AMA - Multiple Sclerosis
Welcome, Everyone, to an Ask Me Anything page on Multiple Sclerosis!!
My name is Autumn. I've been an Active Listener on 7 Cups since the 1st of January, 2015 and I've had Multiple Sclerosis for over 15 years. The reason I created this page is because MS is a complex disease that can mimic many other ailments. Diagnosis is typically a long and arduous process. Support, tools and resources are crucial during diagnosis and treatment.
Why is MS such a complex disease to diagnose and treat?
MS is a non-contagious autoimmune disease that attacks the protective coating of the body's nerves. Imagine you have 200 billion electrical appliances. If you randomly choose a handful of cords, strip them to the bare wires and cross them...OOPS -short circuit. Your nerves are your body's electrical system. MS lesions on the brain send signals to the immune system, telling it that there is an overload and sending cells to destroy the protective coating onthe nerves. But with 200 billion nerves, it's impossible todetermine which ones have crossed, leading to symptoms. People commonly hear about losing the ability to see or walk, but there ARE no set rules to the challenges an MS patient might have to face. Another factor in determining MS is that an MRI scan of the brain with lesions is not a definite diagnosis. Other diseases and mini-strokes generally look the same on an MRI. Therefore, a Neurologist will likely order several types of tests to make the determination.
I've barely scratched the surface with all the elements of MS but as someone who has gone through this, I know how difficult it can be to wait for answers, find a support system and tools to deal with this disease. Some people find MS groups to be healing; others find them frustrating as no one else shares the exact symptoms. At 7 Cups, we support many issues that are life-long challenges. I am hoping that this Q and A thread will help give us all skills that not only apply to MS, but to all challenges we must face in life.
As a positive postscript, my MS kept me from finishing an MD Residency. But with a positive attitude, healthy habits, great doctors and new medicines, I can happily conclude that MS is not the end of my life, but the beginning of a very satisfying new career outlook in Psychology! So, please, ask me anything!