@alexthebrave 

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alexthebrave

Changing DMTs to Ocrevus, relapses, and pregnancy questions

Questions about next step treatment options! I am currently on Copaxone (2017-present excluding pregnancy) and relapsed October 2020 after I finished nursing my 1 year old. A new symptom came on which caused chronic pain in my hands and legs. It is only starting to subside slightly and I think it is the LDN that my osteopath prescribed. I've had one good week since October of last year. I've tried countless nerve medications at this point with little success. My neurologist suggests Ocrevus even though my MRIs have been stable since 2017. My MS doesn't present in a typical way- no bands in my spinal fluid but brain lesions in an area that is likely to cause pain. My question is... Is Ocrevus too aggressive given my MRIs have not changed. Is it safe to speculate that the Copaxone stopped working and is this why I have this near constant nerve pain? Also, how long do relapses typically last? If symptoms last 10 months is it still considered a relapse? Lastly, Ocrevus and pregnancy are not compatible and I would like to have another child at one point. I worry if I don't stay on a DMT and decide to get pregnant my MS could progress in the meantime. If I do go on Ocrevus then I have to wait a set number of months after the infusion to conceive... Thank you for any and all advice!
@Ism7

I’m newly diagnosed, so I really don’t have all the answers. But I’m in a similiar situation as you as we’re planning for another child (at some point). In Norway ocrevus isn’t in the system, we’re only offered rituximab, but they mainly have the same way of working - so as for pregnancy I was told that the medicine was favourable in regards to pregnancy because the protective effect can last for longer than 6 months - keeping some of the effect whilst trying to conceive/at the beginning of the pregnancy.. as for what counts as a relapse and the duration of one, I’m too much of a newbie to try to answer 🤣

@AnoukBeale

I am so sorry about all the insecurities you have caused by the illness. I would ask your doctor all those questions. I don't think a relapse last ten months but I am not sure. I hope for you it will all work out.