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About Multiple SclerosisTHE RATE OF PROGRESSION DIFFERS FOR EACH PERSON |
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the autoimmune disease.
In the United States today, there are approximately 400,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS)—with 200 more people diagnosed every week. Worldwide, MS is thought to affect more than 2.1 million people.
Did you know?
- MS is a chronic, unpredictable neurological disease that affects the central nervous system.
- Different people are likely to experience very different symptoms.
- MS occurs in most ethnic groups, including African-Americans, Asians and Hispanics/Latinos, but is more common in Caucasians of northern European ancestry.
- As in other autoimmune diseases, MS is significantly more common (at least 2-3 times) in women than men. This gender difference has stimulated important research initiatives looking at the role of hormones in MS.
Source: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Medical Issues
In addition to drugs that address the basic disease, there are many therapies for MS symptoms such as spasticity, pain, bladder problems, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, weakness, and cognitive problems.
Bladder Problems
Bladder dysfunction, which occurs in at least 80% of people with MS, can usually be managed quite successfully. Treatment strategies for bladder management include:
- dietary and fluid management,
- medications, and
- intermittent or continual catheterization (inserting a thin tube into the bladder to remove urine).
Multiple Sclerosis Resources
Uromed provides links to the following educational resources for patients, caregivers and medical professionals to help increase awareness, support and assistance for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis.
We are also strong advocates. Almost 20% of UroMed’s Customer Care Associates or one of their family members has some form of disability, enabling us to share our understanding and expertise when working with you.
Just Diagnosed
You may have a wide range of questions and concerns if you or a loved one has just been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has created a special page to help you with the information and support you need to live comfortably and confidently with this change in your life. Please visit http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/newly-diagnosed/index.aspx
Advanced MS
Although MS is a progressive disease, the rate of progression differs from one person to another. The key message to anyone living with advanced MS is that there is always more that can be done to improve the situation. For people whose MS has become more disabling—and their family members and friends—the NMSS has provided information about how to manage the challenges they face at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/living-with-advanced-ms/index.aspx
Multiple Sclerosis & Urology Questions
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society also has produced an excellent brochure to assist people with urological information, Living with an MS Bladder.
