This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hi all, I was diagnosed with MS in April. After reading up on the disease I discovered I probably had my first symptom 4 years ago in 2001. Numbness in the finger tips. In 2004 before going o/s and feeling rather stressed I noticed I wasn't exactly walking in a straight line - thought I was tired!. Then in 2005 - hey Bingo! I woke up with Diplopia! Off to the neurologist, MRI and VER. I went to see my GP and told them I suspected I had MS. I've seen two neurologists, the first said I was too well to go on medication, and sent me home with a glossy brochure on Rebif. I decided to get a second opinion, and was told by a very young neurologist - that if I was his sister, he'd want me to go on medication straight away. However, the thought of injecting myself with a medication that may or may not work and that will make me feel 'sick' is unfathomable? So I went on the SWANK in April 2005, and have been OK except for 'fear' and some backpain that wakes me up in the night and reflux. I have been smoking pot for the pain.

Smoking anything adds a toxin. Here in Canada it is an excepted therapy by many but it really doesn't appear to be working in the ones I've noted.

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John was diagnosed Jan 2005. On lipitor 20mg .On Copaxone since July 4,2005. Vitamin D3 2000iu-4000iu (depending on sunshine months)June 10 2005(RX::Dr. O'Connor) Omega 3 as well Turmeric since April 2005. Q10 60mg. 1500mg liquid Glucosamine Nov 2005.

Hi Dahlia
it took me a long time to decide to go on a CRAB, as I was thinking along the same lines as yourself, why go on something that sounded so severe and may not work.
The thing is though, you are far more likely to stay the way you are now, and not get additional symptoms and damage if you start a CRAB. I wish I had started one sooner, but hindsight is a wonderful thing.
I am on Copaxone, it's great, I have done really well on it and the side effects for me have been minimal. Just some "indenting" on my legs but I think that's a pretty small price to pay for keeping well.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
WW

hey i got the rebif brochure AND the "if you were my sister" routine as well!! from my young neuro! it must be part of their training these days!

my neuro's sister HAS got MS. and he prescribed me rebif. but i cant recall if i asked him if thats what he put his sister on. He is quite old, so obviously does it old school...

that is messed up cure! another one! someone should conduct a study on siblings of neurologists. divert some funding from interferon research maybe.

I'm still on the SWANK - can't see myself moving away from the diet.......I also gave up dairy and gluten. I have discovered a Vitamin D3 supplement by blackmores and am still smoking for pain relief. The MJ really helps! I have been thinking about going on copaxone, but haven't made up my mind yet. How long can one stay in denial about having MS? Looks like there's a few people from Sydney here...... my neuro is at the BMI. Hope everyone is staying well, and those dam scientists find a cure for us SOON!

I agree with that-Im as much shocked as my friend is(the one who has MS). she's still in denial...