@shopaholic84 

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shopaholic84

Lemtrada - The ONLY drug worth taking?

I'm new to the site and MS. I was recently was diagnosed and am not currently taking any dmd through my choice. I am leading a pretty healthy lifestyle and have not had a relapse since my first in January which was light sensory loss in legs. My recent mri showed a signal change since January . I feel I will take the step and start dmds in the new year but am a little cautious as Lemtrada seems to be the only drug that seems to halt the disease through feedback on here. This drug had not been discussed at a recent drug seminar I attended. Is there any point in me accepting the other first line drugs offered?
@Stumbler

@shopaholic84 , in the UK, the medical profession seem to have a very conservative approach. They seem to prefer a gently, gently approach and, when that doesn't work and we deteriorate further, they'll use a stronger, more efficacious treatment, I don't know whether it's down to prudence or economy. Anyway, Lemtrada does appear to be the best treatment available at the moment. It's given conveniently over five consecutive days, then nothing for a year. It's been called, "the nearest thing to a cure, without calling it a cure" Have a look at this site to help you decide, https://www.mstrust.org.uk/understanding-ms/ms-symptoms-and-treatments/ms-decisions .

@Roz17

I also am new to this site. I have had secondary progressive MS for about the last 15 years. I'm not on any drugs at all as I had so many side effects that I ended up taking more drugs to suppress the side effects than for my symptoms. I can manage to walk a very short distance with crutches but use a wheelchair mainly, and my balance is practically non-existent. I can't lift my right leg to walk and my right arm is very weak but now my left leg keeps folding up. I don't see a MS nurse yearly unless I request it as she is ultra busy with relapsing MS patients who are on DMDs. I have so many other symptoms as well - am just wondering if it's worth me asking if there is any thing I could be offered to try and slow this recent rapid progression? It is years since I have seen a consultant. Hope you manage to get suitable drugs in the New Year, Shopaholic84.