LilMargie

Debunking an MS MYTH

Posted on 07/06/08, 03:40 pm

Hi Everybody!

I was just in our "library", if you know what I mean, LOL, and was reading my "Multiple Sclerosis for Dummies"; I ran into this little factoid that I want to share with you all:

"MYTH: Everyone Eventually Needs a Wheelchair

FACT: Even though they may need to use a mobility devise, such as a cane or motorized scooter, to help with balance or fatigue, the fact is that two-thirds of people with MS remain able to walk. Think of it this way:

*Approximately 1/3 of people with MS have a relatively MILD disease course with manageable symptoms & little or not disability.
*Approximately 1/3 of people have a MODERATE disease course with more bothersome symptoms & a greater disability as time goes on.
*Approximately 1/3 of people experience a SEVERE course that's signifantly more disabling.

So, while most people with MS DON'T need a wheelchair on a full-time basis, doctors currently have no way to predict which path a person's MS will take."

• Reply #1 07/06/08  4:03pm
  
  LeannaB
  I fully agree, Marge. The stastistics I have read actually state that 65% never even need to use a cane or any mobility device. Although I celebrate this fact, and tell newly diagnosed people repeatedly, I still have a lot of empathy for those whose MS does follow a different courwse. We all must. We are all in this together. Leanna
• Reply #2 07/06/08  4:08pm
  
  LilMargie
  You are right, Leanna, our friends in wheelchairs got the "short stick" and it's never fair, is it?
• Reply #3 07/06/08  5:32pm
  
  dolita
  You are right, docs cant say, but mine said to prpare for being in a wheelchair in the future. I just will take it as it comes. Can I stop it from happening, no.
• Reply #4 07/06/08  7:13pm
  
  pamula1969
  Was in a chair for 3 months, and can't say I liked it a whole lot. I bought it outright because I figure in the future it will be a neccessity. Is there really a book called "MS for Dummies"? Where can I get a copy???
• Reply #5 07/07/08  1:45am
  
  LilMargie
  Pam, I just ordered it right off Amazon. Easy as pie, I just love that company. I read bits and pieces too. I actually left it in the "library" for my husband to read (he has the tendency to deny what's happening a lot so I think it's helped us a bit because I am not very good at communicating verbally about my symptoms). It's got some pretty interesting stuff.
• Reply #6 07/07/08  2:07am
  
  Morgaine71
  Thank you for posting this. Thats so true. I know that I just use a scooter or wheel chair when I am in town and a cane in the house(or furniture). I mainly use it due to my legs hurting and fatigue.
  I am going to look up that book.
  hugs
  Kim
• Reply #7 07/07/08  10:38am
  
  karenBBSR
  MARJ-I HAVE FOUND THAT EVERYTHING I READ RE MS IS THEORY SO I SAY HOORAY FOR US, WE DO OUR BEST!!
• Reply #8 07/07/08  11:27am
  
  jav
  I JUST CANT BELIEVE THAT THEY CAN REPLACE A HEART, BUT THEY CANT TELL BY YOUR BRAIN THAT IS , WHAT MS WILL DO TO YOU...OR WHAT MEDS IS RIGHT FOR YOU...ITS ALL AAGUESSING GAME....TRIAL AND ERROR....IM SICK OF THAT.
  ON THE OTHER HAND...THANKS FOR THE POSTING....
  JAV
• Reply #9 07/07/08  12:44pm
  
  ddeadred
  No, Jackie, I just can't believe we've spent our scientific KNOWLEDGE to figure out how to give a MAN a FOUR HOUR ERECTION... We need to get our scientic priorities straight...
  
  Thanks for the post, LilMargie, as so many think MS is a definite wheelchair-bound condition... I for one will be fighting that TOOTH AND NAIL!!! xoxoox Cj
• Reply #10 07/07/08  8:56pm
  
  centenniel
  Even if you do end up requiring the use of a wheelchair or some other assistive device, it's not the end of the world and, really, it's not as bad as an able-bodied person might peceive it to be. For me, using a scooter is an opportunity to look at the bright side and consider the alternative: What if I didn't have one? My world would be very small and limited without one.
  
  "Every disability is an obstacle placed in our path. Sometimes we dream of what life would be without that barrier. We don't want to be different. We long to be free, to approach the world with the ease that others do. But every disability is also a teacher. When there is a hurdle in our way, we learn to be creative, find a way around it and seek out an alternative route." Rabbi Naomi Levy
  
  Anyway, think positive, be realistic and good luck to everyone.

for positive support for people with MS...just positive support....We have enough to be down about so lets help each other up....