MSNik

Sam,
There are actually 4 or 5 stages of MS, and although some look at them as progressive in states, they arent. Not everyone will progress to another state. 85% of people with MS have Remittant/ Relapsing and many will stay there thru the course of the disease. Progressive is broken down even further, primary progressive, secondary progressive, etc. The way that the disease is catagorized is simply by the amount of relapses you have, how fully (or partially) a recovery you make, the length of time it takes to make the recovery.
I started out with R/R. 10 months ago I got the dx. Within 3 months I had had 4 relapses (yes, I had started Rebif, but they say it takes up to 6 months for it to really begin working). During that time, my MS specialist changed my DX to secondary progressive, because quite simply I didnt recover from 2 of my episodes. Ten months later, I still have no feeling in my left hand or fingers (other than Pain and tingling). I also have never recovered as far as my gait. (walk). However, it has now been 7 more months and I have not had another relapse- so, the fact that this is secondary also is classified by the amount of time your body stays in remission...does it constantly have relapses, go into remission for short or long periods of time? Do you recover partially, fully ,or not at all....this is what makes the different classes of MS.

You should read up on this...obviously we cannot publish websites, but you know the national site. Give them a call or look them up. This info is really important to understand. However, I wouldnt worry about it. The odds are really good that the disease will NOT keep progressing; assuming you are getting good care and are taking some sort of MS Therapy Drug.
Good luck and I hope this helps..
Nikki