How MS Patients Are Maintaining Their Mobility
- Despite the Odds
written by Daryl Clayton Kennedy
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The first recorded case of Multiple Sclerosis was in 1849.
Doctors can now only guess the "exact" number of individuals suffering from this debilitating disease.
Before I reveal this frightening number you may want to have a seat.
Somewhere Between 250,000 and 350,000 People in the U.S. Alone - And a Staggering Estimate of 2.3 Million Worldwide Have Been Touched by This Monster Disease.
The majority of MS patients are diagnosed with this chronic neurological beast while in their prime. This in itself is heart wrenching news. Early symptoms are usually reported in patients over the age of 15 and under the age of 60.
Keep in mind these two age groups represent the low and high ends of this spectrum. Symptoms are reported more frequently in the 20 to 40 year old age group.
These courageous souls suffer varying degrees of discomfort and mobility.
There are periods of remission followed by the unfortunate onset of relapse. These episodes of relapse and remission are known as relapsing-remitting MS and are commonly thought of as the beginning stages of Multiple Sclerosis.
The second stage of MS is called Primary-progressive MS. This stage is nothing short of pure misery for its victim. Primary-progressive MS can burst into a patients life with know warning and causes a gradual decline with little or more often - no period of remission.
It's in This and Later Stages That Things Get Ugly!
Muscle weakness
Pain
Spasticity
Tremors Fatigue
Vertigo
These are only a hand full of symptoms one can expect while battling this disease.
There is a Bright Side To All This... Multiple Sclerosis is Rarely Fatal.
Most people go on to live normal productive lives especially with the assistance of some much needed mobility devices.
Canes, three wheel scooters, power chairs, lift chairs - all these mobility aids are a perfect match for anyone fighting the late stages of MS.
Good News!
You'd think these devices would cost you a pretty penny - and guess what... they do, although YOU won't pay a dime for any of them because they're all covered by Medicare!
If you have any debilitating disorder that prevents you from working, walking, or performing your household duties you may qualify for government assistance through Medicare and or your private insurance plan.
This opens the doors of freedom for a great many MS patients. With these devices at your disposal for FREE - you can travel, play, and romp around with the best of them, and you'll do it in style!
The first thing you want to do is consult your physician and have he or she verify your qualifications for Medicare and supplement insurance assistance.
This is done through a series of questions you must answer regarding your symptoms, condition, and abilities. Once your doctor has given the green light you're ready to GO SHOPPING... only someone else picks up the bill.
Mobility Scooter or Power Chair?
With Medicare part (B) on your side and the vast recourses available online today - choosing the right device is a cinch.
You must first assess your range of movement.
Do you have sufficient upper body strength to manipulate the controls Where do you plan on using your new mobility device Do you travel allot What is your body type i.e. Large, Small, Medium, etc. Will you be using the device more indoors or outdoors These are things you must consider when shopping for a scooter or power chair.
Those individuals in the early stages of MS may do better with a scooter since the disease has not effected their movement in such a manner that leaves them almost bed ridden, which happens in sever cases.
You may wish to check out a few motor scooter reviews before making a final choice.
For those in advanced stages of Multiple Sclerosis a power chair is your best bet. They're easy to mount and dismount, they come in portable, heavy duty, and indoor versions - and last but not least, THEIR FREE with Medicare part (B) DME coverage - WoW!
In closing I'd like to say...
You don't have to be a slave to the crippling symptoms of this nasty
predator, remember what you have read here today! Go out and find as
much information on treating this disease as you can.
Educate yourself on alternative treatments and watch what you eat.
Your body is fighting this thing everyday - and there are lots of
smart people out there right now searching for a cure - and... THEY WILL
FIND IT!
About the Author: Daryl Clayton Kennedy is the owner of Net-Wize
Publishing, LLC and Editor of
disabled mobility scooter.com . He has written many health related
articles for a variety of websites and blogs as well as his own.