Medication??? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

AllyG · 04-13-2005, 06:57 AM

I was wondering if anyone didnt go on to meds straight away and if so what are the pros and cons? I went on immediately but had quite a severe relapse beforehand. My cousin has just been diagnosed but had a very mild attack. His neuro isnt putting him on anything for the foreseeable future - wants to see how he does without it! We both think this is a bit risky but my cuz isnt sure if the doctor is doing whats best so doesnt want to push it. Any advice mucha appreciated.

Thanks all, this is a great site, very informative and supportive.

Arlene

baddoey · 04-13-2005, 07:16 AM

from what I've researched and read ( as far as medication goes ) is the sooner the better. My symptoms are v. mild but I am starting copaxone next week. But really who knows? that is how I feel lately, that MS is a total luck game. I'm going to go on the meds for a little over a year and see how I feel - at that point I might want to consider getting preg. . but as I said I know what I am doing for the next year at least.

sunshine149 · 04-13-2005, 08:25 AM

I've read the research too and it's impossible to know what would happen if something started meds right away or waited. I've had MS for over 8 years and I've made the decision not to take the meds. They seem too risky to me.

Kahlia25 · 04-13-2005, 09:32 AM

I agree with Sunshine-have had MS 9 years and was on Beta Seron...felt very bad. I have gone off it in the last two months and do notice a heavy feeling in my legs if I get overly tired. I don't know if I would have went on meds right away if they had them back then. I ws too scared at the time and let my very good neurologist make the decisoins......Kahlia

thnkpos · 04-13-2005, 09:39 AM

ally, what did u'r cuz's mild attack entail?................ i just got the inside ms magazine, and the article about progression in ms over a ten yr period, if the disease would progress further (from the Mayo clinic study) the answer was yes it would stay a mild course (if after the ten yrs) but then at the bottom, its says ms recommends inititating therapy as soon as possible,*so go figure* lol
i have v mild (knock on wood) at this point since 92 (figuring that was my first mild attack) then 7 yrs, then 7 yrs, with mild attacks.......
now does anyone know what "they" consider progression?????
the ms specialist said i have benign, but my neuro said its not benign cause i do have more lesions then 92, but no disability (so is this progression)?........... obviously the ms specialist didnt think so.... cause my neuro check was 100% normal
so can u still be mild with more lesions showing up?? what really is progression?
anyone?
im going to start on avonex (reg nuro recom), but im scared, y should i take something thats going to make me sick for a day or two when i feel good now (besides being stressed over what med to choose) so then do i choose copaxone instead??????
its so confusing........... !!!!!!!!!!