Newly diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
Have you found yourself in the crazy predicament of being newly diagnosed with MS?

Maybe you had some Multiple Sclerosis symptoms that brought you to the doctor (tingly fingers, optic neuritis, brain fog, sudden changes in your walking – just to name a few). I bet you're scared, mad and wondering what you did to deserve this disease. That’s where I was several years ago. I wasted 2 years in denial and I want to urge you to not make the mistakes I made.

There are Multiple Sclerosis treatments you can begin immediately to target the symptoms you are facing today. Steroids are often used to combat sudden changes in your abilities brought on by this disease. I encourage you to get two opinions from doctors and to challenge both of your doctors on their assessment of your Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. Then make the best decision you can quickly. Pull yourself out of panic and emotion and be as logical as you can. Your future abilities to function normally may depend on it! I can not urge you enough to take action immediately then process the emotions later.

I am sharing this with you now in the hopes that it helps you make good decisions today. I did not have someone urging me along and I made the bad decision by making no decision. I believe this inactivity caused me some of the problems I am facing now. I listened to one doctor who indicated I did not need to be on a disease-modifying drug immediately. I can not stress enough how wrong this was. I should have had another doctor’s opinion and opted to get on one of the Multiple Sclerosis disease-modifying drugs as soon as I was diagnosed.

I would also have found this out had I contacted the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and utilized their resources. They are such a compassionate andt active organization. And one of the first things they recommend is to evaluate the disease-modifying drugs and discuss (with your doctor) which is the best one for you.

The ABC drugs (as they are often referred to) currently offer the best option for impacting the future of your disease. The earlier you take a disease-modifying drug, the better your chance of positively affecting your Multiple Sclerosis. The way your disease progresses impacts your future abilities to have as normal a life as possible!

Can you feel my passion for where you are right now? Don’t emote, do something for your life today!

You are your own best patient advocate!

I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis for about 5 years...however, I was in denial for the first 3 or so years. I didn't pay attention to it until I was having significant challenges walking. This was not too smart as I was not taking a disease-modifying drug as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society encourages you to consider taking. I then started on Copaxone and tolerated it really well. Later, when my symptoms seem to worsen, my doctor suggested taking Rebif. This, too, I tolerated well so I decided to remain on Rebif. It is my perception that Rebif is a little bit stronger medicine.

I almost wish I had started on Rebif but I believe my doctor, at the time, was just in the beginning stages of acquiring an interest/indepth knowledge of treating patients with multiple sclerosis. I partially believe he prescribed Copaxone because he had a better relationship the pharmaceutical sales rep for Teva (makers of Copaxone). Hmmm. I don't fault the doctor as how could he possibly be up on all of the latest medicines for various illnesses.

I now suscribe to the belief that you are your own best advocate and you are somewhat responsible for your health. You need to ask the doctor for recommendations for your health and you need to leave and evaluate your options. Then you have to research the pluses and minuses of different courses of action. Meet with your doctor again and discuss your findings. I no longer allow doctors to tell me what I must do. Together we make decisions. I have a choice and so do you. Take control of your situation, to the best that you can and make good decisions for you and your family.

Recently I was in the emergency room and I insisted on not having an IV. I pushed back on the nurses/doctors when they repeatedly insisted on putting one in my arm. I was surprised that they acquiesced to my demands to "wait and see how I do" before putting in the IV. As it turns out, I didn't need the IV at all. That minimized my personal trauma and it was another expense that didn't have to be covered by insurance. Interesting experience.

You are the best advocate you have!