MS Post 3

I was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) in June 2009. Since that time I have read a lot of information about all four types of MS. The numbers I've read for all these years have been that there are 800,000 people in the US afflicted by MS. 2.5 million worldwide. For some reason most are in the northern hemisphere and not near the equator at all. Of course no one knows why.
Of these 800,000 in the US about 80% have the Relapsing Remitting type. Some are lightly afflicted Ike met Romney's wife. Some are severely affected like Montel Williams and others. They say that about 10% have my type. So makes about 8000 people in the US. My type is very difficult and there are no treatments. Part of why is that is pretty advanced before any symptoms show up. I can look back as far as 1999 and recognize some early symptoms that I just attributed to getting older or working out too much.
Back to the numbers all. Most of the 800,000 have relapsing remitting type. Of these 50% of them will develop what is called Secondary Progressive which like mine as no real treatments. It acts similar to mine but the symptoms usually are not as pronounced as mine. Many walk with canes and if you end up in wheelchairs but it is not considered as severe as mine. For whatever reason, no one knows, my case has had extreme symptoms progression that was not expected by the doctor or myself. Everything I read online supports what the doctor told me. Most of the people I know that have my type are about my age but most are still walking or using a cane, walker or in some rare cases use the power chair but can still get out and walk a little bit.
So these are some of the numbers I've heard over the years.
In 2009 I could still drive and work. I joined an MS support group that meets at Mercy Hospital and met some beautiful people and a couple of people who had really bad attitudes. Of course I miss the wonderful people because I can get to the meetings anymore because I don't drive. While I was there I met one young man with the fourth type of MS that combines the worst of progressive and relapsing in one and affects younger people. It is rare and his name is Justin. He is one of the beautiful people that I met and I find him inspiring. He was only 17 when he was diagnosed and if anybody should be bitter it would be him. But he has a wonderful spirit and a very good attitude. I hope this doesn't sound too weird but I have a brotherly love for this young man that I have for no one else. He celebrates every small victory he has over MS and keeps walking as much is he can as long as he can.
I'm not sure of the percentage of people who get this type but I'm told it is very rare. He can be treated for the relapsing portion of the disease and had regular treatments of a drug called Tysabri. It seems room as posts that this help and I wish him the best.
This is all I have energy for today I will sign off and thank you again for reading my post.