Meet Diann, Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Hi, my name is Diann - and for those of you who were not at my first meeting or just don't remember, that's spelled D-I-A-N-N, no E - just to start with a little humor. I'm going to briefly explain and inform you about my disease - multiple sclerosis.
I was diagnosed officially in 2004, but my neurologist thinks I may have had it longer since it's such a hard disease to diagnose.
The following information is taken from pamphlets provided by the National M.S. Society. We are very fortunate to have this organization for public awareness, the M.S. Walkathon to raise funds for research and to help M.S. members. There are many M.S. support groups out there. The closest one for me is in Marion, IN, which I am associated with.
M.S. is a disease of the central nervous system - including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve (the eyes). Surrounding and protecting these nerves is a fatty tissue called myelin that normally helps the nerves conduct the electrical impulses. Compare to, or think of, an appliance electrical wire with the insulation of plastic or rubber and if this becomes damaged or worn away how the electrical current is short circuited. In M.S., basically, that's what happens. The myelin (protective tissue) is lost in multiple areas leaving scar tissue which is sclerosis. The damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions, and sometimes the actual nerve fiber itself is damaged. So when the myelin or nerve fiber is destroyed or damaged, the nerves can't transmit the impulse to and from the brain normally and this is what produces the various symptoms of M.S., which can be numerous. Every person's disease process is different. Some may have only a few symptoms or many, along with good days and bad days. It's an unpredictable disease.
First of all, the exact cause of M.S. is not known, or what triggers it. It's thought to be an autoimmune disease, where one's body attacks itself instead of abnormal viruses or bacteria. In M.S., it attacks the myelin.
There is no cure. Treatment is to treat symptoms and fairly new therapy is to start patients on disease modifying drugs to slow down progression at onset of diagnosis. There are 3 main medications that can be used. These are Betaseron, Rebif and Avonex, plus other FDA approved drugs available. I personally am on Rebif, an injectable medicine that I give myself subcutaneously 3 times a week. There are a few side effects - possible flu like symptoms and injection site irritation.
M.S. is not contagious. It is not inherited, but it does possibly have a familial tendency. It is more common in women.
The symptoms vary for each person and are unpredictable depending on where the damage is done:
1. Fatigue is very common - may need to nap.
2. Weakness, numbness and tingling, especially in the extremities. Symptoms may increase as the day progresses.
3. Stiffness - you may need to alternate activity with rest periods.
4. Poor coordination, balance and dizziness.
5. Visual problems such as blurred vision.
6. Muscle spasticity/chronic pain.
7. Bowel and bladder problems.
8. Sensitivity to heat.
9. Depression and mood swings.
10. Cognitive problems: forgetful, can't think clearly
11. In severe cases, partial or complete paralysis
OR M.S. may stabilize/burn out.
Diagnosis:
1. There is no single test to tell if symptoms are M.S.
2. Neurological exam.
3. MRI - Brain or spinal cord.
4. Evoked potential studies - measures response to certain stimulation. Example: visual to test nerves of the eyes.
5. Cognitive function test.
6. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Looking for certain descriptive bands.
Different types of M.S.:
1. Relapsing/Remitting: symptoms come and go, may be with long periods of time in between. For some, with each episode it may linger.
2. Secondary progressive: starts as relapsing/remitting.
3. Primary progressive: not as common.
A few famous people with M.S.
Actresses Terri Garr and Anette Funicello
Country Singer Clay Walker
TV Personality Montel Williams
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