MS, Medication

[legalgirl5]

I have a question.  My doctor is rapidly closeing in on the MS diagnosis.  In the mean time, I take no medication.  

Do people with MS improve after going on medication or should I expect to feel the same as now?  I understand that we are all different, but can we hope that we will feel better on medication?

Susie
legalgirl5

[legalgirl5]

Hi everyone!

Thank you all for the information and encouragement.  I just arrived home from my urologist appointment and she says in her opinion I do have MS along with severe spinal cord injury.  Next week I will be seeing my neurologist so I am anxious to hear what she has to say.
Once again...Thank you all!
Susie

[sllowe]

Hi there,

I didn't feel any better w/the add of the DMD, but it's nice to see some folks have. I believe along the lines that if the med is working, you will have less relapses and a slowing of progression (or at least of the potential to progress). I've not had big relapses on Rebif.

Dr. could work with you on some MS symptom relief meds (like Sarah and Mybe mention)that work along the lines of trying to get your symtoms at a manageable level.

-Shell

[Sparkysarah]

Hi Susie

I think it takes time to get used to the idea of MS and what is going on in the body. I think that Lulu has explained clearly. My understanding is that the meds that many of us are on help with ongoing daily pain symptoms and for me this is nerve pain, tingling etc and then the DMD's are there to try and slow down the part of MS and the number of relapses which is far harder to assess how effective they are and require faith in existing research.

I would also like to add that there may be side effects to some drugs and my doctor today agreed that I had probably put on a little weight since starting Gabapentin as I have not changed my diet. So my doctor suggested exercise on prescription to try and encourage me (the Wi still remains unused!) so hope the personal trainer is hunky.

As for fatigue..I have not found an answer to that one except not to overdo things, rest when tired and get the amount of sleep that your body needs to function as best as possible. I know that some people have been prescribed something to help with fatigue so they may be able to help with that.

Sarah :)



  

[Mybe]

When you said, "I have days I cannot curl my hair without sitting on the comode and hold my arm with the other one.", It reminds me of that same thing. I used to have to take breaks vacuuming, doing dishes, curling my hair, washing my hair ect. ... until...I told my MS doctor and she prescribed Baclofen. After a couple days I felt a little better and after more time I felt a lot better! I can now do anything around the house without taking a break (most days). Get this.. I even wiped all the kitchen walls and ceiling. That would ware out even someone without MS!  
Talk to your dr about it and see if they say it would be ideal for you. There are other meds out there for the same issue if that one isn't right for you.

And I so understand about not caring that you have MS and just want relief. I was so relieved when I found out I had MS just because it was finally an answer!

I'm excited for you. I see hope in your near future. My heart goes out to you with what you're going through.

[legalgirl5]

Hi...You were right ...more question.

To me it sounds like mainly we are dealing with most of the symptoms...but what about the pain in the face and the horrible constant fatigue I feel?  Does any of the medications help that?  From the responses; I am guessing ...no.

For me, it would be so much easier to deal with "everything else"..... if I did not feel like someone just flushed me down the toilet and two minutes ago, I climbed back out..

I do understand that most of the meds they have me on now; can cause fatigue but I had it bad "before" I started them and it has now increased ten fold.  I have days I cannot curl my hair without sitting on the comode and hold my arm with the other one.  This was before the bladder medications were introduced.

Are there any previous health problems or medications that contradict a patient from taking the medications for MS?

I had a lady tell my mother, to tell me; NOT to go on the medications because they are hard on the body.  She claims she has MS and does not take hers...Frankly, I doubt she has MS...Who in their right mind would not do ANYTHING to make yourself feel better. Do you think that the MS meds are more harm than good?  I was just shocked when my mom called all hysterical and said no...please do not take them..

I really dont care about the MS diagnosis...I just want some help and some knowledge so I can move on and deal with it. I would not care if they told me I had to swallow acid and hang by my feet.

Susie

Susie
legalgirl5

[Mybe]

To give you a little hope, I will tell you that when I started taking Copaxone I did feel a little better. It didn't help the symptoms per say but it just made me feel better. I am now on Baclofen for the pain and spasms and that helps me walk and do normal everyday things with more comfort and look normal doing it lol

[HVAC]

Susie,
   I felt no difference the year I was on DMDs. It does help many people's symptoms. The real purpose is to stop the progression and progression can happen with out symptoms.

Alex

[Lulu54]

Susie,
That is a million dollar question.  The whole point of the DMD's is to manage the disease and it doesn't manage the symptoms.

The DMD works at the root of our problems and is trying to slow or stop the attack on our central nervous system.    The other meds we have available help to control the symptoms of MS - these include drugs for spasticity, pain and spasms.  

I hope I've made a bit of sense with the distinction between the two approaches.  

Now, the DMD's SHOULD eventually help to make you feel better, because it slows the attacks and gives your body a chance to heal itself.  Most people don't feel this difference for a good 6 months or so.  It really takes some time, so don't expect an instant change.

I'm sure I have just given you more questions, so please ask !

be well, Lulu