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CTD vs MS

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Multiple Sclerosis
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Posted 8/9/2011 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
I'm taking imuran and having pretty amazing results with it, as far as it helping my fatigue and neuropathy. Plaquenil helps the pain to a degree, stops my muscle weakness, and helps the fatigue to a degree, but imuran is much more effective.

I read online Imuran also treats MS, has my brain twirling now.

My neuro says I have the symptoms of MS, yet he knows I have a positive ANA, and antibody to RNP. But I lack having other things in my blood work consistent with autoimmune diseases.

How often is a spinal tap positive with MS? I am thinking about letting him do it.

 

Posted 8/10/2011 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Your best bet is to begin with an MRI of the brain. It is much less invasive than a lumbar puncture. Oligoclonal bands show up about 90% of the time when the patient is in an active flare (exacerbation).

If no brain lesions show up then most doctors won't proceed with the lumbar puncture.

I am glad to hear you are feeling better on imuran. It's still considered a questionable therapy for MS. It is not proven effective even after approximately 20 years of various studies. Most people with MS go with one of the CRAB drugs (Copaxone, Betaseron, Rebif, Avonex).
Posted 8/11/2011 11:19 AM (GMT 0)
My insurance won't cover an MRI. If MS is really an autoimmune disease, it kind of makes sense Imuran would help slow or stop the progression of that. I have been warned about how dangerous it is, from causing cancer, liver failure, to bone marrow suppression, so I wouldn't recommend it, just seems to be the one medication I need to function. I feel a lack of choice.

 

Posted 8/11/2011 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Nothing stops MS progression. Your best bet is to slow it down. I am not taking anything that's a risk for liver damage or Leukemia.

Again, I'm very glad you feel good on it.

Post Edited (Gretchen1) : 8/11/2011 12:13:35 PM (GMT-6)

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