New meds....new statistics? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

NaomiWise · 08-02-2004, 08:31 AM

I am so new to all of this. I am trying to get myself educated. But at this point, the more I learn the more I find to fear. I read that even if a person has RR MS that 50% get the more progressive type within 10 years. But, my question, are these statistics old? Afterall, with Interferons, shouldn't fewer than 50% progress that quickly. Don't you think after the new meds have been around for a while that these statistics will be reevaluated? Or are these figures based on what an untreated case could expect?

NaomiWise · 08-02-2004, 08:34 AM

Sorry for the double post.

Naomi

PghGuy00 · 08-05-2004, 07:29 AM

Hi Naomi,
I have been thinking along those same lines. I was DX less than 2 months ago and neuro prscribed Avonex. (however just had 2nd opinion and this neuro is not convinced I have MS. Virtually no symptoms, but MRI does show lesions.) But if the interferon injections have been having an impact on reducing new lesions, etc, one would think that the statistics still often used may not be as valid anymore. But I guess that maybe not enough study has been performed to develop new baselines for progression. Just my thoughts.
PG00

NaomiWise · 08-05-2004, 07:34 PM

Hi PGOO,

You say you have few MS symptoms but you do have brain lesions. Same story as mine. After having a month long problem with my right foot/leg I had an MRI and lesions were present. But I've been doing alot of research, as I'm sure you have, and found that brain lesions in my case may have come from 2 other sources.

I read that migraines can cause lesions (I've have frequent, bad migraines for 20 years). And artificial sweetners can cause lesions in the brains of monkeys. (I drank several 2 liter bottles of Diet Sprite a week for two years)

I now wonder how many folks in the general public have brain lesions?

What are your thoughts?

Marlene

PghGuy00 · 08-06-2004, 03:02 AM

That is interesting. Same sort of situation here too. The whole situation started this past March when the usual seasonal allergies start to kick-in. Happens every year, I have the usual headaches on the right side only from allergies/sinus infections. This year the headaches got extremely bad and was seeing my PCP who said my sinus headaches were causing the migraines. He put me on Maxalt which was incrdible, but not supposed to take everyday, (I was). I was also on antibiotics for the allergy/sinus infection on the right side. When the headaches got too severe, (God awful pain and my right eye hurt to move it and vision blurry) PCP sent me for the MRI and the rest is history. I also consume great quantities of diet pop ( I cant keep track of how much)( It all sort of make one wonder at times hmmmmm) So....., My new neuro wants to schedule a spinal tap soon, so we should have some better info from that. Hope youre doing well, and try not to drive yourself crazy thinking about all the possibilities. Ive been doing enough of that for 10 people.
PG00