As someone who is not yet diagnosed, although I have a lot of the symptoms to suggest that its only a matter of time. My Dr has even suggested that it probably is. However I want to keep my searches to trusted sites. Even in my Nursing books (qualified 10 yrs so they may be slightly outdated) there isn’t much information.
My Questions are as follows:-
· Are there any groups that are more vunerable to getting ms? Can’t find any references if it effects men or women more, or if there is a preference to any ethnic group, in the same way that Sickle cell for example is more prevelent in those of west African origins.
· Do alternative therapies work? I’m interested in Aromatherapy and reiki. If you have had any success with either… which oil’s worked best and which crystals?
· Is there any period in a females life that are more susceptable to getting ms? I am a female and my symptoms have manifested just after my first child. I have read a few other poosts where this is the case or is this just coincidence?
· Is there any reason that child bearing in the future will be effected? Should I be thinking sooner rather than later?
Sorry for all the questions. They are just all buzzing round at the moment and my head is all over the place with the possibility of this diagnosis. I feel its easier to ask here rather than try and remember to ask my neurologist. Who by all accounts probably won’t have any reason to answer my questions especially those that are not really related to me but just purely for my own enquiry.
No problem Butterfly it is a very complicated and confusing disability an affects everyone differently there are 4 types I have PPMS the most aggressive form but even other people with PPMS can have different symptoms so feel free to ask as many questions as you like everyone on here is very friendly and sympathetic.
The condition is more likely in females about 80% female 20% malew it is usuall diagnose in late 30’s early 40’s but it can surface earlier or later in life.
It is not an inhereted condition but sometimes it can be so there is no set rule unfortunatley.
Hope this sheds a bit more light for you and feel free to ask as many questions as you like someone will be happy to answer them.
In addition, ‘groups of people’ affected - the boffins have noticed a corrolition with people who live in less sunny climes and a higher incidence of ms. Hence, the recommendation that you take a vit d supplement in conjunction with calcium. It maybe worth, if your gp is willing, having a blood test to ascertain if you are deficient in this vitamin. They’ll also be able to recommend how much you should take. There is a free leaflet from the ms society on vit d.
In regards having children. I think my advice would be the sooner the better if you really want them and if circumstances avail!. That would apply to anyone with or without ms! I think it’s more difficult to cope physically the older you get.
My second child was born around the time my first symptoms appeared. I remember it being hard work - but well worth it! Just accept any help going from anyone and everyone - involving adult social services if need be. I used Surestart too - a life saver for me…
I hope this helps. PM me if you have any other questions you’d like to ask…
It definitely affects women more than men. Oestrogen seems to protect us up to a point. I used to have symptoms that disappeared when mentruation began. MS never realy affected me badly until the onset of menopause. I have chatted on this site with other women who have found the same, indeed other women are not diagnosed until they have reached Secondary Progressive stage.
I developed dry skin ecezma after the birth of my daugher 29 years ago, I was always rather suspicious as I often couldn;t see any dry skin and always thought it was more to do with nerves, lots of other people with MS seem to suffer with this too. My initial symptoms stopped after I decided to become a vegetarian and came back 10 years later. I had no idea it was MS and rather thought it was arthritis.
A low fat high omega 3 diet definietely helps, as well as vitamin D3/sunshine. As others have said the scientists believe it could be to do with a lack of sunshine or an inability to absorb vitamin D3.
I tend to think that any alternative therapy that helps us to relax is beneficial, yoga is good but of short duration. Tai chi is very good too. I listen to music on my MP3 player and that chills me out and helps calm spasms or ‘the hug’.
by all means try altermative/complementary therapies alongside your dmds
if you try aromatherapy, frankincense is good for the central nervous system. your therapist should be able to advise. also bergamot is a nice happy one.
as wendy said, yoga is a good way to relax and keep supple. pilates is also good for core strength.
have you considered LDN? (low dose naltrexone)
or HBOT (hyperbarric oxygen therapy)?
like wendy, i have developed exczema since starting with ms. i use double base gel because it’s important to keep your skin healthy if you are injecting.
i reccommend finding your nearest ms therapy centre where you’ll be able to try lots of different therapies
how odd i’ve had exczema for years,prickly dry skin, fairly untreatabl, and worse around periods, again never noticed that my cycle had an effect on symptoms but how right you are!!. never even thought of that as another possible side effect of ms.
im still learning about this and have heard the hug refered too but no idea what that is mind explaining? or is it something that when it happens i’ll know? like labour?LOL!
how odd i’ve had exczema for years,prickly dry skin, fairly untreatabl, and worse around periods, again never noticed that my cycle had an effect on symptoms but how right you are!!. never even thought of that as another possible side effect of ms.
im still learning about this and have heard the hug refered too but no idea what that is mind explaining? or is it something that when it happens i’ll know? like labour?LOL!
As far as (I am concerned anyway) there are 2 kinds of hug. Both are painful. I have tight feeling around my ribs most of the time and take Amitriptyline and wear a baggy sports bra, or no bra at all. This seems to be worse as the day progresses but sometimes (like now) it starts in the morning. I have been told that Valium is prescribed for this but my doctor did not think it suitable for me.
The other kind is nerve pain that goes through the chest to the back, it can be very painful. (The secret is not to panic as this seems to make it last longer). I take Amitriptyline for this too but have also been told I could ask for Clonazepam. As it takes an hour to work and this pain usually goes off in that time I have not bothered to ask for this drug.
Good luck, I think we all find different ways of dealing with MS symptoms, whether drugs or alternative therapies. I have found Alexander Technique has helped with some muscle pain.