Nancy Davis on "The Doctors" talks about Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis

Episode : "Misdiagnosis"

Nancy Davis appears on the Emmy nominated television series, "The Doctors" to talk about her experience with Multiple Sclerosis and to advise a newly diagnosed patient, Debbie Conti.

Overview of episode:

One of the most difficult diseases to diagnose is the autoimmune disorder multiple sclerosis (MS). Symptoms include loss of muscle coordination, impaired vision, numbness or tingling sensations in the arms or legs, fatigue and incontinence. These symptoms can last for days or even months, and come and go without any pattern.

ourteen years ago, Nancy Davis began suffering numbness every time she put her head forward, but a neurologist told her it was nothing serious. It wasnt painful, it was just very peculiar, she says. Seven years later, I was skiing in Aspen, and I fell. Three days later, I had no feeling in my entire right hand. Then three days later I had no feeling in all of my left hand. Then three days later I lost the feeling in my stomach.

After a number of MRIs and tests, doctors explained that she had MS. He said, Theres nothing we can do to help this disease. Youll probably be able to operate the remote control on your TV set, Nancy says. I came to him at 33, I have three kids, and all of a sudden this guy just took my life away.

Seven years after her initial diagnosis, she is doing well and is a world-renowned advocate for the disease. To help find a cure, Nancy founded the Center Without Walls, an organization that funds research to combat MS. She also wrote a book, Lean on Me, to help empower people who suffer life-altering or life-threatening diseases. If you have a really bad attitude, and you really feel sorry for yourself, you will not do well, she says. If you go out there, you do all the research, you live your life, you have a much better chance at having a great life. Attitude is everything.

Debbie, 34, began feeling tingling sensations on the side of her face several years ago. Recently, she was diagnosed with MS and is so frightened by the diagnosis, she hasnt even told her children. I was terrified, she says. One of my biggest fears is not being able to walk and being in a wheelchair. I dont know how to tell [my children] that this is going on. Im scared for them, and I dont want them to worry.

Debbie meets with Nancy to talk about her disease, struggles and fears. Nancy gives her a journal so she can write down all of her thoughts and concerns. When you can identify everything youre afraid of and look at it, its easier to overcome your fears, Nancy says. You owe it to yourself to embrace change. Your life is never going to be the same as it was before, but it might be better.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• multiple sclerosis
• MS
• neurologist
• neurology
• myelin
• nancy davis foundation
• nancy davis
• numbness
• tingling
• autoimmune disorder
• the doctors

[wgsla]

This is a great video! Great words of advice for someone who is newly diagnosed!

[TheMsinfo]

Nancy Davis is always so positive about her MS. This is not the general world consensus, we need more positivity about this devastating disease. Nancy is the greatest role model for someone with MS and I am so appreciative for her videos and encouragement!!!

[angelusa73]

What about talking about CCSVI, Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency?????

[angelusa73]

I wish I could do what you do because I wish that I wouldn't have to take Tysabri!! Maybe, when things slow down, I will be able to go natural too...I go to a cranial sacral therapist and he is helping my body a lot and I refuse to take other drugs except Tysabri...and now, I am dreaming about the CCSVI Liberation treatment that could help MS patients feel better and slow down the course of their MS.

[Officaljordan]

there is a cure in italy for ms dumb canada just wont bring it down here join my group for ms on facebook Im gunan be sending a letter to the goverment groups calleld: They found a Treatment for ms but won't bring it down to canada!!

[eddysacat]

I was dx in 8/08. My life is better. I no longer drink and the MS isn't so bad (not at all really). My first major attack landed me in the hospital and I thought I was dying. MS has allowed me to realise what's important in life and that 90% of what I thought was important was just worthless garbage. Thank you MS for opening my eyes!