CULTIVATING HEALTH, HAPPINESS & JOY DESPITE
LIVING WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSISMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease in which the insulating covers around nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a range of signs and symptoms.
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2019. Just 3 days after my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I had so many questions and spent hours on numerous websites learning about his disease. I hope to provide some assistance to those newly diagnosed with MS or to family members or friends of MS victims. I especially hope to provide documentation on all the research I have done to help me treat my symptoms naturally and resources to help. .
This page will guide you to the multiple sclerosis resources I have added thus far.
Background Information on Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease in which the insulating covers around nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a range of signs and symptoms.
Specific symptoms can include double vision, blindness in one eye, muscle weakness, trouble with sensation, or coordination. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms). Between attacks, symptoms may disappear completely; however, permanent neurological problems often remain, especially with the advancement of the disease.
Common Symptoms of MS
There have been over 80 symptoms of MS identified. It can often go undiagnosed for years because so many of the symptoms point to other possible ailments.
Symptoms can often be a result of where the lesions occur in the brain or spinal cord. Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include dysgraphia, muscle spasms, bladder dysfunction, balance and coordination issues (which is why I need a cane), cognitive impairment, tingling, feelings of pins and needles, numbness, dysesthesia, optic neuritis, dysesthesia, dizziness, weakness, spasticity, heat intolerance, numbness, extreme fatigue, dysesthesia, itching, and bowel issues. I go into each of these in more detail here.
Traditional Treatment
There is currently not a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. MS treatment typically focuses on educing the progression of the disease, speeding recovery from attacks and managing MS symptoms.
Most doctors start their MS patients with a disease-modifying drug. These type of medicines slow down the advance of the disease and usually prevent flare-ups. They work by slowing down the immune systems attack on the myelin sheath that protects the nerves by surrounding them.
Blog Articles Related to Multiple Sclerosis
When Was Multiple Sclerosis First Diagnosed?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The disease has been recognized for centuries, but it was not until the 19th century that it began to be recognized as a distinct clinical entity.The first description of...
The Power of Words After a Medical Diagnosis
The power of words, after a medical diagnosis, should not be underestimated. They can provide you and I with the ability to change our outlook about life, the disease, and our potential outcome. Some words are more powerful than others by their very nature. Words...
21 Natural Pain Management Resources I Reach For When I Am in Pain
I like having an arsenal of natural pain management resources to turn to. Some days the pain from multiple sclerosis, pancreatitis, and other illnesses can be super intense. Some days I feel I have to throw most of these at the pain resources to get relief. Below are...
Spasticity Associated with Multiple Sclerosis
Spasticity is one of the most annoying symptoms of multiple sclerosis. And it can be especially painful. It is a fairly a common symptom of MS and can have a big impact on ones daily life. If often has a big impact on mine. My worse experiences with spasticity has...
Multiple Sclerosis Signs and Symptoms
There have been over 80 symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis identified. It can often go undiagnosed for years because so many of the symptoms point to other possible ailments. We estimate I had MS for at least 10 years and may be as long as 35 years before I was diagnosed....
I’m Too Young for a Cane
I am too young for a cane. I never pictured myself needing one until I was at least 85. But I ended up needing to use one often due to multiple sclerosis. But when I finally decided to get one, the cane opened up some freedom I had been missing. I have not regretted...
Frequently Asked Questions About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
When I was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis I had some many questions. Here are a few of the most important ones, with answers.What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder in which the healthy tissue in the central nervous system...
A Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
“You definitely have multiple sclerosis,” the doctor said.” It didn’t come as a surprise. We had suspected it for months. In fact, my neurologist referred me over the local multiple sclerosis specialty clinic after seeing my symptoms. But still, there is something...