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Age of MSA People

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lou,

I'm not sure when my husbands symptoms first appeared, but he was diagnosed when

he was about 45 and is currently 51.

Beth

---------- lou Reynolds mlreynolds@...> writes:

To: shydrager

Subject: age of msa people

Date: Thu, 04 Apr 2002 07:41:40 -0500

It seems to me that many of the people afflicted with msa are very young,

and though there may be some older people--parents and spouses, there are

fewer of them. I'd be interested to know 3 things-(1) the age at which

symptoms first appeared, (2) the age when diagnosed with msa, and (3) the

age at present or at death.

Someone wrote in about not wanting to subscribe further to the group, as I

think they said they found things too upsetting, or words to that

effect. I too felt that way several years ago, just couldn't face what was

ahead (I knew what was coming, but didn't want to think about it anymore

than I had to).: I canceled my subscription several times. Now I feel

that the group is a wonderful source of support, encouragement, practical

advice, and just plain company. Lou Reynolds

If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may

unsubscribe by sending a blank email to

shydrager-unsubscribe

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lou,

I'm not sure when my husbands symptoms first appeared, but he was diagnosed when

he was about 45 and is currently 51.

Beth

---------- lou Reynolds mlreynolds@...> writes:

To: shydrager

Subject: age of msa people

Date: Thu, 04 Apr 2002 07:41:40 -0500

It seems to me that many of the people afflicted with msa are very young,

and though there may be some older people--parents and spouses, there are

fewer of them. I'd be interested to know 3 things-(1) the age at which

symptoms first appeared, (2) the age when diagnosed with msa, and (3) the

age at present or at death.

Someone wrote in about not wanting to subscribe further to the group, as I

think they said they found things too upsetting, or words to that

effect. I too felt that way several years ago, just couldn't face what was

ahead (I knew what was coming, but didn't want to think about it anymore

than I had to).: I canceled my subscription several times. Now I feel

that the group is a wonderful source of support, encouragement, practical

advice, and just plain company. Lou Reynolds

If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may

unsubscribe by sending a blank email to

shydrager-unsubscribe

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Dr. H. Ray , Ph.D.

49 When symptoms first noticed

51 When Diagnosed with MSA

51 Now, Not dead yet although sometimes...

-- age of msa people

It seems to me that many of the people afflicted with msa are very young, and though there may be some older people--parents and spouses, there are fewer of them. I'd be interested to know 3 things-(1) the age at which symptoms first appeared, (2) the age when diagnosed with msa, and (3) the age at present or at death.Someone wrote in about not wanting to subscribe further to the group, as I think they said they found things too upsetting, or words to that effect. I too felt that way several years ago, just couldn't face what was ahead (I knew what was coming, but didn't want to think about it anymore than I had to).: I canceled my subscription several times. Now I feel that the group is a wonderful source of support, encouragement, practical advice, and just plain company. Lou ReynoldsIf you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe

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Lou,

There is no set pattern for this. The youngest I have heard of a person

actually diagnosed as MSA is about 32 and the oldest is about 82. Usually the

diagnoses is made in the fifties and first symptoms (often fatigue, clumbsiness

or dizziness) are 1-5 years before that. Charlotte was about average, first

symptoms at about age 47, dx of PD at age 51, dx changed to MSA at age 55-56

and she died at age 62. In 1995 the average length of time between dx of a

movement disorder and death was about 9.5 years. Today with what we know about

the disorder, I would hope that Charlotte's 12 years would be more average.

But remember that is only an average, 2-20 years is closer to the range.

Unfortunately, too many people are still in denial if they unsubscribe for that

reason. I joined the PD internet group in 1991 as I am an engineer and wanted

to find out what if anything we could do to make Charlotte's life as good as

possible. She too got over the initial shock quickly when the Sinemet helped

so much in the beginning. However, she also felt devastated when we learned it

was MSA and more when she realized how much it would cripple her. That was

when our pastor suggested that we go to grief counseling. We worked our way

through the first stages and accepted the disorder enough to go out and work

out funeral arrangements, legal stuff and medical decisions (like PEG's and

trach tubes). After that, we learned to live with it and enjoyed the time we

had together. Remember that some people unsubscribe because they can not

handle the 40 messages per day we get on the list. Others do not like the

chain letters we often get on the list. So there are many reasons to

unsubscribe.

Too many people do not accept the limits placed on them by the disorder and get

stuck in the denial stage - that is the worst possible place to be stuck. MSA

DOES place restrictions on you! Most people lose their ability to drive soon

after a dx. Most people need a wheelchair within five years (or less) of a

dx. Five years is a long time to carry on with a job after dx, but may be

possible if you work with computers at home. Charlotte was able to work with

the mouse somewhat, as long as ten years after dx of PD - not well enough to do

a job however, just play games. If you can accept the limitations and work

around them, that is half the battle.

I think the reason you see more younger people on the list is that they are

more " into " computers. Most of the " older " folks got on the list because their

kids (or grandkids) found the list and fixed them up with an old computer to

use. Haight, Tim Foley, Bushnell, etc. all worked regularly with

computers and are among the youngest members we have, whereas only a few of the

" over 50 " members had computer experience " before MSA " (like :o) and me).

Sorry - are you over 50 yet?

Take care, Bill Werre

-----------------------------------------------------------

lou Reynolds wrote:

> It seems to me that many of the people afflicted with msa are very young,

> and though there may be some older people--parents and spouses, there are

> fewer of them. I'd be interested to know 3 things-(1) the age at which

> symptoms first appeared, (2) the age when diagnosed with msa, and (3) the

> age at present or at death.

>

> Someone wrote in about not wanting to subscribe further to the group, as I

> think they said they found things too upsetting, or words to that

> effect. I too felt that way several years ago, just couldn't face what was

> ahead (I knew what was coming, but didn't want to think about it anymore

> than I had to).: I canceled my subscription several times. Now I feel

> that the group is a wonderful source of support, encouragement, practical

> advice, and just plain company. Lou Reynolds

>

> If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may

> unsubscribe by sending a blank email to

>

> shydrager-unsubscribe

>

>

>

>

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Lou,

I had symptoms I believe since age 42

I have been diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration and Parkinsonism

plus and not MSA. I am under the impression though I could be at some

time or never

I am now 44 years old.

I also believe you are talking about me finding things to upsetting.

I was talking about my husband and not me. Sorry this was

misunderstood. I want to know it all the good, the bad, and the ugly.

-- In shydrager@y..., lou Reynolds wrote:

> It seems to me that many of the people afflicted with msa are very

young,

> and though there may be some older people--parents and spouses,

there are

> fewer of them. I'd be interested to know 3 things-(1) the age at

which

> symptoms first appeared, (2) the age when diagnosed with msa, and

(3) the

> age at present or at death.

>

> Someone wrote in about not wanting to subscribe further to the

group, as I

> think they said they found things too upsetting, or words to that

> effect. I too felt that way several years ago, just couldn't face

what was

> ahead (I knew what was coming, but didn't want to think about it

anymore

> than I had to).: I canceled my subscription several times. Now I

feel

> that the group is a wonderful source of support, encouragement,

practical

> advice, and just plain company. Lou Reynolds

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My husband is currently almost 70. Diagnosed with PD at 65, MSA at 66. Had

symptoms as early as the 1970's. Definitely had symptoms in the 1980's and

pronounced by 1990.

He is in a power wheel chair, hospital bed, a lift anchor in the ceiling of

our home. He can still feed himself and watch a mean ballgame.

Marilyn in TN

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My brother was 51 when he began seeking diagnosis for symptoms of Ataxia. Diagnosed in January 2001 at age 51 with MSA. Will turn 53 this month.

In response to the original posting (and Pam, Bill and

other feel free to correct me) I am of the impression from all of the information on MSA that age 50 is the most typical age for onset of MSA symptoms.

Jerry Cash

age of msa people

It seems to me that many of the people afflicted with msa are very young, and though there may be some older people--parents and spouses, there are fewer of them. I'd be interested to know 3 things-(1) the age at which symptoms first appeared, (2) the age when diagnosed with msa, and (3) the age at present or at death.Someone wrote in about not wanting to subscribe further to the group, as I think they said they found things too upsetting, or words to that effect. I too felt that way several years ago, just couldn't face what was ahead (I knew what was coming, but didn't want to think about it anymore than I had to).: I canceled my subscription several times. Now I feel that the group is a wonderful source of support, encouragement, practical advice, and just plain company. Lou ReynoldsIf you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe

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What is the difference between Parkinson's Plus and MSA? I was told Leo had

Parkinson's Plus about a year afer Parkinson's diagnosis. Ginger

Re: age of msa people

> Lou,

> I had symptoms I believe since age 42

> I have been diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration and Parkinsonism

> plus and not MSA. I am under the impression though I could be at some

> time or never

> I am now 44 years old.

> I also believe you are talking about me finding things to upsetting.

> I was talking about my husband and not me. Sorry this was

> misunderstood. I want to know it all the good, the bad, and the ugly.

>

> -- In shydrager@y..., lou Reynolds wrote:

> > It seems to me that many of the people afflicted with msa are very

> young,

> > and though there may be some older people--parents and spouses,

> there are

> > fewer of them. I'd be interested to know 3 things-(1) the age at

> which

> > symptoms first appeared, (2) the age when diagnosed with msa, and

> (3) the

> > age at present or at death.

> >

> > Someone wrote in about not wanting to subscribe further to the

> group, as I

> > think they said they found things too upsetting, or words to that

> > effect. I too felt that way several years ago, just couldn't face

> what was

> > ahead (I knew what was coming, but didn't want to think about it

> anymore

> > than I had to).: I canceled my subscription several times. Now I

> feel

> > that the group is a wonderful source of support, encouragement,

> practical

> > advice, and just plain company. Lou Reynolds

>

>

> If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may

> unsubscribe by sending a blank email to

>

> shydrager-unsubscribe

>

>

>

>

>

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Ginger,

PD+ is a very loose term with no real definition. Generally it means any

disorder with a Parkinsonian symptom (dopamine reduction). This includes many

brain disorders including MSA, OPCA, CBGD, PSP and others (possibly even

Altzheimers).

Take care, Bill Werre

-------------------------------------

Virginia Willmann wrote:

> What is the difference between Parkinson's Plus and MSA? I was told Leo had

> Parkinson's Plus about a year afer Parkinson's diagnosis. Ginger

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Ginger,

PD+ is a very loose term with no real definition. Generally it means any

disorder with a Parkinsonian symptom (dopamine reduction). This includes many

brain disorders including MSA, OPCA, CBGD, PSP and others (possibly even

Altzheimers).

Take care, Bill Werre

-------------------------------------

Virginia Willmann wrote:

> What is the difference between Parkinson's Plus and MSA? I was told Leo had

> Parkinson's Plus about a year afer Parkinson's diagnosis. Ginger

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Lou:

Terry had first symptoms at 67 and Dxed w PD at 68, Dxed w MSA/SND at 73,

currently 75.

Message: 1

Date: Thu, 04 Apr 2002 07:41:40 -0500

Subject: age of msa people

It seems to me that many of the people afflicted with msa are very young,

and though there may be some older people--parents and spouses, there are

fewer of them. I'd be interested to know 3 things-(1) the age at which

symptoms first appeared, (2) the age when diagnosed with msa, and (3) the

age at present or at death.

Someone wrote in about not wanting to subscribe further to the group, as I

think they said they found things too upsetting, or words to that

effect. I too felt that way several years ago, just couldn't face what was

ahead (I knew what was coming, but didn't want to think about it anymore

than I had to).: I canceled my subscription several times. Now I feel

that the group is a wonderful source of support, encouragement, practical

advice, and just plain company. Lou Reynolds

Sennewald Charlottesville, Virginia

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Thanks Bill, I 'm not up on all the correct catagories. Jankovic gave us a

print out with heading Parkinson's Plus, under that MSA. under that

Shy-Drager, O something and SND in '94. When we saw him in 2000 the print

out had MSA on top and Shy-Drager, O whatever and SND under that. I think

they've changed some of the terms too.

Ginger

Re: Re: age of msa people

> Ginger,

>

> PD+ is a very loose term with no real definition. Generally it means any

> disorder with a Parkinsonian symptom (dopamine reduction). This includes

many

> brain disorders including MSA, OPCA, CBGD, PSP and others (possibly even

> Altzheimers).

>

> Take care, Bill Werre

>

> -------------------------------------

>

> Virginia Willmann wrote:

>

> > What is the difference between Parkinson's Plus and MSA? I was told Leo

had

> > Parkinson's Plus about a year afer Parkinson's diagnosis. Ginger

>

>

> If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may

> unsubscribe by sending a blank email to

>

> shydrager-unsubscribe

>

>

>

>

>

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Guest guest

Thanks Bill, I 'm not up on all the correct catagories. Jankovic gave us a

print out with heading Parkinson's Plus, under that MSA. under that

Shy-Drager, O something and SND in '94. When we saw him in 2000 the print

out had MSA on top and Shy-Drager, O whatever and SND under that. I think

they've changed some of the terms too.

Ginger

Re: Re: age of msa people

> Ginger,

>

> PD+ is a very loose term with no real definition. Generally it means any

> disorder with a Parkinsonian symptom (dopamine reduction). This includes

many

> brain disorders including MSA, OPCA, CBGD, PSP and others (possibly even

> Altzheimers).

>

> Take care, Bill Werre

>

> -------------------------------------

>

> Virginia Willmann wrote:

>

> > What is the difference between Parkinson's Plus and MSA? I was told Leo

had

> > Parkinson's Plus about a year afer Parkinson's diagnosis. Ginger

>

>

> If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may

> unsubscribe by sending a blank email to

>

> shydrager-unsubscribe

>

>

>

>

>

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Share on other sites

Guest guest

Thanks Bill, I 'm not up on all the correct catagories. Jankovic gave us a

print out with heading Parkinson's Plus, under that MSA. under that

Shy-Drager, O something and SND in '94. When we saw him in 2000 the print

out had MSA on top and Shy-Drager, O whatever and SND under that. I think

they've changed some of the terms too.

Ginger

Re: Re: age of msa people

> Ginger,

>

> PD+ is a very loose term with no real definition. Generally it means any

> disorder with a Parkinsonian symptom (dopamine reduction). This includes

many

> brain disorders including MSA, OPCA, CBGD, PSP and others (possibly even

> Altzheimers).

>

> Take care, Bill Werre

>

> -------------------------------------

>

> Virginia Willmann wrote:

>

> > What is the difference between Parkinson's Plus and MSA? I was told Leo

had

> > Parkinson's Plus about a year afer Parkinson's diagnosis. Ginger

>

>

> If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may

> unsubscribe by sending a blank email to

>

> shydrager-unsubscribe

>

>

>

>

>

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Share on other sites

Guest guest

I keep year of diagnosis and year of birth on my database. According to

what nearly 400 people have told me who have answered my survey over the

past several years, I've figured out the average age at diagnosis for this

list is 60. You often see statistics in medical literature which states the

average age of onset is 55... so we aren't too far off. I don't keep any

data on age symptoms were first noticed.

The breakdown for our list for age at diagnosis:

1 person was diagnosed in their teens

2 people were diagnosed in their 20's

19 people were diagnosed in their 30's

50 people were diagnosed in their 40's

103 people were diagnosed in their 50's

113 people were diagnosed in their 60's

77 people were diagnosed in their 70's

12 people were diagnosed in their 80's

I'd rather not post any statistics about people who are now deceased as not

many people tell me that information, most leave the list quietly so we do

not have accurate data.

Hugs,

Pam

Re: age of msa people

> Lou,

>

> There is no set pattern for this. The youngest I have heard of a person

> actually diagnosed as MSA is about 32 and the oldest is about 82. Usually

the

> diagnoses is made in the fifties and first symptoms (often fatigue,

clumbsiness

> or dizziness) are 1-5 years before that. Charlotte was about average,

first

> symptoms at about age 47, dx of PD at age 51, dx changed to MSA at age

55-56

> and she died at age 62. In 1995 the average length of time between dx of

a

> movement disorder and death was about 9.5 years. Today with what we know

about

> the disorder, I would hope that Charlotte's 12 years would be more

average.

> But remember that is only an average, 2-20 years is closer to the range.

>

> Unfortunately, too many people are still in denial if they unsubscribe for

that

> reason. I joined the PD internet group in 1991 as I am an engineer and

wanted

> to find out what if anything we could do to make Charlotte's life as good

as

> possible. She too got over the initial shock quickly when the Sinemet

helped

> so much in the beginning. However, she also felt devastated when we

learned it

> was MSA and more when she realized how much it would cripple her. That

was

> when our pastor suggested that we go to grief counseling. We worked our

way

> through the first stages and accepted the disorder enough to go out and

work

> out funeral arrangements, legal stuff and medical decisions (like PEG's

and

> trach tubes). After that, we learned to live with it and enjoyed the time

we

> had together. Remember that some people unsubscribe because they can not

> handle the 40 messages per day we get on the list. Others do not like the

> chain letters we often get on the list. So there are many reasons to

> unsubscribe.

>

> Too many people do not accept the limits placed on them by the disorder

and get

> stuck in the denial stage - that is the worst possible place to be stuck.

MSA

> DOES place restrictions on you! Most people lose their ability to drive

soon

> after a dx. Most people need a wheelchair within five years (or less) of

a

> dx. Five years is a long time to carry on with a job after dx, but may be

> possible if you work with computers at home. Charlotte was able to work

with

> the mouse somewhat, as long as ten years after dx of PD - not well enough

to do

> a job however, just play games. If you can accept the limitations and

work

> around them, that is half the battle.

>

> I think the reason you see more younger people on the list is that they

are

> more " into " computers. Most of the " older " folks got on the list because

their

> kids (or grandkids) found the list and fixed them up with an old computer

to

> use. Haight, Tim Foley, Bushnell, etc. all worked regularly

with

> computers and are among the youngest members we have, whereas only a few

of the

> " over 50 " members had computer experience " before MSA " (like :o) and

me).

> Sorry - are you over 50 yet?

>

> Take care, Bill Werre

>

> -----------------------------------------------------------

>

> lou Reynolds wrote:

>

> > It seems to me that many of the people afflicted with msa are very

young,

> > and though there may be some older people--parents and spouses, there

are

> > fewer of them. I'd be interested to know 3 things-(1) the age at which

> > symptoms first appeared, (2) the age when diagnosed with msa, and (3)

the

> > age at present or at death.

> >

> > Someone wrote in about not wanting to subscribe further to the group, as

I

> > think they said they found things too upsetting, or words to that

> > effect. I too felt that way several years ago, just couldn't face what

was

> > ahead (I knew what was coming, but didn't want to think about it anymore

> > than I had to).: I canceled my subscription several times. Now I feel

> > that the group is a wonderful source of support, encouragement,

practical

> > advice, and just plain company. Lou Reynolds

> >

> > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may

> > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to

> >

> > shydrager-unsubscribe

> >

> >

> >

> >

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Guest guest

I keep year of diagnosis and year of birth on my database. According to

what nearly 400 people have told me who have answered my survey over the

past several years, I've figured out the average age at diagnosis for this

list is 60. You often see statistics in medical literature which states the

average age of onset is 55... so we aren't too far off. I don't keep any

data on age symptoms were first noticed.

The breakdown for our list for age at diagnosis:

1 person was diagnosed in their teens

2 people were diagnosed in their 20's

19 people were diagnosed in their 30's

50 people were diagnosed in their 40's

103 people were diagnosed in their 50's

113 people were diagnosed in their 60's

77 people were diagnosed in their 70's

12 people were diagnosed in their 80's

I'd rather not post any statistics about people who are now deceased as not

many people tell me that information, most leave the list quietly so we do

not have accurate data.

Hugs,

Pam

Re: age of msa people

> Lou,

>

> There is no set pattern for this. The youngest I have heard of a person

> actually diagnosed as MSA is about 32 and the oldest is about 82. Usually

the

> diagnoses is made in the fifties and first symptoms (often fatigue,

clumbsiness

> or dizziness) are 1-5 years before that. Charlotte was about average,

first

> symptoms at about age 47, dx of PD at age 51, dx changed to MSA at age

55-56

> and she died at age 62. In 1995 the average length of time between dx of

a

> movement disorder and death was about 9.5 years. Today with what we know

about

> the disorder, I would hope that Charlotte's 12 years would be more

average.

> But remember that is only an average, 2-20 years is closer to the range.

>

> Unfortunately, too many people are still in denial if they unsubscribe for

that

> reason. I joined the PD internet group in 1991 as I am an engineer and

wanted

> to find out what if anything we could do to make Charlotte's life as good

as

> possible. She too got over the initial shock quickly when the Sinemet

helped

> so much in the beginning. However, she also felt devastated when we

learned it

> was MSA and more when she realized how much it would cripple her. That

was

> when our pastor suggested that we go to grief counseling. We worked our

way

> through the first stages and accepted the disorder enough to go out and

work

> out funeral arrangements, legal stuff and medical decisions (like PEG's

and

> trach tubes). After that, we learned to live with it and enjoyed the time

we

> had together. Remember that some people unsubscribe because they can not

> handle the 40 messages per day we get on the list. Others do not like the

> chain letters we often get on the list. So there are many reasons to

> unsubscribe.

>

> Too many people do not accept the limits placed on them by the disorder

and get

> stuck in the denial stage - that is the worst possible place to be stuck.

MSA

> DOES place restrictions on you! Most people lose their ability to drive

soon

> after a dx. Most people need a wheelchair within five years (or less) of

a

> dx. Five years is a long time to carry on with a job after dx, but may be

> possible if you work with computers at home. Charlotte was able to work

with

> the mouse somewhat, as long as ten years after dx of PD - not well enough

to do

> a job however, just play games. If you can accept the limitations and

work

> around them, that is half the battle.

>

> I think the reason you see more younger people on the list is that they

are

> more " into " computers. Most of the " older " folks got on the list because

their

> kids (or grandkids) found the list and fixed them up with an old computer

to

> use. Haight, Tim Foley, Bushnell, etc. all worked regularly

with

> computers and are among the youngest members we have, whereas only a few

of the

> " over 50 " members had computer experience " before MSA " (like :o) and

me).

> Sorry - are you over 50 yet?

>

> Take care, Bill Werre

>

> -----------------------------------------------------------

>

> lou Reynolds wrote:

>

> > It seems to me that many of the people afflicted with msa are very

young,

> > and though there may be some older people--parents and spouses, there

are

> > fewer of them. I'd be interested to know 3 things-(1) the age at which

> > symptoms first appeared, (2) the age when diagnosed with msa, and (3)

the

> > age at present or at death.

> >

> > Someone wrote in about not wanting to subscribe further to the group, as

I

> > think they said they found things too upsetting, or words to that

> > effect. I too felt that way several years ago, just couldn't face what

was

> > ahead (I knew what was coming, but didn't want to think about it anymore

> > than I had to).: I canceled my subscription several times. Now I feel

> > that the group is a wonderful source of support, encouragement,

practical

> > advice, and just plain company. Lou Reynolds

> >

> > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may

> > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to

> >

> > shydrager-unsubscribe

> >

> >

> >

> >

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Guest guest

I keep year of diagnosis and year of birth on my database. According to

what nearly 400 people have told me who have answered my survey over the

past several years, I've figured out the average age at diagnosis for this

list is 60. You often see statistics in medical literature which states the

average age of onset is 55... so we aren't too far off. I don't keep any

data on age symptoms were first noticed.

The breakdown for our list for age at diagnosis:

1 person was diagnosed in their teens

2 people were diagnosed in their 20's

19 people were diagnosed in their 30's

50 people were diagnosed in their 40's

103 people were diagnosed in their 50's

113 people were diagnosed in their 60's

77 people were diagnosed in their 70's

12 people were diagnosed in their 80's

I'd rather not post any statistics about people who are now deceased as not

many people tell me that information, most leave the list quietly so we do

not have accurate data.

Hugs,

Pam

Re: age of msa people

> Lou,

>

> There is no set pattern for this. The youngest I have heard of a person

> actually diagnosed as MSA is about 32 and the oldest is about 82. Usually

the

> diagnoses is made in the fifties and first symptoms (often fatigue,

clumbsiness

> or dizziness) are 1-5 years before that. Charlotte was about average,

first

> symptoms at about age 47, dx of PD at age 51, dx changed to MSA at age

55-56

> and she died at age 62. In 1995 the average length of time between dx of

a

> movement disorder and death was about 9.5 years. Today with what we know

about

> the disorder, I would hope that Charlotte's 12 years would be more

average.

> But remember that is only an average, 2-20 years is closer to the range.

>

> Unfortunately, too many people are still in denial if they unsubscribe for

that

> reason. I joined the PD internet group in 1991 as I am an engineer and

wanted

> to find out what if anything we could do to make Charlotte's life as good

as

> possible. She too got over the initial shock quickly when the Sinemet

helped

> so much in the beginning. However, she also felt devastated when we

learned it

> was MSA and more when she realized how much it would cripple her. That

was

> when our pastor suggested that we go to grief counseling. We worked our

way

> through the first stages and accepted the disorder enough to go out and

work

> out funeral arrangements, legal stuff and medical decisions (like PEG's

and

> trach tubes). After that, we learned to live with it and enjoyed the time

we

> had together. Remember that some people unsubscribe because they can not

> handle the 40 messages per day we get on the list. Others do not like the

> chain letters we often get on the list. So there are many reasons to

> unsubscribe.

>

> Too many people do not accept the limits placed on them by the disorder

and get

> stuck in the denial stage - that is the worst possible place to be stuck.

MSA

> DOES place restrictions on you! Most people lose their ability to drive

soon

> after a dx. Most people need a wheelchair within five years (or less) of

a

> dx. Five years is a long time to carry on with a job after dx, but may be

> possible if you work with computers at home. Charlotte was able to work

with

> the mouse somewhat, as long as ten years after dx of PD - not well enough

to do

> a job however, just play games. If you can accept the limitations and

work

> around them, that is half the battle.

>

> I think the reason you see more younger people on the list is that they

are

> more " into " computers. Most of the " older " folks got on the list because

their

> kids (or grandkids) found the list and fixed them up with an old computer

to

> use. Haight, Tim Foley, Bushnell, etc. all worked regularly

with

> computers and are among the youngest members we have, whereas only a few

of the

> " over 50 " members had computer experience " before MSA " (like :o) and

me).

> Sorry - are you over 50 yet?

>

> Take care, Bill Werre

>

> -----------------------------------------------------------

>

> lou Reynolds wrote:

>

> > It seems to me that many of the people afflicted with msa are very

young,

> > and though there may be some older people--parents and spouses, there

are

> > fewer of them. I'd be interested to know 3 things-(1) the age at which

> > symptoms first appeared, (2) the age when diagnosed with msa, and (3)

the

> > age at present or at death.

> >

> > Someone wrote in about not wanting to subscribe further to the group, as

I

> > think they said they found things too upsetting, or words to that

> > effect. I too felt that way several years ago, just couldn't face what

was

> > ahead (I knew what was coming, but didn't want to think about it anymore

> > than I had to).: I canceled my subscription several times. Now I feel

> > that the group is a wonderful source of support, encouragement,

practical

> > advice, and just plain company. Lou Reynolds

> >

> > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may

> > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to

> >

> > shydrager-unsubscribe

> >

> >

> >

> >

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Guest guest

How about those of us who who are surviving mates or children of deceased

patients who would be happy to tell you the facts of our loved ones illness

so the list will be at least a bit more conclusive?

Barb

--

"It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for

only the

pure in heart want to." --C. S.

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Guest guest

How about those of us who who are surviving mates or children of deceased

patients who would be happy to tell you the facts of our loved ones illness

so the list will be at least a bit more conclusive?

Barb

--

"It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for

only the

pure in heart want to." --C. S.

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Guest guest

How about those of us who who are surviving mates or children of deceased

patients who would be happy to tell you the facts of our loved ones illness

so the list will be at least a bit more conclusive?

Barb

--

"It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for

only the

pure in heart want to." --C. S.

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Guest guest

Barb,

I'm not sure that would be more accurate than the 1995 study as the

study had autopsy reports to confirm MSA. Many people here don't

have autopsy reports. Some of our examples of long term survival

have been other disorders, so the 2-20 years is probably as accurate as

we can get at this time. If I had not taken Charlotte to the hospital

ER in late 1998, she would have died at 9 years, so knowledge did gain

her 3 years. The PEG and exercise definitely helped her during those

three years. But your Ralph did not have the PEG more than a few

months - did he? I remember us chatting on IM and you having to run

as he spilled chili or a milkshake on the new rug :o) Then later

you were at the rehab center so much.

Take care, Bill

-------------------------

Barb wrote:

How about those of us who who are surviving mates

or children of deceased patients who would be happy to tell you the

facts of our loved ones illness so the list will be at least a bit more

conclusive?

Barb

--

"It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for

only the

pure in heart want to." --C. S.

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Guest guest

Greetings Bill & Everyone!

Bill, you wondered:

> Sorry - are you over 50 yet?

Feels like it! My father, in his mid 70s has more get up and go than I do.

I MUST use a walking staff to stay upright, he would have to steady me! Go

figure.

But, yes. I have worked with computers for quite a long time. I started in

1977. Fell in love with them and made that my career choice. I've worked

with many different computer systems, including an IBM 360-158/AP, and a IBM

3090 mainframe, UNIX systems, OpenVMS systems, numerous iterations of

Windows, MS-DOS, CP/M, an IBM Series/1, Data General systems... and the list

goes on. I figured out one time that I have worked with over 20 operating

systems. Further I've learned numerous computer languages. (A German major

does tend to learn a LOT about how languages are constructed). I've managed

mission critical systems, then as someone working for a vendor, I sold and

delivered over 4 to 10 million in consulting business alone. The hardware

tended to top 20 million per year.

About five years ago, I was forced to find another job. The group I worked

for went VERY squirrelly .. though 2 of us brought 4 - 6 million in revenue

into the company, they thought it wasn't good business. Excuse me???

So, I started with the Mission Critical support group. Fortunate, that was

a work from home job. If not, I would have gone on disability a long time

ago. A God-incidence, perhaps?

To the other question, age of diagnosis ... not MSA, at this point. About

14 years ago was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Then 3-4

years ago, developed serious problems with balance and tremors. After a

year or so, this led to my current diagnosis of Primary Cerebellar

Degeneration.

Right now we are in the hover and wait stage.

Regards,

=jbf=

B. Fisher

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Guest guest

My mother Joyce Scaduto was diagnosed with PD at 67, rediagnosed with

MSA/SND at 69 and she died at 71. She had been diagnosed with Epstein-Barr

about 5 or 6 years before the PD diagnosis and then had a frozen shoulder

about two years prior to the PD diagnosis. Clear neuro signs started about

one year before diagnosis (though her speech was slurred slightly for about

2 years prior to PD diagnosis). I guess what I am getting at here, is that

it is difficult to pinpoint when the symptoms first appeared. I know that

extreme fatigue (Epstein-Barr) and frozen shoulder often predate clear neuro

symptoms. I would say that my mother clearly showed some signs at age 66.

Debbie

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Guest guest

thank u. that would be of some help for me as a patient. I know i am

progressing and I am not the way I use to be, ect. However, I would like

to know the feelings of the teens and young adults of parents and the

spouses as well. I understand everyone is different, but there are

commonalties among us all.

nancy m.

Barb wrote:

>

> How about those of us who who are surviving mates or children of

> deceased patients who would be happy to tell you the facts of our

> loved ones illness so the list will be at least a bit more conclusive?

>

> Barb

> [image]

>

> --

> " It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for

> only the

> pure in heart want to. " --C. S.

>

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