Readers Write.We're glad to hear from readers by e-mail or on paper. Please provide your name and street address. Your name will be withheld if you wish. Misleading news about HHV-6 Yesterday [October 19, 1998], ABC News reported findings about a direct connection between MS and human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6). They have clinical data showing that taking an antiviral drug 2 times a day virtually eliminates the destruction of the myelin sheath myelin sheath n. The insulating envelope of myelin that surrounds the core of a nerve fiber or axon and that facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses, formed from the cell membrane of the Schwann cell in the peripheral nervous system and from . They also claim to have a simple blood test that gives early warnings that will help prevent the disease progression. Wow! Where can I find out more? This is the best news in 30 years. DEENA OPPENHEIM, CALIFORNIA The ABC ABC in full American Broadcasting Co. Major U.S. television network. It began when the expanding national radio network NBC split into the separate Red and Blue networks in 1928. story was based on a small study from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee of only 10 subjects. While this work adds to the evidence that HHV-6 (the herpes that causes the childhood disease, roseola Roseola Definition Roseola is a common disease of babies or young children, in which several days of very high fever are followed by a rash. Description Roseola is an extraordinarily common infection, caused by a virus. ) might be associated with MS, is does NOT demonstrate a cause. Several clinical trials of antiviral agents (such as ganciclovir) are ongoing or in the planning stages. People with MS willing to participate in research, including upcoming clinical trials, may contact the North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. Research Consortium on MS (NARCOMS NARCOMS North American Research Consortium On Multiple Sclerosis ) at 800-253-7884 for a registration packet. To date, there is no evidence that taking antiviral agents effective against HHV-6 is effective in treating MS. It is important to be a critical consumer of news about MS from the media or from the Internet. These sources might make unsubstantiated or premature claims--as has happened about HHV-6. The National MS Society statement on HHV-6 is available on the Society's Web site (www.nmss.org); also see InsideMS, Spring 1998, page 7. Note: there are many viruses in the herpes family. HHV-6 should not be confused with genital herpes Genital Herpes Definition Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a herpes virus. The disease is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled, painful blisters in the genital area. or other herpes viruses Herpes viruses A group of viruses that can cause cold sores, shingles, chicken pox, and congenital abnormalities. The Epstein-Barr virus which causes mononucleosis belongs to this group of viruses. Mentioned in: Infectious Mononucleosis .--the Editor Scootering advisory I sincerely wish Nancy Chamberlayne luck ("Scootering in the Wilderness", Summer 1998). My husband has had MS for more than 36 years and has 5 scooters. I wouldn't take any of them anywhere that was not near a hub of civilization and a scooter repair shop. Scooters are not really meant for bouncing over the tundra. They have a very limited distance and are affected by the size of the person, and the terrain. The motor's computer can easily get wet and blow. That costs about $1,000 to repair. I don't want to discourage people from using ,scooters, but they should be aware of the limitations. Nancy Chamberlayne made it sound so easy and believe me, it's not. I've been there. SANDY C., VIA E-MAIL Nancy Chamberlayne replies: I am so sorry that you and your husband have had such lousy experiences with scooters. I have had my 4-wheel PaceSaver, Eclipse Premier scooter for 4 years. I have NEVER had to make any repairs to it, although this year I bought new batteries. My scooter has successfully navigated pavement, brick, dirt, wood shavings, crushed rock, root-infested paths, and boardwalk. 4 wheels provide better balance and stability than 3-wheel models. I have reasonable clearance but I am careful what I scoot scoot v. scoot·ed, scoot·ing, scoots v.intr. To go suddenly and speedily; hurry. v.tr. Upper Southern U.S. over. I always keep the batteries well charged, which is easy to do. My husband and I have just returned from a vacation in Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho National Parks where I scooted their many accessible trails. I hope you and your husband are able to find a reliable scooter model so your outdoor excursions can be problem free. Playing the percentages I was diagnosed in the spring of 1997. I'm a fitness instructor, so I was always told that I was exercising too much, or go see a psychiatrist. I was highly insulted, but when you have doctors who insist you are nuts, you start to believe that you might be. MS has brought my family closer and has taught my children and husband to be stronger. After being temporarily paralyzed par·a·lyze tr.v. par·a·lyzed, par·a·lyz·ing, par·a·lyz·es 1. To affect with paralysis; cause to be paralytic. 2. To make unable to move or act: paralyzed by fear. 3 times, I realized I couldn't pursue my dream of running a small fitness corporation, though I can teach a few classes a week. Instead, I opened a successful gift store, where I make most of the stock I sell. My motto is: illness is worth 5% of my time, and the zest for life is worth the other 95%. KATHY BARBELLA, NEW JERSEY Into the pool! I have been a participant in an aquatic exercise program twice a week at the local YMCA YMCA in full Young Men's Christian Association Nonsectarian, nonpolitical Christian lay movement that aims to develop high standards of Christian character among its members. . It has proved to be an effective way for me to mange mange (mānj), contagious skin disease of domestic and wild animals. The several types of mange, including follicular and sarcoptic mange, are caused by various minute parasitic mites that burrow into skin, hair follicles, or sweat glands. MS symptoms, exchange information with others who have MS, and make new friends. When we first get into the pool we put on an aqua belt (for safety). We then do stretching and range of motion exercises for about 30 minutes, then 30 minutes with Styrofoam dumbbells to increase strength and flexibility. This program does not make MS go away. However, it does make it a whole lot easier to live with. ROGER LAGOY, NEW YORK New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of |
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