The Highest Hurdle Read online

  As for my actual pain now, it’s limited to cramping of muscles and fear of the unknown. My muscles and their relationship with my nerves are crazy. I often feel jittery. I do have extensive weakness in my left arm…all stemming from a weakness in my neck. Lifting a 4 oz. glass feels like a gallon of milk to me. Also, it’s difficult to lift my left arm over my head. Through energy work I have tried to remain positive and limit weakness if not stop its progression. So, if my hair looks challenged, it’s because I couldn’t lift my arms to do it or I have an upcoming appointment at La Dolce Vita, with Chanin, the owner that has donated her service to me to help keep up my hair! So, since I’ve been ill many are keeping me looking good! I tire easily. I just can’t do it all anymore. I almost turned old overnight. Move slow, eat slow, takes forever to cook and clean and move! Lesson learned… be patient with old people and the ill. They don’t move slow or act cranky to cheese you off. They, like me, just can’t move and adjust like they used too!

  These are some of my thoughts from the heart. Melody Collins sent me a great quote I thought I’d share with you. Ignatius says “pray as if God will take care of it all; act as if it’s all up to you!” I love you all as many of you had asked what’s she really feeling…well here’s a glimpse!

  What’s MaryFran doing to combat this disease

  By MaryFran Kolp 4/11/2015

  First, daily I count my blessings! Seriously, although tired, my skin looks great, my waist line because of my ketogenic diet is just fine. My husband’s healthy, and is working, we have insurance, my kids are healthy and doing great in school and on the courts! My parents and in-laws are healthy. I’m so blessed by friends, good friends…love you when you’re feeling great or not feeling so great! Those are the keepers, they never let me down! Three things I’m doing right now that I feel is instrumental to my wellness. Prayer and meditation, acupuncture and cranial sacral therapy, and lastly homeopathies and supplements. Prayer and meditation especially when using my electrical stimulation machine. This machine can be set for certain frequencies to stimulate or calm my muscle and nerve connections. Although not approved by the FDA, this device is used for many medical purposes abroad! I don’t mind it and sleep with the electrodes on nightly!

  The second thing, I have selected to accept the positive energy work received through acupuncture and cranial sacral therapy. I begin face up and needles, thinner than a hair are placed in certain specific locations, this aids in balancing my chakras, medians, energy systems. The needles do not hurt and often I don’t even feel them there, unless there is an energy block sometimes you can feel a little discomfort, but it’s tolerable because I know it’s helping my body help itself! The cranial sacral experience is one I’ve never previously experienced. The trained professional cradles your head and neck in one hand and your sacrum in the other. Slight movements shift the fluid in the brain and spine and the bones and muscles to be aligned for optimal performance. During this process, I have experienced a light feeling. Often with my eyes closed I see an array of colors and I’m told this is a good thing! Lastly, but not least, the supplements I take are plant based and provide a support for all my systems. Especially being on a ketogenic diet (no grains or starches or sugars of any kind) I am on supplements to support my mitochondria. Mitochondria are the power houses of our cells for energy production and mine are on overload, this may be sparing the deterioration of my muscle and nerves. For now, I administer a B12 shot daily to myself, and take from 24 to 15 capsules 3 times per day of vitamins, minerals, mitochondrial enhancers, enzymes, etc. Lastly, I take homeopathic remedies also 3 times per day. These are natural medicines composed of minute doses of plant, mineral and animal substances that stimulate the body’s immune system. When these substances are given in very small safe doses they bring about a healing reaction. Homeopathic medicines are relatively inexpensive without side effects and completely safe to use. Unlike conventional medicine, homeopathic medicines work with the body to defend itself and do not inhibit the natural healing process.

  As most of you know I will be leaving for California to see some specialists next week regarding my condition. There are some new treatments to enhance mitochondrial efficiency, to provide detoxification of symptoms so they can work optimally and again having someone looking at me from a structural standpoint assessing my actual bone structure and alignment. Nevertheless, this is going to be an enlightening experience. I will keep you tuned as I learn more! Blessings of warmth and goodness to all of you!

  Arrived safely in Reno

  By MaryFran Kolp 4/20/2015

  Andy and I arrived last evening in Reno! Our flights were uneventful. That’s a good thing. As I looked about the plane the lady next to me was reading, Robin Roberts book, “Everybody’s Got Something” I’ve quoted before in these CaringBridge blogs and the lady in front of me was reading on “Angels! Divine Interventions for Sure!” While I’m reading Mitch Albom’s “Tuesdays with Morrie” good book if you haven’t read it. I am reading it not because I’m a glutton for punishment, but I offered to speak to the Honors English classes at Petoskey high when I return from California. Compare and contrast some things in the book and sharing my story. Danny is in one of the classes and they are reading this book. FYI Danny’s teacher and counselor did discuss in advance with us Danny’s reading this. Dan and I talked about it and he wants to read it. I thank his teacher for her compassion. In a nut shell, and I’m living this…the premise of the book is that you really don’t begin to live until you find out you may die!

  This morning we woke up to a beautiful view with our very generous hosts and friends, Jeff and Melody Collins! We are staying with them until we head to Mill Valley, CA on Tuesday where my appointments with specialists will begin.

  Although exhausted yesterday, I feel great today! I do wonder if the altitude has anything to do with this? We are staying at 6700 ft above sea level. My muscle twitching subsided. I’m curious to see how I do on our hike this afternoon! My next adventure may be looking into ALS at altitude! I was blessed to watch Kira at a volleyball tournament in Reno this morning! She did well and the girls on her team are very kind! The tournament was huge and very impressive! Over 80 teams and it’s Monday! Great day so far! I was able to type this in between games!

  Meeting with the first physician specialist

  By MaryFran Kolp 4/22/2015

  What came first…the chicken or the egg? God only knows…doesn’t She! Ha-ha I had an interesting meeting with Dr. Linn this morning. He is a fabulous physician and in tune with his work. I have never had an experience like this! Andy was with me and Dr. Linn assessed me and was right on with his findings! He identified left body weakness, predominantly upper quadrants along with neck and upper back and left ear challenges, including some sinus and lung drainage/blockage issues. With a few adjustments and further evaluation, I was referred to a biological holistic dentist to receive an evaluation and an ozone treatment! I see him tomorrow. A trigger for my neuromuscular symptoms may be attributed to a bacterial growth of some sort beginning in my teeth and gums, either from a crack, or a carryover from a previous illness or virus that manifested in what now has resulted in serious symptoms. (Hence the reason for the chicken and the egg lead in)! Some research findings have shown increased incidence in ALS symptoms when root canals have been performed. I have not had a root canal, but I have had a composite cap put on a molar in my lower left jaw. I will find out more tomorrow morning after further evaluation. In addition, I have been put on some more supplements, activated charcoal and Wobenzym, a dietary supplement used to support aches and pains from joints while detoxifying and ACS spray which kills bacteria. Lastly, and most importantly it was recommended my cocktail of choice should be an organic tequila, named Fortelezza! I’ll let you know how this treatment goes later!!! Hugs to you all! Keep the prayers coming!

  Second day of doctors’ visits

  By MaryFran Kolp 4/23/2015

  Another interesting day! This morning we met with Dr.
Brian Smith. Holistic Biological dentist in Mill Valley. Studied in the Seattle area and his area of expertise is oral systemic balance with mouth and autonomic dysfunction and TMJ disorders. It appears my breathing and tongue and teeth configuration may be compromised, has been for years and I’ve also had TMJ for years. This may be contributing to my ALS symptoms. I will know more on Monday. I will have 2 important and clarifying appointments then! It appears I will be receiving ozone treatments this next week as well. Thanks for your prayers! All has been positive! I’m learning so much! Hugs to all of you!

  Sunday morning rituals

  By MaryFran Kolp 4/26/2015

  I’m still in California, looking forward to meeting with some specialists, tomorrow afternoon! Melody Collins will be escorting me on this trip! I’ve missed her, and it will be nice to have some Mel-Fran time! This morning I went to Mass in Truckee, CA. It was a beautiful church with the mountain lodge motif beautiful! We began the service singing…sing to the mountains… It had a much different impact on me being in the mountains than at home. Today was Good Shepherd Sunday… We are reminded…whatever’s going on in our lives, whether it be a celebration or deep sorrow…Jesus, our unconditional loving Savior has our backs!!! Then during the Eucharistic Prayer, we were blessed to hear the priest, with an excellent voice, sing our Eucharistic Prayer in a Capella! Icing on the cake. It was a beautiful morning and I lit some candles for those in need of prayer! Prayers are welcome! Pray for the doctors meeting with us tomorrow! God bless each of you and your families! I’ll post again tomorrow! Mel and I are on the veranda sharing some spirits!

  Doctor’s visits California style

  By MaryFran Kolp 4/27/2015

  Melody and I begin our day in Mill Valley at the Clear Center of Health where we met with Dr. Stephan Feig. He has been a lead consultant on my case since my diagnosis. During my appointment with Dr. Feig, he did a physical exam and did update my supplements and reviewed my blood lab results. Then we met with Dr. Beth McDougal. She is an MD utilizing many forms of testing and support in her practice including Integrated approaches, energy work and body balancing techniques. For every question I had answered today 2 or 3 more questions were created. It appears, as suspected, this is a complex issue. Toxicity issues were identified in the testing with Dr. McDougal along with structural issues with my neck and spine. In addition, increased bacteria may be a contributing culprit. To fight the bacteria, I will be getting what are called ozone injections in my jaw in the next few days to see if there is a change in my symptoms. Let’s hope their are for the good! In addition, I will be getting some IV treatments for nutritional support and detoxification. These injections could potentially make me sick before I get better. But to get better that is my goal so, I will do whatever it takes. These treatments are not all new, many have been used in Europe and other countries well before being accepted here. In California many things are happening with holistic health and positive results occurring. Since traditional medicine hasn’t found a cause, much less a cure for ALS nor have the pharmaceutical companies developed a pill or injection… Who’s to say…unlayering my symptoms, one at a time won’t end in a positive result or a cure for me…and a starting point for many others to come. Like I said I believe ALS stands for “a lot of symptoms” I don’t have any answers yet, and may never have all the answers, but I have a direction for treatment… And moving forward is my goal! I’m grateful for all my doctors and specialists. Thank you for praying for them. Initial treatments begin tomorrow! I’ll keep you posted!

  Asking for prayers for a friend

  By MaryFran Kolp 4/28/2015

  You have prayed for me and my family and doctors, I regret to ask for one more. Many of you know our neighbors from the cottage Tom and Pat Terry, their daughter-in-law Lisa Terry a very kind soul, beautiful Mom, wife and a physician herself had a heart attack and collapsed downstate and they’re asking for many prayers. All of you have carried me through and I’m hoping that you can forward some prayers to the Terry family and especially Lisa!

  Fran update from Mill Valley

  By MaryFran Kolp 4/30/2015

  I am blessed to be in a beautiful area, warm and full of sunshine, receiving excellent care. I had to smile when updating Andy on my CaringBridge site when voice texting my phone picked up that I was saying “curing” bridge instead. I do hope this to be true! My first appointment of the day yesterday included a manipulation and structural treatment of my spine and my neck. This was a very beneficial treatment. I’ve been given exercises to lengthen my neck and spine that I will add to my regime to get well. It appears I have some structural issues that may be contributing to my ALS symptoms. These could be from numerous causes accidents, athletics, etc. Next, we visited a biological dentist, Dr. Brian Smith that gave me four ozone shots in my jaw area. The ozone shots are given to kill any bacteria that has developed in cavitations in the area where my wisdom teeth were before I had them removed in my early 20’s…just a few years ago. Ha-ha! In conjunction with bacteria build up, being very sick in winter of 2013 for a 3-4 month time period my immune system couldn’t keep up. Therefore, causing a potential perfect storm. The shots were a little uncomfortable but then a brief numbness, relief and a crackling sound in my left ear and jaw resulted. Shortly after the ozone shots, I did experience a decreased pressure in my head and neck, and although still weak the fasciculations subsided in my muscles, Today, some of these symptoms have reappeared however not to their original extent. Which again indicates this is a multifaceted complex issue. Following my ozone treatments, we were off to the Clear Center of Health in Mill Valley where I received a personalized nutritional IV. It appears as if I was depleted in some nutrients and cell salts therefore an IV was given for support. This was pretty relaxing actually, the cocktail had magnesium in it which made me sleepy. So, I got a great nap in the afternoon. After my IV appointment, Melody and I witnessed a bank hold up! Seriously, cops had gunman at the entrances. Quite an eventful afternoon! We didn’t stick around to see what resulted, but it appears no one was hurt! All kinds of activities going on! Lastly, I have two additional IV treatments scheduled, and two additional treatments scheduled with Dr. Lin for structural manipulation. Finally, I will have another round of ozone treatments on Monday. After all of this and some supplement changes it appears I will be home in a week or so. I can’t wait to see everyone! Then it appears I will be coming back to this area in 6-8 weeks for follow up treatments and evaluation. Please keep praying! So many are in need of them! Special prayers for Lisa Terry, Darby Walker and Tim Kulman and their families!

  Preparing for my last round of visits in Mill Valley before I come home for awhile

  By MaryFran Kolp 5/3/2015

  It’s Sunday evening and we were blessed with a wonderful weekend! I was able to watch Kira Collins and her volleyball team in a great tournament! The girls were very impressive! They made it to quarter finals in the final pool and unfortunately came up short. They had a great day! I was so proud to watch and be there. It was a great weekend! The next few days are going to be crazy busy until I fly home on Wednesday! I have another round of ozone-shots in the morning and IV treatments in the afternoon! The IV cocktail contains vitamin B 6, B12, magnesium, vitamin C, homeopathies of a variety. I have received 2 so far, each IV takes approximately 45 minutes to administer. Just enough time for Melody to do some shopping downtown! Then on Tuesday I’ve been asked to do a 3D x-ray of my jaw and spine. So that will be done, then lastly, this visit, I will meet with Dr. Linn for a structural adjustment and energy work. Since it will be Cinco de Mayo, I will be taking organic margarita mix and organic tequila to my last appointment! Mel, Dr. Linn and I will toast…to a great cocktail!!! Ha-ha! Then Wednesday I begin my journey home flying most of the day! I will miss my home away from home here in California, but I’ll be back soon. I have been given hope here! I feel like I’m on a pathway to healing but I still have a lot of work and healing to do. A lot is still unknown. I’m up for the fight, with all
of your prayers and support! The Lord knows, your prayers and divine interventions have taken me this far! Thank you!

  Thoughts to share from California

  By MaryFran Kolp 5/4/2015

  I like that saying by Ralph Waldo Emerson…Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path…and leave a trail. This is my intention. This has been and will continue to be an interesting journey! I still have a long way to go. But, like my doctors have said and Mary Hramic-Hoffman shared with me…our bodies are amazing and have the divine ability to heal itself, especially when given the support needed to do so! Our bodies and souls combined are a remarkable “machine” for lack of a better term. It’s also, interesting that I would be given a diagnosis of ALS in which modern medicine has, no cause, no cure and therefore I’ll add no treatment! Maybe it takes something like ALS to move the medical community and their thought processes to entertain alternative care! Diet, energy work, structural and visceral care along with ALS is complex, it’s quite honestly a “son of a gun!” And I’ll tell you this, a pill created by any pharmaceutical company isn’t the answer and won’t cure this! Another interesting observation, this entire visit to California, I have had the option of organic, grass fed, free range non-GMO food options everywhere and not a waitress has looked at me suspicious or like I was from another planet when ordering food to accommodate my ketogenic dietary needs! The Midwest has a lot of catching up to do in this area! I’m talking fast food to deli’s to expensive restaurants…crazy everyone is on board in the Mill Valley and Corte Madera areas!! Just a few thoughts to share today. This morning I had some more ozone treatments and I have the 3D x-rays to determine if I have some dental cavitations contributing to my symptoms tomorrow. I also had a nutritional IV today, and as usual I took my supplements, those with food, those before meals, those away from food and homeopathies and probiotics, etc. I’m looking forward to returning home to see everyone! Just a few scattered thoughts I thought I’d share while in Cali!!!