Anthony's Science Fair Survey for MS

Anthony's dad was diagnosed with MS about seven years ago. It has "drastically changed" his entire family's lives. We all know that story.

Anthony, high school student in Michigan, is participating in his high school science fair. For his project, he has a theory concerning ms and geography. In order to explore it, he put together a short survey fo MSers to answer. It is five questions and takes less than one minute.

Please take Anthony's survey.

If you would like to leave a comment for Anthony, here is his original request on Health Central.

MS Progressive Types: Happiness

This s the last artical in the series on Progressive MS for the MS Section of Health Central. This one summarizes the topic with a question-answer format. There is one left. The FAQ article was first published June 30. Here it is --

MS Progressive Types:

Living with Happiness

MS was never part of the my life plan. Like most, my initial MS diagnosis was a long and bumpy road. When my MS became progressive, the road changed to a detour in uncharted territory with no end.

How can I face such a bleak future?

It seems to me that I have a choice between two basic options:

• I can live with Progressive MS and be sad, grieving for the life that is not to be. I can be angry because it's just not fair. With every new symptom, every hint of a potential new symptom, and each function that is harder or slower or just not there any more, I can become more grumpy and cranky. Or,
• I can live with Progressive MS and come to peace with it. I can learn to accept each new symptom and delight in things I am still able to do. I can find new ways to enjoy things I have always enjoyed and even find new things to appreciate. I can choose to make an effort to maintain a positive attitude and be as happy as I can be.

Notice that both of these choices still include Progressive MS. I do not like it, but I cannot eliminate it, and I can still choose to be happy.

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MS Progressive Types: Frequently asked Questions

This series on Progressive MS for the MS Section of Health Central is winding down. This one summarizes the topic with a question-answer format.  There is one left.  The FAQ article was first published June 24. Here it is --

MS Progressive Types:

 Frequently Asked Questions

This series of articles about Progressive MS has a lot of information, and not all of it is easy to understand. Perhaps a good way to review the subject is to cover some of the frequently asked questions.

How do I know if my MS is a Progressive type?
MS may start with an attack followed by a continual increase in the symptom severity, and that is Primary Progressive MS. 

If MS starts with a Relapsing/Remitting course, it will probably advance between ten and forty years, and the clear relapses will be replaced by a gradual worsening of symptoms. When there are no longer periods of recovery, that is Secondary Progressive MS.

Besides the functional characteristics, doctors can see that MS has advanced to a progressive course by using an EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale). The EDSS is a standardized measure of global neurological impairment often used in MS to determine type and severity. The National MS Society explains the scale.

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This series on Progressive MS for the MS Section of Health Central has included long articles that paint a bleak picture of life with MS. This one adds a personal touch, including stories from several MSers living with one form or another of Progressive MS. This article was first published June 17. Here it is --

MS Progressive Types: The Human Side

With Progressive MS, there is not a moment free from the thought and feel of MS. Pretty scary? This series of articles started with an explanation of the different types of MS and then continued by expanding on Progressive MS. Some of the information paints a bleak picture, but let me add a personal touch.

Here are stories from people with Progressive MS, including me, meant to enhance the picture of Progressive MS with a focus on the human side. My sincere thanks and appreciation to the contributors: David Madison, Beverley Rothstein, Denise Walbrugh and Michael B. Gerber. Each of these stories shows there can still be positive quality of life through diagnosis, symptoms and daily life with Progressive MS.

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