Living with Multiple Sclerosis - MS and Genetics

[momicajack]

Hi Lauren, I'm Monica &I have MS. (Lol sounds like an AAA group admission!) I like cool weather, but at the same time, I've always loved hot baths - very hot - to sit in the tub & read a book. I also always loved hot tubs at the gym & used to love visiting the beach & soaking up sun.  I just never knew about this until I was 46 (4 years ago). Now they tell me to avoid heat. I honestly havent noticed anything occuring after taking a hot bath, but I haven't done that in a long while. I miss it.

[laurenvparrott]

@momicajack Hi Monica!! I know what you mean. I would say to avoid excessive heat...like not taking a 2 hour bath, or not sitting in the sun ALL DAY...things like that. I'm glad you haven't noticed anything bad occuring! I hope you;re doing well!

Lauren.

[Gimlifusion]

We are having an unseasonly warm January the temperature is around melting and here I am pretending that I am happy about it. What I really want is for the temperature to go down about 20 degrees with a whole load of snow about 20 cm (In Canada) of snow. Unnatural isn't it. Other people are rushing to go south and I want to go north.

[laurenvparrott]

@Gimlifusion Wow, I totally understand!! I like the cooler weather! I think we are a minority but I couldn't agree with you more!!

[DaveYognaught33]

my mum has it :'(

[laurenvparrott]

@DaveYognaught33 I hope she is doing well!!

[Gimlifusion]

Hi Lauren I live in Manitoba Canada, because of my MS I dislike the heat of summer I prefer winter. For me the worst of MS is #1 the pain #2 the fatigue.

[laurenvparrott]

@Gimlifusion Hello! I agree with you - I prefer cold weather over hot weather because of the fatigue! I hope you are doing well!

[Gimlifusion]

@laurenvparrott

Yes I am doing well I would be better if a cure was found (like most of us). I like to take a nap in the morning after the nap I do some housework then I like to go for a walk. I like winter except if it goes beyond -40 which it doesn't go there that often. How are you doing?

[laurenvparrott]

@Gimlifusion I am doing well...it is cooler outside and that means I can actually get around ok. Iove doing the things that you're doing! Naps, walks...they are wonderful! I hope you are enjoying the new year!!

[tigger93ify]

Hi Lauren, my name is Rachel and I will be 18 in 4 days and I was dianosed with MS 3 months ago and I have 3 sister and 2 brothers and they don't have MS and niether of my parents do. So I was wondering if you had any ideas on how we would get it???

[laurenvparrott]

@tigger93ify Hi Rachel! I was 18 when I was diagnosed and NO ONE in my family has MS. According to the article that I read, it is possible that there is a genetic link (and it could be from generations and generations ago), it could be environmental, and really, it could be from anything. That is the most frustrating thing...that is a question that cannot be answered - yet! I keep hoping for the best! I wish you well and please write to me anytime!!!

[vancouverislandbass]

I WILL NOT STOP UNTIL EVERYONE KNOWS THE TRUTH!!!

The doctor is keeping you sick.

If you STOP going and get a metal test and detox... you will never need to spend money on any pills ever again and can start living again!

[vancouverislandbass]

Hello Everyone. I'm here to report with joy that none of you have MS! :)

All you have to do to change your life is visit a wellness centre and have them do a test for ALL HEAVY METALS in your body. You will be shocked at the test results.

They say EVERY human has metals in their body. You can't avoid them.

Once the mercury, aluminum, and tin are out of you along with all other heavy metals you will feel like a new person and be cured of MS within days. I swear this on my own life!

[tboy221]

hi lauren. im dave and kinda afraid of MS but i dont quite accept MS as my diagnosis. i think that if i had another relapse of symptoms i might accept it. i see your videos and noticed that you seem quite happy. i wish i can share your enthusiasm. i put an orange ribbonon my page for support. my dr said that heat can cause MS flare-ups. what do you know about this?

[laurenvparrott]

@tboy221 Hi Dave! I was diagnosed with MS in 2002, so I've had quite some time to accept it! You will be happy, just give it time. Heat doesn't affect everyone with MS, but it DEFINITELY affects me! Basically, what happens is that when it's really hot outside, I feel like a wet noodle. I have trouble functioning because the heat takes my energy away. It doesn't necessarily cause a relapse, but I don't function well in the heat. I wish you the best!

[itsstillfriday]

Very interesting!! ... I really admire your curiosity....!!! I've often wondered too about those variables outside of genetics that can trigger MS symptoms in people.... For instance I once heard that Richard Prior's drug use may have further propelled his MS symptoms... Ive always wondered if this is true, or not...??

[laurenvparrott]

@itsstillfriday Thank you for your comment! I wonder if drugs further propelled Richard Prior's MS symptoms? I have no idea...it's something to think about. I hope you are doing well!

[sherokpazoor]

oh yes, i saw that elliptical vid, that is something different, i want to see yu jump & stuff.

[sherokpazoor]

hi lauren, As i was watching the vid i begin to wonder (how does she walk, how does she run, how does hopp/jump, can she balance, etc can yu make a vid doing all that? (waiting 4 ur positive reply egarly)

[laurenvparrott]

@sherokpazoor Oh gosh, I can try. I've made a video on the elliptical...it's called "Exercise".

[seekirk]

My grandma had parkinsons, my mom has MS, and I know have MS. I have read that vitamin d can make the difference in zygotic twins suseptability. Low vitamin d and low NAG causes a gene switch that lowers T cell threashold and gogli n-branching It's a big deal.

[laurenvparrott]

@seekirk Oh wow, thank you for the information. I hope you are feeling well!

[nclark140]

I have watched your video 5 times and I get something new every time. MS sucks but connecting with others that understand does make it easier.

[laurenvparrott]

@nclark140 I'm so glad you're getting information! Yes, it does make it easier when connecting with others that understand!! I wish you the best!

[magikmarc1]

Don't worry about taking too long to respond to me... leftover chemo side effects still have me feeling like I'm 90 years old

[laurenvparrott]

@magikmarc1 Oh gosh, hopefully you'll start feeling your age soon! I remember what it was like during my relapse and I moved like a turtle...everything took forever to do. Great to hear from you!! Have a great weekend!

[magikmarc1]

@laurenvparrott I will be feeling my age soon, I look at this as a speed bump in the recovery process. I'm supposed to stay away from crowds etc, so I guess going the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival was maybe a bad idea (200,000+ people were there). I never have been good at following directions! :-) I had to go though, I maintain their website! (at least that's the excuse I used!

[laurenvparrott]

@magikmarc1 Oh gosh I know what you mean about crowds! I think it's awesome that you maintain their website!! I hope you're doing well this week!

[wreyoG]

you're so beautiful..stay strong...you look like you are...

[laurenvparrott]

@wreyoG Thank you so much!!

[venyroque]

Hi Lauren i have followed your videos and you appear to be doing really well I am so happy for you!!! you look amazing and you are so sweet to take the time to share your story with us!!! God Bless you Sweetheart!

[laurenvparrott]

@venyroque Hello! Thank you SO MUCH! God Bless you!!

[sparky413]

@mattelleng1990 You have a lot of wisdom for such a young man. Thank you for your input.

[laurenvparrott]

@sparky413 Thank you so much for your comment!

[sparky413]

One last thought, While in the Air Force we had an outbreak of MONO that swept through my dorm. I never showed symptoms but a few friends did and were hospitalized.

[laurenvparrott]

@sparky413 Wow, that could be an answer to! Oh my gosh, so many possibilities!

[sparky413]

@laurenvparrott be well yourself! Thank you for all the informative videos.

[laurenvparrott]

@sparky413 Thank you for writing!!

[sparky413]

@matteleng1990 That makes sense. I served in the Air Force and my twin did not. I wonder if the "trigger" was all the immunizations I received or the toxic chemicals I was exposed to? Just a thought.

[laurenvparrott]

@sparky413 That could definitely be possible. I hope you are feeling well!

[mattalleng1990]

@sparky413 I think genetics are so sensitive that any such factor could play some kind of role. Look at cancer, carcinogens are basically "triggers" and they are finding that something as settle as microwaving food in a plastic bowl can cause a cancer cell to be triggered. There are so many "triggers" in our lives that we don't even see or think about and most those health triggers apply to other disease like cancer. WHO KNOWS what something like MS would consider a trigger!

[laurenvparrott]

@HectorMcfector Good for you!!

[sparky413]

I'm a male and an identical twin. I was finally diagnosed last December at the age of 44 after 10 or so years of weird symptoms. My twin has no symptoms.

[laurenvparrott]

@sparky413 Wow, it's just amazing to me. I hope you are feeling well!

[mattalleng1990]

@sparky413 Interesting. I like to go with geometry on this one: All squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares. What I mean is, I think its all about a trigger haha so it doesn't mean everyone with the theoretical gene has MS but all people with MS have the the theoretical gene. Make sense? Just a theory though haha not like I have any science to back it up.

[laurenvparrott]

@mattalleng1990 Yes that does make sense...it's not a technical theory, but it makes sense to me!

[mattalleng1990]

@laurenvparrott An open mind is the key to success when dealing with this disease! :^b

[laurenvparrott]

@mattalleng1990 I couldn't agree more!!

[mattalleng1990]

@laurenvparrott :^D

[mattalleng1990]

I have always had suspicions that MS has some kind of genetic root because I have MS, my grandma probably had MS (just couldn't get a confirmed spinal tap out of fear) I had really bad mono (EBV) my mom had mono, my aunt had it twice and now she has lymphoma which also has links to the Epstein Barr Virus. I also have met TWINS with MS... I mean... What are the odds?

[laurenvparrott]

@mattalleng1990 I know...what are the odds? Genes have to definitely play a factor. I hope you're feeling well!

[mattalleng1990]

@laurenvparrott I know, definitely ! I think researched need to start trying to connect the dots rather then focusing on just one dot.

[medad1]

Hi Lauren how r u today?

You're look very great as usual :)

mody

[laurenvparrott]

@medad1 Hi Mody!! You are so sweet! Thank you so much for your comment! I hope you are feeling well!

[b1blancer1]

Michigan is TEMPERATE? BRRR! It seems pretty cold to this South Carolinian! I'm going to be riding in my 16th MS-150 this September. I'll definitely be thinking of you. God Bless!!

[laurenvparrott]

@b1blancer1 Hahah, I know what you mean...but it sure has been temperate here lately! Wow, your 16th MS bike ride? That's awesome!! God Bless you!!

[rickileeway]

-contin- I remember you mentioning you were in a car accident a while back which may, or may not, make you a candidate for having some sort of spinal problem?? In any case, if you're interested, take a look at the 'Montel' video on my channel or google 'thisisms uprightdoc'. It's very interesting. Big hug to you, Rick.

[rickileeway]

A very informative video as always Lauren. Thank you. Just wondering if you've heard about the hypothesis presented by Dr. Flanagan, a chiro, who wrote 'The Downside of Upright Posture - The Anatomical Causes of Alzheimers, Parkinsons & MS'. He believes spinal problems/injuries have a causal role in MS. He has treated many MSers with spinal manipulations & alleviated their MS symptoms.

[laurenvparrott]

@rickileeway Thank you so much Rick!! No, I have never heard of that before! I will definitely look it up. A big hug to you!!

[punxrock1490]

Hi lauren. First off I just want to say my name is Nicole. In 21and was diagnosed in October of last year and I've had a pretty difficult time dealing with my MS, but everytime im feeling down I look at your videos and they help me more than words can say.So thank you for really sharing your experience. I wanted to ask you about Tysabri, and I just feel comfortable talking to you about it. Is it possible to email you? Or to write to you somewhere where its not public?

[laurenvparrott]

@punxrock1490 Hi Nicole! I sent you an email on your page...for some reason these messages weren't working. Did you receive it?

[evanschalkwyk]

Just want to encourage you. I was diagnosed in 1994, at 17 years old. I'm married with two children, and we are planning for a third. I'm doing a triathlon sprint in July! Excited! Yes MS has done damage to my body, but God did not put limitations on me. I love my life, and can tell you do also. I hope you continue to feel great and to do Great things, like you already are! You are absolutley adorable, and are helping a lot of people! God bless :)

[laurenvparrott]

@evanschalkwyk Thank you so much for your kind comment!!! You have an amazing attitude, and I really hope to have children one day! Good luck with your 3rd child! God Bless!!

[Danalle100]

Lauren,

I LOVE your helpful videos! Hope you are doing well!

Danalle



[laurenvparrott]

@Danalle100 Thank you so much Danelle! I hope you are doing well too!

[Ydiamond5]

TNX Lauren for the very interesting information.

I'm kind of an "MS prototype" too in my family.

I wish you to keep feeling good.

Have fun,

Yaron

[laurenvparrott]

@Ydiamond5 Hi Yaron! I hope you are feeling good as well!! Have a great week!!

[FUDGECOPPER]

You are so amazing. You have such an awesome attitude. I have MS and it helps to see your videos. I am usually positive as well but it's so refreshing to hear someone else be positive. I can have bad days like everyone else and I can't tell you how much your videos have helped me.

[laurenvparrott]

@FUDGECOPPER Oh my gosh, thank you so much! I really appreciate it!! I wish you the very best with everything!

[bebic08]

Hi Lauren! Thank you very much for your video! My parents dont have ms and i have it. My little son is almost three! I thank good, that i was able to get him. For me, it was the best desicion in my life to born this wonderful baby boy! :-))

Wish you all best! Bye bye from Sandra, Germany

[laurenvparrott]

@bebic08 Hi Sandra! I'm sorry for taking so long to respond. Thank you for writing! I am so happy that you have a beautiful son!! I wish you the very best!!!

[0302isis]

Great video Lauren. Interesting point from one person about MS being higher in people born between November thru March. I'd be curious to see statistics on that. Magicmark I would love to talk to you about your stem cell. We have visited Chicago as well. Let me know how to make the contact happen but remember I'm a newbie YouTube. Keep up the good and positive work Lauren :-)

[laurenvparrott]

@0302isis Thank you! Yeah, I'd be curious to see stats about that too.  I hope you're doing well!

[mark13728]

Thank you! It is fantastic for you to share!

[magikmarc1]

By the way, I just got back a couple of weeks ago from Chicago where I had my stem cell transplant... for the first time in 12 years, I don't have double vision, and I'm getting breaks from the vertigo!

[laurenvparrott]

@magikmarc1 OH MY GOSH! That's amazing! Congratulations! I am so happy for you!! I'll keep praying for more stem cell research!!

[magikmarc1]

Hi Lauren,

My Mom has MS. A lot of people that I have met, that have MS, have gone through a really stressful period in their life, and months later, they were dx'ed with MS. I know the genes have something to do with it, but what about stress? I think stress causes healthy people, without MS, a lot of physical problems, but I am a firm believer that stress plays a really big role with MS.

[laurenvparrott]

@magikmarc1 Hey! I am SO sorry it's taken so long to respond :( Yeah, that was me.  2 years of a very stressful period, then I was diagnosed. I couldn't agree with you more...I think that stress has EVERYTHING to do with it!

[Thedentistrator1]

hi lauren

i have ms and i love a girl has ms also

can we have childern, or they gonna be aliens :) ?

[laurenvparrott]

@Thedentistrator1 Aww, I think it's great that you both love each other and happen to have MS.  Hahaha I don't think your kids will be aliens...I'm pretty sure about that! I hope you're doing well!

[66kefren]

Hello Lauren. You are really sweet girl whit a big heart.. Take care :) Sonia

[laurenvparrott]

@66kefren Hi Sonia! You are so sweet! Thank you for saying that!! Have a wonderful weekend!

[LuckJustBad]

hey! nice to hear from you!! i was told i got nf and ms! whats the chances of that!

i got 2 diease! i got nf from my dad side and ms from my mom side! and i gave my daughter nf! man talk about stress! and what the hell! having ms i can deal with! but having nf! nf stands for neurofibromatosis

[laurenvparrott]

@LuckJustBad Hello! Wow...I've never heard of nf before, but it sure sounds like you have a wonderful attitude. I wish you the best!

[MsGirlOnline]

hey thanks! I signed up for the booklet! very interesting, I like yourself, am the only one that has MS, and I've been back in generations and generations.

[laurenvparrott]

@MsGirlOnline Hi Maria! I'm sorry it's taken so long to respond! I'm SO glad you signed up for the booklet! I know, I've looked back generations too...it's crazy...

[nobogeys72]

Great video Lauren! I am always inspired by your positive view on life as you deal with MS. God bless you!

[laurenvparrott]

@nobogeys72 Thank you so much!! God Bless you too!!

[tonywilde1234]

anther great video Lauren, it seems that like most things it's a mixture of genetics & environment, i am the only MSer in my whole family. Whatever happens your children will be so lucky that you are their mother !!

p.s. when you said 'when you're in you're mommys belly" is the cutest thing i've seen all year !!! take care,

much love

Tony xxx

[laurenvparrott]

@tonywilde1234 Hey Tony!! You are so sweet, thank you! Aww, that's so cute :) I still love my Mommy's belly!!

Lots of love!!

xoxoxoxo

Lauren :)

[fuckyougreaseball]

why did somebody dislike this vid?

[OneManTagTeam]

I live in Scotland where it is cloudy & rainy quite alot. However, when we do get a lovely, warm, sunny day, I feel I have more energy than usual.

I've been prescribed vitamin D tablets from my doctor as there is a belief that lack sunlight may be a factor in MS, with Scotland having a high ratio of MS cases.

There also seems to be a trend of people with MS who were born in the dark winter months from November to March, meaning they weren't getting much sunlight in those early days (I was a J

[laurenvparrott]

@OneManTagTeam Wow, that's really interesting. Thank you for sharing the information! I hope you're feeling well!!

[Babydolljami]

im a identical twin I have MS and epilepsy this made me feel better :)

[laurenvparrott]

@Babydolljami I'm so glad this made you feel better!

[navymuret]

Hi Lauren! Great vid! I too have no known relatives with MS, and I am hoping that my soon to be born son, Rocco, will not get it. I was born in a more hot climate (southern Ca), but I did travel to Minnesota in Jr. HS, and went to Italy and all over Europe in the USN so maybe that triggered the MS. I dunno. Anyway, you look beautiful and I always look forward to seeing your videos!!

[laurenvparrott]

@navymuret Hi Andy!! Thank you so much! I hope Rocco doesn't get it either! My cousins just had a baby and they named him Rocco!! Yes, maybe all of the travels could have triggered your MS - who knows? You are so kind!! Thank you for your comment, and I hope to talk to you soon!! xoxoxoxo

[Gnawonit]

Hello again to Lauren. Always looking forward to new videos.

Viktor

[laurenvparrott]

@Gnawonit Hi Viktor!! So great to hear from you!!

[MsHopeforhealing]

Thanks for sharing Lauren! I always love your videos. The fact that there are more people with ms the further you get from the equator has to make us wonder about vitamin D! Thank you for the statistics. I worry about passing this to my son and am relieved to hear that there's only a 3-5% chance!

[laurenvparrott]

@MsHopeforhealing Aww, thank you so much!! Oh I know...I'll be talking about Vitamin D soon! Yes, I worry about passing it on too, but it is a VERY low chance!!

[laurenvparrott]

@sandyCanada56 Thanks for writing Sandy!!

[h0mer37]

Fantastic thanks for that Lauren I think your great but I didn't understand a word of it but I'm nuts. So there you are that's what I think. Keep up the good work.

[laurenvparrott]

@h0mer37 Thank you! I know, it's pretty complicated information! I hope you're feeling well!

[munsjvc]

You are such a sweetheart and I agree,you ARE handling it very well.

[laurenvparrott]

@munsjvc Aww, thank you so much!!

[Counterbrilliance]

I feel like I might actually have M.S myself, something I realized recently after three years off putting the pieces of the puzzle together after some very weird symptoms that just seemed to ''come aggressively'' and then disappear. Just last month I was attacked with this onset of excruciating pain in my lower back, after getting up out of bed. It lasted for over four days and felt as though my spine was being ''tightened'' and was going to shatter-- I couldn't even turn my head. Unbelievable!

[laurenvparrott]

@Counterbrilliance Oh my gosh! I hope you're feeling better now! If you have any questions let me know!

[heythereitsmindy]

I always love watching your videos Lauren! Keep up the good work! You are adorable!!!

[laurenvparrott]

@heythereitsmindy You are so sweet!! Thank you so much!!!

[ChaozFear]

Always nice to see you =) Big hug from Norway

[laurenvparrott]

@ChaozFear Thank you so much!! A big hug from the U.S.!!

[jedibugmaster23]

<3



[laurenvparrott]

@jedibugmaster23 <3