I had chicken pox when I was about 12, and mono when I was 13. Not sure if this is the cause, but could have contributed.

My honest opinion is that our bodies are bombarded with toxins and illnesses from our environment. As a result, our immune system gets overworked and starts to "de-regulate". This effects everyone differently. Our bodies just responded with MS.

The medicine I am on (LDN)...provides better immune system regulation through increased endorphin production.

That's MY theory anyway.

"There ain't no answer.
There ain't going to be any answer.
There's never has been an answer.
That's the answer"

Gertrude Stein(1874-1946)
Americamn Writer

Jim had mono as a teenager. But he didn't start to have true symptoms until after he joined the military. Our theory is the strenuous activity and exposure to various chemicals helped bring his ms on. We know it was always there, just giving you an idea what we think started it. Right before he was dx'd he did an overseas mission to Jordan and Central America.

I had back surgery in 12/04 and MRSA right after. Not much back pain now, but I wasn't the same after. Dx in 8/05.

My guess would be mononucleosis. I was a sick a lot as a kid and prob. had it then. However, in 94 I was dx with mononucleosis via blood... tests. That is when my life started down hill. I was also Dxed chronic fatigue. 1 yr ago, I was dxed sever MS. Too be this bad, I think I must have had it a long time. I just did not pay attention to the little tingles...

I was a pretty healthy kiddo. I had a bad case of chicken pox when I was in elementary school, but I never had mono... although when I was a teenager I remember being tested repeatedly for it due to symptoms of exhaustion... (until lately, I always assumed I was just like any other hormonal and awkward teenager). I did have the HepB vaccines in the early 90's. I was DX in 2008.

I do believe there is a genetic component though - my Aunt (dad's sis) has it.

Something else that comes to mind is that I quit smoking right before my DX by using Chantix. Since taking it, they've actually ADDED MS as a possible side effect of the drug. Crazy - I have no idea how they can attribute it to a drug, but it says that on the pamplet none the less. At least I don't smoke anymore...

Carisa, I had never heard that about Chantrix, before...OMG!!! It might just be that quiting smoking, is a trigger, because Nicotine seems to be good for Peeps with MS.

I'd advise anyone who quits, to do it by the nicotine gum or patch method, and then keep on taking a little nicotine for further protection.

Haha! I like your attitude, Sally.
I actually learned about the Chantix link on this page. What a trip, huh?

Yeah I think I may have even reccomended it to you...sorry..

Oh I wasn't kiding about the Nicotine being a good thing for MS..

As someone who just quit smoking recently, this strikes me as very odd. My neuro actually marked 'smoking' down as a warning on my diagnosis sheet.

Where has it been mentioned that nicotine is beneficial to MS?