If you have multiple sclerosis, how helpful have the ms society meetings been for you?
534751
I have MS, and our support group doesn't even meet anymore.  I haven't met the first person with MS, and it was May 4, 2005 when I was diagnosed.  I've heard that it can be depressing, if you see others that are bound to a wheelchair.  I have RRMS, and am very mobile.  I just have problems with balance and coordination, fatigue, some muscle cramps/spasms, minor numbness occasionally, sensitivity to heat (Which SUCKS!  I live in Mississippi), and occasionally depression.  I don't think it would depress me to see others that have progressed, however.  I think you should go and give it a shot.  If ours still met, I'd go.
78632
I am female and now 49, and was diagnosed w/MS when I was about 24.  At the time I was diagnosed, there was no 'proof positive' test for MS.  I believe the best test now is the MRI.  \nDepending on your relationship with your PCP, I would try to explain about your concerns and possible sysptoms and that you would like to talk to a Neurologist; who would be the doctor to be treating you if you did in fact have MS.  \nThough, remember there are literally thousands of diseases connected to the nerves, and a lot of the symptoms are the same as MS.   \nAs for your concern about being diagnosed '...until it's nearly too late to do any good about it...'  there are no preventative drugs for MS.\nThere are 4 types of severity of MS, and each person can differ from one to another. Also even if family memebers have MS, it doesn't mean they will all have the save 'type' of MS.\nThe newer medications now on the market have been proven to 'keep' the disease in remission for longer and longer periods of time.  (It's been over 5 years for me now, and I contribute it to the new medication - so there is almost always 'something' the doctors are able to do to help with the symptoms.\nThe only real advice I will offer is not to get 'stressed' out by thinking about it. Talk to a Neurologist and get some information from the Hospital Library.  \nI really haven't heard of anyone actually 'dying' from MS, more from commplications of the disease.\nWhen I was diagnosed, I was told the 1st requirement for MS is: a sense of humor! And trust me that piece of advice has helped me through the years...
809011
MS is a very serious neurological disease and can not be readily diagnosed... MRI to look for lesions, Evoked Potentials to determine to what extent the demylinating disease has on the extremities. there is numbness, pain... every patient is different - that's why it is so difficult to narrow down.\n\nSymptoms 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.
552862
As a cfs, fms, rsd, chronic pain support leader, I can give you suggestions. Your local weekly shoppers guide should have a section with support group information. They may ask your question in some part of the guide if you request. The newspapers also have sections with support group information. The United Way usually has support group information, and maybe the Red Cross. \nI was not comfortable with the support groups in my area because I felt they were more pitty parties. My goal was to research and share information about any illness, disease, or syndrome. At times we laughed and sometimes we cried. Those times, were times that we just needed to let go. not often. \nFamilies of this member need support also. It would not be a bad idea to look for a group for you and your family. Here again, you may want to start you own group. \nLive one day at a time. Oh, you may be able to find chat rooms for you to get support through. You can get so much help with the groups. Just type in "heart implants" in your search and you will be surprised at what you find. \nGod bless you.
1024586
Multiple sclerosis does have a genetic component, however...my brother-in-law's mother had MS.  Before my sister and brother-in-law had kids, they asked the doctor if they needed to consider the risk of MS.  He said that the chance of getting it is so slight that it wasn't something that they needed to be worried about.  \n\nThen when I was 32, I got MS.  Now my nephews have it on both sides of their family, but the chance of them getting it is still only marginally higher than for someone who has no kin with MS.\n\nCheck with your local chapter of the National MS Society.  They can help with your questions and can also provide moral support.
615722
My best friend has MS and she is into the SWANK diet. The constant schedule of incoming food will help your body in realizing that there will be no skipped meals. In cases where people are trying to lose weight when they skip meals there stores it because it knows it will be hungry latter, I sure that would be opposite for you and her, but I do know from years of going to see the nutritionist for myself, have a constant schedule is a big key in both wanting to gain and lose weight. Your body does weird things and having MS surly does not help. She too has such tight muscles and her metabolism is running full forces all day and night. This SWANK diet has really helped her.  Another thing you can do is if you like fruit smoothies or those yogurt drinks (like nouriche) you can add a protein powder to it)\n\nBest of luck and Best wishes to you!
150549
Wow sorry to hear about this. I myself have MS with Chronic pain so I know exactly where you are coming from because that was my diagnosis along with fibromyalgia for many years.\nLearn to pace yourself and to stop beating yourself up because you CAN'T do it today.\n It isn't easy but with time it will be\n Check out the fibro site below they offer some pretty good advice on dealing with all those issues you mention.
616215
AA meetings are good to go to even if you think you don't have a problem anymore. They're good reminders. Just enjoy spending time with your brother, who obviously cares about you.
1110821
I was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 1999.  Since that time, I have done extensive research on the disease.  I could answer almost any question someone would want to know.  Please contact me at blackfootj@cableone.net.
520604
i dont' suggest it. do you want to use stem cells to help yourself when they had to kill babies to get it? i wouldn't. i'm sorry for your MS though. truly.
192264
I am not sure, but I don't think they are available yet.  I am interested in them as well because of the new study that shows they may help people with MS that also use Copaxone.  I'll check.
215909
You should contact the MS group that can help you.\nhttp://www.nmss.org/\nhttp://www.mssociety.org.uk/\nhttp://www.ms.foundation.org/\nhttp://www.msfacts.org/
702692
Hi Meg,\nI live in Wisconsin.  We have a lot of MS cases here. There seems to be a higher prevalance in the Northern colder, damp climates that is probably why your doctor asked.\nMS symptoms are variable, my mother in law was diagnosed in her 20,s.  Today she is in her 70's and bowling.\nGood, also, you are in a much better climate.
81265
/Get check for Parkinsons and Lupus.  I have personally seen someone who was diagnosed for MS, but her movements look more like Parkinson's.\nRN
914331
It's not hard to diagnose at all.  The symptoms are extreme fatigue,some people have  attacks (the most common type of MS)which can range from mild to severe (during an attack you may loose feeling in a part of your body, loose sight, hearing or not be able to talk, think or recognize people.) After the attack the symptoms usually go away anywhere from a couple of hours the weeks to clear up and sometimes damage remains.  Loss of memory is also a symptom of MS.  Numbness, tingling or pain in the body.  You should see a neurologist right away MS can be diagnosed with an MRI the MRI shows the lesions that are common in people with MS.  There are different type's of MS also some people don't have the attacks but get progressively worst over time.  There is no cure for MS but there are good treatments that slow the progression and can lessen and even stop the attacks of MS...Go right away...Hope this helps
52129
Seems like they don't know much about MS.  The cause of progression in MS is unknown.  A relapse can occur if you become over-heated, overly stressed, overly fatigued...or it can just happen.  No lifestyles that I'm aware of make a difference in the progression.  No foods, either.  Supplements that boost your immune system should be avoided, because MS is a disease caused by an "over active" immune stem in the first place.  Anything that stimulates your immune system could lead to a new attack or an exacerbation.  \n\n     The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that people diagnosed with MS begin treating with the "ABC" drugs (Avonex, Betaseron, or Copaxone) as soon as possible.  While they do not "cure" MS, they do slow down the progression of the disease and prolong the progression of disability.  I provided a link to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society below, as well as the makers of Copaxone's website.\n\n*Diagnosed May 2005
40533
No- women with MS do still have their periods, but they can experience a flareup of MS during this time.   If you were never tested, you should get tested to see why you haven't had a period.