Too late for medication - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

angela03 · 08-21-2007, 02:51 PM

I read lots of posts here and I am concerned things are too late for me regarding medication. I am 54 years and still do not have a dx although I now feel I may have had MS since I was was 20. Things have obviously progressed and I now have difficuly walking along with weakness in arms etc. I know doctors think my problems are more recent. therefore lean towards primary progressive, but I have put up with many of my problems over the years because I believed the doctors that I have been stressed, depressed, suffered with asthma, back and neck problems, the list goes on. Dx was not easy way back in the early 70's and MS although mentioned early on was not confirmed and I felt was not a possibility therefore dismissed from my mind.
I must admit I feel I would have been concerned had I have been dx at a young age and not enoyed being a Mum and Grandma. I managed to hold a job until recently although illness and fatigue was always a problem but I accepted that as how I was.
What I am trying to say is that I have had a fairly good few years without medication or worry of an MS label and I am fortunate not to be too bad now although things are beginning to show.
Has it been proven yet that medication slows down progression or relaspes or does it prove another worry that young people can do without?

MSNik · 08-21-2007, 04:10 PM

Hi Angela.
All the MS disease modifying drugs have proven to slow down the progression of the disease, reduce the amount of relapses, and reduce new legions seen with MRIs. I dont think that its just something for young people to worry about, as you put it.
Im 40 years old, have been on Rebif for one year, and to date have not had any new legions on my MRIs..I had a few relapses, minor ones, in the very beginning of taking the drug, but they do say that it can take up to 6 months to reach full blood level and really start working....overall, I feel pretty good.

There have been even more recent developments with MS drugs, especially in Europe. Mitox is being used successfully in many places for P/P MS..Tysabri is also approved for use of P/P as well as R/R in Europe. There are more choices there, then in USA; however no matter what treatment one decides to do, its really a very individual disease. Some people progress very quickly, while others show very little progression over the years. You are blessed to have been one of the latter!

You didnt say if you were considering starting meds, but I would think it depends on your quality of life now and where you want to be in 5 years. If you have had MRIs in the past 5 years, you should have some idea of what is happening, and how quickly. If you havent, now would be a good time to see a Neuro and find out. Whichever you decide, good luck to you...continued good days!
Nikki

Administrator · 08-21-2007, 07:40 PM

New drug studies are being done.

Check out the National MS society in England for an article by Medical Advisor Professor Alan Thompson which states that PPMS medical treatment is much the same as for other forms of MS, including drug therapy.