I am 56, DXed with PPMS in 2002, now I am in a chair 24/7, minimal pain, cognitive seems fine (to me, DH might have a different take.) Sometimes when I hear stories. RR seems really bad and awful to me but sometimes I wish I remitted once in awhile (Maybe I just want no MS for awhile!) but realize so far, so good for me. I do get a swing in affect sometimes but recognize it and have strategies to try and deal with it. I have never has any MS related vision problems or a definite "AHA" second of "Oh, that's the MS hug." I have no numbness, tingling or spasms. I've never done steroids (doubt they would even do anything for me) but realize in a New York minute everything could change with MS.

Everyone's MS seems different and everyone is different and one seems able to directly compare. I am in a chair, but fairly independent. Yeah, I can't walk, but am self-toileting (Isn't it sad I'm proud of that) and cognitive seems fine. IMHO I think it best we try not to have per-conceived ideas about anyone else about anything. Carpe Diem makes such sense to me now. OK, getting off my soap-box.

I'm so sorry about your sister. Some of my biggest fears (rational or not) are in your post. Life can really be so unfair sometimes. The Universe can seem so random and uncaring sometimes. Her story touches me.

I think we should look at RR (Relapsing-Remitting), SPMS (Secondary Progressive) and PP (Primary Progressive) as terms that define a disease's presentation, not a likely progression or symptom presentation.