Stung 14x this morning on my back, buttock and thighs. Started on my lower back approx. 3" from the spines and stung 2x on either side, left & right. Then, stung 2x on each buttock. . . then, 3x just below the buttocks on the rear of each thigh.

Today we decided to sting in the bedroom rather than at the computer desk as we always do. Seemed a better idea because I wanted to sting the lower back and right below it on the buttocks - just where I sit. Been wanting to do that for a while.

The kids, Gavin (13) and Katrina (11), were home from school and were anxious to be involved. Carol, my wife, and I pretty much have it worked out but we accepted their assistance. Katrina held my hand and Gavin supervised the discarding of "already stung bees".

I'd asked Katrina yesterday how she felt about my stinging. I know she'd thought that by this time I'd be totally cured. The subtleties of "not getting worse" and "not taking heavy-duty drugs" are lost on an 11 year old. But I was pleased with her response. "Bee hopeful and bee strong and you're gonna' bee better, so bee positive". From the mouth of babes. . .

Here's an e-mail from Donna Chandler reflecting on her feelings this Thanksgiving . . . about her diagnosis and MS in general Donna writes:

". . . Your last post is so right. We do have many many things to be thankful for. Just got home from Haven's [daughter]. She and Chrisit [another daughter] did a great job with Thanksgiving lunch. I was so proud. . . . We would taste something and someone would remark, this taste like mama's. I had to laugh, after all who did they think they learned from?. . .

I remembered the first Thanksgiving with my new Dx.[diagnosis] of MS. I was in bed not able to do the cooking. I would try to chop onions, celery, peel potatoes in the bed. . . We had almost forgotten this long ago Thanksgiving because after starting the bees, I was back to the head figure in the kitchen. . . Today I learned that it is not important what I can and cannot do, who cooks and who enjoys the efforts, but that we are all together and sharing our love with each other. It probably took the MS to show me the most important lesson, a lesson of giving and receiving. . . " Donna <don1948@halifax.com>

Donna certainly has much to be thankful for and more importantly, she knows it. And it sounds like she's been blessed with a wonderful caring and loving family. Well, it's no wonder. We know from where they get it from.The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

And here's an e-mail from my cyber-friend Sharon. It seems as if she had a lot to be thankful about yesterday too. Sharon writes:

". . . Am doing well with stings, not having those "sick days after" any longer
THANK THE GOOD LORD! And was able to leave the house for the first time
since July today. Have much to bee (hehe) thankful for today :). . . " BRzzz@aol.com

I hadn't realized that Sharon had been having such a difficult time - so confined to her home. But it seems as if the bees are beginning to make a difference. And this is wonderful. Great news.

You know, I'm not really sure why Sharon has such a difficult time getting out of her house. But I thought this might be a good time to let people know about a web-site I've created for a really special cyber-client of mine. His name is Charlie and he sells the worlds best electric scooters at the absolute lowest prices. No one sells them for less . . . no one . . . and he delivers right to your door.

We all want to be healed and to be whole and perfect. But in the interim, I really feel it's important to "stay into life". That's why I use a scooter when I'm feeling that I just can't make it on my own two feet - although I never stop "schlepping" at every chance I am able. And since I've started with the bee venom therapy, I've certainly been schlepping more.

So anyway, if you use an electric scooter or have ever thought about getting one, Charlie is the man to e-mail. Visit his site at www.electricscooter.com and be sure to click on and ask for a free brochure . . . or just let him know what you think of his site. Charlie uses a scooter himself and is an absolutely A-1 fellow.

Day 212 - 05:28pm - December 1, 1997 EST

Stung 12x this morning on my back. Started at the top, right on the spine below the neck, and stung 12x straight down to the top of the crack of my buttocks.

Had a varied weekend after stinging my lower back and buttocks on Friday. Saturday was a good day with lots of energy. Sunday was not as good and I felt somewhat tired and fatigued. Not as much as before the bee venom days but not as energetic as I've grown accustomed to. Went to bed early last night and awoke this morning at about 6:00am feeling like my old self again. Even my legs and knees were not feeling as tight as they often do. Took a shower, had my breakfast and vitamins and herbs and at about 9:00am Carol, my wife, and I did our session.

I suppose even with the bee venom therapy I have to remember that I am not healed - yet - and that I am still dealing with MS. There are still down days as well as the up ones and when I over-do it, I get fatigued. The thing is, I don't always know when it is that I'm overdoing it. It's just suddenly, I'm there - tired and fatigued. Carol always tells me that I need to be more in touch with my body. Carol knows me very well. I don't think I'll ever get used to this "dis-ease".

Here's a letter from John, who's been doing bee venom therapy via injections. He is always so sharp and to the point, keeping my thoughts regarding bee venom therapy focused and clear. He sent this in response to my post last week on Day 207 when I was reflecting on what the "big deal" was about my schlepping from here to there. John writes:

". . . the big deal is that you are more able to function as a human doing
what you like and want without being defeated by this blight. And you are
doing so because you and your family are willing to use your minds to try
and figure the solution to a problem to which western medicine has had very
limited (if any) success in solving. The big deal is that you are the
strategist in this war, not just a soldier. . . ." John <jbrackman@fidnet.com>

He's so right on. I had said the big deal was that I wasn't taking heavy-duty drugs any longer. But as he so eloquently puts it, the big deal is really that I, as well as many others, are taking matters in our own hands and doing something. As usual, John gives us not only something to think about, but to feel good about as well.

And here's another e-mail from my cyber-chum, Sharon. I had inadvertently linked her message in my last post (Day 209) to people who were not getting up and out of their homes enough. I had spoken out of turn. Sharon has had quite a "row to hoe" over the last few years dealing with her MS. Sharon writes:

". . . Grrrrrrrrrrr! lol, :) I hadn't given up on life! The only thing that
hadn't died was my spirit. I was so very sick. This flare, my 2nd, has
lasted over a year. The 1st, I was paralyzed for 10 days in 12/94, made a
complete recovery till 11 or 12/96. Had 2 solumedrol treatments within 90
days, (used to be fat) lost 72# in those 90 days, and just kept getting
weaker. When I was "out" in July it had been to neuro's office, where he
told me he had nothing left to offer, I was going down quick. I told him
about bvt, he said it was "snake oil" but if I wanted to go ahead. It was
an effort to breathe and speak at same time. I couldn't stay awake. I
couldn't stand and brush my teeth, I couldn't lift a full glass. The only
places I went were to restroom and shower, and was thankful for that.
My loving husband has worked and ran house basically alone for a yr. All he
asked was that I keep the office going and he could do everything else. . . .
The accomplishments we have made since 10/23 (when I started regular bvt,
continuous) have been wonderful . . . So I just need to set the record straight LOL, This little Irish/Scottish gal still has a lot of fight left :)))))). . . " sharon BRzzz@aol.com

My sincerest apologies go out to Sharon. I had not realized how much she's been going through and just how big a battle it has been for her and her super-supportive husband. She is certainly more of a fighter than I'd imagined. I can only hope that if, God forbid, I ever found myself in her position, I would have the gum-shoe to handle things in as brave, optimistic and determined fashion as her. I wish her all the best and continued success with bee venom therapy. She deserves it. And so far, it seems like the bees are doing its magic.

Day 214 - 05:23pm - December 3, 1997 EST

Stung 12x this morning on my lower back, buttocks and thighs. Started on my lower back approx. 6" from the spine - left & right sides - and stung 2x on either side. Then, moving straight down. . . stung 2x on either cheek. Then, stung 2x on the back of both thighs.

Again today, we did our stinging session in the bedroom - easier to sting these areas of my body while lying on my stomach. And again today, the stings sent me off to the bathroom - to urinate and to defecate. It seems like whenever I sting this part of my body it reacts in this manner. My theory is that it's the body's way of trying to expel the poison.

Well, I'd skipped stinging my shoulders and arms again today because I wanted to give the lower part of my body some extra attention. I don't know how good of an idea that is though. I keep remembering what Pat Wagner says: It's a whole body disease.

This batch of bees is doing better than the last. I've taken the advice of my cyber-friends and am keeping the jar in the house - by my computer - in a brown bag. So far so good, they seem to be holding their own. Hopefully they'll make it though the week. . . until John, the beekeeper, has a chance to make it back down. That's right - that's what I said - back down to my place.

Yep, it finally happened. I now have bees - eleven hives - on my property. John and his son popped over to our house yesterday - his pick-up "chock full" of hives. There's still lots of snow out there so I wasn't able to get out and supervise the placement of the hives. . . but Carol did and she is the one who'll be going into the hives anyway - at least through the winter months. We really don't know exactly how to get the bees out from the hives, yet. . . although I know John has done what he can to "winter the hives."

The theory goes something like this. Carol blows warm breaths of air into the hives through a hole (about 3" in circumference) that John has cut into the top of the hive. The warm breaths of air arouses some of the bees which then fly up to the top where the hole is quickly plugged with its closure. Carol coats the closure of the hole with honey before closing it. Then, the few bees that have been aroused, fly up and get stuck on the honey-coated closure. Carol then opens the closure and scrapes the stuck bees bees into the mayonnaise jar. Sounds perfect. Sounds easy. Too easy maybe? Carol needs to get herself a veil or something - we're still sort of playing all of this by ear.

Perhaps I can get John to come over and do it with Carol the first time. I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with those hives sitting out back. It seemed a lot easier to just bring John an empty jar to re-fill every 2-3 weeks. And come springtime, are we gonna' have thousands of bees flying all over the place? I've been told not to worry about all of this. So, why am I worrying about it?

Okay, here's a really cool e-mail I received this morning. It's one of those offers that sound too good to be true. Walter writes:

"Aloha to all the api [apithecary] folks on this line. I am a believer in bee sting
therapy and invite you to come to the Paradise state of Hawaii for some of
your treatments. I am a beekeeper and B & B [bed & breakfast] owner. I'll supply the bees." Walter
Walter & Elisabeth Patton hihoney@ilhawaii.net 808-964-5401

" The Beehive, the Fountain of Youth and Health "

Well, if you're into traveling, or perhaps if you live in Hawaii, what else can one ask for. Sun, surf and bee stings. I haven't thought much about travel and vacation lately, but this one's got me thinking. Imagine. . . Christmas in Hawaii. Now all I have to do . . . is get there.

Day 216 - 04:10pm - December 5, 1997 EST

Stung 12x this morning on my neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Started on my neck just above my shoulders and stung 1x to the laft and right of the spinal column. Then, moving outward, stung 1x on each shoulder. Then, 1x on either arm and 1x on each elbow and then 1x on the top of each wrist and finally 1x on the sides of each hand, between the wrist and pinky finger.

As usual the stings on the neck really hurt but I felt that I'd needed stinging up there on the top part of my body.

I'm not sure if stinging in the same area two times in a row is a good idea - for me anyway - as I'd done on Mon. and Wed. On both of those days I'd stung the lower half of my back and buttocks - and on Wed., all through the day, I really felt sore and hadn't the energy. My lower back didn't have the "oomph" to get up and go. On Thursday however, yesterday, I felt much better. So perhaps stinging to often in the same area is really not a good idea. I'm not sure. I remember what Pat Wagner had told me when I'd asked her about stinging the same area over and over: "It's like a sore. If you pick and pick at it, it will never get better".

Yesterday the snow had cleared and melted enough for me to venture out and up to Alice Waag's remote house in the country on MT. Vision. Alice is the 84 year old reflexologist from whom I've been getting reflexology treatments for the past several months. I hadn't been to see her in almost 2 weeks. Normally, at least through the summer months I had been having sessions with her once or twice a week. She massages the bottoms of my feet - the theory being that the soles of the feet are healing points to every section and organ in one's body. I'm not sure of the effectiveness but I do know that any kind of massage that moves the blood around down in my feet must be beneficial.

Alice suggested that when I can't come to her, I take a pencil and, using the end with the rubber eraser, work it into my soles - around and around into my foot. "It may hurt," she says, "but I guarantee you will never make it black and blue." She took out a pencil and worked it into the bottoms of my feet to demonstrate. It hurt alright, but it left no mark. "This is good," she insisted. "Do it everyday and see yourself walking. I do this to myself everyday." Well, she is certainly doing pretty darn good for an octogenarian. I suppose it's something else to try.

Okay, I've gotten some good e-mail from folks regarding my hives. Here's one from Mike, who's been stinging since February. Mike writes:

". . . Woke up this morning and decided to put the walker aside and walk on my own, even without the cane. The walker was favoring my legs too much. So far I'm getting around pretty good, but it's only morning though. Hopefully I can stick this out the rest of the day. . . My bee keeper has over 100 hives, all over the city, and they will be wild all over by the hive. They even will follow you back to the house.
So just suit up and keep your vale on. . . If you have trouble getting bees out of the hive in the winter, my bee keeper just tap on the hive and they will fly out for a second or two, or just take the lid off the hive and scoop some in the jar. I also heard a good idea, take a flashlight and light it through the jar. Whatever is easiest for you.. . " "mwolev" <mwolve@wolv.tds.net>

Well, I'm not sure about those bees following me home, don't look forward to that. And that part about scraping out the bees, I heard that you've got to be careful not to disturb the cluster for fear of destroying the hive or even scooping up the queen. Lots to think about though. But it does sound like the bees are doing its magic on Mike's health. Now that's good news.

And here's another e-mail from Sharon letting me know just how well she's been feeling lately. Sharon writes:

". . . Yes, we feel a great difference with bvt [bee venom therapy], played a joke on my husband Sat. night, hasn't been a great deal of humor this year. We have back to back bathrooms in a hallway. . . usually would need walker to get out of [wheel]chair and into 1st bathroom to brush teeth, didn't need it...brushed teeth, came out. Bill had his back turned so I wall walked ((felt great!) to 2nd bathroom, all he heard was door opening, he came down hall, "what are you doing back there? I have
to watch you all the time now! " He was soo happy :))))) It was good to laugh! There are other areas that have improved 1 million over, that makes a person really happy :)))))))))) . . . " BRzzz@aol.com

Oh, man, doesn't it sound like Sharon is into life and enjoying some fantastic results from bee venom therapy? Sure does. I guess that's what it's all about.

Day 219 - 04:22pm - December 8, 1997 EST

Stung 10x this morning on my legs. Started on the sides of each knee and stung 2x to the left and right above each kneecap. Then stung 1x below and to the inside of each kneecap. Then, stung 2x in front and to the sides of each ankle bone.

Well, I'm stinging fewer and fewer stings each week now and although I'm missing those 20 & 24 sting sessions I seem to be holding my own. The stings certainly burn as much as ever - that part of it hasn't decreased any. Very soon I will do a crank up session and do 20 stings just to see how that sudden surge from 10 or 8 or 6 to 20 will make me feel. I'm hoping it will jolt me into feeling excellent. Perhaps then I'll be able to better determine what the difference is between an increased or decreased number of stings. Surprising my body and doing a 20 sting session is something I'm looking forward to doing - soon.

Still have not gone into any of those new hives out back. The last batch that John, the beekeeper, had given to me are still alive - getting a bit more lethargic but doing well. Carol and I had been thinking of building a fence around the hives to protect them from the cold winds that occasionally blow through. But aesthetically it's not very pleasing so we have decided instead to planttrees instead. Perhaps some Norway Spruce. But we can't do that until the springtime so in the interim my friend and artist, Elizabeth, is going to give me bales of hay to place around the hives. A good idea. Now I only have to figure out how to get the bales from there to here. It'll happen.

Okay, here's some e-mail from Donna giving me the scoop on the hives and the queen bee. Her husband Donald is the beekeeper. Donna writes:

". . . About the hives, you don't open a hive in the winter and bother the cluster. The Queen is surrounded by the hive to keep her warm and fed and protected. Donald would order bees [by mail] rather than break his cluster!!!
You can lose the hive if she isn't taken care of and they get chilled. Most if not all beekeepers will tell you the same thing. About them following you to the house, if you go in the hive to check on it and bug them (no pun intended) they will follow you. Donald just gets under a low tree or puts his body in a bush and they go home. If he is suited, he stands on the carport until they decide to go home. . . . Like I told you before, he uses the hole in the back and doesn't suit up at all. Sometimes, he will get stung, but it is usually his fault and he will tell you this. . . " Donna <don1948@halifax.com>

Well, the one thing that keeps getting me concerned is the bees following you home. But I know there is really nothing to be concerned about. Just as when I began stinging with live bees I had imagined the worst - this happening and that happening - and in the end nothing catastrophic happened at all. It's just human nature, mine anyway, fearful and unsure of the unknown - and of bees in particular. And here I am on my 219th day of being stung. Well, there's an old Chinese proverb that goes, "Expect nothing, be prepared for everything".

And here is e-mail from my cyber-pal Pauline, a really remarkable woman. She's the
music therapist who's been doing all that she can for Joey who resides in a health care
center. Joey had gotten this close to getting started with bee venom therapy after some
difficult exacerbations, only to be denied permission by the doctor and staff at the
facility. I believe the doctor's remark was, 'I wouldn't get near that with a ten foot pole."
Pauline updates us on Joey's condition. She writes:

". . . Went to see my pal Joey last Saturday. Took my son (22) and his sweetheart of a
girlfriend. Joey was delighted to see us all. We chatted, laughed, brought him good
things to eat, and took pictures. He truly has become a member of the family. He is
thinking about moving from his facility. I am trying to research what facilities would
allow apitherapy to take place. No sense in moving otherwise. I would be in heaven if
my facility would approve apitherapy. I asked the attending Dr. about it the other day. He
promised to research it. Keep your fingers crossed. As for his overall health, he appears
to be maintaining. I did not notice any problems (more than he usually has) with
swallowing. . . " Pauline "polywaly" <polywaly@quiknet.com>

I am certainly wishing Joey all the best. He is a very lucky guy to have someone like
Pauline on his side. She continues to give and give to others. A really special person.

And finally, here's e-mail from my cyber-buddy Fred at the Weeping Willow Ostrich Ranch. He's back to stinging 20 sting sessions after having given stinging up altogether. Why? Because, as he says, and I'm paraphrasing now, "I guess I'd been doing better when i was stinging". Fred writes:

". . . Today I sting arms, shoulders and hands, and not looking forward to those areas. Seems like it's getting harder to do these because as you know they do hurt.I can handle every where else but boy the neck is a tough one. Decided not to do the face and temples anymore. Just couldn't see that much difference whether I did thoes stings or not. Certainly the pain was the worst out of all the spots. . . " Fred
fsoly@SSVEC.ORG (Fred Soly)
Weeping Willow Ostrich Ranch

I know how he feels about those neck ones. But everyone says they're good to do. Probably because it's right there at the stem of the brain. Well, sounds like Fred is getting some good results from bee venom therapy. He'd been stinging three years before he quit. And now he's back at it. I would suppose that that should say something about the way bee venom makes one feel. I wish Fred all the best. . . he's a real trooper.

Day 221 - 04:57pm - December 10, 1997 EST

Stung 12x last night on my lower back and buttocks. Started about 2" left and right of the spine and stung 6x down each side - straight down onto my buttocks.

Yesterday, I stung at night for the first time. Another first was that my son, Gavin (13), did the entire session with me - by himself. And of course, he was into it too. The bees are going into their second week and are pretty calm and lethargic so Carol and I both felt he would be able to handle it. So we went into the bedroom and I lay on my stomach and he did the entire job - like a pro - from start to finish. Well, he's certainly seen Carol do it often enough. And he did a super job. I was real proud of him and I know Carol was too.

I awoke this morning not feeling any major difference having stung the night before - except that it was nice waking up to the effects of the stings i.e. less stiffness in the legs which made it easier to get up and out of bed this morning. It was a bit more difficult falling asleep however - being conscious of the area stung and sensing the soreness. But there was no feeling of soreness this morning. It might be something to do on occasion - switching the session times from early mornings to late night. I had a dental appointment early this morning and didn't want to "leave home without it".

I had never before considered doing it at night. It always seemed likec a morning kind of thing. Also, Carol is tired at night, she being very much an early morning person. But I'd received this email from a cyber-friend which had gotten me to thinking. Ray writes:

". . . Talked with Charles Mraz yesterday for 15+ minutes. Nice guy. Offerred some
insight. Scheduled for 20 more [stings] tonight. I tried your early morning deal and
did not like it. More convenient for me in the PM ... then I go to sleep and
wake up OK. . . " Ray

Wake up ok? Hey, they say cortizone works better while you sleep, so maybe there's something there. So that was what motivated me to try stinging at night.

Ray has been stinging since February with some real positive results. But his reference to Charles Mraz, the father of bee venom therapy, had piqued my interest even further so I e-mailed him back asking for some details. Ray was nice enough to share with me what they had discussed. Ray writes:

". . . HE just said that my taking Methotrexate was not good and contrary to what the
bee venom does. He recommended not taking the methotrexate and after today I
will not take anymore as the results from the stings IS encouraging.
Scheduled for 20 more today.

He also said that I (we) should sting nerve meridians and he and his wife have
had good luck stinging just above the big and little toe on the foot. And
also trigger points. Same as accupressure and reflexology. Still in
research mode.. . ." Ray Rayseal <Rayseal@aol.com>

Well, no doubt those are some places that I will try stinging. I wish Ray continued success with his stinging. He is indeed extremely committed to bee venom therapy, always ready to correspond and share whatever he learns and discovers about bees and about MS in general. He is very motivating and thus, very supportive.

Day 223 - 04:05pm - December 12, 1997 EST

Stung 11x this morning on the front of my thighs and on my feet. Started on my thighs and stung 3x on each - from the top-center straight down to just above the kneecaps. Then, stung 2x on each foot - just where Charles Mraz had suggested to Ray in my last entry - just above the large and small toes. Then, with the one final bee remaining in the old, sticky mayonnaise jar, we stung my left foot - in the front, on the crease, at the center.

My visit to the dentist most definitely did me in for a few days. The stress and tension of having three cavities filled really tightened me up. It all seemed to center around my legs as it became increasingly more difficult for me to "schlepp" around yesterday. But right after getting stung this morning I had an immediate sense of well being and a welcomed surge of renewed energy. Yeah, the stings hurt and had been slightly sore throughout most of the day - but the rewards always make it worth the sting.

Not only did I have the ability to stand up and "schlepp" around today, but I had the inclination to do so as well. This "inclination" that I am referring to is very important to me and an integral aspect of this bee venom therapy. Having the desire to get up and move around points out how this therapy minimizes that sluggish "fatiguey" kind of feeling I get that can hold my body captive for hours at a time. I don't have to describe that feeling to anyone who is dealing with MS. I hate that feeling - when your mind says go, but your body says no.

Haven't broken into any of those eleven hives sitting out back yet but it has to happen this weekend because I'm fresh out of bees. Carol, my wife, feels confident in being able to get into the hives and retrieving some - getting the bees out of their frozen hives and into a mayonnaise jar. But as I look up beyond my computer out the window, I see that the snow is high - there must be snow drifts of at least 8''- 12". The evergreens are loaded down with fresh globs of snow that are indeed too heavy for the branches. Occasionally great big puffs of powder tumble from the limbs onto the marshmallow-like ground. A winter - wonderland, indeed. But how is Carol going to do it? And this will be her first experience with hives. Man, is she something.

And others are getting into hives as well, notably my cyber-friend John. He's been doing bee venom therapy via injections - but he's planning for the future. John writes:,

". . . The plan is to have a couple of hives (yes I am praying that I can do this) as a back up in case bottled venom becomes unavailable. The doc running our pilot study is scrambling for venom so I am concerned about both availability and price. No way is some HMO going to cover this for years.
The husband of my friend who is also in the pilot program has 200acres with a large sunflower patch so one hive goes there, one in my yard if I can find a place, and one more for propolis production at my forest and creek cabin.

Charles Mraz was so convinced that live is superior that I do want to try them after the study has run its course. . . " John <jbrackman@fidnet.com>

Well, John's a smart man so I'm sure he knows what he's doing. Bee venom therapy is obviously working its healing power on him. This is so great to hear. I love hearing about how people are able to secure bees and bee venom for their therapy. This is obviously one of the first obstacles to overcome if one is to continue on with this treatment. Well, thank God for Ferris, supplier of bees via mail.

Day 226 - 03:55pm - December 15, 1997 EST

Stung 17x this morning on my back. Started up on the top aprox. 3" from the spine and stung 16x down the left and right sides. Then, with a bee that had escaped Carol's tweezers at the start of the session and had been buzzing around on the window all through the session, stung just below the neck line.

I've been reducing the number of stings per session but today felt that it was time to give my system a "booster" session and crank it up a bit. I've been reducing the number of stings per session by 2 stings each week and today I was to begin at 8 stings-per-session. But I felt that I needed more. Besides, I'd read that it's good to surprise your body and change the dosage [number of stings] every so often. So today, it was 17. I will keep close tabs on how I feel over the next few days.

And for the first time, we were using bees from the hives that John McCoy, the beekeeper from Franlin MT, had set up on our property. That's right, we were able to get to those bees and "winter the hives". . . and how simple it turned out to be.

I had prepared a new mayonnaise jar early last week - the honey in the bottom of the jar with a paper-towel layered over it, my toilet-paper roll with a V cut out at the bottom - and had been anticipating Carol going out to the back of our property to where the hives are and getting bees. Instead, yesterday, I decided to send Gavin, my 13 year old son [who'll be turning 14 on the 21st] to see whether or not he could figure out what to do. Carol had checked it out earlier and had reported that John, the beekeeper, had drilled a tiny 1" hole into the side of each hive from which we were to be able to get at the bees. We weren't quite sure as to how we were to do that. But when I'd recieved this e-mail from Jane, a super-sweet cyber-friend, detailing for me exactly what to do, it all came together. Jane wrote:

". . . . Just wanted to share a little info that I have experimented with
and seems to work. . . There is a hole in the hive. . . Hole is about 3/4 to l inch across. . . I take
my fruit jar, have the honey in bottom . . . paper towels crumbled up in on top of honey and I
have a stick that I put in. . . Then I place the jar completely over
hole. I then take a rock and start pecking on jar, and in about a minute
or two here will come 1 or 2 bees and then keep on pecking on jar, pretty
loud, and there will be more and more.. . . when you think there is enough, SLIDE jar
over away from hole and immediately. . . get that top on. My bees will
live easily a week, I just spray a small, small amount of water on top
of jar holes and of course honey is in there to eat. Just be sure paper
towels are crumbled up or toilet paper roll sith V cut our and don't
forget they do love a stick in there, to crawl on. I have also found out
that they do better in a darkish place with little commotion. I put them
up in a kitchen cabinet. . . hope this helped a
little. . . as usual love the journal. . . " Jane <law@compu.net>

So I decided to send Gavin out to give it a try. In 10 miutes he returned to the house with a buzzing jar orf about 50 or so bees. Man, they looked great! Healthy and fresh and excited . . . they truely were a sight for sore eyes. I mean, the tempature had been at about 25 degrees F throughout the day on Sunday. I had had my doubts and bouts with negativity. But it's a happening thing now. It's a good feeling to know, come Armagedon, I'll have my medicine.

Jane was right on. And they do love darkish places so I've been keeping a small brown bag over the jar. I haven't tried the stick yet, but I will - as soon as I can find one under all the snow. Thanks Jane. You really helped put it all in perspective.

Day 228 - 04:23pm - December 17, 1997 EST

Stung 20x this morning on my thighs, knees, calves and feet. Started high up on my thighs and stung 4x on each thigh - left & right sides - then, stung 2x on either side of each knee. Then, stung 2x on the sides of each calve, and finally stung 2x on each foot - above the large and small toe.

The increased number of stings really had a positive effect on me last Monday which is why I've again kept the number up - this time back to 20. Perhaps lowering the number of stings is a good idea, but when you're not taking any other medicines, like stimulants or amphetamines, and all `you're doing is "bees", one begins to rely on the bee venom - to keep one up and loose and going. After my last sting session on Monday I had an increased sense of well being and an easier time "schlepping" about. Today, I wanted more - so why not? And let me tell you - I can feel the difference. And again I'm going to say; if this therapy helps to keep the "dis-aese" from progressing, isn't that wonderful? What else can I ask for? I know, I know, a lot more. Well, maybe it'll come my way yet. Miracles can happen.

Received an e-mail from a cyber-friend that suggested taking extra daily dosages of vitamin E, so I've added 100mg's of Vitamin E to my daily breakfast-of-vitamins. Along with that . . . still taking the herbs prescribed by Elly Katz, the Israeli healer-herbalist, 10mg's of Baclofen - 2x a day, 100 mg's of magnesium, 2000 mg's vitamin C, a multi vitamin/mineral, 50mg's DHEA . . . and, 50mg's of a B-2 and B-6 complex.

Reflexology sessions with Alice Waag have slowed down a bit. Because of the snow, access to her house atop MT. Vision has become near to impossible - for me. Hopefully there'll be a real melting-of-the-snow soon and I'll have the opportunity to squeak in for a quick session.

Have also been continuing with the stretching exercises but they hardly take the place of my swimming in the pond. Can't wait till the spring. . . but yikes, it's not even winter yet! And of course, always doing daily meditation and prayer.

Okay. Here's an e-mail I received yesterday that was indeed inspiring. So much so, I want to share it with others. Kassie writes:

". . . I don't have ms, but I do have an autoimmune disorder and I have many life struggles that are quite similar to yours, albeit not nearly as severe. Last year at this time I came down
with Bell's Palsy on the right side of my face. The nerve demyelinated and
my face was paralyzed for about six months. It was then that I began to
relate to your dis-ease. My nerve regenerated (almost completely) but I
face issues of fatigue and other problems that I won't go into.. . .
It was very interesting for me to have the experience of a nerve
regenerating. Somehow it gives me faith to realize that a completely
paralyzed nerve can come back on its own. The body has incredible healing
powers. I have been encouraged by your story. Thanks for sharing your life. . . " Kassie

<MANERI-HORIUCHI@MSN.COM>

Thanks for sharing your story with me, Kassie. What a great letter. What a great first-hand account of what is possible. I know we're all different with different problems. . . but here's a woman who has had some real and wonderful healing - healing that "supposedly" should not have happened, happen. I guess all things are possible. . . and miracles do happen.

Day 230 - 04:57pm - December 19, 1997 EST

Stung 16x this morning on my neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Started on my shoulders and stung 2x, left and right sides. Then, stung 1x on each arm. Then, 1x on each elbow, then 2x on each hand - once on the side above the pinky finger and once between the thumb and index finger. Then with the 2 remaining bees in the mayonnaise jar, stung either side of the back of my neck - just below the hairline.

The stings on the neck hurt as they always do but everyone says they're good for you. No doubt they provide your body with a wake-up call - with that extra "oomph!" to get up and move. This is why, although they are uncomfortable, I do go for it on a regular basis. No, I don't like pain but it always seems to be worth the exchange.

Well, the extra number of stings on Wed. were worthwile as well and kept me up and going.. This is a hectic time of year not only because of the holidays - and there are two here, Christmas and Hanukkah - but also my son's birthday.

Gavin's birthday is on the 21st - he'll be 14 - and he's still at that age where he expects, and rightly so, a festive time with parties and dinners and presents and all the rest. So around here there's a lot going on. And I want to be as involved and into all of this as I possibly can. Sure, I can't do as much as I once was able to do. But there's no doubt that since I've started on the bee venom therapy, I've had a lot more energy to be part of what's going on - part of life with my wife and children. And this is so important to me -because, this is what life is all about. Being involved - living and loving to the fullest. And with a "dis-ease" like MS, one can easily lose sight of this and slowly let "living life" slip away.

Sure, I'll never get used to not being whole and perfect. And until I'm healed I'll forever be missing running about shopping, decorating, planning and all the rest - in the same way I once was able. But these "bees" certainly have given me back the edge - reducing that helpless sense of fatigue that had always been so prominent . Maybe I'm not back up on my feet the way I had hoped I would be when I'd first started on this therapy. But I'm certainly feeling a heck of a lot better than I had before I'd started. And for this, I am so grateful.

On that note I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a great holiday season. Sometimes when I sit at this computer and begin to make an entry I say to myself, "Enough already, there's nothing more to say and everyone's heard it all before." But then, I'll get an e-mail like this. Mickey writes:

". . . I also have MS. And like you am looking for my own way. But I have noticed as I get sicker I can not look with the same energy..Also my cognitive reasoning doesn't allow me to think as clearly and I can't remember much.
I am very seriously considering BVT. [bee venom therapy] But I don't know where and how
many stings it requires. In fact I just have read testimonials that talk about it.
Do you recommend it? Where can I get the specifics about it?
I am so desperate for anything that comes close to giving me back a part
of my life. . . " Mickey

And so I write him back and he learns a little bit more about bee venom therapy. He buys Pat Wagner's How-to manual and makes inquiries about bees from beekeepers and soon, with God's help and a little support, he'll hopefully be on his way. I received this e-mail from Mickey this morning. Mickey writes:

". . . Thanks for replying to my last note. I have been in contact with the
Bee Lady, and have received her info and book. Average of 16 stings a day,
Ouch. I have contacted one bee keeper and they seemed a little worried
about giving me 16 bee's a day during this winter season. Is there another
source that I can use and what will it cost me? I am committed to doing
this now, and I must give you a big Thanks for writing down a diary of your
experience.
How use to the treatments do you get? How long a procedure is it now?
How many bees can you keep at one time? I have a lot of practical
questions now that I have decided to take the stinger by the horn.
Thanks again for all your help and your daily dedication to telling
others like me.. . . " Mickey <mickaren@email.msn.com>

I wish Mickey all the best and I know that bee venom therapy will make a change in his life - certainly in the quality of his life. It's just amazing how powerful "support" is - not only when it comes to "bees", but with MS in general. It is so important. I've written Mickey with some answers. If any of you folks have the time, perhaps you can share some of your knowledge and experience too. Tis the season. . .

As I say again and again, if this therapy has any merit to it at all - and I believe that it does - then it's a sin for people not to be aware of it.

Day 233 - 04:03pm - December 22, 1997 EST

Stung 16x this morning on my thighs and feet. Started high up on the outside of each thigh and stung 6x - approx. 2" between each sting site - down to the sides of each knee. Then, stung 2x on each foot - just above the big and little toe.

I'd been hearing a lot about stinging the meridian points and although I'm not sure where those exact points are as of yet, Carol had been reading in a book entitled "The Macro-biotic Way" that many of the meridians were located along the legs. I understand that Charles Mraz, father of bee venom therapy here in the U.S., has a book entitled "Health And The Honeybee" and I am in the process of securing that book right now. My cyber-friend Ray had e-mailed me with the information last week. Ray writes:

". . . Under "Bee Links" (under Bee Sting.com) there is a choice of books supplies
etc. Charles Mraz's book is available for $12.45, ... Like I said, I found it VERY interesting . . . I stung right down my spine last night. Some hurt bad, others not ... strange. I need to learn about these nerve pathways ... meridians. I WILL. . .Ray <Rayseal@aol.com>

Knowing what I know of Ray, I'm sure he will. Oh, and I'd made an error regarding how long Ray has been stinging. I'd said that he'd started in Feb. of '97 but in actuality he had started in October. Well, he's well on his way now.

The weekend was good and doing all I can to keep up with everyone else during this holiday time. Gavin, my 14 year old, had a great birthday yesterday with lots of partying and friends and e-mail. Between it all though he found the time to go out back and retrieved for me a fresh jar of bees. Probably enough for only a few sessions but there are always more.

The stings this morning once again had my legs levitating upwards. One or two of the stings on my thigh really seemed to go deep - as though I was feeling them in my muscle. Don't remember ever feeling the stings that way in the past. I'll have to keep tabs on that. This afternoon I seem to have good strength in my legs but I can't tell if it's significantly more than usual. Well, who knows. Regardless, the stings felt good - making my legs come alive. That's one of the wonderful things about the stings- they wake up the parts of the body that are numb and asleep.

Have a holiday event to go to tomorrow night and I've been thinking about stinging myself before I go. I've never done that before but the stings always gives me a rush of energy so perhaps I should harness that surge and use it to "go". I'll be using my walking stick to "schlepp" in and out and perhaps this will make the excursion easier.

Now, talk about bee venom waking up those parts of the body that are numb and asleep, my cyber-buddy Fred from the Weeping Willow Ostrich Ranch forwarded this e-mail that had been sent to him. Judy writes:

". . . My name is Judy from Westminster, Colorado - and I loved reading about
you. The neck stings ARE painful! I was nearly in a state of total paralysis
when my husband began stinging me in August. He would have to lift me from
the bed to the wheelchair and tie me in. No more. I sit up on my own - and
first 2 bee test-stings to my 2-year paralyzed foot caused it to move at my
will within 20 minutes. I HAD serious double-vision and now have good vision
... I HAD a useless left hand and I am left-handed. I've got my left hand
back now, thanks to BVT. I've been in a wheelchair for 4 years - and now have
stood up twice without any assistance other than my own two feet. Miracles
are happening here with every single one of us - thanks to the Honeybee venom.
Continued good-luck to you - Best wishes, Judy (JAlva76117@aol.com)

Is that a great letter or what? It certainly made my weekend. Here I am always talking about miracles and here one is. Bee venom therapy is making a world of difference in Judy's life. I wish her all the best. And the way things are going. . . God is certainly smiling down her. God bless you, Judy.

Day 235 - 04:54pm - December 24, 1997 EST

Stung 16x this morning on my spine. Started at the top and stung 14x straight down. During the session, one bee slipped off my spine and stung me on the kidney, So Carol placed a second one on the other side.

So yesterday we had an ice storm and we decided not to take our lives in our hands just to be at a holiday party. Also, they'd changed its location at the last minute and there was no time to "scout" the place out and see just how accessible it was.

For each person, at any given moment, the meaning of "access-ability" is re-defined. Last night, for me, I wanted to "walk". I didn't want to take my electric scooter and I didn't want to get there, discover it was too far for me and then have my children be disappointed. So. . . we made a little party for ourselves at home. The first night of Hanukkah.

I've been spending some time on the MGH Forum and I can not believe the negativity of some people regarding bee venom therapy. They post messages that lead people to think that "bee-minded" people are into "fooling" or "taking advantage" of those dealing with MS. Well, anyone who's been following this journal for any length of time knows about John McCoy, the beekeeper on Franklin MT, who has re-located eleven of his hives - at his own expense - and set them up on my property - for me to use freely. "So you can be sure to always have all the fresh bees you need," John told me.

Carol and I were talking last night and she said to me, "Lift up your leg." I was siting at the computer and pushed my legs slightly out and upward. "See," she said. "You couldn't do that 7 months ago." Carol knows that the messages on the MGH Forum have been upsetting me and she was trying to make a point. "You see," she said with a smile, "you may not be walking as you want to but you're certainly not any worse." And she added. "And I know you're better."

Now, how about this e-mail from Jorge. I love this letter, an intelligent, thoughtful testimonial of support. Jorge is, thank God, actually doing pretty well with MS. But he swears by bee venom therapy. Jorge writes:

". . . For the record, I am 40 yrs old, ambulatory have a dx [diagnosis] of secondary CP [chronic progressive] MS, initial acute exacerbation in 1984, dx'd in 93, have participated in BVT
twice, once in 95 and have started again in July of '97. Also still licensed RN
in Calif.
Some of my symptoms, extreme fatigue, heat intolerance, very sensitive to
temperature shifts, left side leg and arm weakness, numbness,stiffness to
hands. That's just a few for the reccord. . .

How has BVT helped?

Fatigue is one of the main MS symptoms. I use to have so much fatigue I
couldn't make my bed without being exhausted and now, the days
aren't long enough. I am a busy man physically and mentally.
I also use to have chronic back spasm, it's 90% gone sometimes a 100%. My left
hand and neck started to contract this year in July. That's why I returned to
BVT. My hand is not contracted now but it's still weak the neck spasm slumping
is gone.

My thoughts are clearer, I am not having any cognitive problems. I was
having serious problems in the past before BVT. . . .
Yes, I also feel like I am doing something that makes a difference. Yes, I've heard that 70% of individuals experience the placebo effect but this is my second time, I've tried BVT. Both times, not
only I but family, friends, even my doctors, GP and neurologist noticed improvement.

Do I think BVT cures?

It's possible, I am open minded, one never really knows how or why remissions occur. I am just glad it's improved the quality of my life. I know it helps body function.

What do I think of the BVT trials testing?

I believe it's great but I don't don't have time to wait for someone elses interpretation of clinical trials.
Nor do I have the extra money for what ever price it's determined to be worth
. . . . I am willing to practice BVT because it makes my Todays good and No one really knows
about tomorrow. . . I have been fortunate to have identified a somewhat
uncomfortable but very valuable method of coping with MultipleSclerosis, MS,
Many Symptoms.

I am very happy for those who claim they have been cured with BVT. My
experience tells me that BVT is just another method of symptom relief not a
cure. I should say a Great method of symptom relief. I expect to practice BVT
for the rest of my life. . . " Jorge,U2 U2rFree2BU <U2rFree2BU@aol.com>

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings, Jorge. It's a great read. Jorge is smart. He is not sitting back and waiting for miracles. Instead, he's doing what he can with what there is. I only wish that I had been exposed to bee venom therapy when I was first diagnosed.Well, better late than never.

And here's a Christmas special from my super-sweet friend and a super-sweet lady, Donna Chandler. Donna writes:

". . . This is Charlie [Mraz], Pat [Wagner] and of course yours truly at Charlie's 90th
birthday party in VT two years ago. . . .Like the hair? . . .that was was my curly period..." Donna Donna Chandler, Charles Mraz and Pat Wagner

Finally, wishing everyone a happy holiday and many blessings of good and renewed health. God bless all of you.

Day 237 - 04:15pm - December 26, 1997 EST

Stung 14x this morning on my neck and arms. Started on my neck and stung 6x - 3x to the left and 3x to the right - just below the hairline. Then, stung 2x on either shoulder. Then, 2x on each arm - just above and just below the elbow.

Those neck stings were wicked. they hurt and they burned but I really felt that they were well worth it. But for the remainder of the day I felt strong and coordinated and doing what I wanted to do was not a chore requiring every ounce of energy I was able to muster. You know that feeling of extreme fatigue. Well, it seems as if those neck stings really do a job on that "fatigue factor".

Had a wonderful day yesterday too, spent it with my family and nothing could be finer. Also, seems as if those stings down on my spine was a pretty good idea.Those stings were rather uncomfortable during the day on Wednesday, but Thursday left me feeling pretty good.

Have been dialoguing with some cyber-friends over the past few weeks regarding the bees and MS and how one can tell how one is faring. I find it so difficult to be objective about myself and how to quantify just how much better is better. I know that the bottom line for me is: if I'm not getting worse, then this is better. I really believe that. But what about others's - not necessarily the "miracle" people but just the everyday Joes like you and I.

Here's what my cyber-buddy Fred at the Weeping Willow Ostrich Ranch wrote last week. Fred writes:

". . . I've been thinking all day about the questions you asked regarding the
bees.There's three things I can go to the bank on.One is the bees have
without a doubt stopped almost nighty five percent of the jumpyness in
my legs.Second is the fatigue.I still have thoes moments in the day
where I get the blahs,but over all it is much better.Third I have more
energy after a stinging seession.It dosn't last real long but none the
less it happens.
I find myself asking the same questions, am I better the same or worse.I
believe I am better in certain areas as listed above.There are a few
areas that havn't changed, thus the same.Now we move on to worse.I don't
think I can stand as long, walk as far, or as well as I did a year
ago.I've sure done more work than I did last year . . . One thing is for sure I will continue the
bees because I'm afraid to stop using them for fear of what might happen if I quit.
. . . Maybe it takes longer for some than others. . . " Fred fsoly@SSVEC.ORG

Well, Fred is a real right-on kind of guy. Remember, he'd been stinging for years before he'd stopped and then started up again four or five months ago. And why had he started up again? Because he'd felt that things had gotten a bit worse after he'd given it up. But what I respect so much about him is that he was smart enough to jump back in - before it was too late. I wish Fred all the best in the world. His commitment to bee venom therapy has been and continues to be incredibly inspirational to me.

And here's some e-mail from my cyber-friend Ray. He's quite a charcter and is dealing
with more than just MS - but always seems to keep a great positive attitude.: Ray writes:

" . . .Pat Wagner and Donna Chandler have had dramatic positive results. Now it
sounds like Judy is following suit. You, Jorge, and I all PERCEIVE that
results are positive, but nothing dramatic ... yet. I wonder if it is a
female thing? Only wondering ...Something I do too much of. One of my favorite
sayings ...
"It is difficult to fight the enemy when they have outposts in your head."
Another is "When you are in your own mind ... you are behind enemy lines." I
find it increasingly difficult NOT to be 'in my mind' with MS. But BVT has
made my cognitive function better, in my opinion. . . " Ray Rayseal
<Rayseal@aol.com>

Some interesting thoughts and insights. Bees being a "female thing"? I don't think so.
Perhaps it's just that there are so many more women dealing with MS than men. Also, I
only post and talk about those people that contact me. I'm sure there are many, many
more people who are into bee venom therapy that have had miraculous results - that are
not even on-line. Men and women alike. But Ray certainly is a thinking man, isn't he?

Day 240 - 04:40pm - December 29, 1997 EST

Stung 16x this morning on my back, thighs and buttocks. Started low on my back approx. 3" from the spine above the tail-bone and stung 3x to the left & right. Then, stung 4x down on the sides of each thigh. Then, stung 1x on each buttock.

The stings were uncomfortable and the sites remained sore and tender all through the day. Perhaps I should have used some salve or something, but I didn't after the session and I was not home for most of the day.

Had a good weekend with the energy to do what was needed and wanted. Yesterday, Sunday, the family headed off to the "big-big" city of Binghampton. Gavin and Katrina were given money for Christmas to purchase CD players - and we made the purchases a family event of sorts.

Yes, I needed my electric scooter - which is what is so wonderful about aids. The problem is most of us tend not to want to use them when they would be most advantageous. But without the scooter I'd have been left out of the deal because no way can I walk through the malls. But everything else functioned perfectly. No fatigue. No bladder problems. No cramps and tightness - and I had an enjoyable time. Comparison shopped for the best deals, checked out some bookstores and health food stores and spent some quality time with my family - outside of the home. And I know I owe it to the bee venom therapy. Because without bees, I would just not have had the desire, inclination, ability or energy to deal with any of it.

So no. I'm not walking, yet - not doing what I want to do in the way that I'd like. But I've got the energy to be involved.

Now, here's some e-mail from my cyber-friend John who's been injecting bee venom, with some nice results. for some time now. Always a clear and thoughtful man, he continues to keep my perspective not only on the benefits of bee venom therapy - but on family and friends as well.. John writes:

". . . You listen to your wife! While letters from folks like Judy [see Day 233] who had
voluntary movement for the first time in ages are the high drama of this
regimen we have chosen, those of us who are already improved have less
dramatic improvements. I have even discovered that I need to listen to my
secretary, the bailiff, the juvenile officer etc who don't live with me
daily. Their observations are always more reliable. . . I have to stop
to realize that picking something off the floor is an improvement. It is not
dramatic; it is a small step toward normalcy. That is still an improvement,
a step toward the ultimate goal of total normalcy albeit we may always be
bee dependant. . . ." John <jbrackman@fidnet.com>

John is right. Getting used to doing small "normal" things is quickly passed over in the quest for even more normalcy. And that's okay. But we shouldn't lose sight from "whence we've come" and how important any small benefit we derive from the bee venom therapy is. And as John and many others have reminded me over and over again. This "di-ease" has been going on in my body for years and years. And I've only been stinging for . . . 240 days.

And here's e-mail from someone who's been down the road with all sorts of treatments and has settled into bee venom therapy. Although she's having some troubles with her bees. . . she's not giving up. Charlote writes:

". . . Been on bee venom therapy for 4 months now, have to stop for 3 weeks, bought
my own hive, but bees disappeared. The man who sold me the hive is in Fla.
with his hives he transports them for the winter, brings them back to Ma. in
April. He's coming back Jan. 10 so he will be switching hives with me. . . I really miss not being stung, I was up to 20 stings 3 times a week, but found it too much for my system went 17 and staying
there . . . I was on Beta Seron in 1995 for 8 mos. couldn't take the fatigue, started
on steroids in '96 got off Aug. of 97, that's when I started BVT. My energy
level is better then it was with the other meds. . . I'm committed to BVT [bee venom therapy]. . . I've been reading your journal and it helps me because at times
you get depressed [too], but you're keeping me going, its the shot in the arm I
need. . . Thank you. . . " Charlotte <Piewac@aol.com>

Well, I know how Charlotte must be feeling. . . not getting stung for three weeks. If I could share some of my bees with her, I would. But once again, the beekeepers show themselves to be exceptional individuals - returning to put in another hive. And you know that bee venom therapy is working for Charlotte. She's certainly done the gamut of other treatments and is feeling the difference - even more-so now after having missed the stings for three weeks. Well, I hope she gets her hive soon and gets back to her stinging. I wish her much success. I suppose when one is put in the position of not gettting stung, they become even more keenly aware of its value.

Day 242 - 04:38pm - December 31, 1997 EST

Stung 18x this morning on my neck, shoulders and back. Started on my neck and stung 1x on either side of the base just below the hairline. Then, stung 12x right down on the spine. Then, feeling courageous , I said to my wife, "Carol, let's do some more on the neck." So, she stung me two more times on the neck an inch or two beside the first stings. And finally, she me stung 1x on each shoulder blade.

Boy, there's no getting away from it. Those neck stings do hurt. . . and so did all the others this morning. But those neck and spine stings had me feeling so nice last week - I couldn't resist. The stings on Monday were good ones too. Whenever I get stung on my lower back and buttocks it always makes standing up and "schlepping" with my walking stick easier. It's so important to keep things as much in motion and as active as I possibly can. Otherwise, what good is it to have any abilities at all.

Had gone to the health food store last week (at the mall) and picked up Bee Pollen capsules and Royal Jelly. Have read a lot about the significance of taking bee products and decided this was as good a time to start as any.

So I've added Bee Pollen to my "breakfast of vitamins". Along with that . . . still taking the herbs prescribed by Elly Katz, the Israeli healer-herbalist, 10mg's of Baclofen - 2x a day, 100 mg's of magnesium, 2000 mg's vitamin C, a multi vitamin/mineral, 50mg's DHEA . . . and, 50mg's of a B-2 and B-6 complex. Reflexology sessions with Alice Waag have come to a complete halt due to all this snow. We had at least 18" yesterday . . . and more is expected. Because of all the snow, access to her house atop MT. Vision has become impossible - for me. Have also been doing stretching exercises but they just don't compare to my swimming in the pond. And of course, always doing daily meditation and prayer.

Now, here's a New Year's treat. Dianne has been stinging for a while - for years - and makes an offer you can't refuse. Dianne writes:

". . . I HAVE BEEN STINGING FOR OVER 4 YEARS I AM DOING VERY WELL THANK THE
LORD. I WAS DIAGNOSED CRONIC PROGRESSIVE AND MY DOCTORS ARE AMAZED. I STING TWICE A WEEK 15 STINGS ON MONDAY AND 15 STINGS ON FRIDAY. MY HUSBAND STINGS MY BACK, IT SEEMS TO WORK BEST ON THE SPINE. . . AS FOR THE PROGRESSION - YES IT HAS STOPPED. AND EVEN REVERSED ALMOST ALL OF THE DAMAGE AS WELL.

IF ANY ONE NEEDS HELP I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO HELP THEM GET STARTED. . . I AM IN ROCHESTER, NEW YORK HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR . . " DIANNE
deemg@webtv.net

Dianne's a person who is reaping the rewards of bee venom therapy and wanting to give back. What a wonderful person she must be. Well, if you're near Rochester, NY and want to get into stinging. . . no more excuses for you! And maybe it's true. maybe it may take more than 242 days of stinging before those "miracles" occur. In the meantime, if it stops the progression - that's just great.

And here's another e-mail from someone who'd started stinging, stopped and has started up again. Why? Listen to what Debby has to say. Debby writes:

". . . I am a 38 year old female . . . I had been DX [diagnosed] in '94 and just began BVT [bee venom therapy] this summer, but due to a change in my husband's work schedule we had stopped the therapy and I had a relapse on Dec 6. Needless to say I have began again. The BVT pulled me out of this exacerbation in record time but still I am having a tough time regaining my strength and being able to start walking again .. . I had worked up to 12 stings every other day but when my husband's work schedule changed we found it harder and harder to get the stings. The last [stinging session] I had [before my exacerbation] was in Oct. - until I had this attack. I then began using bees on Dec. 6th again. I had not had any flair ups the entire time I was doing the stings. . . . Thanks to the BVT we were able to camp this summer and I lived an almost normal life for the first time since my DX [diagnosis]. I even attended a concert and we were able to go to the zoo!! . . . I believe in the healing property of BVT"

It's that same thing so many have observed: as long as they stay stinging - the "dis-ease" seems to stop progressing. And it sounds like Debby had been getting some decent results before she'd stopped . . . and realizes it too. Well, it's unfortunate that we have to backslide sometimes before coming around. But come around she has and I'm happy, happy to meet another smart person on the "bee" team.

And there was something else Debby had mentioned in her e-mail that had gotten me to thinking. Debby continued:

". . . We need a place where we could chat on a weekly basis. I know from first hand
experience that as a beginner you have so many questions and you need encouragement. Maybe we can come up with a place soon. . ." Debby charlieg@mounet.com

Funny, for some time now I'd been toying with the idea of setting up a Bulletin Board on this site. A "safe-place" for people on the "bee" team to correspond without getting slammed. My web-site-design & hosting business has really been taking off and keeping me "hopping" and I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. But perhaps Debby makes an important point. Maybe, if I can set it up so that it doesn't require too much time and too much of an expense. This on-line journal is my way of giving what I can but at the present time I can't take on the added expense of a bulletin board/forum. I wonder how many people would pay a yearly fee of let's say, $10 to $20 - would it be worth it for them? Please let me know, I'm open to suggestions

So here it is another year. And of course I am asking that proverbial question. How am I this year compared with last? How well will I compare to next?

Well, I am going to make a New Year's committment to stay with the program. Stay on the "bee" team. To keep stinging. Because I know that if I do, then at this time next year I will be able to say, "I've done everything I could to halt the progression of this "dis-ease"" - and hopefully be in even better condition than I am today. Walk again? With God's help, anything is possible. I have such great support from my family, Carol, my wife and my two children Gavin (14) and Katrina (11). Let alone the unexpected support I've gotten from the people I've met and gotten to know through this journal. I've met some "real" people here. And each and every one has been instrumental in helping me stay "involved".

Stinging is not easy and it ain't for everyone. I think it starts out from a sort of desperation but when it continues to work its magic over your physical body - giving you back some of those basic everyday living skills - that's where you see miracles at work. Being able to get up, button your blouse, pick up your pants or tie your shoelaces - that's what Bee Venom Therapy has done for me. It has not simply kept me "alive" - it keeps me "into life".

Happy New Year. All the best in 1998.

Day 244 - 05:11pm - January, 2, 1998 EST

Stung 12x this morning on my thighs, knees and feet. Started at the front of each leg and stung 2x on each thigh.Then, moving down to the knees, stung 3x around each kneecap. Then, stung 1x on the top of each foot above the big toe.

Well, those back stings on Wed. really left my back feeling sore again. It seems to be more sensitive when I'm stung right on the spine. Different than when I'm stung on either side of the spine or just on the back. But I seemed to be okay the following morning.

And the stings this morning on my legs and feet really felt good as well. The stiffness and tightness was immediately alleviated. It can be compared to how Dexamethasone (cortisone) would make my legs feel - but not to the same degree. A sense of reduced swelling. I had wanted to sting more but Carol, my wife, felt that this was a session in which to reduce the number of stings. We are still experimenting with the number of stings per session, careful not to sting the same number each session. Employing the element of "surprise" to the body.

It's a new year and I am attacking it with all the enthusiasm I am wont to muster. There is much I plan to accomplish and I am grateful for the energy provided by the bee venom therapy. As always, it continues to provide me with the energy to do what must be done - and that which I want to do. I have not given up on regaining the ability to walk un-aided once again. In the interim however I will use a walking stick, a walker or whatever is needed to keep the legs in motion - even if it is but a shuffle.

Alice Waag, reflexologist, telephoned me New Year's Day. "So, are you doing as I said?" the 84 year old, hands-on therapist, demands of me. No I hadn't. She is referring to her recommendation that I use the rubber end of a pencil and work it into the soles of my feet during the times that I am unable to come to her for treatments. "It's good for you," she insists with such purpose and enthusiasm I am left feeling slightly embarrassed. "I do it to myself and it works. It works very good." There is no arguing with this octogenarian. And although I know that it is a good idea it has just been difficult to get into. Carol suggested I get into a routine and do it first thing when I get up in the morning. "I'll try," I say to Alice. And I will. She is so concerned about my welfare and so convinced that I will be able to walk again. A wonderful friend and inspiration.

Now, here's some e-mail from a new cyber-friend that seems to be on the winning team with the right attitude. Bill writes:

". . . I am a 29 year old male from Chicago and have had ms for 2 years. I have been doing BVT [bee venom tnerapy] for 6 months and have about the same results you have had. . . . I live alone and am still working driving a semi truck. I walk pitifully with a cane. It may slow me down but it will never stop me! . . my sister does all my stinging, she's become quite the bee rustler. . . I will continue to do B V T. If there's 1 thing I have learned about ms from the people that have had very good result its they all had an UNDYING belief that what they were doing was gonna work for them. Belief in success is very important! without it you will most likely fail. . . I have a question for you. do you know of any men who have had great results with B V T? All the success stories I hear of are women. . . " Bill <KEMPO31@aol.com>

Bill makes some really interesting points and it sounds like he's got the makings of a winner. Regarding that last question - about men vs. women. Again, I just think there are many more women dealing with MS and many, many more people with MS that aren't on-line. But if there are men out there who've been having some really special results - love to hear from them. Success stories are always an inspiration.

And finally, I loved hearing about Bill's sister, a supportive woman indeed who's administering the therapy. Now that's true love! God bless the both of them.

Day 247 - 5:09pm - January 5, 1998 EST

Stung 14x this morning on my shoulders, arms, elbows and chest. Started on my upper shoulders and stung 3x on either side. Then, stung 2x on each arm. Then, one bee escaped Carol's tweezers and landed on my chest - just below the right nipple. So I Lcoaxed it to sting me there and, being the balanced, yin-yang sort of fellow I am, stung the other side as well. Finally, stung 1x on the side of each elbow.

Had never stung my chest before and it felt good. Stinging new areas of the body always feels good and gives me an increased sense of energy. The same thing happens when I sting an area that I haven't stung in a while. That's why it's good to divide the body up into different quadrants, stinging the various sections on alternating days.

I had hoped to sting a few more times this morning, but Gavin - who'd planned to harvest some bees from the hives before leaving for school this morning - woke up late. So the job was left to Carol. But after two attempts and two jars she was only able to secure 14 bees. I guess Gavin has the touch and he'll have to show Carol his secret.

The leg stings on Friday were good as they always are, giving me that push to get up onto my feet and "schlepp" about the entire weekend. Had only stung 12x on Friday, still not convinced that stinging more is better. Perhaps it is better to alter the number of stings - constantly increasing and decreasing the number of stings - so as to keep the body guessing and not becoming immune to a specific amount of venom every other day. I don't know. I'm still experimenting.

Okay, here's something interesting. Last week I'd posted a letter by Bill who'd questioned what the "deal" was regarding women having seemingly better results than men when it came to bee venom therapy. I'd said I didn't think so for various reasons. Well, over the weekend I'd received this e-mail. Rob writes::

". . . I am a 43 year-old MALE and have been doing BVT for approximately three months. . .

I was diagnosed about three years ago with cpms [chronic progressive multiple sclerosis] My symptoms were great fatigue (MS head), clonus and hyper-reflexivity in my right leg along with stiffness, only able to walk two blocks (I used to walk miles while trout fishing), numbness in
left hand & both feet, not able to flex right foot nor curl toes, poor balance, and a general negative outlook on life. Also, symptoms during an exacerbation included all of the above (but worse) and severe vertigo and "mini-seizures". . .

After my last visit to the neuro (idiot), when he suggested increasing Baclofen to the max and perhaps trying Avonex, my next phone call was to Pat Wagner! . . .

The next day I was in Pat's living room (stinging/singing room)! I feel fortunate because I live within an hour drive from Pat. Not enough good can be said about Pat -- the way she opens her home for BVT and related help and instruction. After the test stings, she stung me on my lower back, and sent me home with a jar of bees.

Now, after BVT 3x/week (now at 14-16 stings/session) for about three months, here's the improvements/benefits I've seen:

- greater energy/less fatigue -- after 2 weeks of BVT
- clearer head
- numbness in feet gone -- able to feel floor again!
- able to curl toes
- numbness improvement in left hand after each sting session
- able to flex right foot (lift heel off floor which was impossible
before BVT)
- able to walk six-seven blocks without having to stop
- Baclofen now taken only as needed - maybe 1/day
- better outlook on life. . .

Here is the real reason I e-mailed you. My wife, Barb, took Pat Wagner a Christmas present, and she gave Barb a BVT tip for me: Instead of using ice (or nothing at all) to numb the sting site, try applying a warm, wet washcloth the instant AFTER the sting! It seems to be very soothing, and, according to Pat, it helps the venom move through the meridians easier. It seems to take the real sting out of 'em.

. . and I would be interested in a $10 fee for a chat group or whatever. Keep up the journal -- it's great!! . . . "Rob mrsnap@ix.netcom.com

Well, I'd say Rob is experiencing some real decent results from bee venom.Great report! What a clear, informative and interesting letter. Nothing wrong with his cognitive thinking, that's for sure. And I'll have to try that idea regarding that warm washcloth. Makes a lot of sense in that heat opens up the pores.

And I'm glad Rob let me know about the bulletin/board/forum I'm considering. No sense in setting one up if there aren't going to be enough people on it to exchange ideas. I've heard back from a few other committed bee people, but perhaps there really isn't that much of a need.

And here's e-mil from a cyber-friend who's still trying to get into bee venom and not giving up. Charlene writes:

". . . Hi this is Charlene in Florida. I read your stuff all the time. Sometimes I
feel alone and left behind, so its good to read your account. Still looking
for someone to help with stings. just got a email from a guy in Pensacola. His email is Rayseal
Nice guy but I am about 8 hrs. drive from him. The closest person I have
found is about a 2 hour drive. But I am getting closer.! I know I will find
someone. . ." Charlene CCadby <CCadby@aol.com>

Charlene is new in Florida and still just settling in. I wish her all the luck in hooking up with someone near where she lives. So if there is anybody on the bee team down in the Sunshine State, Charlene is waiting. No doubt however that with determination like Charlene's, something good will happen soon. Let's hope so.

And here's some e-mail from a cyber-pal that is doing whatever he can with what there is to better himself in his battle with this "dis-ease". It's from the same fellow Charlene had made mention of in her e-mail above. Ray writes:

". . . Evidence surely points to diet as being VERY important. . . Also, interesting about Sharon [see day ] stinging every day. Yikes !! But I have decided to INCREASE MY stings to 30. My, and one other male's, observation was that females seem to respond better to this then males. A female pointed out the fact that males ARE in general, larger . . . I am about 175lbs so I will increase it proportionaatlly. . . . Now I'm up to 590 stings. . . May also start the every day "deal". I know Pat [Wagner] does not recommend it, but she told me she has had over 17000 since 1992. Do the math and she IS largely cured. She ain't very big. I would estimate 130-140 maybe 5' 5" or less, might not weigh that much. . . I would not have thought anything was wrong with her. She appeared normal to me. Although she was confined in her small study or whatever it was, she sppeared to walk normally to me. Much better than I anyway. . . " Ray <Rayseal@aol.com>

Well, lots to think about here. Diet, increasing the number of stings, men vs. women in regard to Bee Venom Therapy effectiveness, and of course how the therapy continues to work its healing on Pat Wagner. Ray had received his initial stings from Pat this past fall. Like I've said before, Ray is indeed a thinking man. And a pretty smart one too. Good luck, Ray.

Day 249 - 5:39pm - January 7, 1998 EST

Stung 16x this morning on my back and legs. Started on my lower back approx. 4" from the spine and stung 2x on either side. Then, moving staight down, stung 2x on each buttock. Then, stung 2x on the back of each thigh. Then, 1x behind each knee and finally 1x on each calve.

Was much easier to do the stinging session in the bedroom lying on my stomach. Woke up feeling tight and really had to push along into the bathroom and shower. But after the stings, as usual, things loosened up. The motion of the legs and knees became more fluid and it was much easier to get dressed again - put on and pull up my pants - and "schlepp" over to the computer and get to work. No cramps, no leg spasms and no fatigue. These are the times that I can "see" and "feel" the bee venom working in my life. Not the great miracle perhaps, but it keeps me going - doing what needs to be done.

Those stings on Monday were good too, but looked forward to doing more today. The lower back is always a good place to sting especially for loosening up the legs.

The weather has been unseasonably warm here for the past several days so we can see the bees coming out and circling about and doing whatever they do in the winter when the weather warms up a bit. John, the beekeeper, says that it's the time that many of the older bees who are ready to die of natural causes leave the hive so as not to expire in the hive itself. You can actually see quite a number of these dead bees scattered about the hives. Well, I suppose they make for good composte.

And here's something interesting to take note of. I've been talking about it and now someone has done something about it. Over at the Health BBS Forum, Jaap, the webmaster, has set up a place in the index under Multiple Sclerosis for Bee Venom Therapy. It's a place that one can post comments or questions regarding bee venom. I'll keep my eye on it and perhaps it can become a central informational point for some good bee venom interaction. Jaap's a very good and sensitive man and has taken this on out of the goodness of his heart. Let's try and support him in any way that we can. And a special thanks to Kathy aka Rose Gardner, who helped set this bulletin board up. She is indeed someone special. Kathy is dealing with MS in her own way as we all do. She doesn't do bees but she's a smart open-minded lady that is extremely knowledgeable about MS. Thanks, Kathy.

Day 251 - 4:34pm - January 9, 1998 EST

Stung 22x this morning. Started and stung 1x just below each kneecap. Then, stung 1x atop each foot above the big toe, then stung 1x on the outsides of each ankle bone, then stung 1x just above each wrist, then 1x on the back of each wrist, then 1x on the outsides of each elbow. Then we moved to the back area and stung 2x high-up at the base of the head on the neck - left & right sides, then stung 2x atop the shoulders - left and right sides, then stung 2x to the left & right sides of the upper back, and finally stung 4x across the center of the lower back - left to right sides.

Don't really know how fresh bees compare to "older" ones but using fresh bees sure does feel nice. They sure look potent as they hop and buzz about inside the mayonnaise jar.

My wife Carol and I were off to the library and had taken out some books on acupressure points and decided to sting particular areas for fatigue and for boosting the immune system. Yes, today's session was a lot different than ever before, having stung the entire body. I know Pat Wagner and others recommend stinging sections of the body - per session - but I just couldn't resist giving the whole body a shocker.

The days here in upstate NY continue to be unseasonably warm and the bees in the hives are having a time of it. Haven't gotten it together as of yet to get the veil and the whole "beekeeper" outfit but Carol dressed appropriately using a hat, scarf and gloves yesterday and came back with 22 bees. And I used each and every one. Why?

Well, I really wanted to do something to "surprise" the body today and might have even done more stings had there been more in the jar. Especially after reading this e-mail from my cyber-pal, Ray. Ray writes:

" . . . 29 stings yesterday [Wed.] . . . and I perceive that things ARE better. . .Too much time on my hands and not used to feeling this good. . . Feeling VERY strong today. I rate it a 8.5 with 0 being very bad, 5 being average and 10 being godlike. Got to leave SOME room, as one never knows when
one may be deified, but results so far are good. Wonder if it is that shock deal you refer too? Very possibly.. . " Rayseal@aol.com

Well, that certainly sounds promising. Ray is really determined and committed and I have a lot of respect and admiration for him. He's taking matters into his own hands and doing what he can with what there is. He certainly motivated me today to do something to shock my own body into some more positive reactions. I am determined to get more out of this bee venom therapy. I've gotten a lot already but I want more. And I just feel that I can get it.

And I have to say that today's stinging did give me quite a boost. Got up and "schlepped" about quite a bit, wanting to take advantage of the energy I was feeling. Not a miracle but I felt much "lighter" today, not "weighted" down as if there are lead weights strapped to my legs. You know the feeling. Anxious now to see how I feel through the weekend.

Day 254 - 4:21pm - January 12, 1998 EST

Stung 29x this morning - acupressure points for chronic fatigue syndrome, cramps and spasms, and arthritis points. Started on my feet stung 1x above the large toe, then 1x behind each side of each ankle bone - left and right sides. Then, 1x approx. 4 finger-lengths below the kneecap, then, 1x behind each calve and 1x behind each kneecap. Then we moved to the arms and stung 1x behind the upper arm and 1x on the outside of each elbow and 1x approx. 2 finger-lengths above the top of each wrist and 1x on the hand between the thumb and index finger. Then we moved to the base of the neck, high-up, stung 1x to the left & 1x to the right, then atop the shoulders, left & right sides, then 4x across the center of the back, left to right, and finally one time on the belly below the belly button.

Whew! That was a lot of stinging in a lot of areas this morning.

Well, no doubt those stings on Friday were wonderful and gave me an enormous amount of good energy on Friday and Saturday. On both of those days I was "buzzing" with energy, doing things, standing and "schleping" everywhere that I wanted. No, I wasn't walking normally but I was feeling really great. By Sunday, all that "buzzing" began to subside but still felt okay.

So today my wife Carol and I decided to proceed in this "total body" experiment - stinging specific acupressure points throughout the body. And although it required more bee stings, the primary focus was stinging on as many points as was needed - as opposed to quantity.

Another interesting thing about todays stings: my eyesight is so clear, much more so than normal.And my energy was up and felt good.

But others are feeling great improvements as well, even those who are stinging far less. Cindy writes:

". . . I have MS. In March it will have been 3 years since I have been diagnosed. I am now 21 months into BVT. Just to let you know some background on me. I am 41 years old. Have been married for 21 years. Have 3 sons: 17, 13 1/2, and 12.

I have a friend with rheumatoid arthritis and . . . he runs an apiary. So we decided to start together in the spring. . . I forgot all about it [until]. . . . I'd had a bad exascerbation in March of 1995 and was struggling to be back to "normal".
I had been given mega doses of methyl prednalazone [steroid] . . . I could feel my hands and legs but nothing else worked!!!! I also tried the baclafen, cylert . . . and decided to stay clear of that stuff.

Anyway--that was the day I started because my friend had dropped off a jar of bees for me.... [when] we started I didn't feel a one sting!!! Funny thing, I could walk but I was so numb that I couldn't feel those stupid stings.

After several weeks I started feeling the stings and can still feel them!! And theyHURT!!! My fatigue is much better. I am back to work full time--which I had done September 1 of 1995 but it was a constant battle of being exhausted. And the best part of all--this past spring (1997) I learned to drive the motorcycle. My balance my whole life was never good enough to do that . . . I can now. . .

I do 10 stings--per Charles Mraz every other day. He recommended that I stay at that until all my symptoms disappear. I vary the areas over my whole body. . . If I have a problem with them I just squirt them with a mister bottle of distilled or RO water.
No problemo anymore!!! . . . " Cindy kcjjjzim@pop.ctctel.com

Great letter from Cindy - and riding a motorcycle to boot! Man, wouldn't I love to be doing that. And Cindy does only 10 stings per session although on different parts of her body. I don't know what she weighs. Perhaps it's just that each person's body chemistry is different. Well, we know this is not a science, yet. No difference to me, though. I'm pushing forward - trying the bee venom therapy in any way that I can. And God bless Cindy. What an inspiring story.

Day 256 - 4:39pm - January 14, 1998 EST

Stung 16x this morning. Started and stung 1x below my knee - 4 finger-widths below the kneecap and 1 finger-width to the outside of the shin bone. Then moved up to the torso and stung 2x - on the left & right sides - below the shoulders - towards the breast bone. Then, moving to the back of the neck, stung 2x on the neck at the hair-line - left & right side. Then, moving down, stung 2x on the back of the shoulders - left & right side. Then, 2x on the upper back - left & right side. Then, onto the arms, 1x on the inside of the crease of each elbow and finally, 1x - with the palms facing upwards - on the inside of each wrist.

The focus today were points for anxiety, nervousness and depression. Not that I'm particularly depressed, nervous or anxious but MS is a stress related disorder so these seemed like appropriate sites to sting. But ooh man, did they hurt! Probably because I was stinging many new spots never before stung. And some of those areas really swelled quite a bit.

So the stings on Monday were good, and Monday was a real good day. Tuesday was all right, but nothing fantastic. I didn't feel as good as the previous day. But then this morning I woke up feeling real good again, so who knows.

I think that "surprising" the body really works - at least that's how I feel today. But you just can't surprise the body every day. Wish that I could. Thus today, we focused on less acupressure points. 16 stings today as opposed to 29 on Monday. That's a 40% reduction in quantity of venom from the last session. And I'm feeling pretty good today too. Looking forward to how I feel over the next few days as well.

And I also think that - for me - sting location, where I get stung, is important. I like stinging all over the body in one session. It makes sense. Even Pat Wagner says "It is a whole body experience". Maybe this is another way of experiencing it throughout my entire body as a total experience.

And I've been thinking, perhaps I've been too focused on walking and not focused enough on all the rest of my body. I mean, walking isn't the only thing I need to overcome and heal. My eyesight is not the greatest having suffered from optic neuritis early on in my diagnosis and after my last session my eyes were clearer. Not for a long time, but something kicked in. And my bladder was stronger - didn't have the urgency to urinate as much as I often do - and that's lasted since my session on Monday. This may be a direct result of the stings to the bladder meridian - on the ankle, back of calve and back of knee. I don't know - yet. But I will continue to experiment. Meanwhile, one thing is for sure. Stings give me an over-all feeling of more stamina and less fatigue. And I continue to maintain: If it keeps this "dis-ease" from progressing, it is a wonderful thing.

Here's some e-mail from a cyber-friend who, for whatever reasons, has been lax in her stinging. Judy writes:

". . . life has been really busy the last few weeks. My computer has been in the shop and my
room mate, has been sick. . . . I haven't been stung since September and believe me I can really tell the
difference!
I think I'm at an almost 0 energy level right now. I'm going to try to find
someone to give me the stings hopefully soon. I have my own hive, however I
can't get the top off the box to get the bees...so I have to have help. . . " Linda

HuniBeezz <HuniBeezz@aol.com>

I sent Linda some supportive e-mail, but I know how she must be feeling. That's another thing about MS that really gets to me. Sometimes you're just forced to rely more on other people and wait. Boy, so close yet so far.

Stinging takes a lot - and a lot to do. As you can see, just getting the bees out from the hive is not so simple. Believe you me, I know it. Which is why with bee venom therapy - as with MS in general - support is so key. But I had to post this letter because Linda herself sees where her energy level has dropped to. She is well aware of the benefits. But look at it on the brighter side. Think how nicely her body will be "shocked" when she finally does get stung. Go for it, Linda. Hope you find someone to help you, soon.

Day 258 - 4:00pm - January 16, 1998 EST

Stung 18x this morning.Started on my feet and stung 1x above each big toe. Then, stung 1x on the top of each wrist. Then, turning the palms upward, stung 1x on the bottom, inside of each wrist. Then, stung 1x on the left & right sides of the torso - just beside the crack of the armpit, Then, turning around, stung 2x high-up beneath the skull-cap above the neck - left & right sides. Then, 1x atop each shoulder at the base of the neck. Then, stung 4x across the lower half of my back - left to right side. Then, turning around again, stung 1x below the belly button and finally, 1x on the center of the chest - two finger-widths above the breast bone.

Whoa! those stings did hurt again today! Probably because most were in new sting areas of my body. Gavin, my 14 year old son, and Katrina, my 11 year old daughter, were both home from school today because of a snow storm. They were there during the session and were quite supportive. While I cringed and cursed, Katrina insisted "enough was enough". And Gavin helped with a few stings as well as with removing the stingers.

Well, felt pretty darn good yesterday, Thursday, although I only had 16 stings on Wednesday. Perhaps surprising the body with less venom after surprising it with more venom is also a surprise. Had all the energy I needed to go to the library and to do all the stuff that needs and wants doing.

I'm not sure but perhaps the "shock" of a 30 sting session is good - once a week or once every two weeks. I don't know but I'll continue to experiment. But one thing I will defiantly continue to explore is the location of those stings. I don't know, it just makes more and more sense to me.

Today's points were points dedicated to chronic fatigue. My wife, Carol, suggested the points and has been instrumental in plotting out the points to be stung. I'm grateful because there's less for me to think about. Also, I hate thinking about where some of those stings are going be before actually doing it. I guess I'm really just a chicken at heart.

The book that we've been following is titled, "Acupressure Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments" by Michael Reed Gach and published by Bantam Books - 1990. In it Reed says that "these acupressure points are points on the body where human electrical currents are channeled off into the different meridians throughout the body. Meridians are like rivers and streams in the body that connect everything to each other." I've paraphrased what he says quite a bit and I know this definition is a bit simplistic - but doesn't it make sense to sting in places like this?

And stinging on and around the neck also seems to really give me quite a boost - every time. Perhaps because it is right up there around the brain. But I'm not the only one feeling that way. Check out this e-mail. My cyber-friend Mike writes:

", , , I stung 16x Wed. on my spine, starting from the lower back and stopping at the neck.
Your right, those stings I got in the neck, HURT. But it was worth it. The
next day I felt so great, that I could not keep up with my legs, they
wanted to take off walking, running, or whatever. I haven't felt like that
in a long time. That made it difficult walking because of my balance, but
I'll keep it up though. Keep up the good work on the journal and keep up
the stinging. . . " Mike "mwolev" <mwolve@wolv.tds.net>

What a great letter. Letters like this really give me the impetus to "keep on keeping on". Sounds like Mike is starting to reap some real decent results out of bee venom therapy himself. And, I'm happy to hear that the neck stings are working for him too and that I'm not just being masochistic.

And finally, here's some e-mail from a lady that needs a little help. I've written and have done what I can. Amy writes:

". . . .I live in West Virginia, in a small town called Sandyville. It
is close to Charleston and Parkersburg. Any help you could give me as
far as finding someone close who is using bvt is greatly appreciated. . . "Amy <amyp@citynet.net>

Amy really wants to get into bee venom therapy but could use some help. Can she do it on her own? Who knows. But what do you say? Anyone out there within "stinging" distance to give a little support. Remember, what goes around, comes around. Good luck, Amy.

Day 261- 4:15pm - January 19, 1998 EST

Stung 22x this morning. Started on my feet and stung 1x above each large toe. Then, one slipped the tweeezers and stung me on the thigh. Then, stung 1x behind each side of each ankle - left & right sides (that's 4x's).Then, 1x behind each calve. Then 1x below each knee. Then, turning around, stung 1x on the back - above each hip. Then, another slipped the tweezers and stung me atop the other thigh. Then, 2x on the neck - left & right sides. Then, 1x on each arm and 1x on the outside of each elbow and finally 1x on each hand between the thumb and index finger.

Some of those stings really hurt today and they swelled too. Especially the ones on the hands and thighs and calves. Don't have eyes in the back of my head, but the ones on the neck probably "stawberried" as well. They certainly burned going in.

Those stings on Friday certainly did the trick for me again. Felt great all day on Friday and Saturday too. Sunday wasn't too bad a day (whatever that means) and I awoke this morning feeling pretty good too - stiff, but not as stiff and tight as I could be.

Carol, my wife, a Girl Scout leader, was off this weekend with her Girl Scouts camping with Katrina. That left Gavin and I home alone. But we made the best of it and had a great time. You know, male bonding with one's son and all. No, we didn't climb mountains and downhill ski. We didn't even go bowling either. But we did do a lot of cooking and work on the computer and rented and watched videos. And that's something because when the energy isn't there - when all there is, is that dreadful fatigue - nothing happens. No. The bees are doing what is most important. It's keeping me involved with life. And again, if it keeps this"dis-ease" from progressing - how wonderful.

Yes. I want to be healed and want to get better. But God, I don't want to get worse. And bee venom is the only thing I've ever come across that at least offers the promise - for me - of that not happening. I go forward faithfully.

Okay, here's an e-mail from someone who's ready to take the plunge and do something. Sounds like a guy with a real head on his shoulders. Wally writes:

". . . I've had MS for neigh unto 24 years (first symptoms in ‘73, diagnosed in ‘75)...been in a wheelchair for the past 7 years. I plan to begin BVT next week...or after I feel I've done my ‘homework.' I'll be following your journal. . . Currently, my home is the outback of North Dakota
(by way of L.A., Amsterdam, and Seattle...way too long a story). Sadly, it seems ND folks
assume that if one has MS, it's all over. Wrong! :) Oh, the other thing missing here in ND is support. Drop me an e-note sometime? I'm not sure I feel comfortably posting on the Health BBS board--yet., . . . " Wally wdudley@dickinson.ctctel.com

Well, I really admire a man who after all this time is saying, "Hey, I ain't giving up!" Well, there may not be a heck of a lot of support in North Dakota - but there certainly is here on the net. I've written to Wally trying to ease his way into stinging. Sometimes it's helpful to just hear directly from others who sting. Just to let one know, it's not crazy.

Day 263- 4:25pm - January 21, 1998 EST

Stung this morning 19x. Started on my legs and stung 1x below each kneecap. Then, stung 2x on the neck just below the hairline - left & right sides. Then, on the back, stung 2x on the inside of each shoulder blade. Then, 2x atop each shoulder. Then, turning around, 1x on the outside-top of each wrist and 1x further up - atop each forearm. Then, 1x in the crux of each elbow. Then, moving onto the torso, 2x beside the crack of the armpit - left & right sides. Then, further into the center of the chest, 2x just above the upper breast bone. And finally, 1x in the center of the chest itself between those other 4 stings.

Oooh, those stings really stung and burned today. And they swelled too. Especially the ones in my elbow on my wrist and on my chest and on my neck. I guess that's about all of them, huh? The ones on my chest are starting to itch as well, probably because they're all in new areas.Who knows. But itching I can live with.

So, once again I feel that stinging the entire body in one session has given me more energy - more lasting energy that took me through the day on Monday as well as Tuesday. And I woke up this morning feeling pretty good too. Almost fantasized about skipping a day . . . but no - I've got a ways to go. Also, seems like since I've been stinging those bladder meridians I've had a far easier time with control and frequency. I'm really noticing those changes.

Read a post on the new BBS Forum, A woman, Fran, who says that since she's started stinging she has gone from CP [chronic progressive] to RR [relapsing remitting]. Makes sense. If she's not getting any worse - if she's holding this "dis-ease" at bay, then the MS can no longer be considered progressive, right? Here's what she said. Fran writes:

'. . .I was CP, but when I went to my Dr., he changed me from CP to RR because of the BVT. . . I started the BVT on 6-30-97, on my own--got rid of fatigue, spasticity. can now stand on my own, walk touching the wall. . . .I saw Dr. Rivera on 12-12-97, and told him, at that time just over a 1,000 bee stings, and he said keep it up. To-date-1,293 bee stings-and ,yes, I believe in the BVT until something else arises. . . ." FLMBAYOU41@aol.com

I was just so taken by this post that I had to post it here too. Because if indeed bee venom therapy stops the progression of this "dis-ease" - let alone whatever improvements one may be fortunate enough to receive as well - wow! how wonderful. And indeed it would then change ones condition from "chronic progressive" to "relapsing remitting". And man, doesn't that just sound so much better?

For me, how grateful I am to be able to just function and to be involved in life. And after 263 days I am so thankful that I have not gotten worse. So thankful for having embarked on this course of action. To be doing something that energizes me and gets rid of all that fatigue, so much of that spasticity and now, after stinging those bladder meridians, making some, even if it be slight, inroads on my bladder control. No, I'm not walking, yet, and I'm not cured by a long shot. But I'm doing what I can with what there is. And as Fran said so eloquently, "yes, I believe in the BVT - until something else arises. . ."

Day 265 - 4:21pm - January 23, 1998 EST

Stung 30x this morning.

Started and stung 1x just below each kneecap. Then, moving onto my f