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.

Friday, December 10, 2010

The National MS Society, Greater New England Chapter presents ELEVEN upcoming teleconferences!

Topics that will be covered
• The hot research issues of Vitamin D and CCSVI
• Progressive MS
• A wide variety of employment issues
• Reproductive issues

Sign up for one or as many as you would like.

Research & General Information Teleconferences

Vitamin D with Sylvia Christakos, PhD, UMDNJ
You’ve heard the buzz – what is it all about? Join Sylvia Christakos, PhD, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey, professor and leading researcher to discuss the real facts about Vitamin D. Register now!
Thursday, December 16, 2010 7:00 - 8:00 pm - Register by Dec. 11, 2010

Reproductive Issues in MS with June Halper, APN-C, MSCN, FAAN
Find out answers to questions you have regarding the issues specific to planning and raising a family when you have MS.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 7:00 - 8:00 pm - Register before Feb. 11, 2011

CCSVI in MS: An Update with Konstantin Balashov, MD, PhD
The current facts about this controversial research will be discussed.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 7:00 - 8:00 pm - Register before April 26, 2011


Progressive MS Teleconferences

Overview of Progressive MS with Dorothy Northrop, MSW, ACSW
Increase knowledge of progressive MS symptoms, symptom management, emotional issues, coping strategies, family issues and resources for when family help is not enough.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 6:30 – 7:30 pm - Register before January 19, 2011

The "Ex-Rated" Guide to Living with MS with Shelley Peterman Schwarz
Living and living well are two different things. Is MS limiting your life? Learn, from one who has been there—who has lived with severe disability due to primary progressive MS for over 30 years—how giving in to life’s challenges does not have to mean giving up. Learn how you can make creative compromises to make life more manageable and more enjoyable. Using words like “explore”, “execute” and “expand” has never been so sexy!
Wednesday, February 1, 2011 6:30 – 7:30 pm - Register before January 26, 2011


Employment Issues Teleconferences

How to Apply for Jobs in the Federal Government: Webinar
Participants will learn about special hiring programs for people living with disabilities and how to navigate the federal system from a regional recruitment coordinator with the U.S. Department of Labor. This program will include an online component if you have access to the Internet, but it is not required.
Thursday, January 27, 2011 7:00 – 8:30 pm Register before January 21, 2011

Social Security Disability Eligibility and Application Process
Participants will learn what it takes to be approved for Social Security disability benefits from a Social Security attorney.
Thursday, February 10, 2011 7:00 – 8:00 pm - Register before February 4, 2011

Social Security Disability and Returning to Work
Participants will learn about the impact work might have on their disability benefits from a Community Work Incentive Coordinator.
Thursday, February 17, 2011 7:00 – 8:00 pm - Register before Feb. 11, 2011

Jobs with Flexibility
Participants will learn about part-time and non-traditional job opportunities that allow for a flexible schedule.
Thursday, February 24, 2011 7:00 – 8:00 pm - Register before Feb. 18, 2011

Practical Tips for Managing Challenging MS Symptoms on the Job
MS specialists will share practical ways to manage fatigue and
cognitive dysfunction, two common and difficult symptoms that
people living with MS experience at work.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 7:00 – 8:00 pm - Register before March 11, 2011

Wellness and Work
Positive wellness behaviors can minimize the impact of fatigue and cognitive symptoms and lead to greater productivity on the job. Join a personal trainer and nutritionist for tips on physical exercise, healthy eating, stress management and good sleep habits.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 7:00 – 8:00 pm - Register before March 25, 2011

Visit Teleconference Series: National MS Society to register for this program online or call 1-800-344-4867. Due to the high number of participants we may not be able to have a live Q&A. If you would like to ask a question, please submit it at the time of registration.


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

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Posted by Steve at Friday, December 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.