Multiple Sclerosis...Progressive, is it true that the symptoms may table out at any time and NOT get worse?

Question

Can I just add..I am NOT a sufferer. I am researching the condition in an attempt to understand it and the way it affects a very dear friend of mine.
I not only feel useless at not being able to help much, I also feel inept because I knew very little of MS before I was PRIVILEGED enough to encounter such a wonderful and selfless person.
I wish I could help more significantly.

Answer 1

Yes there can be a plateau but with secondary or primary progressive any disability accumulated between 'active ' episodes will remain permanently, with relapsing remitting disability may be minimal and may with phsio etc. clear up almost completely, unfortunately for some of us the disabilty can remain, yet still be classified as relapsing remitting - all very confusing! Secondary progressive (if the person becomes secondary) is usually diagnosed 10-15 years after an initial dx of RR, ie they do not suffer relapses but a progressive course - which can be very gradual and SLOW! Please don't be alarmed by the answer from 'a nurse', there is only one form of MS which is very, very rare with a bleak outlook! Any neurologist or nurse that alks in terms of 'end stages' in relation to PPMS or SPMS is talking nonsense. It is generally accepted these days that MS MAY reduce average lifespan by 5 years (that's apossibility not a definite!)

I am assuming that the nurse who answered is NOT and MS specialist nurse - we still get answers like that from medical 'professionals', who if they don't have experience of - shouldn't really state alarming things like that!

Please look at www.mssociety.org.uk, you'll find lots of info and links there, you can also access the carer's board and everyday living, as can your friend and talk to people who live with this everday, ask questions and just generally have a moan - if so inclined! It gets to all of us sometimes!

I hope your friend (and yourself) are well! Please remember that the course of this illness/condition can vary enormously from individual to individual, so all anyone can tell you is from their own experience, even neuros can't give a definitive answer as to how an individual will be affected or for how long! Also have a look at www.msnurses.co.uk, there is a pretty good chart on there that will give you an idea of how PPMS and SPMS courses tend to go!


Thank you CJ, it's so complex an issue, I have RR but am substantially more disabled than people I know with both SP and PP! - MS may be a life sentence but it's NOT a death sentence!

Answer 2

Thank you Maude! That explanation was spot on. The main difference between the progressive forms and the relapsing forms are what happens to symptoms. In the progressive forms of the disease, there is no clear "relapse" and "remission," just a steady worsening of symptoms. As mentioned, it can plateau, but once you have the symptoms, you're stuck with them. Relapsing forms of the disease show clear periods of exacerbation and recession (although may not be complete).

Please don't lose faith. This disease does not have the mortality rates that some people like to describe. With proper disease management and symptom management, even progressive patients can live a nearly normal, full life.

Stateside, you can contact the National MS Society at http://www.nmss.org.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Multiple sclerosis is one of the most debilitating and discouraging conditions anyone can have. Waking up day after day knowing you are stricken with MS that gradually drags you, healthy young person, toward chronic illness and maybe shorter life. Suddenly you no longer expect to enjoy many of life's greatest experiences. The inside story on Dr. Gary remarkable Multiple Sclerosis cure

Read on to discover what really causes your multiple sclerosis!

Answer 4

i have ms rrms i was diagnosed last year i have had three releapses in a year been on steriods twice and i am on avonex once a week and go in oxygen chambver once a week got to be postive and try ur best its hard but take care and all the best good luck u are helping ur friend by finding out information which helps thats good of u ms affect plp differntly wish u all the best and keep up the good work

Answer 5

This is basically true although the search for a cure is still very much underway.Many sufferers seem to have benefited from alterations in their diet like adding sunflower or evening primrose oils. People with this disease need to be encouraged to adopt a positive outlook and lead as active life as they are able. Psychotherapy can also help in many cases.

Answer 6

It should be prepared with little artificial flavoring, salt, butter and/or oil and served with cooked rice plus a help of beans.I doubt that good quality food would cause problems or aggravate them if people are moderate and make the right combinations.

Answer 7

If it is progressive MS it means it has got to a stage where the symptoms are worsening and it is progressing to its final stages.

Most people have been describing relapsing-remitting MS

Unfortunately progressive MS is the worst type,

Hope this helps your research xx

Answer 8

Depends on how you take care of yourself. My wife tries her hardest to not go through episodes. She had one about 2 years ago and it took about 6 months for her to get over it. But she does take care of herself and she doesn't have episodes all the time. All the shots and care that you take for yourself only helps the time between each episode. But yes, there are times when everything is normal, but that doesn't mean it's gone. Just take care of yourself and enjoy the time you have with your family.

Answer 9

True but also true is that there are many misdiagnosis of the condition........

If MS it can plateau and not change for years.