Death due to complications of MS

[Midnight-Blue]

I know this is not something those with MS want to even consider and I had always thought that people did not die from MS. A few years shaved off our life, possibly, but FROM complications? What complications?And, why am I even asking such a question? If any of you are old enough to have enjoyed the TV program “LaVerne & Shirley”, one of the comic characters, “Squigley” (sp?) passed away (In newspaper from 12/6 from “complications from multiple sclerosis”. So, I ask for someone, anyone, give me some insight. Thankyou

[jimeka]

Hidden posted the newspaper article about his death but like you I would like to know what were the circumstances behind it. 😊

[Midnight-Blue in reply to jimeka]

The article, unfortunately, did not go into specifics. I haven’t tried Google yet (Actually just thought of it.)

[jorrell]

It is incredibly rare that a person with MS passes away before the end of their expected life without MS. That being said, an acquaintance of mine lost his wife at the age of 34 from MS. Yes, she was bed ridden and could hardly move her hands, but at least she had the favor of passing in her sleep. This passing will be with me for a long time.

[Midnight-Blue in reply to jorrell]

The same happened with a friend (with MS) that before I knew it was she was bedridden then, gone, due to her MS. Why do some of us die (From MS) and others do not? Is there a common diameter or body build? Similar organs affected? WHAT??

[jorrell in reply to Midnight-Blue]

I don't know, but I suspect there are genetics involved along with the medication based PML. I wish you the best, I have had the fortune of crawling out of the worm hole and at least be able to function at a level of value. For how long, I have no clue.

[agapepilgrim]

its not something we dare dwell on, but enough to face the facts of MS, and have a will, and a DNR and a Power of Attorney and an Advanced Health Directive, etc., etc.,e tc., Yes, we can die from complications of MS, just as surely as people are dying from complications of Covid19. I know it is only one case, but one case can convince me because it is up close and personal. My cousin, Susan, first cousin same age as me, loved horses and dogs, was diagnosed with MS back in the 80s, when there wasn't a lot of DMTs around, at least not in the very small town of Brooksville, Florida. Very unfortunately, she was diagnosed with the rapid progressive MS type (forget the technical name), but it was in her spine (whereas all my lesions are in my brain). She went from wheelchair to nursing home within a few years. Her kidneys shut down. I visited her several times in the nursing home in Florida. We lived in Illinois at the time. Slowly, her organs began shutting down as her MS progressed. Her brain never had lesions. She officially died of pneumonia, as the nerves would not operate the muscles to make her lungs breathe (or something like that - I don't understand medical terms). I do know my neurologist tells me my pneumonia keeps attaching me and doesn't heal because the MS lesions in my brain is not telling my brain to send oxygen to my lungs when needed (or something like that, so I have a hard time breathing, and am breathless when active). Maybe I am just talking aimlessly or maybe this makes sense. Going back to my cave now. Goodbye.

[erash in reply to agapepilgrim]

Yes, I believe end stage MS respiratory failure is the cause in most cases

[Midgey_Midge06 in reply to erash]

That is what scares me. Not dying from MS but from covid. I have asthma, pneumonia and hard time breathing. If i had covid - i know i wudnt make it.

[jorrell in reply to erash]

A year or so ago, I woke up and was so sick with high fever, my wife called the Ambulance. It turns out that I got pneumonia in my left lung, it was the size of a quarter, that's it. I had even gotten the pneumonia vaccine 2 years earlier. A day and a half in the hospital, and went home. Took a week to recover. So yes, pneumonia is one of my biggest fears. Allergy driven Asthma doesn't help much either.

[Hidden in reply to agapepilgrim]

🙏😃

[Angeline79]

Those misfiring nerves could misfire and cause inflammation in some very vital organs. Every part of your body has neves.

[jorrell in reply to Angeline79]

Except my personal grey matter!

🤣🤣

[kdali]

There’s a long list of possible complications, but they probably had a lesion that caused breathing issues and maybe had a bad pneumonia.

[pamgarner]

i did ask my neuro. awhile back,end of life from ms usually is when a person becomes completely paralyzed and if effects the nerves that control the lungs and breathing.he said it is rare.i like to say not me that is why I keep moving if i can

[robster1 in reply to pamgarner]

Amen & Amen Sis!

Keep moving.

Thank you Pam. I learned a long time ago that I can’t focus on the negative of this disease or I would never have a joyful, serene, peaceful moment in my days that God has given me so freely. I’m not discounting reality. I choose not to focus on things that will pull me down to a very dark place. God bless.

[Midnight-Blue]

Actually she was a bit older than me (I’m 69 but don’t tell anyone!) Already had my flu shot in September (Holding back on the pneumonia shot.) But, these illnesses are not ready answers. If they were as an underlining cause more emphasizes would have bet placed in it. Maybe there has not been much research done on this subject considering the causes of MS is still only guesswork. I want answers; we deserve answer. If nothing else than to prepare ourselves!

[Midnight-Blue]

I am so sorry and my friend went exactly the same way. And, after reading about your sister the only real difference is our ages. I went from being active (military, then Sheriff’s deputy, then going back to college). I now use a wheelchair for anywhere I go that the distance is a factor. This is a horrible disease & needs more research . And, research takes money. And we all know how that goes. Thankyou for sharing about your sister; I know it was difficult for you. Again, thankyou.

[Humbrd in reply to Midnight-Blue]

Thank you for your service in the military and deputy!

[Goldilockssearching]

Scary and probably best not to dwell on. There is so much unknown. That’s enough to deal with in & of itself!!

[Ali_B62]

I had a friend of 29 who passed away, she had secondary progressive and was in quite poor health this was pre dmd's and the cause of death had to be recorded as disseminated sclerosis which is extremely rare. Best not to dwell, worrying about it wouldn't be helpful. It is extremely rare, thankfully.🥰

[jorrell]

Squiggly passed away at the age of 73, most probably from pneumonia. That is what I call a full lifetime even without MS.

[Midnight-Blue]

Without MS? He had MS - fact, according to article. I’m not arguing. I have MS. I want facts. My neurologist is not exactly forthcoming in some areas.