Alcohol Causing Spasms & Other Symptoms To Stop...
I wasn't someone who drank alcohol,( I a 63 yr. old female) but; I recently tried a suggestion from a friend with MS since the 1989s... I was tired I was diagnosed with it that's February 2019, my symptoms for few at the time affected my bladder,ears ringing & sometimes blurred vision, but; this past summer MS decided to really acquaint itself with me, a constant strong electrical current, pulsating from head to toe, leg & spine spasms from the time, I wake up until bedtime, my internalist gave me a script for muscle relaxers, but; only for 7 days (she knows I have MS) but, refuse to refill it unless I came in to the office, problem was I was in Mobile because of the spasms, this was the first time I've experiencing these symptoms. I called my neurologist who said that the soonest she could see me would be in December...that when my friend, suggested I try a shot or two of vodka...yes, I know alcohol can be addictive...I gave it a try & found it not only stopped the spasms, but; the damn electric current that always felt so strong that if someone touched me it felt as if they could get shocked, plus the ringing in the ears since 2019 became much quieter, all for just #1 slim shot glass of vodka, I kept thinking, this couldn't possibly be the solution after all I've been using medical marijuana, for the earlier symptoms and just had it changed and maintain the current ones, but; the result haven't been nearly as long-lasting as the one shot vodka, on an as needed basis ( once or twice a week) please let me know if anyone else have, found relief from this too, oh and I should mention, I have taken consideration of the DMT I've been using since 2019.
thanks for sharing your story. One of the best aspects of this community is learning from our collective knowledge and experiences. With MS affecting each person so differently, the ways in which we each manage MS can be so individualized too. It sounds like you've found something that works well for you. And it sounds like you have a good understanding of the possibility of alcohol being addictive, which is always important.
I'm sure others will chime into this conversations as well, but in the meantime, thanks for sharing your experience.
Best
Alene, moderator
I too drink alcohol, and enjoy similar benefits. Years ago, whenever I drank a couple of alcoholic drinks at a restaurant and then had to use the bathroom, I noticed that I walked better! Alcohol is a muscle relaxer, so it worked on my leg spasticity quite nicely. I couldn't walk a straight line sober, but give me two shots of scotch and I can do it just fine, lol. Several years later, I started drinking a shot of scotch each evening as part of my winding down routine. One shot became two, then three, and sometimes more. This year I switched to brandy and I'm keeping it to two drinks per night. I do have a dependency. First it was cigarettes, and I quit a number of years ago. But I transferred that addiction to food and gained 27 lbs. Then to alcohol as I described. In an effort to get healthier, I lost 40 lbs. this year and became a vegetarian, and carefully monitor my alcohol intake. But does it still benefit my MS symptoms? Not so much now. My spasticity increased over the years and I take a hefty dose of baclofen each day. Gabapentin for neuropathic pain works perfectly too. So alcohol functions purely as my entertainment, enjoyment, and relaxation. My takeaway? We need to find what works for us, and take measures to be safe and responsible. Hugs, Kim
