World Multiple Sclerosis Day was May 25, something that I didn't realize until late that night. Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, was a disease that I had never heard of nor had ever realized how much it would affect my life until recently. My step-dad, along with some of his relatives, suffer from MS.
What exactly is Multiple Sclerosis? MS is a degenerative neurological disease. The disease causes the immune system to attack the myelin sheath that covers the nerve fibers, which causes problems sending signals between the brain and the body.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms of MS affect each person differently. The list of symptoms include numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, vision loss or double vision, tingling or pain in parts of the body, tremors, dizziness and fatigue. Heat intolerance is also something that develops; heat causes the symptoms to spike.
Since there is no cure or known causes of MS, it can lead to paralysis, muscle stiffness or spasms, epilepsy and mental changes like forgetfulness or mood swings.
MS destroys a person physically, mentally and emotionally. It physically attacks your body by destroying nerve endings, eating away at muscles and making you physically tired. It attacks your brain; making it difficult to remember, causes mood swings and takes away from problem-solving skills. Emotionally, MS sends you on a roller coaster. Mood swings are common and it often leads to depression.
Not only does MS affect a person medically, but in other aspects of their lives as well. Some people who suffer from the disease aren't able to work due to the pain and degeneration of muscles and nerves. Daily activities vary due to pain. One day, you could be cleaning the house like normal and the next day you're in bed and can't physically get up. Walking and standing long periods of time affect you. Anything involved with heat affects you, including taking a shower that is too hot, having a fever or simply being outside on a warm day.
Knowing my step-dad suffers from such a destructive disease upsets me. It scares me that one day he could possibly be paralyzed. Nothing can take this terrible disease away from him. Medicine and treatment can slow it down, but nothing will cure it. Although there is no cure yet, there is always a possibility that one will be found. With knowledge and awareness, they can one day find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
If you would like to learn more about Multiple Sclerosis, then please click here. If you would like to donate to benefit research, then click here.
