multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Question

I was told by the hospital that i had MS. there are more people getting it now. Just wondered if there was anyone else out there with it. and have they got any tips on how they cope

Answer 1

So, you've been diagnosed (dx) with MS. Did they tell you what type you have? That's the first step in figuring out how to "cope" with this many symptomed disease.

I've had MS for over 45 years. It was misdiagnosed for most of those years; then, it became a "diagnosis of exclusion" - they couldn't find anything else to "call it"!! Finally, in 1997, after my MRI and spinal tap, I received the clinical diagnosis of MS.

OK: here are some facts about MS.

1) MS is an autoimmune disease where one's own immune system attacks the mylin sheath of the nerves, causing resulting "symptoms" in the part of the body "serviced" by those nerves.

2) There are 4 basic types of MS. The first 2 are what most people have, and is called Relapsing/Remitting (R/R) MS - in either the benign or more aggressive state. In this type of MS, the person will have what are called "exacerbations" - read attacks - and then be "ok" for extended periods of time. In most cases, an MRI and/or a spinal tap will show the lesions on the brain or spinal column; then, the doctors can aggressively treat the symptoms with medications like steriods and what we call the "ABC drugs" (Avonex, Beteserone, and Copaxine). The ABC drugs are shots of what is basically interferon.

If caught early enough, these medical interventions have shown EXCELLENT progress in stopping the rate of progress of this disease.

Interestingly enough, many people can experience one or two exacerbations and then go for decades with none!!!

3) The last two types are more difficult: primary progressive (PP) and secondary progressive. In secondary progressive (SP), you have people like me who started out with R/R, and then "progressed" into SP.

In the case of PP or SP, the exacerbations are frequent, and become actual symptoms that do not go into remission like they did in R/R. Symptoms are like your friend's problems with sight and hearing.

The ABC drugs and some others are being used to treat the PP type of MS; there are no current effective treatments to "stop the progression" of SP; we can only "manage the symptoms".

For more information about the specific symptoms of MS, you can use any Internet search engine and plug in the words MS symptoms. You'll find TONS of information.

For information from someone who has the disease, and who is an EXPERT AT CHRONIC DISEASE SELF MANAGEMENT, please check out my website: http://www.disabilitykey.com. I have 2 blogs there, each containing tons of information. AND, I'm an expert on applying for, and attaining disability insurances!! It is my passion and mission to assist others with disabilities, like you.

The absolute most important thing impacting how MS effects someone is their attitude. If you take the attitude that MS is a chronic condition and that you can maximize your quality of life by learning all you can about your condition and your symptoms, and by working with your health care team to "manage" your symptoms, than you are already far ahead of others. My website provides tons of info about Chronic disease self-management.

The two blogs that I have contain lots of practical information. The first one has about 70+ posts about all things of interest in, and tips about coping with, MS and any other Chronic disease. The second blog focuses on disabilities and working.

Finally, I'd recommend that you join the local chapter of the National MS Assn.. You'll find lots of assistance and the help of others "like you".

Finally, Finally, if you want some additional information, please click onto my name and send me an email. I'd love to answer more of your questions.

Answer 2

Multiple sclerosis is one of the most debilitating and discouraging conditions anyone can have. Waking up day after day knowing you are stricken with MS that gradually drags you, healthy young person, toward chronic illness and maybe shorter life. Suddenly you no longer expect to enjoy many of life's greatest experiences. The inside story on Dr. Gary remarkable Multiple Sclerosis cure

Read on to discover what really causes your multiple sclerosis!

Answer 3

Symptoms of MS vary because it all just depends on where the disease attacks your body. Some common ones are burning in hands/feet, numbness in any part of the body, vision problems, problems walking, weakness, extreme fatigue. It effects all neurons because the disease can attack anywhere. Some people only have sensory problems, some only motor, some all. The cause is relatively unknown. If you live in climates like that of USA you are more likely to get it. Some genetics may be involved. There is no cure, but you can treat the symptoms so they don't hurt so much or get in the way. Strong steroids are usually the way to go. Hope I helped.

Answer 4

Please see the webpages for more details on Multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis- sclerosis ( Term used in pathology to describe abnormal hardening or fibrosis of a tissue) of the brain and cord occurring in scattered patches.

Answer 5

I am so sorry to hear that. My aunt was diagnosed about 8 years ago. She goes to physical therapy, takes meds., and honestly just faces each new challenge the best she can. She is doing well so far. She does wear a brace and is on a walker, but she continues to run her own business..............

Good luck to you!

Answer 6

i was diagnosed just over a year with it. it shouldnt have been the hospital that told you, but a neurologist, and only after the fact that they ran the right tests for it. contact me thru email so we dont get reported for "chatting".

Answer 7

sorry to hear you've got this I know a few people with this is horrible try the web site below they have links to support groups

Answer 8

so sorry to hear that i cant offer no advise just wish you all the best and stay positive xx