Going MS drug free: the flawed arguments

There are a number of reasons not to take disease modifying therapies for your multiple sclerosis. And by many, I mean three. And one relates to a kitchen sink (with garbage disposal, not shown). Before you make the decision to go drug free, please read this. Please. 

[9 min read]



If you have relapsing multiple sclerosis and are under the age of 50, there are many legitimate reasons not to take disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for your MS. 1) You are allergic and/or your body cannot physically tolerate any of the available medications. 2) You cannot afford DMTs because you have no health insurance—or your insurer denied access to MS medication and the appeals failed—and you are ineligible for any of the multitude of patient assistance programs. 3) You’ve tried virtually every drug available to you and participated in clinical trials and still, despite throwing even the kitchen sink complete with garbage disposal at this disease, your neurologist feels that the drugs are having no effect … and a second opinion supports your neuro. And, hmm. Oh, by many reasons, I meant only three. And they aren’t terribly common.

Which makes me scratch my head as to why a sizeable percentage of MSers are not on any form of DMT. Even those with progressive forms of the disease are being helped with the newest therapies, a long-overdue and desperately needed advance. While these drugs aren't as effective as we'd like them to be for people with more advanced MS, slowing disability by any degree is still a big, big deal.

For decades, neurologists and those afflicted with MS had been pleading, begging, for any sort of treatment. Anything. Finally, in 1993, DMTs arrived and have effectively changed the direness of a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. By how much, you ask?

Ask your neurologist if he or she has seen a difference in the level of disability of their patients before and after DMTs became available, and the answer universally will be without question. And they’ll say that that difference has been dramatic. Which is why neurologists—each of whom has dedicated themselves to a professional career to become a specialist to help you—understandably are frustrated when their patients say no thanks to treatments. At least a decade of schooling, internships and residencies, often combined with years and years of hands-on experience, all summarily dismissed because of "I saw this alternative MS treatment on the internet."  

Can you blame neurologists for turning Smurf blue in the face trying to talk sense into their patients? (One even wrote a whole blog post bemoaning that.) They are human. They lose sleep worrying about their patients. They cry when the people they care for suffer devastating setbacks. Some have even gone so far as to fire patients for eschewing helpful medication. Craziness, right?? But put yourself in their shoes. If you are not going to help yourself and use their expertise, you are taking away a valuable slot from another patient who will.

After reading this post, maybe you'll better understand why they have so much urgency.

If neuros can’t convince you, how can I convince you?

I could tell you that damage is being done while you are reading this sentence. That your brain is shrinking. That axonal loss is happening. And that these problems are irreversible and research has shown that this insidious burn is happening at the very earliest stages of the disease, even while your symptoms are nonexistent. But I won’t.

I could inform you that delaying treatment, even by just a couple years (to see what happens?), has lifelong consequences. That the treatment-free you, studies have found, will never, ever be able to catch up to the less-disabled you had you started treatment earlier. But I won't.

I could remind you that while MS treatments have side effects, most are easily manageable. That the devastating side effects this disease effortlessly can deliver are infinitely worse. But I won’t.

I could invite you to tell the individuals and families devastated by diseases with zero effective treatments—like Alzheimer's or ALS or Huntington's or countless others—that while you have a cornucopia of new and effective treatment options to treat your MS, you're gonna take a pass. But I won't.

I could urge you to spend an afternoon volunteering at your local nursing home to help care for someone with MS. To bathe them, dress them, feed them, change their catheter, wipe their bottom, and then start all over again. But I won’t.

I could educate you about the countless studies, endless research, and copious analysis that have shown DMTs to have a positive influence on this disease—preventing relapses, slowing the accumulation of brain lesions, delaying the start of secondary progression, and postponing disability. But I won’t.

I could point out that your same convincing arguments about the devastating effects of climate change—supported by 99% of climate scientists and mammoth amounts of research!—uniquely parallel the same arguments for using DMTs in MS. But I won't.

I could tell you that taking injections isn’t that hard after the first few, even for someone who is so afraid of needles that he has to leave the room when any medical TV show come on. But I won’t.

I could remind you that for hundreds of years, the only thing people could do for their multiple sclerosis was to change their diet, take herbal remedies, and swallow vitamins. That those treatments didn’t slow the disease then and that there is no solid evidence that they slow it now. But I won’t.

I could warn you not to base your entire decision on how to treat your MS on vocal drug-free cheerleaders on the internet (who all are doing great on this diet or that supplement!). Who cite questionable studies... done by the same people who peddle those very diets or supplements. But I won’t.

I could say all these things. Heck, I’ve tried. This has been written and rewritten (and edited and then edited again) for years. Over 20 pages and 10,000 words. But each time I would have to stop and start over. Too preachy. Too snarky. Too criticizing. Too scary. Meh, whatever. I’ve finally come to the realization that in all likelihood nothing I say will change your mind. That my droning on only will make you resent reading this more and inspire a personal Voodoo doll menagerie of mini Daves (locks of hair provided upon request). After all, you have your arguments.

Arguments Against Taking DMTs for Your MS

“It’s my life—it’s my call. I’m comfortable with my decision not to take drugs.” Fair enough. I want you print this out, put it in a safe location, and in 10 years dig it out. Are you still happy with your decision? Are the people you are closest to and who may be your future caregivers—your spouse, children, parents, brothers, sisters—still happy with your decision? 

“I’m waiting for better treatments like stem cells. Or maybe something with the gut microbiome.” Interesting research for sure. But while you wait for treatments that may or may not work, MS is doing its malicious work oh-so silently, increasing your level of disability, and, ironically, making it less likely the promising treatments of the future will be able to help you.

I also hear arguments that are curious. “I’ve taken Drug X for so many years and I’ve decided it doesn’t work because I don’t feel better.” Does your neuro agree? Remember, most available drugs don’t reverse disability; they just slow down this progressive disease. Who’s to say it wouldn’t have progressed far faster without your DMTs? (It also should be noted that if you feel your drug isn’t working, that means by association that the combination of your special diet, expensive supplements and unique exercise routine isn’t working either—there’s no way to separate the successes or failures of the two. So are you going to quit all of those too?) 

“I’ve taken Drug Y for years and I’m going off all DMTs because of the miserable side effects.” Why would someone stick with one drug for years feeling crummy? And then just stop altogether without trying any others? Oh right, because of the not-so-popular mantra, “If at first you don’t succeed, uh, quit.”

And I hear arguments that push the boundaries of common sense. “I’m fine if I’m in a wheelchair later as long as I can have a medication-free life now.” This is a person who really doesn’t grasp the power of this disease, which can rain down far crueler punishments than a chair with wheels. Blindness, deafness, inability to swallow, inability to feel, inability to comprehend even a sentence. 

“I don’t want to be tied to medications for the rest of my life.” Huh? The whole point of these medications is to delay progression so you won’t need as many meds to treat all of the complications this disease can rain down if left untreated. 

“I don’t want my kids to see me suffer from the medication side effects.” What? So you would prefer your kids to see you suffer from the disease itself?

Then there is the Steve Jobs defense. "I'll treat my condition naturally and allow my body to repair itself. I'll try traditional treatments later if that doesn't work." Just a wee problem. Like cancer, MS progresses unrelentingly because that's exactly what progressive diseases do. And that delay likely will have a lifetime of consequences. Tragically, as Mr. Jobs discovered, there are no backsies. Time is of the essence.

The Bottom Line on Taking MS Drugs


All right, all right, some of my comments might seem over the top and I apologize. It’s just maddening the lengths people will go to try to justify not treating a treatable disease. Contrary to all the well-meaning folks on the internet who wax that the decision of whether or not to take DMTs is so hard (and always so personal), all the evidence points to a rather easy answer. This isn’t deciding on that grueling third round of chemotherapy to extend your life maybe an extra few months so you can see the birth of your grandchild. This is about taking drugs—even though they are expensive and don’t work perfectly—that have the potential to delay disease progression, reduce relapses and postpone secondary progression. 


I know what you are probably thinking.... Whoa, Dave, wasn't there that one study published years ago that found that shots DIDN'T slow down the disease much?!? And I know a person who experienced complications from a drug and she got WORSE. Plus, I've read a LOT of scary stuff on Facebook....

Instead of putting all of your disbelieving eggs into a few studies, cherry-picked examples, and social media "research," perhaps look at the bigger picture. There are today many drugs—and more in the pipeline—that may help you keep living the life you want to live with typically only modest side effects. One of my neurologists makes a key point: MS is evolving into conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Neither of those disorders can be cured and both cause lots of complications and disabilities (stroke, heart disease, neuropathy, vision loss, etc.). But they can largely be managed and most people can live with those disorders if treated.

Here’s the bottom line. With treatment, many people can enjoy pretty normal lives with MS short of a cure. I look at taking MS medication a bit like wearing your seatbelt. Yes, there are cases where the seatbelt will never be needed over the course of your lifetime—where the MS remains at bay even without therapy—but those tend to be the exception. And true, in the rarest of cases, wearing a seatbelt could do more harm than good. But that’s like saying broccoli could kill you… if you asphyxiate on it and no one is around to do the Heimlich and you just sold all your dining room chairs on Craigslist and you have no furniture left to flop on in order to do a self de-choking maneuver. What I’m saying is that statistically wearing your seatbelt and taking your MS meds (heck even eating your broccoli) will help you. And it could absolutely save your life—or at least your quality of life.

In the years that I’ve been running ActiveMSers—I started the website when I was diagnosed in 2006 and today it's one of the largest and longest-running personal MS website on the internet—I’ve met in person and online thousands of people with multiple sclerosis. And not one has ever told me that they regretted taking a disease modifying drug. Not one. Those miracle MS diets that are all the rage on the interwebs? Not one dieter has ever told me their food choices have reversed their MS. Not one. Worse, I have been asked through tears what they had done wrong because they followed Diet X to a T and were still progressing. It's heartbreaking.

And then sadly I’ve met lots who wonder what life would have been like if only they had just not given up so quickly. If only they had just started taking those medications earlier. If only they had just tried, tried, taking DMTs to begin with. 

Now I can’t promise that disease modifying therapies for your multiple sclerosis will work for you. Even a full-on stem cell transplant wasn't able to contain my aggressive MS. But I can promise that with this disease, you never want to start a sentence with “if only…” 

We are in a golden age of multiple sclerosis treatments. Please take advantage of them while you can. The therapy window for MS is open widest in the beginning stages of the disease. The decisions you make right now will reverberate for a lifetime. The longer you can keep your disease at bay the better—indeed it could change your entire future. You alone have the power to take charge of your multiple sclerosis. So (wo)man up and do it.

Comments

Anonymous said…
This is a great post and much-needed.

More than the patients who decide against treatment, I am amazed at the neurologists who still say that they wouldn't necessarily put every RRMSr on a DMD
becky said…
What a great article. This was so timely for me. I have tried several of the meds and am currently on Tysabri. However I am still getting lesions and progressing. There is no way I will stop because of the possibility of it slowing the progression. I sure don't want to stop and look back next year and say I should have stayed on my meds.
Dave Bexfield said…
Becky, Anon—I'm glad to see this post is making a difference. I've already gotten e-mails, too, with people calling their docs to start (or restart) treatment. I just wish those with PPMS and SPMS had more options. Keep moving forward!
Anonymous said…
Dave, Hi, I am one of those you mentioned that have PPMS and, therefor, have really no FDA sanctioned treatment options. I guess, being in the minority, as far as being in about the 15% of the MS population gets you 'bupkis'. But I find your blog on the DMD's really strong and thank you for not 'sugar-coating' this stuff. I can tell you , without any reservations, if a case could be made for me to take Copaxone or Tysabri, I would do it until I found that it was doing my health harm or no effect at all, which is common. I go to just about every MS info dinner in my area and listen to the neurologists give their findings from their clinical work and there is never any mention of HSCT. I know its out there. I can name some of the patients who have had the treatment. I am sure you know who some of these people are. But it still remains a secret to the majority of us who battle this 'beast ' every day. Thank you and George Goss for your very vocal support. Any info you disseminate gives all of us 'hope'. And that's saying alot!!
Jerry
Anonymous said…
Thank you so much for this post! I was diagnosed about 2 years ago and have been on Avonex ever since. It's terribly expensive and I've often wondered if I should stop it, and have been told by others that I should 'stop this expensive drug' and try 'alternative treatments like yoga and ayurveda', and of course the people who tell you 'I know this lady who had the same problem- she went to a vedic doctor, and now she's perfectly fine'.
I know that they are not the ones who have to live with the disease and when I go blind or am in a wheelchair because I haven't taken medication- they are not going to be the ones who will even push my wheelchair.
Dave Bexfield said…
Anon—I have no reservations about CAM therapies... if they are affordable (or free) and don't take the place of therapies that have been proven to work in clinical trials. Keep it up! And Jerry, you already know how I feel about PPMS. It's maddening how tricky it is to manage. While HSCT might not be the answer, at least it fuels hope. Hang in there.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for this post. I'm still not clinically definite (that will probably change soon) and I have resisted medication. Your post exposed most of my wilful blindness around this issue. Basically if I don't take drugs for it, it isn't happening - right?

I'm glad the stem cell treatment worked for you.
Dave Bexfield said…
Anon—No one likes to be on meds. But the FDA-approved MS treatments do help. And just to be clear, the stem cell transplant is working for me, present tense. As with everything MS, tomorrow is hard to predict.
Anonymous said…
Hi Dave. Thank you for taking the time to publish this post. It's clear that you are really passionate about people with an MS diagnosis staying as well as possible, and encouraging people to face the diagnosis they have been given. That is a refreshing approach! I agree with you that MS is an illness that can be treated, and I have some other ideas about how that should be done :-)

I am one of those who has chosen not to take any medication, and 2.5 years since diagnosis and a very serious and lengthy episode, am doing really well and am moving steadily towards having better health than I have ever had. I firmly believe that this is not an act of chance or that I have 'benign MS', as I have worked extremely diligently to take my health in the right direction. I believe that the main reason that I became ill in the first place was due to extreme stress and emotional strain in my life. In the last 2.5 years, my approach to getting well has been manifold and based on extensive research. I have focussed on the following things: dramatic reduction in stress; diet change (low sat. fat, dairy free, largely gluten free); tackling of emotional issues that were causing strain; learning to show proper care for myself; taking exercise when possible; treatment for CCSVI; taking vitamin d3 & other supplements; believing that I could get well; faith in a healing God. I have followed to quite a close degree the recommendations of George Jelinek's book, Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis.

I chose not to take medication, as I believe that to treat something that you are unsure of what is causing it, with large amounts of drugs, is not the best approach. Our bodies are designed to heal themselves, and I think that if we provide the correct environment for them to do that, that they will. Stress is the number one cause of illness and the number one compromiser of our immune systems, and I believe that any approach to treatment that does not take this into consideration is misguided. I must add that I also think it is misguided to decide not take drugs while not doing anything else to combat MS either! I believe that facing the diagnosis head on and creating a strategy to tackle it is absolutely vital.

I have met a considerable number of people who chose to take DMDs and disimproved rapidly while taking them, chose to come off them, and say they will never take them again.

I believe that there is a lot of hope for people diagnosed with MS, and that finding the root cause of why you got sick, and addressing that, is the solution to regaining health and staying well.

Best wishes for your good health!
Carla said…
For some reason, I missed this post when I first discovered your blog a few months ago. I am on LDN right now. I know its not an FDA approved DMD and I am closely monitoring my progress or decline since I started the drug in spring 2011. I was diagnosed three years ago this month and started Copaxone with horrible side effects for four months solid - daily. I could not exercise and power lift- the one thing that keeps me feeling alive when I was on it the drug. Avonex made me want to stick a knife through my head and jump off the Burnside Bridge.

I have to think about how miserable DMDs made my life in the present. I never did well on any kind of drugs, I don't even take OTC pain meds so this is foreign to me. I know its a conundrum and catch-22. Trust me, I am considering my options on a daily basis.
Dave Bexfield said…
Carla & Anon, nice comments. I just wanted to start a conversation and to have folks think (and perhaps rethink) about decisions that may have lifelong consequences.
Carla said…
Thank you again, Dave.
Anonymous said…
I love and agree with everything you've said. Thank you! I sometimes feel like I have to defend my decision to take Copaxone. There are people who truly believe that "Big Pharma" (I hate that term!) is only there to profit from our illness so why would they want to honestly help us. These same people have the same opinion of doctors. I've had to argue that I am not putting "poison" into my body-seriously! At first, having to have these discussions upset me, now I've chosen to let them strengthen me. The harder they push, the harder I push back. Now, if I could only find someone or something to push me to workout more..... ;)
Dave Bexfield said…
Um, Anon, you better be working out more. Seriously. Get exercising. No, not later. Today. Now. Hop to it! - Dave
Anonymous said…
Wonderful post. I'm recently Dx'd and read everything I can about treatments past, present, and future. My conclusion was that it's absolutely foolish not to take a DMD. I've been wondering why nobody else was saying that outloud. And now you basically have. Thanks.
I agree about the importance of treating MS. I have been on Tysabri for 64 infusions and have past the outer limits of the clinical trials for safety and efficacy of the drug, but I won't stop until I am forced to or something better comes along. I have long said give me 5 good years over 30 crappy ones.

The only part of the article I had a question about was your statement all of the DMD's lower the disability progression. Where is that study? Almost all of the ones I see talk about reductions in enhancing lesions with a few on slowing the shrinking of our brains. I always question this because Tysabri has done a great job keeping me from having any flares as determined by multiple MRI tests. However, I still have new symptoms and new pains from MS. This makes me question the reliance on MRI scans to say a given drug is or is not working. Are their stats on disability progression on each drug?

Don't get me wrong. On Copaxone, the only exercise I did was row on a rowing machine because my balance was terrible. On the rowing machine I would only fall 6 inches. Now I am out running and recently ran a 15k. Tysabri has exceeded my expectations, and I would recommend it to anyone with MS if it is an option for them. Even being JC+, the odds of getting PML are still lower than the mortality rate of breast cancer patients getting chemo after a successful mastectomy (note I believe this is suggested for them as it lowers their long term cancer mortality rate).
Dave Bexfield said…
TLWL, there are a number. A recently published study by Italian researchers (title: Immunomodulatory therapies delay disease progression in multiple sclerosis) found in 1,178 patients with RRMS that "the risk of secondary progression was significantly lower in patients treated with DMDs" and concluded that "DMDs significantly reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis progression both in patients with initial high-risk and patients with initial low-risk. These findings reinforce the role of DMDs in modifying the natural course of the disease, suggesting that they have a positive effect not only on the inflammatory but also on the neurodegenerative process." Here is a link to the full abstract on our forums.
http://activemsers.wssnoc.net/showthread.php?t=959
Unknown said…
Dave Excellent post, I shared if you don't mind
piinguiis said…
Dave love ur post I was diagnosed 2 yrs and a few mo ago... when I was first diagnosed I was put on copaxone, the side effects weren't that bad plus they seemed to get better as time went by... after a year of taking copaxone I did not notice the meds were working for me I was still very fatigue, sleepy, tired, numb, I was experiencing a lot of dificulties walking, and spent more time on the floor than on my two feet. :) I had my yearly MRI done and the doctor found that I had new lesions and my MS was very active so he put me on Rebif. I HATED IT!!! The side effects were awfull nd I just redmdember crying to my neurologist telling him how much I hated this med... all I remember him saying was "I know its horrible,but u got to chew on a bullet a little" I guess he was right it took me an entire year of taking rebif and sucking up to the side effects to realize that there was a reason for why he said what he said... I was on rebif for a year and a few months, I can now walk (2 miles on a tredmill) I'm pain free and not the same way as I was a year or two ago.. I been off rebif for two weeks now because I'm going to try to have a baby, but to be honest I am now very affraid of beeing off the meds...

Ps. My last MRI showed no new lesions nd my MS is not active at the moment :-)
Alex said…
Thanks Dave. The fact is, there are no facts regarding whether the DMDs reduce disability at all. Yes, they are proven to reduce exacerbations and MRI activity. However long term studies failed to show they make any difference in the long run. So your arguments make sense, but only if the DMDs actually do anything. That's an important if.
Dave Bexfield said…
Understood, Alex. There was that one Canadian study that called older DMDs into question (conflicting with an Italian study that found the opposite). But then a large Swedish study released late in 2012 concluded that those same DMDs did actually delay secondary progression. Putting off SPMS is critical, as the biggest advances in MS research are focused on the easier-to-treat relapsing phase. Here's a link to the abstract:
http://activemsers.wssnoc.net/showthread.php?t=1126
Stacy Rogers said…
Great blog! I love life and if my DMD gives me one more day, I'll take it.
Kristin said…
Thanks Dave, just found your blog and so glad to see someone speak out on this subject. I also see daily attacks from some med free folks on the evils of big pharma and greedy nueros. I respect that going med free is a personal decision, but as these seem to be the most vocal folks out there on the subject, I worry that alot of MSers don't get the needed info on the benifits of DMD's.
Unknown said…
Thank you for your email tonight that led me to this blog. I had not seen it yet.

I appreciate your insight regarding the DMDs. I have been on the fence, but I believe I am seeing more clearly now.

I finally got my appt. at UNM for the end of the month. I will see what the docs have to say and move from there.

Thank you for always providing insight into the uninvited guest..

Bree Solis
Dave Bexfield said…
Thanks Bree. I'm not saying DMDs are the answer, but at least giving them a shot (no pun intended) is worth the potential side effects.
Dave Bexfield said…
And Kristin, thank you. I agree, all of us with this disease are influenced by outside opinions. I just want to provide a more thorough case for considering DMDs.
You have an interesting point here. I've been reading some of your blogs for quite a while now and I am so happy that you were able to share them to us. Thanks and have a nice day!
Unknown said…
Great post. It definetly hits home with me as I am currently on the fence about wether to continue with DMDs or try without them. I can not take the Interferons - I have an adverse reaction to them that makes it seem as if I'm progressing rapidly, though there are no new lesions and when I stopped them all of the new symptoms went away. I have been on Copaxone for a year. I have welts that don't go away for weeks. Between the skin discoloration from the shots and the 3+ long week welts I am running out of places to inject. So now is the choice of moving to the pill options (which all scare me) or trying my luck with strict diet, exercise and LDN without any DMDs. You make good points and I have a lot to consider before making my decision.
Anonymous said…
Very interesting post.

I've just come off avonex after 5 years, and am in the washout stage trying to decide if I should start tecfidera or not.

My flu-like symptoms never ceased (though they improved) and I only now realise how horrible avonex was for my mood. The only reason I stuck with it (and the pulse steroids, and the cyclophosphamide) was my fear that if I didn't take the medication offered, if I didn't DO something, my disease and its progression would somehow be my fault.

I try not to regret anything, given the advantaged of hindsight, but I do wish I'd stopped avonex sooner, and I'm leaning toward not starting tecfidera. If people chose not to take a treatment, knowing the benefits and risks as much as they can - for whatever reason - I think they should be supported. Everyone is different in what they will tolerate, what is important to them. We cannot say the medication isn't helping for sure, but we can't really say it is in a particular case either.
Anonymous said…
I'm fed up w/ injections after 10 years, but your article has sufficiently shamed me to continue on. Thanks for the kick in the butt. I needed it. Ugh...
Dave Bexfield said…
Anon, I know where you are coming from. And after all of the research I've read in just the last year, I am more enthused than ever to kick a little tail in this department. So glad that my foot got introduced to your ass.
Anonymous said…
Dave -
Your blog was/is great. Your point of view on this topic is spot on.

However, I just can not do it; please forgive me. I am now 51 years old; ever since I was 11 years old, my health has been doing insane, crazy things, progressively getting worse. And I was diagnosed with PPMS in 1988. Every single time I have introduced a new medication to my body, crazy things happen. I am so sick and tired of being sick and tired. I want to spend at least a little bit of time with my wife, kids, and grandkids- I don't want to spend my entire life in a hospital throwing up, getting hives, being dizzy. I met the Lord once when I was in a coma for two weeks; He told me He wanted me to go back to Earth because I wasn't finished down here; after I woke up from the coma, I had to learn how to walk again.

I have created my own PPMS clinical trial. So, I am doing SOMETHING. Actually the clinical trial that I invented for myself isn't all that original - I am following the recommendations of George Jelinek's book, Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis.

But I can't take any more DMD's. Please forgive me.

Dave Bexfield said…
No worries, Anon. The above post was only intended to gently harass those with relapse remitting MS, which I put in the first sentence. Keep on keeping on as best you can. Sounds like you are.
Carla said…
I've been following this post since it was posted a few years ago and so much have changed since I've read this. I was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease 15 months ago after having lived with and treated my MS - diagnosed almost 6 years ago.

Juggling two chronic illnesses is a full time job. Since the Lyme is much more urgent (and probably caused the lesions in my brain) and time consuming to treat, I've been focused on that. Between the drugs, the shots, bottles of xyz Rx, doctors appointments, support groups, etc. I'm out of time.
Dave Bexfield said…
I understand, Carla. Keep hanging in there. I'm not going anywhere. If you need anything, you know where to find me.
Zjac zjac said…
Its intereseting to read this entry, and makes me wonder if Ive made the right choice. However, there a few hard facts:

- Big pharma has until very much recently severly limited all research that is not geared towards the patenting of new drugs. Look at the initiarl results (that were consequently never followed up on) on Inosine, or high doses of Omega 3, or even Dr Cicero Coimbras success with a high dose vitamin d protocol, or even LDN for that matter.

- There are just as many studies showing lack of efficacy of the CRABs, as studies showing benefits of CRABs.

- There are several other lifestyle factors that in my opinion go a long way to help slow or stop progress: stress reduction, exercise, diet (low sat fat, no dairy or gluten, very healthy eating), rest, heavy metal detoxing, supplements, etc. However changing these is not always that straight forward, for many its far more "viable" to simply take the meds without manking any additional changes, that is a mistake. And of course, lifestlye changes require a lot of time and money.

- Its hard to accept that drugs can be ultimately effective for a disease that still has an unknown cause. However i believe they do benefit some people very clearly, but just as many they actually make things worse.

Im personally CIS for MS and have been for almost two years. Ive always said to the neuros that if i had advance in brain lesions or more relapses, than id start medication. HOwever one needs to look at lifestly changes you need to make: i had to greatly improve sleep, stress and nutrition, as they all needed a lot of improvemente.

I also take plenty of vitamin D daily and LDN.

I hope I stay this way, but if anything what all patients need to remember is that the DMDs are never the only solution. But for many it is an easy first call. In my opinion It takes a lot more dedication to make profound lifestyle changes than it does to inject yourself daily.
Anonymous said…
Hello All. I'm newly diagnosed 3 weeks ago. I understand some of the acronyms, but most are like like reading Greek. I have not begun any meds yet, but plan on starting Copaxone and LDN soon. Has anyone used a combo of drugs? I'm happy I found this page so soon. Thank you! - Troy
Dave Bexfield said…
Good that you found us, Troy. Just a reminder not to OD on MS research. That's easy to do when you are diagnosed. Hope you get our newsletter!
Murdiesmum said…
I want to hug you. I do. I really do. You said everything I want to say to these people. And to those people who have typed "I'm doing fine, I'm eating xxx" ...while you are writing that, your brain just shrank..
Dave Bexfield said…
Thanks Mum. I feel the hug. I do. I really do. Back atcha.
clint said…
Hi Dave,
Great blog post and I understand and agree with your point of view on whether to take or not to take DMD's. I received my official diagnosis yesterday and my neurologist wants to me consider taking meds and have an answer ready for my follow up 2 weeks from now.

Maybe it's denial, but I am still not 100% convinced that what I am experiencing is MS. I honestly don't have an issue if it actually is MS…it is what it is and I'm fine with that however, without going into details, there are just a couple of dots that aren't connecting for me and so I am exploring alternate diagnosis and I think I will go see a second opinion. In the end it probably is MS, I just want to exhaust all resources and options first.

Hence my question for you is…what if its not MS? I would love to hear your take on taking DMD's prophylactically only to find out down the road that it's not MS. What are your thoughts on any damage/side effects that could possibly unnecessarily occur?

Also, what are your thoughts on pill form vs injection. Does your experience or knowledge support one method of DMD over the other? (Naturally I prefer to not be pricked with a needle again and again).

Take care,
clint
Dave Bexfield said…
Hey Clint, rarely does every box get checked with an MS diagnosis and errors do happen. But time is key, and treatments work most effectively early in the disease. New research has shown that even if a patient waits a few years to start treatment, the outcome in general is dramatically worse. http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/sep/30/multiple-sclerosis-experts-call-for-end-to-wait-and-see-approach-to-treatment

And you are not alone in the whole "are you sure it's MS doc?" Many of us diagnosed, including myself, were convinced it was something else--a pinched nerve, Lyme disease, a tumor, etc. Going down that path is normal. And who knows, you may be right. Worth pursuing.

As for MS drugs, these days I'm more bullish on being aggressive. The injectibles, while effective and quite safe, lack the pop of other oral and infusion meds. But as you know, the more aggressive you go, the higher the risk of complications. Tough call. But I do recommend starting on something. Good luck and hang in there!
Unknown said…
Neuro letter stated- Lots of small white matter changes throughout brain, caused by inflammation mabey MS as discussed! I felt this letter to be really blunt, I now have a quicker follow up appointment. The question I have is, does lots of small white matter changes actually mean lesions or what? I sort of know the answer to this due to medical history and symptoms but just wish he wrote it more clearly!
Thanks
Dave Bexfield said…
Coco, this is a question for your neuro. I do not know. Sorry!
Unknown said…
Hi thanks for your reply. I got a call today cancellation appt. says he's sure it's ms but now wants a lumber puncture to diagnose 100% terrified of this more than ms tbh!
Dave Bexfield said…
Coco, LPs are a good diagnostic tool and having gotten several, they sound a lot scarier than they actually are. But that said, they still freak me out. Pretty much everybody is freaked out beforehand. You can do it, tho!
Unknown said…
Thank you so much for your advice! P.s. Love your blogs so funny yet informative at same time 😊
Funnybutnotfunny said…
"Basically if I don't take drugs for it, it isn't happening - right?"

Anonymous, thank you for posting that part. I knew it was somewhere inside of me. I just didn't know what to call it. It's another face of denial. Your post really brought it to light so thanks again!!
Dave Bexfield said…
FBMF, I suggest when you celebrate denial, you do so with a DMT. :)
Anonymous said…
interferons cause blood damage, liver damage thyroid problems (in some cases thyroid cancer)
you decide if it's worth the 20 to 70 k per year to get poisoned or you change the food you eat
read about the Roy Swank study and diet.
Early life changes do not start until two to 5 years after starting the diet.
clinical trials were one year only and of cause not long enough to reproduce Swank's findings.
I am getting better after doing Swank diet.
I will never go into a wheelchair because of MS.
Dave Bexfield said…
Anon, there are many other MS treatments out there aside from interferons if using them concerns you. Incidentally, your body makes interferons, so that particular type of treatment is truly an "organic" MS drug. Most people are unaware of that.
Unknown said…
Great Essay,
I just want to add my two cents as an experienced scoffer. I was diagnosed with RR MS in 2004 with just two lesions. I did go on Avonex, the newest at the time. It was two harsh for me and after a trip to the ER, I swore all MS drugs. I was lucky, I went four years without progression, then I was hit with a attack that cause 18 lesions over the course of one year in the cognitive part of the brain. Had no idea at that time that MS caused cognitive damage. Spent the better part of 5 years rehabbing after losing everything, job, school scholarships, direct care of my 9 year old daughter, home, and bankruptcy. I went on Copaxone and had no further attacks for two years. I moved to Canada from the US for family reasons and lost my funding for Copaxone for three years. I had a doctor who would not approve me for the drug with the excuse that I had to have had two back to back attacks in the last two years. So, during those three years in the latter two years, I began having attacks in the form of existing damage (my leg and stamina) getting progressively worse and a number of trips to the ER. This doctor refused to call these attacks because it wasn't new damage. I fought to change doctors and got one of the most experienced in Calgary and a one of the foremost researchers on MS treatment out there. He got me back on Copaxone immediately. I am beginning my second year back on the drug and the attacks have stopped. I wonder what could've happened if I had only gone on copaxone after the disaster with avonex which is tolerated by others, all those years ago, if I could've avoided the horror show that happened in 2009. Thanks for the article, very important
Dave Bexfield said…
Sorry to hear of your situation, Robin, but hopefully your message will strike a chord. So critical. Thanks for the post.
Marlow said…
Very good article and much food for thought. I got dxd in June of 2015 after a couple short spells of double vision and unsteady gate--all of which I thought was garden variety vertigo. I went to my PCP and he ordered an MRI and MRA and I was shocked to learn it was MS. Saw a neuro and have been on Tecfidera until about 2 weeks ago. My bloodwork came back with low WBC's, Minocytes and Lymphs. I was coming down with a cold or flu at the time so it's possible this could have caused the bloodwork issue. My neuro took me off the Tec until I recover and get the bloodwork repeated. I am still 100% asymptomatic. I just had an MRI today with no new lesions in the brain but a tiny one in the neck, however, they are all inactive and I am still asymptomatic. Had I ignored the symptoms in 2015 and let them pass as they quickly did, I wouldn't even know I had MS. I was thinking of NOT going back on the Tec at all but your article has given me a lot to think about. Of course, this depends on my bloodwork bouncing back into normal range. Thanks for the great info and many thought provoking statements.
Dave Bexfield said…
Hey Marlow, thanks for the note. Research has shown that current MS medications are far more effective early in the disease. Glad you are considering continuing treatment. You can't get this opportunity back.
Anonymous said…
How do you propose we pay for dmds after we are on medicare and the copay is as much as our monthly income after we have exhausted all the available charities.
Dave Bexfield said…
Anon, in my first paragraph I discuss the financial challenges of paying for these medications. Have you gone directly to each drug company to ask for financial assistance? They often offer medications with zero copay for those with undue financial hardship. Good luck.
Anonymous said…
I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2006 too, have taken Betaseron and Rebif in the past, but haven't taken anything since 2010. My balance and movility have declined and my neurologist wants me to take Tecfidera. Do you think Tecfidera could help?
Dave Bexfield said…
Tec is a reliable med and studies show it is more effective in MS than the injectables. When it comes to this disease, anything that slows it down is good.
Anonymous said…
So what do you suggest when your wife has tried a slew of these medicines, from Avonex, Aubagio, Copaxone, tecifera, etc and now trying Rebif and the side effects are so debilitating that she can't get to work? From constant flu like symptoms to upset stomach to the copaxone thing where she thought she was having a heart attack. She shy's away from the few that are leading to PML for some people as she is JC virus positive. The best she ever felt was when she wasn't on anything, eating a super healthy diet and taking physical therapy 3 times per week until the insurance cut us off on that too! She's been on the medicines I mentioned above for pretty long periods of time, some for years before a reactions or symptoms become to extreme that the doctors move her to a different one. Hoping rebif is the one, but so far it's not looking too promising. She's had to stop exercising for the last few weeks as she has no energy and always feels sick. Her life is now spent on the couch.
Dave Bexfield said…
Anon, that's frustrating. Has she tried Gilenya, Lemtrada, Ocrevus? With the exception of long-time Tysabri use (while JC+), the likelihood of PML with MS drugs is relatively low, e.g., I've seen figures of 1 in 10,000 for Gilenya. That might seem high to some, but there are risks with every treatment decision, including forgoing treatment. Best of luck and keep me posted. Hope your wife finds something that works.
Anonymous said…
I agree with you. Unfortunately my boyfriend who has RRMS has decided to discontinue his treatment. He also decided not to tell me because he knew I was going to try to convince him not to do it. So, he decided to break up with me instead. I am a health care aid and I have cared for many people with MS. I wouldn't want him to end up in a bad situation ever. I really wish he would read your post.
Dave Bexfield said…
Sorry to hear that, Anon. This disease plays tricks with your brain, and once it gets stuck on something, heels get dug in even deeper. Hang in there and if he needs support down the road, maybe offer it. Best wishes.
Tracey O'Keefe said…
thank you thank you thank you..........your words have been so helpful. I was thinking hard about stopping Rebif because of the side effects, sore injection sites and inconvenience. I often feel like I am poisioning my body, and question my decision to go on DMDs. Well I have to put that crap finally to rest. My MS nurse with decades of experience echoes your position, but it took someone with MS to re-affirm I am doing the right thing by sticking with DMD meds. I am fortunate enough to live in Nova Scotia, where MS medication is fully covered for all residents regardless of financial situation (no co-pays whatsover). I have to keep reminding myself the long term outcome could be sooooo much worse, and stop feeling sorry for myself! I have a lot to be grateful for. Thank you agin Dave!!!!
Dave Bexfield said…
Glad to assist, Tracey. And if you are tiring of the poke, there are some great new meds out there to consider, from orals to infusions. And they are more efficacious than injectables too. Something to think about.
LaceyLou said…
Thank you for this post! I was diagnosed 5 years ago and went off my meds because of an increase in relapses..... I needed to read this because I was on the fence about going back on a different DMD. Thank you
LaceyLou said…
Thank you for this post! I was diagnosed 5 years ago and went off my meds because of an increase in relapses..... I needed to read this because I was on the fence about going back on a different DMD. Thank you
Dave Bexfield said…
LaceyLou you made my day. Thank you, thank you.
Anonymous said…
65 yo diagnosed in May of 2010, started therapy with Copaxone in August, 2010. Initial symptoms were visual. MRI's have been stable. Some clumsiness, a few falls...but can't be sure that multiple foot surgeries haven't contributed to that. Shots still uncomfortable. Legs look like hell, but I'm not getting younger so they won't get better looking. Going from 7 shots a week to 3 felt like a gift from heaven. I broached the older people stopping dmd's after being stable for several years with my neuro, but will not go off without his agreement.
Dave Bexfield said…
Anon, the age thing is a thing, at least when it comes to insurance companies not wanting to pay for treatment. There isn't a perfect answer, but it sounds like you and your neuro are making it work. Best of luck.
Unknown said…
Tysabri and Gilenya are used for SPMS now.
Roland Clarke said…
I'm an ex-pat Brit with SPMS. When I was first diagnosed with mild/benign MS back in 2000, my NHS neurologist in London only offered me steroids when the MS began to show signs of becoming RRMS. I declined for various reasons but was never offered DMTs of any sort - although an alternative therapist did suggest a disturbing alternative, I didn't pursue.

Over the last two decades, the RRMS has become SPMS and all I have been prescribed is Baclofen - which my body couldn't handle - and Gabapentin, which I took until a few weeks ago when my neurologist wouldn't continue to prescribe without a visit that I'm reluctant to make mid-pandemic. I'm now in the US, and the neuro was amazed I'd never been prescribed DMTs back in the UK - the NHS is usually good but does run a 'post-code lottery system' for supplying drugs: if you live in the wrong area, you won't get them. Same with Sativex, the cannabis-derived oral treatment.

Anyway, on my last visit to the US neurologist, he felt my SPMS was so inactive, treatment would be ineffective. And I'm retired so unable to afford the ridiculous medical costs - I'll only become eligible for Medicare in 2021...if I can afford the basic cost even.

So, guess I'm a warning to others - or I fell through the cracks in two systems.
Dave Bexfield said…
Roland, that's criminal that you didn't get a DMT earlier. Thanks for telling your story.
Anonymous said…
Thank you Dave.

This was literally the pep-talk I needed right now 😅

I started DMT in 2018 with Copaxone (not effective for me, new lesions), then Tecfidera (severe lymphopenie) and just recently had to give up Rebif (side effects held on for over 4 months and finally gifted me with a night at the hospital).

So now I can choose between Aubagio and Zeposia and, in the last days, had sometimes a hard time coming to terms with another medication and other potential side effects.

But as I constantly repeat to myself: I am in it for the long run!

So your post hit home. Thank you very much!
Dave Bexfield said…
Anon, that means a lot, thank you. The long run matters. Matters a lot!
Pistachio said…
It will admit to "doing things naturally" . But, first, before you let out a huge sigh and roll your eyes, hear me out. I live in Canada. You know, that cold, snowy place of igloos, dog-sleds and free health care (remember, nothing is actually "free" ). We have the great fortune **cough, cough** of being newly diagnosed AND experimenting with natural treatment. Why, you ask? Because it takes FOREVER to get diagnosed and start treatment. I visited my MD for symptoms in July. I finally got an MRI 88 days later, at the end of October. Oh, and my first neuro appointment??? Well, how about the end of April???!!! Now, if you still have the cognitive ability of a 3rd grader you can do the math on that. Yes, TEN months from first visit to setting your eyes on your new best friend - your neurologist. So, you see, here in The Great White North we have to go au naturelle in an effort to at least feel some control and maybe, hopefully at least not help our brains continue to literally burn the midnight oil.

Anyway, after that long rant-ish post I'll say, thank you, Dave, for offering a different perspective. It's definitely given me something to ponder.
Dave Bexfield said…
Pistachio! Great comment. And absolutely no eye rolls here. If we could live our lives with fewer chemicals, the better I say. But when it comes to taming your MS, nothing compares to proven disease modifying therapies. I hope you get the opportunity to start on one soon. In the meantime, put emphasis into cardio exercise—it's one of the few non-pharmaceutical tools that has the potential to modify the disease. I enjoy your insight here and on the forum.
Barb said…
Hi Dave, Thank you for posting this article, I noticed originally posted in 2011. When I was diagnosed with MS, I was 35 and had no health insurance, at that time the drug companies weren’t offering help. I was originally diagnosed with relapsing/remitting MS. I have tried many therapies as well as the regular maintenance drugs, ie; Baclfen, Tizanadine, Ampyra. I’ve previously been on injectable, Rebif, for years, I’ve been in an active study years ago. The only drug I’ve felt helped me was Tysabri, which I was taken off after 3 years when my antibodies came back positive for PML.
I am now 62 years old with Secondary/Progressive MS, and taking Ocrevus twice yearly. It has come up with my doctor that once you’re a certain age, if you feel the drug is not doing anything for you, to stop and just stay on your maintenance drugs. I’d like to know your feelings on that. He was going to put me on Mayzent, (approved for Secondary/Progressive), but with COVID, he is hesitant..
Anonymous said…
Hi Dave,
What are your thoughts on HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant)? I have had MS for 34 years, and am now SPMS. I am considering HSCT. Do you know where in the US it is available?
Thanks,
Kathy
Dr Yuval said…
I hear you dear man. And from two sides one person who acts both as a Doctor and a patient - I plea to put some trust, even a little, or at least give a reflective and long thought, ask around - because it is the desicion of the person who suffers, but the the desicion not to treat is a way of listening only to the suffering part, and the more you listen to him, so it grows. So please take into consideration some wishing will personal triple checked advice crom people who dedicate everything to assist those who suffer
Dave Bexfield said…
Barb, this is a question for the experts. But knowing what I know, there is no right answer for your particular scenario. You are in that gray zone, which can be frustrating I know.
Dave Bexfield said…
Kathy, HSCT is most effective in early MS (<10 years), younger patients (<50), and in the relapsing form. Unfortunately you are not a candidate for HSCT in the US, sorry. Me either, or I would consider a second transplant!
Dave Bexfield said…
Dr Yuval, well said. Patients, please keep an open mind to advice from people "who have dedicated everything" to assist those with MS. Contrary to some derogatory opinions on the internet, most neuros are not in the pockets of Big Pharma just trying to make a buck off you. They just care. Period.
madeline said…
Hi Dave
great article ,too bad more people would go to homes of people who have to be taken care around the clock and see what has to be done for them...good one ....i believe everything that you write about on you pages for they are so true for me and many more...yes i have tried several different drugs and not much help but i have finally found what works for me the infusion of Ocrevus...yes i do understand that it isn't a cure but it has helped me so much...yes if they could meet and talk to someone that is in a bad way with their MS where some one has to do everything for them for they never had the choice of a drug to slow it down they could talk and maybe explain to them what it had been not being able to do anything anymore then maybe some would listen to you...good luck ...keep on writing these great articles ...thank you so much...have a wonderful Christmas ...love and much happiness to both of you..take care and stay safe...
Dave Bexfield said…
Oh thanks Madeline! I'm glad you found medication that is working for you. :) This disease can be a total buggar, so slowing it down is imperative.
Elzina said…
Dave, this is again a very good article!!!


Elzina
Dave Bexfield said…
Elzina, I appreciate the feedback. Just hope people pay attention!
Anonymous said…
I was dx with MS in 2006..when I was 50.. I had been treated for arthritis etc for 10+ years.... ironically I was dosed with steroids which helped .... but I started on Copaxone40mg 20mg SQ daily for 10 years, then switched to 40mg three times a week....I have had many ups and downs but thankfully I give the credit to Copaxone injections... but I was dx this year with Parkinson’s disease....which I think my symptoms began about a year ago but became severe when I had a kidney infection that led to an MS exacerbation... bottom line is that I have been on Sinemet 25/250 every 4 hours for 8 months with good result as well as continuing the Copaxone but a new neurologist has broached the subject of stopping the Copaxone....because of my age....I don’t agree...because I maintained mobility on the Copaxone with few relapses (5)
In all these years.... he seems to think that the Parkinson’s disease is causing me problems not the MS...
Copaxone is the only MS Med that I tolerated....
What are your thoughts?
Dave Bexfield said…
Anon, I'm not a neuro, but DMTs tend to be less effective with age. One drug that could treat arthritis (RA specifically) and MS is Rituxan. Hope you get some satisfying answers!
Amelia Pond said…
Glad I found this article. Diagnosed at 49, on DMT until 2020. Tough couple of years with husband diagnosis of Huntington’s and handling his exit from professional work along with LTD claim. Now as “unpaid” caregiver having exited my professional career due to MS struggle and need to spend time with husband I need to get back on DMT track. The cost of the MS DMTs really is difficult to understand; especially the generic form of Tecfedera which is the drug I had been taking. I get that drug research and development is an expensive process and that businesses need to make money. Think if prices weren’t so cost prohibitive the majority of MSrs would be on DMT. Frustrating.
Dave Bexfield said…
Ugh, Amelia. It is sooo expensive. I'd estimate that since I received my MS diagnosis in 2005, over $2 million has been spent on my care. Craziness!
Anonymous said…
Kinda needed this today. I’m on Kesimpta and having a rough time of it with side affects. Started wondering “what if I just ….” It you’re right. I’ve got a daughter to think of. I know this is is an I’m older post. But really needed to see it.
Dave Bexfield said…
Anon, as if you needed another wrinkle to cloud your commitment to DMTs, I discovered in 2021 that I had been misdiagnosed. I have Lyme disease. And I've been writing a memoir about it. I recommend checking it out.
https://www.sitdownbeforereading.com/

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