SRSuper

Hey
good for you for trying to learn more. there are a lot of myths that float around MS.
I am not diagnosed, but my doc is concerned that I might be moving towards primary progressive MS.
My understanding of it is that a diagnosis of PPMS is based on symptom progression, rather than demyelinating progression. A person with PPMS will have symptoms that dont go away, and that for the most part, aren't recovered from.
Example: a person with relapsing remitting will have a leg go numb, but in a few days/weeks/etc, the feeling will return. this can be due to the demyelinating process stopping or healing itself, or another physical change within the brain or nerve. its amazing the way the body will accomodate for itself.
A person with Primary progressive MS will have a numb leg that either stays numb for an extremely extended period of time, or if the numbness fades, its recurrences and "flare ups" will be much more frequent and unrelated to other symptoms the person has. I am unsure if this means that the demyelinating scars in the brain never heal, or if they only grow.... that I dont know.

PPMS isnt a death sentence, and it doesnt mean your uncle is going to be in a wheelchair forever. get some info from the MS society. I also like the montel williams MS foundation.
good luck!