to take or not to take meds? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Donnalynne · 10-15-2005, 09:26 AM

Hi all, This is a big question in my home at the minute, "should i or should i not take meds if and when offered. I,m on the waiting list but cant decide if they are a good idea for me or not and just wandered how many of you have decided to deal with your MS without the medications and why

My youngest son is also doing an essay towards his final english exam about this very question. Any input you may have would be very helpful to both of us. Thanks for reading.

Donnalynne xx

marion06095 · 10-15-2005, 11:30 AM

I have heard that it is important to start taking the drugs early in the progress of the disease. I wasn’t diagnosed until this past summer at age 58. It may be too late for me to start early. I believe I am in the progressive stage of the disease. My Neurologist suggested that we wait six months until my next MRI. That way we might have some sort of perspective on where I am. I’ll decide then if I want to start with the drugs.

WOBBLEY · 10-16-2005, 10:52 AM

I'm also 58 and just found out I had MS this year. I took Rebif for 6 months and I stopped around 2 months ago. I am actually feeling much better now but I know eventually I will need to start my shots again. I am not suggesting anyone stop their shots I just know that sticking pretty close to the MS Diet has helped me feel almost normal again ... just a little off balance when I get too tired.
Good luck to you on your decision and God Bless.

duttin · 10-16-2005, 05:56 PM

Donnalynne,

Have you addressed this concern with your DR.Is there any particular reason why you are iffy about the meds?
I started having MS symptoms 11 months ago,thru several DR appointments and test and the aggravation of MS .It's to late for the crabs,I definatly would have tried them if available.They put me on steroids which put me in the hospital last night.I was not aware that the meds were steroids I'm severly allergic to steroids and they burnt my esophagas.
I wish there is something that they could do at this point,I'm only 39 and I'm losing my ability to control my muscles.Hopefully it will linger and disappear for a while.
Seriously talk to your Dr,what we think about the crabs shouldn't alter your coarse of treatment.
Toni

Sharon Grace · 10-17-2005, 12:38 AM

Hi Donnalynne!. Good question. Tough question too. Everybody has to make that decision with their doctor. I did a lot of research and feel that doing something is better than nothing. None of the meds out there will stop this nasty disease, but they have been shown to slow it down and hopefully limit flare-ups. It is also important to find out what you can about the four meds available, as each is a little different and you will want a good comparison. They all have good websites with lots of info. Also your doctor should be able to supply you with lots of reading material and perhaps a video.I have been on three out of four of the meds. Changed twice because of side effects. Now I am trying a third. I did take a break and went off meds completely for five weeks (loved no shots for five weeks) but this week started my injection routine again.Also something to think about - doing the injections can give you a great feeling of power and control over your MS which can help you deal with it mentally. I know we can sometimes feel that the unpredictability of MS can control us, so any time we can take back some control is a good thing. I know it is a tough decision, and I wish you all the best and the strength to make the choice that is best for you. Take care - Sharon Grace