[FaithS]

Went to Kansas City to see my MS Specialist. 3-hour dirve down, an hour and a half wait because they were behind in schedule, a 15 minute appointment, and a 3-hour drive home.

Both Dr Lynch and I are pleased that it's been almost 2 years since my last hospitalization. I don't think that, until now, since my first MS flare in 2002, I've ever gone 2 years without a hospitalization.

I did have a couple of minor flares in spring/summer, but, they had minimal symptoms, were caught early, and were treated with a much lower dose of prednisone than I usually require (80mg/day, instead of 1000mg). At the time, Dr Lynch had been somewhat concerned (even though I wasn't) at the frequency.

I wasn't concerned because spring/summer was a high stress time for me. Most were actually "good" stresses (wedding planning, college-reunion planning). But, then there were some immigration gitches with my Canadian SIL that were pretty stressful. I've found that, as far as triggering MS flares, stress is stress. Doesn't matter whether it's good stress, negative emtotional stress, physical stress related to illness, dental issues, whatever. Stress, for me, often triggers flares. I'd actually been encouraged, rather than concerned. Because, in spite of the stresses, I avoided a major flare and I avoided a hospitalization. (Since last spring/summer, I've learned to intentionally reduce my stress level by feeling much more free to say "no" to even somewhat minor things that I determine might invoke stress.)

... So, anyways, since I'd now gone 6+ months with no additional flares, and with the 2-year no-hospitalization milestone, instead of talking about possibly needing to consider a different med, Dr Lynch was very encouraged with how well I'm currently responding to the Copaxone and has no desire to look at anything different.

Not sure what additional factors may also play into increased health. I've been experimenting with lower gluten for the past year and a half. Still not believing that I need to go 100% GF; I take a gluten digestive enzymes which gives me flexibility with my diet. Possibly some of the other dietary supplements that I've added to my daily regime (a variety of things, many with anti-inflammatory properties) have helped with my decreased MS problems as well.

I've also lost a lot of weight (60+ lbs) in the past year and a half. Have gone from a size 22 to a size 6 or 8. That's helped with my balance issues, but I'm not sure that it would make a difference regarding frequency and severity of flares.

~ Faith