MS Meds

[surth]

I just want to know does a person have to be on MS Meds cos im not ifi get a attack i go on a cortozone drip for 3 days. And is MS inherrited?

[Lulu54]

Prednisone is an entirely different treatment than the DMDs.  Prednisone treats symptoms.  DMDs treat the disease.  That is hugely different.

Is there a reason why your neuro doesn't suggest a DMD for you?  I'm unfamiliar with how the medical system works in South Africa.

As for the LDN - low dose naltrexone has been studied repeatedly as a treatment for MS and the studies consistently show it does not alter the disease course from what I understand.

I wrote a bit about the placebo effect and LDN at
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/LDN--/show/1311712

We have kicked LDN around here a lot and you can find plenty more posts on the subject by doing a search of this community for LDN.

be well, Lulu

[COBOB]

DMDs are designed to prevent the attacks.  DMDs are very expensive compared to the cost of Methylprednisolone (IVSM also called IV SoluMedrol) used during an attack.  Studies have shown that people on DMDs have a lower disability score at 10 years out than those not taking DMDs.  I have been taking Copaxone (one of the DMDs) for a couple of weeks now.  

There is some evidence that a certain HLA gene sequence predisposes some people to MS.  Not everyone with the with the sequence gets MS,  The incidence of MS is about 1 in 750.  If you have a sibling with MS it jumps to about 1 in 400.  This makes it look like there is some genetic relationship, but it is not something that is solely genetic (which would be something like 1 in 4.)

[figuerpa]

I got dx'd in September of this year and my neuro hasn't started me on the meds yet. I do know that the earlier you start the meds the better chance you have of them working long term with reducing relapses and disability.

I do think that it is also a personal choice. I am being treated for my sx right now.

There is a link to MS and genetics, there is more of a chance to get MS if you have a family member dx'd with it.

Paula

[daisy.girl]

Most neurologists recommend a DMD (disease modifiing drug) , as soon as there is enough evidence to dx CIS (clinical isolated syndrome) or MS.
DMD are about 29% effective in reducing relaspes.

I was dx earlier this year, and at this point, I have decided against a DMD. I am on a drug that is used off-label for treatment of cancer, MS and other diseases. It is call LDN (low dose naltrexone). It is said to work by modulating the immune system. It is not popular by most medical persons, but my Neuro was open to let me try it.