MS medications, called Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs), slow progression by modulating the immune system, with types including oral (Tecfidera, Gilenya, Aubagio, Mavenclad, Mayzent, Zeposia), injectable (Copaxone, Avonex, Rebif, Kesimpta, Plegridy), and infusion (Ocrevus, Tysabri, Lemtrada, Briumvi), alongside symptom relievers like steroids for inflammation or baclofen for spasticity, all aiming to reduce relapses and disability.  

Tomorrow I hit the 20 year mark for my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. I am currently in name only classified as Secondary Progressive (SPMS). 

My first Disease Modifying Treatment was Copaxone. I used it for two years until a relapse that put me in the hospital on IV steroids for five days. Followed by Rebif for two years until the bruising and bumps at the injection sites forced me to change again. Tysabri had just been approved so I started monthly infusions until bloodwork came back positive for the JC virus that can lead up to a debilitating or death causing PML disease. I used Tecfidara temporarily until I was approved for  Rituximab/Ocrevus. At the time Rituximab was only approved for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Not sure how my MS specialist managed to get me approved for it, but he did. I used it for several years with no side effects or relapses, until I hit 60 years old and halted all DMT use. I will be 65 in March and have not experienced any relapses since that time. 

None of these DMT’s take the disease away or prevent symptoms or flares from happening. I still have fatigue, numbness, nerve pain, tremors, migraines, twitches and bladder issues. As my body ages these symptoms worsen adding to the constant battle of appearing normal. 

My New Year present was a new power chair that is smaller and easier to control. Woo hoo! Life threw me a curve ball in 2006, something I didn’t ask for, plan for or want, but I have learned to accept many things that I have no control over, hanging on to my sanity for the years ahead.

Happy New Year!