Would someone please explain to me what DMSO is and what the benefits are?  I 
had nerve damage in my leg a few years ago, and my doctor "prescribed" this for 
me.  It just irritated my skin, so I didn't use it anymore.  Thanks for your 
input.

Melody
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Barbara Liles 
  To: [email protected] 
  Sent: Sunday, August 04, 2002 10:20 AM
  Subject: CS>DMSO


  Needing clarification!

  I am a firm believer in DMSO for it's penetrating capability, but could use 
some clarification.

  I've always bought mine where I buy livestock supplies because I'm generally 
using it on livestock.  I know it is sold in a multitude of other places, but 
it is generally cheaper at the feed store.

  In the discussion list when it came up about adding it to the CS as a 
mouthwash, I had questions come to mind about quality of DMSO.

  Because I am using it to add to my IV CS infusion, I think the question of 
purity needs to be addressed.  

  Looking at the label on the container we use at my house for animals and 
humans, it reads "For chemical use only - not for drug use".  I assume they say 
that as a disclaimer because the FDA certainly doesn't want people using 
something that actually helps with so many things.

  Looking at the vial for IV use, I see no "disclaimer" and don't see any 
mention of the word "sterile".  Since I don't exactly understand how the DMSO 
is extracted in the first place, I probably should look into that before I show 
my ignorance too far; however, in the name of expediency, let me just announce 
my ignorance and move on!

  The doctor who established my IV CS protocol said himself that what he is 
providing me is probably the same as what I buy at the feed store except this 
for IV is sterile.

  I know from experience that DMSO is being sold by the gallon in many places 
and I feel like much of it is as pure can be.  I do know that a gallon I bought 
at a flea market was not pure.  Those of us who have used it very much know 
pretty quick when we got "a watered down version thereof"!  My bargain was a 
bummer!

  I have also noticed that this vial for IV use does not say that it is 
regulated by prescription.  Not surprising either since the FDA says it's not 
for medicinal use in the first place!

  I know I don't want to be putting questionable DMSO in my veins and 
preferably like to feel like what we use for the family and animals is a good 
quality.    I have seen a few cases where pet owners soaked an animals open 
wound with DMSO without regard to the caustic effect.  One animal died.  In 
testing, the blood had absorbed toxic amounts of DMSO.  In another case, the 
wound was exacerbated from irritation from too much DMSO.

  So, could somebody help me out here.  I'm running my CS infusion right now 
with the DMSO in it and feel very secure in doing so because I have faith in my 
doctor.   Likewise, have used it as an adjutant in a similar mix for horses, 
but feel like care is called for in establishing a protocol with great 
consideration given to quality and quantity.

  Thanks,
  Barbara