Hi Nancy,, 1st of all,, take a deep breathe and try to calm down,, MS is not a death sentence..

as Sally says, mild MS can stay "mild" for years,, mine did. 26 yrs later, I have relapses..

my way of thinking, your neuro probally, { just a thought} won't script you any MS drugs, unless, you have a real bad relapse,, then you have options,, listen to your neuro,,,

you work then ?? good,, {if so}.. I did until, I couldn't teach my classes,, students were more helping me, then me helping them,, knew it was time to throw in the towel,,

vitamins,, yes,, a multi works,, diet,, just watch your carb intake,,get plenty of rest, try to stay clear of stressful situations,, stress is bad for MSer's..

keep us posted,, hope this helps a little

There many, many people who would trade with you. As with any disease, if you look at the gloomy side, you'll be gloomy, but if you find the bright side, that's what you'll be. You get to make the choice, either way.

Thank you all for responding.I really appreciate you advice and time. Does anyone know if the Interferon meds really help curtail the progression? As much as I am anxious to start them,I am also afraid of them! Sending out well wishes to you all!!

No.

There is no guarantee the Disease Modifying Drugs (DMDs) will slow progression but that is what they are supposed to do. For some the DMDs seem to work, others keep progressing regardless.

This disease is a crapshoot.

Mild MS is only mild until it isn't.....Having said that I am still considered mild even as I am into my 21st year of diagnosis. But even if you are considered mild this disease can be very difficult and can leave residual symptoms.

Thanks Snoopy!! I think I'm leaning towards trying them,not sure which would be the one though.I still need to review them with my neuro. Thanks again. Nancy

Welcome Nancy nurse, this is Joycie nurse! I was dx probable MS when I was 47, was able to work for about 3 years and am now on SSD. I am glad for all the years I worked as a nurse in that it gave me a nice monthly SSD check and now my body can concentrate on being as healthy as possible. I am absolutley positive that I would not be as healthy, not that I am healthy, as I am right now if had tried to continue working.

I am on Avonex. I started it about 3 months after dx. 10 yrears later I still only have the one lesion. Is that because of the Avonex? Who knows! But I'n not willing to chance it. I like Avonex because it is once weekly shots and it's IM. I get routine blood work to make sure my liver is OK with all of this. Stay in good communication with your Neuro and PCP.

Good luck and I'm glad you found us!

Dear Doydie,thanks for your very encouraging words!! I can't tell you how much I needed to read what u wrote.I am afraid of the side effects of taking Avonex,was wondering if Copoxone would be better even though its a daily sc versus one IM shot. I am so pleased to hear how well u are doing! I too have been wondering how long I will be able to work.I currently work in a very busy OB unit- no stress there !!! L O L Hope to hear from you again! Nancy

Welcome NancyNurse, I am on Avonex. I started it when I had my first episode. that was three years ago and I did pretty well. I am having a relapse right now however, I have to wonder if it would have been much sooner if I wasn't taking this medication. Only time will tell, but I have to say Avonex has served me pretty well.

Good luck and try and stay positive.

Dear Penny Lane,thank you for responding.I'm sorry to hear that you are having a relapse.I hope that you are feeling better very soon.Glad to hear that the Avonex was okay for you. Nancy

Thanks NancyNurse for your well wishes concerning my relapse. I have to say that I am feeling better. This episode lasted about four weeks and I am now on the up swing thank goodness.
This episode was nothing compared to my first one that layed me up for a little over 3 months. I just hope it is a long time or never before I have to experience another one.
Now, I just have to start to strengthen my leg up again, since I used it so little the last several weeks.
Penny Lane