Stung 19x this morning on my shoulders, neck, back, buttocks and feet.

Started and stung 1x on either side of each shoulder. Then, 1x on the back of the neck - right in the center. Then, 3x between the shoulder blades. Then, 2x on the center of the back - just below the shoulder blades. Then, lower down on the back, 3x across the waist. The, 1x on either buttock and 1x between the buttocks - just above the crack. Then, 2x on the inside of each foot - 1x in front and 1x behind each ankle bone.

Once again, this week, Carol is taking the lead and stinging me on specific accupressure poiints. The stings on Friday were good and had me up and about. As always, right after the session - the day of the stinging - I always feel the best. The most mobile.

On Friday, after the session, Carol and I went to the library. I love the library - love books - love to read. And so many people send me so many suggestions of books to read - on all sorts of topics. So I've decided to add another page to my site here - and include it on my list of links at the bottom of this page.

When you click on the link at the bottom of this page entitled: "Books To Order - That Compliment The Healing Process", it will take you to a page with a list of books. I will be constantly adding to this list so you might want to check this page often. From this "Book" page - if there is a title which you would like to order - just click on that title to order it - on-line. It's easy, convenient, and safe to do.

I urge you to take advantage of this page. And to read. Read about MS, alternative medicine, meditation, yoga, The Bible - whatever. It's all part of doing what you can with what there is. The more that you know, the more you can do to improve your condition. For me, after 296 days, Bee Venom Therapy is helping to keep this "dis-ease" from progressing. And I am grateful. But there is so much more out there that can "stack the odds" - just that "little bit more" - in your favor. That's why I've made the effort to set up the page. It makes things just that much more accessible.

Here's an e-mail from my cyber-friend Sharon who is a real trooper. She's been having some setbacks. . . problems with stinging on her hands and feet. But she's not giving up. Sharon writes:

". . . The things they say are good with this bvt don't necessarily feel so good. The swelling is still going down in my feet. I am still urinating insane amounts. . . .
I followed Pats book & did great till we got to 18 stings. Did try increasing
to 20 even, but am unable to tolerate that much. So, we tried everyday for a
while, 10 x's, increased to 12 was feeling great, until this leg sting episode. So
we are back to every other day 12x's. Will increase some but don't think I'll
go over 16 stings. We will see. Am not sure if this is because I am small or
just sensitive. The benefits of this treatment has far outweighed this setback.
My weight has increased from approx. 112# to 120#, have an appetite again,
just plain feel better, eye problem gone, am stronger & dammit!!!! I was on my
way to walking again. I doubt if I will sting 3x's below knees again. . . It will work for us, I know it :)
Take care, sharon . . . " BRzzz@aol.com

Sharon is a fighter and has already seen benefits from the bee venom therapy - so she's not throwing in the towel. I'm posting this letter because people should know that it isn't always that easy. It takes perseverance and commitment and Sharon has both - including a great supportive husband. But sometimes the road is rocky. I've written and given my support and suggestions. And I know that Sharon will come through all this better than before. I just know it. My prayers are with her.

Day 298 - 04:36pm - February 25, 1998 EST

Stung 20x this morning - another full-body session.

Started and stung 1x on the front/center of each thigh. Then, 1x behind the leg on each calve. Then, moving to the front of the body, stung 1x on either side of the torso - just beside the crack of the armpit. Then, 1x on each hand - between the thumb and index finger. Then, 1x on the outside of each elbow - just beside the crack. Then, 1x on either side of the pelvis. Then. . . one fell on my lap and stung me there. Then, 1x atop each shoulder. Then, 4x across my lower back - 1" & then 2" out from the spine. And finally, 1x below the belly button.

We had quite a snowstorm here over the past two days leaving us with over two feet of snow. Matter of fact, the snow is still falling. . . and we're expecting more tomorrow. So it was a good thing that Gavin had brought in some extra bees from the hives last Sunday. Had plenty for Monday's session and used the remaining ones left in the mayonaise jar for today's session. I'm hoping the kids will be able to make it out to the hives tomorrow so as to retrieve another jarful. My birthday is on Saturday and I'm expecting to go and have dinner with friends on Friday night. There's some "walking" involved, in & out of their house - and I'm gonna' need those stings.

You never know how many bees the kids will bring back from the hives. There are 11 hives in all that John McCoy, the beekeeper, has given to me to use that sit out back on our property. Sometimes the kids will retrieve 20 bees in the jar and other times 80 or more. I suppose it may have to do with the hive they tap into and the weather on that particular day.

The stings on Monday, the all-body stings, were good. Even had my feet feeling a bit less tight than usual. Perhaps this was due to those 4 stings on and around the ankle bone. Again, the stings seem to really be effective right on those areas that are stung - almost like mini shots of cortisone. This morning however my legs were feeling tight again. Perhaps over time the cumulative effect of all this stinging will really kick in. But again, if it keeps this "dis-ease" from progressing - how wonderful.

Hopefully Sharon, my cyber-friend who we heard from in my last entry, is having an easier time with her stings. I've been giving her lots of positive energy.

Now, here's an e-mail that I'd received through a "list-serve" from a woman who started on Bee Venom Therapy this past summer - eight months ago. And the Bee Venom Therapy seems to have stopped the progression of this "dis-ease" for her as well. Delia writes:

". . . I've been on BVT ala Pat Wagner for MS since June '97. Prior to BVT I was on AVONEX for 9 months.
AVONEX did not stop the negative progress and in that time I did have a couple exacerbations. Since BVT, I've not had any excerbations but progress has been minimal. . . . " Delia
peter_heberer@compuserve.com

Well, I do know that Avonex does work for some folks - at least that is what is reported. But I so admire and respect a person who - when she realizes that it isn't doing the trick for them, can bail out and change course. Such is the case with Delia. And it seems like Bee Venom is doing the trick for her. Great news! Smart woman.

And here's some interesting e-mail from Ed, the fellow who's out there doing wht he can for his sister. Ed is really involved with doing whatever he can to supoport his sister. Here he talks about his sister and where they were first introduced to Bee Venom Therapy. He also brings up another interseting subject - faith healing. Ed writes:

". . . Earlier you had asked whether you could post information about the bee venom
group I hooked up with here in Queens, New York.. . . Lynn and Walter Blohm, (718) 380-0829. The sessions are given on Tuesday and Thursday nights starting from 5:30 - 6:00 PM, and generally running until 7:30. Lynn said that if any of your readers are interested, to give her a call. They are professional beekeepers and Wally in fact is an officer at the American Apitherapy Society.

Yesterday I gave my sister her 6th stinging session - the end of her first two weeks. She hasn't experienced any increased mobility yet, but she did run a slight temperature for 24 hours following sessions 4 and 5. We have her up to 12 stings - mostly on the lower back and we've started on her hips. We're committed to giving the venom a fair shot and seeing if it helps.

Barry - under the "leave no stone unturned category" - did you or any of your
readers have any experience with spiritual healing? Yes, I've done reading on
the subject. I'm skeptical because there's a fellow out in California named
Gene Egidio who has a book out ("Who's Hands Are These?) in which he claims to
essentially be a healing supernova, but when I spoke about him to my sister,
she said she'd already contacted him, experienced one of his "telephone
healings," and concluded that it either didn't work for her, or was a scam
altogether. There's a healer in Long Island, New York, Barbara Brennan, who
writes books and conducts classes on faith healing. I'd be interested to hear
if you or any of your readers have had any experience with spiritual healers
and what those experiences have been like. Ed Edgwsyg@aol.com

Lots of information here - especially if you're a resident of the Big Apple and have been thinking about how to get started and sting in a big-city environment. The country is one thing, Manhattan is quite another. From what Ed says, these folks are straight shooters.

And how about his thoughts on faith healers? As far as I'm concerned, if you've got faith - it works. Just a question of who and what you have faith in. In other words, are you playing over negative tapes in your head like, "Oh, man, I'm so sick." Or positive ones like, "Everyday in every way I'm getting better and better." Faith. It's what you believe in.

Day 300 - 04:44pm - February 27, 1998 EST

Stung 19x this afternoon on my legs, feet and shoulders. Started high up on the outsides of each thigh and stung 3x along each side. Then, 1x below each knee. Then, 1x along the outside of each calve. Then, 1x above each large toe. Then, one escaped Carol's tweezers and stung me below the left shoulder blade. Then, 1x atop each shoulder, and finally, 1x on either side of the neck - below the hairline.

Hadn't done any real stingng on the legs and feet this entire week until this afternoon and had really been missing it. Stinging on that section of the body just really helps me get around a bit easier. Not as tight and stiff.

So today, needing that extra energy this evening for the dinner-party I'll be venturing out to soon, decided to wait and sting this afternoon. There's always more "oomph" in my "schlepp" after stinging - and especially when I get stung on my legs - so. . . we'll see. Feeling pretty energized now.

Have been receiving a lot of good responses to my "Books To Order" page in the Links section at the bottom of this page. I've had a few dialouges with folks about some of the titles and it seems that many are really impressed with that title Health & The Honey Bee by Charles Mraz. Well, what can I say. Charlie is considered the father of Bee Venom Therapy here is the United States so I'd suppose reading what Charlie has to offer on the subject of bees could almost be considered "required" reading.

Here's a great e-mail that from a cyber-friend, a male, that seems to be garnishing some nice rseults from Bee Venom Therapy. Jorge writes:
 

". . . Hi, I've posted before, participated in BVT off and on since 95 and have had
over 3000 stings. I 've been stung a different number of times all over,
especially my left hand because it relieves the spasticity. I don't use Ice
and pain from the stings is tolerable if non exsistent in some areas anymore.
The pain,discomfort of it won't make me quit. It's such small price to pay for
the results.
BVT does have systemic and local effects. For me it relieves fatique, local
and general spasticity.I am off baclophen and motrin. It has provided me with
a wellness feeling. I believe BVT offers a very effective method of symptom
management that has yet to be scientifically documented. It has kept me
mentally and physically active as I await the day of my remission.
Thank You Pat Wagner, BeeLady
Jorge,U2. . ." U2rFree2BU@aol.com

All right. What a smart and together person. Someone who knows what he knows - and don't tell him any different. He's obviously been down the road and sees first-hand what the benefits of Bee Venom are all about. A very inspiring testimonial, wouldn't you say? And I have to agree with Jorge about one thing. Bee Venom Therapy is certainly keeping me more involved in "life" & "living" than any other treatment that I've ever tried before. Good luck, Jorge.

Day 303 - 04:50pm - March 2, 1998, 1998 EST

Stung 18x this morning on my shoulders, arms and hands. Started and stung 2x atop each shoulder. Then, stung 2x along each arm. Then, 1x on the outside of each elbow. Then, 1x atop each forearm and 2x atop each wrist - on each side.And finally, 1x on each hand, between the thumb and index finger.

Once again, the bees and the Bee Venom treatment served me in good stead. Had a wonderful evening on Friday with some really special people. . . great food, delicious cake. And yeah, it was a "schlepp" getting in and getting out but the main thing is - I was able to do it. Climbing up and down the three steps - in & out the front door - wasn't pretty. . . but I did it. And that makes all the difference in the world.

Decided to divide the body into three sections this week and to concentrate on the shoulders, arms and hands this morning. The stings really "burned" today. I mean, they always hurt but they seemed to have an extra "bite" in them this morning. Maybe that's because this section of my body - the arms - had needed some extra attention. Regardless, on some days and in some areas the stings just seem to hurt more. Is it me? Is it the bees?

Here are some thoughts about stinging and pain. . . many choose not to sting because of the pain and others stop stinging once their bodies become aware of the pain and begin to feel the "sting". Ray writes:

". . . MY PERCEPTION IS 99 OF 100 WILL NOT DO IT [sting] BECAUSE OF THE PAIN ASSOCIATED OR
WHATEVER. . . . THE HUSBAND OF THE LADY WHO IS COORDINATING THE WALK [for ms] . . . IS
PRETTY BAD AND IS CURRENTLY IN THE HOSPITAL GETTING IV STEROIDS BECAUSE HE IS
SO BAD. HE DID IT [bee venom therapy] FOR 8 MONTHS AN QUIT BECAUSE HE WAS STARTING TO FEEL IT. . . . I THINK HE IS GOING TO START BACK. . . " Ray Rayseal@aol.com

And here's an e-mail from Judy in Denver. Remember, she's the lady who is involved with an entire group of folks who come together to sting and support one another. Judy writes:

". . . Do I KNOW how frustrating it is to hear people quit BVT because it
begins to hurt - their nerves are waking up - I wish they would realize that.
Andy & I did a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday this week - and Saturday's session
hurt like hell! But, it never used to hurt at all - so, I KNOW the nerves are
waking up. One woman that we started over here last September - quit about 3
weeks ago. I called her up to see 'why' - and she said she no longer has any
problems - so, she doesn't need it anymore. But, you know what? Her husband
noticed all sorts of little things seeping back that she, herself wasn't aware
of - floating eyes, fatigue, not much energy, strength going away ... and he's
been trying to coax her back to BVT. So ... she and I talked about it and I
reminded her how she was when she first started - and that the bad stuff would
return because some of it was returning already ... so, she agreed to start
again. . . " Judy <JAlva76117@aol.com>

Like I've said before, Bee Venom Therapy is just not for everyone. Not that everyone wouldn't or couldn't benefit from it - but not everyone can handle it - the commitment to doing it and accepting that stings do hurt. I mean, getting stung by 10 or 20 bees - hurts! But again, that's why support with all of this is so important.Doing it "solo" is very, very difficult. I love the way this woman's husband is so involved in urging his wife to get back to it. And how Judy had called her on the phone to "bring the point home". Beautiful!

Or perhaps one needs to be at that point where there's nothing else left - when the doctor raises his hands up into the air and says, "There's nothing more that I can do for you. . . Go home". Perhaps this is the time when certain people "bite the bullet" and go for the pain.

But if BVT indeed does keep this "dis-ease" from progressing, as I believe that it does, then the best time to get with the program is right at the start - when you're still functioning at a high level. And that's why I have such respect and think so highly of those who do start with bee venom therapy early-on after their diagnosis. They realize that a little bit of pain is well worth the exchange. They indeed are not only the super-smart ones, but the lucky ones, too

Day 305 - 05:09pm - March 4, 1998, 1998 EST

Stung 22x this morning on my neck, shoulders, back and feet.

Started on my neck, stung 2x on either side just below the skull cap. Then, 2x atop either shoulder. Then, 4x approx. 2" on either side of the spine. Then, moving to the feet, 2x behind each ankle bone - left & right sides - and finally 1x just above the large toe.

Felt pretty darn good and strong over the past few days - even my getting up and down had some decent "oomph" in it - although I hadn't done any leg-stings during my last session on Monday. And this morning, those stings on my feet really got me up - even walked 5 or 6 steps without holding on to anything for support. My legs were weak and I shuffled along and teetered - but I had some slight control over my balance. That's been pretty rare.

My daughter's, Katrina's, teacher had asked me to come in to her 6th grade class this morning and give a little talk about the Holocaust and the Jews. They'd just read the Diary of Anne Frank. I was asked to come in, tell some stories about my family's experiences during that horror and to answer questions. Nothing major, just doing and being. . . being involved with life. Yes, I used my scooter to get in and out of the school - way too long a distance to walk - but it was great to have been able to do it. Once again, I'm grateful for the bees. Would I have had the energy - or even the desire - to deal with any of this if I were not on the Bee Venom Therapy Program? I don't think so. I must remember that "walking" isn't everything. And although I may not - yet - be walking as I had hoped and still intend to some day - I'm still functioning quite nicely on all those other levels. Amen.

Here's an e-mail from a woman, Allison, who is very anxious to do what she can for her husband. Allison writes:
 

". . . I am the wife of a super guy who has been suffering from MS like you for many years. . . . He so desperately wants to begin this treatment. He is suffering from the Chronic Progressive MS and I watch him deteriorate on a daily basis. It is so difficult to watch. I want so badly to help him. I am terrified of bees but if this will work I will do anything. Our problem is that we live in Canada in a northern Ontario city called Sault Ste. Marie. Right now any local beekeepers have all their bees wrapped until spring. Even if they did have them available, apitherapy is not widely used or even known about here. Your journal has been so inspiring to me and I wondered if you could possibly lead us in the direction we need to go. We are willing to travel....even to the US - - our dollar is so low but at this stage even money doesn't matter anymore.. . " Allison
Allison and David Bogensberger" <bogie@ican.net>

Alright. Here's someone who really wants to do whatever needs to be done to get her husband into Bee Venom Thearpy. They're willing to travel from Canada to the US - spend whatever it takes - but. . . perhaps there is someone closer to them. Making that kind of a journey can not be an easy to do. Certainly not for David. I've written and shared what I can. Perhaps there are others who've had similar experiences in getting started and can offer more appropriate suggestions and recommendations. I know I was fortunate to have a really super GP in Dr. Jim who'd gotten Carol and I started in his office. But can Allison and David just get it started by themselves - at home? Maybe. If not, is there anyone out there in their part of the world that might be able to help? I hope so. I'm really feeling for Allison and David.

And while I'm on the subject of assistance, here's another lady who's looking for some help. Barbara writes:
 

". . . Hi, just came across this page, and glanced at a couple of testimonials.
I know I can get bees myself, probably, but what I really want is
someone who will "sting" me or give me bee venom injections. My
immediate problem is terrible bursitis in my arm which has limited use
of my arm, and for 5 months now I've been in excruciating pain. Docs
only give pain meds, which are really useless. I've heard that one
injection may cure this inflammation.

I also am a possible MSer, and would like to look at bee stings as
possible alternative to feeling the way I do, and to medication.

If you can send me any information on someone in Milwaukee area, or
Madison, Chicago, or as close as possible to home, I'd appreciate it!
I'm looking for immediate help!. . . " Barbara <bjacobs@execpc.com

Barbara says she's a "possible MS'r" and my inclination was to asy, "Well, we're dealing witth MS only." But that's not right. We're all in this thing called "life" together. So, if there's anyone out there in Barbara's neck of the woods, can you get her a sting or two? Remember, what goes arounf, comes around.

Day 307 - 04:48pm - March 6, 1998, 1998 EST

Stung. 20x this morning on my legs, feet, chest and neck.

Started high up on the outside of the thighs and stung 3x on either side. Then, 2x on the inside of each foot - one on the ankle bone & one behind the ankle bone. Then, 1x in the crux behind each knee. Then, 2x along the outides of each calve. Then, 1x on the inside of each thigh - just above each kneecap. Then, 1x on the center of the chest and finally 1x on the back of the neck - in the center.

Well, wasn't able to get up and walk again with that better sense of balance that I had experienced on Wednesday but all in all the energy was up and there. Katrina's birthday is on Saturday - a party at a skating rink on Sunday - and yesterday I went shopping for a few gifts. Wal-mart is a good place for me to shop because they have electric scooters. So although I couldn't shop & walk as I would like - I was blessed with the energy to spend the afternoon just doing it. No fatigue, no cramps and the bladder is doing fine. Still can't walk with any real independence - but not giving up either. That means - I'm still a committed stinger.

It's so important to do what we can with what there is. . . although not everyone is ready to do that. Or perhaps, not everyone can do that. For a variety of reasons.

Here's an e-mail from my cyber-chum John in response to those who can not - or will not - embark on new or alternative therapies. John is presently participating in a "bottled bee venom" study and talks about the study and his plans for the future. John writes:

". . . I sure get tired of the "I'm doing everything I can" from people who are doing nothing at all but waiting for someone else to take care of them. You and I have one of the world's horror blights. We
choose to fight back rather than sit around and let the blight win. If that means a painful 30 minutes or hour so that we can walk and talk and get to the toilet when we choose it is a bargain! I have an acquaintance with this blight who will do nothing that causes her the least amount of discomfort so
I guess she is comfortable stumbling around with friends telling her "That's OK" Of course it is but I wonder if she subconsciously relishes the concern of others. . .

You asked how long the study was to last. A year for each participant, My anniversary is April 4 but my close out appointment is not until May 8. . . I rather think that they will keep on treating me with venom if I desire but I will have to pay for the venom. I rather think that if I start with the live bees they will want to see me to compare but we'll see. If they want, I will of course cooperate, I certainly owe them that.

You made the observation that support was so important. I think it is vital even if only off pages like yours. Because I have friends who can do the stings for me when Judy [wife] cannot, she gets a life. That is very important to the person saddled with being the caregiver. It is easier with the bottled
venom because any ambulance crew worker can do it but I am glad that both myself and Mary Eleanor Farrell [a neighbor also undergoing the study with John] are going to try live bees. But I plan to
keep a bottle of venom around for those days when I need others. . . " John <jbrackman@fidnet.com>

Great letter from an intelligent, thinking man. He's doing what he can with what there is and leaving no stone unturned. And I can understand his frustrations with others, especially friends, who are unwilling to venture out to try new and alternative treatments. But again I'll say, Bee Venom Therapy is not for everyone. It requires a tremendous commitment by two individuals - the one receiving the treatment as well as the one administering the treatment. It's obvious John is very aware of this and is thus preparing to "mix it up" with live bees and bottled venom - so as to give his wife an occasional reprieve. Very caring, very thoughtful - and John is fortunate to have the options - and smart enough to take advantage of them.

I suppose that in the end we are all responsible for our own condition. And we all have our "crosses to bear" and obstacles to overcome. That's life.

But for me, it's not what I have to deal with that I choose to focus my attentions on - but rather how and in what ways I can successfully overcome those problems. Because in the end, we're out here on our own and this is what life is all about - solving problems and to succeed - despite our limitations.

Day 310 - 04:33pm - March 9, 1998, 1998 EST

Stung 18x this morning on my back. Started and stung 1x on my lower back - at the tip of my tailbone. Then, using Acupressure's Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments
by Michael Reed Gach., Stung 18x on various accupressure points all about and on the spinal column. Places that are too difficult for me to describe in words but are pointed out in charts in the book and referred to as . . . CV12, B38, B42, B46, B47, BV2, GB30, G44. . . etc. The letters refer to meridian points such as the Bladder, Gall Bladder etc.

The weekend was a full one with Katrina's 14th birthday - presents, party on Saturday and another skating party with her friends on Sunday. Have to say,although I felt a little stiff on Saturday, I felt much better - looser - on Sunday - don't know why. Seems like on the day that I get stung I usually have more energy. Then, the following day or days it varies. At times I feel better than the previous day and at other times not as good. Everyone is a little bit different I suppose.

Here's an e-mail from a woman who describes her condition with some real clarity. She too has on days and off ones. Johanne also sends along a system - in pictures and words - that she's come up with for controlling her bees in her house. Johanne writes:

". . . For the past week I worked on the drawings for that How to Control Bees
message I put up at BBS and you said it wasn't clear. . . . Since I have no
scanner I drew them on my PC.

. . . The wheelchair was handy last summer in and out of the house. Since I
started BVT I have returned to using only my cane when I go out. I still
use the chair if I have long distances to walk. Most of the time I only use
a cane or the arm of my husband Marc. This last week or so I sometimes get
to the car and have to go back and get my cane! I guess that's a good sign. . .

I am improving slowly but at times I feel I'm getting worse. Bladder
problems are better in some areas but not in others. It's like at times I
can hold it no problem and then I only have time to get to a toilet. It's
not stable. Also, lately I've notice that I have tremors in my hands and
legs more often than before. They happen mostly when I get up in the
morning. Sense of balance hasn't really improved all that much. I still use
walls, chairs and etc in the house for balance and as a guide.

Marc stings me. We follow Pat Wagner's book. The only places I haven't or
rarely sting are on the wrists, hands and breastbone/sternum. I stung once
on each of my arches. I think it help the numbness in my feet. I'll do it
again, it doesn't burn. . .

On sting days, I don't really feel much of a difference. It's the next day
or all weekend that I feel a bit better. I notice that more stings isn't
better. When I went from 25 to 15 to 30, It gave me a negative boost. I
felt sluggish and slow. When I hover around 15 to 20, I feel a positive
difference.

I'm hoping I can have enough improvement so my neuro sees a difference.
But I must be sure for myself first. If I get through this summer better
than last summer, that will confirm it for me. . . . <johannef@videotron.ca>

A wonderful letter from a committed person to the Bee Venom Therapy Program. She tells it to us as it is. There are things that are happening that are an improvement for her, other things are not as good as she'd like and other things she will continue to sting and see. Well, I can't say enough about her attitude. It's wonderful. And from what she says, it sounds to me like she's doing doing pretty darn well regardless. Better and better.

Johanne has also designed a whole system in which she keeps her bees which is what she is referring to at the top of her letter. You've got to check this out. It is quite detailed and I have uploaded it onto a separate page. Click here to check it out.

Beekeeper's Construction Plan by Johanne Fournier

She is incredibly talented and I think it may be a system that folks may want to try. In fact, I will be including this page as a link at the bottom of this "journal" page so that people can refer to it in the future. Especially if you're just starting out. And if you have questions, just e-mail Johanne directly. She's more than happy to dialogue with you.

Day 312 - 04:29pm - March 11, 1998, EST

Stung 18x this morning on my arms, hands, neck and legs,

Started and stung 1x on the upper arm. Then, 1x on the outside edge of each elbow. Then, 1x on the bottom of each wrist - with the palms up. Then, 1x atop each fore arm. Then, 1x atop each wrist - palms down. Then, 1x on each hand - between thumb and index finger. Then, 2x high up on the neck - below the skull cap- left & right sides. Then. 1x on the inside of each thigh and 1x below the kneecap and finally 1x behind each calve.

Felt a bit more stiff than usual when I woke up yesterday morning and throughout most of the day. Did some stretching exercises and pushed myself to "schlepp" around a bit more than usual. . . and this seemed to actually help - a little. Spent some time outdoors - the weather was unseasonably warm here - and that was quite pleasant. But it didn't last long and the snow returned last night. Freezing cold today 20's and more snow expected. But soon. . . spring time & swimming in the pond. By that time it'll be a year since I've embarked on this Bee Venom Therapy. Wow!

And here's a mistake I'll have to live down. Katrina, my daughter, had her 12th birthday last week - not 14th. It's my son who's 14. Uh-oh, am I in trouble?

The stings this morning caused a bit of swelling on the sting sites.I know "they" say this is an indication that the venom is really kicking in so. . . I'm not complaining.

Okay here's some e-mail from someone who's just starting out. You know what it's all about - lots of questions, lots of doubts, lots of uncertainty. Phylis writes:
 

". . . I have started bvt about 2 months ago, another couple has been helping me. I
hope we are going about it correctly. I could only have the stings once a
week and then I missed a week. I really felt the difference.. . . This week I had it twice. I notice a difference in walking very soon after. I am confused as to where I should have the stings. We were
doing them along the spine since I have trouble walking. I can still walk
without a cane if it is not too far. I was diagnosed in "78". Getting back to the
location of the stings, I do have Pat Wagner's book and started to follow that, but was
kind of leary of doing a number of stings on the lower arms and legs. Someone told me
you swell real badly if they are on the feet or arms. Would like to have any
info you can give me. I appreciate all you time and effort. Phyllis PGL 32 <PGL32@aol.com>

Smart person. . . going at this Bee Venom Therapy on her own. Not letting the doubts get in the way. I'm not sure whether she's relying solely on the "other" couple to help her sting or not but she sounds like an awfully brave and determined woman. I've written and sent her some thoughts. It's times like these though that "support" can make all the difference in the world.

And here's an e-mail from my cyber-friend Ray. He's asking for some support for someone else. Ray writes:

". . .I received a letter from Judy A. in Denver who is doing the BVT and is about at 1700 +/- and she received a letter from the AAS [American Apitherapy Society] and talked about a female in the UK with MS that is trying BVT and is discouraged about it among other things I'm sure.

She is 28, husband left her, father is stinging her, she is up to 20 stings and sees little or no results and needs encouragement. I thought maybe you could include her address in your journal and other people trying/using BVT could drop her a line. She has no computer.

Anyway her address is:

Doug & Margery Johnston
and Rachel
Yeovil Road
Montacute
Somerset
United Kingdom, TA158XG

Apparently she is pretty bad. My understanding is she is paralyzed and in bed. I wrote her a letter and told her to get/find/use a computer and access your journal.. . . " Ray <Rayseal@aol.com>

What a beautiful request - and what special people - Judy and Ray. We've all got our own "rows to hoe" dealing with our own problems and situations. Yet, when folks take there time to go out of there way to support others. . . well, that's what makes it all so do-able. I know "snail-mail" is archaic but for those of you who still buy stamps. . . why not? A bag-full of mail could make quite a bit of difference. Man, she sounds like she can use all the support she can get. What a jerk of a husband she must have had, huh? That on top of a diagnosis can really drag a person down. Well, maybe we can balance things out a bit.

Day 314 - 04:09pm - March 13, 1998, EST

Stung 15x this morning on my legs, feet, chest, shoulders and stomach.

Started and stung 1x on the outside of each thigh. Then, 1x below each kmeecap. Then, 1x in the crux of each knee. Then, 1x on the foot above the large toe. Then, 1x on either side of the chest - just beside the armpit. Then, 1x below the belly button. And finally, 1x atop either shoulder.

Had an okay day yesterday, the few stings on my legs loosened me up a bit. But had defintely been looking forward to this mornings stinging session - doing more along the thighs and feet. But. . .

The weather here has been really cold - dropped to below 10 degrees yesterday! And when I sent Katrina, my 12 year old, out to the hives. . . she came back empty handed.

"The bees just won't come out," she said. "They're buzzing around in the hive when I tap on the jar but they're not shooting out into the jar." This is the first time that this has happened. It must be just too cold. So, I was left with whatever remaining bees from last Wednesday's session - 15. Well, if I need more, I'll send the kids out tomorrow morning - but I think 15 oughtta' do me.

Here's an e-mail fron Judy giving a bit more detail about Rachel in the United Kingdom - the woman I'd written about yesterday - the one in dire need of some serious support. Please take note of a slight correction in the address. . . Also, Judy shares some very interesting information about bees and bee products. Judy writes:

". . . Thank you so much for publishing Rachel's story - please make this
address correction: Doug & Margery Johnston
and Rachel
Old Hamstones
15 Yoevil Road
Montacute,
Somerset.
United Kingdon TA156XG

The return address on the envelope didn't have '15' in front of Yoevil Road -
but, Linda Day of the American Apitherapy Society did give me '15' Yoevil Road
- and I neglected to see it in time before giving the correct address to Ray.
Also, the zip code is TA156XG. . . .

Rachel is a 28 year old, very discouraged girl
who's husband left her after she became totally paralyzed. Her father (Doug
Johnston) began stinging her in January as he has his own hive and much faith
in the composition of bee venom. However, the father is also discouraged
because he sees his daughter's improvements come and go again as she reacts to
her husband's denial of her.

I have written to the entire family to encourage Doug to keep stinging his
daughter - as there is too much good stuff in the venom to let it pass.

The Mellitin in the venom is the most powerful anti-inflammatory agent known
to man - it is 100 times more potent than hydrocortisol.

The 3 neurotransmitters in the venom are too fantastic to ignore. The Apamin
enhances nerve transmission ... the Adolapin (which has anelgesic activity) is
another strong anti-inflammatory agent.

There is way too much good stuff in the venom for any of us with MS or
arthritis or tendonitis or any autoimmune disease to ignore.. . . " Judy (Westminster, Colorado) <JAlva76117@aol.com>

Well, Judy has a really giving sentiment that comes across loud and clear over the net. And Judy seems to be quite knowledgable in regard to "bee" venom and all that it does. Well, I know she's involved with a graet support group out in Colorado. They're very fortunate to have a person as dedicated as Judy in their midst.

Anyway, let's not forget about Rachel who needs some major support.

And here's some E-mail from a new stinger but a guy that's been dealing with MS for many years. Wallly is not giving up. He's doing what he can. Wally writes:

". . . I started 2 1/2 wks ago ('cept for 5 days of lovely ND [North Dakota] blizzard:) and have
kept reading the journal to compare notes. Interesting, after 25 years (7 in whchr), I
haven't completely lost sensation except in the fingers and feet, SOOO
when stung, it just feels like a good old fashioned bee sting. . . . After
years of acute muscle pain, (atrophy etc), no big whoop. Haven't noticed a tremendous change
yet, but for my attitude. I'm doing something, and my gut tells me (no not in the BVT spot
:) that something is right. Guess that makes me one of the gang, huh? . . .

MY bee gal seems a little concerned that I haven t been
*welting up*...the stings just sting and turn red, but little welting.
Reason for concern? Also what s the recommended time to leave the stinger
in? She leaves them for a minute or two, or until the venom bulb goes
down. What is the rule of thumb?. . .

Currently I'm experiencing some tingling, but not
much movement...yet! and oodles of energy (whether
psychic or sting imposed--who cares?). . .

Question...anyone know where in Salt Lake City a bee
stinger (person:) might be found?. . . " Wally <wallass@rocketmail.com>

Well, Wally certainly has the right attitude so let's hope that the Bee Venom Therapy can really kick in and do something to enhance Wally's life. Remember, here's an individual who's been "around the corner". He's been dealing with MS for decades - (I can certainly relate to that). He'll be an interesting person to stay in touch with - and support. Because regardless as to how long you've been dealing with "it" or how well you may have "adgusted" - it's always a challange - especially once you get started with stinging. I wish him all the success in the world.

And something tells me Wally's a guy who's always doing for others. Like . . .what about that request for a person in Salt Lake City? It's not for him because he's already stinging and besides - he lives in North Dakota. Wonder what that's all about.

Day 317 - 05:22pm - March 16, 1998, EST

Stung 20x this morning on my legs, ankles, forearms, waist, stomach and back.

Started high up and stung 3x on the outside of each thigh. Then, 1x on the outside of each calve. Then, 1x on the outside of each ankle bone & 1x on the inside. Then, 1x on each forearm just above the wrist. Then, 1x on the front of the body just to the inside of the pelvic bone. Then, further up, 1x on each side just below the rib cage. Then, 1x on the back half way up - above the waist on either side of the spine.

Carol, my wife, thought it a good idea to sting the pelvic and stomach. The neurologist had commented that he thought it was my thighs that were weak and it's the stomach & pelvic muscles that control the thigh muscles. So perhaps inject some energy into those areas? Anyway, when the pelvic area got stung.. . that leg just shot straight upwards!

Well, the weather here has warmed up a bit - to a more "comfortable" temperatures - in the 30's. And Katrina, my twelve year old, went down to the hives yesterday and brought back quite a decent jarful of at least 60 or 70 bees. Sure is nice having the kids run down to the hives and bringing back those bees. And they look so fresh, lively and potent "zipping" about in the mayonnaise jar.

I've been hearing more and more about bees. . . the venom and its potency. This fellow "Michael Simics" who sells bee products - including bottled bee venom on the web - had written to my cyber-friend Ray saying that "bee venom is more potent in the spring, summer and fall than it is in the winter" . . . and suggested using bottled venom during the winter months. I don't know, but I'm awfully suspect and skeptical. Not that I'm opposed to bottled venom, because at the right time it can be quite a lifesaver. I'm just wondering who has determined this and how this could be calculated. I know Pat Wagner had mentioned it as well. But if nobody knows what it is that makes bee venom do what it does, then what is it that is "less or more potent"? And bottom line is, for me, this is all still very experimental. And when a bee stings, it burns . . . and I can feel it doing its thing.If Bee Venom Therapy works, it should work anytime you get stung. More or less potent? I don't know.

How about this e-mail from Jonathan who's been dwelling with MS for a while and has been doing BVT with some decent results. But he's not planning to stop with that. Jonathan writes:

". . .I've been doing BVT for 11 months for my MS -dx 10 years, symptoms 13
yrs.... Having read your journal the last couple weeks since I've been on-line has
been a great thing for me! I have a good support network with family and
all-especially my wife Susan who administers the 20 or so stings 3x week,
but although the symptoms are maddening and I wouldn't wish them on anyone, it's nice to
know that there are folks who know EXACTLY what you mean when you tell them how
you're feeling...

The stings helped the weakness and incoordination in my right hand and arm
almost immediately--the leg situation is still a work in progress---still a
schlepper as you say.....

I'm also eating canned pork brains-I guess a man in Tennessee with MS has
had good success and has done much research on the matter...Actually it's kind
of gross and I know some folks' religious beliefs may prohibit this route but
I'll be happy to give more info if anyone is interested...

I'm also gonna start taking Pycnogenol, a supplement that's made from some
kind of tree...hey, whatever works, right? Better than steroids!!!!. . . " Jonathan
kooscoop@gateway.net

So, here's a fellow that is certainly doing all that he can to stay in control of his situation. You have to respect a man for that. Canned pork brains? I'm a vegetarian but if that's what it will take to do the job - I'll be the first to" indulge". So, good luck Jonathan and keep us informed.

Day 319 - 04:32pm - March 18, 1998, EST

Stung 18x this morning on my shoulders, neck, back, buttocks and chest.

Started and stung 2x atop each shouklder. Then, stung 1x on either side of the skull cap. Then, stung 6x right down & along the spine. Then, 2x on each buttock and finally 1x on the chest just beside the crack of each armpit.

The stings on Monday were really good and helped me do what I had to get done throughout that day - mainly make it to & through a dental appointment. That's always a drainer for me. But those leg and ankle stings on those accupressure points did the job. Got me there, in & out. A "schlepper" but I did it.

Had received a lot of mail regarding my last entry and Jonathan's letter about experimenting with pork brains. Some are ready to try it & others are grossed out. Just to clarify it. . . I'm not promoting that or anything else here on this journal. I'm only urging people to do for themselves and leave "no stone unturned in their journey back to health and wholeness". But just for the record, I do highly reccomend The Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book : A Low-Fat Diet for the Treatment of M.S. ~ by Roy L. Swank.

I have been following this diet for years and believe it's one of the things that's kept me "in the ballgame" since I was diagnosed with this "dis-ease" in 1977. It's a no-nonsense diet, easy to adjust to and will put years onto your life whether you are dealing with MS or not. That means - your entire family would be benefiting from eating this way. So why not.

Here's some e-mail from my cyber-chum Donna Chandler commenting on some of those ideas mentioned yesterday. Donna writes:

". . . . Pork brains(uck)but my Daddy loves them and
eats them with eggs. I love Daddy, but as a child couldn't get past the
smell. But like you say whatever works. I'll hold my nose anyday. . .

I don't know about the bottle venom either. I do know that Donald and I
agree the stings are hotter in the spring and summer months. . . . .
"E. Donald Chandler" <don1948@halifax.com>

Well, the jury's still out on those pork brains. . . at least until we get the verdict from Jonathan. And regarding venom potency, I'll be measuring the effects of those stings come this spring and attempt to determine for myself whether or not the stings are more effective. Shouldn't be hard to tell, I suppose. If I do better after my sessions then than I do after the sessions I'm doing now, then it's better poison. If I have more energy, more "oomph" - then whatever difference there is in the venom, will be meaniungful. Otherwise - what difference does it make? But just because they're "hotter" or have more pollen in them, that doesn't neccesarily mean that it's doing more for my condition - does it? Or am I mssing something.

And here's a letter from Phyllis - a very gung-ho and enthusiastic person. They have a great support group out in Colorado and she fills us in on their last meeting. Phyllis writes:

". . . Saturday, The MS support group I lead, had
their meeting. I had arranged to have Allan, Adrienne's husband, give the group a
talk on BVT and accupunture, he than gave a demonstration of bee stings. It
was great! 3 of the people volunteered to be stung! One person had 6!!!! They
were so excited about it. It made me so happy to see them have hope again. They
remarked how well I looked, and I told them I was feeling great.
I had 12 bites this morning and I am not about to quit. I feel more confident
about where to have the bites as I am following Pat's book. I feel like I know
where I'm going now!!! . . . ." Phyllis PGL 32 <PGL32@aol.com>

Sounds like Phyllis is doing what she can for herself and bringing along a lot of other folks as well. Now that's what support is all about. Phyllis is obviously seeing Bee Venom Therapy working in her life and she's anxious to share it with others. Well, as I always say - what goes around, comes around. No doubt Phyllis will be graced with many wonderful blessings in her life.

Day 321 - 04:58pm - March 20, 1998, EST

Stung 24x this morning on my legs, feet, hands, and waist.

Started high up on the outside of my thighs and stung 3x on each. Then, 1x below each knee. Then, 2x on the outside of each calve. Then, 1x on the outside of each ankle - behind the ankle bone - and 1x on the top of each foot above the large toe. Then, 1x on each hand between the thumb and index finger and 1x atop each wrist - palms down. Then. 1x on each side of the pelvic bone and 1x - slightly further up on the waist - left & right sides.

Those stings last Wednesday - the ones along the spine were weird. Not only had they really hurt but I had a rough time throughout most of that day - Wednesday. My whole back felt sore. But the following day - on Thursday - I felt pretty good. Felt a bit lighter and the legs not as tight. So maybe there's something to stinging right on the spine - although I'm not anxious to sting there again too soon.

Some friends of mine gathered together today to celebrate the arrival of Spring - outside - out in the woods amongst the trees - on open land. But I couldn't make it. It was too wet & too hilly & too far and all the rest . . . and coming and going was just way too difficult. And I was forced to reflect on my "independence" - or lack of it. And for a while it brought my head down until I looked around and saw how much I do have, reminding myself how important it is to feel grateful for what you do have. Even if you have to force yourself to do so.

No. It's not perfect. But I have to give thanks for having the abilities that I still do have. And if the Bee Venom Therapy can keep this "dis-ease" from progressing - then, hey. . . aren't I a lucky guy? It's so easy to look at things and see what isn't fair or right. But it's so much more rewarding to experience what you do have and make the most of it. Unfortunately, too many people wait until they have lost "something" - whatever it is - before realizing how good things once were. I know I certainly have lived that way - in the past.

Here's some more e-mail from Chrystal and the folks out in Denver. They really seem to have a fantastic group of people all pooling together to help one another. So great to see. And they're seeing some pretty awesome results. Chrystal writes:

". . .We have had alot of EXCITING things happening here in the Denver area and want to share them . . . .Our retired pro-golfer who started stinging in mid Jan 98, has gone from
sitting in his chair (he's been in it since 94'), to standing unsupported.
Then he began to walk! I wish everyone could have witnessed the light in this
69 year old mans eyes when he came to get stung that day two weeks ago. He is
now able to walk 8-10 baby-steps on a good day. . . . We have been meeting here at my house every Mon, Weds and Fri,
and each week someone new has wanted to give BVT a try. Our group began to
get to big so we decided that it was time to set up satellite groups and teach
everyone how to sting their partners. It has turned into two seminars on
teaching about BVT and how to get started. It is scheduled for April 4, for
anyone one who would like to come. There is limited space available for the
1:30 meeting, but we are asking to please RSVP to Judy Alvarez (303) 426-8181
or e-mail her at JALVA76117@aol.com. We plan to share Pats video, do a
stinging demonstration, talk about diet, the products of honeybees and share
some great results from using BVT. We have a videographer who is planning to
film it as well as representatives from the media and an acupuncturist, who's
wife has MS. . . .; Wish you could bee here. . . . We will let you know how it goes. Bee well :~)
Crystal & The Rocky Mt. Bee Highs <Cclear714@aol.com>

I included this letter in its entirety because I just can't say enough about people like this tha are so dedicated to sharing and helping others. MS is hard enough to deal with. Stinging takes a lot of support and encouragement fro othesr. I'd say that iif you're anywhere around Denver - check these people out. They are committed givers, something rare at any time.

And here's another letter from my cyber-friend Ray who indeed is leaving no stone unturned in his quest back to total health. Ray writes"

". . .Feel better today. And good news... got 1/2 my fillings out yesterday and
surprisinly little sweat like 65 minutes for 5. Other half in a month. He
said 1 had decay under it and it apparently leaked a little, so good (in my
opinion) we had this done. Did right side and it is a little sore, but no big
deal. Really. . . .

Got my first wheelchair yesterday and using same. Do NOTwant to fall anymore.
I am VERY lucky I have not broken something. VERY LUCKY.

Absoluetely no pain today. And the fillings look great. Do the rest in a
month then oral chelation and we'll see. Got 20 [stings] yesterday too. The last 2 times
we have concentrated on my "bladder" meridians and it seemed to help.. . . "Ray <Rayseal@aol.com>

Ray is a man to admire - moving ahead on all fronts. Stinging regularly, reading up on all alternatives and options and acting on them. He's not sitting back and waiting for miracles - he's making them happen in his life. And in the interum if he needs assistive devices to get him through the day - he's using them. Very smart . . . better safe than sorry. Ray's on the right track - the "doing" track - and I've got a good feeling about him. Definitley want to keep an eye on everything he's up to. I wish him all the luck in the world.

Day 324 - 04:37pm - March 23, 1998, EST

Stung 22x this morning on the neck, shoulders, waist, hands, arms, knees and feet.

Carol, my wife, decided to focus today's session on areas specifically for "chronic fatigue syndrome". Because it's difficult to describe these precise points using the written word - and because the precise points are an integral part of this stinging procedure, I've relied heavily on Acupressure's Potent Points : A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments by Michael Reed Gach to describe the sting locations.

Started and stung 1x on either side of each shoulder - gb-21. Then, 1x on my back between the shoulder blades - b36. Then, 4x at the waist line at points b-23 and b-47 - on either side. Then, 1x on either side of the neck - gb-20. Then, 1x on either hand between the thumb and index finger - li-4. Then, 1x on each forearm - tw-5. Then, 1x on each wrist - p-6. Then, 1x below each knee - st-36. Then, 1x on each foot above the large toe - lv-3. And finally, 1x on the inside of each ankle - k-3.

Carol does some job of culling these individual points from throughout the book so as to design a stinging session specifically tailored to an individual MS related problem. I would suppose it should be easy enough for anyone to map out a stinging pattern for their own particular needs. It's kind of a fun thing to do together, too.

I don't know why, but those bee stings really burned this morning. Especially the ones on the neck and shoulders. But no matter how much they hurt - those areas are very good places to sting. Gives me lots of energy and a better sense of balance.

Well, my friends may have had a Spring party last week but it certainly has not been Spring-like.. Over the weekend we had about 12"- 18"" of snow. Had anticipated the snow on Friday and had Katrina go down and retrieve bees before the snow arrived. She did well - and got a jarful of about 60 bees.

Okay, that "brain food" theory seems to be getting more intersecting. Have to say, hadn't really taken it that seriously at first - but check out this e-mail from my cyber-friend John. He talks about his experience with pork brains and the rationale behind it. John writes:

". . . some years ago, 94-96 I think someone came up with the oral
mimicry theory. As you know the way an immunization works is by
introduction of a protein into the body by injection and the body's immune
cells come out and fight it. However, the same protein taken in through the
digestive system does not trigger a immune system alert.

The hypothesis is/was that the introduction of dietary myelin would cause
the system to back off from chopping on myelin including its own. The test
was to the double blind stage and well watched. Unfortunately the control
group and the test group did about the same. I was too late to be in the
study so I had no hard choices to make but I liked the logic. There were
some rather knowledgeable doomsayers then mostly decrying what the myelin
was put through in processing.

Meanwhile I decided to eat brains--they are readily available here at
$1.59/lb.
This is a pork eating neighborhood so they were/are pork. But I am certain
that at some school stage of development I learned the pig's body was most
like ours chemically- even more so than other primates. I was so faithful
for a while that the local restaurant in Union would never sell out of brain
sandwiches until I had had lunch. Then I perfected putting them in
breakfast cereal.

My Dr. was worried about cholesterol but I shocked him with a 186 and an
even better HDL/LDL ratio. Dr Farrell, husband to my venom buddy, doubts.
But, although he is a believer in BVT, he is still an orthodox. But I know
I am perkier-that's the word. . . Words are hard to find - I would say I feel lighter; perhaps more energetic but it is almost an affect sort of thing.

Anyhow-- My hypothesis is that the brains slow down the T cells and the venom helps
the nerves recover. It is sort of a race. . . ." John <jbrackman@fidnet.com>

Well, there you have it. Everything you wanted to know about brains and MS and then some. Like UI'd said, I hadn't taken this very seriously at first - and besides I'm a vegetarian. But perhaps I should pick up a pound or two and dig in. I mean - if it's medicine - it's not like eating meat, right? I wonder if it comes in capsule form.

And here's a letter from Donna Chandler, another good cyber-buddy, giving us her twist and personal experience on the brain theory. Donna writes:

". . . Maybe I should have been better as a little girl and learned to eat a lot of
things that I don't today. My Daddy really, really loves brains and eggs. I
suppose as a child, just thought of what he was eating was enough to turn me
off! I never ate a lot of stuff they did, like liver, and other disgusting
organs served in the south, guts of animals! Some of these things still make
me shiver! I did learn to eat liver as a adult because carrying the two girls
my blood count was low and I was advised to eat liver. I did it for the babies
but also kept eating it after they were born. It has to be smothered in gravey and
onions though.

I am going to try brains one more time just to see if I can do it. It of course
has been years since I was with Daddy when he fixed them. . ." Donna <don1948@halifax.com>

Alrighty, I guess it's time to start swapping recipes, huh? Seriously though, I know people must be wondering, what is this guy doing writing about brains? This is a Bee Venom Therapy Journal, right? Well, yes & no. It is about bees but it's also about doing. It's so important is to do whatever you can do to control this "dis-ease". Not to just sit back, do nothing but whine & complain while inertia sets in. No, no, no!

Eating brains may sound crazy but believe me, stinging yourself with bees sounds a lot crazier. And you never know. as John pointed out - there had even been a study about all of this. Bottom line is - medical science hasn't any answers for me so I'm going to do whatever I can with what there is. I don't know if I'n going to break away from 27 years of vegetarianism - yet. But I'm keeping an open mind. As my good Dr. Jim says, "Leave no stone unturned on your journey back to health."

Day 326 - 05:35pm - March 25, 1998, EST

Stung 22x this morning for cramps, spasms, anxiety and general sites that increase energy. Again, some of the exact points are too difficult to describe in words so I refer toAcupressure's Potent Points : A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments by Michael Reed Gach for those precise sting locations.

Started and stung 1x on either side of the neck, b-10. Then, 1x atop each shoulder, tw-15. Then, 1x on either side of the waist- in back - b-42 . Then, turning around, 1x on either side of the chest k-27. Then 1x on the center of the chest, cv-17. Then, 1x just by the armpit - on the left & right sides - v-1. Then, 1x behind each calve, b-57. Then, 1x on the outside of each ankle, b-60. Then 2x on the inside of each thigh. Then, 1x on each arm. And with the one remaining bee, stung the outside of the left wrist - palms down.

The all over "fatigue" stings were good and most definitely kept the energy up to work and do as needed. Walking was, and is, still a "shlepp" - but I must remember that walking isn't everything. It's not the only "obstacles" that I need to overcome. Having the strength and energy to just "carry on" is very important in life. But when I do sting the thighs and calves I always feel a bit "lighter & less stiff". So I couldn't resist stinging those sites this morning. Incidentally, the legs really shot upwards in a reflex action after stinging the thighs.

Remember Rachel in England? Here's an e-mail from Judy in Denver - a committed stinger and a committed supporter. She lets us know about Rachel and how beneficial and helpful our support has been for Rachel and her family. Judy writes:

". . . Yesterday, I got the most wonderful phone call from the United
Kingdom. Doug Johnston called to thank EVERYONE who has written to his family
regarding 'Rachel" - as she does finally appear to be responding to the bee
venom. And, she IS responding to the letters of encouragement FOR SURE.

I want to thank you and Ray for posting their address in your journal. This
man was so desperate for his daughter Rachel and knew of no one else with MS.
Now, he is VERY elated to KNOW that so very many people care., as he is
beginning to get mail from the United States regarding Rachel. Remember?
Rachel is the 28 year old girl who's husband left her paralyzed at her
parent's home in the United Kingdom.

There is definitely something miraculous about support from other folks.
Thank you. Judy (Westminster, Colorado). <JAlva76117@aol.com>

Well, you don't have to remind me of the importance of support - or how the lack of it can be absolutely devastating to an individual and their family. That's what this journal is all about. A "virtual-cyber-family" that's there if & when it's needed. Because doing bees on your own - and dealing with MS in general - is not easy. So we're hearing some great news here, wouldn't you say? The Bee Venom Therapy seems to be doing something and another human being's spirit has been lifted - encouraged to push forward. You know the Talmud says, "If you save the life of one individual, it's as if you've saved the entire world." Something to ponder, ey?

Now here's an e-mail from Wayne a committed husband to his wife, Linda, who's been dealing with MS for some time now. You can just tell - there's a lot of love there between them. They're gearing up for Bee Venom Therapy. They're getting ready. Wayne writes:

". . . We will be receiving are first Honeybees around the 8th of April, and I
figured to start with the therapy on my wife who has had MS for over 10
years in about 30 days, I want to let the bees get establish first and
try and get as much info as to where to sting her . . .We belong to the Richmond County Beekeepers assoc. in North Carolina and this is where we first heard of the venom therapy. . .
Any suggestions or advise would be more than appreciated, I've
tried to find any and all sites that have anything about the BVT, but as
yet have found nothing as to suggested intervals between stings or where
on her body would be the best to start with....
She is 49 years old and still ambulatory to a certain point, she is
going in tomorrow AM to have Damn steroid therapy,(for lack of a better
terminology ) she has had what I would call very limited success with
this. . . . As to your page I have printed it out for Linda's Doctor to
see as he is not over joyed with the whole idea.... Time will tell, . . I would go to the end of the earth to try and help her with this problem. . . . " Wayne <csad@InfoAve.Net>

Well, I've written and suggested books and ideas on how to get started. But you know as well as I that there's nothing like hearing from others who have - and are - going through the same experience. Wayne is very enthusiastic and this is very important. And he's a member of a beekeeper association so he's familiar with bees. But now it's time to put it all together and put it all into practice. There's no doubt they'll be successful. But let's see if we can lend a supportive shoulder. It's what's up. My prayers are with Wayne and Linda.

And finally, please note that Johanne Fournier has sent me some revisions and added drawings of what her "Bee Jar" and "Bee Cage" actually looks like once completed. The "Bee Jar" that she's designed allows for secure containment and easy access to bees in the house or apartment. The "Bee Cage" permits the bees to fly free - indoors. It's quite creative and may be just what you're looking for. I've uploaded the new graphics and instructions in Controlling Bees in a Jar - A Construction Plan which is set as a permanent link at the bottom of this page. Johanne has done a great service in sharing and drawing her sketches for others to follow. Check it out.

Day 328 - 05:55pm - March 27, 1998, EST

Stung 16x this morning on my back, waist, thighs & calves.

Started and stung 4x on the back - on either side - approx. 3" from the spine. Then, 1x on either side of the waist. Then, 2x on the outside of each thigh. And finally, 1x on the outside of each calve.

Again, the over-the-body stings did wonders for over-all feeling of wellness and non-fatigue. The few stings on the thighs were O.K. but not as "potent" as when I sting down the outside of the thighs and tops of the feet.

The snow is actually melting here, the temperature is rising and those bees in the eleven hives out back are getting more and more active. Carol went out in the early dawn hour this morning to retrieve some bees - before the sun hit the hives. But, it wasn't early enough as one zipped out of the hive and stung her on the hand. She returned to the house, re-grouped making sure this time that her entire body was covered and like the trooper she is, went back out to get more. Man, she is really something.

I suppose it's time to purchase that veil and whatever other paraphernalia beekeepers use so that everyone can "safely" go and retrieve bees - now that spring is here. All through the winter we've been doing all we can to coax them out of the hive and into the jars. Now they're gonna' be all over the place. Life is always changing.

Here's an e-mail from my cyber-friend Walt who's just embarked on Bee Venom Therapy fairly recently. He's responding here to my recommendation of the Swank book The Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book : A Low-Fat Diet for the Treatment of M.S. ~ by Roy L. Swank. Walt writes:

". . . About that Swank MS diet ... I concur with you on the benefits of the
diet... even though I*ve strayed on occasion (trust me, Domino*s Pizza
ain*t on the diet regardless of the *psychological* benefits :). But good
diet habits formed still prevail, and I*ve no doubt that that*s why I*m as
healthy as a horse... except for the MS.

I had the privilege of being a patient of Dr. Swank himself...then
former-head (now prof emeritus) of neurology at the U. of OR in Portland.
And this dear, albeit grumpy, old guy knows about MS... has studied and run
experimental projects (including the diet therapy) for more than 40 years.
Now in his late 80s, he's finally decided to retire.

He's been unpopular with the MS Society folks and the A.M.A. for his
nontraditional approaches to treating MS (e.g., the diet thing, and his
studies on plasma infusions for MSers with progressive/remitting MS...which
I can testify works!)

Haven�t yet asked Swank about his views on BVT... but since he still
intimidates me :), someone else will have to ask him. . .

I've graduated to 20 stings... I may be wrong, but these buggers seem to be
getting angrier and angrier, almost as if word has gotten out to the
members of the hive :). .. . ." Walt <wdudley@ctctel.com>

Well, quite impressive, I'd say. I've been following the Swank Diet - the best I have been able - for many, many years and I attribute much of my relatively "good health" to this "good-sense" type of eating. It's just a diet that is smart for everyone to follow.

Walt is moving ahead with the Bee Venom Therapy and like so many other intelligent folks, he's complimenting that regimen with other healthy procedures. Smart man. I'm keeping my eye and my prayers on Wally - hopefully some real positive changes will happen in his life. Love to see him get up and start to "schlepp" a little. Be nice.

Now, here's another e-mail from Wayne whom you'd met in my last journal entry on Wednesday. His wife Linda is about to embark on Bee Venom Therapy. Wayne is gearing up, getting his hives together, reading up and getting involved with the whole process. Here he shares some nice news with us. Wayne writes:

" . . . we went to a beekeepers meeting last night and the guest speaker was our State bee inspector (North Carolina) and upon finding out that Linda had MS he relayed a story about his
mother-in-law. It seems she was completely bed ridden and the family was
at the point of having to admit her to a nursing home when as a last
resort they tried the bee venom therapy on her. After several Mo.of the
therapy she is now up and about and able to do a few things around the
house that had been completely impossible for her prior... His story
sure perked up Linda and has given her all the more hope in this type of
therapy. He even took the time when he got home to give Linda a call and
give her the phone number of his mother in law so as Linda could talk
to her personally. I think we have one SUPER Bee inspector for this area
of the country, as he even offered to make a special trip to our house
to help us with our new bees when they arrive....Wayne <csad@InfoAve.Net>

Well, great story but no surprise about the beekeeper. I don't know what it is about beekeepers but they always seem to be the nicest and most helpful of people. So good luck, Linda. Between your husband and your state beekeeper, I'd say you're in the best of hands.

Day 331 - 05:02pm - March 30, 1998, EST

Stung 18x this morning on my sides, feet, hands and torso.

Started and stung 4x down either side of my body - from below the armpits to the waist. Then, 1x on either side of the neck. Then, 1x on each hand - between the thumb and index finger. Then, 2x on either foot - 1x above the little toe and 1x on the inside of the foot in front of the ankle bone. And finally, 1x on either side of the torso- just beside the armpit.

My reaction to the stings this morning was really weird. Not only did all the sites really welt, but different spots - especially on my back where I hadn't stung - also welted and got red and itched. Very odd. I'd never noticed that before.

The weather has been uncommonly warm here. 80 degrees and the ice in the pond has finally melted . It is hard to believe that it will stay this way but no doubt Spring is in the air - but not to stay. No doubt it'll snow here again.

Legs and feet felt tight this weekend so shlepping was not so smooth. Maybe it's the change of season. When the seasons change - especially in & out of winter - I tend to experience exacerbations. But so far - with the bees - things have been pretty decent. Knock on wood. But nothing about this "dis-ease" makes any sense. Because upon awaking this morning, I felt better than I had all weekend - so who knows. Either way, the stings were welcomed this morning - always loosens things up.There's just no doubt that without the Bee Venom Therapy I wouldn't be as "mobile" or "energized". And if, like some maintain, the venom is cumulative - then perhaps in time even more positive results will occur.

Here's an e-mail from Laura, very new at Bee Venom Therapy and really giving it all she's got. Laura writes:

". . . I am very new to BVT - only since March 16, 1998. I have had MS since 1984
just a few months after the birth of my son. I was only 25 years old and had
always thought of myself as healthy. . .

The first few sessions had gone fairly well with the
exception of the flu like symptoms that I experienced within about 6 hours of
getting stung. I developed a fever and chills that had really knocked me out.
The sting sites swelled up quickly. . .

I continue to experience side effects about 5 to 6 hours after taking a BVT
Treatment. Took 10 stings to the buttocks and hips yesterday afternoon. By
11:00 pm I had a fever, chills, an irritable bladder, blurred vision (more
than likely from the fever) and I vomited twice. My face becomes very red and
feverish, while my extremeties turn ice cold. The stings sites are almost
blistered and uncomfortable. Although I've always maintained a very positive
outlook about things and an open mind I find my enthusiasm waning. I plan to
take your advice and refrain from any stings for a few days to give my body
time to rest. Perhaps the stinging regime I've been following has been too
rigorous for my system. I don't want to discourage anyone from trying BVT as
a result of reading this but rather inform people that sometimes certain
treatment plans need to be adjusted to meet different needs. I like to think
of this as just a bump in the road to wellness!
My husband has discovered a great lotion called Sarna, which contains camphor.
It is very soothing and rapidly eliminates any itching at my sting sites A
little more expensive than average, but it's steroid free and has come in very
handy. How blessed I feel to have somebody like him on my team.
Thanks again for the advice and encouragement. Will write again after I get
the wind back in my sails. . . ." Laura <MLB3RMAX@aol.com>

Man, what a woman! Laura is really having a difficult time with the therapy but what a no-nonsense level-headed person she is. Laura knows that "no one promised her a rose garden" and she is pushing forward - asking questions & looking for solutions. I'm really impressed with her sense of determination to see this thing through and give it a fair shake. You just can't do more than that. And you gotta' respect her, right?

I wrote to Laura with my suggestions - letting her know that I'm not a doctor or nurse or anything. Just offering advice from my own personal experience. And that's pretty much all any of us can do. Share with Laura how it is - and has been - for each one of us as individuals. Because. . . this is all still so very experimental and there just are no clear cut answers. But - a little here and a little there - maybe we can help one another get through the really rough & tough parts. Hang in there, Laura!

Day 333 - 04:19pm - April 1, 1998, EST

Stung 17x this morning on my legs, feet, neck, shoulders and chest.

Started and stung 3x down either side of the thighs. Then, 1x below & on the outside of each knee. Then, 1x on the outside of each calve. Then, 1x on the foot above the large toe. Then, 1x on either side of the neck. Then, 1x atop each shoulder and finally 1x on the center of the chest.

All right. Moving on here into my 12th month of Bee Venom Therapy. People ask me all the time ". . . is it working?" - their eyes opened wide with wonder, unable to fathom the concept of stinging oneself. "Yeah," I answer, proudly pointing to my mayonnaise jar full of bees. "20x every other day."

Here's an e-mail from my cyber-friend Ray. He's been having a rough time of it but he's a committed stinger. Ray writes:

". . . I am afraid to stop the stings. Although not really better as you seem to
be, I fear I would digress much faster without the stings. My eyesight and
other ARE better, but other things are not. Other than that 1st time of going
to 30+/- [stings in one session] I get little or no boost in energy like you. . . " Ray <Rayseal@aol.com>

He comments about me - but the point really is - are the bees stopping the progression of the "dis-ease" and making for a better "quality" of "day to day" life? I suggested moving the stings around more and stinging the neck, shoulders and bottom of the skull-cap. Those areas are really potent for me. And some things " ARE better" Ray reports, so . . . let's hope that in time things may improve even more. I'm sending him lots of good, healing energy.

The weather here continues to be warm and the season continues to metamorphose from Winter to Spring.And although in the past the change of seasons had brought about exacerbations - this year things seem to be okay. I'll have to keep real good tabs on this over the next few weeks. I wonder if others have experienced - or do experience - these same sort of "seasonal changes" in their condition?

Actually, I can feel a soar throat coming on. If I'm not careful, it can travel to my chest. The resistance gets low. And then. . . But so far, it's only a soar throat. A little extra vitamin C every few hours and some honey. And of course, stinging. I really believe it's the bees that levels the playing field for me. It keeps my resistance up - not down as with the immunosuppressants I'd been taking for years. Here's where the Bee Venom Therapy begins to pay off it's dividends.

A summer-time neighbor came up and voiced their fears and concern over the bee hives. Well, not very pleasant folks anyway but I will do what I can so as to remain neighborly. Besides, there's no-way to alleviate people's fear of honey bees I would think.

Anyway, I telephoned John McCoy, the beekeeper, and he came by yesterday to talk and to check out the overall condition of his hives. He brought along a veil, hat and gloves for us as well and he and Gavin tended to the hives for a few hours. It seems as though one hive didn't make it through the winter, John's not sure why - yet. He'll take it back to his place on Franklin MT. and determine the cause. Meanwhile we decided to move all the hives down closer to the creek - over in a clearing protected by trees. It will make them less visible & . . . "might even be a better - more protective area," John said. John, being the kinda' guy he is, said he'd move them for us - no problem. Geez, I don't know. Something about beekeepers.
 

FINALLY: A quick note. I've had some computer problems. . . and I've lost all mail sent to me in the last 4 or 5 days. So if I haven't responded - like to a woman in Texas - please, write again. And I'm still trying to retrieve my address book which I can't find. Hope I can find it!

Day 335 - 06:59pm - April 3, 1998, EST

Stung 22x this morning on my back, waist, buttocks, arms, and belly.

Started and stung 4x horizontally across the lower back. Then, 1x on each side at the waist. Then, 1x on each buttock. Then, 1x on each arm & 1x on the outside of each elbow & 1x on each forearm . Then, palms up, 1x on each wrist. Then 1x below the belly button and 1x on the right pelvis.

The weather has been much more normal these past few days - temperature in the 40's & 50's. The last series of stings - Wednesday morning's on the thighs and calves and feet and neck - served me well.

Had an appointment at the dentist yesterday an had the energy to "schlepp" in & out. This is what it's all about. As long as I am able to continue doing what I've been able to do in the past . . . then I'm not getting any worse, right? And yeah, maybe even improved slightly in certain areas. As I like to say, "God, I can handle what I've got. . . but no more, please!" Well, if Bee Venom Therapy is doing what I feel it's doing - then maybe "this is it" and this "dis-ease" will progress no further. It's the best thing I've got going.

Meanwhile, my soar throat has gone "bye-bye" and nothing catastrophic has taken its place. So perhaps the bee venom has indeed kept my immune system intact and functioning properly i.e. keeping me healthyt and not attacking my myelin. I'm hoping, praying and banking on it.

Now, life being what it is - and computers being what they are - I've indeed managed to have lost my address book in cyberspace. It's out there somewhere - hundreds of names of folks that are into BVT, those that have started and quit BVT, many that are sitting on the sidelines watching others do BVT . . . et al. So what shall I do? I could sit back and bemoan the fact that I've lost touch with all these fine folk, or. . . I can take advantage of the situation.

Well, you know me. Being the sorta' fellow I am, I'm gonna' do something. And here it is:

I've decided to take this opportunity to reach out to all of you and to ask you to respond to a survey that Carol, my wife, and I are drawing up. I will be asking folks to please answer a few simple questions about Bee Venom - more precisely - their experience with bee venom. In this way maybe we can garner & gather some helpful information regarding Bee Venom Therapy that could be beneficial to all of us - now - and for others in the future.

Before I post the survey though, I'd like to solicit from you any questions you'd like to see that may be pertinent. So if you think of a question that that might be worth asking - write me.

I've been thinking about doing something like this for some time now and I've been dragging my heels. So I guess God's given me a little push. I figure, why not do some research on our own? Why not do what we can to help ourselves? Maybe find out something new. Trials are fine but let's face it - there's nothing like the real thing. And at the same time, maybe I can re-stock my address book.

Day 338 - 04:17pm - April 6, 1998, EST

Stung 23x on the legs, feet, back and skull cap.

Started and stung 1x on either side of the head below the skull cap. Then, 2x on each foot - 1x behind and on the inside of the ankle bone & 1x above the large roe. Then, 4x high-up and on the outside of each thigh. Then,one escaped Carol's tweezers and stung me on my left index finger. Then, 1x atop each shoulder. Then 1x on either side of the lower back & 1x on each side on the center of the back. Then, 1x below each kneecap.

Weekend was okay and although I do feel a slight cold coming on it's not "full-blown". So I'm not feeling all that great - but not feeling like an exacerbation either. Not by a long-shot. The hands felt a little bit tighter than usual the last few days but this I'm sure comes from too much typing. I get into it and forget to slow down or give it a rest and then, before I know it, my fingers are less nimble than they should be.

Woke up this morning and my knees and legs were feeling tight and stiff as well. So, I really concentrated the stings this morning on the thighs and feet so as to try and loosen thing up. And they did. Feeling quite nice this afternoon. Lots of energy.

Haven't had too many responses to my request for questions on my upcoming survey - although I have had some - but not to worry. You can be sure I've got the major ones covered. But please, try and respond to the survey when I do post it. The accumulated data could turn out to be quite beneficial.

I talk a lot about independence and my electric scooter gives me a tremendous amount of independent mobility that I wouldn't otherwise have. But my old black "Rascal" scooter has just not been all that reliable lately - and now with warmer weather coming I've decided to purchase a brand new electric scooter. I'm getting it from one of my favorite clients, Charlie, a great guy whose website at www.electricscooter.com I've just finished updating, adding and revising. Charlie uses a scooter himself and sells them for the absolute best prices.

Medicare picks up the tab - and Charlie delivers them anywhere from "coast to coast". It should arrive some time in the next week or so and I am very excited. Don't get me wrong. I do push myself to get up and "schlepp" around as much as I am able. But after that, why sit inside all day? Why wait for others to "push me around" in a chair? No, as far as I'm concerned, electric scooters are where it's at - at least until the bees give me more independence on my feet.

Now, here's some e-mail from a fellow who is very smart and fortunate indeed. Smart because A- he just sounds like a very smart individual and B- because he has embarked on the Bee Venom Therapy trip. And fortunate, because he has a very tight family that's behind him all the way. But that doesn't mean that he's not "hanging-out" there with questions and doubts and in need of a little comraderies. Bob writes:
 

". . . I am 50 years old. I was dx with optic neuritis in 1974 and had a complete recovery with only slight exacerbations for the next 19 years. . . Then in 1993 I started to go numb
on the right side of my body. I was then officially diagnosed . . .. Slowly - relentlessly I started to progress. In November of 97 my cousin, a beekeeper, said to me... "Bob, If I were you, I know what I would do. BEES". . . . I have a great family with the world's most fabulous wife and wonderful kids. Julie is my beautiful wife, friemd, and lover. The quintessential mother of our 3
great children. . . [I am] a high school science teacher, summer time parttime builder and coach on extended sick leave from work. . . . I had tried beta seron twice and crashed-and-burned for about a day both times. Twice on two seperate attempts and two different ways of taking the medication I lost my legs for short time. My neurologist called it a pseudo exacerbation. Let me
tell you, it didn't feel very "pseudo" to me. Then my neurologist became reluctant to try Avonex or Copaxon. He wanted meto sit it out for six months and se how I did. He did however supply me with the name and phone number of a somewhat local girl with ms who had tried bee
stings and had good results. I then read Mraz's book and Pat Wagner's book. . . and, your home page. It's unbelieveable how the doors have opened for me to start this therapy just since, of all things, THANKSGIVING.
But a number of times I have gotten extremely weak and wobbly on sting days anywhere from 3 to 12 hours after my session. I was up to about 16 stings a day. Now it looks as though, just like beta seron, that something is trying to beat me down. Now here's something odd. I
get extremely week and wobbly just after eating. I don't want to lose heart. I am going to give this, as you did, at least 6 months. . . .
Is anyone else experiencing these problems of getting the tar kicked out of them on sting day instead of feeling stronger and more energetic? I think that it's just my body trying to get used to the bee venum while having my immune system "tweeked", as my former skate boarding son said.
I liked Donna's idea about diverting your immune system away from attacking your own nervous tissue just long enough for your body to begin to heal itself. Gotta see this through. As Dick Liedecker says (a very close friend who also has ms) "its only a matter of time till
the magic bullet gets here, Bob, we'll see it in our lifetime. . . " Bob <"rstroble@epix.net"@epix.net>

Well, Bob sounds like a very open, gentle and interesting person. The sort of fella' you wish were your next door neighbor. He's opened himself up to me and in turn to you because with all even with great family support he obviously has - and the books and the folks who've already made a difference for him - he's still out there on his own. Bob's got lots of questions and that compelling desire to compare notes with others going through the experience of Bee Venom Therapy.

Bob's got my support and my blessings and I just know he's gonna' do all right But let's see if we can let him know that he's not all alone out there. We're in it together and together we can really make a difference

Day 340

Wednesday - April , 1998

Hi, I am Carol, Barry's wife, and I just wanted to let everyone know that Barry is in the hospital and won't be posting for a few days. He has an infection in his arm - not sure how it came about, but with the help of some antibiotics he should be doing okay soon. Happy Easter/Happy Passover to all. Keep stinging!

Day 345 - 04:10pm - April 13, 1998, EST

Stung 12x this morning on my legs and feet.

Started and stung 3x high up on the outside of each thigh. Then, 1x below each knee. Then, 1x on each calve and finally 1x above each large toe.

Well, you never know what life has to offer, do ya' ? I don't know how or why, but I managed to create an infection in my arm last week. Woke up on Tuesday and I was just "out of it". You know the feeling, when you can hardly get up and out of bed. And I thought to myself, "Uh-oh, what's going on here? Is it exacerbation time?"

So I stayed in bed most of the day on Tuesday and woke up on Wednesday, looking forward to stinging. But then, leaning on my forearm to push up, it felt very sore. Leaning over, I said to Carol, "Hey, honey, look here. Do you see anything weird?" And sure enough it looked like trouble.

She saw a red inflamed area with a line shooting upward. Carol, being the smart and together person she is said. "Okay. We're not stinging. We're heading over to Dr. Jim's and having him take a look at this." Of course, me, being the impractical person that I am, said, "Oh, come on, hon. This can't be anything that a little stinging can't cure." Well, without an appointment or anything we simply took off to Dr. Jim's.

He wasn't there but his partner Dr. Karen, another great nurse practitioner with a head on her shoulders, came out to the car to check me out. I was too weak to make it inside. After a quick look she said, "Let's get you over to the Emergency Room and have this checked out. Now."

Well, the rest is history as they say. I was admitted with a diagnosis of "cellulitis with lymphhongitis of the right arm" and immediately put on IV antibiotics.

Of course, the big question is - how did it happen? What caused it? Well, there is no definitive answer to that. I think it was caused by a fall I'd taken a few days earlier. I also had an infected cuticle on my finger that I'd been nursing for a few days. So who knows. Of course there was at least one doctor who thought it could have been caused by bees. But like I said to all of the doctors there, "In the event that you think it was caused by the bee stings - doesn't make any difference - I ain't stopping to sting."

They were all really terrific at the hospital though. My neurologist's recent report was in my files and they were all aware of his thoughts on the matter. . . that Bee Venom Therapy had indeed been keeping the "dis-ease" from progressing. Maybe even improved my condition slightly. And they were all - doctors & nurses alike - curious to know all about the process - asking all the usual questions - eyes going wide and mouths dropping open at all the appropriate times. "How often do you sting!? In what areas of the body!? How long have you been doing it for?!"

Nobody suggested that I stop stinging. Nobody insinuated that I was off my rocker. Nobody sneered or rolled their eyes heavenward at me. And this did surprise me in that I'd expected a bit more resistance - you know what I'm talking about. But regardless, I let them all know right off the bat, " If you've got a better idea for controlling this "dis-ease" - I'm all ears. But so far this is what's working. A bit excessive, perhaps, sure. But desperate times call for desperate measures."

Anyway, thank God, Friday afternoon I was released from the hospital and put on oral anti-biotics. I'm not totally healed- yet. I have an appointment with Dr. Jim on Friday - so I'm hoping there won't be any complications. I was fortunate to have caught the infection early and although I'm still not up to speed, man, I'm feeling much better.

But one thing I learned that I want to pass on to other folks. It's really important to stay in touch with your body. Stinging or no stinging, MS or no MS, anything can happen . . . so you've got to stay conscious. If you're not feeling good - it may not always be the MS that's acting up. The universe has a whole host of other "disasters" just waiting to catch you off guard. Be alert and stay in touch with your body. Because good or bad - it's the only one you've got.

Finally, I really want to thank each and every person who's sent me good and get well wishes and cards and stuff. I wish I could respond to each one personally just as you have written to me personally but I just can't. But believe me, as I read each letter and e-mail - each picture and cyber-card - I knew just who was sending it to me and my heart and gratefulness was with you at that moment in time. And it did mean a lot to me. So thank you, thank you, thank you. Your words of support and encouragement were not taken lightly. They were greatly appreciated and really helped make the experience a lot less lonely one. I'm a blessed man.

Barry

Day 347 - 04:15pm - April 15, 1998, EST

Stung 12x this morning on my back, shoulders and thighs.

Started half-way up my back and stung 6x - approx. 2" from the spine - to the left & right sides. Then, stung 2x atop either shoulder. Then, stung 2x on the insides of each thigh.

Didn't sting these past few sessions as much as I have been stinging for two reasons: one - I'm not sure what bee venom and anti-biotics do to one another . . . probably cancel each other out. Two - I've been stinging for almost a year and every one says at some point you go for it on an "as needed basis". So what the heck does that mean? I don't know, but I figured this was as good a time to see as ever. Maybe 12 stings per session is enough. . . maybe stinging only twice a week is enough. How do I figure it out? I suppose. . . by trial & error of some sort. Regardless, if I do less stings for a few days - when I do "crank it up" it will really give me a boost. Always does.

Been feeling better - stronger and the infection seems to be waning - but not gone. Appointment with Dr. Jim at week's end. Hope for the best.

Now, here's an e-mail from Phyllis who's responding to a letter I'd posted by Laura who had been having a really difficult time with the stings. Phyllis writes:
 

". . . Thought I would comment on your friend that started BVT and was feeling
poorly.
I experienced feeling yukkie and tired, my face broke out like I had
measles. I went for a week without stings and it passed but I am going to go at it
slower and not raising the number of stings so fast. I talked with Judy A. <JAlva76117@aol.com> and some others at the BVT seminar held 4/4 and they suggested I try doing a lower amount of stings. I feel great and walking fairly well. I'm surely not going to give up. . . . "
Phyllis <PGL32@aol.com>

Great letter from Phyllis. She is determined to see this through and not give up and certainly deserves all the encouragement in the world - and respect.

These are the tough times but they will pay off. But it's not easy and indeed some do suffer so much more than others. I included Judy's address because she is really a super supportive person & if someone else has questions and needs someone to just talk and compare notes with - just e-mail Judy. She's the one. A smart person with a giant heart.

Day 349 - 04:55pm - April 17, 1998, EST

Stung 16x this morning on my legs, shoulders and neck.

Started and stung 3x high up on the outsides of each thigh. Then, 1x below each kneecap. Than, 1x above the large toe and 1x behind he outside of each ankle. Then, 1x atop each shoulder and finally 1x beneath the skull cap on the left & right sides.

The stings were good this morning giving me a really good boost of energy like it always does. When you don't sting for a while you forget what the stings do. Then when you do sting - certainly that first 4-6 hours, you really feel that "jolt" of energy. Not so tight and stiff. Able to schlepp across the room so much easier. There's something in that venom.

Well, the days are definitely warming up and the time for getting back and swimming in the pond is getting closer. Not warm enough yet though - but the trees are just beginning to bud. And I'm already seeing bees buzzing about - not many, but some. Supposedly bees pollinate within a radius of 2 to 3 miles from where their hives are situated. Should have nice flowers and a healthy vegetable garden this year.

And John McCoy has already relocated all the hives down closer to the creek so they are out of sight and the neighbors are happier. John is such a great guy. Didn't even see him move them. One morning I woke up and they were there. Beekeepers are certainly special people.

I've been feeling much better, almost back to my old self. Have an appointment with Dr. Jim this weekend and will report back.

Now, here's an e-mail from Laura who had been having a real hard time with the stings. Unfortunately, much too hard a time. Laura writes:
 

". . . I had such a severe reaction to my last set of bee stings that
I had no choice but to discontinue stinging for awhile. As I had previously
written the fever, chills and blisters really had taken it's toll on me I
developed some cellulitis in the vicinity of the the most recent sting sites
and am just starting to really heal. My husband teases me that I look as
though I've had the chicken pox as my blistered sites are just beginning to
scab over.
It's amazing how much I wanted BVT to work for me. As I lay in bed with my
fever and sores all I could think about was as soon as I'm better I'll
resume my stinging regime. I think it was time to face reality that perhaps this
wasn't going to be my "miracle when I developed the cellulitis. My
husband who has been an incredible support through this and everything else began to
look panicked that I would consider resuming the treatment. I realize now
that he was just being very protective of me and scared that I was getting
worse rather than better.
I was feeling discouraged but know that perhaps something else will come
along for me. I will continue to follow your progress and pray for you that you
will continue to have more energy and strength. . . ." Laura <MLB3RMAX@aol.com>

Okay. Nice lady with kind words but what do you say? Can you tell someone to just keep on stinging when they're having such bad reactions? But, do we just let her go, "feeling discouraged but know that perhaps something else will come along for me." I'd suggested stinging less, changing sites, stinging less often but can it really be that stinging is not for Laura? I have to admit I find it difficult to accept. Yet the fact of the matter is - this is all still so experimental.

Maybe someone else has some ideas and suggestions for Laura. I'd certainly be interested to hear what others have to say about her predicament. She seems to have a good attitude but should she stop or persevere? I'm really working on this one.

Day 352 - 05:28pm - April 20, 1998, EST

Stung 16x this morning on my back, shoulders, neck and torso.

Started and stung 8x up the far sides of my back - 4x on each side. Then, 2x atop each shoulder. Then, 1x to the left & right sides of the torso just outside the armpit. And finally, 1x at the top of each arm by the muscle.

Feeling better overall although woke up yesterday feeling a bit tighter and stiffer than usual. So I looked forward to the stings this morning because if nothing else it loosen me up for the day.

Had my appointment with Dr. Jim and he says that the infection is gone. Good news. However the area still feels sensitive to the touch and there seems to be two little "nodes" in the area that the infection was. Dr. Jim is not sure what they are or why they're there but says not to be concerned and to just keep an eye on them. I suppose in time they should just dissipate.

I'd received this letter from Jorge who also had experienced some sort of problem similar to mine. Jorge writes:

". . . the last two weeks were difficult. I just completed 10
days of Keflex 500mg four times a day. No BVT durring that time. That was because
I developed an abscess on my left forearm. Was it the result of a beesting?
Maybe who really knows but yes, it was in the approximate area where I had
stung and I'm sure it could have been. Regardless, it's the first one in
over 3,000 plus beestings. It just slowed me down. I treated it and am back on
track with BVT.
I just returned from the store. That was after my wife stung me 8 times on
the lumbar and thoracic region of my spine. My back has been feeling a
little bit stiff and stinging the spastic area does provide relief for me. It's an
immediate effect. My muscles go from being hard to soft. Just a couple 2 or
3 stings seem to suffice.
Now days, I mainly sting the spinal column. Stinging the back continues to
relieve the fatigue and it makes sense to sting the spinal cord area. That's
the area, I too feel provides a total body effect. That's unless I am
feeling spasticity in a specific area. Then I will sting the effected area. . . ."
Jorge,U2 <U2rFree2BU@aol.com>

Keflex is the same anti-biotic that I was on. Jorge is certainly a committed stinger and is pushing forward with the Bee Venom Therapy regardless as to whether the stings have caused him a problem or not. He seems to really have his sting program down to a science. I'm impressed.Well, I'm like him. If the bees are keeping this "dis-ease" at bay, I'm not ready to let go. Like I've said, "Desperate times call for desperate measures."

Now, here's an e-mail that my cyber-friend John sent to Laura, the woman who's letter I'd posted last week. Laura had had some real problems with her stinging - unsure as to whether she can continue on or not. John has some suggestions for Laura but better yet, he's offered to share his venom with her. John writes:

". . . Have you ever stung, in any amount, and not had a reaction? If so I
would try that number for a week stinging every other day, then go to
one more for a week and so get up to what you want.

If you have been using heat or deliberate lack of (cold) for pain
control you might try the other. My guess is you used cold and kept the
venom in one place so heat would cause by increased circulation a
greater and more rapid dissemination. However, I use neither.

Supposedly this should make no difference, but are you using live bees
or bottled venom? I doubt that it is worth while to buy a bottle of
venom just to try it out, but if you are anywhere near east central
Missouri I would give you a stings worth to try. . ." John <jbrackman@fidnet.com>

Well, John has some sensible ideas for Laura to try. But more than that, how generous for him to be offering his bottled venom. Obviously John sees what positive results he's been getting from Bee Venom Therapy and is not ready to see someone else just give it all up. What a great person. What support!

But it brings up an interesting thought. Is bottled venom easier for a person's body and skin to accept? Does one react differently to the bee venom when it is administered through live bees as opposed to when it is given via an injection? I'm not sure but I do know there are some folks that would be hard pressed to give up their hives.

Day 354 - 04:18p.m. - April 22, 1998, EST

Stung 16x this morning on my back,neck and thighs.

Started and stung 8x - approx. 3" on either side of the spine. Then, stung 1x on either side of the neck. And then, stung 3x on the insides of each thigh.

Well, I've been feeling pretty good over the past few days.Things are getting back to normal and the whole incident with the hospital is feeling like more and more behind me in the past.

But the best part is - my new electric scooter has arrived. Yes! It is absolutely beautiful and powerful and just reeks of independence. The weather is grand and Carol and the kids were all into me getting outside and enjoying it. Getting back out to the pond area where I haven't been since the Fall. Carol went on a 3 mile walk this morning down our country road and I was able to accompany her. It was nice. Again, the website I'd designed for Charlie who sells electric scooters is at www.electricscooter.com and It's worth a visit.

Now, here's an e-mail from Donna M. who has just started stinging and already has great words of support for others. Donna writes:

". . . I started BVT about 6 weeks ago. Judy A. <JAlva76117@aol.com> has been a great help to me. She encouraged me and sent me information. I agree with you statement of April 15th. She is a very smart person with a great heart!
I was also spurred to write to you because I saw Phyllis' letter about her bad reaction to the stings. I had one too. I had a fever of 101 and just felt terrible. I just slowed down a little and kept going. I did not increase the number of stings quite so fast. . . . I really think that she can get past the bad effects of the stings. It just might take a little extra time. I would hate to see her give up the only real hope that I have found for those of us with MS. Nothing else is as encouraging. . .
I just went up to 16 yesterday. Things seem to be going quite well now. My family says that they think that I am moving a little better. I use a walker most of the time. I use a wheel chair for outings like shopping. I have noticed that my legs don't seem to be as stiff and sore as they were. Since slowing down things are going well. I will do 16 stings for 2 more days and then go up
to 18. . . " ,"Donna Marty <sixlegs@onramp113.org>

Great letter from a woman who is just beginning to get into the regimen herself. She feels what Bee Venom Therapy is doing for her and is already anxious to lend her support to others. Which doesn't mean she's not deserving of lots of encouragement herself. Six weeks on the "bee" team and you know there's lots of new stuff going on in here life. And once again we hear about Judy A. - doing all she can to pitch in and help others. Lots of good folks out there in cyber-space, that's for sure. Well, Donna, you're on the right track. Sounds great and keep at it. The best is yet to be!

Day 356 - 05:55p.m. - April 24, 1998, EST

Stung this afternoon on my legs, feet, shoulders, neck and chest.

Started high up on my thighs and stung 3x on the outside of each. Then, 1x below each kneecap. Then, 2x on each foot - 1x above each large toe and 1x behind the outside of each ankle. Then, 1x atop each shoulder and 1x below each side of the skullcap and finally 1x on the center of the chest between the breastbone.

Today I decided to sting in the late afternoon because I had a dinner party to attend and the stings - especially on the legs - really give me the oomph! to go where I have to go. To get up and "schlepp" along in and out of the car and the house and all the rest. I suppose that's what's so wonderful about the Bee Venom Therapy. It gives me what I need, to do what must be done.We'll be leaving shortly and we'll see how it goes.

Went to the "big" city yesterday - Binghampton - with the family to do some shopping. Used my new Chauffeur electric scooter to get around the mall. Couldn't have done without it. No, it's not walking - but it's independence of some sort. It's getting out and doing.

I have to continue to remind myself - "walking" isn't everything. Living life is important too. Doing and spending time with my family - out of the house. I haven't resigned myself to not walking and never will. But until the time comes and I once again can do some decent "hoofing", life goes on.

Now, here's an from Michael who's been stinging for a while with some very nice results. Michael writes:

". . . Doing great here. I took my walker and put it to the side. I am use a cane now. Using
the cane really helps out my legs. I'm ridding my bike now, 4 miles a day.
I still use the walker though, if I go some places. Wish I could hold onto
the air (ha ha). I can walk pretty good with the cane, but I have to hang
onto the walls, chairs, etc. But hey, it's a start. I just tell everybody
to keep up the stinging, exercise and have faith. Well, until next time.
Take care and keep up with the journal.. . ."Mike "Michael" <mwolve@wolv.tds.net>

Well, it sounds like Mike is doing pretty darn good. And regardless as to what his condition is or was before starting Bee Venom Therapy, the key thing is that he's keeping the situation under control. The bees are doing what they're intended to do. That's great! Very encouraging. That's what is so wonderful about the bees. Because if it keeps this "dis-ease" from progressing - then it indeed is working.Because as Dr. Jim said to me last week, "Hang in, buddy. A cure for this is imminent. There's lots more interest in MS than ever before."

And on that note, here's an e-mail I just received from a doctor. I'm posting it for no other reason than that it made me feel good. Made me feel that maybe even those in the medical profession are giving this Bee Venom Therapy a second glance. Tom writes:

". . .was diagnosed with M.S. last week. I am a Physician and have searched
everywhere to formulate a plan of treatment. Your story is incredible
and a tribute to all who are fighting this disease. I have begun Avonex and
will entertain other therapies as I discover them.

You have my undying admiration.

Tom
Benton, M.D.

Just made me feel. . . not so crazy.

Day 359 - 05:18p.m. - April 27, 1998, EST

Stung 18x this morning on my back.

Started just above my buttocks and stung 9x up each side approx. 6" from the spine to the top of the shoulders.

Well, there's just no doubt that stinging the thighs and legs and feet get me up and "schlepping" more effectively. Did so Friday afternoon and had no problems getting up and down & in and out of that dinner party we'd attended. Friends at the party remarked that I seemed "better" than the last time they'd seen me. I know I was moving better - more spring in my "schlepp" probably. Well, perhaps because I'd tipped the scales by stinging just before going. But, hey, it works. It gets me going so I've got to be grateful for that, right? Perhaps a pill would be easier and some steroids might even last longer. But the stings don't seem to have any harmful side effects.

Believe it or not, had a little wet snow here yesterday. Nothing "sticking" but I guess I'll just have to wait another week or so before "getting back into the pond". Weatherman says should be getting into the 70's soon. Can't wait.

Now, here's an e-mail from Cindy, a committed stinger who reminds me that this regimen just keeps on working. Cindy writes:

". . . I just read your journal up to date. I can speak from experience regarding
the skin flare-ups--scabbing over--lumps, scars and the like. There are
times I swell up beyond belief. Don't know why. It varies from time to
time. Sometime my arms, then the next time my neck or spine or feet. I
don't know why it varies. At times I get ugly, ugly, ugly looking "puss"
pockets. Other times I don't even get red. At times I still will get flu
symptoms (nausea, diarrhea and the like). But it goes away. And I can't
keep on an even keel without my BVT.

Desperate times call for desperate measures and this is the only way I know
how to battle MS. At times I do get depressed. But who doesn't?????? Even
if the stinging hurts--I know in a short amount of time I'll feel better
again. It's something I can depend on--even on the bad reaction days.
There's always some part of the stinging that is positive.

Your journal is so beneficial and reassuring. I know there's lots of
people out there that are just as stubborn as I am! . . . " Cindy

"Z-MAN" <kcjjjzim@pop.ctctel.com>

What a terrific letter. It's letters like this and cyber-friends like Cindy that keep me going and give me the support I need to "keep on keeping on". She's right, you know. We all get down and discouraged at times. Who wouldn't dealing with this "blight". But she's also so "right-on" about at least having the bees to fall back on. To at least have something that "tips the scales" in our favor from time to time. It's indeed a blessing - and indeed - we are blessed.

Day 361 - 05:25p.m. - April 29, 1998, EST

Stung 18x his morning on my thighs, knees, calves and feet.

Started high up on my thighs and stung 4x on the outside of each. Then, 1x below each kneecap. Then, 1x on the outside of each calve. Then 3x on each foot. . . 1x above the large toe and 1x behind the inside and 1x behind the outside of each ankle bone.

So those stings on my back on Monday were actually quite energizing. I always say how I prefer stinging on my legs and thighs and feet as that really gets me up and walking but as they say - "MS is a total body experience" and it's important to move those stings around and get at the entire body. Monday and yesterday were good days. And maybe those stings on the legs really get me up and walking - but walking isn't everything.

I've been avoiding the arms and hands over the last few weeks because of the infection I'd been treated for. I think that by next week I should be getting that segment of my body back into the rotation again.

Now, here's a web site called The Apitherapy Reference Data BaseI'm going to add it to my links at the bottom of my page. It's the definitive word when it comes to the study and science of Apitherapy on the World Wide Web.

This web site provides documented reference material for advancing the investigation of apitherapy.It gathers information on Apitherapy from around the world, making this information available to the entire medical profession, as well as us.

I wasn't sure where it was headquartered or where it had originated and sent an e-mail to a Durk Ellison, one of its founders. In response, Durk graciously fills me in on the details. Durk writes:

". . . The site is a joint effort between myself in Finland, Dr. Stefan Stangaciu in Romania and Thomas Schachtner in Germany and a bunch of others who have helped provide the data. I don't think any one person can truly take the credit.

We met at Apimondia. Dr. Theodore Cherbuliez invited us to dinner where
we discovered we had been thinking along the same lines and agreed to
pool our efforts. The dinner lasted long into the night and we resolved
the protocol and basic procedures we would follow and just who would
roughly take the responsibility for what.

It seemed to us, in our separate searches for apitheraputical
information, that there where isolated pockets of information (based on
factual research studies) but that that information never or rarely
found it's way outside the universities or research institutes library.
Also that there really wasn't any place that these people could discuss
these matters with each other.

The first thing was to find a list server and set up a place on the
internet so that people could exchange information and knowledge about
apitheraputical issues.

This was the hardest thing to do but things finally fell into place and
the APITHER list was formed.

The second thing was to make available via the WEB all the reference
data we had been collecting. This we did by collecting it all together
and sending it to Dr. Stangaciu. So that, as an expert and linguist, he
could review it and with the help of Thomas Schachtner (a programmer,
beekeeper and apitherapist) include it, with his own reference list,
into a database format. Since then so many people have contributed it
would be very difficult to make a list.

I was offered a WEB page (10 MEG) at a reasonable price from my server
here. So we decided to construct the page at this ISP. The data base is
currently a little over 900 pages and Dr. Stangaciu has said he will be
sending some more when he returns from his lecture tour in Germany.

So you might say we are all doing according to our expertise. I'm a
retired Data Comm. Engineer so I have the time to spend on the WEB page
construction and maintenance and APITHER list management.

Now, at least, when you discuss apitherapy you can easily support it
with scientifically researched references.

So that's a brief history of how it came about. "Headquartered" :-)
makes it seem like a formal organization :-). Where I think of it as
just some people who felt it was necessary, getting together and doing
it.

What really makes it interesting and a lot of fun is the fact that here
you have different people with different backgrounds and nationalities
working together and coordinating such a huge project, all via the
internet. " Durk "Durk Ellison" <Durk.Ellison@beenet.pp.sci.fi>

So there you have it. I mean, does Durk & Co. sound like a great bunch of people or what? Some very smart and energetic people doing some very important work. I just can't say enough. And let me tell you, when you see just how much scientific study has been done - and is being done on and about the honey bee - you will be inspired. Check out this site.
 
 

.

Day 363 - 04:45p.m. - May 1, 1998 1998, EST

Stung 16x this morning on my neck, shoulders, sides and thighs.

Started on the neck and stung 1x on either side. Then 1x atop each shoulder. Then, going down the sides of my torso, 3x on the left & right sides. Then, 2x on the insides of each thigh.

Have been really feeling energetic, really feeling like the stings have been giving me lots of energy. Not feeling fatigued and tired. Working on designing web sites and doing good work. But. . . I've got to be careful because although I've got the "oomph" and desire to get up and walk for example, my legs don't necessarily have all that much power to take me - yet. And although my balance may be better - it just ain't good enough - yet.

So with all this desire and adrenaline shooting through me I've gotten up and "schlepping" half-way between "here & there" - I get stuck. So I have to be careful not to let my mind get ahead of what my physical body can actually do. "The mind is willing but the body is weak". But hopefully soon all this bee venom will kick in even more. Because if it is an accumulative thing - well, it'll be 1 year next week.

Now, here's an e-mail from my cyber-friend Wally - a "published" author among numerous other talents - with a few questions. He's been stinging for a while and is quite committed. But like all of us on this experimental venture on which we're on - questions & observations prevail. Wally writes.

". . .Here's a question: I had to skip my stings on Monday... and by
Monday evening, I was feeling a little dragged out. Today (Tues.)
has not been at all fun...achy, spasms, weakness. Do you (or
anyone) think that after having been consistent for nigh unto three
months, having a sudden 4 day dryspell be that noticeable? It�s
not unbearable like withdrawal from heroin...or worse yet
PREDNISONE! (boo hiss)... Just curious and missing my bees. . .

[Also] I just stumbled on another cat . . . who
like me feels that since the neurological damage is
concentrated on the central nervous system (i.e.,
brain stem and spinal column), and not the peripheral
areas, maybe the stings should be concentrated on the
neck and back. Whatcha think? " Wally <wallass@rocketmail.com>

Good questions and I would imagine that everyone would have a personal feeling and response to each.

Regarding where to sting, I can only say that when I get stung on my legs and feet - something really happens for me. I can get up and "schlepp" easier. But that's me. I wonder about others.

And when it comes to missing stings - I'm hooked on getting stung and maybe it's psychological but when I don't get it, I'm missing it. Or perhaps, after getting a lot of venom in your system you don't need it that often. I don't know. I do know Pat Wagner, the Queen of Sting, says that after 6 months it's on an "as needed" basis. I've yet to figure out just what that means though. Because I feel that I'm always "in need" except on the day that I'm stung.

Either way, Wally is a good man and has given us some things to ponder. And he's on his way. Let's hope he gets his bees - and has all the bees he needs - "as needed".

Day 366 - 05:14p.m. - May 4, 1998 1998, EST

Stung 24x this morning across my entire body.

Started 1x on either side just beneath the skull cap. Then, 1x on either shoulder. Then 1x along the spine inside the shoulder blades. Then, 1x on each forearm and 1x on each hand between thumb and index finger. Then, 1x on the inside of each ankle and 1x atop each large toe. Then, 4x across the lower back at the waist line. Then, 1x on either side of the chest and finally 1x behind each calve.

Wow! Okay, it's been a year to the day now that I've embarked on this Bee Venom Therapy. All I can say is that all in all I feel as though my condition has not progressed. Yes, I've had good days and bad days and better days but I continue to bounce back to where I've started. For example over this past weekend. When I awoke Saturday I didn't have all that energy to get up and "schlepp" along. My left leg felt weak - my calve muscle - weaker than usual. By Sunday, I was feeling more energetic and able to put more "push" onto my leg so as to move along - but not great. And by today, after a good stinging session, I'm feeling up and at it again and much better. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll feel even better. What does it mean and just how does the bee venom work? I don't know. But I do know that when I get stung - something happens. I feel myself get stronger.

Now, here's an e-mail from a cyber friend, Mickey, who's been stinging for a while and like all of us has his ups and downs. Mickey writes:

"Still stinging. The M.S. is rearing its ugly head. I get so fatigued
and fall alot "OUCH". It is hard to be this way after feeling so good a
month ago.. . . The bees are going okay . . .I was
wondering about having my own bees instead of buying them. I have looked
into a few costs but wondered if you had any thoughts on the subject. . . ." Mickey
<MBurk69@aol.com>

Mickey is a good man and doing what he can with what there is. He's having a bit of a rough time now and I'm praying for things to turn around for him. . . fast. But Mickey is a smart guy too. He's not throwing in the towel. On the contrary - he's moving ahead and even considering his own hives. Well, for those of you who have them, and can comment on the "pros & cons" drop Mickey a line and perhaps share with him what it all entails. I know he'd appreciate it.

Day 368 - 04:49p.m. - May 6, 1998 1998, EST

Stung 22x this morning on my spine, legs, thighs, feet and arms.

Started on the back of my neck, at the center and stung 8x straight down on the spine. Then, stung 1x on either arm. Then, stung 2x on the outside of each thigh. Then, 1x on the back of each calve. Then 3x on each foot - 1x in front and 1x behind each ankle bone, and 1x above the small toe.

Well, the stings on Monday, the "full body stings" were definitely helpful and made me feel even better. Although by Tuesday I still wasn't feeling totally up to snuff - yet. Still draggy. My left calve was still weak - but stronger than it had been since the weekend. Perhaps I'd fallen on it or something - don't know. Then when I awoke this morning my legs felt even stronger. And today's stings should hopefully have me feeling even stronger. Better and batter - I am, grateful for the bees because I know that the stings are doing something to keep my condition stable. There just aren't any options as far as I can tell.

Now, here's an interesting e-mail that my cyber-friend Ray that he had forwarded to me from Dianne. Dianne has been stinging for years and her story is one of those muracle stories. She shares some interesting events, thoughts and ideas Dianne writes:

". . . I to have been on bvt since Oct of 93. Before going on bvt, I was
homebound and had to give up working, shopping, driving, ect. I am now
back to all normal activities.
I sting 2x a week 15-stings on Mon and 15-stings on Fri.
I do not take any medication as I feel this will hinder the bee venom.
I have chronic progressive MS but since starting BVT I have not had an
attack or a flare up.
80% of my symptoms are gone and have not returned and most damage has
reversed.
I recommend bvt to anyone with ms, with two restrictions 1- you must
sting on a weekly basis
2- you must be free of all medications.
Feel free to e-mail me for more information. . .

As for Males vs Females and bee venom, I have been taking notice since
you brought it up and I think you are right, women seem to respond to it
better than men, although I'm not sure why.
I have been helping a man in my area with bvt, he is 37 and was in bad
shape. For awhile he was not responding but I told him about diet and he
decided to try it. He no longer needs a cath and he no longer needs a
cane. He has been on bvt for only 5.5 months but is now responding very
well. Diet seems to help a great deal.
As for where I sting, its the center of the spine only. Also I am on
mail list with bee biologists and bee keepers all over the world and I
was reading something new to me. They said you must keep the bee ( when
it stings ) on you for 60 seconds as it takes that long to empty its
sack of venom. I did not know this. I do keep the stinger in for 15
minutes but was not aware that it takes 60 seconds for the bee to empty
its sack.. . " Dianne deemg@webtv.net

Well, lots of stuff in this e-mail to ponder and think about as well as to feel hopeful and good about too. . Great news about that man that Dianne is working with. Doesn't Dianne sounds like a really terrific lady - doing what she can for herself and for others. Really great.She sees how it has worked - and continues to work for her and is just into sharing it with others. I just can't say enough.

But how about that stuff about leaving the bee stinging for 60 seconds. That certainly came as a surprise to me. Would love to hear more about that.

Day 370

Stung 26x this morning starting at the upper back and going down to my ankles.

Started on my back approx 2" from the spine - left & right sides - and stung 5x down either side to my waist. Then, 1x on either buttock. Then, 4x on either thigh - on the insides and outsides of each. Then, 2x on each calve - insides and outsides of each. And finally 1x on either ankle - just below the ankle bone.

I stung more than usual today because I wanted to give my entire body a good boost. I've been feeling better and better and want to stay that way. Especially since last weekend - right through today. Went to the library yesterday and "schlepped" in & out. This was good. I feel stronger. And stinging on the legs and on the calves seems to give those areas more life - a wake-up call - giving it energy and waking it back up. Like a shot of cortisone - but this is natural with no negative side effects.The stings just feel great.

And I'm not the only that feels this way about Bee Venom Therapy. Here's an e-mail from a relatively new "bee" person who is having some great results. Donna writes:
 

". . . I wrote to you a few weeks back and shared with you that I had noticed a difference in my condition since beginning BVT.
I have now completed my 54th day and I am still seeing good results. This encourages me to continue on. I saw my neurologist a couple of weeks ago. I did not tell him that I am doing BVT. When he examined me he said that it seemed my
legs had gotten a little stronger, and for the first time since the beginning of my problems he said that he does not need to see me for 6 months if I don't have any problems. The longest period between visits until now has been 3 months. I am so excited and encouraged by this. I just had to share it with you. I hope that others will give BVT a fair try. Bee Well, Donna M. <sixlegs@onramp113.org>

What graet news! I'm excited for Donna. It's hearing things like this from people like Donna that really gives one encouragement to push on and to persevere. And to see just how well the bee venom is working in her life. Great story and a great beginning. Keep going Donna. It's only the start of better things to be.

And here's another e-mail from someone who's having some great rseults too. Jeff writes:
 

". . . I'm a 34 yr. old male, married with 2 young uns, ive been doing bee stings
since last september. Its been nothing short of a miracle.
Its good to read that others are doing well with it also. Hope you continue
to do well with it. . . "
Jeff <jawsfive@email.msn.com>

Yes, more great news from another committed stinger. Loved getting this letter too. Hearing from others with MS that's doing Bee Venom Therapy and seeing some decent results. From a guy who's taken matters into his own hands and is determined to make some things happen in his life. And he obviously is. Keep at Jeff and all the best.

Day 373 - May 11, 1998 - 04:44 EST

Stung 20x on my shoulders down to my knees.

Started on my shoulders and stung 1x on each. Then, starting below my armpits, stung straight down aech side onto my waist, buttocks, thighs, knees and calves. Finally, one bee escaped Carol's tweezers and stung my elbow - so I stung the other one too. Yin-yang.

Definitely needed those stings this morning. The weekend was okay and I felt pretty good over-all but just "shlepping" around is just more of a "shlepp". My leg, although stronger than what it had been still doesn't feel "right". But I'll continue to sting and hopefully soon things will get back to where they were. But there's just no doubt that when I sting - for the first 4-6 hours after the session, I have the energy and I feel strong. My legs are not so tight and I move easier. Just need it to last longer.

This is something imortant to note. Seems like some Epi-Pens are being re-called for lack of potency. Here's an email I received from Durk Ellison filling us in on the subject. Durk writes:

". . . For info on EpiPen recall, in USA you can telephone:

1-800-240-5788 for details.

If you have a browser, go to the Company Web Site
for the "full Press Release" which specifies the specific
lot numbers that are involved in the recall. All other
lot numbers are regarded as okay. Also tells you what
to do if your product is on the recall list.

http://www.meridianmeds.com/DR10sk.htm

Thanks, Durk. Folks should go there and check it out. Batter safe than sorry.

Now, here's some e-mail from Fran, a committed stinger who is not into just sitting back. Uh-uh. Fran writes:
 

". . . I've had 1,779 stings to date. I just flew in from Atlanta, GA. Gone 5
days to meet a speech therapist friend from Walla Walla, WA. My scooter and I
will go anywhere--left my husband at home. I had 24 stings Wednesday, before
I flew out Friday, just for insurance for the trip. It had been 10 days, so
now stings are on an as needed basis.
I just wish I had known about the BVT before I ended up in the scooter in
1990. No one in Shreveport, LA is doing it. Just ME!
Thanks for remembering. Last month, I gave a talk to the beekeepers
association. Went very, VERY WELL. They couldn't believe some of the things
I said--a living testimony.
Cya, . . . "Fran FLMBAYOU41 <FLMBAYOU41@aol.com>

Fran has got the spirit - the right spirit - a great spirit! She's taking advantage of the bees and everything and anything else there is to make her life full, rich and more meaningful. Man, do I ever admire her energy and motivation. And I know just how she feels about "wishing I had known about BVT before. . . " But still, she's not giving up. She's moving forward in the here and now. There's a lot to be learned from Fran God bless her.

Day 375 - 04:56 - May 13, 1998 EST

Stung 20x this morning on my back, thighs, legs and feet.

Started high up on my back approx. 5" from the spine and stung straight down onto my buttocks. Then, turned round and stung 2x on either thigh. Then, 1x below each kneecap and finally 1x atop the foot on the ankle.

Awoke yesterday and felt really good - much more like my old "shleppy" self again. Much better and more energetic. That may not mean a lot to some folks, but for me - as I always say - if I'm not any worse - this is better. So I'm stinging - moving those stings around - and taking vitamins and herbs and eating low-fat and doing what I can with what there is. Not 100% back to my old self yet - but better and better.

Weather has been getting nicer too. Had been raining here for about a week and today the sun is shining. Katrina, my 12 year old, had no problem going down to the hives yesterday and fetching a new batch of bees. Using the veil and gloves, she coaxes the bees out of the hives and into the mayonnaise jar the same as she'd been doing throughout the winter. Puts the jar up to the little hole on the hive and taps on it. In no time a good number zip out and fills up the jar.

Talking about bees and hives, here's an e-mail from my cyber-friend John. He's been doing bottled venom - was part of that bee venom study - and is now venturing forth with live bees and hives of his own. Here are some of his reflections. John writes:

". . . Instead of stinging after one cup of coffee in the morning, we decided to
work the bee yard first so that we could deduct any stings received from
unhappy bees. After we were done I was barely able to walk -- had to be
helped from the bee yard. I was exhausted. So I took a shower and nap;
hobbled downstairs to where my wife was ready for a break from mowing the
grass (still humiliating) and we did stings. I don't remember them hurting
like this--when my observation time was over, I finished the mowing. I have
wondered before--does this work best when you are really down?

John <jbrackman@fidnet.com>

Sounds like those stings really gave him a shot of energy. Enough to get out there and even do some mowing. Heck, I'm impressed. Well, I know that the stings always gives me a real boost and it's interesting to see how it seems to do the same for others as well.

I wish John lots of success on his new "beekeeping" venture. Something tells me he's gona' be pretty good at it. He already has the right temperament.

Day 377 - 05:04 - May 15, 1998 EST

Stung 19x this morning on my neck, back, arms hands and torso.

Started and stung 1x on either side just below the skull cap. Then, 1x on each side of the neck. Then, 8x on the back on either side of the spine. Then,,1x on each forearm and 1x on the hands between the thumb and index finger. Then, 1x on each side of the torso about 5" from the crack of the armpit. And finally, 1x just below the belly button.

The days are getting warmer and warmer. This is good because the days to use and exercise in the pond are here. The water is cold and immediately refreshes me. The bees are also out in greater numbers - especially around the pond. John, the beekeeper from Franklkin MT. who's put 10 hives down by the creek for me to use, says that the bees are thriving and proliferating. He's brought more queens down to put into the hives and wants to add 5 more hives to the group. I'm not complaining but I'm not sure either. But I am looking forward to the summer flowers.

Don't know what I'd do without the bees and the stings. No matter how I feel, I just can't imagine what it would be like not to have been doing Bee Venom Therapy at all. On this note, my cyber-friend Ray received this response from Pat Wagner regarding his stinging regimen. Pat writes:
 
 

TO: Ray - Rayseal <Rayseal@aol.com>
Regarding your letter to the Mraz's, I'm glad you are asking questions.
The only way to learn. Only 1742 stings since beginning tells me you may
need more. I've had 19,538 and still get improvements. You are right
about the guys not seeming to respond like women. However, think of where
you might be now if you hadn't done the bees. I don't think taking bee
venom orally is as good. I've had people try that and they say that it,
like injections, is not as good. No sting, no zing?
Bee venom IS systemic, but the anti-inflammatory properties in bee venom
work locally. That is why you need to find tender spots for stinging.
There is probably inflammation, thus causing the area to be tender.
I don't understand what you mean about the amount of dry venom you have
gotten so far being better than the blanket 20, three times per week. Can
you explain what you mean?
I hope you are taking 2-6,000 units of vitamin C along with the same
amount (50 or 100 mgs.) of B2 and B6. This is how you make your body
produce its own steroids.
Anyway, glad you went to the "expert", Charley Mraz. Hope you will keep
in touch with me, too!
Until the next time we are in touch, bee well! . . . "Pat Wagner <beelady@olg.com>

Lots of intersecting things here to think about. Vitamins to take and that same theory that the accumulation of the number of stings over time should make a difference as well. Well, let's hope so. I don't know how many times I've gotten stung to date, but I'm going forward - faithfully.

Day 380 - 05:16 - May 18, 1998 EST

Stung 18x this morning on my neck, back, calves and feet.

Started on my neck and stung 1x on each side. Then, stung 1x at the top, 1x at the center and 1x at the base of the back approx. 6' from either side of the spine. Then, 1x below each kneecap, 1x behind each knee, 1x above each large toe and finally 1x behind the outside of each ankle.

Weekend was beautiful here in upstate NY. The temperature was warm making it ideal for getting back to swimming in the pond. And this I did. Look forward to swimming a lot and exercising my body more. I really need it - so important.

Friday night we all (the family) went to one of the only remaining drive-in movies left in the world. . . about 5 miles down the road - the Unidilla Drive-in. Caught a double-feature and the kids loved it. Unfortunately sitting in the Honda for 4 to 5 hours was more than I had anticipated and experienced some cramping in my thigh. It really felt weak the followng morning so - I stung it a few times on Saturday afternoon and that seemed to help it quite a bit.

Incidentally, talking about movies, you might want to check out the film - out on video - entitled Ulee's Gold. Pretty good movie but what makes it really special is that the lead, Peter Fonda, is a beekeeper.

Now, here's an e-mail from Rob who's been stinging for a bit with some decent results. Rob writes:

". . . I'm well over 1000 stings now...doing 16 to 20...sometimes per
Pat Wagner I add ten. The first two stings seem to be the most
painful. I'm using ice now. This should be nice in the summer !

I'm still seeing good results---but I still can't walk that far,
maybe a block or so then it's rest time.

You know there is something to this bee-venom and I beginning to
think that it is two or three of the ingredients in venom that help us. We
just don't get it in sufficient quantity.
I wish someone could find out...then we would inject one time a month and get on with it---you know---like WALKING down to the pond. One injection
sure would beat three stings sessions a week---but until that day I'll keep on stinging.
Sorry I didn't back to you before now ---- out of town.
Hope and BEElief,
Rob . . . " mrsnap@ix.netcom.com

I like this letter and I like Rob's attitude - a no-nonsense kind a guy. He's doing the Bee Venom Therapy - is seeing some decent results - knows that there must be something in the venom that is definitely working and although he wishes for more - pushes forward and perseveres. I know how he feels and I agree with his observation. There is something in the venom and it sure would be nice if they could pin-point just what it is. But in the meantime - nothing left to do but keep with the live stings.

Day 382 - 05:21 - May 20, 1998 EST

Stung 15x this morning on my torso, back, arms, wrist arms thighs.

Started and stung on my torso 1x on each side just below the collarbone. Then, 1x on each shoulder. Then, 1x on each side of my back- just below the armpit. Then, 1x on each arm and 1x on each wrist - palms down & on the outside. Then, 1x below the belly button. And finally, 2x on the outsides of each thigh.

The stings on Monday were good and seemed to help get my left leg somewhat back to "normal" - not so tight. Most of the cramping is gone and although it's still not the way it should be it's much, much better. There's more energy in it. . . and actually, after swimming 8 laps in the pond this afternoon I feel quite good. I really shouldn't be complaining. I guess I just want more so I'll just have to keep on stinging.

The warm weather certainly brings all the bees out from the hives but we're all getting used to them - seeing them buzzing about on plants and flowers. It's actually quite nice to see. They don't bother you at all. Except of course when you go down to the hives to bother them.

Yesterday I sent both my kids to fetch bees for me and neither was very successful. I have to say, they are both a bit more intimidated nowadays than they were during the cold weather.

Gavin, my 14 year old, and Katrina, 12, seemed to have problems getting bees. First Gavin got stung through his jeans (don't know how that happened) and when Katrina went out later that evening she wasn't able to coax all that many out of the hive and into the jar. Well, I can't get too concerned about it - they do the best that they can. So I made do with what there was.

Talking about bees, here's an e-mail from my cyber-friend Wally. He had a bit of a bee adventure of his own. Wally writes:
 

". . . - I just did my first ten stings to myself...
will do the other ten this PM. Anywho, ten stung and
about half that many flew away and created an certain
ambiance in the kitchen.:)
But what a hoot! One on one these little critters
are fascinating... and the drones (at least I think
they're drones) seem curiously friendly... crawling
around on your fingers, investigating.
Questions: how does one tell which are the drones
(other than looking up close). Do they have the
blach hind quarters? Gotta get me a book. And do
the bees try as a last effort to lose the stinger...
I noticed that the ones the got away were depositing
their stingers anywhere. How very curious. AND they
do not like giving that stinger up involuntarily do
they? Absolutely fascinating little creatures...I
am hooked. ...

Pt. 2:
"Why you shouldn't knock (accidentally or not) the
jar of honeybees off the kitchen table."
Good thing I get along with bees... hundreds of
happy, but *un-housetrained* bees free in the
kitchen! Two days later and after much coaxing and
bribing with dabs of honey on my hands, they're all
back in place... with nary an unintentional sting ...
swear to God. I really do get along with bees :).

Wally <wallass@rocketmail.com>

Wow, what a story - and what an event! Yeah, Wally is into those bees. But better yet, these bees seem to be into him & are making a difference in the way Wally feels. It's improving the quality of his day to day life. This is wonderful and I'm really happy for him. He's a committed stinger and giving it a fair try. It's strange - but somehow you really get into those little things.

Day 384 - 05:20 - May 22, 1998 EST

Stung 20x this morning on my back, neck, calves and feet.

Started and stung 4x down either side of the back - from just below the armpit to the hip. Then, stung 1x on either side of the neck. Then, 1x below the kneecap. Then, 2x behind each calve. And finally, 2x on each foot - 1x above the large toe and 1x in front on the center crease of the ankle.

Sent Katrina out to fetch bees for me and this time she did really well bringing me backquite a jarful. She did a great job.

The weather has changed quite drastically from the mid 80's back down to the mid 60's so that I am forced to put swimming in the pond on hold for a few days. Even for me, it's just a bit too cool. I hope it warms up soon. I really like that swimming. It just loosens things up.

Interesting thing with the bees the other day. They began to swarm - thousands of them - around a big pine tree down by the pond. John, the beekeeper, says it's because the hives are so full a certain portion breaks away, creates a new queen, and are looking to start another hive somewhere else. Very weird.They swarmed for about 15 minutes and then they were gone. Don't know where.

Here's an e-mail from a therapist in Holland looking for some information. Margriet writes:
 

Dear people,
I am a therapist from Holland and want to know more about the therapy of bees and multiple sclerose. Can you please tell me about it?

Greetings from Holland. "Margriet Nekkers" <smar8@hotmail.com>

I wrote back, shared some thoughts with her and told her that there was too much for me to tell on my own. But if there are those who can give her some personal insights, who knows what it can lead to. Margriet may be in a position to help others. You never know.

And here's an e-mail from a lady that's looking for some answers and direction.Tracy writes:

". . . I just read your article on the WEB about BVT. I was diagnosed with
M.S. in Nov. 94. I am 36 y.o. female. At first there was just numbness
in my fingers, but then after hip replacement surgery (because of
prescribed steroids for a skin problem) my M.S took a dramatic turn for
the worse. I, like you am unbalance and sometimes find it hard to walk.
Just in the last week, my left leg will drag in the early-mid
afternoon. (I actually fell the other day at the herbal shop, what an
embarrassment) I have acupuncture once every 4 days. Do you know any
bee venom therapy in the MASS. area? or even any information?? " . . Tracy L. Kangas
flfkangas@aol.com

I wrote Tracy back and gave her as much encouragement as I could. But I wonder if there are folks out her way in Mass.? Although she can go it alone, it's always easier if there are others close by. Or maybe just some support from others who have managed it on their own. It's what it's all about.

Day 387 - 03:50 - May 25, 1998 EST

Stung only 10x this morning on my back and legs.

Started on my back below my shoulder blade and stung 3x down either side. Then, stung 1x on each thigh and 1x on each calve.

The reason for stinging only 10x - I had less bees in my jar than I'd thought and over the weekend some had died. Well, I'll just have to see how it goes. Besides, I've been giving more and more consideration to what makes more of a change in how I react to the bee stings. Is it how many times I get stung or where it is on my body that I get stung.

The days are getting nicer and nicer. Spending the weekend (and it's not over) with family and friends. Don't want to spend too much time on the computer today. Katrina just came in and said, "Come on, Pop, it's still beautiful outside." The cool, cool water in the pond always makes the legs and body move easier and of course the bees. And the two together - is great.

Here's an e-mail from a woman who is sort of going at it in her own manner. She writes:

". . . I am a 31 female who has MS. I am in search of alternative therapy (BVT)
for MS. Just finished the steroids, hehehe. My brother has honey bees and
over the weekend I had him to sting me once in the right hand just to see
what it would do. IT WAS INCREDIABLE!!!

My question is this:

Because both of my hands are numb (palms and fingures) and stiff, where is
the best place to be stung?

If you could answer my email I'd really appreciate it. Thanks so much :)
My email is erbumpus@citynet.net

Well, I appreciate her enthusiasm but I also cautioned her on being prepared with an Epi-pen and all. She might benefit from some advice and suggestions from others as well.

Day 389 - 04:58 - May 27, 1998 EST

Stung 20x this morning on my neck, shoulders, back, legs and arms.

Started on my neck and stung 1x on either side. Then, stung the back - approx. 3" from the spine - 5x on either side, from the shoulder blades to the waist. Then, 1x the outsides of each thigh& 1x the insides of each calve & 1x atop each foot above the small toe. And finally, 1x on the outside of each elbow.

Well, I don't know what it is but I felt really good on Tuesday. Had only stung 10x on Monday and had been concerned that perhaps it wasn't enough. But 2x on either leg, 6x on my back and I really felt like I had strength and energy especially to "shlepp" along. Don't know why - whether it was the "location" of the stings or what. But I will keep my attention on it and continue to monitor how I feel.

Here's a letter I just received from a fellow in Canada who's started stinging with some nice results. Don writes:
 

". . . I have been following your journal on the web for soom time
now. i was dignosed with primary progressive MS in dec/95.I started
BVT in may of 97. since starting the first thing I noticed was that
my hands and feet warmed up also more feeling in back.BVT may not be a
cure but it did do somthing.
Donald Lisson
NB Canada
PS:almost forgot I have my hive in the spare bedroom this
makes geting the bees much easier.. . " don lisson <lisson@nbnet.nb.ca>

That beehive in the bedroom sounds like a nice idea. I agree with him It may not be a cure - but it does do something. Plain & simple. And bees in his bedroom? I would suppose there's a pipe or something leading out of the window. I know that Donna Chandler has a beehive that she keeps, I believe, in her living room. I remember her writing and telling me how she likes to just watch them fly in and out. Well, Don sounds like he's really seeing some benefits from stinging and that's great. I wish him continued success.

Day 391 - 05:18 - May 29, 1998 EST

Stung only 10x this morning on my sides and feet.

Started and stung 1x below each armpit along the side. Then, continuing downward, stung 1x on either side approx. 10" below that. Then, stung 1x on the waist - left & right sides. Then, stung 2x atop either foot. 1x at the creaseand 1x above the large toe.

Still feeling pretty good considering the days are getting warmer. The best part is that I'm able to spend time in the cool pond and when I do that - and especially afterwards - I feel super energized.

Must remember to move the stings around more and vary the amounts more. That's one reason why I cut down again on the number today. (I also ran out of bees in my jar again - forgot to insist that the kids go out and fetch more.) But I figure, if I do a little bit less today then perhaps next time when I do a bit more the stings will give me even more of a boost. Maybe. In that regard, I received this letter from Donna M. yesterday reminding me of the importance of location and placement. Donna writes:
 

". . . I read in you journal entry of May 27 that you are wondering if you felt so good on Tuesday because of the location of the stings you did on Monday and you are also wondering about the effects of cutting down on the number of stings. In her book Pat Wagner talks about the need to alter the number of stings from time to time To keep things moving in a forward motion. She says that if you have a sluggish feeling you might want to decrease the number of stings by maybe 4 to 6 per session because you might not need as many as you were doing. On the other hand she says that if you feel that you have reached a plateau in your healing you might want to increase the number of stings by 10 for 2 sessions and then go back to the number you were doing.. . Pat Wagner has a lot of knowledge and personal experience on the topic of BVT. Take care. " Donna M. <sixlegs@onramp113.org>

A very good letter and certainly some things there that we should all keep in mind. As can often happen, one gets into stinging and stinging and sometimes you can just to lose yourself in the process of just doing it. So I always appreciate hearing from others. It's what support is all about. So, thank you Donna.

And here's another e-mail from my cyber-friend Johanne in Canada. She has some real nice things to say. Johanne writes:
 

". . I'm always following you on your site. As of today I'm at day 286 and 2556
stings. I started BVT august 4th 1997.

I just wanted to add my encouragements to those doing BVT. You see I could
see and feel changes from BVT but I wanted to be real sure that it could
keep me well even in hot weather. Well last Friday and Saturday I went to
watch end of the year ceremonies of the military college. I sat in the sun
4 hours on Friday evening and 5 hours mostly in the shade on Saturday. Then
on Sunday I planted my annuals and today I drove our standard model, to go
shopping, for the first time in over a year!

OK, I still need to use my cane and hang on things, my sense of balance has
improved some and the fatigue is gone. What I find so encouraging is the
fact that during these last few days I got through the hot weather without
using the wheelchair or feeling the fatigue. This tells me I should be
able to stay on my feet during July and August.

All this means is that I now have something to show and prove that BVT
works, try to convince others with MS to give it a try. It's something I've
been wanting to do. This also means that I can publish my book about BVT in
French. I haven't been able to find much in French. This will be my way of
spreading the news. "Johanne Fournier" <johannef@videotron.ca>

Very nice, straight and honest letter. Very motivating too. I know Johanne had had some ups and downs recently but she's been staying with it and it's paying off for her. Well, that's the only way. I'm convinced. If the Bee Venom Therapy is to work, onre must persevere and stay with it. I believe that it works - works at keeping this "dis-ease" from progressing. But you've got to stick with it, especially through the tough times. That Johanne is a smart lady.

Day 394 - 04:22- June 1, 1998 EST

Didn't sting this morning. Had some major storms and tornadoes come through central NY yesterday. Lots of damage all around - but God was good and all is well with us. But I'd used up the bees in my jar and I couldn't send the kids out to get more yesterday - during the storms. Today they're in school.

But this past weekend was a really good one . Had lots of energy to get up and do what I wanted. No real fatigue to speak of and "shlepping" was easier. Tightness, but not as much as usual. This was very good. Maybe cutting down every so often on the number of stings is good. I know Friday I'd only stung 10x. So Katrina will go out and fetch bees this afternoon but I've decided not to sting again untill Wednesday. After all, maybe this is what "on an as needed basis" is. I still can't figure that one out. Because I feel that I always need it. Well, we'll see what happensover the next few days.

Here's a letter from my cyber-friend Judy. She's a real special person out here in cyber-space, always giving and supporting to everyone. But I know she's got her own "row to hoe". Here she shares a little about herself. Judy writes:

". . . Sometimes we don't see benefits in ourselves right away [from Bee Venom Therapy] - but, others around us see those benefits in us right away. We look more rested, more energetic; we have more zest and better color. They see changes in us we don't see right away.

People who saw me on a regular basis in 1993 - were all sure I wouldn't be
around in 1994 - because I looked BAD. I didn't know about the bees until
1997 - and believe me, by 1997 I looked REAL BAD. Heck, I was almost totally
gone by July of 97 ... totally paralyzed - unable to move one single digit of
my body in any direction - until August of 1997. Those first 2 bee stings
started waking up my body.

I don't know if I'll ever be able to get my legs back ... but, back then, I
had NO movement ability anywhere in my body - and now my arms and hands and
fingers won't stop moving. My mouth won't shut up.

There was a time back then ... my eyes floated. Now, I KNOW that sounds
gross. I know it does ... but .... it's true. From the inside looking out -
it was impossible to focus on anything because one eye was looking one
direction and the other was looking at something else on the other side of the
room. I had no idea how disturbing it was for people who were looking at me
... I had NO idea how gross it looked until I saw a photograph closeup of my
face. Well, that was bad enough to say the least - but those folks should
have seen things the way I had to look at them ... that was REAL BAD.
The bee venom straightened that out.

In fact, one day I had serious double vision. It scared me to death. My
husband had 4 ears and 4 eyes and 2 noses and 2 mouthes. If he had growled -
they woulld have had to lock me up - cause I was panicked. 2 bee stings in
the back of my head - cleared up the double vision within 20 minutes of the
stings ...

So, the upper part of me responds quite well to the venom. The lower part of
me sometimes responds for a while .. but, usually doesn't visibly respond at
all. But, who's to say? That's some good stuff going inside of us - and even
if improvements aren't seen right away - I bet - there are improvements on
the inside.

I just want to thank you, Barry - you are doing an invaluable service to an
entire society by sharing all of us with each other - by sharing YOU with us.
Thank you. ". . . Judy JAlva76117 <JAlva76117@aol.com>

I mean, this lady is something else - a one-of-a-kind person. So full of life and love and enthusiasm and gosh, can you blame her? BVT has - and is - working so fantastically in her life. And she just wants to shout it from the tops of every mountain and hamlet in the world. And why not? You know what it's like when you're "out of it". When you feel that there's nothing left - your life is not your own - no control. And how wonderful when God gives something back to you - something you'd all but given up on. I know just how Judy feels. No, it may not be 100% - yet. But something is happening. And where there's life - there's hope.

Day 396 - 04:52- June 3, 1998 EST

Stung 16x this morning on my shoulders, back, legs and feet.

Started and stung 1x atop each shoulder. Then, stung 3x down each side approx. 7" from the spine. Then, 1x high up on the outside of each hip. Then, 1x on the outside of each thigh and 1x on the outside of each calve and finally 1x atop each foot above the large toe.

I continued to feel good and energetic through Monday. Did get very tired yesterday afternoon but after a short nap felt ok again. Hadn't stung since last Friday so it had been five days since my last session. Much longer than usual. Yet, I'd really been feeling quite good. So today - decided not to over-do it. I know it's a fine balance that I'm looking for and have yet to find. I keep thinking over and over in my mind . . . "on an as needed basis, on an as needed basis". I just have yet to figure out just what that means.

Here's an e-mail from Donna M. passing along some information that she wants to share with others. Information she had gotten from a conversation she'd had with Pat Wagner. Donna writes:
 

". . . I told her that I had bee pollen and raw honey in addtion to the bees. .. . She told me that a spoonful of the honey before bed with a "splash" of cold water would make me sleep like a baby. On the other hand she told me that a spoonful of the honey with something hot like tea or coffee in the morning would give me energy. She also asked me what shape I was in. I told her that I could walk with a walker but used a wheelchair for the longer trips like shopping. She asked how many
stings I was doing. I told her 20 3x a week and that I had only been stinging for a little less than 3 months. She said that I might want to cut back to 16 because I was not in that bad of shape. I just thought that this might help give some direction to you and the others out there.
Donna M "Donna Marty" <sixlegs@onramp113.org>

Well, there you have it. I'd thought 3x a week for 6 months was the rule of thumb but who knows? A little more, a little less - this is just not a science and each one of us must feel it out for ourselves. The only thing that's a definite is - Bee Venom Therapy does do something to keep this "dis-ease" at bay.

Here's another e-mail from Lynn, who's a committed stinger with an interesting story. Lyn writes:

". . . I began BVT a year ago and have had wonderful results from it. I sting 2-3 X's a
week . . .We were on vacation down in the Smoky Mountains and had left my bees at home!
Needless to say I found myself in a really bad funk one morning and we spent the
better part of the day trying to find a beekeeper there. We finally located a
beekeeper and he graciously gave me enough bees for a couple of sessions and
thankfully got me up and going again.

I can tell a major change in my symptoms if I don't have at least 1 session a
week (15-20 stings). I too have trouble with balance and walking, I use a
scooter when shopping etc. In addition I have numbeness of the hands and feet
but other than those symptoms I have been fortunate in keeping this horrible
disease at bay with my bees!

I would love to correspond with others using BVT and hopefully be able to steer
a new BVT user in the right direction for answers they will have. I know from
experience when I began we jumped in and began stinging on faith.. . . "
Lynn .gibson@usa.net

What a nice letter from a really nice person. Lynn sees how the Bee Venom Therapy is working in her life and she is anxious to be in touch with others. Not only others that are doing BVT but others who are perhaps still sitting on the fence and are yet unsure as to whether or not to take the "sting". Lynn obviously ioves living her life to the fullest - doing what she can with what there is - and sharing with others. You got to have a lot of respect for a person like that.

Finally, if anyone has photos of themselves the people who sting them or their hives or bees or how they keep their bees or where they keep them or what they use to sting - or whatever - send them to me. Might be nice to post them. If you don't have a scanner and can't send them via the internet, snail-mail them to me: B. Ralbag POBox 269 Gilbertsville, New York 13776. If you want the photo returned, include a self-addressed-stamped-envelope (SASE). Could be fun.

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