new lesions via mri

[Susierae]

daughter Bec,36-2 yrs R/R just called crying. Mri showed 2 new lesions on brain and active one on spinal cord.  Actually has felt good whole past yr (took?shots 3x/wk.)  now to change meds???and wanted to get preg.  comments anyone?  

[Susierae]

Just need to say how much your responses mean to me!! many blessings!   Susierae!

[karzme]

Hearing about new lesion sure make it hard for all. It is the process of the disease unfortunately. She WILL have to stop taking meds if getting pregnant. Heard women with MS, do pretty good with pregnancy, without the drug. I would suggest her trying to get on Copaxone. I'm gonna be starting it soon. It's been said to have less side effects than other drugs and doesn't require liver, blood or other tests. It works inside  and outside the nervous system. All the others only work outside.

[JonM]

Well as we veteran MSers know, the disease never stops.  Its sad to hear that the MRI is showing new activity, but the Neurologists may not be so glum.  I assume shes on Rebif.  She should ask to have a test performed to see if she has developed Nuetralizing Antibodies.  About 15-20% of Rebif patients develop this which some Nuerologists believe renders the medication useless.

Good news is there is a new medication for RR that is used when traditional interferons like Rebif don't seem to be working as well, it is called Tysabri.  She should talk with her Neuro about this.  It has some serious risks, but those are very small and it has been reported to produce better results than interferons.

I've heard that MS will remit during the pregnancy, and that the odds of passing it on to her child are very small.  However she may need to suspend taking the medicine while pregnant.

jonm