Continued Symptoms of MS

[Ashlee0309]

I was diagnosed with MS inFebruary 2007 at the age of 47, I am a female living in South Africa.
The 1st MRI Scan results read:"there are 4 hyperintense foci seen within the centrum semivale involving the subcortical white matter with a single periventricular lesion noted abutting on the body of the right lateral ventricle extending into the septo-callosal interface.
My symptons were lose of vision, numbness to my right leg/arm & cheek, along with fatigue with insomnia.
These symptoms have increased and decreased over the last 2 1/2 yrs, but have never gone, even after numerous Intravenous Cortisone. I have had back and neck muscle spasms which can last up to 10 months.
My last MRI on the 29th September 09 reads :"There are a few small hyperintensities in the white matter of both cerebal hemispeheres. There are some increased signal in the septocallosal interfaces bilaterally and a Dawson's fingure at the septocallosal interface on the right side.
My questions are:
What do the MRI reports mean in Terminology I can understand
Is it normal to have 'On Going' Symptoms and or Fluctuations of the Symptoms.
It seems I have also had several incidents of Dyestonia, where the Spasms last around 2 hours after extreme Physical or Emotional Stress.
I have had to give up work as I am making too many mistakes, and my work involves Design/Quantity Surveying etc in the Commercial Construction Industry.
What can I expect?



This discussion is related to mri reading.

[Lulu54]

I just happen to be having a slow day here - I'm not sure what the time difference is.  I'm at 1 pm and going on my lunch break.

good luck with all this,
L

[Ashlee0309]

Hi Lulu

My ? on EDSS is just that I'm told it's quite subjective, and doesn't really add to the other reports. I think it's just the Med Aid's way of stalling as in SA this will cost around $1500.00 a month.
Thanks for your quick replies, it's great knowing you're there

[Lulu54]

Hi Ashlee,
I'm not sure what the censor bleeped out of my message  - it does that all the time and I can't remember exactly what I wrote there.  :-)

If your system of medicine is similar to ours, if your doctor lists you as Primary Progressive, there will probably be no disease modifying drugs (DMD's) prescribed.  At present there is no known treatment for PPMS, it would merely be to treat the symptoms you are experiencing.  

If the neuro is talking about interferons, that is a good sign.  I see that question mark behind the EDSS score  - does that mean you need an explanation of what that is?  

There are a few side effects with the drugs, but most of them are manageable.  Once you get approval, the drug company will send you all that information.  The most common are flu-like symptoms for a short period after the injection, so most users take it right before bed and sleep off the icky feelings.

There is also an increased risk of depression and liver damage, which your doctor should monitor with regular screenings.

I hope this helps - good luck with getting your approval.

be well,
Lulu  

[Ashlee0309]

Thanks so much for replying.
My Neuro hasn't actually said which type of MS it is, but did mention it could now be bordering on Primary Progressive.
We have to 'apply' to the Med Aid to get Interferon, which we are in the process of doing. They haven't approved it yet, as they are looking for the EDSS score!?
If they eventually approve this, are there any 'side effects', beyond my neddle phobia?

[Lulu54]

Hello Ashlee, and welcome to this great site.  Its nice to add members from a different continent - we are pretty much a global community.  

Is it normal for ongoing symptoms?  Yes, this is exactly the pattern you would expect with Relapsing Remitting MS, which I assume you have.  How long these relapses last are not predictable, but it is pretty much accepted that people with RRMS will have them.  

You don't mention any ************** - are you on a disease modifying treatment such as an interferon or Copaxone?  Those are you best defense to slow down the relapses.

Welcome again, I hope you will find this forum useful and join in our discussions.

be well,
Lulu