MS affects entire lives, both physically and psychologically. Physically, the brain and the spinal cord (the central nervous system) are involved.Specifically, degeneration of myelin, a material which is composed mainly of fats and serves as an insulation for the nerves, much like the covering of an electric wire, degenerates. This fatty insulation allows a nerve to transmit its impulses with lightning-like speed, enabling people to move almost without thinking. The loss of this myelin insulation causes what is, in effect, a short-circuiting so that a person loses the ability to make smooth, rapid, and coordinated movements. Thus, MS is a demyelinating disease. With multiple sclerosis, the loss of myelin appears to the naked eye as a hardened sclerotic (scar) area. These areas are multiple within the central nervous system, thus the term multiple sclerosis. Symptoms may range from sensory impairment, speech problems, fatigue, weakness, tremor, spasticity depression, pain, numbness to paralysis and blindness. Back to the top of the page Who are the people with Multiple Sclerosis? Living with MS can be devastating, at times, because it is so unpredictable. The progress, severity and specific symptoms cannot be foreseen. You never know when attacks will occur, how long they will last, or how severe they will be. MS is incurable, at this time, but "Intensive Research" is currently in process all over the world to find new treatments. There is, however many different medications, such as AVONEX, BETASERON, COPAXONE, NEURONTIN. Unfortuntly, what will work for you, may not work for another. You may have alot of energy, on a given day, and maybe you would like to go out, or tackle some housework.Go for it,(don't over excert yourself) as you may not have a lot to spare the next day.. We learn as we go along. You don't need to be perfect. MS is more then an individual illness. It is damaging to the whole family. Coping with MS is rarely an individualistic thing. It involves changing behavioral patterns that affect ones loved ones as much as oneself. Like with each of us individually, however, families can also cope with this disease and can usually proceed to enjoy a normal, satisfying family life despite its presence. And while no one would ever wish MS on any person or family, the process of coping and adapting to this illness, like with any other hardship, can serve as a bonding, growth producing experience that can enhance the maturity and development of both children and adults alike. Back to the top of the page "We Have Endured Much Anguish And Misery, Mostly Due To Ignorance, Fear Of The Unknown, And Blindly Trusting The "Experts. Yet, No One Knows MS Better Than We Do! We Must Help Each Other Learn, Grow, And Cope With MS. By Sharing Our Experiences, Our Knowledge...Our Hard Earned Wisdom." "Together...We Can". A very dear friend of mine (who passed away in January of 1998) used to say to me,see your "ABILITY" not the "DISABILITY". There are many times I get very angry and depressed, when I am not really capable of doing all those things I did before the rapid onset of Multiple Sclerosis. So, after creating this Web Site,I often think of those words.I had the "ABILITY" to do this and I did it all by myself!! I hope you will enjoy this little sense of humor....Although at the time of being dignoised...I did not find it funny! No Offence Meant To All Doctors. WHAT THE DOCTOR SAYS AND WHAT HE REALLY MEANS "Welllllll, what have we here..." Since he hasn't the foggiest notion of what it is, the Doctor is hoping you will give him a clue. "How are we today?" I feel great. You, on the other hand, look like hell. "I'd like to prescribe a new drug." "I'm writing a paper and would like to use you for a guinea pig." "If it doesn't clear up in a week, give me a call." "I don't know what the hell it is. Maybe it will go away by itself." "Do you suppose all of this stress could be affecting your nerves?" "He thinks you are crazy and is hoping to find a psychiatrist who will split fees". Back to the top of the page Please continue to "Who Gets MS",or choose a page you wish to visit from the menu below. Easy Navigate Through My Home On The Web! Welcome To My Home In Loving Memory About Multiple Sclerosis My MS Journey MS Links Who gets Multiple Sclerosis Whispers Of Poetry Poetry Index Gospel Music Midi Oldies Just For Fun General Links Friends Awards and Webrings
MS affects entire lives, both physically and psychologically. Physically, the brain and the spinal cord (the central nervous system) are involved.Specifically, degeneration of myelin, a material which is composed mainly of fats and serves as an insulation for the nerves, much like the covering of an electric wire, degenerates.
This fatty insulation allows a nerve to transmit its impulses with lightning-like speed, enabling people to move almost without thinking. The loss of this myelin insulation causes what is, in effect, a short-circuiting so that a person loses the ability to make smooth, rapid, and coordinated movements.
Thus, MS is a demyelinating disease. With multiple sclerosis, the loss of myelin appears to the naked eye as a hardened sclerotic (scar) area. These areas are multiple within the central nervous system, thus the term multiple sclerosis. Symptoms may range from sensory impairment, speech problems, fatigue, weakness, tremor, spasticity depression, pain, numbness to paralysis and blindness.
Who are the people with Multiple Sclerosis?
Living with MS can be devastating, at times, because it is so unpredictable. The progress, severity and specific symptoms cannot be foreseen. You never know when attacks will occur, how long they will last, or how severe they will be.
MS is incurable, at this time, but "Intensive Research" is currently in process all over the world to find new treatments.
There is, however many different medications, such as AVONEX, BETASERON, COPAXONE, NEURONTIN. Unfortuntly, what will work for you, may not work for another.
You may have alot of energy, on a given day, and maybe you would like to go out, or tackle some housework.Go for it,(don't over excert yourself) as you may not have a lot to spare the next day.. We learn as we go along. You don't need to be perfect.
MS is more then an individual illness. It is damaging to the whole family. Coping with MS is rarely an individualistic thing.
It involves changing behavioral patterns that affect ones loved ones as much as oneself. Like with each of us individually, however, families can also cope with this disease and can usually proceed to enjoy a normal, satisfying family life despite its presence.
And while no one would ever wish MS on any person or family, the process of coping and adapting to this illness, like with any other hardship, can serve as a bonding, growth producing experience that can enhance the maturity and development of both children and adults alike.
Back to the top of the page
"We Have Endured Much Anguish And Misery, Mostly Due To Ignorance, Fear Of The Unknown, And Blindly Trusting The "Experts. Yet, No One Knows MS Better Than We Do! We Must Help Each Other Learn, Grow, And Cope With MS. By Sharing Our Experiences, Our Knowledge...Our Hard Earned Wisdom."
A very dear friend of mine (who passed away in January of 1998) used to say to me,see your "ABILITY" not the "DISABILITY".
There are many times I get very angry and depressed, when I am not really capable of doing all those things I did before the rapid onset of Multiple Sclerosis. So, after creating this Web Site,I often think of those words.I had the "ABILITY" to do this and I did it all by myself!!
I hope you will enjoy this little sense of humor....Although at the time of being dignoised...I did not find it funny! No Offence Meant To All Doctors.
"Welllllll, what have we here..."
Since he hasn't the foggiest notion of what it is, the Doctor is hoping you will give him a clue.
"How are we today?"
I feel great. You, on the other hand, look like hell.
"I'd like to prescribe a new drug."
"I'm writing a paper and would like to use you for a guinea pig."
"If it doesn't clear up in a week, give me a call."
"I don't know what the hell it is. Maybe it will go away by itself."
"Do you suppose all of this stress could be affecting your nerves?"
"He thinks you are crazy and is hoping to find a psychiatrist who will split fees".
Easy Navigate Through My Home On The Web!