Well this is just an update - my husband's diagnosis has changed towards MS.
And hmmm ... now I read about MS potential stigma - well I guess it's just
a little too late to worry about that now.
I do submit in response however, that according to our neuro TM drugs and
treatments virtually shadow MS therapies .. sooo I don't think it will
ultimately matter much to our health insurance company what TITLE is
attached to the diagnosis - I figure its more simple ( cut and dried ) than
that ... their concerns are the bottom line $$$ being expended.
And basically any way you want to look at it, regardless of what you
call it - either way ( TM or MS or in between ) they are expensive health
conditions.
So we plan to keep insurance premiums paid up promptly and keep
fingers crossed that the insurance company refrains from going bellyup !
Last week- we started Betaseron injections ( every 48 hours )
One month's supply will cost $990.00! ( And I am not real
good at giving these shots yet .. but my husband is patient and I am
determined ! )
In the meantime - I don't intend to worry about anymore bridges to cross ..
until I get to them !
< smile >
I am no doctor ... but here are some of my notes :
Current theories are that both TM and MS are triggered by viruses.
Viruses are normally dealt with via our immune system using white blood cells -
"b" cells and "t" cells.
It just so happens that the amino acid protein structure of viruses - (cold
viruses etc.) is very similiar to the amino acid protein structure of the
myelin sheath that covers the spinal cord.
Normally there is no crossover between the blood system and central nervous
system ... however in it's attempt to rid the body of the VIRUS .. sometimes
the immune system signal gets confused and chemical reactions take place
which permit a cross over of T cells !
The same T cells which did a good job in the blood stream to kill the virus
- now become the bad guys in the WRONG place - within the CNS - where they
end up attacking good myelin in error !
TM lesions are supposed to be confined to the spinal cord.
MS lesions are found in the brain as well.
So many puzzle pieces ...
But I can't help but notice all the news everyday about new medical
findings regarding the immune system. It's exciting and fact is , as much
as it irks me that HIV/AIDS has garnered so much more political and monetary
clout - versus other diseases - research forthcoming from their study of the
immune system may well benefit us all.
I hope so.
Anyone else want to add to this ?
Best Regards,
Cathy