When I found out about Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), I spent about 9 trillion hours researching it and grew more and more excited with each anecdotal report I found on people--many of whom were languishing in diagnostic limbo, as well--who were having positively monumental results with it, I gave that doc a call and scheduled an appointment. 

Upon seeing me, he allowed a wave of first, recollection, and then, annoyance, to visibly wash over his face. 

“What can I help you with today, Miss Alicia?” 

“I want to try Low Dose Naltrexone for whatever this is.” 

“It’s MS--what’s this whatinthewhonow?” 

“Low Dose Naltrexone. LDN. I know it’s not a standard line of treatment, but, I also know it’s one that has the least, if any, side effects.” 

“Hmmm... where did you hear about this?” 

“An online messageboard.” 

(crickets)

“I wish I could prescribe you something that will make you stop reading the Internet and believing everything you find.”

“I don’t believe everything I find. In fact, I believe a very small percentage, but, I also trust my judgment, and, it’s my body.”

“Let me find out more and then I’ll think about it.”

Annnnd, that was that--not a yes, but also not the immediate rejection I had expected from the guy. That same evening, I got an even less expected phone call from the neurologist, from home:

“I’ve been reading about it, and, yes, you are right--there are lots of anecdotes from people who believe LDN to be helping them, but I don’t think it’s doing anything but producing a whole lot of placebo.”

“Well, then what’s the harm in letting me try it out--even if it’s placebo, and I experience a remission of my symptoms, I don’t really care if it’s because I’ve convinced myself of it or not.”

“I’ll write you up a prescription--you’re going to have to get it compounded, so, best of luck finding a pharmacy that will have any idea what to do with this.”

“I’ll take it! Thank you, thank you, thank you, doctor!”

Matter of fact, I already had found a pharmacy that would compound it for me  and was at-the-ready to fill the prescription just as soon as I got my hands on one. Done and done. All that was left was to give ‘er a whirl. 

My first night with LDN was so profound, it’s definitely deserving of its own post. 

Until then... 

 Alicia McGarry's journalistic endeavors began at The Chicago Tribune before her passion for all things Kansas City called her back to her roots. She has written for KC Magazine, The Kansas City Star and LakehomesKC and offers her unique perspective on holistic wellness each month for the readers of Good Health KC.