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, November 28, 2012

This is it: Historical Vote on Important Rights Treaty

This is it! Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Reid brought the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to the Senate floor. The first vote—a motion to proceed with the debate—occurred yesterday and passed with a bipartisan vote! Today, the Senators will be on the Senate floor to continue the debate. This is now the FINAL PUSH. It’s because of your efforts that we are on the verge of a ratification vote! Over the past year, many of you responded to action alerts urging you to contact your Senators to support the CRPD. Together you sent over 7,500 messages urging ratification of this treaty that will advance disability rights around the world. This is remarkable and we thank you for your help! We need everyone to take action, even if you’ve already contacted your Senators. Now that the treaty has been brought to the Senate floor, your Senators need to hear once again that you support the treaty with no additional amendments and that this treaty is important to you. Please click here to email your Senators and ask them to commit to vote yes on the CRPD with no new amendments! We need your help to urge your Senators to join the group of bipartisan champions and support the disability community. Thank you, once again, for your help!
Posted by Steve at Wednesday, November 28, 2012 0 comments

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

MSConnection Winter 2012

Table of Contents — Winter 2012 Issue MSConnection cover thumbnail Top Stories From the President Making Connections: Annual Meeting of Members Conference & EXPO with Stanley F. Waterman Research Series News Once-daily MS Pill Hit the Market in October National MS Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame Living with MS With a Little Support Seeking Self-Help Group Leaders Commit to Eat Well Family Connections Programs 2013 Employment Teleconference Series MS Scholarships Great Activities Planned For MS Awareness Week! Recent Addition to the Dora Lipcon Lending Library Day of Service Teleconference: The Spectrum of MS Help is a Call Away Wellness Scholarship Program Keep S'myelin In Touch Phone Groups Self-Help Groups MS Learn Online Home LINKS Money Matters Handling a High-Deductible Plan Ask the Employment Specialist: Telephone Q&A Session Research Ginkgo Fails to Improve Cognitive Function in People with MS Research Advocate Understanding Clinical Trials Society Collaborates with International Partners to Speed Progressive MS Research Investigators Recruiting for Personalized T Cell Immunotherapy Study in Secondary-Progressive MS Advocacy Federal Massachusetts Vermont Next Legislative Session MS Action Alert Network Volunteer Updates MS Activist Blog Government Relations Committee Health Care Reform Implementation Improved Access to Health Care in Rural Areas Wanted: MS Grass Tops! Volunteers Volunteer Engagement at Greater New England Chapter Computer Outreach Program Technical Support Volunteers Needed Fundraising Recent Event Re-caps: Dinner of Champions Vermont, MS Challenge Walk, Bike & Hike the Berkshires, New Balance Falmouth Road Race, Link Up for MS, Fall Walks, MS Harborfest, Fashion Plates Giving Has Never Been Easier Community Fundraising Events Special Thanks Upcoming Events Calendar of Events - see current calendar Classified Ads - see current listings
Posted by Steve at Tuesday, November 27, 2012 0 comments

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Tell Congress: We Need Cures, Not Cuts.

Congress is considering major changes in federal policy in order to reduce the deficit, including “sequestration,” which means arbitrary, across-the-board budget cuts to defense and non-defense spending. Sequestration would dramatically reduce funding for medical research and public health functions. If Congress enacts these cuts without considering the impact on medical research and public health, our community will lose resources dedicated to finding a cure for MS! We can’t let that happen. Join thousands of research advocates on Wednesday, November 14 in telling Congress we need cures, not cuts! Click here for: Your Members' contact information Information on who to speak to in the office Talking points to use when calling your Members' offices The call will only take a couple of minutes! Help us make this day a success and ask your friends and family to join us in telling Congress we need cures, not cuts!
Posted by Steve at Tuesday, November 13, 2012 0 comments
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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.