Geez, Cindy . . . are you starting to get a complex that people shouldn't sit next to you at the next family function?

That's a lot of prevalence in one small network . . . did you all grow up the same area by chance?

They say that 8% - 10% of the general population has "clinically silent" MS, and this has been proven by (old) autopsy studies. It's probably higher now-a-days . . .

My condolences.

Cherie

Sorry Cindy.... honestly I have no idea what to say except that. Except that I totally agree with!

((((((Cindy)))))))

((((((((((((((((((((((Cindy))))))))))))))))))))))) ))))))))))

It sucking fux!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know what to add except I agree with everything that has been said on this post. There are 3 faculty members in my academic building alone that have MS. Two of us are in the same academic department -- two out of twelve faculty members. I also think they are underestimating the numbers.

For what its worth AMN, Sorry to hear about all the people in your life.

Best to ya

Yup. It sucks, plain and simple. I have two cousins with MS.

The number 400,000 was quoted back in the 80s. It's still quoted. I always say we don't die fast enough to keep it at that number even with all the folks who have been diagnosed since then!

I still think it has a genetic and an environmental component with a viral component thrown in for good measure.

I have heard it said that the number is kept at 400,000 because then it is considered a "rare disease" and the government coughs up funding for research.

No matter why the number never increases, we all know that there are more cases of MS being diagnosed every day. That just sucks.

I am sorry to hear that yet another person has been diagnosed, especially one so young.


((((((((((((((((((((Cindy)))))))))))))))))))))

I don't know what to say Cindy, except I am so sorry so many around you are affected. It really does bite.

I don't know anybody else with MS & don't know what in the world I would be able to say to comfort them. It's good you can get mad though .... it helps, sometimes. I bet you are a really good role model for them. From what I can tell you're what I call an optomistic realist.

I'm sending good thoughts your way & to your friends as well.

Tell Corrine that your NT family are keeping her Sis in our prayers. I really feel bad for her. I can remember as a lil kid watching my Uncle w/a cane or his walker and wondering why he walked funny b/c he wasn't that old. (too little to understand a devastating disease like MS)

My niece is in college and her boyfriend has MS. I haven't met him yet, but my brother says he is such a great kid. 18yrs old and dealing w/this Carp!

Corrine is lucky to have you to help her and her Sis adjust as they let this absorb in. Give her my best.

Thanks everyone, sorry I blew a gasket, it really does make me angry every time I learn of yet another person to hear the news. Somehow, in my mind, it's okay for me to have it, but no one else should have to deal with this carp. It bites and I resent it so intensely, I really can't express it.

Audrey is a tough broad and she'll pull it all off in spades, I have no doubt. It's just hard to believe that it keeps happening all around us and we're powerless to stop it.