Misconceptions Make Life Tougher For People With MS

A good article, however nothing we don't already know..........

Misconceptions Make Life Tougher For People With MS

"A national poll commissioned by the MS Society has shown a widespread confusion and ignorance about multiple sclerosis (MS) in the minds of the general public.

The survey results highlight the many misconceptions that exist around the condition, and have been released ahead of next week's MS Week, during which the MS Society hopes to encourage better understanding of MS among the public.

The YouGov poll shows that of the more than 2,000 people questioned there was a lack of understanding of how common MS is, what its symptoms were and at what age it is generally diagnosed.

MS Society Chief Executive, Simon Gillespie, said: "This survey gives us the clearest picture yet of what people know - or don't know - about MS, and the results are a cause for concern.

"These myths make life even tougher for people living with MS so take time out during MS Week to find out more and help us fight misconceptions."

Almost half of those surveyed in the poll couldn't guess how many people in the UK have the condition, and of those who did answer, 80 per cent underestimated the true figure.

In fact, only six per cent were able correctly to identify that there are more than 85,000 people in the UK with MS, making it the most common, disabling neurological condition affecting young adults.

Just under half of respondents to the survey couldn't name a single symptom of MS, while only a quarter realised that it's a disease that mostly affects people aged between 25 and 34, when a diagnosis is most likely to be made.

Around 40 per cent (two in five) of respondents assumed a diagnosis of MS meant a lifetime in a wheelchair, whereas just 20 per cent of people with MS rely on one.

Alarmingly, six per cent of people attributed MS to 'public health issues' such as obesity, poor diet, smoking or germs. Some respondents even thought MS led to brittle bones, bad teeth, phlegm and loss of appetite.

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly is supporting this year's MS Week and said: "As I have a relative with MS, I know from personal experience that there are myths and misconceptions which make life even tougher for people living with the condition.

"I would urge everyone to make an effort to find out what MS really means to those who have to live with it day in and day out."

Source
MS Society


www. medicalnewstoday .com/articles/147098.php

[Ufrustrated2]

wonder how many genereal neurologists have the same misconceptions thus prolonging a diagnosis/treatment?

[saveone]

Wow, it sure sinks in when I see it in black and white.  Although I  knew it is out there, the numbers amazed me.  Thanks for the eyeopener.

terry

[Erin0313]

  Thanks for another good one. I have trouble explaing things to some family members so I leave articles like this in the "powder room" etc. and if they get one piece of info or understanding that they didn't have before hooray!!!

Thanks again my motivated research friend

Hugs,
  Erin :)

[Lulu54]

thanks DV, another fine read.  you're right though, we already know this stuff inside and out.- Lu

[rendean]

Thanks for sharing the article. As a newbie to this arena, I find just how uninformed people really are concerning this condition.  Keep those articles coming......

Ren

[Quixotic1]

I almost popped a cork when last week I saw the new TV series, Lie to Me.  The mystery of the plot was solved when the hero saw a brief spasming of a man's face on a video.  He said, that spasming means the man (who was an active construction worker) had terminal MS.  He only had a few months (or years) to live.  I screamed at the TV.  I think the writers got ALS mixed up with MS, but it was awful to know that this was being said on a network program.  I keep meaning to write them and give them the what-for, but it wouldn't do any good.  The words were already said.

No wonder people come here so terrified!

An unacceptable number of doctors believe that we are all doomed to blindness and paralysis.  Why then use an expensive drug.  Also, if you have'nt gone blind yet, then you must not have MS.  Sheesh!

the numbers for the US on how many patients cared for by MS specialists, general neurologists, and primary care doctors are on DMDs is disturbing also.

Quix

[Eyesnlegs]

No wonder we have such a rough time in the UK with the cost sharing drug scheme - the drug companies obviously feel we are not worth it!!

The worst part about this is that as GPs know so little then often the 'patient' also has these misconceptions - I have to admit to not having a clue that my sx were MS for a very long time.   In spite of having a friend with MS who was dx at 26, in fact she suspected I had it before my GP, neuro or I did.

For example had I read the post I have just read on shaky legs last year mine would have been sorted sooner! The sx Quix described on that were the same sx I was treated for last year as an 'overuse injury'.

Great post doublevision1

Pat