Newly diagnosis

I have been newly diagnosis with MS and also have fibromyalgia.  I am on eight (8) medicaitons at this time with seven (7) of them my fibromyalgia MD.  My neurologist has had me on prednisone since 070809.  He keeps trying to taper it but I can not handle the pain.  He is sending me to UAB but I can not get in until September.  My symptoms seem to be getting worse.  Should I push him to start the medicaiton for MS or is this way of treating normal?

Hey Carlota,

I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis.  I don't know what UAB is but it sounds like another medical facility.  Is your neurologist not an MS specialist?  It is not typical to treat with prednisone.  The usual treatment is a disease modifying medication such as Rebif, Copaxone, Betaserone, or Avonex.  These treatments don't really treat symptoms however so you don't usually feel that much better.  They attempt to slow down the progression of the disease.  They slow down the progression anywhere from 20 - 40 percent.  During flares, most neuros prescribe IV steroids called solumedrol.  Most believe it is much more effective than prednisone.

If you have access to a MS specialist, that is the way to go.  Many general neuros are not up to date on recent treatments fpr MS.  

IT SOMETIMES DEPENDS ON YOUR INSURANCE. I HAVE HAD M.S. 4 15 YRS. AND HE IS PARTLY RIGHT. IT TAKES AN ADVARAGE OF 4 2 6 MRI'S TO GET A GOOD DIOGNOSIS. PLUS THEY COST AROUND 2,000 GRAND. I WOULD STILL LIGHT A FIRE UNDER HIS BUT CUS U CAN START TREATMENT STILL. ATLEAST GET PAIN CONTROL. I KNOW IT HURT LIKE HE-- IT'S A MERRY GO ROUND.  GOOD LUCK.

 

 

                                                              BRAD