MS Progressive Types: Frequently Asked Questions

I think so. The trick here is to laugh at the situation, not the person. I think a healthy sense of humor is directly beneficial and that laughter strengthens overall health.

"Humor prevents a "hardening of the attitudes."

~ Joel Goodman, Founder of the Humor Project

Where can I learn about Progressive MS?
There is a tremendous amount of information online at sites such as NMSS and MSIF. Health Central has shareposts where other MSers write about their experiences. Enter "Progressive MS" as a search term to get a list of possible articles of interest.

Does medication for RRMS work for Progressive?
In the beginning of Secondary Progressive MS, it is not unusual to continue with the RRMS medication. However, by the time the relapses stop, the medication also stops being effective. Another RRMS medication may be substituted or another treatment like Novantrone® is prescribed.

There is no approved medicine for Primary Progressive, but sometimes RRMS medication is used anyway.

Will it affect my insurance?
I do not know. I have completed many insurance forms and never have seen a question asking or indicating that I have Progressive MS. However, in forums I have seen anecdotal evidence indicating insurance is denied for Progressive MS, especially for Primary Progressive MS. I have also read posts from others who seem to have little problem with insurance coverage. I have heard many complaints about the small financial amount covered, but that is not exclusive to Progressive MS.

Can my children inherit MS from me?
Your children cannot directly inherit MS. However, you can pass a chromosome that will make your child receptive to developing a central nervous center disorder. There is evidence that many, even most, MSers carry the same gene types, chromosomes and physical characteristics.

My father had Parkinson's Disease, and I am convinced my grandmother's unidentified illness was MS. We hear of many family groups that have MS, siblings, parents/children, so that indicates more then coincidence.

Is MS the same as MD? Are MSers Jerry's kids, too?
Of course not. MS affects the central nervous system. Muscular Dystrophy (MD) affects the muscular system.

People who do not know often confuse the two. The acronyms are similar and both can be physically devastating. Unlike MS, MD is definitely genetic, affects males more than females, and is likely to result in early death.

Need more information? The National MS Society provides questions and answers for both Secondary Progressive and Primary Progressive MS.

For specific questions not found, just ask Health Central. Someone who knows will answer. There are also many other general question and answer sights available on the Internet. Question & Answer Sites

Is there something bothering you because you do not know or do not understand? Don't know? Find out!

"If we would have new knowledge, we must get a whole world of new questions."
~ Susanne K. Langer, American philosopher (Dec. 20, 1895 - July 17, 1985)