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, April 20, 2012

Educational Teleconference Programs

Educational Teleconference Programs Don’t forget to register for these upcoming teleconference programs! Using Assistive Technology for People Living with MS Mark Surabian, Assistive Technology Practitioner, will discuss a variety of assistive technologies that can enable people living with MS to function better at home, at work and at leisure. He will also address resources that may be available in the community for funding of equipment. Speaker: Mark Surabian, Assistive Technology Practitioner Pace University, New York, NY www.Cognitechcafe.com Date: Thursday, May 3, 2012 Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Thursday, April 26, 2012 Management and Rehabilitation of Advanced MS Dr Kraft will present a brief overview of advanced MS, current status of research and practical application of symptom management. Speaker: George H. Kraft, M.D., M.S. Director of the Western Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Center and Alvord Professor of MS Research; Professor, Rehabilitation Medicine and Neurology at the University of Washington in Seattle Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 Staying Healthy With Vitamins and Oral Supplements Learn about the benefits of oral supplements and discuss some of the most commonly used vitamins, minerals and herbs. Speaker: Patricia Melville, NP-C Stony Brook MS Comprehensive Care Center, Stony Brook, NY Date: Thursday, September 13, 2012 Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Thursday, September 6, 2012 Register today! Registration is FREE. For more information or to register, please call 1-800-344-4867, option 1 or register online. If you missed the previous calls, check out the archived recording at Teleconference Series on our website. Parenting Skills - Developing a Tool Kit Tools to help you identify parenting strengths and trouble spots in managing MS and parenting responsibilities. It will focus on the importance of communication, planning, prioritizing and developing a support network. Where is my Memory? Cognitive Changes in MS Discusses cognitive issues in MS, delving into the impact of cognitive dysfunction on everyday life and explores tools to help people with MS manage and adapt to their effects. Emerging Therapies New MS therapies is both exciting and challenging for people living with MS and the clinicians who treat them. An MS specialist neurologist discusses the most recent information concerning newly emerging MS therapies to promote a better understanding of treatment options. National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter 101A First Avenue, Suite 6 | Waltham, Mass. 02451-1115 tel: 1 800-344-4867 | fax: 1 781-890-2089 | MSnewengland.org
Posted by Steve at Friday, April 20, 2012

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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.