Multiple Sclerosis – A Life Story (Part 1)

Its long term effects can be physical, emotional and financial. It is important to remember that there is no one test that can be used to diagnose MS. The diagnosis is one made only once other potential causes for symptoms have been ruled out. This means that it can take a while for a diagnosis to be confirmed, often causing frustration and anxiety for the person and family involved. Currently there is no cure, but each day researchers are learning more about what causes MS and are zeroing in on ways to prevent it. ​ Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world, with an estimated 100,000 Canadians living with the disease. While it is most often diagnosed in young adults aged 15 to 40 years, younger children and older adults are also diagnosed with the disease. ​ We are all made up of our past experiences, our perceptions, our success and failures, our societal programming - our whole being. ​ When we hear, see or experience other people's lives our mind reacts to try to put ourselves in their shoes and consider how we would deal with it. We can never really ‘walk in someone else’s shoes’, but we can strive for a better understanding and attempt to see things from another’s perspective. Listening to an excerpt of one’s life story is to do just that. Michelle Amerie shares a glimpse of her life, living with multiple sclerosis. For agency workers, friends or distress line responders providing support to someone with MS or their family, their role is an important one and it is critical to try and understand the feelings and the needs of the person living with MS. ​ View Part 2 – Multiple Sclerosis - Getting Help and Moving Forward ​ Questions for Further Consideration:

1. What causes Multiple Sclerosis? ​ Genetics, the environment, even viruses may play a role in who gets Multiple Sclerosis. While there is no single known cause, MS is more prevalent in certain parts of the world with colder climates. It is believed that one is at higher risk if exposed to environmental factors prior to adolescence. It has been suggested through some studies that exposure to certain viruses is linked to MS. ​




2. Is there a link between Multiple Sclerosis and Depression? ​ Many people with multiple sclerosis also have depression. In fact, about half of all people with multiple sclerosis will need treatment for the condition at some point. Anyone dealing with too much stress or a tough situation might have depression. It’s easy to understand how MS, which takes a toll on physical health and may cause lasting problems, can bring on the mood disorder. MS might also cause depression. The disease may destroy the protective coating around nerves that helps the brain send signals that affect mood. Depression is also a side effect of some the drugs that treat multiple sclerosis, such as the steroids interferon. ​ 3.What kinds of support can be offered to people living with Multiple Sclerosis? ​ MS is unpredictable, with symptoms that can vary widely from person to person. Symptoms can range from extreme fatigue to lack of coordination, weakness, tingling, impaired sensation, vision problems, bladder problems, cognitive impairment and mood changes. Its effects can be physical, emotional and financial. Currently there is no cure, and this can cause tremendous anxiety for the person with multiple sclerosis or their family members. However, there are a variety of ways to manage symptoms, ranging from pharmacological treatments to non-medicinal strategies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise programs and alternative and complementary treatments. The person with MS needs to have access to all the supports and treatments available. In addition, emotional and social supports are an important part of everyone’s mental health and this holds true also for people living with multiple sclerosis. People need to be aware of and be able to tap into the community information, resources and supports that are available to them. The MS Society of Canada is one such organization and a valuable resource for those providing assistance with multiple sclerosis. Programs and Services — MS Society of Canada ​ Glossary: Optic Neuritis: Optic neuritis is an inflammation that damages the optic nerve, a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. Pain and temporary vision loss in one eye are common symptoms of optic neuritis. Optic neuritis is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that causes inflammation and damage to nerves in your brain and spinal cord. Signs and symptoms of optic neuritis can be the first indication of multiple sclerosis, or they can occur later in the course of MS Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS): The stages of MS generally follow a predictable pattern. It begins with a relapsing form of the illness. Later on, it develops into forms that progressively worsen. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), around 85 percent of MS sufferers are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. For those with RRMS, patients will have flare-ups or relapses of MS. In between the relapses, patients will have periods of remission. In most cases, patients will start off with this form of MS. Over a few decades, the course of the disease is likely to change and become more complex.