So went to see the neuro today to follow up on my MRI from September. I knew that it wasn't going to be good since he told me we would need to"discuss options," but I wasn't expecting to get an actual MS diagnosis. But I did.

My MRI showed three active lesions and countless others that are not active, many of which didn't show up on the first one. Both the neuro and his intern commented on how normal and healthy I looked compared to my MRI. He is now thinking that we were discounting too many of my symptoms as being related to stress, when they might, in reality, be from MS.

He thinks that I should start taking meds to hopefully slow down the progression. He suggested Copaxone, and gave me the holidays to think about what I want to. Thoughts?

Hello

This is one of those terrible times .... you need a firm diagnosis, but there is still that slap in the face element of shock (although you think you are going to be prepared for it) when it actually comes.

Torn between relief, and despair your world is spinning out of control because you don't know what you don't know and it takes a while to get used to that idea.

Listen to your doctor. He/she knows what treatments are available, and has no doubt discussed them with you. I think all doctors have some degree of bias as to what they recommend, but knowledge is power, so read, research and ask us anything, because there is a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience on this forum.

"Welcome" to the club - not that it is a good thing to be a "member" - but there are so many fabulous members, one could be forgiven for thinking so.

Ask anything and everything, and know that you will get support from everyone.

Hugs

Lyn

Good that you got a diagnosis of...something! Not so great that it's MS. Good that you're in good condition! Hope you stay that way forever! Not so great that your neuro doesn't know that MRIs don't necessarily directly coincide with symptoms. Welcome to the roller coaster ride of MS ~ so many contradicting ups and downs in the same paragraph!

A neurologist actually spoke these words to your face? Amazing. They rarely discount their own words.

Excellent that Doc was able to DX your MS from the MRI. So often that doesn't happen. Glad the active lesions screamed at him/her this time.

Welcome to the club, of which noone wants to be a member. We are here to support you and you for us.

Taking a DMD is a choice made by you after discussing the different options with your Doc and an online investigation of said drugs. Copaxone may be a good choice for you. They all have about the same 30% chance of efficacy for you.

Stay with us and good wishes for you.

My doctor also diagnosed from my MRIs and symptom history. I have been on Copaxone for nearly five years total and felt best on it over any other treatment. It also controlled my relapse rate best but it takes about six months to get to that point from what I understand. There will be a newer formulation coming out eventually that will be a three time a week shot instead of everyday like it is now. You get used to the shots but it takes a bit of time to get the technique down. I do manual injections for most of them except with the heinie, then I use the auto injector. It sounds like a lot of info but you will get used to it and feel better once you get over the shock of the diagnosis.

Sabrina-

Sorry that you have been dx w MS. Thinking back it may explain a few odd things- certainly did for me.

If you are going to start on an RX, a think Copax is a good choice. I realized how depressing the interferons were the week I went off of them. The depression (which i didn't fully realize) was worse than the "interferon flu."

My best to you!
ANN in 6th year of Copaxone

Welcome to our little club...sorry that you qualify

Copaxone seems to be the mildest drug in terms of side effects. I've been on it for 4 years now, ever since being dxd. I have to say that when I got the diagnosis I was relieved to finally have an answer...but when the Copaxone arrived I cried-made it so real.
I look forward to next year when the drug company will come out with a formulation that only requires a few injections per week instead of daily.

Don't forget to keep a symptom journal! It's important to bring to each exam and gives the neuro an idea of how things are going.
Eat good food, try to stay active, get a bit of exercise, and balance this with rest. We are all veterans here-ask anything and one of us will probably have some idea of what you need to know.
You're not alone!! Be a pro-active patient...your doc and nurse are a part of your team. And sites like this one help keep you sane.

i was also dx'd by my MRI.
i'm sorry you were dx'd with MS. but, now that you know what you're dealing with you can make plans and take action.

i'd research copaxone. look it up and become knowledgeable. around here we say that knowledge is power. and power gives you control. you are your own best advocate.

i've been on copaxone for almost 10 yrs. i picked it because i didn't want the side effects of the interferons. i'm one of those people that believe in an MS med. some don't. some have started meds and gone off. each of us have our story with MS which is different for each.

my neuro thought i'd be in a WC in 5 yrs but i'm still walking with a cane and still driving. i'm independent. because of the copaxone???? or just my MS course. i guess i won't know but i'm sticking with it.

you get used to the daily routine. you may have some local site reactions but they decrease with time. i've found shared solutions to be very helpful in helping you. they also will send an RN to your house to get you started. and they will come back if needed.

keep us posted.

Hi Bri,

You are at a good place as you go through the MS process. Come share as you go and find a lot of good information here.