Who gets Multiple Sclerosis

Fifty years ago Multiple Sclerosis was virtually unheard of. Today, there are approximately 2.5 million people worldwide afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis. According to the National MS Society, 200 people are diagnosed with the disease every day.

Multiple Sclerosis is most commonly diagnosed in people between 20 and 50 years of age. However, 5 % of MS patients are under the age of 21, and many people who are diagnoses later show symptoms as early as 15 or 16 years of age. There are several cases of children diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Approximately 10% of all those with MS received there diagnosis after the age of 50. The youngest person with Multiple Sclerosis was diagnoses at the age of 10 years.

People of any ethnic group can develop Multiple Sclerosis, but it is more common in those of Northern European decent. MS does develop in Americans of African, Asian, and Hispanic decent, although it is very rare.

According the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, Canada has the highest prevalence of MS in the world, with 240 diagnosed cases of MS per every 100,000 people. This is  followed by Germany, with 149 cases per 100,000 people. The United States, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Great Britain and Norway average 97.5 – 143.5 documented cases per 100,000 people. India has the lowest incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in the entire world, with 3 confirmed cases per 100,000 people.

Worldwide, women are 50% more likely to develop Multiple Sclerosis than men.

Multiple Sclerosis is not directly inherited, a parent with MS cannot pass it on to their children. There have been documented cases of identical twins where one twin develops Multiple Sclerosis and the other does not.  However, it has been shown that a person is more likely to develop the disease if a close relative also has it. Medical scientists think there may be a genetic predisposition to the development of Multiple Sclerosis.

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When to tell your employer that you have MS

Deciding when to tell your employer of your MS diagnosis is easily as important as deciding when to tell your family.  Under ADA rules you do not have to disclose an illness unless it causes a significant challenge in the workplace, or if you are requesting accommodations such as specific equipment or altered work times. 

However, multiple sclerosis is unpredictable and while you may be fine today, it is possible for a new symptom to start while you’re at work.  The best time to inform your employer of the diagnosis may be when you are symptom-free.  Arm yourself with information about your illness so that you can reassure your employer and provide needed information.

Explain to your employer the unpredictable nature of multiple sclerosis.  If you have  been working with your company for a long time, then you may be able to reference a past flare-up in the workplace. For example, Do You Remember a Year Ago when I used a cane because my leg was numb?  That was an MS flare-up.  Consider making a plan with your employer to deal with flare-ups in the workplace.

By using examples you can show your employer that even though you have MS you will still be a productive member of the work team.

Some employers will allow you to use flex time, or even work from your home office part of the time it necessary during a flare up.  If you have problems with spasticity in your arms consider using voice recognition software if you use your computer a lot.

You find yourself these using mobility aids such as a cane or wheelchair at work you may find that you need to rearrange your workspace.  Making room for these devices will make your job easier and allow you to be more productive.

Many people are concerned that if they tell their employer about their MS diagnosis they will be discriminated against, were treated differently by their employer or coworkers.  While sometimes as does occur, in the majority of cases you will find those you work with to be helpful in understanding.  If you are honest and upfront you should have no problem. 

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What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease which effects the central nervous system. For reasons unknown to allopathic medicine, the body’s immune system, which is  designed to attack invading viruses and bacteria, starts attacking the lining around the nerve fibers.

This protective coating, called myelin, is damaged, or destroyed, leaving scar tissue or ‘sclerosis’ behind. Myelin is made up of primarily fatty tissue and it’s purpose is to protect and insulate nerve fibers. Myelin helps keep the nerve signals intact and ensures they get where they are supposed to go, much like the insulating coating around electrical wires. Without functional myelin the nerve fibers can not carry electrical impulses through the body properly.

The result of this damage can range from mild tremors to total paralysis, and everything in between, depending on the extent and location of the damage.

There are four major types of Multiple Sclerosis.

Relapsing, Remitting MS is the type most people are initially diagnosed with. This type of MS occurs in flare-ups and remissions. The patient may be symptom free for months and then suddenly lose feeling in a limb or have problems keeping their balance.

Primary Progressive MS worsens slowly and steadily over time The patient does not have periods of remission or flare –ups, but the disease continues to progress slowly.

Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis starts out as the Relapsing, Remitting type. Over time the person stops having remissions or flare- ups and the disease starts to progress at a steady rate.

The most rare type of Multiple Sclerosis is called Progressive-Relapsing. With  this type of  MS disease progression is constant and steady, but the person will experience definite acute flare-ups.

Whichever type of Multiple Sclerosis a person has, there are treatments offered by both allopathic and alternative medicine to ease symptoms and possibly slow the progression of the disease.

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What are the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is like a snowflake. No two cases are the same. Every person has different symptoms and many times symptoms for one person will even vary from day to day.

Which symptoms a person shows depends entirely on where in the Central Nervous System the myelin is damaged, and how severe that damage is.

Vision disturbances are a very common symptom of Multiple Sclerosis. Things like blurred vision, optic neuritis, double vision and involuntary rapid eye movements are very common, and usually clear up either with or without treatment. Total vision loss is possible, but very rare.

The most well recognized MS symptoms are those that effect coordination and movement. Many people have tremors, loss of balance, dizziness or vertigo, coordination loss and trouble walking due to weakness or numbness of the legs. Cognitive difficulties such as trouble concentrating, short term memory loss and difficulty reasoning. Emotions can be effected, also.

In addition, the person with MS may experience tingling or numbness of any part of their body, a sensation similar to that of limb that has been a sleep, burning, or a needle like pain, anywhere in the body. Some people experience facial pain and muscle pain.

Fatigue is the most common symptom among those with MS. MS fatigue is different than just being tired, the person may feel overwhelmingly tired, limbs may feel heavy and impossible to move.

Many people experience intermittent stuttering, or slurring of their words. The normal rhythm of their speech may change as well.

Some people with MS experience urinary urgency, incontinence, and bowel control problems.

Adults with MS may experience varying levels of sexual dysfunction. Decreased sensation, diminished arousal, and impotence are common.

People with MS are often extremely sensitive to heat. All other symptoms tend to worsen when the person becomes overheated. They may become dizzy, or fatigued much faster in very warm temperatures.

Although the list of MS symptoms is long, it is unusual for one person to exhibit them all. Medication and various therapies can help the MS patient cope with troublesome symptoms.

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The importance of eliminating toxins

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system.  This means that something causes the immune system to go into overdrive and attack normal, healthy myelin.  No one is quite sure why this happens, however one theory that the body is reacting to toxins either ingested or in the environment.

Some people have found significant reduction of symptoms or flare-ups by eliminating potential toxins in the foods they eat and in their home and workplace.

In order to eliminate potential toxins from foods is important to eat whole, organic foods, and foods, which have not been sprayed with chemical pesticides or monosodium glutamate (MSG).  .

Most packaged foods contain fillers, preservatives, artificial flavors, and MSG.  For the person trying to eliminate toxins in their food, these should be avoided.  Be sure to read labels on everything you buy.

If you eat meat or dairy products, be sure aren’t those items do not contain added hormones or chemicals.

If possible, find out if the fruits and vegetables you are buying have been sprayed with an MSG compound in the field.  This has become common practice in many places. After purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables be sure to wash them thoroughly before eating.

Regardless of how well your city filters its water, the water that comes out of your Contains toxins.  Chlorine, and fluoride are used regularly by almost every city she either purify or enhance the city’s water.  These chemicals should be avoided by people who have most full sources.  Consider drinking distilled or specially purified water.

Many researchers point to Mercury is a definite toxin within our environment.  Examine your home, workplace, and dental work for possible sources of mercury.

While removing toxins from food and environment will not sure your MS, it may serve to reduce flareups or ease symptoms.

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The chronic pain of multiple sclerosis

Most people with multiple sclerosis experience some sort of chronic pain. Where acute pain is sharp and short lived, chronic pain is with the person most of the time.  Sometimes it can vary in intensity and even location, but chronic pain is always with you.

There are many things that can cause chronic pain for a person with multiple sclerosis. 

Nerve damage can cause burning, tingling, and the sensation of pins and needles.  This phenomenon is called chronic dysesthesias.  Typically, this is treated by either the anticonvulsant medication gabapentin (Neurontin) or the antidepressant amitriptyline (Elavil). Both of these medications modify how the central nervous system reacts to pain.  Non-medical interventions include wearing a pressure stocking or glove, applying a warm compress to the skin, or using over-the-counter and pain medications such as acetaminophen.

Muscle spasms or muscle cramps or called flexor spasms, these are common types of pain caused by spasticity.  This is typically treated with prescription medications such as baclofen (Lioresal) or tizanidine (Zanaflex).  In addition to medication, this type of chronic pain can be treated by regular stretching, proper water intake, and adequate dietary intake of sodium and potassium.

Joint tightness and aching is also caused by the spasticity of multiple sclerosis. This type of chronic pain is ideally treated with light exercise, regular stretching, and prescription strength anti-inflammatory medications.

In many cases, musculoskeletal pain can be caused not so much by multiple sclerosis itself, but by techniques used to compensate for balance problems or problems walking.  Also, using mobility devices, such as canes or crutches, incorrectly will cause back pain.  People who use a wheelchair regularly may commonly experience back pain due to improper posture in their chair. Physical therapy, massage, and heat are all effective treatments for this type of pain.

In all cases it is important to properly evaluate the source of the pain in order to most effectively treat it.

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The Best Bet Diet

The best bet diet was designed to people who have multiple sclerosis. It is based on the idea that the immune system goes into overdrive when food proteins enter the bloodstream through the key yet. The best bet diet is formulated to eliminate foods which have a molecular structure similar to myelin.By avoiding the specific foods you reduce the risk that proteins which leak to the blood might be mistaken for healthy myelin by the immune system.

Common foods that a molecularly similar to myelin include animal milk, butter, cheese and yogurts made from animal milk.This means that all dairy products must be avoided.  Most people replace these items with soy milk, rice milk, or coconut milk.

Gluten is another common food item which is molecularly similar to myelin. Eliminating gluten from the diet means abstaining from wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats.  These staple grains can be replaced by corn, brown rice, quinoa, and potato flour. Many places carry gluten-free brands cereals and other products.

Beans, pulses, peas and all other legumes are to be avoided. However, all other vegetables are allowed.  Creamy few vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and kale are preferred because they’re high in omega-3.

People in the best bet diet should avoid refined sugar.  This type of sugar increases the amount of food protein which leaks into the bloodstream, and also makes the immune system was effective. More healthful choices include fructose (fruit sugar), maple syrup, stevia, and honey.

It is very important for people who filed the best bet diet to be sure and have an accurate
ELISA test in order to determine which other foods they are sensitive to. Food sensitivities may cause the immune system to overreact and attack healthy myelin.

While the Best Bet Diet is not a cure for multiple sclerosis, it has been shown us active in reducing the number and severity of flare-ups, in easing symptoms.

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Telling family and friends you have Multiple Sclerosis

The decision to tell your family and friends about to multiple sclerosis, is a very personal one.  The people who need to know most are those that you live with, because they are the people who will be affected the most. When and how much to tell your children will depend on the age of the children, and their level of maturity. You know your children best; trust your judgment about what they can handle

Your spouse or life partner can help you research and decide upon a course of treatment.  The treatment that you choose will affect your lifestyle and potentially have the lifestyle of your mate; therefore, it is important to involve them in making that decision.

It is also suggested that you have your spouse attend doctors appointments, support groups and read any books or web sites that you use to learn about the disease.  Be sure to share with your spouse when you are having symptoms, what they are, and how they affect your daily activities.

Depending on the amount of emotional support you may choose to tell or not tell extended family and friends. If you know that a someone is likely to respond with pity, anger, or negativity it may be better to put off telling them so as long as you can.  It’s important to surround yourself with positive people who will be supportive and positive as you adjust to your new diagnosis of MS.

When you choose to tell someone about your MS, be sure not to overload them with information.  Share enough so they know what’s going on with you, but not so much that they overloaded. At the same time, you should try to answer all their questions and give them sources for more information if needed.

Most people will be understanding when you share your diagnosis of MS.

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Standard Allopathic treatments for Multiple Sclerosis.

While there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis, there are many treatments. Some help delay onset of disability and work to slow progression of the disease.  These are called disease altering drugs or DAD. Some treatments are designed to shorten the length of exacerbations or flare-ups. Still other medications are used to relive symptoms of MS either short term or long term.

The most popular DAD medications are the Interferon beta drugs. Avonex, Rebif and Betaseron fall into this class. These medications work to limit immune system response and help reduce the number and frequency of MS attacks.

During an active exacerbation, prednisone based medications can be given to reduce the length and severity of the flare up. Prednisone is a steroid medication that reduces inflammation within the body.

Specific MS symptoms can be treated with medication.

Many people with multiple sclerosis experience spasticity or involuntary muscle movements, and tremors. These can be effectively treated with baclofen, clonazepam, dantrolene, tizanidine, diazepam, isoniazid and gabepentin.

Bladder problems are a common symptom of MS. Bladder symptoms range from inability to urinate to incontinence. Bladder infections are common in those who must use a catheter. Medications used to treat these symptoms include ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, desmopressin, imipramine methenamine nitrofurantoin, oxybutynin, and desmopressin

For depression caused by Multiple Sclerosis or DSD medications, your doctor will probably prescribe one of the many well known depression medications.

Multiple Sclerosis causes severe pain in the muscles and joints for many people. This pain can be treated with one of many medications. The most widely used pain meds for people with MS are Elavil, Tegretol, Klonopin, Neurontin, Tofranil, Pamelor or Aventyl, and Dilantin. When choosing a pain medication, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medications or supplements, or if you have ever had a problem with addiction to drugs or alcohol.

There are many symptoms associated with MS, and at times they can seem overwhelming, but with proper treatment and effective medication symptoms can be managed so that the patient can live a full life.

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Rebif

There are three Interferon beta medications used in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. These medications work to slow the progression of MS, reducing legions and delaying the onset of some types of disability.

Rebif is one of these medications. Rebif is delivered through subcutaneous injection three times per week. These injections must be spaced at least 48 hours apart. . Many people take them on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before bed so they don’t have to worry about taking injections during the weekend. 

Rebif is supplied in pre measured syringes with an auto injector. Auto injectors look much like a ballpoint pen, and are designed to deliver the medication to the correct spot under the skin every time. You place the auto injector against your skin where you want to give the injection and push a button.

The side effects of Rebif are similar to those of all the Interferon Beta medications.

Depression and suicidal ideation are common. Those taking Rebif should monitor their moods closely and keep a diary of their feelings to help ensure depression is recognized and treated. Before starting Rebif, tell your doctor if you have ever been treated for or experienced any type of mental illness, including mild depression. Past bouts with depression can increase risk of this side effect.

It is important that patients taking Rebif get regular blood tests to check liver function. Liver failure is a serious side effect of this medication. If you notice any yellowing of your eyes or skin, or if you start to bruise easily while taking this medication, discontinue shots and call your doctor immediately.

Most people who take Rebif experience flu like symptoms within several hours of taking their shot. Fever, chills, exhaustion, muscle aches, and pain usually subside within two months of starting therapy.

Rebif can cause white or red blood cell counts to drop suddenly and unexpectedly. Your doctor may order frequent blood tests to screen for this.

As with any medication delivered by injection there is a possibility of localized injection site redness, soreness and pain. It is suggested to apply ice to the injection site before and after giving the shot.

Education is important when choosing your Multiple Sclerosis medication. Research all available options and discuss with your doctor in order to choose the therapy right for you.

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Parenting with multiple sclerosis

Many people, newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, wonder how they will be able to raise their family. In fact, until recently many doctors told women with MS not to have children.

But, it is possible to raise even a large family if you have multiple sclerosis. Like everything else, it takes planning and willingness to take an honest look at your health and abilities. 

Don’t try to do to be ‘super mom or dad.’ It’s important to remember that even parents without MS have trouble keeping up with everything. Parents with MS should learn to budget their time, and more importantly, their energy. Plan a trip to the playground for times you have more energy, read books and do quiet activities with your kids during those times you‘re likely to feel more tired.

As your child grows, be honest with them about your health. Children are naturally forgiving, and they understand more than most adults give them credit for. 

Don’t be afraid to tell your child when you need to change plans because of multiple sclerosis symptoms. For example, if you have planned to take your child on a nature hike during the weekend, but find yourself exhausted, there is nothing wrong with telling your child how you’re feeling. You can suggest another, less physical activity and go hiking when you feel better.

Prioritize your activities. Learn to say yes to things that are important to you and your child, and say no to those things that hold less weight. Try to do only one or two major things each day. If you spend two hours doing the weekly grocery shopping, leave other errands for another day. When the grocery shopping is finished, do a quiet activity what won’t require a lot of energy.

Keep in mind that learning to be respectful of mom or dad’s physical limitations may help your child  become understanding, and tolerant of those around him/her. Children of parents with disabilities tend to grow up to be responsible, caring and very loving adults.

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Optic Neuritis

Optic Neuritis is inflammation and  demyelination of the optic nerve.  Symptoms include when vision, loss of visual acuity or sharpness, partial blindness, pain behind the eye, and changing color vision.

While there are several causes of optic neuritis, it is the single most common initial symptom of multiple sclerosis. The majority of optic neuritis cases occur in only one eye.

Optic Neuritis usually affects people between the ages of 15 and 50 years old.  Within this age group, it has been shown that over half of all patients who develop optic neuritis will be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis within 15 years.  Optic neuritis is more common people of European descent.  Women have double the risk of men developing optic neuritis.

Loss of visual acuity affects over half of those with optic neuritis.  This ranges from complete blindness to barely noticeable blurring of vision.

Eye pain is described as an overall achiness behind the eye. Some people experience a headache behind the effected eye.

Changes in color perception occur in almost all cases of ON. Most people experience this as a general dulling of the color red.

Many people experience seeing a flashing light in their peripheral vision. Many people with ON find they see better in a dimly lit room and that bright light may cause eye pain.

For about half of those with ON, symptoms get worse when they are overheated or exhausted.

Onset can last a few hours to a few days. Usually sight starts to improve after about a week. After an attack of ON, many people regain all of their vision, and even those who go totally blind may completely recover. No one can predict how much lost vision will be regained.

Approximately 1/3 of all people have a second occurrence of ON. Those who experience worsening of symptoms due to heat or exhaustion have the greatest risk of reoccurrence.

Optic Neuritis is typically treated with IV steroids such as Solu-Medrol.

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Novantrone

Novantrone is typically prescribed as chemotherapy for treating cancer.  However its use in treating secondary- progressive, progressive- relapsing, and significantly worsening relapsing- remitting multiple sclerosis has been proven.

The Interferon Beta medications work by altering the immune system to slow down progression of the disease, and stave off disability.  Novantrone works differently.  It suppresses the immune system by killing off potentially abnormal T cells, be cells, and macrophages.  It is thought that these cells contribute to the body’s attack against the myelin sheath.

For MS patients, Novantrone is prescribed in amounts far less than those used to treat cancer.  Treatments are shorter, spaced farther apart, and have fewer side effects. Since there is a limit of how much of this medication you can be given during your lifetime, be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever been treated with chemotherapy for cancer. 

Typically, MS patients receive eight to 10 doses of Novantrone through an IV over two to three years

However, before starting treatment with Novantrone it is important talk to your doctor.  Tell your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with heart disease, blood clotting problems, anemia, or liver disease.  If you have ever been treated with any cancer chemotherapy, or radiation therapy is very important that you notify your doctor.  In addition, tell your doctor if you have a low white blood cell count, unusual bleeding, or any known allergies.  These conditions could affect your treatment with this medication.

All medications have side effects.  Known serious side effects associated with Novantrone include congestive heart failure, leukemia, and some in problems.

Other side effects are the whites of the eyes turning blue, hair loss, an increased risk of infection due to a decrease in white blood cell count.  In women Novantrone can cause monthly cycles stop while on the medication.  In some women in this effect is permanent.

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