DMDs in the UK

[Jepster]

Hey everyone,

I have my first appointment with my new neuro on Wednesday. I'm seeing this neuro having moved to the NHS from the private system - I was diagnosed with MS this summer by my previous neuro and have lesions in my c-spine and brain as per the 2 MRIs that I've had so far.

Anyway, I was wondering at what point people should get prescribed with a DMD - should I be pushing for a prescription from the first meeting? From what I've read, it seems like the sooner the better but am I right in assuming that there's a general reluctance here in England to prescribe the drugs?

Thanks for your help,

Jep

[Jepster]

Thanks for your comments - it seems that with NICE and reduction in benefits, MS-ers are having a bad time of it in the UK at the moment (disclaimer: only in comparison with the prior UK situation, not in comparison to the US...)

Is anyone out there in the UK and on DMDs? If so, did the neuro prescribe them as a matter of course, or did it take a while?

Curious Jep

[Lulu54]

Hi Jep,
It is my understanding that the NHS has pulled out their trump card o n the cost sharing scheme with the manufacturers of the DMD's and labeled them as ineffective when you compare the cost to benefit ratio.

If they follow through on this it means that already difficult to get DMDs will be even tougher, if not impossible.

If you get the opportunity to press for a dmd and get offered one, be sure to take advantage of this.

be well, Lulu

[jensequitur]

That's what I hear, too - I don't have any personal experience with it, as I'm in the US.

I see nothing wrong with asking about the DMDs.  See what he says.  I think your average neurologist would like to know that their patients are interested in staying as healthy as possible.