple if I get cold and tremor is worse. I tried sleeping with
just a sheet but woke up shivering. Catcg 22? I find it works best
for me if I have a blanket over my feet and then just under a sheet.
Of course in winter I am under heavy blankets. Cold has always made my
MS symptoms worse. ,Cheryl,clin...@flash.net

Re:

Re: Sleeping Cool!,Tuesday 18-May-1999 08:36:03,205.188.198.36
writes,I'm with you! I'm much more comfortable if I'm warm
enough. In fact a chill will bring on a painful symptom! However
humidity is definitely a problem so I sit in the air conditioning with
a blanket! (smile) ,Terri,tharri8...@aol.com

Re: Sleeping Cool!,Tuesday 18-May-1999 12:26:46,152.163.213.203
writes,I HAVE EXPERIENCED EXACTLY WHAT YOU WROTE REGARDING WAKING UP
AND BEING ABLE TO WALK NORMALLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT THEN HAVING
SYMPTOMS RETURN UPON GETTING UP IN THE MORNING. I USUALLY WALK WITH TWO
CANES. WHEN I TOLD PEOPLE THEY SAID MAY BE I WAS DREAMING. THANK YOU
FOR YOUR STORY BECAUSE NOW I WILL TRY TO SLEEP COOL AND SEE IF I CAN
REPEAT THE EXPERIENCE. ,LINDA,LKG...@AOL.COM

Re: Sleeping Cool!,Sunday 30-May-1999 23:47:02,142.194.189.98 writes,I
found long ago that the length of time I sleep affects how my symptoms
(of MS) behave. The longer I sleep the worse my symptoms are. The body
temp. remained fairly constant as the amount of bedding used didn't
change. Any study of sleeping temperature should factor the lenghth of
time slept into the equation.
I have been bedridden for 3+ years and unrelated circumstances prevent
my sleeping more than 2 or 3 consecutive hours with a nightime total of
6 hours on a good night. I credit this for being a significant fator in
my not deteriorating more rapidly.
Perhaps the duration of sleep is as important a factor as the
temperature to which the body is exposed. I also wonder if perhaps
being on the thin side is better for ones prognosis than being on the
heavy side?
Maybe the human body functions better when running on empty.
,Steve,win...@attcanada.net

Re: Sleeping Inclined,Sunday 23-May-1999 05:16:18,209.30.178.174
writes,Jean and anyone else who needs their reports forwarded to
Andrew: If you would like to post your report to Andrew here. I will
forward it to him by email but not post it publicly. If this interests
you just type me a message prior to your report such as: Please forward
private to Andrew. Thanks Cheryl Board moderator for "Inclined to
Sleep Inclined" ,Cheryl,clin...@flash.net