Multiple sclerosis is a wacky disease. Ask anyone battling it. The constellation of possible MS symptoms is baffling to contemplate. Experientially, MS brings a host of surprises, as the MSer’s body seems to betray him or her in all sorts of surprising (and seemingly unrelated) ways.
Vision disturbances can crop up. A limb may go numb for a
while or longer. Incontinence may sink in. Spasticity might strike. Walking can
become difficult. Vertigo could stop by for a spin. Fatigue might suddenly become
overwhelming.
Once diagnosed, we find it’s easy to blame all sorts of health complaints on MS. On the other hand, MSers can be prone to several other illnesses and complications. That’s called comorbidity.
What are the most
frequently found comorbidities
with MS?
Here’s a garden variety:
- anxiety
- arthritis
- asthmatic bronchitis
- cardiovascular disease
- chronic lung disease
- cognitive/memory issues
- deep vein thrombosis
- depression
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
- inflammatory bowel disease
- migraines
- obesity
- psoriasis
- sleep issues
- stroke
- thyroid disorders
- urinary tract infections
- and more.
In many instances, medical experts aren’t altogether sure whether MS causes a certain comorbidity or vice-versa. For example, MS can cause a person to live a more sedentary lifestyle, which could lead to (or aggravate) blood pressure issues, diabetes, heart or lung disease, obesity, and other ailments.
Additionally, comorbidities may arise together, perhaps randomly.
And lots of medical conditions share symptoms, so it may be difficult to
pinpoint whether a symptom stems from MS or from an existing comorbidity.
Comorbidities can also delay and complicate a person’s initial diagnosis of MS, as symptoms of other conditions may mask MS’ appearance. They can also make MS treatment more difficult to manage and may even set the stage for MS to progress faster in some patients.
It’s a crazy world out there, especially with the
less-than-pleasant bonus of comorbidities with MS.
Related items:
- Ain't nothin' pseudo about a pseudo-exacerbation.
- Just in case: 10 top items to pack for a hospital stay
- Managing chronic illness can mean redefining goals.
- Maybe MS has taught me something, after all.
- MS is like the cancellation disease.
Image/s: Public domain photo and user-created word-graphic
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