MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS or in short, "MS", is a chronic inflammatory
disease of the central nervous system. It affects those between the
20-40 age group and is more common among females.
And although it is rare in Malaysia - and Asia - it is one of the leading causes of disability in the young.
It affects the nervous system which gradually impacts the whole body.
There is currently no known cure for the disease because the exact
cause of MS remains unknown in the world of science and medicine.
The good news, however, is that the condition is treatable.
Proper diagnosis and medication can effectively slow down MS'
progression and ease its symptoms – resulting in a higher quality of
life for those who have it.
The common symptoms are blurring of vision, double vision, numbness
and weakness of hands and legs, speech difficulty, bowel and bladder
symptoms, memory problem, unsteadiness in walking.
An individual could have an attack and the symptoms may resolve partially or completely over weeks or months.
These attacks or symptoms could occur again at a different time.
It is essential that one see a doctor early for diagnosis and
treatment. Repeated attacks could result in repeated scar formation and
hence resulting in disability.
Starting treatment early will ensure people with multiple sclerosis
either remain free of disability or the need to be in a wheelchair is
delayed.
KC, (not her real name), 29, has been living with multiple sclerosis
since the age of 21. She had her first symptom on Merdeka Day nine years
ago.
KC noticed that her right side of her entire body had suddenly gone numb and weak so much so she was unable to lift her hand.
She didn't know what had happened to her until various tests were
conducted at the government hospital. Weeks later it was finally
confirmed that she had MS.
Although the doctor who broke the news to her warned KC that her life
was about to embark on a "completely different journey in life," she
just shrugged it off as a horrible nightmare in a fairy tale book -
thinking that she could get on with life as before and continue as
normal with her studies.
However, the ugly and insidious disease began to wreak havoc within a few weeks.
KC had a number of relapses. Despite getting some of the best and
latest medications in town from her doctors, the MS patient ended up in a
wheelchair.
She also lost her sight in both her eyes. The situation required her
to become dependent on others for everything. KC needed help in daily
living chores such as to get in and out of her bed and to the bathroom,
bathing, dressing up and more.
Fortunately, she had her parents to assist her. But now, they are
getting old and find it increasingly hard to help her physically.
KC has no choice but to listen to the radio to pass her time. She
occasionally gets to go out when her friends stop by and invite her to
the mall for dinner.
Despite such a predicament, KC remains cheerful and optimistic that
things will one day start looking positive for her again with the
government's help.
When someone becomes handicapped either in a wheelchair or bedridden
because of MS, it shuts down most of the opportunities for them, such as
academic qualification, loss of income and an impaired quality of life.
Other social issues come into play which adds further burden to an individual and their caregivers.
However, with proper support and care, there is no need why persons with MS can't have a good quality of life.
What is needed for them is access to early and appropriate treatment to healthcare workers and hospitals.
Experts say management and treatment consists of an acute attack
where steroids are given either in the hospital or daily as outpatient.
This helps reduce the severity of the illness or for early recovery.
The rate of recovery can vary from individual to individual.
The long term treatment are aimed at reducing the frequency or number
of attacks. This invariably reduces disability of needing a wheelchair
or bedbound and ensures a patient is ambulant.
A healthcare official who has wide experience working with MS
patients says the long-term treatment currently available in Malaysia
are the Interferon group of drugs taken orally like "Natalizumab",
"Fingolimod" and a few other immunosuppressant's used with the approval
of the director general of health.
However, the cost of these treatments are between RM3500 to RM10,000 per month.
These medications are expensive for an average Malaysian to pay out
of their pocket. Employers may not be able to cover these expenses too.
Insurance agencies may find it difficult to cover the medical bills long term which may result in treatment interruption.
Currently, most people with MS are obtaining their drugs from government hospitals.
However, in view of the cost, not all patients will have these drugs available to them.
The social welfare department has been aiding some patients in
government hospitals. They may withhold support for these patients soon.
Activists who work in support for Malaysians with MS have urged the
government and various agencies to support the MS cause by ensuring that
all MS patients in the country are able to get full funding for all
treatment related to MS.
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