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.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

National MS Society

The National MS Society, Greater New England Chapter
presents

The African - American Experience with Multiple Sclerosis
A Day of Education & Family Activities
When: Saturday, June 5
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Charles Street AME Church
551 Warren Street
Roxbury, MA 02121
FREE. Pre-registration is required. Lunch and activities provided.
Family members of all ages invited to attend. Limit 4 guests per registration.

African-Americans develop MS at half the rate of white Americans - one in 1,500 people, rather than one in 750. Evidence suggests that MS does not treat everyone equally and some recent studies seem to indicate that MS may take a more progressive course in African-Americans. Explore how MS affects the African-American community through informal discussions and activities for the entire family. Presentations include fatigue management, keeping cool, and staying active and healthy!

Meet other African-Americans with MS and empower yourself and your family to live well everyday with MS!
Register online now or call 1-800-344-4867! We hope to see you there!

The Invisible Symptoms of MS: Cognition, Pain & Fatigue
When: Saturday, June 5
Time: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: The Shaw’s Center
1 Lexington Ave
Brockton, MA 02301
FREE. Pre-registration is required by June 1st. Continental breakfast and lunch provided.
Adult Family & friends are welcome. Limit 2 additional guests per registrant.

Dealing with the many symptoms of MS can be very difficult, but coping with the invisible symptoms, cognitive difficulties, pain, and fatigue, can create additional challenges such as:

* Why am I forgetting things? Why can’t I remember the word I want to say?”
Cognitive difficulties can be frustrating for both the person experiencing it and also for family members. Learn to understand and deal with this troubling symptom. Speaker: William Goodman, PsyD; Neurological Consultants, Bennington, VT
* But you look so well, are you really that tired?”
Fatigue is the #1 symptom reported by people with MS, getting others to understand this invisible symptom can be both frustrating and tiring! Speaker: Christine St. Laurent, RN, MSCN; former nurse coordinator at the MS Center at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro, MA
* What is causing the pain I’m experiencing? Does MS cause pain? Is there any treatment for my pain?”
Pain is an invisible symptom, but a very real concern for many people with MS. Learn about the different types of pain, the causes, and treatments available. Speaker: Jay Rosenfeld, MD; Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape & Islands, Sandwich, MA

This free day long conference addresses these questions & concerns while also providing an opportunity for peer networking for people with MS, adult family members and caregivers. Breakout sessions on “Coping with MS” for persons with MS and “Caregiver Concerns” for caregivers and family members will be held.
Register online now or call 1-800-344-4867!

Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation & Recreation Accessible Recreation Fair
When: Saturday, June 5
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Artesani Park
Brighton, MA

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Universal Access Program (UAP) will offer a free fun-filled day of celebrating Accessible Outdoor Recreation available for individuals, families and friends of people with disabilities. Activities will include a cycling fair with an assortment of accessible cycles available for use; adaptive recreational activities, including hiking, park quest, letterboxing, face painting, interpretive programs; a D.J.; snacks and more! Join DCR rain or shine and enjoy the accessible recreation fair, cool off in the spray pool and use the playground located in park as well. Enjoy the camaraderie while learning about DCR’s inclusive, accessible programs and resources available to people of all abilities around the state. This is THE PLACE to come FIND OUT ABOUT accessible recreation programs offered by multiple organizations in the Boston area and beyond. Pre-registration is highly recommended, especially for use of equipment. To register, call Gigi at 617-626-1294 or Marcy at 413-545-5758

* The Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is informing you of this opportunity as a service to our members. We neither review nor certify the content of independent programs. It is our policy to maintain the confidentiality of our mailing lists. If you choose to participate in this program, you will be registering with the Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation & Recreation.


National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Greater 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 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 Thursday, May 27, 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.