Multiple Sclerosis
In 1997 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
I was thirty years old
I have been threw a lot with MS.
I have been so ill that I couldn't
feed myself, walk or dress myself.
I have hand tremors, I have lost the use of my
left hand with the exception of one finger.
I use a cane or wheelchair if I have to leave the house.
I can't do a lot of things like button a shirt or drive.
I could tell you a lot more but
I think this is enough information for nowPlease take time to educate yourself on MS.
I am sure you know someone with MS.
I always appreciate it when my friends/family
take time to understand what I live with.
You can view my blog Life With Lisa for more information.
I am currently homebound. Please visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for more information.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease. The body?s own defense system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord (the central nervous system). The damaged myelin may form scar tissue (sclerosis). Sometimes the nerve fiber is also damaged. When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses to and from the brain are distorted or interrupted.
MS is not a fatal disease.Many individuals with MS have near-normal life expectancies. Most people with MS learn to cope with the disease, and live full, productive lives.
The symptoms of MS may include tingling, numbness, painful sensations, slurred speech, and blurred or double vision. Some people experience muscle weakness, poor balance, poor coordination, muscle tightness or spasticity, or paralysis that may be temporary or permanent. Problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function are common, as is fatigue. MS can cause cognitive changes such as forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating. It can also cause mood swings.
Symptoms may come and go, appear in any combination, and be mild, moderate, or severe. There are medications and therapies to help with most symptoms.
Can MS be treated?
Yes. Today, there are 4 federally approved medications that treat MS: Avonex, Betaseron, and Copaxone have been shown to be effective in slowing down the natural course of MS. Clinical experience suggests they are most effective if taken early in the disease. Therefore, the National MS Society recommends treatment with one of them as early as possible for most people who have a definite diagnosis of MS with a relapsing course. Novantrone is effective in slowing down MS that is rapidly worsening or becoming progressive. It is not approved for primary-progressive MS at this time. Research on progressive MS may lead to an expanded role for these and other drugs.
Who gets multiple sclerosis?
An estimated third of a million Americans have MS. Most are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, and about two thirds are women.
MS is an unpredictable disease. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and vary over time in the same person.
Periods of active MS symptoms are called attacks, exacerbations, or relapses. These can be followed by quiet periods called remissions.
The disease ranges from very mild and intermittent to steadily progressive. Some people have few attacks and little, if any, disability accumulating over time. At diagnosis, most people have relapsing-remitting disease. This means they have attacks followed by periods of partial or total remission, which may last months or even years. Others experience a progressive disease course with steadily worsening symptoms. The disease may worsen steadily from the onset (primary-progressive MS) or may become progressive after a relapsing-remitting course (secondary-progressive MS).
Because MS affects individuals so differently, it is difficult to make generalizations about disability. Statistics suggest that 2 out of 3 people with MS remain able to walk over their lifetime, but many of them will need a cane or other assistive device. Some will choose to use a scooter or wheelchair to conserve energy. Others will require a wheelchair to maintain mobility.
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