Many of us have heard about MS and know that it’s a neurological condition, but don’t know much more than that until someone close to us is affected.

MS is the most common disease of the central nervous system and affects 1 in 1,000 people. This means that there are almost 1 million people in the US living with MS. 

Let’s look at 3 facts we bet you didn’t know about MS and 3 ways to stay positive through your MS journey.

1. RRMS Vs PPMS

There are two main types of MS. The first is RRMS (relapsing-remitting MS,) which affects 85% of patients and features defined relapses of increased disease activity and worsening symptoms, followed by remissions when the disease doesn’t progress. Symptoms may improve or disappear during remission.

The second is PPMS (primary progressive MS,) affecting 15% of patients and features a steady progression of the disease with no clear relapses or remissions. 

2. No two cases are the same

Known as the ‘snowflake disease,’ no two patients will experience the same symptoms. According to the MS Foundation, symptoms can affect the body, mind, and senses in various ways.  Common symptoms include fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, vertigo, vision problems, and sensual dysfunction. 

3. Risk factors

Researchers at the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke believe that MS is not an inherited disease, but that there may be a genetic predisposition to developing MS. Around 15% of MS patients have one or more family members who also have MS.

The ratio of women with MS to men is 3 or 4 times to 1, and identical twins have a 1 in 3 chance of also having MS.

Staying positive

If you or someone that you love has been diagnosed with MS, you’re aware of the challenges that it brings. From physical symptoms to the medical bills which seem to get higher every year, MS can be a tough road to follow. That’s why it’s essential to surround yourself with people who love and care about you, accept help, and put your health first. Here are 3 ways to stay positive:

1. Support Network

Your support network can be made up of friends, family, and others who are going through the same thing. There are support groups online and in many communities. Your support network has your back – they help you through the tough days and celebrate the good days. Christine knows how lucky she is to have her family and friends with her every step of the way, especially her sister Kelly-Ann and brother-in-law Jim. 

2. Prioritizing health

Many MS patients cope with the disease by putting their health first – this means avoiding anything that exerts them, eating and sleeping well, keeping fit, and always keeping hospital and doctor’s appointments. 

3. Accepting help

It can often be hard to accept help, especially for independent people. MS Happens was formed to provide financial assistance to patients and their families in the Tampa Bay Area and raise awareness of the disease. 

Hope for the future

At MS Happens, we want people with MS to get the essential help they need despite the rising medical costs, and we want to raise awareness of MS. This way, although there is no cure, there is hope.

Reach out to our Facebook page or get in touch at [email protected]