Is it Primary-Progressive-MS what you're suspecting?
Primary-Progressive-MS or PPMS is a course that this disease, Multiple Sclerosis, chooses to take and in which is typical to see an steady worsening of neurologic functions, especially in walking, without any distinct relapses (also called attacks or exacerbations) or periods of remission. This characteristic makes it different from the most common type of MS, Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS).
The rate in which Primary-Progressive-MS would advance might be very difficult to determine and, there might even be some temporary improvements, but the progression process of the illness is nonstop.
I invite you to watch the following video, put out by the The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, talking specifically about Primary Progressive MS and some of its main characteristics.
Here is a list of facts unique to the Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis type of MS:
Most people with Primary-Progressive-MS - up to 80% - will slowly, but truly, experience increasing difficulties with their legs working properly. These types of problems are called progressive spastic paraparesis and it’s a gradual stiffening of the legs. When this starts to happen, walking becomes difficult, and eventually it becomes impossible for the majority of MSers afflicted with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
Onset of Primary Progressive MS is typically in the late thirties or early forties.
Men and women have the same chance or possibility of developing Primary Progressive MS. In Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS), for example, there is a 3 to 1 ratio between women and men.
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis is the sub-type of MS that is least likely to show inflammatory (gadolinium enhancing) lesions on MRI scans.
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis affects between10 and 15% of all MSers.
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) tends to involve the spinal cord instead of the brain which is seen to be more affected by lesions in Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS).
This involvement of the spinal cord could be the reason why bladder, bowel and sexual symptoms sometimes accompany problems with the legs. Let’s keep in mind that these parts of the body also rely heavily on messages from the spinal cord.
There is nothing available to slow down the progression of Primary Progressive MS. Treatments for more common types of MS like the use of interferons don’t work here
In the case of most folks that are dealing with the challenge of having Primary Progressive MS, the first problem they experienced has to do with their walking but, these problems could have been so insignificant, that they simply didn’t notice: perhaps a slight difficulty running or climbing stairs, or tripping up, particularly if not concentrating on walking. Problems that could happen to anyone we know and don’t have MS. Things and situations that normally would not make you sound any alarms.
Some people find their walking gets more difficult the further they walk, and they need to rest when their legs start to feel weaker. Over time (usually many years), this can develop into progressive stiffness and weakness of both legs.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If your neurologist confirms your worse fears and you are starting down the path of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, it is very important not to lose focus on the things that are important to you and the people that matter the most in your life: Your family!
It is your responsibility to take really good care of yourself by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Scientists are closer now, than let’s say 10 or 20 years ago, to finding medications to treat effectively Primary-Progressive-MS.
