Current Treatments
BETASERON® (interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis

AVONEX® (Interferon beta-1a) is a 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of AVONEX® is identical to that of natural human interferon beta.

COPAXONE is the brand name for glatiramer acetate (formerly known as copolymer-1). Glatiramer acetate, the active ingredient of COPAXONE, consists of the acetate salts of synthetic polypeptides, containing four naturally occurring amino acids: L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine with an average molar fraction of 0.141, 0.427, 0.095, and 0.338, respectively. The average molecular weight of glatiramer acetate is 5,000 – 9,000 daltons. Glatiramer acetate is identified by specific antibodies.

Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) is a purified 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of Rebif® is identical to that of natural fibroblast derived human interferon beta. Natural interferon beta and interferon beta-1a (Rebif®) are glycosylated with each containing a single N-linked complex carbohydrate moiety.

Tysabri is a monoclonal antibody that affects the actions of the body's immune system. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage. Tysabri is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. 		Gilenya™ is a new class of medication called a phingosine 1-phosphate receptormodulator, which is thought to act by retaining certain white blood cells (lympohcytes) in the lymph nodes, thereby preventing those cells from crossing the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system (CNS). Preventing the entry of these cells into the CNS reduces inflammatory damage to nerve cells.

Early Symptoms
The most common early symptoms of MS include:
* Tingling * Numbness
* Loss of balance
* Weakness in one or more limbs
* Blurred or double vision

Less common symptoms of MS may include
* Slurred speech
* Sudden onset of paralysis
* Lack of coordination
* Cognitive difficulties
Listed above, the early symptoms. I tend to be a poster child for these. The symptoms that occur later on are too numerous just to list. There will be a link included that will get you to a site where these symptoms are listed and explained. Keep in mind that someone may have some of these or many of these, there is no way to tell.
Multiple sclerosis statistics show that approximately 250,000 to 350,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with this disease. The life expectancy for people with multiple sclerosis is nearly the same as for those without MS. Because of this, multiple sclerosis statistics place the annual cost of MS in the United States in the billions of dollars. MS is five times more prevalent in temperate climates -- such as those found in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe -- than in tropical regions. Furthermore, the age of 15 seems to be significant in terms of risk for developing the disease. Some studies indicate that a person moving from a high-risk (temperate) to a low-risk (tropical) area before the age of 15 tends to adopt the risk (in this case, low) of the new area and vice versa. Other studies suggest that people moving after age 15 maintain the risk of the area where they grew up.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

MS Week in Jackson Village, NH is back!!

Date/Time: May 3 - May 7, 2010
Location: Jackson Village, NH
Tickets:

* Participants receive a FREE! Two-night stay including breakfast. (Limit one room per Person with MS. We cannot guarantee separate beds for guests.)
* Informative workshops
* Social activities during the week


Please read complete information prior to completing drawing form.
To enter the drawing or to get information about extended stay packages visit msnewengland.org

Session I
Arrive Monday May 3 & depart Wednesday May 6

Session II
Arrive Wednesday May 5 & depart Friday May 7


Individuals who attended by drawing in 2009 will not be eligible for the 2010 drawing. However, you may purchase an extended stay package (see below).

Deadline to apply for the drawing is March 17
Applicants chosen will be notified by March 23
We cannot guarantee requests for specific Inns through the drawing

For all confirmed participants a $75 refundable deposit will be required within 1 week

ALL RESERVATIONS must be made through the Central New England Chapter

Extended stay packages: Those purchasing extended stay packages will not be included in the drawing process, but will be registered for the appropriate weekday session. If you cancel your extended package you will be ineligible to participate and will be placed on the waiting list. Two night minimum required but additional nights can be purchased at the above rates
.
Extended two night stay packages are available at:
Silver Package: $250 per room ($125 per night)
Gold Package: $350 per room ($175 per night)

To purchase an extended stay package call the MS Week in Jackson Village hotline at:
1-800-344-4867, option 2, ext. 192 or email msweekinjacksonnh@mam.nmss.org with your name and phone number. Please visit the participating Inns of Jackson Village at their website to chose your accommodation.

Lodging Handicapped-Accessible Package offered
Carter Notch Inn No Silver
Eagle Mountain House Yes Silver
The Inn at Jackson No Silver
The Inn at Thorn Hill (Session II Only) Yes Silver & Gold
Snowflake Inn Yes Gold
The Wentworth Yes Gold
Whitney's Inn No Silver
Wildcat Inn & Tavern No Silver & Gold

Additional details on this program

If you have any questions, please contact Amber Stalker (amber.stalker@mam.nmss.org).

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Central New England Chapter
101A First Avenue, Suite 6
Waltham, MA 02451-1115
tel: 1 800-344-4867
fax: 1 781-890-2089
msnewengland.org

MS Awareness Week 2010 Logo





MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We are a collective of passionate individuals, moving together to create a world free of MS. JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org or 1-800-344-4867.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society | 733 Third Avenue | New York, NY | 10017
Posted by Steve at Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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About Me

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North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
Well-educated, disabled at this point with Multiple Sclerosis. I am very glad that I was able to do the things that I have been able to do over the years. had to change the picture, this one's more realistic.