Re Multiple Sclerosis: What help is out there?
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I live in USA and there is help here I am sure. I have sister that has MS and MD and another that has MS. I know that they just see neurologist. But don't believe either go to any support groups though. I wish I could help you with your question. But I can't sorry.
786843
I'm going to take a shot at this one and suggest Social Security Insurance (S.S.I.) a friend just came up with MS she's only 27 and works for a major airline. They wouldn't cover her so...that left her hanging. I've been on S,S.I. for years now. I suggested it.\n   She did as I instructed and went through the phone interview, they started her with a doctor and meds right away. I was even surprised at how fast they went to work. I guess every area is different according to the population.\n\n   Long story short, she's on S.S.I. now and at least eating and paying the rent. Of course she had to change her lifestyle but...?
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Symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from person to person and from time to time in the same person. For example, one person may experience abnormal fatigue, while another might have severe vision problems. A person with MS could have loss of balance and muscle coordination making walking difficult; another person with MS could have slurred speech, tremors, stiffness, and bladder problems. While some symptoms will come and go over the course of the disease, others may be more lasting.\n\nAs a result of the inflammatory, demyelinating process in the central nervous system, people with MS can experience a wide variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms of MS include:\n\nFatigue (also called MS lassitude to differentiate it from tiredness resulting from other causes)\n\nProblems with walking\n\nBowel and or bladder disturbances\n\nVisual problems\n\nChanges in cognitive function, including problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving\n\nAbnormal sensations such as numbness or "pins and needles"\n\nChanges in sexual function\n\nPain\n\nDepression and/or mood swings\n\nLess common symptoms include:\n\nTremor\n\nIncoordination\n\nSpeech and swallowing problems\n\nImpaired hearing\n\nAll of these are considered primary symptoms of MS because they are a direct result of demyelination, the destruction of myelin—the fatty sheath that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers in the central nervous system—and of damage to the nerve fibers themselves. Demyelination and neuronal damage impair transmission of nerve impulses to muscles and other organs, resulting in impaired function. Many of these symptoms can be managed effectively with medication, rehabilitation, and other management strategies. \n\nIn addition to the primary symptoms caused by demyelination, there are other types of problems or complications that can occur as indirect results of the primary symptoms or the experience of having a chronic illness:\n\nSecondary symptoms of MS are complications that can arise as a result of the primary symptoms. For example, bladder dysfunction can cause repeated urinary tract infections. Inactivity can result in loss of muscle tone and disuse weakness (not related to demyelination), poor postural alignment and trunk control, decreased bone density (and resulting increased risk of fracture), and shallow, inefficient breathing. Immobility can lead to pressure sores. While secondary symptoms can be treated, the optimal goal is to avoid them by treating the primary symptoms.\n\n\nTertiary symptoms of MS are the social, vocational and emotional complications associated with the primary and secondary symptoms. The diagnosis of a chronic illness can be damaging to self-esteem and self-image. A person who becomes unable to walk or drive may lose his or her livelihood. The strain of dealing with a chronic neurologic illness may disrupt personal relationships. People with MS frequently experience emotional changes as well, but it is important to note that mood swings and depression can occur as primary, secondary, or tertiary symptoms of the disease. Professional assistance from psychologists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and public health agencies is indicated for managing many of these psychosocial and vocational issues.\n\nIt is important to remember that not every person with MS experiences all of these symptoms. Some people may experience only one or two of them over the course of the disease, while others experience quite a few. Symptoms can come and go quite unpredictably, and no two people experience them in exactly the same way. Most of the symptoms of MS can be effectively managed, and complications avoided, with regular care by a neurologist and allied health professionals.\nMS is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers of the CNS is a fatt
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I had that for about 5 months, then I got dizzy.  I told my doc, went for an MRI, then a spinal tap, and guess what!?  I have Multiple Sclerosis!  WOO HOO!  I hope you don't.  You should go to your doc though, could be even worse!
1180780
hi theese are the only ones i could find hope they help :)
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This site lists the visual and all other disturbances related to MS.  I hope it helps you:\nhttp://www.mult-sclerosis.org/mssymptoms.html#Visual\n\nThere are links to click on for even more details.
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I don't know where the first answer is coming from.  Anyway there is alot of pain with MS not just physical, but emotional too.  My father has ms, and there are going to be good days and bad days. He is on a perscription that he takes to try to lesson the results with MS.  So far they do not have a cure for MS, and if you or a family member has it, they can check with their doctor to see what is out there for it.  The medications are very expincive so i hope you do have an insurance plan. The emotional problems, can involve family members as well as the one who has it.  I find it painful to know the troubles my dad is dealing with, and I find prayer is the best way to over come that. There are alot of MS support groups, and programs out there for familys dealing with  ms.  Good luck to you, and your family.\n\nJust thinking about it, temperature and climate can effect MS as well, too warm, or too cold climates can effect how the person is feeling.  I know when my dad went swimming, he felt alot better that day, or the rest of the day.  Hope that helps as well.
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MS is unpredictable. It varies from person to person and can result in a wide variety of symptoms, none of which are unique to MS. You may experience only a few symptoms and it is unlikely that you will develop them all. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict what will happen during the course of anyone's MS. \n\n\n\nSymptoms range from mild to severe, from brief to persistent. Some symptoms, such as walking difficulties, are obvious to other people; others, like pain or fatigue, are not. These are often referred to as hidden, invisible or silent symptoms, and can be more difficult for people unfamiliar with MS to understand.\n\nThe more common symptoms of MS include:\n\nFatigue: an overwhelming sense of tiredness making physical or mental activity hard and, for some, impossible. \nProblems with walking, balance and coordination. \nVisual problems, including blurred or double vision, temporary loss of sight in one eye, or both. \nNumbness or tingling in the hands or feet. \nDizziness. \nPain: sometimes mild, sometimes severe. \nLoss of muscle strength and movement. \nStiffness and spasms: a tightening or involuntary movement in particular muscle groups - especially in the legs. \nAnxiety, depression or mood swings. \nCognitive problems, such as difficulty with memory and concentration. \nSpeech problems, including slurring. \nContinence issues: a lack of control over bladder or bowel functions; an increased risk of urinary infection. \nSexual problems, such as lack of libido or erectile difficulties. (Though it should be noted that MS does not affect fertility.) \n\n\nIf you think you have any of these symptoms you should consult a healthcare professional. It is important not to overlook any problems, as most symptoms can be managed well.\n\nWhilst there is no cure for MS, research continues to try and find one. Even without a cure, there are many effective treatments that can help you manage the condition. You can discuss all the treatment options and any concerns with your neurologist, MS nurse or GP. \n\nIn recent decades, there has been a shift in how we think about MS. Whilst there are still many gaps in our knowledge, we now have a much better understanding of how MS affects the central nervous system and how symptoms develop. These advances have led to new approaches in treatment.\n\nThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guideline may be useful to people affected by MS as it sets out good practice for treatment and management of MS. The Guideline's recomendations are based on a review of the scientific and medical evidence available. \n\n\n\nDisease modifying drugs \nThe last few years have seen the development of drugs that can affect or modify the course of your MS. Known as disease modifying drugs, they are thought to regulate the immune response by suppressing production of certain molecules involved in myelin damage and inflammation. Although not a cure, these drugs can reduce the number of relapses people experience by about 30 percent.  Steroids for relapses \nWhen you experience a relapse, your doctor may recommend a course of steroids to help speed up recovery. However, doctors only tend to recommend steroids if your relapses are disabling, painful or distressing. Although they do not alter the course of the disease, steroids can reduce the inflammation that occurs in the central nervous system during a relapse and can shorten recovery time. They are administered intravenously (through a drip into the bloodstream) or orally, as soon as possible after the onset of the relapse. The treatment period usually lasts between three and five days and can require hospitalisation. Most neurologists try to limit the number of steroid treatments prescribed to you in any one year.   Multi-disciplinary Care \nAs well as your GP and neurologist, many other specialists may be involved in your treatment. These specialists are important as part of a multi-disciplinary team, because they can help care f
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I am a sufferer also. There are many treatments which you may find helpful. I have lots of resources that would require me to email the pages to you [they're obtained through college databases]. I'd be more than happy to email them to you if you're interested. [archnarkiegirl@yahoo.com]
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The Multiple Sclerosis society considers hyperbaric oxygen to fall into the category of "treatments" that are implausible AND are known to have a significant risk of side effects.  In other words, it is probably quackery that might actually harm you.  \n\nSorry, I wish I could say it has a good prospect of helping, but the very best that could be said is that it is "unproven," and that's pretty generous.  If it were merely unproven but weren't harmful, it might be worth taking a chance on.  As it stands, that doesn't appear to be the case.  If you decide you want to try it anyway, make *sure* that you use it only as a supplement to the drugs and other therapies you are taking.  Even its supporters (I mean its responsble supporters) do not suggest that you use hyperbaric oxygen as the sole therapy.\n\nGood luck.  MS is a tough disease.
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The best treatment for MS is LDN, hands down. It is the only medication that can stop MS in its tracks! No other medication can do that. It is very cheap, has almost no side effects, it is easy to take since it comes in a capsule and although it does not cure MS it prevents further progression. Please check it out! Tens of thousands of people are taking it worldwide and the number is growing every day!
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You CAN'T show all the symptoms!  There are too many!  Usually the first symptoms that present are vision problems.  Check out the link below, they're good!  Roughly 400,000 people in the US have been diagnosed with MS.  Seems like a lot, but it's less than 2% of the population.  It is more common in people with northern European ancestry.  About two-thirds of the patients are women.  The farther away from the equator you go, the higher the numbers of cases (either direction).\n\nDiagnosed May 2005
105554
Wow this is a hard question for me as I have MS and deal with alot of issues daily. I would have to say the thing that scares me the most is the thought that my mind will not work the way I know it can and has, there are days when I can not remember my age and that is pretty scary, may sound simple, but it is far from simple. To know you know something but are unable to express it to someone is very frustrating. How I deal with it, well sites like this help, forces my brain to function, I do crosswords, I read as much as possible when I can.
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If you want to continue with your studies you should.  You may find the need to have accomodations and rest. I know of a nurse practitioner with MS. Just remember that each person has their own set of difficulties with this condition. I know a couple who got married almost two years ago,the guy has severe symptoms of MS. It takes a special person to deal with it,but it is possible. There is a great chance you will live for a regular amount of time. Stay positive! It is not a death sentence.
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What Are Some Other Alternative/Complementary Therapy Options for MS?\n\nMassage. Many people with MS receive regular massage therapy to help relax and reduce stress and depression, which can exacerbate the disease. There is no evidence that massage changes the course of the disease. It is usually safe for people with MS to receive a massage, but if you have bone-thinning osteoporosis (usually as a result of your treatments) massage may be dangerous. Talk to your doctor first.   http://www.medicinenet.com/alternative_therapy_for_multiple_sclerosis/article.htm\n\nIt sounds like, with your doctor's blessing, it is something worth looking into.  If it is not beneficial, you can easily stop this type of therapy.  Good luck...
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I have MS.  Diagnosed May 4, 2005.  Just got back from the VA Hospital's MS Clinic in Jackson, Mississippi.  I use Copaxone, Baclofen, Amantadine, and Depakote (well, except for the Copaxone, I just started the pills yesterday).  If you want to talk, e-mail me at   brian@locklin.org.
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I know how you feel.  I started on Copaxone, and had no issues, then I started to progress a little, then I switched to Betaseron.  Now I am taking Betaseron and Imuran.\n\nMy advice to you is if you aren't having an increase in symptoms, and your MRI's are fine stick with Copaxone.  Each person is different, and reacts to different medication differently.  But if you are intent on finding that one therapy that you are most comfortable with visit the following website, it is not for profit and definately for those of us with MS.