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Why My Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Doesn't Include Drugs

Rebecca on her three-wheel cycle

Pills May Not be the Answer for Some MS Sufferers

Multiple Sclerosis hit me like a teen hitting the fridge after school: fast and furious.  I was sore, dizzy, tingly, and very stiff from day one.  Diagnosed with a progressive form of MS, my options were limited to treating my symptoms.  Still, due to possible side effects, I am very leery of drug therapy.  After all, growing a second head would not be helpful.  My doctors assuaged my worries and convinced me to treat my stiff muscles—better known as muscle spasticity. 

Better to be stiff than toothless.

Muscle relaxants are one of the best methods for treating spasticity.  I have taken them before for a neck injury, so I felt relatively safe trying them again.  Following all directions on the container, I began my treatment fully expecting that it may take some time for my body to adjust to any short-term side effects.  I was expecting temporary fatigue, perhaps more dizziness...but bleeding gums?  Clearly, this side effect was one I was unwilling to tolerate.  Therefore, after taking muscle relaxants for a few months, I decided that I would rather feel stiff. 

Aren't there drugs to stop or slow relapses?

Unfortunately, even today most drugs, like Corticosteroids, only treat relapsing remittent forms of MS.  Many of these cause depression, blurred vision, and weight gain.  Since MS can cause all these symptoms, why would I want to take a drug to double my chances?  Worse yet, some drugs harm the heart, liver, or cause brain infection.  After discussing these options with my doctors, I agreed that these drugs would not benefit me.    

Can any drug slow the disease?

Thankfully, for many, Beta interferon drugs appear to slow the disease.  However, it is most effective with relapsing remittent forms of MS and there are many side effects, including liver damage.   Novantrone IV may help those with progressive forms of MS, but it is also a preferred medication to treat leukemia, not MS. I decided these are all side effects I am not willing to accept. 

Risk vs. Reward

Every month I read the latest literature about new drugs and treatments for multiple sclerosis.  I weigh the risks versus potential rewards.  I know that my brain is damaged from MS, but to risk damaging other major organs to – perhaps – slow the disease is not worth it to me, not yet anyway. 

Perhaps in the future, I may try drug therapy once it has tested for those with progressive MS.  For now, I have decided that it is better for me to continue with my preferred treatment method, which includes eating healthily, exercising daily, maintaining my weight, and laughing generously.  Happiness is the best medicine for me. 

P. S.

It’s been 20+ years since I was diagnosed with MS.  Per the last MRI, the lesions on my brain have not spread.  I guess laughter works.  Chocolate probably doesn’t hurt either. 

Keep Reading

What I Want You to Know About Multiple Sclerosis

How Multiple Sclerosis Helped me to be a Stronger, Better Person  

Don't Let MS Keep You from Traveling

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