Decisions.This issue of InsideMS is focused on decisions. Citizen decisions, personal decisions, medical decisions, maybe even "decisions" being made by immune system immune system Cells, cell products, organs, and structures of the body involved in the detection and destruction of foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Immunity is based on the system's ability to launch a defense against such invaders. molecules. (I admit this last one is a stretch. But we hope "Inner Conflict" on page 42 will help illuminate il·lu·mi·nate v. il·lu·mi·nat·ed, il·lu·mi·nat·ing, il·lu·mi·nates v.tr. 1. To provide or brighten with light. 2. To decorate or hang with lights. 3. the extraordinarily sophisticated interactions that characterize the human immune system.) All the other decisions covered here are the product of conscious choices. Government policies affecting people with MS are propelled by people who are selected in the voting booth--or influenced by election results. We're we're Contraction of we are. we're we are all prone to strong opinions about how things should be but slow to act where it counts the most. To be an activist means first of all to be a voter VOTER. One entitled to a vote; an elector. whose opinions are counted on election day. Choosing to be engaged goes on from there. Activists change things, both for themselves and for the larger community. See the cover story on page 16 and "Fighting for Changes" on page 25. Decisions about personal life-about doing things to combat the isolation of illness--seem initially less a question of choice. Isolation tends to creep up Verb 1. creep up - advance stealthily or unnoticed; "Age creeps up on you" sneak up advance, march on, move on, progress, pass on, go on - move forward, also in the metaphorical sense; "Time marches on" . People withdraw to spare others, to avoid being a burden, to maintain dignity. On page 29, Alison Alison betrays old husband amusingly with her lodger, Nicholas. [Br. Lit.: Canterbury Tales, “Miller’s Tale”] See : Adultery Dale explores why these admirable ad·mi·ra·ble adj. Deserving admiration. ad  mi·ra·ble·ness n.ad motives can backfire, adding more loneliness to the already lonely burden of MS. There are other, better decisions possible. Finally, for many, there are now new decisions about treatment. Tysabri is back, with its powerful promise and its serious risk. See page 38. Our researchers tell us that a disease-modifying drug, if taken faithfully and early on, will reduce but not stop MS damage to mobility, vision, and mental functions. These drugs are the best choice right now. Tysabri represents yet another choice--a possible option if the other drugs fail. It is another demand on us all to make our decisions wisely. Information provided by the National MS Society is based on professional advice, published experience, and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. Martha King Editor, InsideMS editor@nmss.org |
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