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MS
WITH
ISSUE #4
|
2015
LIVING WELL
A
PUBLICATION
FOR PATIENTS WITH
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
FALL PREVENTION
UPCOMING EVENTS
OCT
07
Dinner Talk sponsored by
Genzyme
6:30PM at Kahill’s Restaurant, South Sioux
City - Speaker will be Meghan Kinnetz, NP.
Please RSVP by calling 866-703-6293 or email
[email protected].
10
MS Support Group Meeting
20
Dinner Talk sponsored by Teva
10
Dinner Talk sponsored by
EMD Serono
NOV 2015
CNOS Holiday Decoration
and Wreath Fundraiser
OCT
MS 101
Healthcare is a complex world, especially for those who have
otherwise been in good health, and MS can be a complicated disease.
MS 101, breaks down key concepts in MS care, to help you and your
doctor communicate on the same level and improve your care!
Cooler weather, children going back to school and falling leaves are part
of the Fall season. However, they also herald snow and icy conditions,
which may increase the risk of falls. Falls can not only be embarrassing,
but in some cases can result in serious injury such as a concussion or
broken bone. Many individuals with multiple sclerosis have symptoms
such as loss of sensation, weakness, imbalance, spasticity, muscle
fatigue and/or vertigo which worsen walking stability. Some medications
may help to minimize MS symptoms such as spasticity or pain, which
may contribute to falls. Also be aware that dizziness is a common
side effect of many commonly used medications. Physical therapy
aimed at gait and balance
training, and instruction on a
safe home exercise program can
dramatically improve stability
and reduce fall risk. Yoga, Tai
MS 101
Chi and many other exercise
UPCOMING EVENTS
programs can also improve
balance. Use of assistive devices
RESOURCES
(such as a brace, cane or walker)
SPOTLIGHT
can also help to improve walking.
If you have had recent falls or
MS TREATMENT AND
have a fear of falling, talk to your
RESEARCH UPDATES
health care provider about ways
CNOS CLINIC UPDATES
to minimize your fall risk!
Q AND A
CONTENTS
10AM at CNOS in Dakota Dunes (please use side
entrance) - Join us for an informal meeting designed
for MS patients and their significant others! Group
meets every other month on the second Saturday.
Light refreshments provided. No support group in
December due to holidays.
OCT
4:30PM at Red Steakhouse, One East Main St.,
Vermillion, SD - Speaker will be Dr. Hartman.
NOV
6PM at Bev’s on the River, Sioux City - Speaker will
be Dr. Hartman.
CNOS, Dakota Dunes Lobby - This annual event
helps raise funds for the MS Exercise Program at the
Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA. Bidding is open to everyone.
APR 2016
Young & Newly Diagnosed
(Y&N) MS Educational Event
Details TBD - A patient’s first year after a MS
diagnosis can be challenging. We welcome these
patients to attend this twice yearly meeting. Friends
and family are also welcome. Appetizers provided.
ONGOING
MS Exercise Class
Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA in South Sioux City, NE
PREVENTION | DIAGNOSIS | TRE ATMENT
Bones, Joints, Muscles, N er ves, Brain
IMPROVING HEALTH
605.217.2667
cnos.net
RESOURCES SPOTLIGHT
The International Progressive MS Alliance is a collaborative effort to end progressive
MS. It’s priorities include a better understanding of progressive MS, helping to develop
and test potential therapies, and to improve symptom management of progressive MS.
Learn more about their efforts and research at: progressivemsalliance.org.
MS TREATMENT AND RESEARCH UPDATES
The brain infection Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) caused by the JC Virus has been found in a
small number of MS patients treated with Tecfidera who
have low numbers of lymphocytes (a type of white blood
cell) and in patients on Gilenya. PML is a known possible
risk with Tysabri treatment.
A recent French study in Progressive MS patients
suggests that high-dose supplementation with Biotin
(Vitamin B7) may help some progressive MS patients
to stabilize or even improve.
Reassuringly, no significant side effects have been noted with use
of Biotin supplements. Biotin is believed to benefit MS patients by
antioxidant effects on the brain. Further research is needed to verify
the possible benefit and ideal dose of Biotin.
CNOS CLINIC UPDATES
THE CNOS CLINIC FAMILY IS EXPANDING!
Dr. Hartman will be having a baby in
December. Please rest assured that if you
have any concerns during her maternity
leave, you should call Dr. Hartman’s
nurse Becky.
Doctors; Andrews, Case, Grudem and
He will be available to evaluate any MSrelated or other neurology issues you
may have.
About 50% of individuals have
had exposure to the JC Virus and
could be at risk if taking Tysabri,
Tecfidera or Gilenya. The overall
risk of PML in MS patients on
these medications remains low
(less than 1:1000 or 0.1%). Talk to
your Neurologist about your risk
and keep up with recommended
laboratory monitoring while on
MS medications.
Q AND A
Question:
I am having difficulty affording my MS
medications, can you help?
Answer:
Yes! We can help. Call and talk to your
Neurologist’s nurse (605-217-2667). We often
have samples to make sure you don’t run out
of medications, plus we can trouble shoot
insurance issues and get you in touch with
financial assistance programs. All of the MS
pharmaceutical companies have financial
assistance available, and many MS patients
do not have any out of pocket expense due to
assistance programs. Call us if you are having
problems with affording your medication or
navigating the complicated insurance and
specialty pharmacy maze. We want to help you
stay on medication to keep MS under control!
STAY CONNECTED
To access LIVING WELL WITH MS online
or for additional information:
“Like” CNOS on Facebook or visit cnos.net
PREVENTION | DIAGNOSIS | TRE ATMENT
Bones, Joints, Muscles, N er ves, Brain
IMPROVING HEALTH
605.217.2667
cnos.net