Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

Erin, that's a decision only you can make. Your profile does not say anything about how old you are or where you are at in your life and you have to take all of that into consideration.

The drugs are expensive. They do not cure MS, they only slow down its progression by reducing the number of attacks that you have. The younger you are when you have your attacks, the longer your disease has to work on you and do more damage.

I had my first discernable attack in 1998. I did not have anything else happen again until 2005. That is a very common story with everybody here. Don't delude yourself into thinking it has gone away or that you have a "light" case of it. It's a SNEAKY BASTARD OF A DISEASE.

I now have a permanent limp, I have fallen a couple of times and broken two bones on the foot of my affected leg. I just started to use a cane.

Would it be different if I had been dx'd earlier and started on the drugs? Who knows? That's the worst thing about it.

You are doing the right thing by coming here and getting different takes on things. Get yourself educated, make a decision that is right for you.

Best of luck to you.

LilMargie says it best... Only YOU can decide for yourself. I was dx in 1993 and was on betaseron when my number came up in the lottery (yeah, that's how it was done in the beginning of the MS drugs that are now availble; back then, beta was the only game in town). I was on beta over 8 years until it ate the tissue under my skin and left me with a pretty 4" scar on my right thigh... Ugh...

I have been on no drugs for the MS except 1000 IU Vit. D since 2003 when I quit betaseron. Right now, I'm trying to get on Copaxone, but can't afford the co-pays so I'm letting the Universe decide (I'm on the list for programs).

I also focus on FAITH not FEAR with this disease. Yes, I am very much a Polly Anna, but it has served me well with MS which I've had over 14 years... If you have any questions, send me a message! xoxoxo Cj (Cindyjo)

I agree with LilMargie. Much of what this disease does is silent, you show no symptoms, but damage is still being done. It's something you must give a great deal of thought to from all sides.
As LilMargie said, they don't cure, but slow the disease down. I don't like shots, but would hate having to depend on others more. For now it's about the only FDA proven way to really fight back.
Good luck to you friend!

Good comments, cj, but I miss the "darling!" that you always so endearingly start your most of your posts with!

Anyway, I forgot to mention, Erin: I am on Rebif now. Started 12/07.

Im in the same boat with you erin. I have never had a symptom of MS but because of the spinal tap and MRI, they diagnosed me with it. So they want to put me on drugs because "early treatment" is a good idea. I havn't started yet but its hard to agree to start taking injections, if I run 6km a day and feel great. Especially when they say the drugs are about 33% effective at slowing the disease. I think only you should decide because you are the one who will have to play the "what if" scenario 10 or 20 years down the road.

When i was first diagnosed I was in denial of course and chose not to take the reccommended drug. I was ok for a couple months after my first relapse and then I got hit real hard. I was a mess for about a year experiencing attack after attack. I was scared of all the listed side effects that I would likely get if I used Rebif. Instead I tried a herbal route with no success. After that tough year I decided I better get with the Rebif. I did and my only regret was not starting it when they told me to.

I carry a bottle of ibuprophen I take 6 a day. I am on lexepro for my depression. I have a doctor that dont believe in drugs..lol I dont take any. its hard but I suck it up-I cant afford a MS specialist.

I agree with everyone else here. You are lucky to not show symptoms. I hope that this lasts for you. When I first got sick almost 7 years ago I couldn't see and had a numb right leg. One doctor told me I didn't need medication. Three others begged to differ. I sincerely hope you live many years symptom free,