Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Multiple Sclerosis Central asked me to write a series of articles describing progressive types of MS. I thought it was a good idea because although there was a significant amount of literature on MS, very little of it is about progressive types. Here are the articles that were written and published in the spring of 2009. Please understand some information may have been updated since these were published. 


MS Progressive Types: What Type Are You?
Rose is a rose is a rose." ~ Gertrude Stein A rose is a rose, but can we say MS is MS? After all, MS affects the autoimmune central nervous system of every person who has MS. But after that it gets a bit murky. Just as a rose is identified by characteristics such as color, size and fragrance, so is each person's MS symptoms unique based on. . .

MS Progressive Types: Secondary Progressive
Secondary Progressive MS is the advanced course of Relapsing/Remitting MS. I recently talked about the different types of MS. Now I am looking at the characteristics of Progressive MS. As this series continues, I will discuss research and clinical trials, medications, "a day in the life," and other topics relating to the progressive types of...
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 MS Progressive Types: Primary Progressive and Progressive Relapsing
Let's continue looking at characteristics of Progressive MS. I already talked about the different types of MS and focused specifically on Secondary Progressive. As this series continues, I will discuss research and clinical trials, medications, "a day in the life," and other topics relating to the progressive types of MS. Today the focus is on..

MS Progressive Types: Living with Progressive MS
 Each of us has our own way of dealing with bad news, and an MS diagnosis is bad news. When someone is newly diagnosed, it is pretty scary. Some people bend over backwards to learn everything they can. Others just live with it awhile, hoping for the best. We all learn as we go along because living with MS is such an ongoing challenge. Living with..


MS Progressive Types: Treatments
The MS community was thrilled in 1993 when the FDA announced approval of the first drug that addressed the disease instead of just symptoms. Approval of Interferon B opened up a whole new world of possibilities for MSers. In the next few years, a family of drugs -- Avonex®, Betaseron®, Copoxane® -- and later, a fourth option --..

MS Progressive Types: Progressive Treatment Trials

" What is research but a blind date with knowledge?"   ~ Will Harvey At least 60% of all MSers have Relapsing/Remitting MS (RRMS). It follows that most clinical trials apply to RRMS as well. The goal of these clinical trials is to slow or prevent slipping into the chasm known as Chronic Progressive MS. There is less known and..
 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 that should make it less...

 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 read or 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,..

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..

Please read the comments for a little more information. Articles like this and blogs about MS and by MSers are found on  Multiple Sclerosis Central. If you have MS, or an interest in MS, feel free to join and participate.