ifaid inte multiple-sclerosis bee BVT
day-by-day account of a person with ms experimenting with bee venom therapy
alternative-medicine A-pitherapyand
ifaid inte multiple-sclerosis bee BVT
day-by-day account of a person with ms experimenting with bee venom therapy
alternative-medicine A-pitherapyand
Day 2259 - Day 2599
Day 2259 2:53 PM - July 7, 2003
Stung 16 x this morning on my shoulders, sides, arms, thighs, feet and calves.
It has been extremely hot and humid over the past week and I have certainly been feeling it. My friend - my dear and closest of comrads, Bob, came up with his daughter this July 4th weekend and for some strange reason although I had planned on stinging before their arrival - I didn't. One thing that led to the next - lame excuses of all kinds. This morning however Carol and I sat outside under the trees and went right to it And as usual, man, what a difference!
Yeah they were good all right, but the stings really burned this morning. My theory is that when my body needs the bee venom the most my subconscious - the 'me'' does all that it can to stop and protect. '' Me'' thinks it is doing good but in reality ''me'' sabotages itself. . Much as my immune sysstem attacksa my own myelin thinking it's doing good.
And the more I need the venom - the longer I put it off - the more it hurts when I finally get stung.
Stinging ones self with bees is an abnormal thing to do. The "me" wants to protect itself from being hurt - from being stung. The logic in the '''sting'' inherent in this therapy goes against ones "survival instincts" and the "me" will resist it every time, But in the end when it's over I always feel so much better than before. Not a cure but it is nice to feel better even temporarily. More energy. More balance. More range of motion. Sharper vision and clear headedness.
My natural inclination is always to postpone the stinging. And this is why I am such an advocate and proponent of "support". Support of one's family, one's friends, groups the Internet. This is why I keep this online journal. I do it for myself. I do it so that others are at last made aware. Because although this therapy is incredibly difficult, the rewards of bee venom therapy can be, for some, incredibly beneficial.
Day 2270 7:55 PM - July 18, 2003
Stung 12x this afternoon down the side of my back, each hip and buttocks.
The Bloom Street Gallery had an art exhibit opening featuring several resident artists and it was the perfect time to have a sting session. Katrina, my 17-year-old daughter, was nice enough to help me out and do the honors .Needless to say, I felt strong and balanced. Had the energy as well as the inclination to be involved in the event along with my family. Siditheng with people and socializing was enjoyable and fun as opposed to being burdensome and laborious. By the end of the day I was tired but it was a "good" tired. A "normal" tired.
And that's what bee venom therapy does for me. Not a cure but something that makes the burden of the MS more manageable.
Here's an e-mail from a woman dealing and discovering what bee venom therapy is all about. Sue writes:
"My name is Sue, and I have been reading your journal for a while now. I was diagnosed with m.s. three years ago but know I have had it for many years. I lost my eyesight in my left eye and have never regained it. Of course it's the fatigue that is the major problem. Two months ago I caught a bee in my yard and thought what the heck I will try this. Well I stung my calf and felt great relief from the fatigue for a couple of days. I got Pat Wagners book and read it. I do my therapy different. I have one or two stings about every two hours through the day mostly on my calfs. I don't know if there is a different way I should be stinging but it seems to be keeping me somewhat functioning through the day. When I started the bee stings I was so excited I couldn't help from telling everyone I know. My husband and I went to a family bar-b-que. I could tell by peoples actions and responses they think it is all in my head. I was really sad. I don't know why people think ! they have your illness all figured out. This is why I have enjoyed reading your journal so much to keep my sanity. Also I am afraid to tell my Dr. I know he will also say it is in my head. When I go to my appointments I don't even like to talk anymore.I would like to hear from you. Bye For Now" Sue
Well, I do know how Sue is feeling in regard to how she perceives others may view her reaction to the bee venom. But it seems as though her conviction remains strong. Why? Simple. Because it works for her. Because after a bee sting or two she feels better- better than before the bee sting. And bottom-line, that's all that matters.
If you can relate to Sue, her experience with bees or her experience with doctors and friends or just people in general perhaps drop her an e-mail. I'm sure it would be beneficial and enlightening for both you and Sue.
Day 2296 3:21 PM - August 13, 2003
Stung 16x yesterday morning down the sides of my back, my hips, thighs, calves, arms and wrists.
I have been a bit lax on my journal entries this summer but I have not been slouching on my bee venom therapy.
Yesterday's session with my wonderful, beautiful daughter Katrina was the third session since July 18:
On July 25 stung 14x on my buttocks, hips, thighs and feet,
On August 3 stung 8x on my sides, thighs and hips.
The days have been humid and warm and there has been no slowdown on Web design requests. I've set up my laptop outback on the porch and have been "making hay while the sun shines." In other words, enjoying the outside. The winter will be here soon enough and I am determined to spend as much time out of the house as I can. My 19-year-old son, Gavin, is home for the summer and soon enough he'll be finding better and more exciting places to spend his vacation.
Anyway, the bee venom therapy - whenever I do sting - wakes up my body. My legs my arm's my entire self. As Pat Wagner says, after the first six months in one continues "on an as needed basis". And yes, every other day would be beneficial but we can only do what we can. I continue to toy with the idea of the bee venom salves or patches or whatever but to date the old-fashioned "bee" is what's at hand. Easy, safe and predictable.
Day 2310 2:35 PM - August 28, 2003
Stung yesterday 19x allover my body. Started on my shoulders and worked my way down on to my sides, hips, thighs knees, calves and feet. Carol, my beautiful and loving wife and I had a good old time of it. Lots of bees escaped from the little hole in the box from Ferris.
Day 2326 7:11 PM -September 13, 2003
Stung 18x on my sides, hips, knees, calves, ankles, feet, arms and hands.
Once again my daughter Katrina was terrific in doing the stinging for me.
The summer is over and although it has been rainy it has been cool and that's great.
My son Gavin, is back in college at Binghamton University. Wow! My little boy is a sophomore. And my daughter is a senior in high school. in general the summer had been wonderful - chock-full of activity.
Again, this is why I continue with bee venom therapy. Because it works and is there for me whenever I need relief.
Cutting back on my stinging sessions has resulted in fewer journal entries this summer less often than when I had begun years ago. But this is how this therapy was originally presented to me by the Bee Lady - Pat Wagner. At that time Pat had explained to me like this. When one first begins this therapy it is important to sting two to three times a week. And then, after six months or so, you use it "as needed".
I recall that I hadn't understood this concept. I asked her, "But Pat, in that this is not a cure how will one know when and how often to sting?"
"You'll know it at the time."
I know have a better understanding and realize that I will always need it. But stinging everyday or even three times a week is highly impractical - for myself and for my family. BVT is not a cure. But it makes the quality of my life a lot better and easier. And when I am ready - and in need for the relief that the bee venom brings, nothing else will do. At least not yet.
Day 2350 - 11:20 AM October 7, 2003
Stung 18X this morning from my shoulders down to my toes.
Started atop each of my shoulders, down the sides of my back, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves and feet
Hadn't stung for a few weeks again and have been the worse for it - really amazing but so obvious and never more so than after being away from it for even a few weeks. The value of the bee venom to my condition - the energy, strength, balance even my bout with constipation over the past two weeks - physically - I am like another person. It's like i'm all "woke up". My limbs responsive and alive.
I must remember that the bee venom is the only real ''medication'' I take and that I believe has any direct ''effect" on the MS itself. Everything else that I use, - all the other vitamins and pills - I use to control the many "symptoms" that are caused by this "dis-ease". But it's the BVT that I have put my "I hope and faith" on. That's where I've loaded my chips.
Day 2372 - 2:17 FM October 29, 2003
stung 14X times yesterday morning. Started atop each shoulder continuing down my sides, my hips, buttocks, knees and calves.
Hadn't stung in a few weeks and was feeling like my body really needed it. Again, the longer I stay away from a bee sting session I quickly realize how beneficial Bvt is. The stings seem to burn a little bit more than what I am used to. I would imagine this is an indication that my body is making the most of the bee venom. But regardless as to how it may be a bit painful and uncomfortable, immediately after the session my body lets me know that it welcomes the small amounts of discomfort. And if it makes such an obvious difference then I know it must be doing something positive.
Carol's mother, sister and niece were here for a visit this past weekend and it was great to spend some quality time together. Going out to eat, enjoying the autumn colors outdoors - what's there to say other than - it's great to be alive and living life to the fullest. The bee venom therapy, it's not a cure but it seems to be the best there is for me right now.
Day 2442 - 11:18 am - January 14, 2004 EST
Stung 10x this morning on my shoulders, buttocks, thighs and calves and hands.
It has been a few months since my last formal journal entry. This does not mean however that I have not been continuing to use bee venom therapy.
November 30, 2003 stung 12x.
November 19, 2003, stung 20x.
December 17, 2003 stung 14x.
This is the thing about bvt - it is a therapy that is most difficult to maintain in a strict or on any precise routine. I have always maintained and said . . . if I had it together to sting everyday I would have the MS in complete control. After 6 1/2 years one realizes it's great value in relieving so many of the symptoms when it comes to multiple sclerosis. The tightness, fatigue decreases as my body wakes up and comes to life. Dexterity, balance, sharpness of vision increase along with that human and animal "desire" to live and to be a participant in life's activities.
And it doesn't take much or very long for one to realize this. After a few months, (I recommend Pat Wagner's how-to manual How Well Are You Willing to Bee), as one's body becomes acclimated to the bee venom - and the stings don't swell and itch as much - nothing compares to the relief after even the first bee sting.
And although I haven't been uploading onto my online Bee Venom Therapy Journal I have continued to send and receive e-mail in regard to bee venom therapy.
Here's an e-mail from a woman who has come to this same realization. Janice writes:
". . .have just found your site and am impressed! I am a 55 year old woman living in Ohio.
I am married and have 4 grown children--2 with a muscular dystrophy (still has no name labeled onto them yet....mitrochondrial is the best way to describe it....but Drs. do not know -- many tests and years later the diagnosis is just muscular dystrophy. I have had my husband sting me since '97. I feel great after I have had a few stings I immediately feel like a new person and my vision improves also. I am so thankful that I looked at this site and found someone who has and is experiencing the same things as myself.
Unlike you, I have not kept a good diary but know your writing is correct and having the stings keeps me active. . ." Janice Kornegor Medical Equipment,
Janice
Well what else can I say? Janice really lays it out. I'm sure she's more than happy to network with others. It's nice to see others that have been "keeping on keeping on"because it is working in their lives.
But as I continue with bee venom therapy I also continue looking and experimenting with new noninvasive therapies as well. My brother has introduced me to a vitamin type therapy that I have just begun experimenting with and as I get into it a bit more I will pass along what I learn and the experience to others who might be interested. I believe that it is not FDA approved yet but it is made available in England. But this is what the MS experiences for me, sharing with others and supporting others and in turn others sharing and supporting with me.
Day 2515- 1:26 p.m.- iApril 1, 2004 EST
Again, although I haven't made any event journal entries in several weeks I have not given up on bee venom therapy. Over the past few months I have stung;
January 30, 2004: 10x
February 12, 2004 18x
February 27, 2004 14x
March 14, 2004 14x
March 26, 2004 8x
I have also been on a nutritional regiment of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients as well as an attempt at a low carb diet. Lots of salads, water and fish. It's all good and it's all helpful but when it comes to immediate alleviation of the MS symptoms such as fatigue or stiffness nothing works like bee venom.
After all these years of stinging the routine has changed. Now depending on when I want to sting I look around to see who is around and which is the easiest of my two children or my wife to oblige me. A few weeks ago Gavin, my 20-year-old, and come home for the weekend and was more than happy to do it. Katrina, my 18-year-old, is often amenable but more often than not is "busy". And of course my darling wife Carol is always agreeable but with all that she does and with all the responsibilities she has "timing" is of the essence.
So I continue with my online journal because I believe very strongly in the benefits of bee venom therapy. I still receive e-mail from many who are looking for information and insight from someone such as myself who continues using bees on a somewhat continuous basis. Bee venom therapy works for me otherwise I would have given up on it long ago. This doesn't exclude seeking out and experimenting with other treatments, medicines and diets. There is no "cure" for multiple sclerosis so we must do what we can with what there is in the attempt to control the rate of its progression while at the same time living ones life in the most rich and productive manner that one is able.
Over the years the MS has progressed and continues to progress at its unique course. I remember what Dr. Goodgold said today back in 1977 when he diagnosed me with MS. Ahh, when first diagnosed way back in 1977 by Dr. Goodgold at New York University hospital.
"Close your eyes and point your finger onto a map. As different as every city, town, state is different from each other so to is every case of MS different from another." And on that note I would say that different treatments were differently for different folks. For me, bee venom therapy is the most positive therapy to date.
Day 2548- 11:08 .a.m..- May 4, 2004 EST
Stung 14x April 8, 2004
stung 9x April 18, 2004
stung 20x May 1, 2004
Well, it's finally happening and spring is coming to upstate New York. Leaves are just beginning to push forward, temperatures are in the fifties and sixties and ever so slowly during the sunniest part of the day the buzz of the bees are heard.
Again, although I have not been diligent in regard to my online BVT journal entries I have remained faithful to bee venom therapy. Yes, nothing has my body responding more effectively and in a more consistent way each and every time.
The month of May marks yet another year, the seventh year, of my ongoing experiment with bee venom therapy. And although my condition has its ups and downs undoubtedly using bees has been the best thing in my lifelong battle with multiple sclerosis. Yes, the "dis-ease" has progressed but I believe the BVT therapy has slowed its progression. You know, I also think that if I stung every day, every other day or even every three days I would be in better physical condition that I am. But after all these years try as I might - applying pressure on myself as well as on those around me, my family - I find that to sting myself that often - week after week, month after month and year after year - for me - is an impossibility.
In the end, we all do what we are able to do with what there is. I sting as often as I can. When my body needs the relief I am blessed because bee venom therapy is there waiting. And one only arrives at this conclusion after personal experimentation.
Here is an e-mail from a woman (Dr. Lynn) who is working with and supporting her daughter.Kelly.
"...We have enjoyed your journal very much!! I am a retired pathologist and my daughter, Kelly, age 43 years, has MS with very weak left arm and leg which is increasing each year. She has had MS since about 1993. She is starting bee venom therapy tomorrow....Thanks for your email!! We picked up our first batch of bees two days ago from a couple who have about 40 hives and live in northern Illinois about 20 minutes from our house. They are supplying them free and say they are glad to do it. We will start the BVT today. Kelly has Pat Wagner's book "How Well Do You Want to Bee" or something similar to that. Kelly is in charge and wants to try it. I will keep in touch with you. ...""Lyn C " Lyn C
I suppose what I really love about this is how after all these years I continue to receive a fair amount of e-mail from folks who are still looking for the kind of non-invasive, more natural relief bee venom therapy offers. It is not a cure but it does work really well for some. I'm hoping and praying that Kelly will benefit from BVT as I and so many others do. And the only way to find out is by discovering firsthand. But nothing excites me, warm me more and lets me know that regardless as to what the results of bee venom therapy will be for Kelly, with the obvious love and support of her family, she is already a winner!
Day 2599- 1:30 .p.m July 21, 2004
The summertime is upon us and it has been a particularly hot and humid one, Once again, although I am not stinging as often as three times a week which would be the absolute ideal I continue to sting as much as I am able to.
May 12, 2004 stung 14x on my shoulders, arms, sided and chest.
May 29, 2004 stung 12x on my thighs, waist and sides.
June 10, 2004 stung 16x on my sides, below my armpits, my shoulders. thighs and on the outside and inside of each knee.
June 28, 2004 stung 7x on my arms, shoulders, hips and1x on my chest.
July 6, 2004 stung 18x all over my body.
July 20, 2004 stung 12x on my biceps, down my sides, buttocks and hips.
The 2004 presidential elections are coming up fast and there is more and more talk and articles written regarding Stem Cell Research.
It's hard - somewhat painful actually - to believe that since the year 2000 all of this potentially groundbreaking medical research - research and development of medical science that could prove to be unbelievably significant for so many diseases - has been put to a complete standstill. I had never thought or imagined that political agendas would so effect me on such a personal level. Thanks to our current president four years have been wasted - years thatb that could have under a different administration been spent bringing my personal medical condition closer to some possible treatment or even cure.
So I'm hoping, praying and doing what I can to see a new administration come to power in November. John Kerry has already promised that should he be elected one of the first acts of the Bush administration he will reverse is the ban on Stem Cell Research. Well, that's enough for me. He's got my vote and should have the votes of any man or woman dealing with multiple sclerosis or any debilitating medical condition. It's a no-brainer folks.
LINKS.
while KamaliBVT Support On-line
Health BBS Forum-Bee Venom Therapy
Controlling Bees in a Jar - A Construction Plan
Books To Order - That Compliment the Healing Process
Pat Wagner's Website - "The Bee Lady"
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