New research new hope
Staying positive after my diagnosis has been really difficult and I spent a lot of time on the internet and most of what I read made me depressed on an industrial scale. There are so many sad stories and so many people trying the weirdest things to cure themselves to no avail. However, I do think there is real hope. There is amazing research going on all over the world into what causes this mysterious disease and I am convinced that soon they will crack it. The research into bacteria is the most exciting at the moment. This may sound weird but remember that the scientist who realized that stomach cancer was caused by a bacteria, was considered so weird that he had to prove it by infecting himself with the cancer causing bacteria and then curing himself; This lead scientists to look for other bugs that cause cancer and now you can be inoculated against the virus that causes cervical cancer! So now they have found a link between an incredibly common bacteria in the soil that causes food poisoning and the start of MS and there is some hope that they might be able to kill the bacteria in MS and maybe stop the damage. Stuff like this gives me real encouragement, especially for all you young MSers that the future might just be great again. I dont think we should live in cloud cuckoo land, but scientists are looking hard out there and I wish them and all of you well !
I think we all "prepare for the worst, whilst hoping for the best" It isn't all doom and gloom. MS is a manageable condition.
Of course I am not really qualified to be answering your post, not being an MSer myself, but here is my viewpoint anyway. As the husband of a 'almost' newly diagnosed wife who cares for her dearly, I completely understand the utter gloom that searching the internet can bring. However it is worth keeping in mind that a lot of stuff on the internet is somewhat self-selecting, and the people who have had/or are having the most difficult experiences are the ones most likely to be writing about it. There are a lot more people out there with MS just getting on with it and doing OK who don't necessarily feel the need to tell their story online or go on forums. I know this now from speaking to many MSers this last few weeks, and going to the local MS center. I think personally a cure for MS is not the most realistic thing for now. What is important are treatments to dramatically slow or halt progression and ultimately reverse disability (repair therapies). With stem cells, these are much more likely to occur in the nearest future than an outright cure which could be a lifetime away. Phase 1 stem cell trials are underway as we speak. I have had some cognitive behavior therapy to deal with this. And i am learning to compartmentalize my feelings. I am now well acquainted with the part of my that is paralyzed with fear, and the part of me that is preparing for the fight, and it is the latter part that I am turning my attention to more now as best I can. Because there ARE things that can be done. Diet and supplementation is key in reducing inflammation in the body...plenty to learn about there. Lots of people I have spoken to have had fantastic results with this. I think it is important also to get in the best shape possible via yoga, tai chi etc, and get as much exercise as is possible in light of your state at the moment. Also working on the mind via therapy, medication or other stress busting techniques is vital. I believe we are not helpless in the face of MS (excuse the 'we' term - but really, me wife and I are one - if she has it - I have it), and through being proactive it can bring us hope for a future that is not as dooming as the part of us that is in fear is visualizing. At the very least it improves how we feel in the present.