“MS Newly Diagnosed & Emerging Therapies” Dr. Camac & Caitlin Dionne, RN, BSN, MSCN

The MS Cure Fund visited Papa Razzi in Burlington, MA to hear a great talk given by Ann Camac, M.D. and Caitlin Dionne, RN, BSN, MSCN. Both women work out of Lahey Clinic Multiple Sclerosis Center in Lexington, MA. Dr. Camac also works regularly from the main campus at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington. This being a newly diagnosed program, Dr. Camac provided an overview of the types of MS, what kind of symptoms occur with the disease and various ways of treating both the disease and the symptoms.

Dr. Camac spoke at length about the variations between the different types of MS, giving the characteristics of each and the differences among them. As she noted, no two people are the same and so neither are two peoples’ experiences with MS. As unpredictable as the disease may be, Dr. Camac assured the attendees that with the correct therapies, each case of MS is manageable. Like Dr. Cabot, she expressed the importance of a healthy, balanced diet combined with exercise and low-stress activities as keys to managing MS.

As the discussion was winding down, Caitlin spoke about the importance of a support system. Whether it is family, friends or even a support group, MS patients need the people around them to be understanding and patient with the MS, just as the patients themselves have to be. There is a support group for MS at the Lahey Outpatient Center in Lexington in the second floor café. The group meets every third Tuesday of the month from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. For more information or to register, please call Magda Alden at (781) 744-8662.