Lauren Parrott

What is MS?

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-is-ms/index.aspx

• Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.
• Your immune system is what fights diseases, so autoimmune basically means that the immune, or protective shield, response of organisms in your body works against its own tissues.
• The central nervous system consists of your brain and spinal chord.
• That's why when you're getting tested for MS, different tests are done to check your cereobrospinal fluid - it is a clear liquid produced in the ventricles of the brain and it fills and protects cavities in the brain and spinal cord.
• I was given an MRI and a spinal tap, (the brain and spinal chord).
• Myelin is white fatty tissue that forms a sheath around your nerve fibers and spinal chord to protect your cells.  In MS patients, there is damage to the myelin because of an abnormal response from the body's immune system.
• Many people, including myself, initally confuse Multiple Sclerosis with Muscular Dystrophy - they are 2 entirely different diseases.  Muscular Dystrophy is a hereditary disease characterized by the deterioration of muscles which are replaced by scar tissue.

How does MS affect the people you are connected to? 

• Parents - It is such devastating news to hear about your child, but being supportive is the best thing you can do.  STAY POSITIVE and keep a sense of humor!
• Siblings - Again, being supportive and helping your sibling as much as you can is the best thing to do.  STAY POSITIVE and keep a sense of humor!
• Partner - If you truly care about the person that you're in a relationship with, news like this won't change anything.  It's hard but you get through it together.  STAY POSITIVE and keep a sense of humor! 
• Friends - True friends will be there for you no matter what.  They won't criticize or judge.  If people do, stay away from them!  STAY POSITIVE and keep a sense of humor!

Informational Links

1.  National MS Soceity

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=hom_gen_homepage

2.  Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

http://www.msfacts.org/

3.  MS Society - UK

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/ 

4.  Mayo Clinic - CFS info.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/DS00395)     

5. Touched By MS

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Touched-by-MS/23998745800

6. MS Society - 100 Strong

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?team_id=101471&fr_id=8445&pg=team&JServSessionIdr004=8tto5gxyf1.app306a

Anthony's Websites

1.  www.businesswithcents.com

2.  www.podomatic.com

    -  Go To:  Podcasts, Business, businesswithcents

3.  www.iTunes.com

My diagnosis

When I was 16 years old, my very close cousin, Adam, was killed in a car accident.  I was extremely devasted.  After his death, I noticed that I couldn't run anymore because my left foot would drag on the ground.  Then my hair started falling out, I got cysts on my face and my body changed from a teenager to a woman overnight it seemed.  After visiting 2 different orthopedic doctors, I finally went to a neurologist.  I had an MRI and a spinal tap and that proved that I had MS.  5 days later I had to sing the National Anthem by myself and deliver a speech at my high school graduation.  No one except my parents, Joel and Anthony knew for months.