Is there anyone else out there taking this stuff?  How is it working for you?  Does it help?

I’d love to have some feedback from my fellow MSers.

- Vince

Her blog post is located here:  http://brain-cheese.blogspot.com/2007/10/looking-for-100-ms-blogs.html

Kudos to Braincheese in Seattle!

Even though we are a advanced civilization, millions of people throughout the world are susceptible to incapacitation because of a wide range of medical, environmental, and food borne ailments, which if left untreated, could lead to serious bodily injury, or even worse, death. Fortunately, these individuals have the option of carrying a card, wearing a tag, bracelet, or necklace which speaks for them when they are unable to speak for themselves.

A medical alert tag not only lists the ailment, but it can also list your 24 hour emergency response number, which has all of your medical history in their databases. When medical staff has access to this information, it can save precious time. Some of the more common declarations you might find on medical alert tags:

ADD/ADHD
Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or Memory impairment
Allergies (Food, Insect, Dust, Plants, Pollen, Pollution, Pet Dander)
Anemia
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Asthma
Autism
Bariatric surgery patients
Blood type or disorders
Blood thinners/anticoagulants (Coumadin/Warfarin)/including aspirin
Breathing disorders
Cerebral Palsy
Clinical trial patients
COPD
Cystic Fibrosis
Diabetes
Dialysis patient
Drug/Medicine allergies
Emphysema
Epilepsy/Seizures
Hearing, Visual, or Mental impairment
Heart disease (angina, atrial fibrillation, pacemakers)
Hypertension
Insect allergies
Kidney failure
Mental health patients
Multiple medications
Multiple Sclerosis
Pacemaker
Parkinson’s Disease
Multiple medications
Rare diseases
Special needs children
Stroke risk
Transplant or cancer patients
Tourette Syndrome

What’s really neat is that those who suffer from any of these or other ailments (particularly children), no longer have to wear a boring or awkward piece of jewelry which attracts negative attention, or promotes teasing or taunting by other children. Bands can be made with a variety of colors, character beads, crystals etc. to personalize it. The bands are made with 2 clasps, making it easy to change to match any outfit. Medical alert jewelry can now be worn with pride.

This article was authored by Patrina Roberts, President of Bellisimo Bracelets, LLC To contact Patrina, please feel free to email her at: patrina@bellisimobracelets.com.

http://www.bellisimobracelets.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrina_Roberts

Multiple Sclerosis is the most common of the demyelinating diseases, but the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) will vary from person to person.

At first there may only be an isolated symptom or a combination of several. The initial onset may only last for a short period of time and then be followed by a remission. However, as the condition progresses, the following disturbances and multiple sclerosis symptoms become apparent, depending on the areas of the brain and central nervous system affected. Incidence of multiple sclerosis, however, varies widely in different geographical areas. For example it is very low in the tropics but high in the temperate zones of both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Visual symptoms of MS

Involvement of the optic nerve may give rise to blurred vision, severe pain and tenderness of either one or both eyes. Double vision and nystagmus (oscillatory eye movement) or drooping of the eyelid may be present. In some severe cases of multiple sclerosis, blindness in one or both eyes has been known to occur on a temporary basis.

Motor and sensory symptoms of MS

General weakness and ‘clumsiness’ in one or both legs in the early stages are common. This might be indicated, for example, by toes catching on irregularities on the ground causing tripping. It may also be associated with a feeling of heaviness. There might also be numbness or tingling at the ends of hands and feet.

Bladder and bowel symptoms

Frequency, urgency and incontinence of urine can be of particular concern and is fairly common. On the other hand there may be retention of urine and constipation.

Sexual problems and symptoms

There may be partial or complete impotence. Lack of sensation and lack of vaginal lubrication will also cause distress.

Psychological and emotional symptoms

Euphoria, when it occurs, is quite significant. Depression is often present due to the emotional reaction to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and in some cases can become severe enough to require specific treatment.

Communication impairment

Slurred speech is not uncommon and will occur if the bulbar area of the brain is affected. The speech may become slow and deliberate with emphasis on each syllable.

A common picture of multiple sclerosis is therefore one of a variety of symptoms, such as an ataxic gait (clumsiness in walking), intention tremor, lack of coordination and loss of dexterity. The person becomes weak and easily fatigues. As the condition progresses he or she will become increasingly dependent on others.

Now read on – see the multiple sclerosis symptoms page at severe-brain-injury.com

Barbara Eastcairn writes about all the health issues which really matter to families and carers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Eastcairn

Multiple Sclerosis Linked to 3 Genes in Studies; More Likely

Multiple Sclerosis has been linked to 3 different Genes in Studies and more discoveries are likely. This is significant because this is the first time that scientists have been able to establish a firm link to the genes involved in the process of MS. It’s even more significant because 3 different studies were released today announcing the same finding and they were each discovered by different means and yet they all arrived at the same result.

The researchers are also reporting that they have found at least 12 more genes that may be linked to the disorder. It seems like one of the main culprits is a gene called IL7R.

Until three years ago, according to the article, most of the researchers were actually competitors. Fortunately, now they are working together thanks to a collaborative research grant that was awarded by the MS Society. That was motivation to allow them to work together instead of against each other.

What does this mean to us? Well, now that they’ve identified at least SOME of the genes involved, hopefully that will bring all of us closer to an cure, or at least a more effective treatment, for this dreaded disease of ours!

- Vince

Okay, I admit that I was a little gun shy after that. I happened to read the patient information (don’t those scare you to even read???) and it mentioned that if you have an allergic reaction – like HIVES – you should contact your doctor immediately! Do you think I did that??? Of course not! Took the Atarax, got better and went on.

Now, I wasn’t sure, after reading that, that I wanted to risk it so I went without for a week. Took an injection, while making sure I still had an Atarax left, and the same thing happened. I guess that’s a wrap on the Copaxone for me, as much as I like it.

I was at my neurologists office this past Friday and he wants me to switch to Rebif. Not sure quite how that’s gonna work out though! I started on Avonex but never could tolerate it very well. Since Rebif is an interferon also, I’m afraid I won’t get along with it. I know the dosage is different and it’s subcutaneous. Maybe I’ll do okay with it. I certainly don’t want to do without anything and my neurologist says that I’m not a candidate for Tysabri yet and that he still doesn’t recommend it even if I was.

We’ll see how it goes with the Rebif, for now, I guess!

I AM curious if anyone else has developed an allergy like this after extended use of Copaxone! If it happened to you, leave a comment and let me know how long it took to happen.

– Vince

Although Joseph Pilates did not achieve fame in his lifetime, his work was practiced and carried on by a small group of devotees to his methods, for decades, before the recent explosion of Pilates exercise programs and Pilates yoga. Today, Pilates’ form of yoga is at the forefront of exercise and self discipline regimes. Pilates yoga is especially popular with dancers and athletes, as well as celebrities who’ve caught on to the superior benefits of Pilates’ methodology.

Pilates yoga requires an instructor to have expertise in human anatomy and movement, physiology and the principles of yoga. In order to evaluate the knowledge and integrity of the yoga instructor, several yoga organizations offer online information on choosing a qualified yoga instructor. There are even certification programs which require months or even years of study.

If you choose to pursue a Pilates oriented yoga program, you’ll want a well qualified person as your instructor. Be aware that some “certified” instructors may have as little as a day’s or one weekend’s training. In order to gain maximum benefit of a Pilates yoga class, look for a teacher with at least the minimum certification of 250 hours of training. An instructor with a 500 hour training certification will likely prove a good choice.

With the current popularity of the Pilates programs, you need to be careful in choosing an instructor, as certification programs are not standardized and vary widely in both standards and depth of training a certification may represent. So how do you make an intelligent assessment of your Pilates yoga instructor?

The Pilates Method Alliance (www.pilatesmethodalliance.com) has a database allowing you to search for qualified Pilates instructors in your locale. In addition, they give you a run down on the profile and standards of a qualified instructor, as well as tips on interviewing your potential instructor.

Another resource is the non-profit Yoga Alliance group (www.yogaalliance.org), dedicated to serving the yoga community with resources and their own searchable database of Pilates yoga instructors meeting their strict standards of qualifications.

Last night my upper back, just between my shoulder blade and spine was throbbing. Now this could be due to and injury or pulled muscle, but I know it’s not. It’s definitely nothing new for me. I have had that same soreness on and off for years. It is where stress builds. You may encounter something similar. This is a common area to acquire pains if you’re hacking away on a keyboard all day long. Those upper-back and shoulder areas are very vulnerable. Now, what do I do as far as stress relieving goes? After all, I can’t just deal with the pains for a good week until they’re gone. I’m sick of that. This is why I take a different route and choose to go to a massage therapist. She knows all about muscle aches and stress relieving. Her gentle hands knead those knots right out of my back muscles. This then speeds along the healing process. In not time, I’m back to my old self again. If you’ve never tried a massage for stress relieving, I highly recommend it.

What about acupuncture? This is another great route to stress relief. One thing I will encourage is that you go to a reputable place for this therapy. It’s never prudent to try acupuncture on yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing. This therapy consists of needles penetrating your flesh. Therefore it’s to be left to the professionals. I personally have heard wonderful things about acupuncture and its benefits concerning stress relieving and allergies. And finally, don’t forget good old-fashioned R&R. We all need plenty of rest and downtime if we expect to avoid the stress monster.

When considering an approach to dealing with anxiety and its symptoms many people choose herbal remedies over prescription medications. There are many [tag]anti anxiety medication[/tag] options that are available to sufferers of all degrees, however, some choose the natural approach as they feel it is best suited for them. Many people feel that natural or herbal anxiety remedies are non-addictive and therefore are the safer way to fight any type of illness whether it is real or perceived. To some degree most herbal [tag]anti anxiety treatments[/tag] are able to naturally restore the neurotransmitter loss normally associated with severe anxiety. For those who suffer from extreme and debilitating anxiety symptoms there is often no other choice than prescription anti anxiety medication. In cases where the patient also is taking medication for depression, these anxiety medications help as the brain’s neurotransmitters are further depleted by the taking of benzodiazepines.

The most common signs of anxiety disorders are general nervousness, rapid heartbeat, light headedness, sweating, and a terrible sense of dread or fear. [tag]Anti anxiety medication[/tag] can stop these feelings very convincingly and help make the patient much more comfortable in a very short period of time, depending on the medication used. At present, the most commonly prescribed drugs for anxiety are Xanax, Lorazepam, Diazepam, Paxil, Alprazolam, and Buspar. While generally effective for all it sometimes takes a few weeks of trial and error before finding the one that is most effective for you. The most common side effects of all of these medications are drowsiness and blurred vision. Patients must be certain as to how they will react to the drugs before attempting things such as driving a car or operating machinery. The upside of all of this is a genuine feeling of relaxation and focus. It is what every person who suffers from this disease wishes for when considering an anti anxiety medication.

Another approach to coping with the numerous symptoms of anxiety is to seek out peer groups and local counseling centers that specialize in mental health problems. Sometimes merely realizing that you are not alone in your battle is the first step in overcoming it. With many techniques and approaches available other than only taking an anti anxiety medication, success can easily be yours to find.