would you advise someone to get on meds?

[fourtimer]

I have PPMS and have a friend, who not only has a Dad with PPMS,, but has had MANY symptoms of RRMS. She has had numb tingling hands, legs so heavvy she was unable to walk, etc.,etc. She never mentions M.S., she always says it's something else. I know she must realize that it is M.S but doesn't want to face it. I know I'm one of the few, but I question whether or not the medications really work to slow down the remitting/relapsing disease. Should I suggest she take them or not. All adviice would is welcome.

[JerryD]

I am also dx'd PPMS. I was told by an MS nurse to get on one of the injectibles right away.
There are no drugs that are approved for PPMS, therefor I won't be a guinea pig.
As for your friend, who may or may not have MS, she needs to have a concrete dx of something to get the prescription drugs. And ,as far as I know, the prescription needs to come from a neurologist. So, the way to start this process is a confirmed dx of MS.
It may seem that there are some symptoms of MS, but a real physical exam by a MS neurologist is the 'only' way to go. Good luck

[Camsue]

If she is diagnosed with MS my vote is to get on one the medications ASAP..take care

[fourtimer]

Thanks for your imput. No she definetley does not have PPMS, Jerry, whitch is why I asked about drugs.
I'm sure the Neurologiist will suggest drug therapy,
that's why I'm asking.

So, Camsue it seems you believe they work. Thanks, again.

[Thinkimjob]

Weird, isn't it. "Do you believe" these dmds work. Faith shouldn't matter. Morphine works. You don't have to believe in it.
I don't, really, think the dmds do much, but the statistics/ research say they do, a bit.
I'd let her keep living the dream. I, for one, wish I'd never known anything about MS until it got bad and I couldn't ignore it. Ten wasted years.

[freedom1]

First she needs a dx of MS to be a candidate for any of the MS drugs.

I know that alot of people swear by these drugs and for those it helps good for them. However you need to keep in mind that statistics say they only help 30% of MSers.

I have tried rebif, beta, and copaxone unfortunatley I do not fall in that 30%.

[fourtimer]

The last two posts have expressed my views as well. I think I'lll wait and see.... personally I don't hold faith in the medicines. I feel that since an individual can go for months or years without meds, the drug companies can claim it was their meds that helped (if the same person was on their meds). Thanks for all the imput.

[techie]

Depends on their age and financial status. It's a very personal decision.
techie