I think this is a very good thread. If there is a category left out, we can tell our stories. None of us have the same symptoms or experiences.

Diagnosed in 1992 with RRMS, 1993 with SPMS. Exacerbations all through 1992, symptoms became permanent in Jan. 1993. I had to quit work permanently and go on SSDI in Sept. 1993 at age 42. Progression has been very slow over the years.

I probably had MS much earlier because I had some strange symptoms that were unexplained and went away.

My MS became apparent after back surgery performed in Dec. 1991. My doctor's now think the back problems are MS related.

My blood pressure and pulse kept dropping and I developed heart arrhythmias. The doctor's did not think it was safe to put me on DMD's because of my heart problems. The heart problems became worse until I had to have a pacemaker implanted in 1996 and take a medication to control the arrhythmias. The doctor's now think the heart problems are MS related.

I had never been on DMD's until my Neuro started me on Avonex in Aug. 2007.
She thinks it may help my cognitive problems from getting worse. We will only be able to tell if it is helping by watching how I do. I had a rough start on Avonex but now it is going very well.

I haven't had an MRI since 1994 and can't have one since I have had a pacemaker. Just had my pacemaker replaced 7 weeks ago.