I'm wondering if a family member has had MS ( passed away) does it increase the risk of family members maybe getting MS?
There are so many other things in the family that are hereditary I just want to throw this one away

Sorry to say, you might not be able to throw away MS. There does seem to be some inherited connection with MS. Though it is still unclear the exact genes that are involved. It's almost like cancer, just because your mother and father had cancer doesn't mean you WILL have cancer, but it does increase the odds.

Current research is looking at a viral link to MS, where one must meet two conditions to get MS, first is exposure to the viral element and second is a genetic predisposition to contract the virus (genetically lacking the anti-bodies against the viral component).

That's the latest theory at least, they still don't know the exact causes, but if it is hereditary it appears to act like a recessive gene. So unless both sides of the family have a history of MS you might be fine. But you'd also have to track your family's medical history quite far back to ensure its only to one side. Or you might get surprised like my sister did with her blond hair blue eyed son from her Native American/Italian husband. (He actually demanded a DNA test since according to him there were no blue eyes or blond hair in his family. It came back beyond a shadow of a doubt as his kid)

I am the only person I know of in my family who has MS. I don't know why my risk might have been greater but don't dismiss any possibilities.

Thank you for replying.
I'm seeing a neurologist on 29th. They sent me a form to fill in, I had to ask mum about family illness. Seems like all the ladies and one male has thyroid that completely stops and then they get something wrong with adrenal system.
My dad has type 1 diabetes that runs on the male side.
Mum has pemphigoid that affects connective tissues, and the women have b12 and vitamin D deficient. My brother is also prescribed b vitamins in tablets.
He has hydrocephalus and spinal bifida epilepsy and congestive heart failiure.
My kids have athsma eczema and hay fever and Raynauds between then.
I am going to neuro as I have no sensation when bladder ful and need to catheterise. I have had episodes of very leaden fuzzy legs and was walking like I'd been on a horse, which after sleeping seemed to go. I lost control of bowel and because of this went to GP who said I had low tone in back passage. I was given a number to call for physio. 6 weeks later my right foot felt odd when walking like the middle toes were sinking and I couldn't tell what my big toe was doing. My gp sent me for scan on lumbar and sacral spine as I have had two surgeries to release nerves compressed by disc. That came back ok, problems yes but not enough to cause my issues.
My middle toes still feel tingling and fuzzy.
Sorry it's so long a post. My great aunt died from MS. We are living in NE Scotland and I heard that we don't get enough sun! So much going thru my head.