symtoms

[heartfelt77]

  I have a question regarding ms.  If you are diagonised with ms and in treatment for it.   Does your symtoms that you are experiencing go away or are they perament?   And,  the treatment just stop you from having any more  problems?   Let me explain alittle better?    For instance if I would have ms and started treatment.   Would it help me to walk again?    I would really apprehiate any thoughts on this.    Thanks misty.

  And does your doctor talk about treatment with you?   Or are you made to decide on your own?      Thanks for all the support.   I just like to be prepared before walking into something.     Exspecially about your health. I hope everyone has good night.  God bless.

[Jacksmom516]

Ask all the questions you can both here and at your appointments!  No one cares for you as much as you yourself so ask away  - If it is one thing that I have learned going through this is that you have to look out for yourself especially when dealing with a disease may people including Drs do not themselves understand!  

We will be thinking of you and please update us on the appointment!

[heartfelt77]

Yes, it does.  Please keep me in your prayers as I have another appt to see a different neuro on the 21st of this month.   I'm writing everything down so I don't forget sorry,  to be a pain in the butt.  I don't mean to ask a lot of questions.  But, I have really learn so much here.  And ,  I believe in my situation it is very important to know.....  I will give a update of appt.   Thanks for support.  I hope all is well with you.  God bless and take care.  Misty.

[sllowe]

Heartfelt,

Hi there.  Yes and no, and maybe.......

Unfortunately, the disease modifying drugs work on the disease itself, not the symptoms. However, if the DMDs successfully control attacks, they can potentially minimize symptoms that 'result' from attacks. For example, less attacks on the CNS, less potential progression/symptom/limitations, etc. Does this make sense?

For many, symptoms (results of damage to the CNS) are chronic whether the disease itself is controlled with a disease modifier. So, many folks control those symptoms with medicine that works on symptoms specifically. For example, baclofen for spasticity, ampyra for walking, etc.

Now, to the maybe.....What works for some, does not work for others. Oftentimes, it's trial and error with disease modifiers, as well as symptom relief/management meds, and changes and/or combination therapy is necessary.

Doctors should talk DMD treatment with patients. What I experienced and what has been mentioned by other members on our forum is that once discussed, the doctor left the decision up to the patient. Some have had their doctor recommend a specific med though. So, it can definitely be a mixed bag.

Does this help?
~Shell