Some months back I wrote about my experiences with Multiple Sclerosis to date.
I think it's time for an update.
From what I can see & feel, there has been no serious progression of the disease. I'm as clumsy as I've always been – but my reaction times are probably slightly above average (which mitigates the clumsiness somewhat). I can't help but feel my balance is ultimately responsible for all of the physical ass-clownisms.
My weekly injections of Avonex continue. I'm confident this treatment is helping me enormously. It's a painful and annoying Sunday ritual – but the alternative is unthinkable.
My symptoms continue to be more annoying than life-changing.
My feet no longer tingle (well maybe a bit), now it's more of a general numbness below the ankle. I very occasionally get double-vision or an inability to focus my sight. There's a specific type of headache that I experience every couple of months that feels very much related to these symptoms as they normally all flare simultaneously.
The only thing that continues to be a massive frustration is my insomnia. Even when utterly exhausted, I find it difficult to get to sleep – and then stay asleep.
My Neurologist has prescribed Mirtazon 30. It worked well in the beginning but I suspect I'm growing immune to its effects. I tried lifting it to 45mg with no benefit. I've now cut it to 15mg and it seems to be working as well as the 30 – which is to say, not very well.
I've been taking an over-the-counter "sedative" treatment Mersyndol to get to sleep each night but I'd prefer not to continue down that path as I really don't want to become dependent on Codeine. I understand it's rather addictive.
What really frustrating me is that because I'm a totally law-abiding citizen I'm precluded from experimenting with something that is used overseas in both the UK and many US States for its medical benefits. It appears Marijuana has been identified as a herbal remedy for many of the symptoms of MS. It relieves muscle spasms and phantom pain and it helps people sleep.
I'd love to try it – but under our current legislation here in WA, it's simply not possible to do so legally.
I think a trip to Amsterdam may be in order to test the theoretical benefits in a legal environment!
I can't understand why Marijuana is illegal. I've looked on Wikipedia and asked a few people I know and no one seems to have a solid answer. We make use of Oil of Wintergreen as Aspirin – why can't we make use of THC from Marijuana as a medical substance?
It's frustrating to see tobacco legal – with absolutely no medical benefits. And alcohol – don't get me started. Abuse of Alcohol has a huge social cost. It's responsible for car accidents, bashings and liver failure. What are the risks of Marijuana?
Anyway, one day I may be lucky enough to be able to stop the expensive & ineffective Mirtazon and legally eat a Mull Cookie to feel better.
So I've had Multiple Sclerosis for a long time now and I'm still high-functioning (although the Wife would dispute that). It's all good. If anything, knowing I have a disease that will inevitably progress has given me added impetus to achieve.
I know I need to make everything I do successful because based on current treatments for MS, I'm not going to improve, just slowly deteriorate.
The much talked about CCVSI Treatment out of Italy appears as though it will not benefit me.
My Neurologist sent me for an MRI of my neck about 2 months ago and unfortunately there does not appear to be any kind of venous restriction.
But chin-up, everything is good at the moment. Plenty of exciting things in both the PCGURU and Radio/TV Pipelines.
Life's good when you have a deadline. 
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