This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hi,

I'm new to TIMS, but not to MS or other boards. I was dx'd 9 yrs ago with MS. Have tried ABCR and Novantrone, the latter being the only effective in slowing progression. Still, I had lots of other symptoms that couldn't be explained away by MS. My GP is both MD and naturopath with the added virtues of dilligence, ears for listening, and a great big heart. After 7 yrs and about a zillion tubes of blood, he discovered that I also have Sjogren's Syndrome (a connective tissue autoimmune disease). Since Sjogren's and MS brain lesions can be very similar, the ongoing dispute is whether I have both or just primary Sjogren's. For now my neuro is going with the both dx's . I take cellcept 1000 mg daily, plaquenil, loads of fish oil and vitamin D.

Since beginning cellcept 1.5 yrs ago, I feel healthier, stronger, and as pain free as I can remember. I just read the post about PML and cellcept and am bumming big time. I see my rheumatologist this Friday and I suppose we'll have to talk about other options.

By the way, my name is Laura. I'm 47 and live in Pa. Pleased to make your collective acquaintance

Welcome Laura,

Sorry to hear the 2 dx - one is bad enough. Hope you find the answers you are looking for. There are a lot of really intelligent folks here.

I'm Cindi, 49, Mississippi. We are close to the same age. I was just DX in April 2008 but have been probable MS since 2003 and had symptoms since 2000 or maybe before.

CF

Hi Cindi,

Thanks for the welcome. Getting the 2nd diagnoses was actually a relief, sort of like the first one was. At least the reasons for what I feel are real and have a name. I started with symptoms back when I was 15 yrs old - that was the first time I was tested for RA.

Sorry that you wound up here, but glad you found a place of support, education, and like-minded (and like-bodied) folks. What do you do to stave off the progression? How are your symptoms? Mine were pretty bad the first few years, but now I have almost none.

Laura