One reason we don't like flares is because it can leave behind some damage that doesn't go away. So taking the meds can hopefully cut the flares down by 30% (hopefully)
I tell people this: recovering from a flare is like a bouncing ball: The ball doesn't bounce back as far as it did on the first bounce.

Subtle things can be left behind. In the very early days I think I recovered completely....but maybe I didn't. I just didn't know what I had going on so I was oblivious to the fall out.

Anyway, the bouncing ball explanation works for me.

When you stop having distincted flares that "heal" you may be on your way to PPMS.....but it can be confusing as I have friends with MS that appear to me more as PPMS but their docs say they are still RRMS.

I'm just hoping the stem cell thing works like it sounds it might. If it does...I'm first in line before I get too old to risk the chemo.

I think that you are referring to RRMS progressing to SPMS.

PPMS is characterized by slowly worsening neurologic function from the very beginning. RRMS, however, can progress to SPMS, in which the disease worsens more steadily.

~ Faith