149 Comments
User's avatar
A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

After I posting the previous article here, I experienced a flood of harassment. One part of it involved a series of accounts with my avatar and a similar name replying to people with "hi" and then changing that into a solicitation for a scam (which included a phone number). I was able to get that dealt with, but if for some reason you saw a reply from an account similar to mine soliciting you for something, that was not me. I will never ask you to contact me for an investment or try to sell you something.

Expand full comment
Randy's avatar

Pierre Kory’s Substack has been hit with the same spam several times, using his avatar and a minor variation of his account name. It’s a recurring problem that Substack’s algorithm should catch. By the way, any reader can report spam by hitting the three dots at the upper right of the post and selecting “Report.” This will go directly to Substack’s administrators.

Expand full comment
Felipe Lopeceron's avatar

You are a full fledged wonderful human being. I feel very fortunate to have found your wealth of knowledge and abundance of kindness..THAN YOU.

Expand full comment
Un-silent's avatar

I received a fake message from you saying "Hi" also. I knew it was some sort of scam.

Expand full comment
Margaret Allison's avatar

Thanks! For explanation. Jenna McCarthy also had someone impersonate her by putting a double “a” in her last name! I picked up on it and wondered. Today she explained what happen to her. Think this is an AI bot? I wondered when I received a “hi” from you! I didn’t bother to answer it. I’m skittish about “people following me “ also. I have decided not to respond. I don’t have time to do posting when we have some really good substacks to read.

Expand full comment
Thomas A Braun RPh's avatar

When we introduce 10,000 chemicals into our food system, the permutations of adverse effects are exponential. Europe only allows 400 chemicals to be added. This is what RFK Jr. is fighting against.

The medicine man and the chemo man are destroying God's design. The corticosteroids suppress immune system ability to protect the body against disease states. It all started with coal tar dyes in Europe in the 17th century. It has been rolling down hill to hell ever since. If we continue on this path the carbon man will be replaced by the silicone man. Does anyone understand what I am saying?

Expand full comment
Q’s Fren4Life's avatar

I completely understand 💯🙌

Expand full comment
JC's avatar

...and yet "The Heathen Scientist" Substack seems to feel that - all these metals, all this magnetism, all the nanotech - is simply the next evolutionary phase. That this wasn't DONE to us, we did it to ourselves, as part of the zeitgeist of this "next phase" evolution.

I'm not saying I'm buying his theories (his recent article on autism is a good one) but it is interesting to consider that it may not be the end of humanity - just the end of humanity as we know it.

Expand full comment
Thomas A Braun RPh's avatar

Yea! We are transitioning from Carbon based to silicon based!

Expand full comment
Robert Townshend's avatar

Repression of symptoms means ignoring the causes of those symptoms and creating new symptoms with new causes...also to be ignored. It doesn't have to be so, but with this modern glance-and-prescribe doctoring, that's what happens.

Here in rural Australia, a doctor is typically a younger person from somewhere in Asia who is under pressure to process quickly and prescribe abundantly. Many are conscientious and may have the best of intentions...but someone or something else is running this whole "health" industry.

And the someone or something is global, if you catch my drift.

Expand full comment
DWB's avatar

It's like that in parts of the US also. I think you mean from India, but if not, that's what I mean. There's no interest in healing. They scrutinize you like a bug and then prescribe something. Side effects and death are just a part of life.

Expand full comment
Marissa's avatar

Australia is becoming a colony of China so that person means east Asians.

Expand full comment
Kika's avatar

I would say that Australia has become a colony of the U.S.A. - regretfully!

Expand full comment
JC's avatar

I would've said that 10 years ago. Now I believe it's China.

Expand full comment
Lori's avatar

Yes, politics, Big Harma and the demons in the medical associations.

Expand full comment
Kika's avatar

The Aussie government is under the control of their masters in the U.N. , W.E.F. and W.H.O. We have very few Senators or Members of Parliament who have the courage to speak out. Our mainstream media is completely controlled and full of propaganda. Just like many other countries I assume.

Expand full comment
Lori's avatar
May 30Edited

Here too in the US we have the usual aholes that want to rule the world and everything in it. All I can say is God help them on the day we all turn on them. It will happen as we all have that line, especially where our children are concerned and we will not be afraid to rise up and turn the tables. Woe be to them on that day and if this does not cease, it will happen. Remember, there are millions more of us than them and we could run them into the ground very easily. We have the power, not them. Remember that Kika.

Expand full comment
Ryan Madrid's avatar

I can confirm that. Lots of my doctor friends are chatting about the great pay for GP’s over there. -philippines

Expand full comment
SB Native's avatar

Can anyone comment on using Tumeric/Curcumin supplements for joint pain. My doctor warned there are reports of hepatoxicity (liver damage) in those taking such supplements, but they sure do work for my joint pain. JEEZ. It's so confusing out there.

Expand full comment
Un-silent's avatar

I have taken a 95% curcumin and black pepperine supplement for years without an issue. The benefits it gives me while dealing with chronic inflammation far outweigh any risks. I think the drug companies see it as a threat so they start rumors about it being harmful. They never mention the risks to your liver when they are handing out pills like candy, if there is one they just set you up for labs just in case (to cover their butts).

Expand full comment
Marissa's avatar

It looks like people with a specific allele have issues processing it in the liver. Here's what Grok AI says: However, high doses of turmeric or curcumin supplements, especially when taken long-term or in combination with other medications, can pose risks. Rare cases of liver injury, including elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis, have been reported with high-dose curcumin supplements (typically above 1,000 mg/day). These cases are often linked to concentrated extracts, not dietary turmeric, and may involve interactions with drugs metabolized by the liver (e.g., via cytochrome P450 enzymes). People with pre-existing liver conditions, gallbladder issues, or those on medications like blood thinners should consult a doctor before taking turmeric supplements.

Expand full comment
Aznasimage's avatar

It also binds with estrogen. I found benefit towards alleviating pain and depression but experienced hot flashes, increased wrinkles and migraine while on HRT. I decided to stay with estradiol and forgo the physical/emotional comfort turmeric provided. Vanity.

Expand full comment
SB Native's avatar

What are "high doses" I wonder? I've decided 1,000 mg. every other day works (1,000 day worked better). I really wish SOMEONE had a definitive answer. But since supplements don't make Big Pharma any money... Sigh. I appreciate your research.

Expand full comment
Roman S Shapoval's avatar

A lot of people take steroid cream for eczema, but what I've found that reducing wireless radiation can help even more, especially with screen dermatitis.

Expand full comment
Lori's avatar

Wow, interesting. Thanks for posting this.

Expand full comment
Roman S Shapoval's avatar

Thanks Lori! Here's an article I wrote on the topic in case you want to dig deeper:

https://romanshapoval.substack.com/p/eczema

Expand full comment
Lori's avatar

Will do and much obliged!

Expand full comment
Q’s Fren4Life's avatar

I just had an injection into my spine, upper neck. I’m a type 1 Diabetic, for 40 years now & I can attest, the cortisone mix always increases my blood sugar for approximately a week. I have scoliosis in my neck , with bone spurs, which stick out towards my spinal cord. I also have problems in my lower back, joints, hands, had a knee ACL, MCL & Meniscus surgery, all sorts of pain & nerve issues…

((THANKS TO YOU IM GETTING OFF MY OPIOIDS & using DMSO and healthier alternatives! TY 👏💯❣️))

I felt like getting an injection would help, I hadn’t had any kinds of cortisone since 2022. Naturally, I feel good today, great neck mobility and decreased pain in my left arm & hand. Tomorrow, when the “pain killer” wears off, out of the injection.. honestly, there’s a huge possibility my stiffness will return.

Is there anything else that could possibly help, with my situation?

I so greatly enjoy your substacks! The DMSO has brought back feeling in my lower legs (from Diabetic Peripheral neuropathy)… I’m preaching it’s incredible uses to everyone, that will listen. (I’m just a MidWestern Girl, you know how hard headed family & friends can be in these parts.)

Thank you again 🙏❣️

Expand full comment
Margot Mainbrace's avatar

What is your DMSO protocol? I'm on oral steroids and hoping to get off them.

Expand full comment
sharon's avatar

i buy the 99% and dilute it with 50% sterile filtered water . and put on my lower legs with clean hands . you can do this as ofter as needed , from what I have read about DMSO.

Expand full comment
sharon's avatar

I also want to mention that DMSO can be put on the forehead and neck and throat if there is fear of stroke . this is from my extensive reading of DMSO . I used it 50%. it worked for me .

Expand full comment
Colleen's avatar

A great book is “Healing with DMS0” by Amandha Vollmer. She goes through many different uses for dmso, and has recipes in the back of the book you can make yourself. I have had amazing results using it- from healing a 2nd degree burn on my finger(pain stopped immediately, and no residual blistering, completely healed) to treating injury to my piriformis muscle from walking on a walking pad, which then affected my sciatic nerve, giving me sciatica. I couldn’t even walk, I was in such pain, and had no time to read the book. I remembered that dmso was good for pain, and not being one for drugs, even nsaids, I just used it straight. Most books/ articles recommend diluting it. However, I had no side effects except slight dehydration of the skin, which is typical of dmso. Make sure you get pharmaceutical grade. It is also great for insect/spider bites, amongst many other things😀

Expand full comment
Q’s Fren4Life's avatar

I use the 99.9% on my skin, twice daily. Be sure that wherever you put it, that site is clean & free from moisturizer or anything. It’s helping my diabetic neuropathy but also helping with inflammation in my mouth (simply using it on my skin). I had oral surgery years ago but I can’t take NSAIDS & couldn’t get rid of the inflammation, until now. I’ve also noticed an improvement in my eyes as well. Good luck. 🙏❤️🙏

Expand full comment
Penny Carrier's avatar

Have you read "Dr Bernstein's Diabetes Solution" ? He was a type 1 diabetic from age 12 who just died at 90 years old. At the age of 45 he went to medical school and has helped thousands of diabetics reverse the complications of diabetes (including himself) and achieve stable normal blood sugars using his methods with average blood sugars consistently in the 80s and low 90s (still using insulin, but the amount may be much less)

Expand full comment
Q’s Fren4Life's avatar

Thank you! I’ll definitely look into it!

Expand full comment
Don's avatar

First thing that comes to mind is DMSO.

Please read up on DMSO and give it a try.

Expand full comment
Cassandra Bond's avatar

DMSO and the carnivore diet worked for me for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Interstitial Cystitis which are often found together in a body.

Expand full comment
Bluehead's avatar

You left osteonecrosis off your “side effect” list. It is not bone thinning or fractures, per se. it’s a devastating disease I got in about 18 joints. It basically destroyed my ability to live a normal life. Multiple surgeries, collapsing joints, unrelenting severe chronic pain. It frequently makes me question whether my life is worth living. Corticosteroids also kill brain cells. I had a photographic memory before my 1.5 years in the hospital during which I was saturated with them. I lost my visual memory and went from having a very quick mind to being almost learning disabled. Amazingly, I also lost my active sense of humor. Who knew that could disappear with changes in brain and nervous system function? These are not drugs to play around with. That said, I’m sure there are occasions where they save lives, but they should be used as a last resort, not casually as they are now. If you have any other options, avoid at all costs. There are many ways they can irreversibly devastate one’s health.

Expand full comment
A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

"Connective Tissues: Cortisol promotes protein catabolism (breakdown) in muscles, providing substrates for glucose synthesis and inhibiting collagen synthesis. Excessive cortisol causes muscle wasting, bone loss (e.g., osteoporosis or osteonecrosis), poor wound healing (which is also a result of immune suppression), skin thinning, easy bruising, and purple striae."

Expand full comment
Ruth H's avatar

I have severe scoliosis where my spine has collapsed and actually makes a U shape in the lower portion, instead of going straight to the tail bone. This has caused extreme nerve pain that I have treated with spinal injections to calm the nerve running from my hip to my foot, along with muscle spasms and tight muscle aches. I wonder how many times these injections are safe. Also, when traveling, I’ve used a 5-day pred pack to alleviate the pain from sitting too long on a plane. Traveling has greatly been reduced due to my spinal issues, but the pred pack makes it more manageable. Now I’m wondering if I’m just doing more harm. The muscle pain I can tolerate, but nerve pain is agony.

Expand full comment
Q’s Fren4Life's avatar

I have the same! 👆 I had Rods going through L1 & L2, from hip bone to bone. Try the DMSO… I’m experiencing Amazing results! It’s an anti- inflammatory & helps with the pain (so much)!

Expand full comment
Rosemary B's avatar

do you take it orally? or just dab it on the area?

How much of the DMSO do you take?

Expand full comment
Q’s Fren4Life's avatar

I only put on topically, for now. I use the 99.9%, Just a drop goes so far! I just rub it in, all over my lower legs, just enough to cover. It dries quickly. I also get the “low odor” one, fyi. I put 3 drops along my lower back & rub in, I use on my knee, wrists, anywhere I hurt. I can feel relief in approximately 15 minutes (or less).

I plan on getting one in 30 or 40 percent to try orally, just not quite there yet, I’ve seen so many improvements with topical.

Expand full comment
Ruth H's avatar

Thanks Q’s. I have the 70% DMSO with 30% Aloe Vera gel. I’ve tried it on my back, but it hasn’t helped with nerve pain. I’ll try it on my legs and ankle and see if it helps when the muscles get tight or the ankle nerves feel like they are burning. I’d like to try the oral DMSO but not sure how much to start with.

Expand full comment
Q’s Fren4Life's avatar

(The added aloe is a plus! That’s the only side affect I’ve noticed, is mild drying of my skin). I had seen an article by “The Midwestern Doctor”, let me look for it… cleaning up after dinner but I’ll be back in a bit. You can also search, if you’d like. But I’ll be back!

Expand full comment
Ruth H's avatar

I’ve got the articles on DMSO archived here on Substack by Midwestern Doctor. Thanks though. And yes, DMSO does dry out my skin when I’ve used it on my legs.

Expand full comment
JC's avatar

When I overuse on a spot - like lower back - I will get flaking and itching. I just don't use that spot for a few days. I have enough pains that I can shift to treating another one for a few days. So if lower back is flaky & itchy, I'll shift to treating hips or neck, and give the back a rest for a few days.

Expand full comment
JC's avatar

1/2 tsp - 1 tsp of 99.9% in a glass of grape, cranberry - strong tasting juice.

Some people take it with milk, but I haven't been able to face that one. Cranberry is my favourite.

Expand full comment
JC's avatar

actually, ingesting is usually 99.9%, use a 1/2 or 1 tsp in a glass of juice. This dilution is sufficient.

Here's the amazing thing (and I've been craving doing it - but I stink so badly, that timing is everything) - one drink, and all pain = gone for at least 6-8 hours. It was amazing, even better than opiates. BUT - caveat emptor - the stink lasts for about 48 hours.

Expand full comment
Q’s Fren4Life's avatar

I also got a “donut seat” for traveling… it’s just a round, soft padded seat (looks like a 🍩 donut)… game changer 👆👆👆

Expand full comment
Ruth H's avatar

I have a special support pillow for my lower back that really helps, but haven’t taken it when flying to see my son.

Expand full comment
JC's avatar

Travel tip: go to Goodwill and pick up a small stuffed animal to support your lumbar. When you're done travelling you can give it away to a child, or even just drop it off at another Goodwill. Hubby loves his frog that we picked up on one US trip, and we still keep it in the car, it's suitable for purpose!

Expand full comment
Ruth H's avatar

I refuse to shop at Goodwill. Their president makes a fortune and they offer no charity. I thank you though for the idea. Appreciate your thought.

Expand full comment
JC's avatar

Sorry - as an expat Yank I was reaching for "secondhand shops" - if I'd said Lifeline or Vinnies (Aussie versions) you wouldn't get it. There are many secondhand op-shops which are not big brand NGO.

I had a little neighbourhood one across the street from my house in Indiana, always went there first, because - it directly helped the neighbourhood in which I lived.

You knew what I meant, right? ;-)

Expand full comment
Ruth H's avatar

Yes I did and I appreciate the idea you gave JC.

Expand full comment
JC's avatar

All pain is nerve pain.

I was surprised that Doc didn't talk about Regenerative Medicine as alternatives to steroids.

Prolotherapy (irritating the area with sugar for healing), PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma - your own plasma concentrated and reinjected into the joint, and Hyaluronic Acid injections to help stimulate repair (these last ones are actually covered by Aus Medicare). These, coupled with good physio, can help reduce chronic pain by 30-50%. That doesn't sound like much, but when you get 30% relief, it's huge.

"Nerve pain" is another marketing phrase to sell Lyrica & Cymbalta. ALL pain is nerve pain. WTF? "Muscle pain" is just lactic acid build-up. I had never heard of "nerve pain" until they started marketing Lyrica. All pain is nerve pain, I'll say it again: All pain is nerve pain. There is no other kind. Nerves are what hurt.

(if I'm wrong, someone please correct me and tell me why)

Expand full comment
A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

The big thing people don't appreciate is that a lot of pain especially in the spine comes from weak ligaments and the best way to treat is prolotherapy.

Expand full comment
Ruth H's avatar

My lower vertebrae have actually collapsed and make a loop instead of going straight down. I’ll ask the doctor next visit about prolotherapy and RPR. Thanks.

Expand full comment
Ruth H's avatar

The spinal nerve that runs from spine vertebrae to end of foot gets inflamed and the nerve pain feels like I’m being electrocuted down my whole right leg. This type of nerve pain is entirely different from any pain I’ve ever had ever in my life. The leg during this extreme pain makes it completely useless and I’m unable to move. It was lasting up to 30 mins at a time. The injections calm the spinal nerves in 3-4 locations in lower lumbar.

Expand full comment
Edgar's avatar

What would you say about occasional Prednisone use. Say once or twice a year, for no more than a week.

Expand full comment
Michael Dunn's avatar

If you find a good alternative to Prednisone,. please let me know.

Expand full comment
Edgar's avatar

I don't think there is one. Everything similar that doctors prescribe is harmful in some way.

Expand full comment
Michael Dunn's avatar

Bummer.

Expand full comment
Jessica Ramer's avatar

Years ago, a close friend of mine was given steroid injections as treatment for infectious arthritis. Although he was always a difficult person, he became unhinged after this treatment. After watching this radiacal change in his personality, I have always refused steroid treatment, even when I had a *very* painful frozen shoulder.

These drugs are dangerous in ways that most people do not appreciate.

Expand full comment
Ande's avatar

I have recently had a few friends talk about frozen shoulder and that they can do nothing about it. Has anyone had success with something, DMSO?

Expand full comment
Jessica Ramer's avatar

The only research on DMSO and frozen shoulder that I know of was done in 1967 and it is behind a paywall.

However, Dr. Andrew Weil, an MD who does a lot of alternatve therapies, has a webpage on DMSO and frozen shoulders: https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/bone-joint/freeing-a-frozen-shoulder/

I wish I had known about DMSO when I was dealing with mine.

Anyway, thank you for your comment as I will think of DMSO should I ever have another orthopedic problem--perish the thought.

Expand full comment
Big E's avatar

Again, an excellent, shareable abridged article. Thank you!

Expand full comment
Ann Allen's avatar

Your work is so complete and look forward to learning everyday. Information is power to make better decisions. This midwestern girl thanks you Sir.

Expand full comment
A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

: )

Expand full comment
Missfit Infinitum's avatar

About 20 years ago, I had a boyfriend who sadly died from, glioblastoma. About a year before he passed away, he was told by his oncologist to take as much Dexamethasone (4mg) as he felt comfortable taking as he was told it would reduce the oedema around the growing tumor. This could be up to 10 a day, maybe? Anyway, no surprises that he developed iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome which was bad enough in itself. But then he also had something called central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), which severely interfered with his vision. After another brain surgery about four months before he died, he was not weaned properly off these corticosteroids and suffered an adrenal collapse, from which he barely recovered. Since that time, I often wonder whether his quality of life would have been better at the end of his life had he not taken these drugs.

This medically sanctioned abuse of a very powerful drug to someone close to me served as a lifetime lesson, and I tell anyone who cares to listen. Be very very careful of anything involving steroids. Having said that, I do realize there are benefits in limited situations for people with pain or other debilitating conditions. Just exercise extreme caution around these drugs and ask many questions.

Expand full comment
A Midwestern Doctor's avatar

Could have used DMSO there without the side effects :/

Expand full comment
Karen Bandy's avatar

My fingers get so painful that I can’t use my hands. I then go get a steroid shot and it helps immensely. I’m not sure I can take DMSO as I react to sulfa! Does topical DMSO cause the same reactions as does oral?

P.s. I was told as a child I have a problem with sulfa drugs, but I’m not even sure what that problem is.

Thanks for any advice, anyone!

Expand full comment
sharon's avatar

i am allergic to sulfa drugs , but i do use topical DMSO ,diluted to 50% , with out symptoms . I dilute with sterile filtered water .

Expand full comment
Karen Bandy's avatar

Cool! Thanks Sharon! Certainly worth a try. Maybe I’ll try with an even lower % to start.

I also thought about nicotine patches for arthritis.

Expand full comment
sharon's avatar

Karen , I tried nicotine patches ,and am really allergic to them , however I can do the nicotine lozenge .without problems . I have read where one 2mg. lozenge a day will do . the patches are much higher in nicotine . Because there are some people have itching from DMSO ,when applied , it may be better for you to dilute to 30% , so that you don't have any discomfort . and move up to more DMSO as you recover . and can tolerate more .

Expand full comment
sharon's avatar

BTW at 50% DMSO I sometimes get the itching and heat , not often but it still happens .

Expand full comment
Karen Bandy's avatar

Thanks, I just took a screenshot of this to refer back to. Any buzz from the lozenges?

Expand full comment
sharon's avatar

I have been reading about MD's are referring clients to nicotine gum/lozenge ,because from what I know the patches have 21mg. and are for24 hours and smoking cessation . that 2 or 4 mg. is all that is needed for pain a day . thus the gum/lozenge .hope that helps .

Expand full comment
arthurdecco's avatar

A warning about nicotine patches. I used them to quit smoking 20 years ago. I made the mistake of leaving them on overnight the first few days which led to me having dreams I wouldn't let an axe murderer watch, lest he got ideas...

REMOVE THE PATCH BEFORE YOU GO TO SLEEP!

Regarding DMSO dosages...

I've been having great luck taking 99% DMSO @2.5ml twice daily, 1/2 hr after meals. I mix it into 1/8 cup well water, (filtered through a high end, passive Berkey water filtration system.)

Before I started on the DMSO I was losing 2-3 lbs a week. No one could tell me why. I lost 60 lbs in total but within a week of starting on the DMSO my weight loss stopped and the elasticity of my skin returned, (even if it has noticeably dried out to the point I need to moisturize it with a vitamin E, Cocoa & Shea Butter lotionfor sensitive skin.

Topically I use the 99% DMSO mixed 70/30 with Aloe Vera gel on my feet and legs to deal with neuropathy. It only takes a few minutes for it to take effect. Relief usually lasts a few hours.

This might be a good time to thank you, Doctor, for literally saving my life. I was wasting away! I think I can safely say that out loud.

You're much too grounded to suffer from a God Complex.

Expand full comment
JC's avatar

I'm guessing that you can cut the patches down, if they are evenly distributed throughout the patch.

I know I cut my lidocaine patches to whatever shape/size I need.

So I have some emergency nicotine patches here which are 36 mg, if I cut it into 8 pieces, that's 4.5 mg. 16 pieces = 2.25 mg. I haven't played with this theory, but have considered it for future.

Expand full comment
Karen Bandy's avatar

I thought Ardis said he uses 3mg patches? I haven’t looked at any of these products, definitely worth a dive in. I’ll check Amazon first. I’m thinking organic is important too.

Expand full comment