Multiple Sclerosis

MULTIPLE - meaning many SCLEROSIS - meaning hardening

What Is Multiple Sclerosis - MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The central nervous system, also known as CNS; consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers of the CNS is a fatty tissue or sheath called myelin. Myelin is a fatty substance rich in proteins and lipids - that forms around the nerve fibers and acts as insulation. Myelin also helps the nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses.

In MS, the myelin sheath is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. These damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions. Sometimes the nerve fiber itself is damaged or broken.

Myelin not only protects nerve fibers, but makes their job possible. When myelin or the nerve fiber is destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, and this produces the various symptoms of MS.


What Are the Symptoms of MS - The Symptoms of MS vary from person to person and sometimes vary within the same person. For example, one person may experience an overwhelming sense of fatigue while another person may experience coordination problems - trouble walking, balancing.

With my father, his symptoms began with headaches that were first diagnosed as possible migraines or cluster headaches. He had always suffered from depression which is a common symptom of MS but his depression was overlooked for many years and contributed to his addiction. His symptoms later progressed with problems of coordination - keeping his balance and bouts of overwhelming fatigue.

* There is no scientific correlation between MS and substance abuse.

How is MS Diagnosed - There is no definitive test for the diagnosis of MS at this time. The symptoms of MS mimic so many other diseases and illnesses, that doctors have to use a series of test and go through a process of elimination.

Here is a partial list of the testing process for MS: MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging ); Medical History, Nervous System Functions

At this time there is no known cure for the disease of Multiple Sclerosis. There is no answer for why the disease progresses in some but not in others. There is still more testing and research to be done.

My father was diagnosed with MS in 1987 and the disease had only progressed a little then, and didn't seem to progress any more. He had what the doctors called, Relapsing -Remitting MS.

* In 1987 there were no known treatments options or therapies for MS

Relapsing - Remitting MS is when people have clearly defined flare-up or attacks that are followed by partial or complete recovery.

We would hope for our father that this would be for a long time, even years.

In 1991 my father had an MS exacerbation, he was diagnosed with having Secondary Progressive MS.

Secondary Progressive MS is when people have an initial period of Relapsing - Remitting MS followed by a steadily worsening disease course with or with out flare -ups.

My father was now confined to a wheelchair although he would use all his best efforts to try and take what little steps he could. My father was always a fighter and would not allow the disease to beat him down. He worked tirelessly with physical trainers and therapist from 1991 thru 1994. Some days were better than others.

1994-1999 I noticed my fathers gift and power of his voice were slowly diminishing. His ability to eat and to drink on his own were nearly impossible. My father now was diagnosed with Progressive Relapsing MS.

Progressive Relapsing MS is when people have a steadily worsening of the disease with acute flare - ups , exacerbations with or with out recovery. The periods between relapses show continuing disease progression.

1999 - 2004 My father's voice faded rapidly to almost a whisper. He was now completely wheelchair bound and depended on others for his needs. As his daughter, I learned how to care for some one with a debilitating disease. I learned how to clean his feeding tubes, medications and medication interactions, help him from his wheelchair to the bed, monitor his interactions through out the day or course of our visits. His ability to communicate was still there if you took the time to listen and, to understand fully the disease of MS.

2005 Daddy passed away. I am still searching for a cure of MS. I am an MS advocate for research which, also includes stem cells.

If you or your loved one are struggling with the disease of Multiple Sclerosis, I encourage you to find out as much as you can about MS and what to do to help yourself and those around you. Knowledge is power when dealing with a disease, and, denial is not an option.

Not everyone who has MS will end up as my father has. In 1987 there were no known treatments or therapies for MS. Today there are many treatment options available to help slow the progression of MS. I encourage if you, or a loved one living with the disease of MS that you talk to your doctor right away about what treatment options are right for you.

You may be powerless to control the disease but you are not powerless in knowing all you can about it.

The organizations that have helped me to understand my father's needs as well as my own are:


National MS Society - http://www.nationalmssociety.com/cal

MS Foundation - http://www.msfacts.org


Please join me in the fight against MS