Multiple Sclerosis Questions?

Question

I have recently been diagnosed with MS. I am 15. My face was numb for a while and i had some muscle twitching on the right side of my face. The Symptoms didnt bother me too much. What is the point in taking medicine to treat them when the medicine has some bad side effects? Also, i would like to know some natural treatments for MS, especially if they have helped you or someone you know.

Answer 1

I'm a nurse with MS. I spent a great deal of time talking with my doctor and reviewing the literature to decide which drug was best. Copaxone is a shot everyday but no flu-like symptoms. Because I have two very active children, along with still working part-time, I chose Copaxone so as not to have flu-symptoms. Copaxone is an expensive drug, but my insurance covers it, so I pay $15/mo. There are days I don't want to "shoot up", and in all honesty I skip a day about once a month, a small reprieve. But I know I will get through it, even if I don't get used to it.

I was at an MS symposium in March, as far as any oral meds for MS there are a few, but they are still a few years down the line. There are 3 in Phase II Trials (to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug for a particular disease and to determine common short-term side effects and risks). There are 3 in Phase III Trials (to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and provide a basis for physician labeling).

My mom and aunt both have MS and don't take any meds. A big incentive for me choosing Copaxone was having 2 preschoolers. I don't want to have a detrimental flair and not be able to care for them.

And some alternative drug info...

Low dose naltrexone (LDN) just finished a Phase III clinical trial for use in MS last Nov. But articles were already coming out 2 mos. before that saying more clinical trials are still needed for use in MS.

There are several clinical trials at various stages studying antibiotic therapy and MS.

Reports published in 2006/2007 showed initial benefits with Sativex (cannabis). However, reports published in April from the latest trials showed Sativex was no more effective in treating MS pain than a placebo given to half the patients. It has been approved for use in Canada and is still development in Europe and the US.

None drug therapies...Exercise and/or PT: Maintaing a healthy weight will help with mobility problems. Also, they can help with spasticity and muscle weakness.

Exercises, such as tai chi and yoga can lower your stress, help you to be more relaxed, and increase your energy, balance, and flexibility. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor before getting started.

Eat healthy: A healthy diet just like everyone else, making smart choices to balance between food and activity. Ask your doctor what diet is right for you.

There is some evidence that taking an oral supplement of linoleic acid (found in evening primrose, sunflower seeds, and safflower oil) may slightly improve MS symptoms.

Don't overheat: Whether you are exercising or doing work, try not to get overheated so you won't have a pseudoflair and get fatigued.

Elimination needs: Plenty of fluids and Vitamin C and cranberry juice are used to prevent urinary tact infections.

Increase fluids, fiber, and staying active help to prevent constipation.

Decrease stress: Massage therapy to help relax and reduce stress and depression, which can exacerbate the disease. Strive to have a positive outlook. It won't cure MS, but it can reduce your stress and help you feel better.

Acupuncture: Some people report that acupuncture provides some relief of symptoms such as pain, muscle spasms , or bladder control problems . There have been no scientific studies to confirm this or to document that acupuncture is safe for people with MS. Keep in mind that there are always risks when a procedure involves puncturing the body with needles as is done with acupuncture, mainly risk is infection. Be sure the practitioner uses sterile techniques as acupuncture could transmit hepatitis or HIV.

Here's a easy to understand article http://www.medicinenet.com/multiple_scle...

I also like the "MS for Dummies" book. For me MS was the devil I knew since my mom and aunt have it. But the book was a good reference for my husband. Plus there were tips I hadn't heard of or thought about.

Answer 2

the point of taking the meds is so the disease does not progress until you are in a wheelchair.  i know that have really bad side effects (my mom has had MS for 15 yrs) but you have to take them because the MS will progress. you know that marijuana is helpful for MS right? my mom takes these shots in her butt but she hates them but she is doing so well you would not even know she was sick!

Answer 3

You will have to determine if the benefits of the medications outweigh the side effects you get.  Your current symptoms may only be the beginning of the disease, as you are rather young to be diagnosed.  Your doctor may be trying to avoid a worsening of the current symptoms, as MS is usually a progressively worsening disease.

Natural remedies include eating a natural diet that will not aggravate your body's immune system.  This will be very hard to do at first if you eat a typical American diet.  You need to avoid preserved and processed foods and eat fresh everything.  Any chemical you put into your body must be processed.  Your body diverts attention from coping with MS to fighting the chemicals you are putting into it, which allows the MS to flare up.  You will need to be under the guidance of a dietitian to do this at first- pick one who understands the diet.