PML risk
Is PML a risk with all DMT?
I'm currently waiting for my Neurologist to review my latest MRI and provide my treatment options but I keep seeing PML mentioned when I read anything and it's making me really anxious about the future.
Can anyone give any advice on this?

Hi Diggles, I know a little on this subject. Pml - Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy can be a side effect in a lot of these new drugs. Depends how they work. If they reduce the effect your immune system has on your brain and spine then you can get this brain disease cause by the John cunningham virus. I have had these worries but been reassured each time that the chances of contacting these are very very small. Even if you are jc positive. I was on tysabri for 10 years became jc positive in year 7 or 8 and was tested for my jc level so felt safer then. I took myself off tysabri due to this fear and feeling I wasn't looked after as well. My neurologist in Edinburgh died and so I moved my treatment to Manchester. ( I had been moved to South Cumbria but kept my treatment in Edinburgh) Manchester is very different to my ms experience in Edinburgh. Feel much less cared for. However now on kesimpta with possible similar side effects but no tests. Its all scary and I dont feel I have trust in my neurologist anymore. Speaking to my gp about this. Might try to move hospital again but I am on kesimpta so don't see anyone anymore anyway, even for annual check ups with the neuro. As long as I get an annual mri then I will possible stay. I would speak to your ms nurse/team about any worries you have. Hope my rambling helps.
I am waiting to go on a DMT and have been researching reading up and scaring myself half to death!! I do a lot of panicking and crying!! I have chatted to MS nurse who keeps reassuring me that PML affects very few people but even the possibility scares me!! Is it enough to put me off getting a DMT or going for a less effective one, I don't know. It seems to be a lot of weighing pros and cons and also considering rate elapses or MS symptoms already present. I am hoping that if you get checked and reviewed often enough, the chances of you developing PML are less, but I am still very nervous, panicky and unsure. More ramblings, I guess - so many unknowns with MS ... Look after yourself.