As we reach the start of another year, it seems a good time for me to review the last 12 months, as seen through the eyes of 50shadesofsun.com.
January
The year began by focusing on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Dr Denis Fedorenko of the HSCT centre in Moscow published a guide to the procedure.
Russian Physician’s Guide to HSCT in Moscow
February
UK government policies grabbed my attention, along with actions regarding people with disabilities and benefits to which they are entitled.
Disabilities: Government loses tribunals, then changes rules
Disabilities: Government warned forced activities ‘could make health worse’
More flock to accuse disability assessors of lying
March
New treatments came to the fore this month. Ocrevus gained approval from the FDA, while Zinbryta got the go ahead for use in the UK.
After Long Wait, Zinbryta Gains Approval in Areas of the UK
Ocrevus: Counting Down to Expected FDA Approval
April
Allegations had been made that new disability access policies at Disney parks was discriminatory. However, a court decided that the new way of doing things was perfectly ok.
Disney Disability Access Rules Don’t Break Law, Court Rules
May
MS treatments were in the spotlight once again. Questions were being asked about the drug safety and why many people choose to avoid them.
Mixed messages about beta-interferon safety to treat MS
Why are DMTs – Drugs to treat MS – Resisted by so Many?
June
My attention was caught by one of the UK government contractors trying to put the chaotic assessment process behind it. It chose to change its name but that was fooling no one.
I also looked at the much valued and desired matter of independence.
Atos tries to escape its past though superficial rebranding
Even a little independence is a great feeling
July
Risks appeared on two fronts. First, death and serious injuries to patients to the use of Zinbryta being limited in Europe. Second, people with disabilities in the UK were still facing the risk of benefit cuts.
Zinbryta use restricted in Europe after a death and four serious liver injuries
Disability benefit cuts are still a real risk
August
Issues with lack of balance and mobility means that falls are a frequent reality. However, not all falls are the same.
I also looked at MS treatments and how close we might be to finding the holy grail – a cure.
Falls – the good, the bad, and the ……
Cure for multiple sclerosis: Are we close?
September
Inside criticism surfaced about mismanagement of disability benefits. Nothing new to me but good to have confirmation from within. On the same tack, the UK government department responsible for benefits was trying to hide assessment problems.
Talking of confirmation, my theory the MS is linked to glandular fever, or mononucleosis, was backed by researchers.
Department helpline worker lambasts mismanaged disability benefits system
I said it 14 months ago, now researchers agree: MS is linked to ‘mono’
DWP fights to hide WCA ‘under-performance’ and PIP assessments
October
A number of drugs were labelled ‘rip-offs’ in a new report. These included MS drug alemtuzumab.
UK government officials proved they do not understand variable conditions, such as those experienced by people with MS.
MS therapy alemtuzumab is named a ‘rip-off’ drug, report
Disability benefits stopped because government doesn’t understand variable conditions
November
The number of people wth MS in the USA is more than double that previously thought. Could that be similar elsewhere?
We knew UK spending cuts were dangerous but now we know that they have ben responsible for needless deaths.
Nearly 1 million Americans have MS, not 400,000 as previously thought – NMSS Study
Needless deaths caused by government spending cuts
December
Great to see the doctor who first suggested CCSVI treatment could help people with MS now agrees this isn’t true.
However, shocking to see that someone assessed as ‘fit to work’ died before the appeal could be heard.
CCSVI treatment does NOT work for MS, says clinical trial
Assessment disgrace: ‘Fit for work’ man dies before ESA appeal can be heard
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50shadesofsun.com is the personal website of Ian Franks, a freelance medical writer and editor for various health information sites. He enjoyed a successful career as a journalist, from reporter to editor in the print media. He gained a Journalist of the Year award in his native UK. Ian received a diagnosis of MS in 2002 and now lives in the south of Spain. He uses a wheelchair and advocates on mobility and accessibility issues.
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Note: Health-related information available on 50shadesofsun website is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. I am not a doctor and cannot and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult a doctor before starting a new diet or exercise programme. Any opinions expressed are purely my own unless otherwise stated.
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