Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

How many people need a wheelchair?

Beemergirl
Beemergirl
I am a single 43 year-old woman. Diagnosed with RRMS in 2005 and am now secondary progressive. My mobility has decline significantly in the last year....even though I was on avonex and copaxone. My neurologist has recently switched me to rebif...which I am trying desperately to get accustomed to....because I do not want to switch to Tysabri. I am really scared of eventually needing a wheelchair to get around, losing my job and become wholly dependant on others....and I am wondering how many people this has happened to...and what were the circumstances, ie:

What was your first symptom?
How old were you when you were diagnosed?
What treatments were you on?
How long was it between diagnosis and needing a wheelchair/not being able to work?

Thank you for sharing.
alitax86
alitax86
Oh, another thought. I use various brain exercises to enhance my cognitive skills. You may find many on your computer, but I have them on my smart-phone. When I wake up I take a brain test. It records the results and I can ascertain where I need improvement. It measures Logic, Math, Memory, Visual, and Focus. On those days when I score low in logic or focus, I decide not to make any big decisions that day. My short-term memory has improved significantly. Yet I must stress I have a variety of brain games and exercises and do them faithfully everyday.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Like many replies, we're all different in the level of severity of our disability. I have RRMS, first attack 1999, dx'd in 2002 and needing a wheelchair that year. I've subsequently needed the use of a wheelchair or my electric scooter with 3 additional attacks. Last year I was using one for 2 1/2 months and thought it was permanent. But now I'm using my cane full-time. I also finally started taking Copaxone last year and hopefully it will help in keeping the severe attacks few and far between. Wish you the best but the best strategy is not to stress over it. Stress is our biggest enemy.