DISABILITIES

By Daniel J. Vance

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease involving inflammation and scarring of the tissue protecting nerves, which then disrupts the communication between brain and muscle and affects body movement. No cure exists.

Lindy Smith, 32, of Provo, Utah, has a form of MS called "relapsing-remitting," meaning he's had "attacks" followed by remissions.

"I found out I had it when I was 24," said Smith over the telephone. "I was skiing, got a 'spot' in one eye, and on the third day was completely blind in it. I was diagnosed with optic neuritis. About half the people diagnosed with optic neuritis have multiple sclerosis."

Smith's experience was common: the first MS symptom often is blurred vision, red-green distortion or blindness in one eye.

He explained, "My neurologist said the onset was stress-induced and if I didn't learn to manage it I would be dead before 30. That shattered my world."

The doctor added that Smith had to stop exercising that would raise his core body temperature and worsen his MS. At the time, Smith was in intensive training for collegiate ski racing and a professional cycling career. So he stopped. A few months later his eyesight partially returned. Then his doctor cleared him for exercise and yet warned of potential danger.

"The day the neurologist released me, I did a 100-mile bike trip," he said. "Six months later I was hit with vertigo (or dizziness), which is what the depth of hell must be like. I was bicycling home and fell over, and kept falling over. It's a common symptom of MS."

This was his second MS attack. He was put on bed rest for two months. After both attacks his doctor brought in medical students to discuss his case because his "relapsing-remitting" symptoms had been so "text book."

Today, he works for a health and beauty products company, and teaches at Utah Valley State. In 2004 he entered more than 100 bicycle races as a member of Team Biogen Idec, an MS drug manufacturer-sponsored racing team. He claimed he has been problem-free since his second episode and credits the success to medicine and positive lifestyle changes.

Smith said, "Only 50 percent of Americans diagnosed with MS are being treated. If we can raise that to 75 percent, great things can be achieved. MS might be incurable, but there are things that can be done."

For more, see www.danieljvance.com or www.teambiogenidec.com