MS complicates labeling because physical and cognitive symptoms progress differently in each person. Yet a numerical level of disability and ability is needed and used for communication within the medical profession.
Neurologists often use the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) specifically for MS. Overall “level of disability” is scored on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least. Patti’s disability scores in the upper levels at 8.25.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) - bathing/grooming, dressing, eating, bladder/bowel, and mobility/transferring are commonly evaluated on the Modified Barthel Index of ADL on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 being “independent”. Patti’s abilities score in the lowest percentiles at 10.
Not everyone with MS may have this same level of disability. However, "Everyone will one day know or love someone who can no longer take care of themselves." (Maggie Strong)
....lived in the Oklahoma panhandle and taught at Beaver as well as Elmwood. The teacher's salaries are great because at that time there was big $$$ to spend by the school districts. Oil was the source I believe. We were there 5 years. Small town football enthusiam and teachers all required to attend, daughter who was 4 was team mascot. She took twirling lessons from the cheerleaders. Hee hee those were the days!
ReplyDelete....We are now in the southwest corner 40 years later, and not much has changed! The economy has lately, heard that when people move into depressed areas they get a state tax break......waiting to see! And this area is depresssed. The house across the street sold Friday night , they were asking $27,000 and the residents are moving today. No escrow period, new owner moves in next Saturday. Coming from an area where escrows are long and 30 days is almost unbelieveable, it was another culture shock. Lots of information you didn't ask for.....lol. I wonder how I will manage those levels of disability with my two.
Hi, I stopped by your journal and find it interesting. I work in a nursing home. I am a CNA and alot of my residents have MS. Linda
ReplyDeleteJust calling in to say morning, hope all is well with u. Rache
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