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, March 30, 2012

National MS Society MS Vacation Week Program

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter
MS Vacation Week “A week away, a world of difference!”

Come to our five day getaway for people moderately to severely affected by MS, combining recreational, educational, and social opportunities at Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks.

Camp Hemlocks is specifically designed for accessibility, providing a unique, independent, and supportive environment, located on 166 acres of unspoiled forest and a 22 acre lake for boating and fishing. Other activities include swimming in an accessible indoor pool, talent show, arts & crafts, and yoga. An MS Certified Nurse is on site for the week. Space is limited. Apply early!

Date: Sunday, June 10 – Friday, June 15, 2012
Where: Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks Recreation Center, Hebron, CT
Cost: $395 per person (includes lodging, meals, and activities)
To Apply: Contact Martha Maynard at 1-800-344-4867, option 2 or martha.maynard@nmss.org

Completed Application Deadline: May 15, 2012

Transportation: You must provide your own transportation to and from Camp Hemlocks.

Personal Care: If more than minimal assistance is required, you must be accompanied by a PCA (personal care assistant) or caregiver. (Their lodging and meal cost is provided by the NMSS).

Financial Assistance: Available to those who demonstrate need (must be requested when applying).
Posted by Steve at Friday, March 30, 2012 0 comments

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Ask Your Senators to Support Family Caregivers

Up to 25% of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) will require long-term care services at some point. A recent National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) survey of individuals supporting people living with MS shows that on average, caregivers spend 24 hours per week providing care. Caregivers enable people living with MS to remain at home and independent, and to avoid premature admission to more expensive institutional facilities. These are extremely positive benefits, but caregiving can be stressful and take its own toll. Sixty-four percent of caregivers surveyed were emotionally drained, 32% suffered from depression, 25% could not focus at work, and 22% have lost a job due to caregiving responsibilities. Sixty-six percent indicated that respite care—professional short-term help—would allow their care recipient to live at home longer.

The federal Lifespan Respite Care Program exists to better coordinate and deliver respite services to our nation’s more than 60 million family caregivers –including those caring for people with MS. Since the program’s start in 2006, it has been woefully underfunded. This year, Senators Robert P. Casey, Jr. (PA), Olympia Snowe (ME), and Richard Blumenthal (CT) have circulated a bipartisan “Dear Colleague letter” on Capitol Hill to help ensure that the Lifespan Respite Care Program receives adequate funding in Fiscal Year 2013. Click here to send an email to your U.S. Senators and ask them to sign on to this important letter. We only have two days to gather signatures for this letter, so be sure to email your Senators today!
Posted by Steve at Tuesday, March 27, 2012 0 comments

Thursday, March 8, 2012

MSConnection Spring 2012

Table of Contents — Spring 2012 Issue

MSConnection Spring 2012 thumbnail

Top Stories

From The President
Share What You Know - MS Awareness Week 2012

News

Lineagen, Fast Forward Team Up to Develop MS Tests
MS Activists help add MS to Compassionate Allowances list
Building MS Awareness

Programs

Free From Falls
Online Peer Support
Blog Opens Doors for MS Community
There’s an APP for that!
Dora Lipcon Lending Library
Accessible & Adapted Recreation
Program Highlights
Family Connections
CAN DO
JUMPSTART
Chapter Annual Meeting & Conference
Society Workshops a Point of Connection

Research

Research Advocate: MS and the Genetics of Vitamin D
Survey Says Walking Issues Important To Address
Results In For Potential MS Therapies
Resources to find Clinical Trials

Advocacy

Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Vermont
MS Activist Blog
Action Alert
Government Relations Committee Volunteers Wanted!
Health Care Reform Implementation
Wanted: MS “Grasstops”!
Improved Access to Health Care in Rural Areas

Volunteers

We mobilize the talents of the millions of people who want to do something about MS!

Fundraising

Celebrate MS Awareness with an Orange Blossom!
Boston Volvo 5k Run
Genzyme Employees
Community Fundraising
The Lemonade Stand
Maine Honors Gail Kelly
Ride with Us in 2012
Join Us on a Journey of Hope
Be a Part of Walk MS This Spring
Climb New England's Tallest Building
MS Plane Pull
Accept the Challenge

Calendar of Events - see current calendar

Classified Ads - see current listings

Programs Catalog - see upcoming programs list
Posted by Steve at Thursday, March 08, 2012 0 comments
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About Me

My photo
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.