Accessible holidays and short breaks - travel guide 2010

Welcome to Travel Guide 2010. Your Number1 location for information on holidays for disabled, we aim to provide the most comprehensive list of accessibile vacations and short breaks for people with disabilities.

For more information click here

Intrathecal methotrexate shows promising results on progressive Multiple Sclerosis patients

From the MSRC website:
The Multiple Sclerosis Research Center of New York (MSRCNY), together with the International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice (IMSMP), today announced that results from its Intrathecal Methotrexate Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis study have been published in this month's issue of Journal of Neurology.
This study reports on the feasibility of using intrathecal methotrexate (ITMTX) in treatment unresponsive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with progressive forms of the disease.  To read full article click here

Another song from Krabbers from Boars Bridge Festival

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrt6gZQT0OE

Some nice comments are written below the video screen :)

Need help to appeal a DLA decision or how to apply for a blue badge?

Dis:Course is a project supporting groups concerned with disability and long-term health issues in Berkshire and the surrounding area. We also provide an information service to disabled people, their families and carers.


If you need any help or advice with anything to do with disability call our helpline on (01344) 755528.
This project was developed as there is clearly a need; a number of disability related organisations have received large funding cuts which has affected their capacity to provide ‘hands on’ support for small groups.
Dis:Course currently handles approximately 20 calls a week from disabled people, their carers and professionals. These calls can vary from simple queries such as how to apply for a disabled parking badge to long term help and support to appeal a Disability Living Allowance decision.

For more information click here

Download MS Society Research Matters

Download MS Society Research Matters Spring 2010 here

Krabbers playing at Boars Bridge Festival :)

Close to me krabbers original song live (c) krabbers did a half hour set of all my own stuff at the boars bridge folk festival recently in aid of the Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KOdKi1-buY

MS Society responds to the emergency budget

Source: MS Society website:
Following the Government’s budget announcements made on 22 June, we look at how the new plans might affect people with MS. Here is a round up of some of the main actions we’re taking to get the healthcare and support people with MS deserve and need to live independent and full lives.



Read full article here

Welfare crackdown begins with drive to reduce incapacity benefit claims

Source: The Guardian
Ministers are to signal a tougher approach to incapacity benefit this week as the next stage of its welfare reforms, by reducing the benefit levels of those tested if they are found capable of doing some work.


Details are expected to be announced by the work minister, Chris Grayling, this week. Early pilots suggest half of those assessed are being taken off the higher rate benefit on the basis that tests reveal they are fit to do some work, government sources say.

Read article here

Clinical trial testing new Multiple Sclerosis treatment to launch in Buffalo

Researchers at the University at Buffalo, led by the Department of Neurosurgery, will embark on a landmark prospective randomized double-blinded study to test the safety and efficacy of interventional endovascular therapy—dubbed “liberation treatment”—on MS symptoms and progression.

Read full article here

Silent Auction for Reck MOTOmed Viva Active/Passive Exercise Bike

Due to a recent donation, we now have a spare exercise bike! We have decided to offer this for silent auction. This simply means the highest bidder gets the bike, as long as we reach our reserve! Closing date for final bids is the 30th June 2010.  All proceeds will go directly back into providing services at the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre.


The 10 year old bike has been in regular use at the Centre exercising many arms and legs! It has been serviced annually, and despite a few knocks and scratches in the paintwork, is in very good working condition.  The successful winner will need to arrange collection of the bike.

If you are interested in making a bid, or finding out more information about the bike, please email me at pippa@bmstc.org or call 0118 9016000.

Protesters hold Woodlands Respite Care Centre demo

Source:  York Press
A DEMONSTRATION has been held by protesters angry at the possible closure of the area’s only respite centre for people with multiple sclerosis.  Read more here

MS Trust Annual Conference 2010

Sunday 7 - Tuesday 9 November 2010, Kenilworth, UK



Improving services for people with MS continues to be the ultimate priority for the MS Trust.


Advances in technology and the pace of change requires healthcare professionals to be innovative and responsive in the delivery of care. Our varied conference programme will explore the possibilities for progress in light of political changes in both clinical practice and service development.  For more information click here

New website puts stem cells in the spotlight

While stem cells offer the potential for advances in the treatment of MS, much more research needs to be done to test their safety and effectiveness.
But the absence of scientific evidence for stem cells has not stopped the establishment of clinics around the world offering this unproven treatment. It is in response to this fact that the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has developed a website to educate people about stem cells.  Read full article here

CCSVI recognised as an independent vascular condition by Italian

The Italian CCSVI Society met with the Ministry of Health, and it was decided that CCSVI can be diagnosed as a stand alone disease, without being correlated to MS.

It was also decided that Dr. Zamboni can go forward with his blinded clinical trials of CCSVI in MS. Although there was no time-line given for testing and treating CCSVI, the ministry has promised to move quickly.  Read more here

MS treatment in final clinical trial stage

MS Trust website 23 June 2010 - Source Chicago Breaking Business


Abbott Laboratories and its Massachusetts biotech partner have launched a final-stage clinical trial of their experimental treatment for multiple sclerosis.
The first patient - out of 1,500 needed worldwide - was enrolled last month in the US. The drug, daclizumab, is being developed for monthly injection under the patient's skin by North Chicago-based Abbott and Cambridge-based Biogen Idec. Read more here

Pressure to save MS Society respite centres grows

From the MS Trust website:
On the 11 June the MS Society announced it is to stop providing specialist MS respite care at the four dedicated centres in the UK.In response to this announcement, a group of people who rely on these centres has launched a petition to fight the closures of the centres. Coverage of their campaign appeared in Third Sector magazine.  Read more here

BBC Radio 4 "You and Yours" interview Simon Gillespie on respite care decision

Simon Gillespie was interviewed for the Radio 4 'You and Yours' programme about the reasons behind the respite care review decision. He was joined by a Policy Advisor for the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads and a woman who was a full-time carer for her mother.  For more info click here

MS Society Event: Primary Progressive MS - Southampton

Living with Primary Progressive MS in Southampton is an information day for people with PPMS and their carers and family being held at the Novotel in Southampton.  For more details click here

Boars Bridge Festival Success!

Well we had a fantastic weekend of live music, good food and great beer!  The weather was kind both days and the150 people who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves raising over £1,400 for the Centre at the same time! 

We would love the total to go over £1,500 so if you would like to make a donation we have set up a Just Giving page!  Thanks in advance for your support! :)

http://www.justgiving.com/Pippa-Vincent-Cooke

Low Dose Naltrexone - Latest News

From the MSRC Website:
The effect of low-dose naltrexone on quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) may promote psychological well-being as well as generalized health especially in autoimmune disorders.
The objective of this study is to assess the effect of LDN on the Quality of Life (QoL) of patients with relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) using the scales and composite scores of the MSQoL-54 questionnaire.   Read full article here

MS drug's epic journey from folklore to lab - fingolimod

From the MS Trust webiste:
Research into ancient Chinese fungus that propagates inside insects yields potential relief for multiple sclerosis.
For centuries Chinese medicine has seen restorative properties in an Asian fungus that invades and destroys insects. Now a drug drawing on that age-old lore is poised to become an important new treatment for multiple sclerosis.  Read full article here

Managers 'braced for greatest ever NHS challenge'

From the BBC website:
The NHS is facing its "greatest ever challenge" in maintaining quality services during the funding squeeze, managers say.
Nigel Edwards, acting head of the NHS Confederation, warned there was "no silver bullet".  He said moving care away from hospitals and improving the management of long-term conditions



Read full article here

How will the budget affect you?

From the MS Trust website 23 June 2010
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, called yesterday's budget unavoidable as he announced plans to cut the structural budget deficit to zero in the next six years. Below are some of the key points that may impact on people with MS.  Read full article here

Multiple Sclerosis Society's respite care centre problems put 380 jobs at risk

From the MSRC website:
Nearly 400 employees at the MS Society could lose their jobs after its trustees decided to axe the charity's respite care provision.

Read full article here

GW Pharmaceuticals cannabis-based drug Sativex approved

From the MS Trust webiste: 

The cannabis-based mouth spray, Sativex, has received approval from the UK drug' regulator (MHRA) as an add-on treatment for MS related spasticity. Sativex receives its UK licence as an add-on treatment for moderate to severe MS spasticity in people who receive inadequate relief from the standard oral anti-spasticity medicines or have experienced unbearable side effects whilst taking these medicines. Read article here

Traumatic Brain Injury and Hyperbaric Oxygen

Intersting article on Hyperbaric Oxygen and Traumatic Brain Injury sent to us by Prof James, Emeritus Professor of Medicine University of Dundee, Hon. Consultant to the MS Therapy Centres. Read here

Stem cell therapy 'damage' seen in kidney disease

From the BBC Website:

A new complication has been seen in a patient with kidney disease who received stem cell therapy, scientists have warned.
Stem cells were injected into the kidney, but the patient suffered tissue damage and died from an infection.  Read full article here

Pregnancy and MS Research

From the MSRC Website:

Could the enzyme Pyruvate Kinase be key to MS remission during pregnancy?



During pregnancy, many women experience remission of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and uveitis and scientists have described a biological mechanism they say is responsible for changes in the immune system that helps explain that remission.  Read full article here

Biogen Idec Announces Enrollment of First Patient in Phase II BG-12 Combination Trial in Multiple Sclerosis

Source Marketwatch.com
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jun 15, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Biogen Idec /quotes/comstock/15*!biib/quotes/nls/biib (BIIB 48.12, +1.33, +2.84%) today announced enrollment of the first patient in a multicenter Phase II clinical trial designed to evaluate its investigational oral therapy BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate) in combination with commonly used first-line treatments in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The trial, called EXPLORE, will evaluate the safety and tolerability of BG-12 when administered with beta interferons (IFNB) or glatiramer acetate (GA) to patients who continue to have evidence of disease activity despite receiving consistent monotherapy for at least a year. Efficacy endpoints will also be assessed in a subset of patients.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/biogen-idec-announces-enrollment-of-first-patient-in-phase-ii-bg-12-combination-trial-in-multiple-sclerosis-2010-06-15?reflink=MW_news_stmp

CBC News - Prince Edward Island - Start opening veins for MS patients, MDs say

People with multiple sclerosis should be able to have surgery on blocked neck veins as part of a clinical trial, says the Italian doctor who pioneered what has become known as the liberation therapy.
Dr. Paolo Zamboni talked to MPs on the House of Commons health committee on Tuesday. He maintains the procedure has resulted in better cognitive and motor function — and fewer symptoms of chronic fatigue — among people with MS who were treated with balloons to open Read more:

CBC News - Prince Edward Island - Start opening veins for MS patients, MDs say

BMJ fails to reflect all Risk-sharing Scheme comments in printed version

From the MS Trust website:
The printed version of the BMJ (published 12 June) carries last week's web based articles on the Risk-sharing Scheme but unfortunately fails to include the comments from the Chair of the Scientific Advisory group.

Professor Richard Lilford from Birmingham has responded strongly to the assertions made by certain health economists in last Friday's BMJ.

In particular he rejects the suggestion that any advice that the Scientific Advisory Group have given is based on anything other than scientific rigour. He also challenges the claims by Raftery and McCabe (see links below) that decisions should be based on observational data after only two years.

Employing Carers - local contacts

Message from one of our Members:

I directly employ my own carers, with the support of Penderels Trust who provide all the admin (recruitment, pay slips, tax & insurance calculations, criminal record checks etc). Penderels Trust is a registered charity which was originally set up in Coventry in 1988 to provide support for people who were physically disabled. The Trust now covers much of Britain and the Gloucestershire branch is at Maisemore in Gloucester on tel: 01452-411000, their email address is gloucestershire@penderelstrust.org.uk To locate any branch in the country search their website at www.penderelstrust.org.uk 



I additionally use a care agency based at Cleeve Hill Nursing Home near Cheltenham, their home care organisation is called Cleevelink, their email contact is info@cleevelink.co.uk and telephone is 01242- 672022.

Carers - have you protected your pension?

To qualify to receive a state retirement pension (in due time) an individual needs to have paid the necessary national insurance contributions. The Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) was set up in 1978 to cover carers (of sick or disabled people or of children under 16 ys) who were not in employment and did not pay national insurance. You qualify for HRP if, throughout a complete tax year, you spend: at least 35 hrs a week looking after someone who gets attendance allowance, or disability living allowance middle or higher rate care component, or constant attendance allowance, or is paid child benefit for a child under 16. To apply for HRP you need a form CF411 available from your local Jobcentre Plus or HMRC (Tax) Office or downloaded from http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ For the tax years up to 2001/02, if HRP was not awarded, you can apply at any time, but from tax year 2003/03 onwards you need to apply by the end of the third year following the year for which you are claiming HRP.



All is explained in the DISABILITY RIGHTS HANDBOOK.


Changes from APRIL 2010. From 6 April HRP will be replaced by a weekly carers credit which will be much the same but is apparently more flexible (thank goodness). One difference is the child’s age which will be limited to under age 12. Also it will be possible to get a credit if you are caring for at least 20 hour a week in some circumstances.


I hope to have more information once the new Handbook is published.

Partners and Carers Club

Did you know that we have a "Partners and Carers Club" available through the Centre? This is a joint project with the Reading and Wokingham MS Society. The group meet monthly which usually involves an outing or lunch and provides a friendly and supportive environment for people to share their experiences with each other.  If you're interested in finding out more please email pippa@bmstc.org

Carers get "get no respite from role"

From the BBC website:
Eighty per cent of people in Northern Ireland looking after an ill, frail or disabled loved one do not have a life outside of their caring role, new research has suggested.  Read full article here

Isolation takes toll on carers

From the MS Trust website:

Nearly three-quarters of people in the East of England looking after an ill, frail or disabled loved one do not have a life outside of caring, according to research.  Read full article here

Cognition and Cognitive Issues Research

From the MSRC Website:
Can mental activity protect against memory problems in MS?



A new study shows that a mentally active lifestyle may protect against the memory and learning problems that often occur in multiple sclerosis (MS). The study is published in the June 15, 2010, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Read full article here

Study adds fuel to debate over MS and blocked veins

CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Monday Jun. 14, 2010 7:41 PM ET
"A study published online will add to the debate raging among the MS patient and research community. The paper, published in the Annals of Neurology, says researchers found no evidence that blockages in veins play a significant role in MS."  Read full article here

DLA and Mobility Allowance

We're hearing a few stories about people having their DLA reduced and/or their Mobility Allowance and vehicle removed following a telephone re-assessment. Please be sure to answer assessment or re-assessment questions based on your worst day with MS.

Carers Weeks - 14th - 20th June 2010

NO LIFE OF MY OWN SAY THE UK’S CARERS
More than three-quarters (76%) of people looking after an ill, frail or disabled loved one do not have a life outside of their caring role, according to new research issued to launch Carers Week. http://www.carersweek.org/

Teriflunomide in Adjunct to Interferon Beta Significantly Improved Outcomes of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

From MS News Today:
Caroline says: The age of orals is upon us...teriflumomide (Sanofi) added to beta interferon produced favorable outcomes when studied alone or as an adjunct to beta interferon. This is a Phase II study, which means this is a long way from FDA approval (interesting to keep on your radar, nonetheless).

http://www.msnewstoday.com/teriflunomide-in-adjunct-to-interferon-beta-significantly-improved-outcomes-of-multiple-sclerosis-patients/

Fingolimod - factsheet

From the MS Trust website:
Fingolimod (also known as FTY720) is a new oral treatment for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and is also being investigated for primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
The factsheet discusses the recent and ongoing research into the drug.

http://www.mstrust.org.uk/shop/product.jsp?prodid=311

Virus infection may trigger unusual immune cells to attack nerves in multiple sclerosis

From the MS Trust website:
11 June 2010 - R&D Magazine
A virus infection can incite the body to attack its own nerve tissue by activating unusual, disease-fighting cells with receptors for both viral and nerve proteins.
The dual-receptor observation suggests a way brain and spinal cord nerve damage might be triggered in susceptible young adults afflicted with multiple sclerosis (MS).
University of Washington Department of Immunology scientists Qingyong 'John' Ji, Antoine Perchellet, and Joan M Goverman conducted the study, which was published June 6 in Nature Immunology.



http://www.mstrust.org.uk/news/recentstories/article.jsp?id=3818

Event: Awareness online: Work and MS - Staying in work

Date: 16 June 2010 to 27 June 2010 Location: www.mssociety.org.uk/awarenesstalks
From Wednesday 16 June 2010, you can watch a video (and/or read the transcript) of an interview with Jo Sweetland, Bsc hons Occupational Therapist, research occupational therapist at the Institute of Neurology, UCL linked to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London and Marlo Donato Parmelee on staying in work and living with MS.
 http://www.mssociety.org.uk/news_events/events/awareness_online.html
 
 

FTY720 oral MS treatment gets unanimous FDA approval

Novartis investigational treatment FTY720 (fingolimod) has received unanimous FDA approval for the treatment of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).

The advisory committee of FDA, that reviews and decides whether to approve a new treatment, has voted that FTY720 demonstrated substantial efficacy in treating relapsing remitting MS and that safety of the proposed 0.5mg dose justified approval.

Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre Gilenia® (FTY720)

Over $2.4 Million Committed to Support 7 Initial CCSVI Grants to Determine the Role of CCSVI (Venous Insufficiency) in MS Disease Process

Over $2.4 million has been committed by the National MS Society (USA) and the MS Society of Canada to support 7 new research projects focusing on the role of CCSVI (chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency) in MS.

All research applications underwent a rigorous expedited review process by an international review panel that included experts drawn from all key relevant disciplines including radiology, vascular surgery and neurology. The U.S. National MS Society and the MS Society of Canada worked collaboratively to assemble the reviewers who considered scientific merit, responsiveness to the Request for Applications, experimental design, likelihood of producing definitive data, and the experience of the applicant teams in making their recommendations.

News Detail : National MS Society

MS Society announce Care Home Decision

From the MS Society website:
"The MS Society's Board of Trustees today announces that the Society will no longer directly provide residential respite care. We will instead move to a more personalised system of support, providing a larger number of people across the UK with more choice and control."  Read more here

LDN - How it works

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr-n8jMLenU

Yoga and MS Workshops Garth McLean - 25th - 27th June, High Wycombe, Bucks

Dear Pippa



My name is Sheila Haswell and I run a yoga centre in High Wycombe. I am making contact because we have a visiting teacher from the US who is teaching workshops on MS and Yoga. He has MS himself, he only took to yoga after his diagnosis and he has made remarkable progress. I visited him when he was teaching in France as I also have a brother with MS, and I am very excited that he was able to include a visit to High Wycombe in his busy teaching schedule.

"Garth McLean is an Iyengar yoga teacher from the USA. An actor, Garth developed Multiple Sclerosis in 1996; this led him to yoga and to BKS Iyengar in Pune. Using yoga and diet he has learned how to stabilise his condition and to keep it in remission. Over the weekend of five 2 hour workshops Garth will give an overview of the condition and explain how yoga asanas benefit MS and other similar conditions. He will highlight the most beneficial postures, whilst covering all types of asanas including inversions. This weekend will be invaluable to MS sufferers and to yoga teachers but also to regular students who will undoubtedly find Garth’s teaching inspirational."
Friday 25th June 6-8pm - Price: Members £25 Non-members £30
Saturday 26th June 10am-12pm and 2:30-4:30pm -Price: Members £50 Non-members £55
Sunday 27th June 10am-12pm and 2:30-4:30pm - Price: Members £50 Non-members £55
All weekend rate members £110, non members £130 or £110 plus friend membership of £15 which will be valid until August 2011


If you Google Garth McLean or visit his website www.yogarth.com you will be able to see a short video clip about him and his approach to yoga and MS.
 
If you are interested in attending please either contact Sarva on 01494 521107,



enquiries@sarva.co.uk or book via our website www.sarva.co.uk
 
With best wishes and regards


Sheila
Sheila Haswell


Co-Director Sarva IYI
Sarva Iyengar Yoga Institute is the trading name of
Sarva Limited
161 West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe, Bucks
HP12 3AB
Registered England & Wales No. 4263577

Ginger MacQueen - 2+ Month Post CCSVI Op Update

Ginger MacQueen - 2+ Month Post CCSVI Op Update

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxfFZCXfk0I

Last chance to comment on Government plans for the NHS

From the MS Trust Website:

"The coalition government has published Our Programme for Government giving greater detail on their policies - the last day to comment is Thursday 10 June."
http://www.mstrust.org.uk/news/article.jsp?id=3740

Thank you Michael Shanly Trust for our Rivertime boat trip!

We were recently granted a boat trip on Rivertime from the Michael Shanly Trust.  The group had a wonderful trip on the Thames.  See Robin Bootle's account of the afternoon.

"Dear Pippa,

 Just to say thanks to you and every one else involved in fixing this afternoon's boat trip on the Thames from Henley.

Despite the fact that it had been a drenchingly wet night and morning, the sun came out as the journey began at 1430 and the weather remained dry until 20 minutes from its end at 1630. Was God smiling upon the ten members of the Centre offered the afternoon out?

The boat, Rivertime, was a superb adaptation of a Norfolk Broads cruiser, with access ramps and a lift for wheelchairs, not to mention a disabled on-board loo. There was a lot of room for people in wheelchairs and their carers to find comfortable viewing positions in the body of the craft.
The two crew members were affable, informative, helpful and - most important - skilful at controlling the craft.
The journey itself was a revelation of high life. Rivertime started upstream, passing exuberant and amazing riverside houses, few of which could be valued under the £2 million mark. The names of pop stars and TV personalities were mentioned, including that of magician Paul Daniels, the Centre's patron
At Shiplake, Rivertime turned for an extended run downstream, going under Henley Bridge, passing pavilions just erected for Henley Regatta and cruising the one mile length of the course itself, down to Temple Island. Distantly, we imagined the champagne-fuelled braying of stripe-blazered hearties at Phyllis Court.
Rivertime turned upstream just before it reached Mapledurham Lock and returned to its mooring alongside the Henley Rowing Museum on the second of 1630. Had the skipper practiced this piece of timekeeping?
A final plus from the day was that Centre members who knew each other not very well had the chance to natter and discover each other during the trip. Many thanks to one and all.
Robin"
For details please see: http://www.rivertimeboattrust.org.uk/index.aspx

Simple eye test measures damage from multiple sclerosis, researchers find

ScienceDaily (June 7, 2010) A quick, painless eye measurement shows promise as a way to diagnose multiple sclerosis in its very early stages, and to track the effectiveness of treatments, researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center have found in a multicenter study.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100607165742.htm

MS Information

Posted on the MS Information Facebook Page:

This is a Netherlands based news site in both English and Dutch for CCSVI. Updated for or so times a day.  It should be a very useful resource.

http://www.ccsvi.nl/Default.aspx

Exercise with Rest Breaks Helps Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Interesting article from Health Central

Exercise with Rest Breaks Helps Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Congratulations Richard Gillgrass!

Congratulations to Richard Gillgrass - Yvonne Park's boss who has just completed his bike ride from Lands End to John O'Groates raising money for the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre! What an achievement!

So far he has raised £2,185 - if you would like to add to his sponsorship please visit www.justgiving.co.uk/richard-gillgrass-south-to-north

Sex and the CCSVI

Somthing that understandably hasn't been talked about very much!
http://for-greet.squarespace.com/journal/2010/6/7/sex-and-the-ccsvi.html

Strong Volunteers Needed this Wednesday 9th June!

We need 4 - 6 strong volunteers to help put up a marquee this Wednesday 9th June at 6.30 pm in Little London, near Tadley Basingstoke!! It will be for the Boars Bridge Festival later this month. Anyone out there able to help please? Thanks! Pip

Study assessing a new formulation of Copaxone(R) brings positive results

From the MSRC Website:

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced positive results from a study assessing a new lower-volume injection of Copaxone(R) (glatiramer acetate) containing the currently approved dose in half the injection volume. http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseaction/show/pageid/2479

MS Patients To Launch Rights Complaints Demanding Unproven Treatment - CityNews

Source City TV

Multiple sclerosis patients in at least two provinces are preparing to launch human rights complaints as they demand access to an unproven treatment that has excited the hopes of people living with the degenerative disease and already prompted some to seek the procedure abroad.

MS Patients To Launch Rights Complaints Demanding Unproven Treatment - CityNews

Has anyone had experience of the Feldenkrais Method and MS?

A friend of mine who started a class a few months ago is so enthusiastic about it and thought it could be beneficial for people with MS. I wondered if our Physio team would be interested if others with MS have found it helpful :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feldenkrais_Method

Talking with your kids about MS

Interesting information from the MS Trust:

MS affects not only the person with MS, but family and friends as well. When a parent is affected by MS, discussing MS with children may seem daunting. Each family is unique and each person's experience of MS is different, so there's no right or wrong way to talk about it, just as there is no ideal time.

Read more here

MS drug trial 'a fiasco' – and NHS paid for it

Article from the Independent 4th June 2010 posted on the CCSVI Facebook page:

"The most expensive publicly funded drug trial in history is condemned today as a "fiasco" which has wasted hundreds of millions of NHS cash and raised fresh concerns about the influence of the pharmaceutical industry."  Read the full article here

Fancy something a little more challenging to raise money for BMSTC?

Discover Adventure is a company that organises numerous challenges throughout the world and we would be delighted if you took part in any one of their events to raise much needed funds for the centre.

"Discover Adventure has been running adventurous, challenging trips for groups all over the world since 1994.
Our challenges come in many varieties - trekking, cycling, horse-trekking, multi-activity, survival, sailing ....

Whether at high or low altitudes, in mountains, desert or jungle, you can rest assured that you will have a real adventure and help others at the same time!
It will be tough at times, but that's what makes it so worthwhile and memorable!"


Please click here for more information. We would always advise any participants to self fund the trip.

Enhanced FES system could aid MS sufferers

From the MS Trust website, source The Engineer:
Note we offer a FES Clinic at our Centre for more information please contact Ruth Lownsbrough or Mohamed Abdul in our Phyiotherapy Team.


The approximately 100,000 people in the UK who suffer with multiple sclerosis (MS) could benefit from improvements being made to a technology that eases mobility by electrically stimulating improperly functioning muscles and nerves.
A functional electrical stimulation (FES) system generates electrical impulses from skin surface electrodes placed on targeted nerves and muscles. These mild electric shocks make muscles contract and joints move. Read full article here

Acupuncture's Molecular Effects Pinned Down

Interesting article about Acupuncture -featured in Medical News Today.  Ron Piercy offers acupuncture at our our MS Therapy Centre - great name for an acupuncturist :)  Please contact us if you are interested in making an appointment or finding out more information.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/190394.php