This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

StaryNight, If you want to go the drug route, I was given Propranolol (Inderal?) and tried Primidone as well. The Propranolol worked better than the Primidone in the sense of reducing said tremor, but I stopped taking it as it was undoing all the good the Ampyra exerts on my walking and balance. One...

I have actually found physical therapy to be quite efficacious. During a recent relapse, I presented with excruciating lower back pain, heaviness in my thighs and difficulties walking. While in the hospital, I had cranial, C-spine and thoracic MRI's done. All revealed nothing. The attending neurolog...

I know this is an older post, but this may be helpful. I think you have to have worked in the last five years or the government won't award disability. My husband tried going the same route (he has terminal COPD) and now has straight social security but no disability. He is retired and takes care of...

Hi Fonzie- I have what is called an intention tremor in my right hand. When I go to grab something like a fork or use the mouse on my laptop my hand will twitch and sometimes shake. Usually it's my index and pinky fingers, but at times it's my whole hand. It's become bad enough to start teaching mys...

Hello All- This may seem like a stupid question, but can you donate your organs having multiple sclerosis? I used to be a blood donor until the ms diagnosis and had plans to be an organ donor until my neurologist put the kibosh on that idea. I don't think one can with an autoimmune disease, but I co...

Scott and Karen, I'm so sorry to hear of the exacerbation of your Vitiligo while on Tecfidera! That must be extremely frustrating to you both. That being said, I just happen to be friends with the world's expert on Vitiligo and I will ask him if he's aware of potential flare ups with this drug. He k...

Hi superpirate22- Ah yes, the dreaded heat! I find myself to be even more sensitive to it than I used to be. With the warmer weather, I become downright lethargic and loopy. The spasticity in my right foot becomes even worse and my thinking much more muddled. I even have difficulties cooking now if ...

Ladies: This may seem trivial, but I can’t think of a better group to ask. I am in the market for a pair of summer shoes/sandals that are nice looking and practical for us MS sufferers. I currently live in my running shoes and Choco sandals, as they are both comfortable and easy to walk in. Can anyo...

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to have allergic reactions especially at the injection site on this drug. I used to keep a tube of cortisone cream close by, as I always had hives, especially on my thighs. I was on Copaxone for nine months then switched as I was a non-optimal responder. Once I swit...

I've been on the full dose (2 x 240mg) for almost two years with no problems. I think taking it with food is critical, as I've experienced no stomach upset when I do. In the morning I take it half way through breakfast and my second dose is usually on a full stomach. It's ugly the next morning if I ...

Hi BLD- The main reason why you start at a lower dose is to get the body acclimated to said drug. This is common with many drugs and not just Tecfidera. Depending on which one you're taking, you'll start at a lower dose and titrate up to the full amount after about a week or so. If you are toleratin...

I was on Rebif for a little over three years. It was effective at first, but then I started developing lesions again and some of my symptoms became worse. I also was fed up with being a human pin cushion and dealing with the side effects. I was tired all the time and the day post injection I always ...

I started using Ampyra about three months ago and what a difference it has made! I am now much steadier on my feet than I used to be and my gait has improved ten-fold. I don't stumble around like I used to, especially while walking my dog. I haven't used my cane at all, which is a vast improvement. ...

I hate stairs too! It's not so much the walking part as it has to do with my vision. I have limited depth perception and some color blindness also. Trying to decipher anything that's mostly grey is futile. I would highly recommend physical therapy. They can see your gait as well as how you're puttin...

Yes, attitude is everything. Depending on the severity of your symptoms it may take several months or longer to recover from a relapse. When I was first diagnosed, one day I just woke up and realized my vision was better. Balance, however, was still problematic. I did some physical therapy to reteac...