Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis effects approximately 350,000 people in the U.S., it is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system by depleting the protective layer called the Myelin Sheath. The protective layer or Myelin Sheath helps keep the nerves healthy as well as provides protection of the conductivity to the nerve. There are four types of M.S. and this disease usually affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. Although, the cause of M.S. is not known there have been many medical advances on the disease in recent years. Whether or not M.S. is genetically inherited is still being analyzed. M.S. is considered a family familiar disease, meaning that extended family members as well as siblings tend to be diagnosed.

There are four types of M.S. which are:

1. Primary Progressive – About 10 – 20% of people with M.S. contact this type of the disease. Primary Progressive unlike the other types continually attacks the person’s nervous system. There is a progressive gradual decline in the individuals’ physical abilities.
2. RelapseRemitting - This type of M.S. effects 65 – 80% percent of people withM.S. and is the most common type. People with Relapse Remitting undergo an attack (Relapse), relapses can cause damage to any part of the body from the ability to walk to eyesight, and relapse is usually followed by remission (Remitting). While the person is in remitting he or she experiences very little symptoms and can usually carry on a normal life.
3. Secondary Progressive – Persons who start off with secondary progressive relapses usually occur less frequent, but therelapsecauses more of a disability than with Relapse Remitting. About 50% of those who start off with Relapse Remitting will progress to SP within 10 years.
4. Progressive Relapsing – This type of M.S.causes a steady decline in abilities with sporadic attacks. The attacks may be less frequent, but they are more severe.

 People with M.S. experience an array of life changing events. I know this first hand; having a wife with M.S. we continually face new challenges every few years.  My wife has gone from walking with a full time job (working with disability clients) to using a walker to being confined to a wheelchair. This brings about a constant fight over depression, anxiety and fatigue. One of the ways that we have found to help us battle with these issues is professional counseling. Finding the right counselor can make all the differences in the world to you mental and emotional health. Another way to help keep M.S. from progressing in your life is to visit a M.S.specialist regularly. Many new techniques and medicines are coming out on the market your doctor can help find the medicine that works right for you.  Getting involved (as much as you can) in community type projects also can help take one’s mind off the problem at hand.

One of the best remedies for an M.S. patient is to get involved with the M.S. society.  The M.S. Society has a national organization as well as local chapters to help you know how to get involved and join support groups with others who have M.S.

5 Ways you can help support M.S.

1. Bike Ride for M.S. – over 100 rides across the nation                                        
2. Walk M.S. – There are nearly 600 walks nationwide
3. Challenge walk – If you are up to the challenge you can walk 30-50 miles over a 2-3 day period
4. Muckruckus M.S. – 5 miles of some of the muckiest challenging course you or your group can face.

        Mud, water, and muck are in store for you.

1. Do it yourself fundraising.

Check out the M.S.website for more information on how you can get involved.