Climbing the Seven Summits with MS...
Multiple Sclerosis
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Doctors and scientists believe that multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system: the brain, spinal cord and the optic nerves. A fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses, surrounds and protects our nerve fibers. MS occurs when myelin is missing in several areas, leaving scar issue called sclerosis. Sometimes the nerve fiber itself is damaged or broker. Myelin not only protects nerve fibers, but also makes their job possible. When myelin is destroyed or damaged, our nerves cannot do their job; this is what causes MS symptoms.
What are the characteristics of MS?
Doctors and researchers have identified several different variations of the disease, each of which might be mild, moderate or severe. The most common form is Relapsing-Remitting MS, where there are clearly defined flare-ups of the disease and episodes of acute worsening of neurological functioning. Partial or complete recovery periods, (remissions) free of disease, follow the episodes. This is by far the most common form of MS and approximately 85% of MS sufferers have this.
It used to be that half of MS sufferers with Relapsing-Remitting MS developed Secondary-Progressive MS, with an initial period of relapsing-remitting disease followed by a steady worsening of symptoms. New and powerful disease-fighting drugs have been developed; but there is currently not enough information to tell how effective they are long term.
What causes MS?
The exact cause of MS is unknown. The disease is a malfunction of the immune system. Researchers have identified various possible factors, including genetics, gender and environmental toxins.
Who is most likely to get it?
- Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50
- Two to three times as many women suffer from MS as men
- There is no evidence that MS is directly inherited
- MS occurs more commonly among people with Northern European ancestry
- Approximately 400,000 Americans have been diagnosed with MS, 200 new cases per week
What are the symptoms of MS?
Symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary with individuals. Fatigue, severe vision problems, loss of balance and muscle coordination, slurred speech, tremors, stiffness and bladder problems are just some of the symptoms.
How is it diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose MS, so doctors use several tests and procedures including:
- Complete medical history
- Testing reflexes, balance, coordination, vision and checking for areas of numbness
- Diagnostic tests including MRI scan and spinal tap
MS Resources...
There are a number of websites about MS. The information included on this website has been obtained from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website (www.nationalmssociety.org).
Other resources include:
How you can help!
Become a sponsor. Climbing mountains is EXPENSIVE. Wendy has to dedicate a great deal of her time to fitness training and climbing. She relies on the support of sponsors to supplement her income as she trains and fund expeditions or purchase gear.
If you are interested in sponsoring Wendy, please contact us today and find out how you can benefit from sponsoring her amazing quest!
Book Wendy as a speaker. Did you know that Wendy Booker is a professional motivational speaker? Her story of hope and triumph in the face of adversity can excite any crowd. One other great way to support her mission is to book her as a presenter for your next conference or event!
Help fight MS. The National MS Society helps each person address the challenges of living with MS through a 50 state network of chapters. They fund more MS research, provide more services to people with MS, offer more professional education and further more advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS.
Buy MS Hope Products. Proceeds from the sale of MS Hope magnets, bracelets and necklaces go directly to the National MS Society.
Go find your own mountains!
“We can’t always do what we want, when we want. When conditions mandate, we take a little longer, try a little harder, and dig a little deeper.”
Wendy Booker
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