Tonight's chat

Thanks, Medhelp, for connecting us with Dr. Howard.  He covered a lot of questions during his hour with us.  I hope many of you had the chance to join the chat and learn a bit more.

In case you didn't catch it at the end of the chat, he gave his contact information where you can read his blog -http://www.healthline.com/health-experts/bio/jonathan-howard

As an aside, I was very impressed with the caliber of questions all of you asked.  It again affirms my belief that this is one of the smartest MS forums anywhere.

best, Lu

[Deb61]

I really do appreciate the chat with Dr. Howard and got a lot of really useful information, too.  I hope he comes back for a chat soon!

Thanks Dr. Howard and Medhelp!

Deb

[doublevision1]

I agree, this is one of the smartest MS forums, and also one of the kindest.  I can't believe how people tear into each other in some of the other forums I've seen.  This is a much more mature group.  We can respectfully disagree without throwing insults at each other.  Some sites are just unbelievable the way members address each other. I'm grateful and happy that I found this group early in my MS odyssey.

[supermum_ms]

boo hooo my question regarding sensory input didnt get answered, it seemed to focus a lot on the MRI or is that just me. What i was hoping we'd discuss is the difficulty some or a lot of us have whilst walking and what if anything (besides acceptance) could we do, hmmm looking for practicle applications. I understand the why but was looking for more about living with MS sx and none drug related ideas etc never mind it was still very good.

I think we were true to our collective forum behavior, smart and supportive, nothing bad to say about that lol I do wish i wasn't left with more questions though lol thats always my problem. please sir can I have some more? lol

Cheers.........JJ

[essdipity]

I have little knowledge of other sites' personalities.

Back in the day, pre-diagnosis, I researched a lot, but generally skipped the Google matches that turned out to be health forums. When I looked at them I saw a lot of whining and very little solid info. But I kept getting hits for MH and MS, and finally paid attention, because the information seemed to be good. This forum was just getting started, and Quix was answering many many posts. So were lots of other knowledgeable folks.

While I came for information, what intrigued me equally was the support. So many kind people! I was really hooked, and I stayed. Am still here, 3 years and 10 months later. I've made many friends, met a bunch of them in person, and spent a good while as a CL.

I have really no need for other MS forums. Once in a while I'll check some out. The big ones seem to have sub-forums for a lot of topics, but these seem sort of walled-off to me. I like it that we can see all the facets of MS in one place here.

So this is my tribute to MedHelp, and especially to all the wonderful members of the MS forum. Thank you for your knowledge, your friendship, your support and your humor. I appreciate you more than I can express.

ess

[Deb61]

I used to be on another forum, and it's true--this forum beats others hands-down.  I don't need the added stress in my life of the drama that often occurs in other forums.  Some of the exchange, although not with myself, is hateful and mean.  As an outsider, it would be a spectacle and quasi-entertaining much like watching the Jerry Springer show, but as an insider seeing people you've interacted with and get to know get hurt, it bites.  I wonder what kind of support you get or a benefit you get when you're sick from that?   Occasionally, will have a few spats on this forum, but this is pretty rare.  

Like ess says, the site is always listed when doing a search on a particular topic in Google or other search engines.  I've even found my own posts when I'm looking for a topic for research which gives me a chuckle.  

Additionally, having doctors speak and provide information is so incredible!  My question about cognitive problems/short term memory issues gave me lots of things to think about.  If you missed the chat, here's what he said in a nutshell:

- There's no magic memory pill.  Aricept was shown to not be all that beneficial for people with MS
- Depression can give cognitive/memory symptoms
- Take prescribed MS medicines (I assume DMD's)
- To help, get good sleep, keep the brain active, and  . . . forgot (sorry)
- The doctor prescribes Ritalin and Klonopin for his patients

I also learned some other things, which I hope others share.  I can't remember what it was off the top of my head.

[sllowe]

I thought it was a good chat too, though my questions weren't picked :( But, least he says he's accessible through his blog.

Was SO awesome to see our members get through though! And, good Q's all who did! Thought his responses were good too. Here are two that stand out to me because we discuss this so much:

twopack:
What explains a lack of disease progression visible on MRI despite progression of disability?

Jonathan Howard, MD:
As I said before, there is something called the "clinical radiographic paradox" where people can have worsening of their symptoms without MRI changes. This is most common in the later stages of the illness.  During the secondary progressive phase, disability slowly accumulates due to chronic injury to the nervous system.  There is rarely new inflammation, so the MRI does not change as much.

squinun:
In January 2011 my MRI showed new lesions but the only real "symptom" I had was a tightening of the thigh muscles when standing up, but the tightness would relax after a few seconds. My question is that are new lesions signs of MS progression or a flare-up?

Jonathan Howard, MD:
So the MRI often detects new lesions that have no clinical correlate.  Studies have shown that the MRI typically detects 5-10 times more lesions than a patient feels clinically.  This is one of the reasons doctors are reluctant to diagnosis MS in people with a normal MRI.

We ask over, and over again we hear "why" does the doctor take this wait and see approach? Well, after reading this above response, we have at least one piece of the wait and see puzzle.

Well done all with your questions, and thanks to Medhelp for providing the doctor, and thanks to the doctor for putting himself out there for questions!

-Shell