Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis 

In 2001, after two major back surgeries, including a lumbar fusion, I developed Arachnoiditis. While not found on many lists of Autoimmune diseases, I believe most medical professionals would agree that Arachnoiditis is at least very similar to an autoimmune disease because it too is a case of the body attacking itself.

Arachnoiditis is the inflammation of the arachnoid (one of the three linings that surround the brain and spinal cord). It is a bizarre attempt of an injured spinal cord (in my case, as a result of surgery) to repair itself. The name "Arachnoiditis" is from the spider web like filaments that the damaged lining creates, attaching them to nerve endings in the spinal cord and sticking them together in pain inducing clumps. Arachnoiditis is a debilitating disease which causes severe, chronic, intractable pain. In addition to the incredible pain that it causes, Arachnoiditis also interferes with bladder, bowel and sexual function.

Arachnoiditis, like autoimmune disorders is incurable and untreatable. All treatment or medication prescribed is just to treat the symptoms of the disease, primarily to lessen the excruciating pain. Most of the pain killers I took were very toxic, for example, a well known and highly controversial opiate --- truly a miracle drug for chronic pain patients, but a chronically abused and potentially very dangerous drug. I was also taking very large doses of the anti-inflammatory Prednisone, which, while very effective, is very destructive to bones, the liver and kidneys. I was even taking anti-malarial drugs to counteract the inflammation associated with my autoimmune disorders and an anti-seizure medication for epileptics that eased some of my pain from peripheral neuropathy. The best of the anti-inflammatory medications I was taking, Cox II inhibitors, are now banned by the FDA because they may cause heart attacks.

The 18 different prescription drugs that I was taking daily really did not eliminate my pain or other symptoms. At best, I would get some relief from pain and usually the greater level of relief the higher the level of drug induced "fog" and drowsiness. I couldn't live with the meds or without them!

Glyconutrition has changed everything for me! I still take a lot of pills and capsules, but now the vast majority of them are Nutraceuticals - food, not toxic, addicting drugs. Even though I am taking a small fraction of the pain killers that I used to take, my pain levels are more than manageable, and in fact I have had times of complete freedom from pain! My doctors are astounded that my Arachnoiditis pain has diminished so much, my MRI even reveals apparent regeneration of destroyed nerve fibers - a medical impossibility!

I pay a good bit each month for the glyconutrients that I take, but believe me, what I have saved in pharmaceutical costs more than pays for them! I am actually saving money, but I would gladly pay more each month if I had to in order to feel as good as I do now! If you suffer from Arachnoiditis, you know exactly what I mean! You would pay almost anything for relief! Well, don't pay for anything more until you evaluate what glyconutrition can do for you! I want you or someone you love to find the HOPE and HEALTH that I have found!