The year 2022 is coming to an end – a good opportunity to look back once again. Over the course of 2022, it has become increasingly clear – and this is very good news – that the COVID19 pandemic is unlikely to play a dominant role in our future. Most people in Germany – and thus, of course, most MS sufferers – have built up an immune response to the SARS-CoV virus, either through vaccination, infection, or both. This does not completely protect against infections, but severe courses have become rare and the disease has lost its great horror. In my view, this also has a positive effect on the psyche of many of my patients. The fact that life in most areas (except perhaps in the hospital) is returning to normal is certainly one of the best news of the outgoing year.
Nevertheless, 2022 has brought new burdens that give many people the feeling of living in a state of permanent exception. The completely senseless and inhumane war in Ukraine has shown us all how fragile peace in Europe is, and that security and freedom are not a matter of course. The fear of war and destruction and the – also noticeable in Germany – effects of the energy crisis and inflation have seamlessly replaced my patients’ worries about COVID19 – and the strain is noticeable in many patients with chronic diseases.
And by the way – even if it is only a footnote in this terrible war – but the targeted destruction of Ukraine by the Russian aggressor also has a direct impact on MS research and the development of new drugs. Because Ukraine was traditionally a country that has recruited many patients for clinical (MS) studies. In some cases, their care and documentation could not be maintained, in other cases, other European centers had to take over the care of the patients. Another horrifying aspect of this war.
My greatest personal wish for the coming year, especially now in the Christmas season, would therefore be peace, especially for the people in Ukraine, and the calming of international threat situations.
As far as the MS DocBlog is concerned, we will continue to provide you with interesting information about Multiple Sclerosis in the new year. We will retain the video format newly established in 2022 and would therefore also welcome questions and suggestions on which we can then specifically comment.
All that remains for me is to wish all my readers a peaceful and blessed Christmas and all the best for the new year 2023 – stay loyal to us.
Your Mathias Mäurer
