Does RRMS always progress to SPMS?

[bornworrier]

I was just wondering if it is at all possible to have a mild case of MS throughout one's lifetime?  I have had mild MS-like symptoms for 22 years now, without any major attacks..and symptoms which include bladder issues (frequency and feeling like I always have to go --this waxes and wanes,

sensory sensations-tingling, burning, very little numbness, pricking, feeling of liquid dripping under skin, vision issues (may have had optic neuritis right after I had the chicken pox), also some other minor vison issues like tons of floaters, weird distortions upon waking from deep sleep (goes away very quickly),

when cold fingers get a little numb quickly, same as with thighs, and when out in the cold i have pain in inner ear,

sometimes cant recall words, but this doesnt happen too often, no sexual desire.

I have not been diagnosed.  Last MRI's were 4 years ago of brain and C_spine and they were normal.  Is it possible to have normal brain and C-spine MRi's after having MS symptoms for 18 years? I also had normal MRI's years ago of brain and T-spine and normal spinal tap.

I believe I have MS because what else could it be after all these years?  All symptoms are MS symptoms, I am lucky they have all been mild.  The worst being the bladder.  It was my first symptom.    I have never had any problems walking, I can still work out fine at the gym doing strength training and eliptical machine.  My biceps and hamstrings seem like they may be somewhat weak as I am doing the exercises.

I am doing the OMS diet---Dr. George Jenelik.  If you would like to check it out the website is www.overcomingmultiplesclerosis.org.  I believe in this diet.  George JEnelik has MS, his mother had it too, and he has gone through all of the medical research and ;literature has come up with this diet plan-or lifestyle change that worked for him.  He has been on it for 10 years with no more progression and no symptoms of MS!!  There is proof in the works of Dr. Swank that a diet low in saturated fat works to stop the progression of MS.  

Anyway,  what I have found about the progression of RRMS is that it usually does progress to SPMS.  Does anyone have anymore information on this?  

Thanks for your help and taking the time to read my post.  

[Sparkysarah]

Phew..just got to the last post and was amazed where this thread went. It is healthy to express opinions respectfully and life would be very boring if we all agreed with each other.

This thread started out asking does RRMS always progress to SPMS so hope that you feel this was answered.  My understanding is that MS usually does progress to SPMS as the nature of the conditon is that it is progressive but the most important thing is that it is unpredictable and not everyone is going to fit in a box which means that it may not for some luckier people.  My Consultant said that there was some evidence that after 15 years from either onset of symptoms or diagnosis (if at the same time) the condition is likely to progress to next stage where there is an obvious decline.

I also believe that at the end of the day the bottom line is that there is no cure, it is a chronic progressive condition. We all have to follow the treatment and look after ourselves in the way that works of us as individuals and for some this will be diet, others activities and for many just managing symptoms and pain takes priority.

There is no right or wrong but positive thinking can help in the same way as a placebo drug. Personally I am still in the finding out stage of what helps me and I like to keep an open mind. I have found this year that taking time out and allowing myself some relaxation is beneficial and so I have been having a massage now and then. I am under no illusion that this will change the course of my MS..but it gives me the feel good factor and I find that touch is very healing spiritually and physically.

So that is my addition to this thread and I wish you all a very Happy New Year

Love and hugs

Sarah

[twopack]

No further comment.

[Sumanadevii]

Mary, errrr...going on my past posts to you, I do not see any pattern of my disagreeing with you any more than another poster.  I have no clue where you are coming from with that statement.  You are more than welcome to go into my profile file page and pull all my posts up.  I think you will find what you have said untrue.  I have agreed with you more than disagreed.  So read...and see for yourself.

Also, I do hope you are not saying that I lack common courtesy because I disagreed with another poster. That would be rather silly.  In order for there to be a "disagreement", I perfer to call it a difference of opinion, there has to be two involved.  So, I disagreed.  The poster disagreed.  I see no problem.  Opinions are just that...opinions.

[twopack]

OK......... this is a public board.  People invite themselves to join.  Most members then post with the intention of gathering a variety of opinions.  As you say, this is a place to gather ideas outside our own box.

Allowing all voices to be heard does not mean that all comments are acceptable.  Rules of common courtesy aren't suspended because we share via the public internet rather than on a public street.  

The top of each page identifies this as the Multiple Sclerosis Community.  That means it's MORE than a place to simply gather ideas.  It's people.  We come here for a variety of reasons.  Many of us have no alternate access to people who might understand what we experience.  Most of us don't open our vulnerable selves unless we feel reasonably safe.

Again, yes, this is a public board.  It's a public board with no edit prividedges for the general membership.  Our words linger a long time here once we hit the green button.  That's what I try to remember.

Just to be clear.  I think I heard you but there's a chance I didn't follow all pronoun directions correctly.  I do understand you often disagree with me.  No problem unless you are suggesting I shouldn't mention it when I disagree with you.  Like you, I believe there is little value to talking into a mirror.  I still believe opinions should be expressed about topics, not people.  I don't believe a disclaimer of friendliness tacked to the end of a post conceals the challenging tone that preceeded it.  I have never seen it suggested on the MedHelp MS Community forum that members shouldn't have or share opinions.

Mary

[Sumanadevii]

I think what people forget is that this is a public board.  Your voice is allowed to be heard.  When you post you open yourself up to the OPINION of other posters.  We may or may not agree with your choice plan of treatment.  I personally think that is the function of the board...to gather ideas outside your own box.  If  posters are not looking for that, perhaps they should talk into a mirror.

[ANonnyMouse]

Edit - I went looking for a picture to describe what I see, and came up with this, which explains it perfectly.

http://clearvieweye.net/blog/?p=84