November 29, 2012

Josh Harding diagnosed with muscular dystrophy: Minnesota Wild goaltender Josh Harding said he will continue to play as an inspiration to others with the disease.

posted by jjzucal to hockey at 06:08 PM - 5 comments

It's actually multiple sclerosis, not muscular dystrophy.

My mother has MS, and it isn't fun. She was lucky in that she only got a mild form of it, and with medication, she can keep it from worsening. (She was diagnosed in 1987.) That said, she fatigues very quickly, and the MS opens her up to other afflications not usually associated with people her age; she developed pulmonary hypertension about 8 years ago, which is something that usually happens to active people half her age.

Not a disease I'd wish on anyone. I hope Harding can keep playing as long as possible, though this probably ends any chance of him signing a long-term deal anywhere. I'm sure the Wild will make sure he's taken care of, though.

posted by TheQatarian at 06:41 PM on November 29, 2012

You may want to fix that title if you can. MD is much, much different from MS. I read the article thinking "How's he going to keep playing with MD?"

posted by evixir at 08:00 PM on November 29, 2012

My uncle had MS and he eventually passed away as a result. It's a brutal disease (and different from muscular dystrophy) and takes its time to wear you down. I wish him the best.

posted by insomnyuk at 08:20 PM on November 29, 2012

I had a job while I was in college at a firm that did research on various patent and prescription medications for pain, cough, nasal congestion, and the like. One of the doctors also was involved in research on multiple sclerosis, and I had occasion to read a number of reports on some of the possible cures. These case studies were not a lot of pleasure to read. This was about 50 years ago, and I can say they are not much closer now, if at all, to finding a cure as they were then. It is not a fun thing to have, and I wish Josh Harding success in his playing career and a long, happy life as well.

posted by Howard_T at 11:02 PM on November 29, 2012

Qatarian, thank you for the correction. I recall the reference to "MS," but am not sure how to edit it. I don't see an "Edit" next to it as shows next to comments.

posted by jjzucal at 06:34 PM on November 30, 2012

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