Lightin' It Up
I have smoked at various times in my life - no, not crack - mostly just tobacco. Never regularly, but I've gone through phases where I've done it. In addition to all the other reasons to quit smoking, there has been some research over the last few years which has linked smoking to progression in multiple sclerosis. Here's an article on one of the studies. 
And, just to make things confusing, there was some research very recently which says smoking has no effect on the progression on MS - see article here.
After being diagnosed with MS, I would notice that my vision would temporarily become blurred when I smoked. I figured this wasn't a good sign, but chose to ignore it. I continued to smoke occasionally until I started reading the research linking MS progression with it. Now, of course, I don't smoke. I don't know which research to believe, but I strongly believe smoking won't help the MS or any other part of my overall health.
Smoking has absolutely no beneficial value - it is the most preventable health risk out there. A doctor once told me that even when you live the healthiest lifestyle possible; when you smoke, you negate all of it and then some.
Of course, this is all referring to tobacco smoking. Now, marijuana, that's a whole other topic I'll write about later.....
Comments
Hi, Unfortunately I do smoke, but that's not why I'm here. I've just been diagnosed with MS and am supposed to start tx with Avonex, of which, thank God, my insurance covers at a good rate. I was wondering if anyone knows much about it in comparison with other treatments. Do you know where to look?
Posted by: Callie | October 12, 2007 08:56 PM
I have actually been on Avonex for 8 years. It's a once-a-week injection of Interferon beta-1a. I have had success with it - no progression and no new lesions in MRI results.
Results are different for everyone. Here is some more info on my experience with Avonex. Please let me know if you have other questions.
Here's some general info on the first-line treatments:
A - Avonex, a once-a-week injection of interferon beta-1a.
B - Betaseron, an injection of interferon beta-1b. This is administered between three and four times per week.
C - Copaxone, a daily injection of glatiramer acetate.
R - Rebif, an injection of interferon beta-1a given three times a week. A higher dose of the medication.
I would get as much info as you can from your neurologist. Best of luck.
Posted by: J | October 13, 2007 02:17 PM
Smoking Has No Effect On Progression Of Multiple Sclerosis
http://tinyurl.com/yt3yu9
from medicalnewstoday.com
Posted by: Ian | October 26, 2007 12:15 AM
There's conflicting reports. I'm not sure smoking does impact MS progression, but it certainly can't help and previous studies have shown a relationship.
Posted by: admin | October 26, 2007 12:55 AM
You may very well be right, but I just found the article adn thought i would post all of the "FACTS" that researchers keep handing out.
Posted by: Ian | October 28, 2007 02:16 AM