TOPIC:

Encouraged,Thursday 17-Jun-1999 12:13:20,152.163.207.176 writes,I was
diagnosed with Secondary Progressive MS in 1986. I have been confined
to a scooter since 1994 after a bout with pneumonia. I started the
inclined bed 3 months ago and didn't think I had noticed any changes.
I was about ready to quit when I read your letter. Also the one about
sleeping cool. I realized that I have been sleeping with just the
sheet! Before I always used a blanket too. Maybe my temperature and
metabolism are changing!! I am reporting this to Andrew for his study.
Thanks for the encouragement-I will continue. ,Kay ,km...@Juno.com

Re: Getting Results,Sunday 27-Jun-1999 10:07:29,204.210.52.139
writes,Thanks for sharing your positive news Linda. It helps everyone
when any of us share our positive results. It can be discouraging when
we aren't seeing current results. I always try to remember that it
took us a long time to get to the place where we were when we started
with the inclined bed and it may for some of us take a long time to
see physical and neurological improvement. No two of us have MS alike
and the speed with which we see improvement will vary also.
Again thanks for sharing by posting your results. ,Betty
Iams,bia...@san.rr.com

Getting Results,Monday 21-Jun-1999 07:29:57,216.88.74.176 writes,I had
been on vacation for 8 days and had been sleeping flat and noticed a
big difference in my my left leg. Ankle swelling and knee joint pain
were returning. After returning to an inclined sleeping position these
symptons are going away again. About 6 years ago I had a nail
infection and my skin pulled away from the nail beds. I had a nail
techncian tell me they would probably never return to normal. Since
starting the inclined sleeping position my nails are healing ! For
many years I have also had a toenail that grew funny. On both sides it
curled under and made a big ridge on top. It is now growing in flat.
My leg is getting stronger. Yesterday I was able to clean most of my
house by myself. First time I've been able to do this in a year. I
have been sleeping this way for 3 months and I recommend it to
everyone. ,Linda,

Re: A neurologist recommends sleeping inclined,Tuesday 29-Jun-1999
03:00:19,212.1.128.61 writes,Betty thank you for sharing this
important news with everyone. Many people are now seeing some
improvements and the time is right to approach neurologists and
consultants with a view to winning their support. Your daughters
example has been a great lift for me.
One neurologist's opinion could be ignored but two would prove
difficult to ignore and six or seven would prove impossible to ignore.
If you could all try to involve your neurologist and / or your
consultant it would greatly aid our study.
MRI scans etc. are important and if you have one and are due for
another this could be vital evidence for the reversal of neurological
damage. Ask for an opinion on any changes in writing and this might
open doors into the medical world for us.
Reports and letters from opticians are another important means of
adding solid foundations to the study results. If you could send in a
copy by post or email it would prove very helpful.
I have an application for funding from the UK MS Society and the RNIB
but require qualified professional help in order to gain funding. We
need the support of a medical institute be it a hospital or a
university in order to secure some support.
I have not received any financial support as yet from any organisation
despite far too many attempts. But rest assured I will see this
through.
Andrew

,Andrew,Grav...@currantbun.com

Re: A neurologist recommends sleeping inclined,Saturday 17-Jul-1999
15:00:52,209.240.200.116 writes,IS THE ELEVATED BED A SPECIAL BED OR
CAN YOU ELEVATE THE BED WITH PILLOWS?
ANN ,ANN RUSK,SI...@WEBTV.NET

A neurologist recommends sleeping inclined,Sunday 27-Jun-1999
09:59:19,204.210.52.139 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

Inclined bed brings Immediate improvements,Thursday 1-Jul-1999
23:12:50,35.9.11.32 writes,I was dx 9 yrs ago with Chronic Progressive
MS and using a cane. I just started sleeping on the incline bed 4 days
ago. Immediately I did not have to get up at night to use the bathroom
which normally I was getting up 2-4 times per night. I NOW sleep
sound and ALL night and get up in the a.m. refreshed and feeling
rested. Before it took me a couple of hours to get my body functioning
and seemed like it took movement to get the circulation moving.
Therefore I didn't even want to get up in the a.m. I was sleeping
anywhere from ½ to 1 hr at a time trying to get my sleep not ready to
get up till 11:00 or 12:00 noon. Wasteing my days. After a just a few
days I was a different person able to do many things and FEEL like
doing many things that I have not done in years. My legs quit aching
that dull constant ache. I felt normal going to another room to
retrieve an item or turn off a light or getting something I forgot.
Normally It was a really dreadful chore just limping to the other room
to perform a task no matter how small. I felt like I was worn out all
the time. I now feel much more like my old self and it's been a
couple years since I felt that way. I forgot just how good it felt just
to FEEL like WANTING to do something. My husband is sharing this
experience on the inclined bed and I am noticing how his snoring has
become quieter and shorter. He also mentioned mine is too. He has lots
of trouble falling to sleep and it has sometimes taken him 3-5 hrs. He
works nights and sleeps days. Yesterday he was asleep in 1 ½ hrs.
I'm gonna keep my eye on this and see if it continues. He is getting
use to the incline but I am so excited about all the little things
that I notice happening that I can't wait for night knowing more
good things will be happening. I would definately recommend this for
all who wish to try it I believe in it. Some people do take longer
to adjust or see any results but we're all different and no matter
how long it takes it is helping your body. It was mentioned some
people have a backache or soreness moving up the spine and a stiff
neck. After which they will then begin to see some good results. Will
on my 3-4th days I had a sore throat and thought maybe I was coming
down with a cold. Well it felt like sore glands in my neck. Guess
that was the stiff neck they were talking about. It left during the day
and I felt good. Well Time for bed and I gotta run. (Maybe I really
will some day) Thanks Andrew! Good Luck to Everyone who joins this
Survey I don't think you'll ever regret it. I know I WON'T!!
Connie-Michigan ,,fairm...@pilot.msu.edu

Drop Foot Greatly improved and gave my cane time off.,Wednesday
7-Jul-1999 01:13:11,35.9.48.43 writes,Just had to tell you that my
drop foot is almost non-existant I cannot believe how well I can
walk. Of course I still have to be careful about balance and going
downstairs slowly. But I can go down stairs and up stairs without
helping lift up my leg with my hands. 3 Trips up and downstairs in One
day are about what I took All last year. I even did the laundry
haven't done that in about 1 ½ yrs. I love the bed and sleep so
well. I just feel Great! Please Everyone don't just say
"Su-u-ure?" Try it! You must prove to yourself that it works. You
have my thoughts & prayers. ,Connie-Michigan,fairm...@pilot.msu.edu

Re: Drop Foot Greatly improved and gave my cane time off.,Saturday
10-Jul-1999 09:08:04,209.214.153.28 writes,What kind of bed do you use?
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerley: Rick from New Orleans ,RICK,da...@bellsouth.net

Progress Report,Saturday 10-Jul-1999 01:34:26,62.172.62.192 writes,This
is my second message the first was some months ago. I have been part of
the inclined bed project since 10th January 1999 and the purpose of
this message is to remind everyone who is a bit impatient to stick with
it. In my first report I pointed out the almost immediate improvement
in my bladder problems this has continued. After seven months I am
still awaiting any major changes with my walking and balance. But the
facts are I AM NOT GETTING WORSE and my sense of well being has
greatly improved. I am now exercising in the gym each day (gently)and
can walk about 700 yards with the aid of a walking stick.We must all be
patient each of us has a different MS and the improvement in our
symptoms will vary each time also.I for one will see out Andrew's
project
Michael ,Michael Hunt,Michael.L.H...@btinternet.com

Re: Cystic Fibrosis?,Wednesday 14-Jul-1999 12:20:07,212.1.136.245
writes,Hi Connie
cystic fibrosis is of interest to me and I believe could be improved
with the inclined bed therapy. This belief is based on other
respiratory conditions which have responded.
However as yet I am unaware of anyone trying this with CF
If you do find someone who is willing to give this a try please ask
them to join our study.
Andrew

Andrew,Grav...@currantbun.com
just started,Sunday 18-Jul-1999 16:39:08,206.165.70.53 writes,I have ms
and am in a wheelchair also have severe back problems and edema. I
just started on July 6th with the bed inclining no improvement yet.
Will this help with all of these problems? I am sticking with it b ut
would appreciate some encouraging words. This "treatment" is less
painful than bee stings which I tried for three months and made me
worse. Thanks in advance and keep smiling everyone.
,angela,asosnow...@sanctum.com

Re: just started,Wednesday 21-Jul-1999 02:01:14,212.1.154.173 writes,Hi
Angela
The words on this message board should suffice and carry a more
convincing case than anything I could ever say.
Just hang in there the road might get bumpy at times but in the words
of an uplifting tune "Things can only get better".
Kind regards
Andrew ,Andrew,Grav...@currantbun.com

Re:

Re: just started,Saturday 24-Jul-1999 20:45:17,152.163.207.51
writes,Angela
I hope the inclined bed helps you as much as it's helped me! It may
take a while to make a difference for you but I hope you will only see
slow and steady improvement.
Best of luck to you...
Terri ,Terri,tharri8...@aol.com
Cystic Fibrosis?,Monday 12-Jul-1999 23:19:04,35.9.50.31 writes,Has
anyone with Cystic Fibrosis tried the incline bed? What kind of results
did you find? ,Connie,fairm...@pilot.msu.edu

PARKINSON'S DISEASE,Monday 19-Jul-1999 01:37:44,169.207.45.80
writes,CAN ANYONE TELL ME OF ANY RESULTS FROM THE INCLINED BED FOR
PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE? ,BEV DEPIES,b...@execpc.com

Re: PARKINSON'S DISEASE,Wednesday 21-Jul-1999 01:57:38,212.1.154.173
writes,Hi Bev
With regards to Parkinson's:
Five people to my knowledge have and are trying this. Reports have been
sporadic so it's hard to judge how much this intervention is helping.
Nevertheless I have been informed of similar patterns of improvement.
How far this will go with PD would require another study like ours.
Unfortunately I do not have the funds to stray from my objective.
Since January I have not received a report indicating anyone with PD
has climbed aboard so we can conclude that this area of neurological
damage remains untested. If you would like to involve a person with
this illness in our study I would have no problem with it.
I will say this though. 'I am without doubt that any neurological
condition will respond to this intervention irrespective of the
severity of the condition!' Getting people to try it though and
comply with the simple rules of the study appears to be the real
challenge.
Kind regards
Andrew

After 23 days still enjoying improvements.,Monday 19-Jul-1999
22:25:16,35.9.49.121 writes,I posted 23 days ago when I started
sleeping on the incline bed. I've had improvements from the first
night and just wanted you all to know that I am still enjoying all
those improvements. (Read my 1st post above for all the particulars) I
really enjoy sleeping on the bed and feel so refreshed and clear
headed. I have Chronic Progressive MS. At least 8 people in my family
are now sleeping on the incline bed also and are noticing
improvements in their own sleeping habits. (No nighttime bathroom
visits and snoring has stopped) They have only been doing this for 1
week therefore as time goes by they will no doubt be reporting More
"Good Health" news. Connie-Michigan ,,fairm...@pilot.msu.edu

Bitter pill to swallow. Fiction or fact? ,Thursday 22-Jul-1999
02:43:39,212.1.154.206 writes,A Placebo Effect scenario Bitter pill
to swallow. Fiction or fact?
When gravity enters the equasion "Placebo" is very real and plays
an important part in any treatment.
Patient: Multiple sclerosis or any other medical condition for that
matter acute depression loss of sensitivity in hands and feet poor
hair and nail quality no energy tired all of the time hardly able
to get out of bed. Constant pain in muscles and joints limbs swollen
repeated chest infections skin in poor condition overweight taking
drugs to ease pains depression and to assist sleeping etc. Most of
the time unable to stand so dependant on sitting in armchair
Wheelchair inevitable.
Prescribed: Sugar pills.
Doctor: "Take these two tablets three time per day. I am sure that
this new drug will help to ease your condition it should give you
enough energy in a few days to enable you to cope a little better".
Please let me know how you get on.
Scenario Patient is no longer alone because the Doctor at least
appears to care and is observed to be trying to help. The pills
initially stimulate a subtle belief in ones ability to at least make
the effort to try to get up. Immediately the body becomes upright
gravity starts to work its magic by automatically stimulating an
increase in the circulation of fluids throughout the entire
complicated network of tubes and cells of the body. And the longer a
person is in an upright position the more benefits the person
receives from the healing affects of gravity.
Day 1 of the new treatment requires a great deal of effort rewarded
only by an increased level of pain. It is at this point that anger
determination call it what you like takes over from depression
causing an adrenaline rush which compensates for the discomfort. A
bit like a boxer receiving a blow for the first time following blows
appear to be somewhat less painful. Day 2 requires a similar amount of
effort with little obvious benefits except a few more aches and pains
developing from the previous day.
By the end of about two weeks the extra activity has meant that the
fluids are now flowing as they should be more freely throughout all
of the systems within the body. Although aching it becomes apparent
to the patient that they are in fact doing more than they have done
for a long time and the only thing that could possibly be helping are
the pills which are prescribed by the Doctor. Further visits to the
surgery driven by sheer determination to show the improvements which
have already been achieved coupled with a desire to obtain some more
of this wonderful stuff means a further increase in activity and a
breath of fresh air.
Over the following months less time is allocated to the bed and chair
in favour of mobility which means an inevitable increase in exposure
to the beneficial effects that gravity exerts on the circulation. The
depression lifts and sleeping pills are abandoned as a genuine feeling
of tiredness takes over due to the effort subconsciously put in to
proving that 'the pill is mightier than the sores'.
Eventually even the damaged nervous system begins to respond again
simply because gravity opens up the damaged fluid pathways and effects
repairs on the damaged myelin.
The Doctor who sees the improvements knows that the miracle drug does
not exist. A conclusion that either the problem was all in the mind of
the recipient or the placebo somehow fooled the brain into healing
the body is understandably drawn from the evidence. Giving the
illusion for a clear case of mind over matter. The placebo wins
another place in the battle of medical remedies. Andrew K Fletcher
02 July 1998Message Board Title: "INCLINED TO SLEEP INCLINED"
www.InsideTheWeb.com/mbs.cgi/mb405491
,Andrew,Grav...@currantbun.co

Four Month Results,Thursday 22-Jul-1999 20:33:03,216.88.74.57 writes,My
leg feels so much stronger the last 3weeks. I am walking better than I
have since May 1998. At times during the day my knee is really bending
like it should to walk correctly and my foot is actually coming off the
ground which enables me to take REAL STEPS. It has not become
consistent for the entire day yet. I am most pleased with the results
so far. I can actually watch my nail beds continue to heal. ( See
previous post. ) It is amazing! I really like sleeping inclined and
I'm not sure I could go back to sleeping flat. I have been sleeping
this way for 4 months. You should really commit to doing this trial.
It is really working for me. ,Linda,rober...@hpnc.com

worse?,Tuesday 27-Jul-1999 12:56:23,206.165.70.196 writes,I have been
doing this since July 6th have noticed no improvement and yesterday was
a scary day I could not do my transfers too weak. Does one get
worse before getting better need to know this is discouraging.
Thanksd. ,angela,asosnow...@sanctum.com

Re: worse?,Monday 2-Aug-1999 01:45:31,212.159.128.44 writes,Angela
I have sent the information packs to you via two emails. The
information within contains the relevant answers to your question.
As you have not requested this information and indicated in an email to
myself that you have no intention of joining the study but are now
sleeping inclined I urge you to reconsider.
The benefits of joining the study rather than just taking my work and
returning nothing will pay dividends for everyone in the long term.
Due to time constraints Questions not answered in the study forms and
supporting theory sent to me or posted here will be answered when a
person asking them is involved with our study.
I ask you again to share your experiences and join our study.
Kind regards