Get Informed: Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis: Overview
Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is a disease of the central nervous system caused by damage to the fatty layer (myelin) that surrounds nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. This damage, caused by abnormal attacks from the body's own immune system, can disrupt nerve signals and result in symptoms such as muscle spasms, vision loss, changes in sensation and muscle weakness.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 10:07 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-19 12:55 AM
1 in 249 people have Multiple Sclerosis
iGuard is currently monitoring more than 8,126 patients with Multiple Sclerosis from around the United States as shown on the heat map below. These figures suggest that roughly 1.21 million Americans have Multiple Sclerosis with women being 5 times more likely to be affected than men.
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
iGuard is currently monitoring more than 8,126 patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
Medications used for Multiple Sclerosis
Drugs commonly taken by iGuard users for Multiple Sclerosis are listed below, together with the percentage of patients that take each drug.
|
Commonly Used Medication Name* (Hover mouse over name to see medication class) |
% of Patients | Average Risk Rating | Has Generic Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copaxone | 22% |
|
No |
| Avonex | 16% |
|
No |
| Rebif | 12% |
|
No |
| Neurontin | 11% |
|
Yes |
| Baclofen | 10% |
|
Yes |
| Betaseron | 7% |
|
No |
| Cellcept | 6% |
|
Yes |
| Omega 3 | 6% |
|
Yes |
| Tysabri | 6% |
|
No |
Less than 5%: Requip, Vivitrol
*This list is NOT EXHAUSTIVE - Only drugs used by a sufficiently large number of iGuard users are listed.
**Medications are sometimes known by different brand/generic names, depending upon how they are packaged or used.
Global Patient Feedback for Multiple Sclerosis ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
A baffling disease. I am recurring ( relapsing) intermittent with brain lesions, usually the worst diagnosis. First incident presented during a high stress period in 1985. Numbness in right hand, severe twisting at wrist and carpal joints so severe that my palm and fingers touched my extensors-- to straighten them took great force. When relaxed, they would return into the twisted formation that seemed to defy the way my joints are made to work. This lasted for days. Numbness and facial muscles spasmed for weeks after, and reappear often to frequently.In 1997, under severe stress again, I felt my legs buckle while playing tennis. Like turning off an electric current - they went dead. Paralysis lasted only a few minutes. I have severe fatigue ever since--but I walk 3 miles several times a week, doctors orders. I look very strong but I'm not. I take no Meds. Cannot take steroids because of medical history. An E.R. doctor found MS again in 2001 when I went to the ER with multiple severe symptoms. An MRI showed 2 lesions on the hypothalmus, causing classic symptoms. In 2003 another hospital MRI showed the lesions had DISAPPEARED. No meds. Natural health, low stress, good diet, exercise. I live by it and thank God that I am only having numbness, involuntary hyper extension in the tarsels of both feet, spasms, and blurred vision. Marijuana is recognized to reduce or alleviate/arrest MS symptoms in some, but I am not willing to anger the government with illegal activity. I am a good citizen who would like to see it decriminalized if it helps sick people. It isn't a viable embryo we're debating here! No one knows what happened to the brain lesions or how they vanished. Few people with lesions are walking around but can say I am one of them. Thank God for every day!
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-02 23:38:13
Answer/Reply:
I was dx in 1994. After 6 yrs of not knowing what i had, and being told my weakness was my fault. My MRI's showed nothing in the beginning but once they used contrast I finally showed lesions but my spinal tap was clear. I spent many years in and out of the hospital on high dosed solumedrol, and physical therapy. I got pregnant in 1999 after doing research and finding out that I had a 50% chance of having an exacervation within 3 mo. of giving birth. I put off going on one of the ABC drugs until after I had my baby. Unfortunately my next exacervation was a bad one. I ended up in a wheelchair. My daughter has lived with my parents since she was 16 mo. old. and I've gone down hill since. I began as RRMS now I have SPMS. Now I am quadrapalegic. I see my daughter often and even though I can not do much with her the time we spend together is quality time. And we still do craft projects and play games etc... She takes after me in alot of ways and her disposition, empathy, and willingness to help others. I believe, has to do alot with my condition. As far as marijuana is concerned it is true, it does help with spasticity if you don't mind feeling drunk.LOL Keep your faith and keep a smile on your face! It helps get through the days.
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-08 18:47:52
Answer/Reply:
It was explained to me by my Dr. that cells can repair themselves. Even a cell under attack can still be reapiring itself on the other side. I have taken whole fruit and vegetable suplements for over 6 years since my diagnosis along with Cod Liver Oil suplements and it seemed to help my energy with no attacks for years. After getting sick from one of the kids viruses, I had another pretty large relapse a year ago, and decided to start Copaxone to help, along with the low saturated fat diet and Vitamin D suplements as prescribed by my Dr. I am doing pretty well. I have lessions, not sure how many, and I am active and walking, and so does my father who is 76 years old. I don't think the fact you have the lessions means that you can or can't walk, as everyone has different areas affected. But, I am very happy to hear that yours have repaired themselves. Avoid stress if you can, it is a huge problem for us with MS and relapses. God Bless!
female 39
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-28 20:31:39
Question/Comment:
Hi, I was dx'd 2007. I still work, but the fatigue is killing me. I work, barely get home and rest on the couch to be able to get to bed! I was on Rebif and I'm in the process of switching to copaxone. I take 200 provigil per day. Does anyone know of something better, stronger for the fatigue? This is the worst! I'm tired of being tired. HELP.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-08-24 19:58:27
Answer/Reply:
Hi, I was dx'ed in 2006 with RRMS and went on Rebif also. I struggled with fatigue and feeling ill from the shots. I switched to Copaxone in 2007 and that fixed most of my issues with fatigue. I have had considerably less fatigue problems and only had one mild exacerbation. Make the switch, i bet it will help!
35 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-15 12:52:13
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.
41 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-25 12:59:22
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.
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-05-16 03:40:22
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.
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-05-16 15:44:00
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
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-05-16 18:33:28
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?
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-05-16 21:59:24
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
68 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-05-20 19:34:19
Answer/Reply:
You need to get on a MS medication right now.....I know there is nothing to cure us but I will take all the help I can get to slow this monster down. You should too.
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-08 14:13:00
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.
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-05-22 15:36:45
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
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-05-25 12:04:13
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
66 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-05-25 16:18:48
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
39 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-03-25 22:45:59
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.
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-02 22:05:07
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.
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-16 17:22:48
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
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-20 21:28:04
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.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-24 16:01:26
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!
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-06-10 21:56:30
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!
63 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-18 00:44:21
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
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-19 14:25:46
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
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-20 21:39:02
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
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-29 11:40:38
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..
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-03-18 11:02:43
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.
29 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-03-23 12:56:08
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
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-03-26 08:56:30
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.
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-03-27 11:24:31
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.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-03-29 14:56:55
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.
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-14 16:41:57
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.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-20 08:05:46
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Patient Comments about
Multiple Sclerosis