There are as many, if not more, treatments for Multiple Sclerosis as there are symptoms. By the very nature of this neurological condition, the symptoms may appear in almost any form, will be different for different people, and will change over the course of time.
Check out the symptoms link (above) for greater detail.
I have experienced many symptoms but have received remarkably few treatments, I tend to be a stubbornly, independent person, who will only ask for help if absolutely necessary. I did take a course of steroids (prednisolone) at the onset of my last major relapse and, I have to say, they pulled me out of it very quickly. My GP was very reluctant to prescribe this, and only after consulting my neurologist did she agree to do so.
Only recently, it was suggested by my MS nurse that I should seriously consider a DMT (Disease Modifying Treatment) such as Interferon Beta. The brand they proposed was Rebif, so I came home with the information and the video along with the same for Copaxone.
The MS nurse was anxious that I consider these treatments now, as they may not be available if my Relapse Remitting MS should develop into Secondary Progressive MS, which we believe it may well do, it it hasn’t already done so.
Not quite the Rebiff syringe, bit not dissimilar
I decided against both of these treatments as they are self-administered injections on a regular basis have many possible side-effects and are a long-term treatment. The complications far outweighed the possible benefits, in my opinion, of up to a 35% reduction in the likelihood of experiencing further relapse.
I also felt that agreeing to start one of these treatments, would leave me dependent on the self-injections for the rest of my days. Not a very attractive prospect.
It was then suggested I may be able to get another course of steroids, but after the nurse consulted with the doctor, at the hospital with the MS centre, this was ruled out as being too risky for the possible short-term improvement they may bring.
So, after all this discussion and much soul-searching, disappointment, and general experimentation, I came home – with a supply of catheters! But, that is a different story for a different page, where I can go into all the gory details.
