A Look at Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Written by Ann Pietrangelo on January 8th, 2009 in Family, In The News, Linked Articles, Symptoms.
Pediatric multiple sclerosis. Now there’s a phrase you don’t hear every day. But, sadly, it does exist.
MS, for all its variations and symptoms that come and go, is an extremely difficult disease to confirm in any case. Because MS is most often diagnosed in people over the age of 30, pediatricians generally do not look for symptoms in children. Early signs of MS can be vague enough and fleeting enough that they can easily be dismissed by both parents and doctors.
Knowing what I know about living with MS, my heart goes out to these children and their families. They need our support and encouragement for the long road ahead. It is for these children, and for those yet born, that we must press on with MS research.
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January 8th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Hi there
Hope your okay, came to enjoy your good reads. Yes, I can agree with you on this. I have looked back and realized that I’ve had lupus since a child. It was just not addressed as a child so It makes me wonder if it was would I be better of today or would I still be in the same boat of lupus insanity. I know that I had the vitamin D deficiency for at least 13 years before I was diagnosed. The nurse was screaming at me for not answering her phone call. Well come to find out vitamin D deficiency can be deadly as mine was critical. Geez just can’t win.
January 8th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Hey, haven’t “seen” you in awhile! So busy with the holidays and all.
It makes sense that Lupus, which is very similar to MS, would also be difficult to diagnose in children. And doctors would probably not be on the lookout for it, either.
Thanks for the info on Vitamin D — I never realized that it could be deadly! I sure have learned a lot these past few years.
Wishing you all the best in 2009!
Hey, readers — be sure to check out Chronic Chick’s blog!
January 8th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
It’s nice to know that someone realizes that MS does affect children. My daughter was 13 when she was diagnosed. It was devistating to say the least. She is 15 now and has tried numerous medications…..who know’s which one will keep her relapse free??? Very frustrating and disappointing. We need a cure now for everyone suffering from the disease. It just doesn’t get enough attention. Why is that????????? I have told her take vitamin D since she was diagnosed. It can’t hurt. My daughter’s way of dealing with this is to raise awareness for pediatric MS. She is doing a good job but we always need more.
Good luck to you and the best of health for 2009!
January 8th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
My heart goes out to you and your daughter. She’s so young to have to deal with MS. I’m glad that she is trying to raise awareness. I will also try to bring this topic up more often. These children need our support!
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your story.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Mandy,
Excellent entry!
Caregivingly Yours,
Patrick
http://caregivinglyyours.blogspot.com/
January 9th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Mandy, you already know what I think of your article. Absolutely great!
Like Chronic Chick, I’ve had extreme vitamin-D deficiency too. Just in September my levels measured 7.8 ngol, when “normal is 32-100 ngol. In autoimmune diseases such as MS, it really is recommended to be 60+ ngol. I’ve been taking prescription D supplements, as well as 2000UL OTC supplements. It’s a little too soon to see what I’m up to, but hopefully next round of blood tests. We’ll see.
Also, so glad to see Rena’s comment. I would love to profile her daughter for Brass and Ivory and help her spread awareness. The know that is known about it, the more understanding and acceptance there can be.
Thanks for all you continue to do,
Lisa
January 9th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
That’s interesting about the Vitamin D. I don’t recall any doctor ever mentioning my levels to me. That’s something I need to look into.
Rena, if you’re reading this and would like to speak with Lisa about a profile on your daughter, email me: mandycane@comcast.net. I will put you in touch.
Thanks.