m.s and spinal stenosis

I was diagnosed with M.S 1993 with mild symptoms little numbness left foof and feeling of concrete boots up to my knees. All went away till 2001.Symptoms appeared as sciatic pain and slowly difficulty in walking. In July 2007 a different neurologist discovered severe spinal stenosis. Looking back into the mri reports this started in 2003.I had a severe decompression in July 2007 at L3/4 L4/5 and all went well untill x mas the symptoms started again with difficulty walking. Another M.R.I showed synovial cyst on L3/4. The neurosurgeon assured me that it did not cause  stenosis and send me to a M.S professor who diagnosed progressive M.S. My question is why do a feel great at night  am able to walk the treadmill for 10 min also walking almost normal with the aid of a stick is this related to M.S or could it be from the stenosis residual damage.I keep wondering wether my walking could still improve or will it deteriorate.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I understand your concern.  If the diagnosis is progressive MS, then there is a possibility of deterioration in physical activities and abilities as time passes by.  However, these can be slowed down through proper management and medications by your neurologist.  The spinal stenosis may also have contributed to your present condition now but the surgery would have averted any more complication arising from that condition.  Treating MS really takes a good physician patient relationship and regular follow ups.  I hope your condition can be managed as effectively as possible.

Regards and God bless.