Lysosomal diseases: the impact of the diagnosis

"Your child has a lysosomal disease." Such a statement refers to most parents, like a bomb. It's usually at that time that a psychologist of the hospital will notify the parents. Of course you are free to refuse his or her help, but it would be a shame to make this option not to use. Especially if you take into account the different steps you have to come.

Of the shock to the acceptance of the diagnosis of lysosomal diseases

• Phase 1: the shock

The shock caused by the diagnosis is similar to what one feels at the loss of a loved one. The parents hear medical decisions, but skip the details and explanations do not. Overwhelmed by emotion, they are as it were surrounded by a dense fog.

• Phase 2: denial, resistance

The parents accept the diagnosis. They often consult another doctor, because they are convinced that the first was mistaken. Sometimes they are even angry with the doctors.

• Phase 3: the depression

The parents were desolate and even desperate. During this time they are withdrawn, they mourn the child whom she had dreamed of (a 'normal' child of course) and the future plans for him they had anticipated.

• Phase 4: the return to equilibrium

The above-described intense feelings gradually fade. The parents are again more confident and above all confidence in their ability to raise the child.

• Stage 5: the reorganization of daily life

In this phase, the parents come to terms with the news, even news that they have often not accepted. Life resumes its normal course and parents adjust their lives to meet the needs of the child. The parents perspective what hit them and begin to think back to the future.

The importance of psychological support

The duration of the phases varies from person to person. Psychological support helps to have these successive periods easier and sometimes faster to get through. A psychologist can help you include your feelings to express. Perhaps you experience a love-hate feelings toward your child. The therapist will then try to get you from your guilt to help. Such a feeling is very common among parents with these problems. The psychologist will also demonstrate a positive future is possible, despite the lysosomal disease that affects the child.

Shopping, gambling, sex? and Parkinson's disease

Compulsive behavior and parkinsonism

When we hear the word parkinsonism, we can think of shaking, slow movement ... Much less behavioral problems. And yet. A study showed that 13.6% of all Parkinson's patients, compulsive behavior (1). The most common addictions include shopping au premier rank of addictions, on trouve le shopping (5.7%), gambling (5%), food (4.3%) and sex (3.5%).

The culprits are drugs?

According to the abovementioned study, dopamine agonists increase the risk of compulsive behavior with two to three and a half times increase. This phenomenon can also occur with L-Dopa. However, you should have no fear, as long as the prescribed dose of this drug were strictly follow.

Should this class of drugs but then immediately be banned? However, because this phenomenon remains all in all quite limited if the patient takes the prescribed dose.

Dopamine and sensitivity to pleasure

Parkinson's disease is caused by a deficiency of dopamine (a chemical in the brains). To compensate for this loss, the neurologist may include prescribing dopamine agonists. Problem: this treatment tends to increase the sensitivity to pleasure. This applies particularly to young Parkinson's patients (under 50 years). But greater sensitivity of course means more enjoyment pleasure. Hence the temptation can be to their own drugs are increasing dose. Purpose: extra sexual pleasure. This leads to an unbridled lust pursuit, which the door wide open for all kinds of addictions.

Avoid compulsive behavior

Yet it is possible to break this vicious circle. For example, there neuroleptics attenuate these sensations without the symptoms of Parkinson's worse. Help from a psychiatrist can be helpful. But to avoid it so far, there is only one way: by scrupulously respected neurologist prescribed drug dosages. And the slightest urge to increase the dose: immediately talk to him about.

(1) Weintraub D, Koester J, Potenza MN, Siderowf AD, Stacy M, Voon V Whetteckey J, Wunderlich GR, Lang AE. Impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional study of 3090 patient. Arch Neurol. May 2010, 67 (5) :589-95.

Renal insufficiency: Tips for an enjoyable dialysis

Many patients sleep during dialysis, or limit themselves to talk to the other patients or nurses. "The hemodialysis is quite an exhausting event," explains Johan De Troyer of the association Kidney patients from ASZ. "Moreover, the limited freedom of movement during treatment," adds Lut Buyle Kidney patients association of Dendermonde it added. What tips are there at that time nonetheless enjoyable to spend?

Reading and watching TV during dialysis

Gino Matthys Friends of Roeselare Kidney patients dialysis period was during his time in reading good kill. Newspapers are popular in kidney patients, course books. Some hospitals even make a real library available. "I also know of patients who bring their laptops to the dialysis," says Gino Matthys. In a number of dialysis centers, patients can even surf the Internet. Telework in the hospital is definitely a possibility. Most hospitals also have a television or a DVD player are, per room or per bed.

Eating and drinking during dialysis?

Eat or drink during dialysis can provide scattering. But the disadvantage is that low blood pressure. The hospitals or evaluate each patient and how much a person can eat or drink.

Pedicure, massage and cycling during treatment

In some hospitals, including the St. Augustinus Hospital in Wilrijk and in the General Municipal Hospital in Aalst, is allowed during dialysis to get a pedicure. In Brugmann in Brussels dialysis patients may even get a massage. In recent years in some dialysis centers, dialysis also cycled in the seats. Mary Mediatrix in AZ (AZMM) in Ghent eg kidney patients and nurses each summer driving their own Tour de France. In AZMM dietitians indeed give educational sessions during dialysis.

Patient Activities

In addition, the patients themselves organize many activities: a visit from Santa Claus, Easter and Christmas gifts, seasonal decorations in the department ... Many groups planning a trip abroad at last year, and organizing dinner parties and such to pay for that trip.

Parkinson increased risk of melanoma

Parkinson's disease: risk factor for melanoma

Suspected for several years, but today it's proven Parkinson's disease actually increases the risk of melanoma (skin cancer). A recent study shows that the risk is greater for women and a half times and two times greater in men who have Parkinson's. How the two diseases are linked, the researchers explained, however, does not matter.

What is melanoma?

A melanoma is a skin tumor, in the form of a mole (nevus), which is an abnormal size, shape and color. It can spontaneously emerge or evolve from an existing mole. Although not the only form of skin cancer is melanoma is the most aggressive. Protection is possible by prolonged exposure to the sun and of course, to avoid heat-stroke prevention. Do not hesitate in the least black tumor contact with a dermatologist. Do this even if the shape of an existing mole changes.

Turn not immediately panic

Parkinson's disease patients should immediately go to their dermatologist? "No," replies Professor Alain Maertens the North Wood, a neurologist at the CHR Citadelle in Liège. "Parkinson's disease actually increases the risk of melanoma. But the risk also increases among people with pale skin and blue eyes. It is of course recommended in the sun without protection to continue. But overall there is no reason to panic, "he assures. People with Parkinson's do not need to be close to home during the summer. But a straw hat and sunscreen are well appointed.

(1) Liu R, Gao X, Lu Y, Chen H. Meta-analysis of the Relationship Between Parkinson's disease and melanoma. Neurology. 2011 June 7, 76 (23) :2002-9.

MS Fatigue: What solutions are there?

Fatigue: everyday in MS

Approximately 75% of MS patients complain of prolonged fatigue or interrupted (1), a symptom that can disrupt the daily routine. You will indeed not be able to use the same rhythm as before. Furthermore, this lead to fatigue misunderstanding of your surroundings, and your employer. According to a study by the International Federation of MS Societies fatigue is the first cause to stop working (2).

Distinction between types of fatigue

If you frequently fatigued, talk about it with your neurologist. He will first of all the other sources of fatigue, such as fatigue or apnea due to a drug side effects, not taken out. Depression is a possible cause, affecting 50% of MS patients (3).

MS fatigue can take two forms:

• hand an overwhelming fatigue that comes suddenly and without reason. That even when standing. Cause may include a lack of biochemical balance in the brains are;
• conversely, patients with fatigue to an effort. He will get tired faster, while doing less business than usual.

Additional symptoms are possible, such as visual fatigue or loss of concentration.

Virtually no medical treatment

Because the causes of this fatigue have not yet been found, there is virtually no treatment. The antiviral drug amantadine to help some patients. Researchers still do not know why. Other products are sometimes prescribed, but their effectiveness remains controversial. This is particularly the case with the stimulant drug Modafinil or 4-aminopyridine, an agent that counteracts fatigue by improving nerve conduction.

Master the fatigue

Fatigue, there is only one solution: Make time for yourself. Same rhythm as before trying to hold, you will be even more tired. How difficult it is to accept it, you will have to adjust your daily activities. Reduce the time to work and provide rest for organizing your business. The social life is a source of fatigue. Here, planning is also important: provide a rest period before and after the weekend if you want to go out with friends. Even if you feel well, do not be weary: Pay attention to your limits. Exercise can improve endurance. But follow a progressive program and adjusted, if possible with advice from a physiotherapist.

(1) Lerdal A, Celius EC Krupp L, Dahl AA, A prospective study of patterns of fatigue in multiple sclerosis, Eur J Neurol. December 2007, 14 (12) :1338-43. Epub 2007 September 26.

(2) Survey on Employment and MS MSIF, Avril 2010

(3) Siegert RJ, Abernethy DA., Depression in multiple sclerosis: a review, J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. April 2005, 76 (4) :469-75.

Alzheimer's disease: the role of the occupational therapist

The role of the occupational therapist

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease. Gradually exacerbate the cognitive problems, such as memory loss and concentration problems. Tasks that previously took place effortlessly, be more difficult to perform. Alzheimer patients are ultimately dependent on their families. The occupational therapist slows down the loss of autonomy by the environment of the patient to adjust. He also automates the daily life of the patient using special techniques. Memory clinic in the department he works together with a neuropsychologist, a nurse, a social worker and a neurologist.

Daily evaluate problems

The occupational therapist is involved in the daily life of the patient: cooking, shopping, relax and administration. Because every patient is different evolves, his problems first assessed using a questionnaire and a sketch. "With a home visit the occupational therapist observes the patient in his environment. He can establish a link between the difficulties of the patient and his cognitive problems, "explains Catherine Olivier, occupational therapist from the memory clinic of the CHU Liège, out. "If the patient can let something burn during cooking, then we try to determine the cause. Maybe he lost the track of time or attention. Cause of the problem than to memory or concentration. "

Tailored Solution

Neuropsychologist with the occupational therapist then develops a solution tailored to fit the patient and his environment. A sheet with an explanation that is put in place, for example, a job and write up a cognitive problem prevention. "When cooking can be a very detailed recipe. There is also the possibility to use a ribbon in order to avoid confusion, "says Olivier. These chips may use a cell phone, hi-fi, computer, etc. to facilitate research work on the Internet.

Reduce effects of Alzheimer's

The aim is that the patient remain independent as long as possible. This facilitates the task of the facilitator, and proposes the placement in an institution as long as possible.

Addition to facilitating the daily life, the occupational therapist to encourage leisure activities: scrapbooking, painting, knitting ... "The less we launch activities, the less we give him sense to do anything. The disease progresses faster in person all the time people in his armchair. Being active is important in the life of an Alzheimer's patient "concludes Olivier.

Fracture penis: a danger to the erectile capacity

A penile fracture is a rare accident that usually occurs in men in the prime of their lives. Causes a very strong erection during intercourse and a little too strong sexual urges. When a penis fracture surgery is needed, not to impair the patient afterwards to get erectile dysfunction.

What is a penile fracture?

Actually it is a rupture of the tunica albuginea (teelbalschede whitish), the membrane surrounding the erectile bodies of the penis. This break may be associated with trauma of the swelling and in rare cases with an injury to the urethra (urethra) or some penile blood vessels.

When is a penis to break?

A penile fracture is an incident that typically occurs in the heat of the action. Instead of penetrating into the vagina, the penis is thrust against the perineum of the partner and folds it in half. This creates intense pain and soon formed a bruise (hematoma) on the penis surface.

Treatment options of a penile fracture

There are two treatments: surgery and penis for a while 'to rest' (or 'conservative treatment' called). In the first case, the surgeon attaches the tunica albuginea (or, possibly torn parts of the penis). Rehabilitation usually takes several weeks. During the first two weeks the patient must take drugs that prevent erection, allowing the penile tissues heal faster. In the second case, he only erectieverhinderende drugs, anti-inflammatories and painkillers prescribed. Because the penis thus remains inactive, the tunica albuginea naturally heal.

Possible consequence: erectile dysfunction

This latter option is, however, be avoided. According to a study that 96% of all operated patients regained a satisfactory erection ability after surgery (1). Whom surgery was not, however, was then 50% chance of erectile dysfunction. A conservative treatment is suitable only for patients who systematically refuse surgery.

(1) Gamal WM, Osman MM, Hammady A Aldahshoury MZ, MM Hussain, M. Saleem Penile Fracture: Long-Term Results of Surgical and Conservative Management. J Trauma. January 27 2011.

Sex after Prostate Cancer

Libido and orgasm

Hormone therapy is one of the most frequently used treatments for prostate cancer. In most cases, the libido hormone therapy (the lust) and orgasm (the pleasure of orgasm) canceled. Both libido and orgasm occur in the brains of all, for that purpose should be encouraged by a sufficiently high level of testosterone in the blood.

Ejaculation

In some cases of prostate cancer is total or partial removal of the prostate. When radiotherapy is a prostate tumor irradiation. They too are often used. After surgery, and in time after radiotherapy, it is no longer possible to ejaculation (ejaculation) to have. It is necessary that the prostate produces prostatic fluid for sperm to come. Most men find stopping ejaculation also not so bad, in contrast to erectile dysfunction. Even without an erection, ejaculation is still possible and orgasm.

Erectile dysfunction

To be able to get an erection, the nerves in the prostate of the signals from the brains of the penis can send. But surgery and radiotherapy can damage the nerves, and so cause impotence. Fortunately, this side effect with the new surgical techniques are sensitive to less common.

Solutions for impotence

Erectile dysfunction due to nerve damage can be treated in several ways:

• If the nerve is only partially damaged, medication (Viagra, Levitra and Cialis) erectile strengthen its own. These erection pills does not automatically make an erection. Given the possible contraindications are only available on prescription.
• If all the nerves are damaged, can no longer erection pills help an erection. The solution is an injection into the penile shaft. Such injection is painless, easy to administer and provides an automatic erection.

Question in any case always consult your doctor before you start treatment.

Parkinson: the usefulness of occupational therapy

Occupational therapy in Parkinson's disease

Hospitalization for someone with Parkinson's often the opportunity to see an occupational therapist. Through occupational therapy, the patient learns to deal with practical problems: in and out of bath, buttoning his shirt, a steak into small pieces. In short, the kind of action that is becoming increasingly difficult as Parkinson's disease evolves.

Phase 1: a balance sheet

The occupational therapist encourages the everyday problems that someone with Parkinson's experience. To do that, he questioned not only the patient but also the people in his immediate environment. He observes how the patient eats, washes, takes the stairs, etc. On request, some hospitals and health funds an occupational therapist at home. He can recommend some changes to make life easier.

Stage 2: Practical solutions

The work of the occupational therapist is based on two pillars:

• the rehabilitation of the patient
• adapting its surroundings.

The rehabilitation sessions teach the patient the right actions. For example an easier pants or out of bed without falling and without risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure. Furthermore, the patient learns to use a number of useful items: a button hook in an instant to button his shirt or cutlery with a wide non-slip handle for easier to eat.

Phase 3: The home of the patient to adjust

Finally, does the occupational therapist about ways the home of the patient to adjust. He can better access and above all avoid accidents. Sometimes small changes are sufficient to prevent a fall: remove carpets, carpet securely, placing support poles in the toilet and the bathroom, etc. If the budget allows the patient, the occupational therapist to consider more radical changes. He may be a instapbad with door to install an elevator or chair to avoid stairs. If the latter is too expensive, and access to the upper floor is really dangerous, the ground floor completely re-equipped. He will then as a permanent living space of the patient are. Again, the occupational therapist useful tips for that area as practical and comfortable as possible.

AIDS and have children, why not?

HIV-positive mother: Reduce the risks to the child

Conceive a child if one has AIDS, is that foolish? No, that is if you let help and guide. Without this support is the risk of transmission of the AIDS virus from mother to child around 20%. Russian roulette is! Fortunately, an infectious disease process finalized that the risk rate to less than 2% bring back (1). The only condition is that there is absolutely no deviation from the procedure.

Antiretroviral therapy for the mother

The transfer of HIV from mother to child to avoid, it is of utmost importance that the mother is under antiretroviral therapy. Why? For viral load, ie the amount of virus in the blood as low as possible. The treatment is fortunately not harm the child, with the exception of three drugs that are more risks (2). If you learn that you are pregnant, consult your infectious disease specialist as soon as possible. He will work with you whether you should stop treatment. Especially not immediately stop, and suddenly your treatment. Your viral load arrow would sky-rocket, and with it the risk of transmitting the AIDS virus to your baby!

Assistance during delivery and not breastfeeding

Considering the numerous contact zones during childbirth, doctors will use forceps to avoid the risk of cuts to reduce the infant and will wash off immediately. If the viral load of the mother is not low enough at the time of childbirth, the team will likely proceed to a caesarean. Breastfeeding is unfortunately excluded because the milk would be carrier of the virus.

Preventive treatment for the baby

From birth, the baby gets an antiretroviral syrup administered, and that during six weeks. It is therefore intended that, in case of infection, the risk of spreading the virus to a minimum. Before age 18 months, can not possibly know for sure whether or not the baby is infected with the virus. The classic screening to that age are "distorted" because the baby carrier of the antibodies from the mother. A quick test for the virus in the blood is sought, can nevertheless from the age of six weeks to give a first indication. The cases where babies are infected are often due to the breach of this procedure. If you have a child, do not wait any longer to talk about: your infectious disease is always ready to advise you.

HIV-positive father: Reduce the risks to the mother

As a father is no risk to the HIV virus to your child to transfer. But you can transmit the virus to your partner if you have unprotected sexual intercourse to conceive a child. Take no risks ill. There are solutions: some services provide medical assistance to reproduction. This help is really down to the "washing" the sperm. This is a means to reduce the risk of transmission of the mother to reduce, but not to be excluded. Therefore, the medical team will also propose to choose a sperm donor or to opt for adoption.

(1) Sturt AS, EK Dokubo, Saint TT. Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for treating HIV infection in ART-eligible pregnant women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 March 17, (3): CD008440.

(2) Watts DH. Treating HIV During pregnancy: an update on safety issues. Drug Safety. 2006, 29 (6) :467-90.

Krabbe, Morquio and Sanfilippo: same battle

Krabbe disease: the importance of early diagnosis

Krabbe's disease, the patient has a deficiency of an important enzyme that produces myelin. Myelin covers the neurons and speeds up communication between them. Generally the first symptoms appear during the first months of life of the baby. The infant is agitated and can hardly eat. Gradually he lost his motor and mental abilities. "The child often dies within the first month after diagnosis," Marie-Cécile Nassogne regrets, head of neuro-pediatrics at the Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc. "Sometimes we can overcome the disease by a marrow transplant. But before we make the diagnosis even before the first symptoms appear. Otherwise, the disease can be life-long aftermath and would worsen the condition of the child. Furthermore, we find a suitable donor, which is not always easy. "

Morquio syndrome: the enzyme therapy almost from the valley?

Morquio's syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis of type IV (MPSIV), piling on kerataansulfaat body of the child. From the second year growing skeleton of the child no longer normal. Patients with this syndrome are one meter to five feet tall and have multiple bone abnormalities. Currently the only treatment of a wide range of surgical procedures. Thus, the effects on the body of that bone disorders are limited. "But we try to develop an enzyme replacement therapy. Once the results are satisfactory, we can slow the evolution of the morquiosyndroom "explains Prof. Nassogne out.

Sanfilippo syndrome: a gene therapy?

Another type of mucopolysaccharidosis, the Sanfilippo syndrome (MPSIII). It occurs mainly in children between two and six years. Children who have severe neurological abnormalities. "A child with Sanfilippo care is a delicate operation, while preventing severe behavioral problems," emphasized Prof. Nassogne. The syndrome has many symptoms: hyperactivity, insomnia, bowel problems, involuntary movements, progressive loss of speech, etc. Someone's syndrome rarely Sanfillipo over twenty years. Fortunately, researchers books progress in seeking treatment. In 2011 gene therapy clinical testing from researchers. Should this happen, we would have a revolutionary treatment for the short gent to repair it sanfilipposyndroom causes.

Swallowing disorders in Parkinson's

What is dysphagia?

With dysphagia (swallowing disorders or) the patient has difficulty swallowing solid or liquid food, or he must cough. Nearly one third of parkinsonian patients experience this symptom to (1). Swallowing disorders may certainly not be underestimated: there are great risks involved, such as malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. Malnutrition is a patient at risk for weight loss, which can have an impact on his overall health. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when the food in the windpipe, instead of the esophagus.

What are the causes?

Someone with Parkinson's may have dysphagia for several reasons:

• it is not enough saliva, which he chews the food bad and wrong swallows.
• the jaw and tongue weaken. The tongue, the food can not flatten it, pressing against the palate and the pharynx pushing.
• the neck muscles weaken. This drops the food into the esophagus difficult.
• malfunction of the various muscle groups.

Speech therapy addresses with dysphagia

Speech therapy helps the cause. Sometimes the speech problem (temporarily) fix or slow the development of dysphagia. The speech therapist examines the swallowing reflex of the patient, the position of the neck and head while eating and eating habits. By making small adjustments to perform, it can get very good results. Depending on the evolution of dysphagia diet to fit the patient. At first the patient avoids difficulty swallowing foods like peanut butter. Then the patient can go for chopped or blended food. Eventually, with a special liquid diet may be exaggerated powder. This prevents the patient from the food enters the windpipe.

Train your muscles

Speech therapy also has a preventive function. The speech therapist focuses more specifically on the chewing muscles through facial exercises. If the patient is no longer able, speech therapist massages the face and the inside of the mouth. Also by talking loudly, the Parkinson's patient is exercising muscles.

(1) Walker, RW, Dunn JR, Gray WC. Self-reported dysphagia and its correlates within-a prevalent population of people with Parkinson's disease.

Dangerous drugs for erectile

Decreased libido, moderate erection or no erection. Perhaps it is the pills by the bed? Can. Drugs with erectile dysfunction results are indeed very often prescribed. An overview.

Antihypertensives

High blood pressure not only increases the risk of erectile dysfunction, but also of heart attacks, CVAs etc. To lower blood pressure, doctors use antihypertensives. But the leaflet of antihypertensives that sometimes mentions "increased risk of erectile dysfunction. Some antihypertensive drugs such as beta blockers and diuretics prevent the fact that blood flow to the penis. This is an erection no longer possible. Fortunately, there are also antihypertensives that no such discomfort.

Antidepressants

Most antidepressants reduce libido and / or cause erectile dysfunction. This is particularly the case with antidepressants that increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brains. This side effect has dangerous consequences. When antidepressants begin to work, get the man back sex drive. But the treatment he receives a moderate erection. The patient would then stop treatment to return a normal erection. Because the man is no longer taking drugs, he falls back into a depression and reduced libido. To avoid this, you should ask advice from your doctor when you experience that antidepressants cause erectile dysfunction.

Medicines for cholesterol

Certain treatments such as statins, lower cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, these drugs can also cause erectile dysfunction. A recent study shows that statin users had a lower testosterone levels than normal (1). That while this male hormone of choice plays an important role in getting an erection. Alternatively, a high cholesterol level, just like the cigarette, high blood pressure and diabetes, the source of erectile dysfunction. Never stop treatment without medical advice.

(1) Corona G, Boddi V Balercia G, Rastrelli G, De Vita G, Sforza A, Forti G, Mannucci E, Maggi M. The effect of statin therapy on testosterone levels in subjects consulting for erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med. April 2010, 7 (4 Pt 1) :1547-56. Epub 2010 Feb 5.

Education and erectile dysfunction

"Stay away from your penis, that's dirty!" How many guys have not heard in their childhood? Or "Are not you ashamed?" When they were caught doctoring the girl next door. At that moment a child is not ashamed to immerse yourself in the virtues of childhood sexuality, something that is perfectly normal. But because boys always hear that sex is degoutant, they finally embarrassed and even feel guilty about it. As they grow, those feelings cause problems in their sexual life, erectile dysfunction.

Psychological blockage and erectile dysfunction

How can such a psychological blockage erectile dysfunction? What exactly happens in the brains? A man may experience stress in the sexual act, such as the above reasons. That stress causes an overproduction noradrenaline in the brains. When high concentrations of this neurotransmitter release tension of the muscles in the penis. This allows the blood that is necessary for the erection, does not flow to the penis.

How is this type of erectile dysfunction treated?

Sex Therapy can provide a solution to these problems. The goal of treatment is to help the patient to move away from the accusing sex education. The man should therefore understand the grief that his parents had.

Make you free of parental influence

The negative image of sex as a child that the man has inherited, the impact of the difficult relationship the parents had with the body and sex. Parents spend only about their own upbringing, which they then were. Thus, a difficult relationship with sex are passed from one generation to another. Surely the patient or transfer, whether or not he stop. Stop this transfer may start with a critical evaluation of their own sex education.

Need more donor kidneys

Why are donor kidneys need?

Dialysis takes only a small part of the normal renal function. That's enough for the main body, but too little for a really good health. Moreover, dialysis is time-consuming and can therefore very harmful to the social life.

Too little organ donations

In 2010 there were 403 kidney transplants take place in Belgium. But that's not enough to meet the demand for donor kidneys to meet. The result is that more and more people on the waiting list for a kidney transplant are: 921 on December 31, 2010 compared to 840 on December 31, 2007. Some patients have to wait too long and so sadly to die. Beldonor, an initiative of the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, tries as much as possible to inform people about organ donation.

Donor?

In Belgium, everyone necessarily considered as organ donors. That unless objection is made in life or after death by the family. Belgians can also operate as a donor register. This saves the family on the death not to speak in place of the deceased. On Beldonor can download a form for you to register as organ donors. You can then complete and send to the service population of your community. The municipality sends the form on to the National Register. Today, nearly 300,000 Belgians put that step.

MS brings water to rest

The power of water

Water has many powerful features: it includes soothing, relaxing, stimulating. These properties can be beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis, although it varies from person to person. Exercise in the water, for example, would soften the pain and reduce spasms. But they can also improve mobility and combat fatigue and depression (1).

There is one major problem: the temperature of the water. Some MS patients are hypersensitive to heat. For example, this treatment is not suitable for those very tired after a session in warm water. Furthermore, the heat a relaxing effect, helping them against the spasticity and relieves her pain.

Better mobility and balance

Water is an important characteristic: people feel it is lighter. You move more easily and oscillations. If someone moves multiple sclerosis worse, he can move smoothly through the water again.

What I have been up to in the pool?

Everything depends from person to person. For example, just swimming. The way of swimming, the number of lengths, etc. can easily be adapted to your type of day.

Aquafit offers several advantages. You can balance your work without risking a fall. But you can also coordinate your body better. Thanks to the power of water can also strengthen your muscles.

Rehabilitation in water

The pool is a great place to rehabilitate. Water is a driving force, making it easier for you to stand straight. Even if your muscles normally the body can not fully support. At the pool activity weakened legs a great advantage.

Improve blood circulation

In a bad tension of the muscles may be fluid accumulate in the tissue. This phenomenon is called edema. Hopes that moisture because the veins draining the tissues is not well. The pressure of the water, especially in depth, helping the drainage through the blood vessels to improve.

Prevent falls in the pool

Undress, attracting swimsuit, into the shower and then walk to the pool: for people with motor and balance disorders is often not so simple. So try these dangerous situations out of the way to go. Although water activities you can perform perfectly unaccompanied, maybe you'd better count on someone to go to the pool. Ask for help to the lifeguard.

(1) Castro-Sánchez AM & al, Hydro Therapy for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial., Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012; 2012:473963. Epub 2011 July 14.

Towards an oral treatment for MS?

Several pharmaceutical companies have been studying year oral maintenance therapy for multiple sclerosis. In January, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), a license for a first product on the market. But what does this progress mean for you?

Relapsing-remitting MS

Who is eligible for this new treatment? The Belgian reimbursement criteria must still be defined, but normally they will be based on European standards. The treatment will in any case only intended for relapsing-remitting MS. These are forms in which flares and remission phases alternate.

Yet there is now a new study on the primary progressive form. A nice prospect, because there is no effective treatment is developed for this form of multiple sclerosis.

A second line treatment

Second criterion: this treatment should only be prescribed in secondary care. So only in cases where multiple sclerosis appears resistant to the other maintenance treatments. The treatment can also be used in specific cases where the disease from the beginning is very active.

Comfortable and effective

The main asset of this new type of treatment is obviously its mode of administration in tablet form. An important step forward, because all current MS treatments are administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection or infusion. Laboratories on their oral versions not just derived from their injection means. The mechanisms are completely different. And this is the first approved drug proved very effective results.

Too recent

One downside: the product is too recent for the long term side effects to consider. In comparison, the side effects of the injection are nearly twenty years studied. There are also fixed in the short term side effects, including hypertension. This new product will also be followed deeper than current treatments. Therefore it is only in second-line use. Nevertheless, the risk-benefit ratio of the side effects is very reassuring. This is evident from the fact that the United States have approved the drug as first disadvantage.

Different molecules in the running

The race for the oral treatment is not over. Several molecules are still in a testing phase. Some are rejected as they appeared promising, others surprised the scientific world by their unexpected results. So we are only at the beginning of a new era. The therapeutic landscape of multiple sclerosis will change dramatically. Ultimately, scientists aim to treatment tailored to each patient.