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I'm in a clinical study and on Copaxone - I'm newly diagnosed so don't know a lot about this disease and how it will affect my body or what to expect. I know it's different for everyone, but was hopeful I might gain some insight here. If you're on medication, what is the likelihood of being bound to a wheelchair in the first five years? Or maybe a better question is - does being on the medication prevent this from occurring sooner? Are there better medications to be on to prevent that from happening as soon? I am 40 and the mother of a 2.5 and a 1 year old.

Also, I have remitting, reoccurring MS.

"what is the likelihood of being bound to a wheelchair in the first five years?"

With or without medication, if you have just been diagnosed, it is very unlikely, especially if you have been diagnoses with RRMS.

"Does being on the medication prevent this from occurring sooner?"

Medication hopefully reduces the relapse rate but does not necessarily slow the progression of the illness. But the good news is that there are many options available to you in addition to medication that can possibly help slow the progression/disability rate and help you to feel better over all - through diet, exercise, supplements and lifestyle change.

I also recommend you ready many of the popular MS books. I found Dr. Swank's and Dr. Wahls' books quite useful - two very different approaches to dealing with MS.

What kind of clinical study are you involved in?

I agree with ElliotB, it is unlikely you will need a wheelchair in five years or 10 or 20. There have been many advances in the meds available to fight MS over the past 10 years. I would also do some research and look into diet and vitamins, like vitamin d. I was dx almost nine years ago, on copaxone, the best bet diet, and vitamin d and I am doing great. I am 49 now. Good Luck.

I agree with them both.

I am also on copaxone like you. I was diagnosed earlier this year too.

Diet, exercise, and nutrition also play big roles against the disease.

Do some research, the more you learn the more you will realize you dont need to fear it and can live with it.