Teva begins shipments as FDA approves generic Risperdal: Risperdal ...
Trading Markets (press release) - Los Angeles,CA,USA
Copaxone is currently produced in a lower 20mg dose. Leader Capital Markets analyst Yoav Burgan had predicted that Risperdal could add $0.10-0.15 to Teva's ...
See all stories on this topic
MS and kidney drugs subsidised from July
An expensive drug that slows the progression of multiple sclerosis is one of several blockbuster medications to be subsidised for Australians from Tuesday.
Personal Healthcare Budgets To Empower People With MS, UK
On Monday 30 June, the final report of Lord Darzi's review of the NHS will be published and will talk of an NHS that "empowers patients" through care that is "high quality and personal". Lord Darzi will announce the piloting of personalised budgets in healthcare, following successes in social care
Genmab Reaches Milestone in Ofatumumab Collaboration
Trading Markets (press release) - Los Angeles,CA,USA
"We are pleased to begin treating patients in the first study of ofatumumab in RRMS, an unpredictable and debilitating disease. ...
See all stories on this topic
Problems Swallowing as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis
Honestly, it seems like swallowing would just be second nature, not something we have to think about in order to do safely. However, swallowing is a complicated process that involves all sorts of muscle coordination and feedback to and from the brain through certain nerves and neural pathways. Multiple sclerosis (MS) can damage any of these nerves, as well as the area of the brain responsible for coordinating swallowing, the brainstem. This can lead to swallowing difficulties, called dysphagia.
Q :
I have researched MS and the various symptoms, treatments and services available but when discussing my diagnosis with my doctor what questions should I be asking?
A :
If you have researched MS through appropriate websites and resources, then you are well ahead of the game! Your neurologist or MS Clinic nurse could certainly help you refine your knowledge as it pertains to your particular situation.
Some generic questions that you might want to ask are:
1. What "type" of MS do I have (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive, progressive relapsing)?
2. Is there a treatment that might alter my type of disease? Risks and benefits? Costs and coverage?
3. What can I do to manage my symptoms -- both medical and non-medical?
4. Are there any clinical trials that I might qualify to participate in (if you are interested in doing research trials)?
5. Is an exercise/stretching/strengthening program appropriate for me?
6. Should I be taking any supplements, or make dietary changes? Are any alternative or complementary treatments appropriate for me?
7. Are there other information sources that I can access?
8. What do I do if I think I'm having a relapse or my symptoms are worsening?
9. What are my risks for fertility, pregnancy, child-rearing? Are there genetic risks to my children?
As you become more familiar with your disease and how it affects you, your questions may change over time.
7/1/2008 11:40:40 AM
More answers from Dr. Michael Yeung
Daily Living with MS
Q :
After an episode of Optic Neuritis I was diagnosed with MS 5 months later. I am at a senior level in the company I work for and I hope to be promoted to a more senior level but, now I'm questioning that. Since my diagnosis, I now find it difficult to concentrate in meetings. The fluorescent lighting really affects my vision and I am having problems with swaying or feeling unbalanced, so my concentration is focused on staying steady vs. what is happening in the meeting. These symptoms are of course invisible to the people in the room. I have 2 questions - my MS may not progress to a serious level, but should I tell anyone about my issues - lighting issues/dizziness? Secondly, as I sit through my meeting my thoughts are on my MS and how it's affecting me, can you help me understand how to re-focus and ignore what I'm going through? Is this normal to take many months to adjust to a diagnosis (I was diagnosed 5 months ago)?
A :
With regards to your first question about disclosure, this is something that requires careful consideration. Once you have disclosed your diagnosis, it is not possible to take it back. Although it may help others understand what you are going through, disclosure can come at an unacceptable price, especially if you are hoping to move to a more senior level in your company. You are not required by law to disclose your diagnosis to a current or future employer. While there are federal and provincial laws to protect you from discrimination because of your diagnosis, sometimes there can be more subtle discrimination that can hold back your career. There is an excellent discussion of the pros and cons of disclosure and other workplace issues in the MS Society publication A Guide to Employment and Income Support , which you can view by clicking here .
If you require accommodations at work in order to continue to function, then you will need to disclose information about your condition, though not necessarily the diagnosis. I would however, recommend speaking to your physician first. There may be some simple “invisible” strategies that you can use to help you compensate. Your neurologist can help to determine if the difficulty you are experiencing concentrating could be a symptom of your MS or is more a result of stress, fatigue or other potentially reversible factors. Some people with MS can and do function very well in high level and demanding occupations and so you do want to prematurely cut off your career opportunities until you have a better sense of what living with MS will be like for you. It may well be that as you adjust you may again feel more comfortable in your work environment.
It often takes considerable time to adjust to the diagnosis of MS. In my practice I find that it often takes a year or more, so what you describe is very normal. For many people, it is helpful to have the opportunity to meet with someone to discuss their feelings and fears regarding the diagnosis. If you are cared for at an MS Clinic, they can help direct you to an appropriate support. If not, your neurologist may be able to guide you to appropriate resources. Other potential sources of such support are the MS Society, your family physician, or a psychologist through your employee benefit plan. Family, friends and clergy may also be sources of support. A publication you may find helpful is one titled Multiple Sclerosis and Your Emotions , which you can view by clicking here .
7/2/2008 12:54:09 PM
More answers from Dr. Mary Lou Myles
More answers in the category: Daily Living with MS
Evolving Issues in Biologic Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Medscape (subscription) - USA
Natalizimab was initially FDA approved for use in multiple sclerosis (MS), but was voluntarily withdrawn from the market after 3 cases of reactivation of a ...
See all stories on this topic
InvestSource Inc.: FIMA Subsidiary Standard Minerals Seeks Third ...
Trading Markets (press release) - Los Angeles,CA,USA
"Together with COPAXONE , a market-leading MS therapy and Laquinimod, an oral MS treatment currently in Phase III studies, Teva continues with its ...
See all stories on this topic
Recasting the Federal Debate on Stem Cells
Genetic Engineering News (press release) - New Rochelle,NY,USA
... believe that stem cells offer the potential to cure or mitigate a host of pervasive and debilitating diseases and conditions such as multiple sclerosis, ...
See all stories on this topic
Researchers Link Early Stem Cell Mutation To Autism
In a breakthrough scientific study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have shown that neural stem cell development may be linked to Autism
Early stem cell mutation linked to autism
Newstrack India - Delhi,India
... the study showed that mice lacking the myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) protein in neural stem cells had smaller brains, fewer nerve cells and showed ...
See all stories on this topic
Migraine Mutations Reveal Clues To Biological Basis Of Disorder
Fifteen percent to 20 percent of people worldwide suffer from migraines excruciating headaches often presaged by dramatic sensations, or "auras." By studying a rare, inherited form of migraine, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have found clues to the biological basis of the painful, debilitating disorder.
Big cancer bills covered
The Ontario government is set to spend an additional $50 million for greater access to three expensive cancer drugs, sources told the Toronto Star.
Trading Markets (press release) - Los Angeles,CA,USA
Copaxone is currently produced in a lower 20mg dose. Leader Capital Markets analyst Yoav Burgan had predicted that Risperdal could add $0.10-0.15 to Teva's ...
See all stories on this topic
MS and kidney drugs subsidised from July
An expensive drug that slows the progression of multiple sclerosis is one of several blockbuster medications to be subsidised for Australians from Tuesday.
Personal Healthcare Budgets To Empower People With MS, UK
On Monday 30 June, the final report of Lord Darzi's review of the NHS will be published and will talk of an NHS that "empowers patients" through care that is "high quality and personal". Lord Darzi will announce the piloting of personalised budgets in healthcare, following successes in social care
Genmab Reaches Milestone in Ofatumumab Collaboration
Trading Markets (press release) - Los Angeles,CA,USA
"We are pleased to begin treating patients in the first study of ofatumumab in RRMS, an unpredictable and debilitating disease. ...
See all stories on this topic
Problems Swallowing as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis
Honestly, it seems like swallowing would just be second nature, not something we have to think about in order to do safely. However, swallowing is a complicated process that involves all sorts of muscle coordination and feedback to and from the brain through certain nerves and neural pathways. Multiple sclerosis (MS) can damage any of these nerves, as well as the area of the brain responsible for coordinating swallowing, the brainstem. This can lead to swallowing difficulties, called dysphagia.
Teva & ANP Announce That ATL/TV1102, a Novel Drug for the ...
FOXBusiness - USA
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the leading cause of neurological
disability in young adults. It is estimated that 400000 people in
the United States are ...
See all stories on this topic
Fitness calendar
Asheville Citizen-Times - NC,USA
RESTORATIVE YOGA: Class for those who experience fatigue,
pain or limited movement such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue,
arthritis or multiple sclerosis. ...
See all stories on this topic
| Immune System / Vaccines News | |
| Finding That Could Shed Light On Golden Staph, Candida And Allergies Recent scientific findings explain why patients with a rare immunodeficiency disorder are unusually susceptible to certain common infections. By revealing the exact molecular mechanisms involved, they also give us clues as to why some 'healthy' people are more prone to these infections than others, and suggest potential treatments. | |
Diagnosis and Types of MS
|
I have researched MS and the various symptoms, treatments and services available but when discussing my diagnosis with my doctor what questions should I be asking?
A :
If you have researched MS through appropriate websites and resources, then you are well ahead of the game! Your neurologist or MS Clinic nurse could certainly help you refine your knowledge as it pertains to your particular situation.
Some generic questions that you might want to ask are:
1. What "type" of MS do I have (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive, progressive relapsing)?
2. Is there a treatment that might alter my type of disease? Risks and benefits? Costs and coverage?
3. What can I do to manage my symptoms -- both medical and non-medical?
4. Are there any clinical trials that I might qualify to participate in (if you are interested in doing research trials)?
5. Is an exercise/stretching/strengthening program appropriate for me?
6. Should I be taking any supplements, or make dietary changes? Are any alternative or complementary treatments appropriate for me?
7. Are there other information sources that I can access?
8. What do I do if I think I'm having a relapse or my symptoms are worsening?
9. What are my risks for fertility, pregnancy, child-rearing? Are there genetic risks to my children?
As you become more familiar with your disease and how it affects you, your questions may change over time.
7/1/2008 11:40:40 AM
More answers from Dr. Michael Yeung
| | |
|
After an episode of Optic Neuritis I was diagnosed with MS 5 months later. I am at a senior level in the company I work for and I hope to be promoted to a more senior level but, now I'm questioning that. Since my diagnosis, I now find it difficult to concentrate in meetings. The fluorescent lighting really affects my vision and I am having problems with swaying or feeling unbalanced, so my concentration is focused on staying steady vs. what is happening in the meeting. These symptoms are of course invisible to the people in the room. I have 2 questions - my MS may not progress to a serious level, but should I tell anyone about my issues - lighting issues/dizziness? Secondly, as I sit through my meeting my thoughts are on my MS and how it's affecting me, can you help me understand how to re-focus and ignore what I'm going through? Is this normal to take many months to adjust to a diagnosis (I was diagnosed 5 months ago)?
A :
With regards to your first question about disclosure, this is something that requires careful consideration. Once you have disclosed your diagnosis, it is not possible to take it back. Although it may help others understand what you are going through, disclosure can come at an unacceptable price, especially if you are hoping to move to a more senior level in your company. You are not required by law to disclose your diagnosis to a current or future employer. While there are federal and provincial laws to protect you from discrimination because of your diagnosis, sometimes there can be more subtle discrimination that can hold back your career. There is an excellent discussion of the pros and cons of disclosure and other workplace issues in the MS Society publication A Guide to Employment and Income Support , which you can view by clicking here .
If you require accommodations at work in order to continue to function, then you will need to disclose information about your condition, though not necessarily the diagnosis. I would however, recommend speaking to your physician first. There may be some simple “invisible” strategies that you can use to help you compensate. Your neurologist can help to determine if the difficulty you are experiencing concentrating could be a symptom of your MS or is more a result of stress, fatigue or other potentially reversible factors. Some people with MS can and do function very well in high level and demanding occupations and so you do want to prematurely cut off your career opportunities until you have a better sense of what living with MS will be like for you. It may well be that as you adjust you may again feel more comfortable in your work environment.
It often takes considerable time to adjust to the diagnosis of MS. In my practice I find that it often takes a year or more, so what you describe is very normal. For many people, it is helpful to have the opportunity to meet with someone to discuss their feelings and fears regarding the diagnosis. If you are cared for at an MS Clinic, they can help direct you to an appropriate support. If not, your neurologist may be able to guide you to appropriate resources. Other potential sources of such support are the MS Society, your family physician, or a psychologist through your employee benefit plan. Family, friends and clergy may also be sources of support. A publication you may find helpful is one titled Multiple Sclerosis and Your Emotions , which you can view by clicking here .
7/2/2008 12:54:09 PM
More answers from Dr. Mary Lou Myles
More answers in the category: Daily Living with MS
The Top 60: Euro RSCG Life MetaMax
Medical Marketing and Media - New York,NY,USA
More recently, the firm won the US professional Avonex account from Biogen, for which it previously handled the Tysabri business. ...
See all stories on this topic
Fighting multiple sclerosis in the Vail Valley
Vail Daily News - Vail,CO,USA
The neurologist suggested Jennifer take a relatively new drug called Tysabri. Since she began taking the drug, Jennifer, 36, hasn’t suffered any more ...
See all stories on this topic
CellCept Label Changed to Reflect Risk of PML
Newsinferno.com - New York,NY,USA
PML is associated with at least one other drug, Tysabri, which is used to treat multiple sclerosis. Tysabri was actually removed from the market for a short ...
See all stories on this topic
Drug Makers Say FDA Safety Focus
Wall Street Journal - USA
But a related medicine made by Biogen Idec Inc. and Elan Corp., called Tysabri, was temporarily withdrawn after it was linked to several cases of a rare ...
See all stories on this topic
Evolving Issues in Biologic Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Medscape (subscription) - USA
Natalizimab was initially FDA approved for use in multiple sclerosis (MS), but was voluntarily withdrawn from the market after 3 cases of reactivation of a ...
See all stories on this topic
InvestSource Inc.: FIMA Subsidiary Standard Minerals Seeks Third ...
Trading Markets (press release) - Los Angeles,CA,USA
"Together with COPAXONE , a market-leading MS therapy and Laquinimod, an oral MS treatment currently in Phase III studies, Teva continues with its ...
See all stories on this topic
Recasting the Federal Debate on Stem Cells
Genetic Engineering News (press release) - New Rochelle,NY,USA
... believe that stem cells offer the potential to cure or mitigate a host of pervasive and debilitating diseases and conditions such as multiple sclerosis, ...
See all stories on this topic
Researchers Link Early Stem Cell Mutation To Autism
In a breakthrough scientific study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have shown that neural stem cell development may be linked to Autism
Early stem cell mutation linked to autism
Newstrack India - Delhi,India
... the study showed that mice lacking the myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) protein in neural stem cells had smaller brains, fewer nerve cells and showed ...
See all stories on this topic
 | New map of axon pathways supports the controversial idea of a "default" state of brain activity By Alla Katsnelson |
Fifteen percent to 20 percent of people worldwide suffer from migraines excruciating headaches often presaged by dramatic sensations, or "auras." By studying a rare, inherited form of migraine, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have found clues to the biological basis of the painful, debilitating disorder.
Big cancer bills covered
The Ontario government is set to spend an additional $50 million for greater access to three expensive cancer drugs, sources told the Toronto Star.
posted by Bill at 11:54 AM
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