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Support for People with MS
(Advance May 15, 2005)
The
literature states that every day 3 more Canadians will be told they have
MS (Multiple Sclerosis). For them, this may mean life with canes,
walkers, wheelchairs, nerve tingling, muscle stiffness or weakness, vision
problems, bouts of depression, and bone-crushing fatigue. It is
estimated that 50,000 Canadians are living with MS.
Canadian
researchers are on the leading edge of investigation into the origins and
treatments for this disease. There has been significant progress in the
past 10 to 15 years and currently about 7 research papers on MS are
published every day. In the 1990s, research yielded the first generation
of treatments directly targeting MS. Now there are disease-modifying
therapies. Although they do not offer a cure they do influence the
severity and frequency of attacks and potentialy the rate of progression,
in the short term. Over 150 new therapies are currently being studied:
drugs that modulate or suppress the immune system; drugs that target
immune system proteins to block inflammation; anti-inflammatory agents;
and antioxidants that may help reduce nerve damage.
The
entire family, not just the person diagnosed with the disease, is affected
by MS. Stressful situations such as dealing with an unpredictable chronic
disease, the changes it can bring, its costs and the many choices to be
made can be challenging to all family members. Each family copes in their
own way. MS often affects adults at a stage in their life when they have
young children. Research, some of it carried out by the MS Society, shows
that children cope and adjust relatively well when a parent has MS.
However, all children, regardless of their age, have common concerns.
They ask themselves whether their parent is going to be okay or if the
parent will be able to take care of them (the children) as they did
before.
Parents
have their own feelings of anxiety and guilt. Because of such feelings,
they may tend to underestimate the impact of MS on their children. They
may be hesitant to provide information about MS to their children; they
may not recognize the need for outside help for their children and/or the
family. Attempting to ignore MS may only create feelings that the disease
is something shameful, causing family members to withdraw from each other.
"Communication is key: children need accurate, timely, age-appropriate
information from their parents in order to cope well with this disease
that has become part of the family," said Dr. Rosalind Kalb from the
National MS Society (USA). (Adapted from
www.mssociety.ca)
The MS Society Canada is an
excellent source of support for people who are newly diagnosed.
Information is available about the disease, its symptoms and treatments,
the latest research results and information on community and government
services. Contact the MS Society at 1-866-922-6065.
A new
support group for people with MS will meet be meeting. You are invited to
attend and find out that you are not alone. For information about the new
group please contact Pia at 646-8878.
Caregiver Meetings:
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