Man......they are working at a snail's pace on this disease.

amen, Sally!

I participated in one of the first MS genetic studies, in the San Francisco Bay Area, geez, I think it was WAY back in 1992 or 1993...

my mother, my father, and four of my siblings, plus me, all did blood draws, and sent the vials in special boxes, via express mail.

I never heard what came of that study...

but yeah, even back then, they were pretty darn sure there was a genetic component to the disease, along with exposure to a triggering virus, living in certain lattitudes, and high sanitation standards.

they were particularly interested in our family, as my mother's aunt had MS (she passed away in the early 60s) and provided all the materials, postage, boxes, vials, and instructions.

my particular concern with MS and its genetic origins are due to the fact that my ex-husband's brother was dx'd with PPMS, 14 years ago, and is doing poorly.

this means that my son Benjamin has the "designer genes" on BOTH sides of his family.

I was told that the MS-carrying genes come from the mother's side, but still, it worries me, because it could mean the gene is reinforced in my son (he's now 24)

Very interesting. I was diagnosed a year ago this Saturday. My mother was diagnosed 2 months before I was and she is 23 years older than me. My neuro told me that unfortunately I hit the mother lode. 1) genetic risk since my mother has MS 2) vitamin D deficiency 3) grew up in a cold climate 4) a severe case of mono a year and a half before my diagnosis (viral trigger perhaps). Sigh.....

If there was a study I would try to have my mother sign up with me to assist with genetic research.

Duh!!! I just read this more closely. I should try to participate in the study with my mother.

Double Duh!!! It's only for siblings. Can you say cog fog?

Since being dxd last year at age 52, I've asked all my aunts on both sides if they knew of anyone else in the family with MS. So far I haven't been able to find anyone.

I literally have 100 first cousins! You'd think someone besides me would have MS. *shrug*

Hey Natalie! You're using up all the thread!!!

interesting I have asked everyone in my family no one can recall anyone having MS, strokes, heart attacks yes, MS no

By the way Frank, I miss your psychedelic peace sign!!

It's so sad when you keep hearing stories of all sorts of relations with MS. The guy who did my last MRI told me he has a friend who has MS and both his friend's sisters do too. Wow...3 siblings all with MS. I really hope they find this cure soon!

Just a little anecdote. One of my girlfriend's husband is a great neurologist and he told me that years back when he was in med school one of their cadavars was a woman who had a "stroke" back in her 20s. It left permanent damage to her gait but if I remember correctly she lived the rest of her life without any other issues until she got much older and had eye problems which were attributed to her age. Upon autopsy she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Before MRI it was anyone's best guess, imo.