Welcome to MS Gets on My Nerves!

 
   This is me holding granddaughter Olivia  at church, Easter 2006. 
 
My name is Francine Morrow Keehnel. I have MS, Multiple Sclerosis, one of over 80 conditions classified as autoimmune diseases. MS attacks the central nervous system (CNS), causing demyelination. 

   WHAT ON EARTH DOES THAT MEAN?
 Simply, it's like a terrorist attacking the command center at your personal Grand Central Station  every day!  You never know exactly what will (or won't) happen.  The effects of the disease can be devastating, so it’s important to keep positive coping mechanisms fine tuned. 

  At my online Health Spa, Chez François, I offer Faith Lifts and Funny Bone Massages,  including inspirational poetry, stories, humorous anecdotes and links to comedy sites.  You'll find helpful products and information by clicking the MS Links and Helps button.

HOW DOES MS WORK in the human body?

We were created with a protective, fatty sheath composed of a substance called myelin which surrounds the entire CNS, both the brain and spinal cord, keeping it calm and running smoothly.  The myelin is like the coating on a bundle of electrical wires (in the case of MS, these wires would be the axons).  When MS strikes,  it causes the body's immune system to be hyperactive and mistakenly attack itself at the axonal level, hence the term "autoimmune"  to categorize the disease.  The attacks will leave many scars, or multiple sclerosis called plaques on the myelin. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used not only to help diagnose but also to track the progression of MS, since the scars "light up" and become visible with the aid of an intravenously injected contrast medium.

MS exacerbations or attacks can be likened to one or more rats chewing on the coating of the electrical cord and causing it to short out at random, so the CNS signals do not reach their intended destination, but are diverted or stopped altogether.  These attacks or exacerbations have the element of an unwelcome surprise guest and tend to be fairly unpredictable.  The resulting degrees of disability from exacerbations may be temporary or they may be permanent in nature.  Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
  • Numbness and/or Tingling in Limbs, or anywhere in the body, for that matter (how about numb lips and nose?)
  • Sensitivity to Heat and/or Cold
  • A Feeling of Tight, Constricting Bands, generally around the mid-section/torso, that can also appear at random in other places
  • Blurred or Double Vision; and in some cases, what is most often a temporary (partial or complete) Loss of Vision
  • Dizziness, Clumsiness, Balance and Coordination problems
  • Pain... goes without saying - strikes without warning and at random.  See your doctor if pain persists, despite your usual measures to treat it.
  • Change in Gait, Difficulty Walking
  • Bowel/Bladder problems - also random and different from person to person.  May include "surprise" attacks of incontinence or the exact opposite; the inability to urinate on your own and/or severe constipation
  • Cognitive Disorders - Difficulty with Memory, Thinking or Attention.  I call it the "Fuzzhead Syndrome"
  • Muscle Spasms - can occur anywhere, any time
  • Fatigue (a seemingly inexhaustible supply.  Grrr!!!)
  • Sexual Dysfunction - an equal opportunity symptom
  • If I forgot anything, my faithful supporters will surely let me know... if they can remember.  (Little joke there!)
  • Click the MS Links and Helps button on the top left corner of this page to find more information and assistance
MS is different for each person, but there are thought to be five types of MS identifiable for diagnosis.  These include:
  • Relapsing-remitting MS, which may appear as episodes of acute exacerbation when one or more of the symptoms mentioned above will come and go at random.  The patient generally recovers some or most of their prior level of function.
  • Secondary-progressive MS happens when people with Relapsing-remitting MS begin to progress between attacks or after they stop having attacks.
  • Primary-progressive MS starts without attacks and usually is diagnosed between ages 40 to 60.
  • Progressive-relapsing MS demonstrates progression of the disease from the onset, but with occasional attacks.
  • Benign MS presents itself by nearly complete or complete recovery following each attack, with little or no progression of symptoms or loss of function after several years duration.
Each individual's course with MS is personal and unique, as each Central Nervous System is hardwired specifically for that person.  If you believe you may have MS, track and document a thorough list of your symptoms over a period of several months.  Bring your list and any questions you may have when you see your physician for a diagnostic workup. 
  • Knowledge is power!
  • Utilize your library, phone directory, web browser and other tools to locate the nearest Multiple Sclerosis Society.   Search for information, meetings, doctors, clinics and specialists in your county, state, province or country.
  • Ask your primary care physician and trusted family/friends for referrals to a good neurologist. 
  • Don't be shy about switching to another doctor if you are not satisfied with the level of health care you are receiving. 
  • If you or a loved one receives a diagnosis of MS, this is for the REST OF YOUR LIFE.  Don't simply REact. Instead be PROactive! 
Studies have shown that one's quality of life actually improves with solid, well grounded faith, laughter, good communication, trustworthy healthcare, reliable information and someone to lean on.  

Don't forget your family and friends on this journey!  Keep them informed and aware of what is happening in your life. Engage them in helping you battle MS through education, research, volunteerism, donations and pledges and activities as we go forward together and do whatever we can to conquer the MonSter.  

Coming Soon...


 
   Arriving Summer 2007!
   Links to custom jewelry, original poetry, artwork & cartoons, terrific T's and marvelous mugs. 
 

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Don't Let Fatigue Weigh You Down  

Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28


He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.  Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.  Isaiah 40:29-31

Kids R Funny!




HOW'S THAT FOR VOICE RECOGNITION?

Our daughter Jennifer, who had never lived away from home, was seven years old and explaining how she understood us and knew our voices better than anyone else in her world, including her teachers at school, her friends, etc.  She thought for a moment and said authoritatively, “Of course I know all your guys voices better!  I’ve lived with you guys almost all my life!”

FOR THE BIRDS

One night at the dinner table when the children were young, we were playing a game of “Twenty Questions” and it was my turn.  The girls were guessing wildly in the general direction of the animal kingdom when Jennifer finally queried, “Is it the bird kingdom?”
I looked directly at her and said, “Bingo!”
Obviously excited, she shouted, “Flamingo?!?”


MEMORY VERSES

Our daughter Stephanie was four-and-a-half years old and learning a memory verse for her Cubbies class at AWANA.  She quoted John 14:3 in the following manner to me as we prepared for our Wednesday night meeting.  “For if I know, I will repair a place for you,  I will come again and receive you unto myself.  For if I am there, you may be also. John 4:10 and 3.”