Couple of Questions re: Immune System Strengthening Errors / Dizziness from Avonex?

Does anyone know which herbals and supplements are NOT good to take if you have MS? I speak of those that will strengthen the immune system which, evidently, is a BAD thing to do. Did not know that (forgive....just diagnosed in March of this year) and assumed that strengthening the immune system would be a great thing to do. Now that I found this site, I have learned that, as the immune system is attacking itself, the LAST thing I want to do is strengthen it. I am  horrified that I did not know this and very frightened about which things I should not be taking. I take Vitamin D, C, B-12, Molasses with Iron, and a few others each day. Does anyone know what I should seriously be avoiding?

I also wanted to ask if anyone out there has dizziness as a side effect of Avonex? I quickly (well, within 4 weeks, anyway) got past the "flu-like" side effects (and for that I am VERY grateful) but now am experiencing a lot of dizziness and am wondering if it could be a side effect of Avonex OR part and parcel of a condition side effect I have had for 3 weeks now - left side of the body numbness. Which, according to a zhillion books, articles, and Web sites, is completely normal, par for the course and nothing to worry about. I just don't know if the DIZZINESS goes along with the numbness or is a side effect of the medication. Has anyone experienced that and does anyone know which that can be categorized as?

Thank you so very much. I am really delighted to have found this resource.

(Mod Note: Please place any contact information within your profile for your security. I will be happy to help you do that if needed.)

Post Edited By Moderator (rhondab) : 7/30/2007 2:32:40 PM (GMT-6)

   Welcome to the forum.  There's a lot of controversial infomation out there regarding vitamins and there's really no scientific proof that they help or hinder MS.  The ones theorectically that you might want to avoid are A, C and E as those are the stimulating ones, but the best choice of action is to speak with your doctor and ask their advice on the best ones for your situation.  I do have an article I found that I will share with you that might help explain things a lot better than I could.

http://www.multiplesclerosis.com/admin/templates/featuredarticles.aspx?articleid=295&zoneid=37

   I don't have any experience with Avonex, but as Uppity already said dizziness is a quite common symptom.  I hope some of our others members will be along to help you with that question.

   The email portion of your post has been edited out, we much prefer on this site that you place it in your profile instead of posts directly.  This is to protect your privacy.  To do this, just select the control panel button located next to the log on/off button and go into the edit profile section and you can add your email there. 

   I look forward to getting to know you better.  If you have any questions about the site please feel free to email me or one of the other mods of this forum.

Kimber