hello! and Welcome.

About LDN...NO it doesnt have ANY opiates in it. What it does is an antogonist or it blocks the receptors that a molecule of heroine or even an endorphin would expect to find as a way to plug in and turn on your system. When your body is unable to get as much endorphins (our own natural pain killer) as it expects, it ramps up the process and provides more for us.

A few questions answered from http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/gazorpa/LDNFAQ.html


How does LDN work?

It is believed that LDN briefly obstructs the effects of brain endorphins (the brain's natural
painkillers). Sensing an endorphin deficit, the pituitary signals for increased production of
endorphins, which re-balances the immune system, thus reducing the activity of the MS. The effect
lasts around 18 hours.


But how can this work? Isn’t MS is caused by an overactive immune system?

Although there is a long-held theory that MS might be caused by an overactive immune system, this
theory has never been proven. Recent clinical studies indicate that this theory might not be true at
all. The October 2004 issue of The Archives of Neurology reports a clinical study which found that
intravenous immunoglobulin therapy applied after the first signs of MS significantly reduced the
probability of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis. Patients receiving this immune-system
boosting therapy also suffered fewer brain lesions. [Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment
Following the First Demyelinating Event Suggestive of Multiple Sclerosis; a Randomized Double
Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial; Arch. Neurol. Oct. 2004; 61:1515-1520.]


How fast does LDN work?

Although some patients have no symptom changes, around two-thirds of MS patients report some
symptom improvement within the first few days. Other patients report improvement over the course of
several weeks or even months.

As for CCSVI there are many folks here that have sought it, and others that have waited and are patiently waiting more, better, and more accountable answers. Even the original MD that was in partnership with Dr. Zamboni backed off of the original studies, so MUCH more information needs to be had.

As for the comment that if you have a blocked vein it should be fixed, even if it doesnt cure MS, well...thats tricky. Veins are MUCH more fragile than Arteries. We have alot of equipment out there for the repair and clean out of arteries, but veins are more tempermental and easily insulted by many proceedures. From drawing blood (ever have that big old bruise?) to scaring and scar tissue build up from medications that are required for things like chemo or even IV rehydration therapy. Several of us are in the waiting for better equipment, and better answers lane, before we call our vascular MDs.

ONe of the things that was going on was that we as MS (neuro) patients were asking MDs to cure or fix our neuro issue with a vascular proceedure and many specialties dont like to mix. This is why your regular MD will send you to an endocrinologist if you have diabetes or a immunologist for arthritis or even your child to a pediatrician for general health care. We are in a world where our special MDs are just now learning to talk to and behave with one another.

As for discussion of CCSVI. We talk about it alot! do a search. We have had many discussions about it. Some are for it, some are against it, and some are just waiting.

I hope you get the answers you seek.