Thirty years ago, anyone who contracted Multiple Sclerosis (MS) felt like they were just given a death sentence. Treatments for the chronic autoimmune disease were nonexistent, and the medical community had no answers for those afflicted with the illness.
Today, things are different. Although cases are up, so are the known treatments for MS.
Cases of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are increasing globally, with both incidence (new cases) and prevalence (total cases) showing an upward trend over the past several decades. This rise is attributed to various factors, including improved diagnostic capabilities, lifestyle changes such as increased obesity and reduced sun exposure (leading to lower Vitamin D levels), and potentially environmental factors like clean living conditions that reduce exposure to parasites that may protect against MS.
FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE INCREASE
- Better Diagnosis and Awareness: Improved diagnostic criteria and increased access to specialized neurology services mean that more cases of MS are being detected now than in the past.
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Obesity: Higher rates of obesity, particularly in women, are linked to inflammation, which plays a role in MS development.
- Lack of Sun Exposure: Living further from the equator and spending less time outdoors can lead to lower levels of Vitamin D, a factor associated with a higher risk of MS.
- Environmental Factors: Research suggests that cleaner environments and a reduction in parasites, which can modulate the immune system, may contribute to the rising number of MS cases.
- Increased Life Expectancy: People are living longer, both in general and with MS, which also increases the overall prevalence of the disease.
- Global Trends:
- Data from the Atlas of MS indicates a rising prevalence of MS worldwide.
- While rates have increased in many parts of the world, the pattern is not uniform, with some regions showing decreases or stability in incidence rates.
Treatments for MS include disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that reduce relapse frequency and disease progression, medications to manage symptoms like muscle spasms or pain, and rehabilitative therapies such as physiotherapy to improve function. DMTs can be given as injectables, oral pills, or IV infusions.
“I used to take one shot a day, but with the advancements in medicine, I am down to only three shots a week,” Tracey Canaztuj said. “That means I poke myself less and I do not have as many sores on my legs as I used to.”
Canaztuj found out she had MS at an early age. The illness took almost twelve years to detect. Her doctors struggled to understand her symptoms, which are different for each person who contracts the disease.
“They really did not know what was wrong with me. They suspected, but it took a very long time to determine that it was MS,” Canaztuj said. “After my diagnosis, I have been working to remain as healthy as I can, but there are days when it can be tough.”
MS is a unique illness because it can produce a catastrophic decline in some people, and in others, it might not impact them at all.
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts nerve signals, leading to a wide range of symptoms including vision problems, muscle weakness, balance and coordination issues, numbness or tingling, and cognitive difficulties.
The exact cause of MS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
- Genetics: A family history of MS increases risk.
- Environmental Factors: Low vitamin D levels, lack of sunlight exposure, and smoking are linked to an increased risk.
- Infections: Certain infections, like the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have been associated with MS.
- Other Autoimmune Conditions: Having other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease, can increase the risk.
With no cure available, treating and reducing the symptoms is the only option.
“No one believed me when I told them something was wrong with me,” Freda Wynne said, “I have had MS for over 20 years, and it has made me a stronger and better person.”
Wynne has accepted her situation and has chosen to thrive through the adversity of the disease. At one point, Wynne could not walk, but she remained strong and worked to overcome any complications that MS presented to her.
The treatment for MS varies depending on the level of symptoms one might have.
TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
While there is no cure for MS, various treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms, reduce relapses, and slow disease progression.
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs):
Goal: Slow the disease’s progression by reducing inflammation and preventing new lesions.
Types:
- Injectable medications: Beta interferons and glatiramer acetate.
- Oral medications: Teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, and fingolimod.
- Infusion medications: Natalizumab and ocrelizumab, delivered intravenously.
- Relapse management:
- Corticosteroids: Medications like methylprednisolone are used to reduce inflammation during severe flare-ups.
- Plasma exchange: Considered for severe relapses that do not respond to steroids.
Symptom management:
- Physical therapy: Helps with muscle stiffness, balance, and mobility.
- Occupational therapy: Provides strategies for performing daily tasks.
- Medications: Can be prescribed for specific symptoms, such as muscle relaxants for spasticity, or antidepressants for mood changes.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction can help improve overall well-being
Both Wynne and Canaztuj credit having the right mindset as the key to overcoming the difficulties of having MS. Depression is part of the process when dealing with any life-altering situation. Canaztuj credits her ability to take advantage of her perspective when it comes to dealing with MS.
“For a long time, I did not even acknowledge that something was wrong with me. I just went on with life like nothing was wrong.” Canaztuj continued, “I never defined myself by my illness. MS is not a part of my name; it is something I have, not something I am.”
That mentality keeps her mind strong, thus it helps her battle the daily symptoms of having MS. Today, Canaztuj continues to work, drive, and live life as normally as possible with little progression of the disease.
For Wynne, the process is very similar. She has developed a friend group that is unmatched in support and character.
“I am blessed. I have been able to overcome so much in order to be able to live the life I have today,” Wynne continued, “I know that some days are different than others, but my family, my friends, and my circle are super supportive of me and it allows me to find my purpose and continue to help those less fortunate than me.”
With depression being such a big part of MS, the people who have it often struggle with the slow progression of the disease. So many things can impact one’s ability not to struggle. For those who live in cold climates like Northeast Ohio, it can be especially hard due to the increased side effects of the cold weather.
With so much more known about how to live and treat MS, those who have it are succeeding in ways that allow them to go on with thriving careers and lives. Canaztuj and Wynne are two perfect examples of that, and there are many more like them that exist.
MS is no longer a death sentence if you have it, and if you do have it, the support and treatments are there to aid in the recovery and maintenance of it. Strong women dealing with strong issues are an example to everyone on how to live in the moment and thrive in life. ●
