To meet this population's needs, educational and advocacy groups are providing more support than ever. An informational seminar on MS research is planned next month at Baker College, and the University of Michigan-Flint is studying the effects of relaxation techniques on muscle flexibility. Mo. During those weeks, people with MS will learn what to expect from the illness, how to manage symptoms and what resources are available, said Gaylyn Close, Hurley fitness and testing specialist. Shoen, whose first symptoms of MS were a tingling and pain in his arms, let the water support him as he stroked and glided in the pool, experiencing a freedom that he never has on land. People might immediately become immobile, or have flare-ups that affect them for weeks or months, and then disappear, sometimes for years.
Drugs help manage the symptoms, but there is no cure.
In fact the drugs Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone work so well that last year, the National MS Society recommended that doctors begin patients on one or a combination of the drugs as soon as a diagnosis is confirmed. Research shows that the drugs prevent nerve damage in the brain that occurs even when the person feels normal. But she said that does not mean that there is nothing she can do to make her life easier. The class is open to anyone and on Tuesdays is adapted for MS patients. Participants said they notice the difference if the class is canceled because their muscles grow more tense.