Month: December 2024

Sometime ago, I discovered a substack writer called A Midwestern Doctor writing on “The Forgotten Side of Medicine.” He apparently began his writings very early COVID, and has written extensively about how medicine used to be, and old remedies folks don’t know about. And then he began a series of articles on DMSO. That’s dimethyl sulfoxide. Back in the 60’s, it was going to be the cure for everything! But, of course, since it’s a natural byproduct of the paper making industry, it’s not something pharmaceutical industries could patent and make bundles of money on. So, It got sidelined, sort of. Well, he actually goes into how FDA pushed it into oblivion. There’s enough material there for an entire book on DMSO, and all the things it could be used for in medicine.

Long story short, I found some cream on Amazon, and plastered my husbands entire back with it one day, to see what would happen.  Supposed to treat pain.

Well, later that day, when he came to bed, he asked “What was that stuff you put on my back!”

So, apparently it made a difference.  He’s been a victim of chronic pain since having back surgery that created more pain than was there before!  Had been taking nsaids everyday for years!  We should all know by now they can damage kidneys and liver, and long term use is not good.

So, I rubbed some on my arthritic knees!  Wow!  I’ve not taken an nsaid or even aspirin since I started using it on my really bad knees.  I used to get injections fairly regularly.  Now I don’t need that.  I just rub them everyday.  They don’t work any better, but they don’t hurt, unless I overuse or twist oddly.  Indeed, it works so well, I was able to kneel at mass which I haven’t been able to do for years!  I won’t do that regularly, because getting up and down is still very difficult.  But, I’m very, very pleased with this simple solvent!

Oh, one must be careful, only rub it on clean skin, with clean hands, because this simple solvent will take whatever substance it finds and push it into your rubbed site.  So, care is needed.  And proper information.  But the articles AMD has written document and contain many studies, and testimonials describing many other types of treatment for serious conditions.  And because of the solvent effect, it can dramatically improve other treatments one might be using.

I’ve found several DMSO books on Amazon now, and I do hope AMD decides to pull all his exhaustive writings together and publish a book, because I like keeping credible important information where I can easily find it.  Like my kindle.

Oh, and that’s not all. My guy, my husband, has a condition we thought was COPD, and is under treatment for it, and the doc discovered it’s really pulmonary fibrosis.  Well, it seems DMSO is having an effect on his lungs.  I’ve been rubbing his entire back, and ribs around the side, and he’s got more energy, walks farther, doesn’t use the wheelchair, and doesn’t even use the walker often anymore!  He’s making the morning coffee, starting the dishwasher, feeding the birds, and getting around much better than he has for months!  I dared to ask in comments on the substack if perhaps rubbing the back was helping the lungs, and AMD responded with a simple, “Yes.”

I’m keeping this daily routine and will mention it to the COPD doc when we go this month.  Wonder what he will say?

 

For all of you who think you know your children when they are really young, there will always be surprises.  There will be slow changes throughout their growing up years that you may not even detect as they learn, experience, and grow.  I’d suppose most of us worry and care greatly about what happens to them, and work hard to shape their experiences to be positive.  We want what’s best for our little loved ones.  And all the while we are enjoying their lively personalities and watching them grow and experience, we really have no idea how they will be as grown ups, until it happens.

And often, it’s surprising.  And amazing.  It’s a granddaughter I’m thinking about right now.  She’s here, at her mom’s house, for just a few short days this Christmas season, and it’s been five years, at least, since I’ve seen her or had a chance for a grandmotherly hug.  Hugs are still great, but wow, the rest of her.  Who knew?  When she was a sweet little darling, there was no clue to her future.  Well, except her interest in odd food choices for a small child.  Usually, they want mac-cheese, simple stuff, nothing complex.  But she would try almost anything.

My little ballerina, my buddy, has grown to be a complex, beautiful person, with talent and a calm demeanor in the most chaotic situations.  So sweet, too.  In the midst of hustle and bustle of a Christmas at her moms crowded house, she stands in the kitchen, in the middle of confusion and chaos, and creates and creates and creates.  Wonderful goodies for us all to eat!  Who would have thought!

On Christmas eve, she made creme puffs so good, and so many, for a lot of people, and we all enjoyed them so much.  Who makes creme puffs at home anymore?  Only a true artist in the kitchen.  Then, on Christmas day, again standing in the chaotic kitchen, she produces a superb soup, and helps with jalapeno poppers and finishes our repast with creme brulee served in fresh lemon rinds….so unique and tasty!  And, again, enough to go around, when the house was crowded with family and friends.  And instead of panic or rushing, she’s calm, collected and enjoying it!  Amazing Grace!

I’m so glad they came down from the cold of Minnesota to spend time with us, even if only for a few days.  Today, she goes back north, and continues her studies and cooking in restaurant kitchen.  Somehow, I expect that’s an experience that has taught her that calm, that resolve, and nurtured that amazing talent.

Like I said, you never know.