MS Prognosis
Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 11:36 am
Due to a basic lack of symptoms for a number of years I have not really kept up with all the latest MS news and research. With a recent return of symptoms I have again begun reading and trying to catch up somewhat.
I'm interested in prognosis which I realize is highly variable from one individual to the next. As with many other aspects of MS there seems to be a lot of conflicting reports as to it's course or prognosis.
I have read in some sources that MS is infrequently directly a cause of death except in rare events such as transverse myelitis perhaps.
I have read that MS life expectancies are usually only maybe 5 years shorter than non-MSers with the real problems being side effects of immobility such as decubitis, urinary tract infections, pneumonia or sepsis in conjunction with these complications.
Now I hate to dwell on the negative, but am trying to find realistic answers. I recently read one source which bluntly stated that at least 50% of MS patients are usually dead within 30 years of onset. Are there other more encouraging recent data? Are there any long-timers out there who have been dealing with this disease for 20 or 30 years or more? How are you doing?
Thanks,
Tracy
I'm interested in prognosis which I realize is highly variable from one individual to the next. As with many other aspects of MS there seems to be a lot of conflicting reports as to it's course or prognosis.
I have read in some sources that MS is infrequently directly a cause of death except in rare events such as transverse myelitis perhaps.
I have read that MS life expectancies are usually only maybe 5 years shorter than non-MSers with the real problems being side effects of immobility such as decubitis, urinary tract infections, pneumonia or sepsis in conjunction with these complications.
Now I hate to dwell on the negative, but am trying to find realistic answers. I recently read one source which bluntly stated that at least 50% of MS patients are usually dead within 30 years of onset. Are there other more encouraging recent data? Are there any long-timers out there who have been dealing with this disease for 20 or 30 years or more? How are you doing?
Thanks,
Tracy