news of Charles' battle with ALS
 
Dear Friends,

My name is Charles McPhee, and I am a fellow PALS (Person with ALS). I was diagnosed with the Bulbar form of ALS in June, 2006. The disease affected my tongue and neck first, causing hoarseness and slurring in my voice, and forced me to resign from my radio show, The Dream Doctor, only a few months later due to my difficulty speaking.

ALS is a galloping neurodegenerative disease. It destroys motor nerves in the spinal cord and brainstem so quickly that, for 90% of patients, death occurs in 2-5 years. By August, 2009, just over 3 years into the disease, I was near death from dehydration and insufficient caloric intake caused by difficulty swallowing.

In Oct. '09 I began participating in an informal study at UCLA based on research by Dr. Milan Fiala that showed that curcumin, a natural ingredient found in the common Indian spice turmeric, might be an effective modulator of inflammation in ALS patients.

The protocol for the study was surprisingly easy. Within a week I worked up to 6 grams of curcumin per day (I now take 9-11 grams per day), and I also take fish oil and vitamin D. (Click here for my exact protocol.) In conjunction with the use of Rilutek, I found the progress of my rapidly deteriorating ALS suddenly was halted, and I also recovered significant strength in basic core functions; swallowing , breathing, going to the bathroom, ability to balance sitting on side of bed and in my wheelchair. Leg and hand/arm strength has also recovered incrementally. I am not vented or using a peg.

It is impossible to say if my result would be experienced by anyone else. No formal study has been done and my results are anecdotal. We also are unable to determine the role played by Rilutek. Nevertheless, in a landscape as devoid of hope as ALS is, I am compelled to share this information with my fellow PALS. As Dr. Fiala publishes more information I will announce it here.


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