Newly Diagnosed

[AmyBaby123]

I have been diagnosed recently by 2 neurologists (one specializing in MS) as having it. To sum up my history...  4 yrs ago I had a visual disturbance (scotoma) lasting only a few hours. Neurologist sent me for MRI and a lesion was detected. Follow up was recommended, but fast forward 4 yrs and I end up seeing a neurologist for vague complaints that can easily be caused by anxiety and depression (which I have). Some examples are fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating and remembering things. Doctor recommended repeating brain MRI which showed one new lesion. lumbar puncture was also positive for oligoclonal bands. Although neither of these neurologists could attribute my reported symptoms to MS, both recommend I start meds. I'm conflicted about starting treatment  b/c I'm  not "really" symptomatic and have never had any of the more typical clinical "flare ups." I also have people telling me I can work on diet, and stress management, Etc.
Whether I go on meds or not I recognize a huge need to work on improving my stress / coping skills, start excercising and eat better. Am I crazy to even consider not starting meds ASAP ?

[AmyBaby123]

Thank you for your response and insight. I will take your suggestion and contact the chapter.

[Poppy7402]

Sorry to hear you've joined the club no one wants to be in but welcome to the community of both diagnosed MS'ers and limbolanders.

Whether or not to start medication is a personal choice but there are proven benefits to taking medication early on in the disease course.  Whether you are symptomatic or not, MS is always 'there' in the background slowly ticking away.  

I'm currently in limbo, but in little doubt that I will eventually get a diagnosis of MS.  As such I don't currently qualify for meds.  I can look back and say "if I'd had meds, would I now have problems XZY?".  

It is great that the moment you are relatively symptom free but with MS being such an unpredictable disease, things could change in the blink of an eye.  I have little doubt that if I'd had medications, I may not now have horrendous neuropathic pain, visual issues and various other things.

For further information, to help you make such an important decision, may I suggest that you contact your local MS Chapter.

Best wishes


Poppy

[AmyBaby123]

I have been diagnosed recently by 2 neurologists (one specializing in MS) as having it. To sum up my history...  4 yrs ago I had a visual disturbance (scotoma) lasting only a few hours. Neurologist sent me for MRI and a lesion was detected.

Follow up was recommended, but fast forward 4 yrs and I end up seeing a neurologist for vague complaints that can easily be caused by anxiety and depression (which I have). Some examples are fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating and remembering things. Doctor recommended repeating brain MRI which showed one new lesion. lumbar puncture was also positive for oligoclonal bands.

Although neither of these neurologists could attribute my reported symptoms to MS, both recommend I start meds. I'm conflicted about starting treatment  b/c I'm  not "really" symptomatic and have never had any of the more typical clinical "flare ups." I also have people telling me I can work on diet, and stress management, Etc.

Whether I go on meds or not I recognize a huge need to work on improving my stress / coping skills, start excercising and eat better. Am I crazy to even consider not starting meds ASAP ?