Aa
Diagnosied ...now what?
Dr says I have MS. He believes I have remitting and relapse kind. I don't understand because my symptoms are constant since oct. 2013. Is there several different treatments? Or usually the same for everyone? Found out last week I have ms and hoping whatever the treatment that my symptoms will go away.(weakness,twitches,). I would love to walk normal and not feel like I might fall while walking. Thanks for any advice! Tammy
Welcome to the club that no one wants to belong to.....
Immesceo has done a brilliant job giving you the quick run down on the differences of treatments - disease management vs symptom management. That can be confusing.
I hope you are seeing an MS specialist - I'm not so sure what is available in your hometown - to get started on your treatment soon. you should be looking at options with your neurologist and picking the best for your disease and lifestyle.
Again, so sorry you have MS. Treatment may very well quiet the tingling and numbness and help with the balance problems - so please remain hopeful.
~Laura
Immesceo has done a brilliant job giving you the quick run down on the differences of treatments - disease management vs symptom management. That can be confusing.
I hope you are seeing an MS specialist - I'm not so sure what is available in your hometown - to get started on your treatment soon. you should be looking at options with your neurologist and picking the best for your disease and lifestyle.
Again, so sorry you have MS. Treatment may very well quiet the tingling and numbness and help with the balance problems - so please remain hopeful.
~Laura
This site may help clear things up for you regarding the MS drug arsenal. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications
DMD (disease modifying drugs) for MS do not treat symptoms. They seek to lessen the frequency of relapses and seem to slow progression. They play the long game.
However, there are several drugs your doctor can prescribe for symptomatic treatment. Many people here are on medication to aid with their fatigue, spacticity, etc. and many of us have had IV courses of methylprednisolone when in the midst of an acute relapse. Some of us even have glorious wrinkle-free bladders (Botox can be used for urinary issues common to MS).
We are lucky these days as we have many treatment options to choose from. It will be a personal choice (and also depend on how agressive your doctor is willing to be). The drugs with the longest safety data are the injectables (Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex, Betaseron), but there are three oral drugs these days too (Gilenya, Aubagio, Tecfidera), as well as a monthly infusion (Tysabri). There is also at least one "off-label" option with growing positive data (Rituxan is used by a couple of our members). Some of us (me!) are also volunteers on drug studies and are taking drugs that aren't out there yet.
There are many resources on the internet that can help you navigate the confusing world of medication choice. But it can take a bit of trial and error to find your perfect fit. Also, as things change, a different medication may become more appropriate at a later date. This is quite normal. Most of us with change it up at some point.
I'm sorry you're in the club, but I might say you're in excellent company!
DMD (disease modifying drugs) for MS do not treat symptoms. They seek to lessen the frequency of relapses and seem to slow progression. They play the long game.
However, there are several drugs your doctor can prescribe for symptomatic treatment. Many people here are on medication to aid with their fatigue, spacticity, etc. and many of us have had IV courses of methylprednisolone when in the midst of an acute relapse. Some of us even have glorious wrinkle-free bladders (Botox can be used for urinary issues common to MS).
We are lucky these days as we have many treatment options to choose from. It will be a personal choice (and also depend on how agressive your doctor is willing to be). The drugs with the longest safety data are the injectables (Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex, Betaseron), but there are three oral drugs these days too (Gilenya, Aubagio, Tecfidera), as well as a monthly infusion (Tysabri). There is also at least one "off-label" option with growing positive data (Rituxan is used by a couple of our members). Some of us (me!) are also volunteers on drug studies and are taking drugs that aren't out there yet.
There are many resources on the internet that can help you navigate the confusing world of medication choice. But it can take a bit of trial and error to find your perfect fit. Also, as things change, a different medication may become more appropriate at a later date. This is quite normal. Most of us with change it up at some point.
I'm sorry you're in the club, but I might say you're in excellent company!
1 Comments
I was diagnosed with MS in 1989. I was 16 my symptoms started as early as 9.The only therapy that came out in 1993 was the betaseron and I have been on it ever since. I have lesions that have noticeably gotten better plus no change in the ones still active in my brain and neck. I was recently hospitalized with a skin infection cellulitis and my stomach is not digesting my food (gastroparesis)the antibiotics put me in kidney failure and it was recommend I stop the betaseron . I am on no therapy right now and the side effects of the newer medications (pill form)are scary.Any advice would be welcomed.
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