Get Informed: Multiple Sclerosis

Question/Comment:

Well reading everyones comments made me think that we all with MS have a story. I was diagnosed in 92' I was 24 I lost the control on my rightside, went numb everywhere then lost my sight. It was a time that made me very scared becaused it made me think what happens with my life now? Well I went on Steroids and soon went on Betaseron. It took about three weeks to get me back on my feet,so to speak. I never walked the same or was able to run again and my hands and feet were still numb.

This was a life altering event and I truly believe no one can fully understand what you go through unless they actually experience it. They can listen to your story and give you empathy but they can't truly understand the emtions you go through without experiencing it.

Well here I was I had MS and what am I going todo with the rest of my life. I choose to go back to school to get a degree I thought would allow me to work with my MS the rest of my life. While at school I developed an allergy to Interferon so that rulled at all the diease altering drugs until Copaxone came along. My life went well until 93' things just fell apart and my MS took over and the Coginative problems hit I forgot how todo my reports which I have been doing for years. I had to quit because I couldn't do my job. My employeer's were very understanding and didn't want me to quit but I couldn't do it in good faith knowing that I couldn't do my job. At this time I was also diagnosed with Secondary progressive and went on SSD.

Well life goes on been in and out of the wheelchair, had bladder problems, have major bone loss from all the steroids and so on if it is possible with MS it has happened to me. Raising two boys now 2 and 3 doing everything that is needed to keep a house up. It may take me time but I do everything I need or want to do.

My body no longer allows me to take the Copaxone, I just have hard knots that my body doesn't absorb. Waiting to get approved to take Tysabri which will be soon. The only thing you can do is keep going on enjoying life as much as you can and forget about the obsticles.

Answer/Reply:

I applaud your attitude. I was also diagnosed with MS aprox. 4 yrs ago. I can relate to how you handle new symptoms. You just have to find a way to overcome it, meaning you find ways to still get done what you want and need to. I have experienced numbness, trouble with my eyes, and a new one is nerve pain. I started with Avonex, steroids, then because insurance wouldn't cover it, the following year, I changed to betaseron. That didn't work well for me so I went on Copaxone for about 2 years. Now I am back on the Avonex. It is true that no one can understand what you go through. I have experienced major balance and cognitive problems. I just do the little things on those days, and await good days and use them as wisely as I can. The obstacles are just that, living your life to the best way possible is the only way to not let MS run you.

Answer/Reply:

Just diagnosed last month with MS the left side of my face went numb. I headed to the hospital when I could not feel my eye. I love to work with a camera and not being able to feel the camera next to my face drove me crazy. The Hospital says you are having a migraine here is some medicine go home. My Nuerogist is the man who figured it out. Now I am on Steriods for now. We will see what next month brings.

Answer/Reply:

I agree life is what u make of it. I have been on Tysabri for about a year and half now and love it. I was using a cane and on my way to a wheelchair in short order. I no longer need a cane, my baclofen, or detrol. I hope it works as well for u as it has 4 me. Good luck

Answer/Reply:

I am a 54 yr old female with multiple sclerosis. I have been taking tramadol for the pain, simvastatin for high cholesterol, and ranitidine for acid reflux. I am wondering if there might be a problem taking these together as I am having more and more trouble with spasms, especially in the hip and legs. I seem to be having more difficulty walking than ever before. I am not sure if it is the MS or the medicines. My doctor thinks it is just the MS. I am not so sure. Any thoughts?

Answer/Reply:

From what the Doctors can figure out I have had MS for about 30 years. Talk about slow progressing. I have chosen not to take any treatment at this time. Yes, I have episodes where I go numb all over for a day or so. Then the recovery starts because I can’t talk, walk, stand, and I have to learn everything all over again. My family puts up with a lot. The medications that are out there will not help me, they will make me sicker. Yes, they will help me recover faster but not better. They might slow down the episodes but they will not stop them. So I have figured why take them in the first place. I take only what I have to help me cope with the things I can’t deal with, headaches, bladder control, and depression. These things we can help some at least. Some days I need a wheelchair or a cane but most days I can get by with my service dog keeping me steady and up. Each time I loose some other facility. I just have to train my self to do things another way so that I can at least look like I am living a normal life. It is of course an everyday battle and challenge. This is the hard part we don’t really look sick do we.
66 year old female

Answer/Reply:

this is for you and everyone else,i am 50 yr old female dx when i was in my 20's with MS, my memory is effected alot from it, my story is true, it wasn't until about 5 yrs ago that MS really destroyed my life, lost my left side completely, couldn't talk, bladder problems,bed ridden, it was terrible. i went on rebif and got most of my life back but was in a wheel chair for 2 1/2 yrs. then rebif caused swealing in my brain so i had to go off it,even had to endure brain surgery because of it, and went down hill fast. i tried to end my life but talked to God 1st and he actully ( by voice) answered, never had that happen befor-long story short -i found a church and they did a healing, a whole lot a people i did not know prayed over me. about a month later i moved my left foot, as of today the neruologist can find no more MS and i am doing fine, still have some vision problems and memory/cognative problems. I can say to you that miricals do happen. have faith in God i am proof that he is as he promised to be for us. He wants me here and whole for a reason and i know he wants the same for you so just ask him and see what happens. God Bless you all.

Answer/Reply:

It is nice to come here and read everyones story. I was dx'd in 2000, almost a year to the day that I had lost my husband and best friend of 20 yrs to cancer. For a full year I was treated for depression, patted on the head and sent on my way. I knew it was more. Had to call 911 once with what I thought was a heart attack (that scare made me quit smoking which was a good thing), they found nothing? 3 months later fellow employees hadto drive me to the er. Everyone thought I had or was having a stroke. I don't even remeber that day? Well, as it turned out, the MRI I had because of that episode was what found my MS. I have good and bad days. I am still working, full time. I do have people that look at me like I'm trying to pull something to get "special" treatment? I hear some say "she looks fine" what is her issue? I type with shaking hands, my mind has a hard time staying focused, the fatigue is terrible and I feel like a walking drug store! But, I also look at the up side, I am still able to get up each and every day and most days I am able to get through an entire day without a problem. I have been on a few of the injectable drugs, all have not worked for one reason or another. I am now on Tysabri and have been for 2 yrs. It is my wonder drug. I just wish insurance companies would understand "our" needs a little more. Some combinations work well for some people and not so well for others. Ok, I think I'll step off my soapbox for now. Thanks for letting me ramble

Answer/Reply:

I am a 64 year old woman who was diagnosed with MS in 1996 although they realize now I really had my first attack in the 1980's when I lost the color in my right eye. I researched all the medications, copaxone, Avonex, Beteseron and felt the side effects were worst than the disease. I decided not to take any medication until the end of 2004 when my exacerbations became more frequent. Being a researcher I again researched the current drugs at that time. I found that Rebif44 was a Canadian Interferpon that had to be tested an proven to be better than Avonex before the FDA would allow it to be used in the US. It was a no brainer to me it this drug had to be tested 10 year and proved to be better than than the american version why not try it. I also found the difference in it and Avonex was Rebif was composed of natural ingredients were Avonex uses chemical. Being a person who likes to eat and be as natural as I can I find Rebif44 to be a wonder treatment. Some days I feel the MS exacerbations trying to take over and the Rebif seems to control the symtoms. I have also found if I take a tablespoon of Yellow Mustard (sounds crazy) when I am having muscle spasms they subside almost immediately. I have been on Rebif44 for almost 5 years now and I would not change for anything in this world. I have been able with my doctor's advise to tone down many of my meds that I was taking for muscle spasms, dizziness, vertigo, and nerve pain.

Thank God I am still able to walk, do some exercises, and with the proper rest do most of the things I like with limits of course. I had to quit my job as bank administrator because of my fatique and damaged eyesight, but I am blessed, and am able to still do some ministry work with my team.

64 year old woman minister

Question/Comment:

KIM_RICH87@HOTMAIL.COM.....WISHING EVERYONE THE BEST WITH DEALING WITH MULTIPLE SCLERSIS...MY HUSBAND HAS BEEN DEALING WITH MS SINCE 6-01-07...ALOT OF UP`S AND DOWN`S...ALOT OF WEAKNESS ON THE LEFT SIDE...WALKS WITH A WALKER...AND IS 43 YEARS OLD...WE DO HIS DAILY SHOTS AT HOME....COPAXONE...IF ANY ONE WANTS TO E-MAIL ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS...I WOULD BE GLAD TO E-MAIL YOU....WISHING EVERYONE THE BEST IN DEALING WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS...KIM

Answer/Reply:

I'm Monica & I was diagnosed with MS 6 months after I gave birth to my son. Unfortunately, my now ex-husband divorced me 2 years later & he has physical custody of our son! He married his new wife the day after our son's birthday in 2002. I haven't been on any drugs because thank God I can still function pretty well. What kills me is the constant forgetfulness that I now have because of it! My new neurologist wants me to get on one of the MS drugs, but they're all so expensive and I just make too much money for the drug companies to give me anything! This is my 5th year living here in FL and I still miss NYC where my son still lives with his daddy and paternal grandparents.

Answer/Reply:

Monica..

I get my Copaxone for free, call Share Solutions and see how that works. I just agreed that I would take it and call them with any questions and now.. I pay nothing. It is some sort of study they are doing. Give them a try!! Good luck!

Answer/Reply:

I am Gwen from E.TN diagnosed 1996, doing well all things considered. Cognition was/is a big problem for me, I've been taking Namenda for about 2yrs, I thought it helped...I went for a couple of months without it,now I'm sure it helps. I did not like Aricept, which my insurance will cover. Often insurance denies both meds saying they are not for MS, but often, after your M.D. communicates with them, they will cover.

Answer/Reply:

Hi Monica,
I was diagnosed in June of 2000. I have three kids, the youngest is 11 and lives with me, I am her only parent, her father took off when I told him I was pregnant. Anyway, my suggestion to you, and this is coming from someone that has been on one or another of the drugs since Nov. 2000, I shudder to think what my physical abilities would be if I hadn't been on the drug so quickly. I get sick of doing the shots, and they can be painful sometimes, but I much rather an instant of yuk to a lifetime of no mobility. I have decreased mobility since my diagnosis, but still, at least I have this much. There are other avenues to try and get your medication, if the drug companies tell you no, try medicaid, or medicare even, it's humbling but much better than the alternative. This disease is so unpredictable on it's own, don't we deserve the best we can get?
Best of luck to you, take care
Christine

Answer/Reply:

I have MS and am on Copaxone that costs around $2000 a month. I am only able to be on it because I get it free from NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc). They are a Godsend. To get in touch with them either call them at: 888-211-6650 or write them at: POBox 1968, Danbury, Ct. 06813-1968. They are an organization that gets money/donations from drug companies and individuals. You have to fill out a couple pages and send them copies of 1040's and bank statements and pay stubs and then they decide if you get the free meds or they may just pay a portion of them. My husband makes $35,000 a year and I get a small SSDI check and we have gotten my Copaxone free for three years now. Without them I would be unable to do anything to help myself. Please, if you have trouble getting meds because of the cost, contact them.

Answer/Reply:

I was diagnosed in 1996 (after 10 years of not knowing what was bothering me just like many of us) and immediately put on Avonex. First year was fine but I developed liver problems.. Switched to Copaxone. Had that for 10 years. MS Neurologist then put me on Tysabri and I have been doing just FINE on that now for over two years. My MS was relapsing remitting and I have had only two relapses in all this time ( in the beginning). Talk to your husband's doctor and see if that is a possibility for him. I receive ONE infusion a month and it is a piece of cake! I have had NO problems with this drug at all and am so happy I decided to get on it.
Do get in touch with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and The National Multiple Sclerosis Association (Cherry Hill, New Jersey) They will be most helpful to you both. Keep good spirits for both of you!

Answer/Reply:

Kim,

Do you know if your husband has RR (Relapsing Remitting), PP (Primary Progressive), or Sp (Secondary Progressive) MS? Also, what state did he grow up in…this seems to matter a lot.

I was diagnosed with SP MS on 03/26/2001, over the phone. Obviously, I did not go back to him but once after the phone call.

I am very close to your husband’s age, I am 42, and used to be on Avonex. But for reasons I do not wish to get into here, I had to stop the injections. Then I was able to resume receiving the Rx and the shots, but ended up stopping the injections because the side effects outweighed so called, "benefits." Other than that, I really do not wish to go into anything any further here.


I am wondering if you and/or your husband has ever been on WebMD.com and into the MS site and/or chat room. I found that website to be most helpful, even when I was going from Dr. to Dr. during the years before and after my diagnosis.


If you wish to contact me by e-mail please feel free to do so @: pthompson012@columbus.rr.com, I will be more than happy to chat with you and/or your husband. Or if you do not want to respond please go to webmd.com. Those who are there are most helpful as well.

Hope this helps a little.

Jane

Answer/Reply:

Hi Kim,
I wish you and your husband the best as you deal with this horrendous disease. I was diagnosed in June of 2000 and started on Avonex in November of 2000. I have since switched to Rebif and seem to tolerate this one a little better. Have you looked on the MS site? they have alot of information and links to groups you can join, if you're interested.
Take care
Christine

Answer/Reply:

Kim: I was diagnosed in '83. Things were tolerable until September of '95. Things got so bad I was having to use a power chair in my house. I couldn't play the piano or sing for 8 years. I had to give up driving. And then in 2002 things slowly started getting better. No more power chair, I could drive, sing, play, etc. Things were never as good as they were before Sept of 05, but I regained some of my independence. Now we're starting to go downhill again. I was on Betaseron for two years, had to stop it, and then started Copaxone in Jan of '98. My neurologist wants to switch me to Tysabri. In other words there's a good chance your husband may regain some of his mobility and strength down the road. No guarantees, but this is one crazy disease. Every day is a surprise. Good luck to both of you! Deana

Question/Comment:

Two years ago I fell in a world wide- large retail store. To my amazement I had bulged out 7 disks and tore my right rotator cuff. January of 2009 I had a neck fusion. After purging my file at the hospital I found the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and was not told this by my neurologist. What is the normal protocol for diagnosis of a disease such as MS?

The past few months my memory has been failing, my vision has been difficult, numbers switched around, numbness and tingling in my hands and feet, and I'm constantly dropping stuff, I never thought I had a serious diagnosis such as MS.

In my life I am leaning on Jesus, daily reading the Holy Word and praying. I know he is my provider and my protector. You may ask did the retailer pay-NO- they are not budging. As a matter of fact they haven't done a thing. I'm just being patient, and without a lawyer, he quit the day of my surgery, and I'm on my own in the case. I live in a small town, and a single parent. It's rough but I know God is watching all things.. He has my best interest in mind.. Be blessed, Trust Jesus..

Answer/Reply:

I would look for a MS specialist not just Neurologist. I found that out after I was diagnosed about 8 years ago. The neurologist who diagnosed me told me I had MS and that he was going to be out of his office for a month and he would let me know what we would be doing when he got back. Thankfully my dad went to a seminar the next weekend and found one of the country's/ worlds top MS Dr.s and after the first visit I was on my way in for a steroid treatment which helped me a great deal.

Answer/Reply:

DO YOU HAVE HEALTH COVERAGE? I JUST ASK BECAUSE I HAVE MEDICAIDE HERE IN INDIANA AND THIS PAYS FOR MY DOCTORS. I HAVE BEEN TO 4 NUEROLOGIST AND FIRED 3 OF THEM! THE FOURTH ONE IS A SAVIOR!!!!! HE KNOWS HOW TO TREAT MS AND IF THINGS AREN'T QUITE RIGHT HE PAYS CLOSE ATTENTION AND WILL KEEP TRYING THINGS UNTIL HE FINDS SOMETHING THAT WORKS!!!!! GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS ME LEEME

Answer/Reply:

Typically my docs told me that I had to have at least two exacerbations or episodes along with worsening lesions in the spinal cord and brain that could be gauged by an MRI of the brain and spinal cord. They also do a lumbar puncture and check for oligclonal bands. They are hesitant to diagnose because there are other things it could be and so they wait. Typically when I have had symptoms like loss of function in my hands or loss of sight my doctors have sent me right away for intraveneous steroids. These help me a lot. I am also on a medicine called Rebif that helps to modulate my immune system and helps to slow down my lesions from progressing. If you are very new to this than the lesions are the places where your immune system strip the myelin off your nerves and renders them inoperative, meaning they don't work and we lose function. I do take flax seed because it is an anti-inflammatory and it helps my pain issues. I understand the exorbitant expense of meds but sometimes the manufacturers will help and you need to find a doc who will help. A lot of hospitals will write off expenses it is a headache, but there are resources out there. Don't give up. Keep going. And may God continue to bless your faith even when we don't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet. Blessings.

Answer/Reply:

I have had MS since 1985, you need to get yourself to an MS neurologist ASAP. Being newly dx'd you should probably go on one the drug treatments that they have now. I'm not on anything b/c I was dx'd so long ago and I haven't had any exasperations in may years. I run and MS support group and most of them are on one of the drugs. Don't worry too much, you can still lead a normal regular life, won't be jumping rope but you can still "live". Good luck and I'm sure Jesus is by your side.

Answer/Reply:

My former mother-in-law had MS and like you was not on any of the immunological modulators because she was in remission. After 20 years she began having exacerbations again, and is now on Rebif. Even if you are in a long remission, you should consider one of the MS meds. She has lost more function since her MS returned.

Answer/Reply:

I have been diagnosed with Secondary Progressive MS for 11 years now. You just don't need to let it get you down. There are a lot of other things that can be worse than this. However, you do need to take a pro-active stance in your disease process. Let your Dr. know that you are researching the options you have regarding your medicines. You will pull throught this. Just eep your head up.

Question/Comment:

i was dignosed with MS in late 06 and have been getting worse. I started with rebiff and had problems, then was switch to copaxzone, then switch to betaseron ( whatever) now i'm back on rebiff. i have severe chronic pain, fatique all the time, burning ( sensitive to touch) tingling in feet, headaches, vision getting blurred, and I couldn't hold down my job, now drawing disablity, my doctor told me that an employer is not going to hire me with the problems i'm having, i'm a liablity to them, but you know what i'm not upset anymore because it's nothing compared to Jesus had to deal with on earth, and other people are worse off than me. I do look at it like this GOD allow things to come upon us for his will, your quess is good as mine what it is, but that's how i look at it now instead of complaining all the time and i have just to deal with it. now that i'm not working i'm spending time at home with my husband and 5 kids now ( not the way want me to spend time, they want to play, be tired all the time, but at home) to have bible study, read to them ( when i don't forget) . they help me alot, especially my husband, he's disabled too, but he still helps. thank God for the people who are strong and understanding!

Answer/Reply:

What a wonderful attitude you have! I, too, have MS. I live alone and have no one to help, but I've found thst hsving the MS makes me more self-reliant. Yes, it's tough at times, but I know Jesus is helping me.

Answer/Reply:

Do you have an MS specialist for the MS? I have had it since 1995 and been on avonex, copaxone (11 years) and now Tysabri for the past two years and doing great! I have NO problems. Am in touch with the MS Society a lot and find it VERY helpful.
A far as God being responsible he is by NO means responsible for this, he is allowing Satan the Devil to roam around the earth for a little while longer and cause all this pain and suffering to prove him wrong, that man can worship God by his own free will because of his love for him. Soon God will make a big change in things. We are definitely living in the last days Jesus told us about. I hope you continue with your Bible study. That will help.
My husband is disabled too. (I am still on disability because of the MS although I used to have problems) He has a bad back injury and has many surgeries and can no longer drive a truck which is what he did for many years thus the back injuries. Be well. Pehaps Tysabri would work better for you. Joanne

Answer/Reply:

Hello. I suffer from MS and was also on Rebif for a year. I had the same problems and also lost over 30lbs in weight. I was only a135lb to begin with. My Neurologist told me that i could change to another interferon. "AVONEX", but if I did that I could NEVER go back onto Rebif as the side effects would be horrendous and it would do more harm that good. Also that it would interfere with hormaonal changes etc in my body. (I am a woman by the way).
I changed to Avonex,the needle is scary....VERY large, but they do have a smaller option, much sharper and believe it or nor MORE painful. So i switched back to the larger needle. I Ice the site well, as I prepare the bandaids, gauze pads etc, then my husband does the actual injection. (i can't do it!!) heehee. The sight of the needle is enough for me. However after the side effects wear off, about 24-48hrs maximum, I am realtively ok. The side effects can be tiresome. They make you ache, (some weeks worse than others, a rare headache, sometimes quite bad, tingly sensations; sometimes 2 - 3 days after the injection, lasting only a few minutes, and only once or twice, a few other side effects which are too minor to mention. Since being on the Avonex, I have had a 30% improvement in my vision. I have Retrobulbular Optic Neuritis in my right eye. I went totally blind over 20yrs ago, they had not linked it to MS at the time. There is no cure or operation for the severe damage to tthe Optic Nerve. $ years ago i was diagnosed with MS and it was then found to be linked to the trouble with my eye. This year I went to see the Opthamologist and he was astounded to find that the "so called" Incurable disease of my eye had improved! It is NOT supposed to! It can only stabilise and then get worse! He studies the disease and specialises in it, he could not believe the test results, so he re ran them, they were correct! My lack of co-ordination, which i had been experiencing, had not been due to my "bad" eye having a few off days, but an improvement! So I was having to re-cordinate with the improved vision! I am amazed. On Rebif, when i was asked if I thought it was working, I could only say i didn't know, that i would have to wait for the MRI to find out. Yet since being on Avonex for a year, when I am asked the same question, I say YES! The numbness which I had in my toes and feet has disappeared, (with the tingling sensation) The tingling was a sign it was trying to stop the numbness. My vision has improved by 30% and the "Episode" of MS I ALWAYS get in August, NEVER happened last year! I have bad weeks with the injections sided effects, where the aching can be bad, but nothing too severe. I just get up and move around slowly at first, then gradually the aching starts to subside, i take pain killers only if the headaches get really bad. (not very often). All in all, I DO NOT think you should have been placed BACK on Rebif! It is dangerous, according to my Neurologist. I will stick with the once a week pre filled syring from Avonex! Believe me IT WORKS! I can SEE!!!
You want to make an appointment with your Doctor and ask him about this, or better still change your DR! He should not have put you back on it! You can visit the site. www.avonex.com for all the information on the drug. it is similar to Rebif, but better. Also it is a once a week injection. I usually inject on a Thursday night, a couple of hours before bed, then have a WARM not HOT shower, before going to bed. The side effects are at there worst through the night, but you are asleep! Friday's i ache a little. The first month you will find the side effects a lot worse than you would like, but they do subside. Thbey never completely go away, because they think it is only a weeklyt injection, the body forgets....so it is like the first injection evertime. They cannot swear to this but it is one theory. Some weeks though I don't gety any side effects at all. Try it. Believe me you will not be soory. it may even help your vision, as it seems to have done mine. Good luck and take care of yourself. Keep moving as much as you can, gentle walks etc. I find walking helps a great deal and the air outside, especially in the Spring, Autum and Winter helps to clear the fuzziness you feel! In the Summer the warm sun aslo helps. (although steer clear of walking in extreme heat!)Staying mobile even if it hurts at first pays off! The pain does subside and eventually goes away. it stimulates the nerves in your body and all your senses. Have a nice weekend/week. Take care.
Love to you Tina-Claire

Answer/Reply:

I have had MS since 1987 (i'm 52). I went an Avonex in 1996 (one of the first to try it) and stayed on it for 8 years when I switched to Rebif for 3 years and neither helped much!
I have continually been getting worse and now have secondary-progressive MS.

Since Nov. 2007 I have been off of all shots completely and am followong Ann Borochs method while using Ambrotose (Mannatech) - highly recommended!

God bless everyone out there with MS and I hope you find what works best for you!

Answer/Reply:

Hello 52 y-o-f,

I am a 42 y-o-f and am curious about the, "Ann Borochs method and using Ambrotose (Mannatech)."

I was on Avonex for Secondary-Progressive MS, but had to stop the injections because of insurance problems. My neuro did not feel the benefits outweighed the side-effects. He does not seem to like Rebif at all.

Feel free to contact me by e-mail @ pthompson012@columbus.rr.com.

All of the people who have MS are in my prayers and those who have worse diseases. My husbands niece's husband has ALS (Lou Gerrigs...sp?) and is not doing well at all. Also, my ex-husband, my daughter's father, has Huntington’s Disease and will die from this illness...probably soon.

I am also wondering if you could help me with a question I have been wondering about. How does one with MS know when it is time for an electric wheelchair?

I would really like to hear from you.

Thank you for your time and listening to me.

Question/Comment:

Hi everyone, I am Debbie. 48 yrs old and was just dignosed in Sept '08. One week before I turned 48. I was having so much pain and burning in my right leg and had gone to my regular dr often. She finally sent me to a neuroligist that specializes in handling MS. I love him to death.
I have optic neuritist right now. He sent me to an eye dr that specializes in MS patients as well. I have had optic neuritist for about a month. It came on so quickly. My vision started getting blurry and within a week I could barely see. They gave me IV steriods for 3 days to kick start the recovery time. It is not totally better yet, but I can see much better.
My neuroligist has me on Copaxone. I take 2700mg of Neurontin a day as well as Ultram 50mg a day for pain. I also take prozac& lamictial every day.
I am very fortunite to have great drs that work together and keep each other in the loop. I wish everyone with MS was so lucky.
I have not yet let this get me down. As a matter of fact I have even gone back to school to get an associates degree.
My next MRI will be in March, he said. I am eager to see the results.

Answer/Reply:

GREAT attitude!! I have had only 3 relapses severe enough to make me admit to them. A cooperative treatment team is for me essential as I can be... difficult as a patient (I am an RN & a pharmacist). Last relapse I completed a doctoral degree & am about to begin as an MS clinical specialist. My family dr was diagnosed the same year as myself & has become a great force as she knows to "kick my butt" if I get hard-headed or feeling sorry for myself & between her & some folks @ NMSS calling just to check, I have had almost 10 years support & God sent help.