Common Multiple Sclerosis Questions

There are more than one million people in the world today that are affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Each day more people discover that they have this disease and need to know more about what their future looks like and how they can lead an active lifestyle. It is completely normal to be scared when you are first diagnosed.

Many people have thought this diagnosis was a death sentence but have come to find out that their lives were far from over. If we are to understand and bring acceptance to the world community for people afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis, we must first be educated ourselves on what the disease actually is and how it affects our daily lives. Perhaps this article can help shed light and bring some knowledge on a disease that has largely remained in the dark for so many years.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is a condition in which the myelin in the body is attacked by the body's own white blood cells and antibodies. The myelin acts like a coat around the nerve. Without the myelin, the nerve is exposed and damage begins to occur to the sheath surrounding the nerve and finally the nerve itself is damaged. With damage comes scarring. The scarring prevents or slows down the body's nerve signals that control several functions such as strength, sensation, and vision and muscle coordination.

What are the symptoms?

Most people do not suspect they have MS until the disease has progressed or has hit a rapid advancement cycle. One of the first signs may be written off as fatigue or a symptom of another problem. Even depression is ignored as a sign of Multiple Sclerosis. In some patients, especially those who have had a rapid advancement, paralysis can occur. There can also be double or blurred vision, slurred speech or even trouble swallowing. Another symptom of MS is an unsteady gait. Even doctors can miss these signs until something far more drastic occurs.

How is MS treated?

Depending on how advanced the MS is or the severity and the frequency of the attacks, will determine how the doctor will treat the MS. For those with relapsing MS there are often medications that can help slow down the advancement of the disease. These medications could be beta-interferons, the medication Copaxone or Tysabri and even some chemotherapy drugs such as Mitoxantrone. The one stipulation that a doctor must put on a patient that wants to receive these medications to slow down the progress and frequency of the attacks is that if the patient is a female, she cannot be pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Is there a cure for MS?

The sad reality is that at this present time there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis. There are medications that can slow down the progression of the disease but even the use of these medicines cannot always stop the disease enough in some patients. For those with extensive nerve damage there is nothing doctors can do to repair the damage. Medical science, though very advanced when compared to two hundred years ago, still has boundaries that it has not been able to break. Hopefully with enough education and funding there will be a cure and people can finally be free from MS.

Are there any risk factors?

Unfortunately science and the medical community still does not know enough about Multiple Sclerosis to know how and why some people get the disease and why some do not. They do not know what causes a healthy person's immune system to begin attacking their own body. They think that genetics does play a role but are not sure how big of a role it does play and what factors contribute to this genetic legacy or how, if at all, it will be passed down.

Can I still have children if I have MS?

Yes, you can still have children and a healthy pregnancy even if you have Multiple Sclerosis. You may have to make some changes in your life but what pregnant woman does not? There is the risk that you will have a relapse during your postpartum period but that risk is estimated at 20-40%. You can also have an exacerbation during your pregnancy and after. An exacerbation is an attack or flare up that is a signal that your MS is worsening. There is no way to predict what is going to be affected by this attack. If you have had your mobility affected by your MS, it will become harder to get around the farther along you progress in your pregnancy. You must weigh all the options and seek out medical advice before making a decision either way.

Will my children have MS?

Scientists, researches and the medical community do believe that genetics play a factor in Multiple Sclerosis but they are not sure the extent it plays. They do not know if a parent with MS greatly raises the risks and odds that their children or grandchildren will have the disease. At this point there is not enough information about the disease to make those kinds of predictions.

How can I manage my life with MS?

You will manage it the very same way you did before you found out you had Multiple Sclerosis. It does not mean the end of your life. Yes, you may have to make some adjustments but you can get through them. If you have difficulty walking because of partial paralysis you can use a wheelchair or a cane. The doctors and healthcare community can help you overcome the disabilities associated with this disease. You need to stop it, not let it stop you.

Will MS cause me to die?

MS does not automatically mean a death sentence. There are many, many people who live productive and full lives well into their 80's. New medications are giving people a chance to slow down the effects of MS. There is also physical therapy to help when the muscles just do not want to cooperate. People newly diagnosed often have a hard time seeing that it does not have to mean the end. It is just another twist in the path.

How can I help a loved one cope with MS?

The very first thing you can do is to become educated. The more you know about MS the more you can help your loved one cope with their diagnosis. It is important for you to allow them all the space they need in order to come to terms with this. It is a hard thing to hear from a doctor. Far too much misinformation was given in the past. People did not understand how they could have MS and still have a normal life. You can be there to support them, listen to them cry and help them back to their feet.

Are there any organizations for people with MS?

There are some great organizations for people with MS and even for family members of people afflicted with MS. Friends are welcome to join these groups as well. Many of these organizations are always seeking donations to help fund the cure for Multiple Sclerosis and to ask for volunteers to help spread awareness. One of the most popular organizations is the National MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org.

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