Just wondering if any of you have taken the VCS test? (Visual Contrast Sensitivity)
Evidently, it is used as a measure for checking the level of chronic neuro toxins. According to the doctor who developed this test, many health problems are caused by biotoxins.
If you tested positive on the VCS, are you in any type of treatment or detox for the toxins? What seems to work the best? How long before noticing a difference in how you felt?
I would appreciate ANY help or input on this. I have tested positive, I am a little scared and wondering what my next step should be.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
p.s. I am a neuro lymie and have been on abx for 7 months for lyme & babs. (lots of CNS involvement) I think I also have bart which I have not yet been treated for...
Posts: 21 | From Connecticut | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
I took the test and failed it. Not sure I really understand why looking at faint blue lines on a computer screen can detect toxins in my system. However, I was told to do this, and given questran to take for a while. Apparently it does help some of the people who fail this test. So, giving it a try. Too early to see results yet.
Don't think you need to be all that worried. It would be surprising if we didn't have toxins, bacteria generated or otherwise.
I would like to hear from someone who passed the darn thing, indicating that they have no neurotoxins.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
Hi lou! I passed the darn thing and I am sick as dog! But I only missed ONE.
Go figure.
I am taking CSM (also called questran or cholesyromine) anyhow coz I FEEEEEEEL toxic and I have lots of other symptoms that seem like they mmight be toxic stuff not getting out of my system.
It has only been about 1 month into CSM treatment. I cant tell what is doing what---too many variables....I am on lots of other meds (abx, artemisinin, etc)
good luck!
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
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posted
Everyone in my family tested positive, so I was a little skeptical. But my daughter, who has lyme, did the cholestyramine/actos protocol and got remarkably better. Symptoms slowly returned shortly after finishing protocol,but she was still testing positive for lyme and was re-exposed to mold spores. She also had hypercoagulation problems that further complicated her progress. Interestingly, she and I have repeated the VCS several times since her protocol. She always tests NEGATIVE! I still test positive! Her doctor chose not to put her through another CSM protocol, but went with a gentler homeopathic detoxing.
I know others who have used the protocol and gotten remarkably better.
I would strongly encourage anyone to try it. When you consider its safety and its relatively low cost, in comparison to other alternative therapies, it's worth a try!
Posts: 422 | From Herndon, Virginia | Registered: Oct 2005
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I got a score of 43 but I'm not sure what the ranges are- the test results just said 'positive'.
I feel very toxic, so I suppose taking something that may help rid me of a few toxins wouldn't hurt. Guess I will see if I can start taking the questran.
I just hope that this isn't some type of scam. I find it hard to believe a vision test on the internet can show so much and that this med can actually pull toxins out of the central nervous system.
Sorry, but I'm not feeling very trusting of docs now...
Posts: 21 | From Connecticut | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
I felt exactly the same way when the doctor asked my daughter to take the test. We put it off for a long time. I tend to research everything to death before trying, and that is exactly what I did with the VCS test. Dr. S has a solid background, has testified before Congress in hearings regarding mold and sick building syndrome, has published several books, etc. I attended a symposium not long ago where he spoke. He was very credible and compelling. And I think he is gaining respect in the general medical community. The history books just might portray him as a medical pioneer someday!
I have found that this disease has carried me, albeit kicking and screaming, further away from the traditional medical community and deeper into the world of alternatives. Let's face it - we are in uncharted territory with this disease!
Posts: 422 | From Herndon, Virginia | Registered: Oct 2005
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
I passed the VCS test in early 2005. A month later my brain spect showed hypoperfusion, consistent with lyme. I was very sick, CNS wise.
In April of 2006, I was put on a low dose of cholestyramine (CSM) to help clear C. difficile toxins.
I started out with 1/4 tsp for 2 days, 1/2 tsp for 2 days, then 3/4 tsp for 2 days.
Four days into this, I got very ill CNS wise. I was beside myself, for I didn't know what was going on.
When I saw my LLMD in NY, he handed me an article by Dr. S which basically said that about half of the people with lyme who take CSM get "sick as H***". That was sure me!!!
I want to try the protocol....for I think it might help me since I got so ill. I need to talk with my LLMD about it.
Did any of you take the recommended lab tests beforehand?? Or did you just send for the protocol??
Timaca
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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