Expectations of DMT
Curious about what to expect in terms of outcomes, not side effects. I get that the purpose of a DMT is to slow / hal the progression of MS and hopefully prevent any future relapses and further damage.
What I can't see any info on, which maybe answers the question in itself, is the impact of DMTs on existing symptoms. Are they basically a 'we'll freeze you at this point in time' thing or is there any relief for existing symptoms? I'm thinking things like fatigue, memory issues, cog-fog, that kind of thing.
Just want to know where to set my expectations.
No, treat the DMT and your symptoms as two different things. The DMT is to slow, or hopefully stop, the damage that MS is doing to your brain and spine. Your symptoms will still be there, for you to deal with separately.
I saw a video that Dr Aaron Boster did on this and he said that you should know your DMT is working because your symptoms should improve. It is supposed to reduce the inflammatory activity in your brain which should reduce symptoms. It won’t cure your symptoms because there will have been some damage done prior to starting treatment, but they should improve, especially with the highly effective DMTs. I’m on Kesimpta and I have found that my mobility issues, cognition and fatigue have improved a lot. I still struggle with symptoms but I’m a lot better than I was (some nights it was a struggle to get up the stairs before starting Kesimpta).