Sorry that I have been MIA lately. Have been going through, or rather continuing on with a rough patch. Saw the MS Neuro specialist today and so now its official. Given the last MRI done in December and today's testing compared with what was done 8 months ago, he's finally given the Dx of SPMS.

Drug treatment options are few and mostly involve a couple of experimental drug trials that have shown some promise in decreasing the amount of brain shrinkage (off label use statins in high doses). The only other one that was mentioned was amphetamines to help in maintaining cognitive function; but I'm very resistant to trying that.
Most of the other meds currently in use or undergoing trial use for SPMS are contra-indicated for me due to other health issues, so those are out.

I had to chuckle with him when he went over the common side effects of the high dose statin drug, as most of what he mentioned as potential side effects are already present; so thanks, but no thanks.
Add to that the need to undergo continuous testing and retesting, and the option of participating in a trial becomes less appetizing.

Thus I've decided to take my chances without trying new meds and let the cookie crumble as it may. Of course I will continue to do exercises, brain training and health enhancing things; but I've pretty much turned my back on meds.

The MS clinic has advised that the wheels be set into motion to arrange for federal disability. I already get an income tax break due to a disability designation; which is kind of useless as my income is low enough now that it doesn't help much. This next step would provide additional financial support that would be drawn from my federal pension plan funds. I've hesitated to do that up until now, but as I was denied private disability insurance decades ago, this is the most logical step given the current state of affairs.

Well, that's about it.
Sorry for not being my upbeat self...have just been so tired of symptoms and this whole MS business to participate in much other than getting through each day.
I know that I will grow tired of hanging out in my own personal funk soon enough and then will be back to my old self; but for now it seems right...at least for a little while longer.
Thanks for listening.

With love, Erika