Hello everyone out there! I am 48 years old and it was just confirmed to me from my neurologist that I have mild MS. I had an MRI whch showed lesions as well as a spinal tap indicating MS. I have had dizziness on and off for over 9 years,which was when I had my first MRI, that also showed a few scattered lesions that was discounted as my having had elevated BP's during my last pregnancy.Only other symptom during that time span was an occasional feeling of numbness in my rt.arm ,so infrequent that I could count the times on one hand-no pun intended!! I know nothing about this disease yet,am very upset and have been surfing the web and have read alot of different things so far.I guess what I really want to know is,should I start medication,is there any dietary considerations or vitamins I should look into,and what does mild really mean? I go from feeling extremely distraught to then feeeling like maybe this is a blessing that I know this now before it gets worse.Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Help!!! Nancy:

Hi NancyNurse. I'm sorry about your diagnosis and I don't have any answers for you. I am fairly new to this and had quite a few tests run last year, but so far everything has come back normal for me. I just wanted to say hello. I'm sure some of the more experienced folks here will have some answers for you.

Hi Nancy and Welcome to the Forum.

Hmmmmm Mild MS. Some people with MS start out with a mild form of MS but, most of the time that is temporary. It's mild until it isn't.

I had a mild form for almost 20 years and then the exacerbation from hell came at age 51. I tried the MS Meds but I went right to SPMS in due time. I am on LDN now, and it seems to be keeping me stable.

I suggest you talk the MS Med. choices over with your Neuro and see what, if any, He/She suggests. None of them is a cure but can keep the exacerbation rate down and perhaps slow your progression of disability.

I hope your MS stays mild for years and years. If it stays mild, you could opt to wait on an MS Med. Maybe they'll come up with a cure soon. They didn't have any Meds for MS when I started out, and since I stayed Mild for so long, I guess I didn't need them.

Good Luck and come back to tell us how you are doing.

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