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Couple inspires others with
progressive forms of multiple sclerosis
More than 20 years ago, as Jennifer
Digmann focused on completing her
coursework and graduating from college,
she began experiencing numbness
in her hands and feet and eventually double
vision.
After several visits to her primary care
doctor, an ophthalmologist and finally a
neurologist, she received the diagnosis:
multiple sclerosis (MS).
Today, Jennifer lives with a progressive
form of MS, a chronic disease that often
strikes in the prime of life, has no cure and
is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability
in young adults. Progressive forms
of MS are the most debilitating. Like others
who are affected, Jennifer’s symptoms
have continued to worsen over time and
her level of disability has increased.
Approximately 400,000 people in the
U.S. are living with MS, according to
the Multiple Sclerosis Association of
America. Up to 15 percent are diagnosed
with a progressive form of the disease
(called Primary Progressive MS),
and the majority of those diagnosed with
Relapsing MS will transition to a progressive
form later in life, according to the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
For Jennifer, handling her sadness and
fear and accepting her diagnosis was
almost as challenging as her symptoms.
People living with progressive forms of
MS tend to experience more difficulties
with walking and remaining in the workforce,
and they require more assistance
with everyday activities, according to the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Progressive forms of MS remain frustratingly
difficult to treat, primarily
because doctors do not fully understand
why the disease progresses. Also, many
clinical trials for new medicines have
been unsuccessful. More research is needed
to better understand the underlying
biology driving this condition, as well as
to develop additional treatment options.
On March 28, 2018, the first ever
Progressive MS Day was celebrated by
several MS advocacy groups and state
governments around the country. This
annual day of awareness was created with
the goal of recognizing people living with
progressive forms of MS, offering support,
highlighting resources, programs
and services, and, most importantly, calling
for further research to advance their
care and reduce disability.
Jennifer and her husband, Dan, who
himself lives with Relapsing MS, count
themselves among the most enthusiastic
supporters of Progressive MS Day. As
a couple, the Digmanns have dedicated
their lives to inspiring and helping others
living with MS by sharing their own experiences
and perspectives through their
blog and radio show.
“My life is not perfect always, but it’s
pretty darn good. This disease, my multiple
sclerosis, doesn’t hold me back,” says
Jennifer.
Seeing the challenges that Jennifer
faces with her condition made Dan excited
about Progressive MS Day. “Finally,
there’s something for people with the
progressive forms of MS. Now, hopefully,
that opens the door for more awareness
and resources, and that’s why a day like
this is pivotal,” says Dan.
Courtesy BPT
health