Disability vs. Active Disease

I spoke to a member of our group this morning who has an upcoming MRI.  The member commented that they were not sure how it was going to turn out because they had seen a lot of improvement but still had a way to go.  It made me realize that this can be a confusing subject, so I wanted to try to explain it.  It bothered me that many people may be feeling that there is no improvement based on physical symptoms and I wanted to clear up some misconceptions and hopefully remove some unnecessary worries.
Disability occurs as a result of damage to the myelin to the point that the neuron can no longer conduct signals and transport them to the intended target.
Having disability does not mean you have active disease. It means you have prior damage. You can have inactive disease and still have disability.
The good news is that you have these cells called oligodendrocytes, and their job is to rebuild myelin. Until 2015, oligodendrocytes were thought to be inefficient at this, but Cambridge University in England put out a landmark study here showing that: 

"By adding vitamin D to brain stem cells where the proteins were present, they found the production rate of oligodendrocytes (myelin making cells) increased by 80%. When they blocked the vitamin D receptor to stop it from working, the RXR gamma protein alone was unable to stimulate the production of oligodendrocytes."

So please don't feel as though your disease is not suppressed because you're still seeing symptoms. Recent damage (about 12 months out) will likely see reversal. Anything older than that may or may not be repaired, but if it does, it takes time. Some don't feel improvements for several years. 
Please don't lose heart if you're not *seeing* the effect right away, that does not mean it is not working. Just like the damage was working under the radar for quite some time before you noticed initial symptoms, in the same way those oligodendrocytes are hard at work trying to undo all of that damage. It's amazing when physical improvements occur, but the main benefit of the protocol is prevent future activity. 

Would you like to learn more? Please check out our Facebook group where you will find REAL help, lots of HOPE and support from people who are halting their disease and are anxious to share their amazing journeys with you!