Worried about having MS

I do not have MS but have a close relative with it for decades, and a friend with it. MS can come and go. That is called relapsing remitting MS and is the most common form of MS. Progressive MS can also come and go in waves, but the general progression is down. It most commonly starts in women in their mid 20s to late 30s. It does happen in men, but it is less common. If you are in your 50s, you are past the time for MS to first show, though people can have it and be diagnosed with it at a later age than the 30s. Be aware that many things can mimic MS symptoms so it is best to check with your doctor to see what is happening with you. One of the first symptoms of MS can be depth perception problems though even new glasses can cause that. Please let us know what you are experiencing to cause you to think of MS.

Hello @jrps -- I would like to welcome you to Connect. I also do not have Multiple sclerosis (MS) but do have other autoimmune diseases. I thought you might like to know about the following discussion group on Connect where members are talking about MS:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – please introduce yourself
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/multiple-sclerosis-ms-please-introduce-yourself/

Also, a book written by a doctor with MS started me on a lifestyle change with better eating habits focused on nutrition. Dr. Terry Wahls - The Wahls Protocol. She has an amazing story to tell about how she was able to get rid of most of her symptoms of MS through cellular nutrition. Here's a link to her story:
-- https://terrywahls.com/about/about-terry-wahls/

John

tHANKS FOR THE INFO. i HAVE Terry Wahls book and try to follow her diet. Thanks for the MS discussion group address!

Hi @jmn15254, Welcome to Connect. If you like the Terry Wahls book and try to follow her diet you may also like the following discussion on Connect -- Low-carb healthy fat living. Intermittent fasting. What’s your why?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/low-carb-healthy-fat-living-intermittent-fasting-whats-your-why/

Have you been diagnosed with MS? Is the Wahls protocol diet helping with your symptoms?

Mayo....would the narrowing of veins resulting in poor blood flow from the brain and spinal cord, known as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, or CCSVI, potenially contribute to nervous system damage in people with multiple sclerosis? I know the science has evolved over time. Would love to hear what you now are doing for MS patients to lead the charge in this area given the severity of the issue.....formally. Thanks.

I will tell you that from what I know......follow a healthy diet, exercise as best you can, socialize, all the things that you can control.....do well. Now you are facing the true maladie of your disease. Push your doctors. You are dealing with MS not an allergy. My two questions to you and the same two questions that you should ask EVERY doctor you meet with........what is causing the MS and how do I prevent it going forward? Any physician who can not answer these questions HONESTLY is likely not trustworthy. There are treatments in Canada that you may want to explore, but the FDA doesn't approve them here (remember that many large cap pharma firms are in bed with the medical profession so they have significance influence in promoting anything but a pill). Be careful. Mayo I am quite certain is not subject to temptation and will fight against the large cap pharma industry to do what is in the best interest of patients even if it means allowing the patient decide what they are willing to take on in terms of risks to not be in a wheelchair one day. I know what I'd be willing to do if I was under the care of a cutting edge, reputable physician who might be able to help me. The choice should be yours - and let's be clear.........we are not talking about rouge procedures. I look forward to hearing from all of you. Good luck. Truly.