New to MS....

Hello all i have a few questions....
I am a 45 year old woman who suddenly went left eye blind (well more of a white-out really ) over the summer, after a few exhausting visits to the hospital/ doctors they turned rasing horses into zebras it seems. An MRI was done and i was sent to the neurologist whom said yes it is MS and apparently has been for at least the past 20 years it seems ( so now all of those huh moments/ ohhh no not today just get on with things already days have been answered at least!)

my main question right now would be about the meds used to manage this (i'm told that its completely my choice as to them or not which seems odd to me that the doctors really don't tell you whats right to do or that can help.
I understand that there is no cure to MS and that the drugs may just help slow the progression of the disease and could maybe lesson its symptoms.

Is there anyone with this that has got any useful advice for me???

Hi Alecia! Welcome. Your story and mine are a lot alike. I started my journey with MS with ON in my left eye. Thats what got the ball rolling for all the tests and finally being diagnosed with MS at the age of 49, although my Doctor told me I have had it for years.

I was told my MS is a mild case and they did not want to start me on anything. Up till this past summer....now they want me on Avonex...I have yet to start it. I go back in November, so we will see. It was explained to me that the meds will slow progression and reduce 'flares'. I have been lucky this year. Not to many problems other than heat...I cannot tolerate heat at all anymore. Sometimes my left side ( which is what bugs me the most) drags sorta, muscle spasm..ect. but nothing I cannot tolerate. My worst days is when balance is off and I fall.....thats scary and the only reason I may opt for Avonex, if only to slow that down?

Anyway, I have changed my diet a bunch and am exercising more and i feel better. I am in better physical shape than I have been in years thanks to that I think! I have no great answers, sorry. Just know what seems to help me plus I have always had a sensitivity to meds, so I am kinda scared to start the Avonex ( and I hate needles )plus I fear the side affects will discourage my exercise routine, which is stupid of me, I know.

This forum was such a blessing when I first learned I had MS. Many fine folks in here, many different stories. Some like mine, some very unlike mine. Don't take my advise on the med thing, but do take my advise and RESEARCH. READ-READ-READ. Go to MS Society.org...lots of good advise there. ALSO whenever you go to your Doctor, load up on questions to ask him already prepared and dont leave the office till ALL of them are answered to your satisfaction.

Good luck and God bless.