Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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JeffSar 05/26/2009

Hi everyone!

New data has been released on the connection between the two.

Check it out here:
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20090504/epstein-barr-virus-linked-to-ms?src=RSS_PUBLIC

I had mono very bad as a teen. I remember it well. I had never heard of a connection between the two or mono as being a trigger until I was diagnosed and did not think much of it until I read this article. I am no expert, but the results seem very telling.

I am sure this has been discussed here, just saw this new study and thought it was relevant.

I would be interested in your opinions.

Stay healthy!

JeffSar 05/26/2009

I forgot to mention what I find most significant. Could this not be another way to help diagnose the MonSter? I mean if you have high levels of mono anti-bodies and MS symptoms, it seems to me that this may help doctors to diagnose you with MS.

deleted_user 05/26/2009

that is interesting. I had MONO when I was 25. I was dx'd with MS at 30.

JaniceKay 05/27/2009

Thanks for link Jeff. When we were working towards my Dx, when I mentioned having had mono,my doc had an 'Aha!' reaction, as if that were very telling ...

ChrissyH 05/28/2009

this sounds like it would be very meaningful, except I never had mono. I was tested for it many, many times, but it always came back negative.

sorry to rain on the sciencetfic(sp) parade

deleted_user 05/28/2009

no mono for me!

JeffSar 05/28/2009

I don't necessarily believe that all MS patients have had mono, but that perhaps if you have high levels of mono anti-bodies plus other symptoms of MS, earlier diagnosis could result.

I know, in my case, earlier diagnosis could have made a significant difference in my life.

This could only happen, of course, if they figure out what kind of test for mono anti-bodies makes sense or can be used in MS diagnosis.

deleted_user 05/28/2009

I had mono when in college (very bad case needing hospitalization). I believe we all carry the gene for MS and the Epstein Barr virus triggers it during times of stress on the body. For me it was having a child and complications of pregnancy. Shortly after my son was born I can remember subtle symptoms and when he went to kindergarten the symptoms kicked in, in full. Unfortunately it took another 7 years to get a diagnosis! So yes I do believe there is a connection.

deleted_user 05/28/2009

nope, no mono here, I was a workaholic once and "loved" major stress!
does that count?

Attitude is Everything

deleted_user 05/28/2009

I had mono when I was 17 & my MS symptoms started at 28....Hmmm

deleted_user 05/28/2009

While I'm researching for my sis re: MS, I saw mono mentioned too and she had a bad case of it when she was a teen....(the kissing disease...remember?)

deleted_user 05/29/2009

Thak you Jeff for that info i allways had my suspicans because that was the only thing at 16 that i had bad it was so bad they wonted to hospitolelise me but we where snowd in that wenter Indiana now im 44 totole disability
it all sems to go back to that episod with MANO
first mt eyes.

deleted_user 05/29/2009

I never had mono. When I was a teen they tested my dad for EB but he was negative. I found it curious that this study was done with military records... I wonder if the EB virus is more prevalent in that population... Military live in close quarters, physically demanding etc. (I wonder how many get it in boot camp) Just a thought.

deleted_user 05/29/2009

So that stupid high school boyfriend with mono really did cause all of my life\'s problems. ;)

JeffSar 05/29/2009

Hey! I was that high school boyfriend. Alright, not yours, but I had mono during high school senior prom.

In fact, I wrote about it on my blog...
http://jaszzz.com/2009/05/24/prom-night-mono-and-a-cause-of-ms/

deleted_user 05/29/2009

I had a HORRIBLE case of mono just after college and started having problems 7 years later. Of course it took another 12 yrs to get a diagnosis of MS but that\'s very interesting!

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