Foreword by Dr Joanne Wójcieszek |
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Introduction |
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PART I: MY STORY |
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1 | (12) |
PART II: QUESTIONS ANSWERS ABOUT QUESTIONS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS |
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13 | (74) |
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Defining Multiple Sclerosis |
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15 | (11) |
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What is multiple sclerosis? |
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But can't some diseases have more than one cause? |
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Can I get MS from my spouse? |
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What are the different categories of multiple sclerosis? |
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Why do some attacks produce permanent damage but others don't? |
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Can stress cause an attack? |
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Can illness cause an attack? |
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What is a "pseudo-exacerbation"? |
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Can exercise cause an attack? |
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Can the nervous system repair itself after an attack? |
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When I tell people that I have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, they ask if I am in remission. I don't know how to answer. I'm not having an attack, but I sure don't feel like I'm in remission. |
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26 | (4) |
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How long has MS been around? |
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How many people have multiple sclerosis? |
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At what age does someone usually develop symptoms of MS? |
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Is MS more common in certain parts of the world? |
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Does where you grew up make a difference in your susceptibility to MS? |
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Is MS an inherited disease? |
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30 | (12) |
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What are the symptoms of MS? |
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What kind of vision problems could I possibly develop with MS? |
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I was recently diagnosed as having optic neuritis by my ophthalmologist. Does this mean that I will develop MS? |
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You mentioned altered sensations in the list of possible symptoms. What kind of altered sensations are you talking about? |
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Do people with MS experience pain? |
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Is fatigue a common symptom of MS? |
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What kind of cognitive impairment problems can MS produce? |
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What kind of bladder dysfunction can MS cause? |
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What kind of bowel problems can MS cause? |
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What kind of sexual problems can MS cause? |
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Can an MS symptom last for just a short period of time? |
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What course will my disease take? |
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Will I end up in a wheelchair? |
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When do experts believe a cure will be found? |
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Diagnosis and Medical Tests |
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42 | (8) |
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How is a person diagnosed with MS? |
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Can MS be mistaken for other illnesses or vice versa? |
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My doctor just told me that I have MS. I think I've had MS for years! How did he arrive at this decision now? |
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What are the medical tests that are used to pinpoint MS? |
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What can I expect during an MRI? |
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I've had an MRI, but nothing showed up that was abnormal. Does this mean I don't have MS? |
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What can I expect during a spinal tap? |
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What can I expect during an evoked response test? |
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Are there any new tests being developed to help diagnose MS? |
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50 | (18) |
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How can I find a good neurologist? |
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Which drugs are used to fight MS? |
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Can someone take one of these medications if they have "probable" MS? |
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Which of the disease-modifying medications should I choose? |
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My insurance doesn't cover any of the disease-modifying medications! What should I do? |
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Are oral versions of these drugs available? |
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What about combining medications? |
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Can someone with progressive MS take Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, or Rebfif? |
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Is there anything else that is being done for people with secondary-progressive MS? |
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Are there any new medications on the horizon? |
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Which medications are used for major attacks? |
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Are there any side effects from being treated with corticosteroids? |
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What other medications are used to treat the symptoms of MS? |
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What kinds of therapies are available to MS patients? |
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There are so many illegitimate claims of curing MS. What about alternative practices? |
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What are some alternative therapies for MS? |
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Will a special diet help my MS? |
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Will vitamins and minerals help my MS? |
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Will medicinal herbs help my MS? |
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Do amalgam dental fillings cause MS? |
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Will having the fillings removed make my MS go away? |
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68 | (6) |
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We would like to have children. Is this still a possibility? |
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How does pregnancy affect MS? |
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Can any of the disease-modifying drugs be used during pregnancy? |
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Right before I have a period, my MS symptoms worsen. Is there a correlation? |
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Will I give MS to my child? |
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Can family counseling help? |
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What's the best way to tell children about MS? |
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How do I help my children cope with my disease? |
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Are there any other suggestions that you have for coping with multiple sclerosis? |
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74 | (10) |
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Does heat make the symptoms of MS worse? |
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I love taking hot bubble baths! Can I still do this? |
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What about saunas or hot tubs? |
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If I have MS, can I get a flu shot? |
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Should someone with MS rest? |
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Should someone with MS exercise? Will it help? |
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What exercises are recommended for people with MS? |
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Can I drink alcoholic beverages if I have MS? |
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Who should I tell that I have MS? |
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Can my employer discriminate against me because of my MS? |
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Other Relevant Questions About Multiple Sclerosis |
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84 | (3) |
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What is NARCOMS? Is it legitimate? Should I register? |
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What about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society? |
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PART III: SUGGESTIONS |
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87 | (10) |
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What to Do if You Think You Have MS but Haven't Yet Been Diagnosed |
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89 | (2) |
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Twenty Things to Do if You Have MS |
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91 | (2) |
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Suggestions for Friends of MS Patients |
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93 | (2) |
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Suggestions for the Spouse or Significant Other of an MS Patient |
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95 | (2) |
Conclusion |
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97 | (4) |
Appendix: List of MS Clinical Facilities Affiliated with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society |
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101 | (24) |
Glossary |
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125 | (4) |
References |
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129 | (2) |
Resources |
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131 | (6) |
Index |
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137 | |