24 hour support........anytime Dave. This MS stuff sucks. :(

I'm so sorry Dave. Amy is right, it definitly sucks.
God Bless you Dear.

((((((Hugs)))))))))

Kath

I'm right there with Amy =) You know how to reach me, thinking of you!

Wow, you have been given a shock haven't you? SPMS seems to mark a turning point. The disease becomes less "inflammatory", with fewer acute relapses. Instead, gradual and irreversible disease progression can occur. It's still MS, but getting the news that you have SPMS is probably like geting the dx. all over again? Remember, SPMS a name for one pattern of the disease, it doesn't change the fact that your symptoms will still be treated and it doesn't signal a sudden onset of disabling symptoms. You've still got the same disease, but perhaps very slowly changing.

I guess you will have to rethink your current DMD, since most of the currently licensed drugs for MS are not very effective in SPMS. For some information on treatments see: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/research/clinical-trials.index.aspx

There remains a number of effective drugs to manage the symptoms of MS, such as spasticity, bladder issues or pain. Many non-pharmacological approaches can be helpful in SPMS I understand, including a common sense approach of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Guess it doesn't matter WHICH letters we use to describe the disease...they all suck! I'll be thinking of you. Ya know, if you ever need me, I got ya.

Well, Drat, Drat. Double Drat! Did you have any idea you were going downhill or did you think everything was status quo? How have your symptoms changed if at all? Gentle hugs to you Gramps.

Sorry to hear that Dave. My neuro never tod me. I had to seek out other opinion. New neuro wants me to try copaxone three times a week for 'neuro protective benefits'

Its important you do what you can to maintain the strength you have. That is what I keep hearing.


Melanie

Mjideas: Reducing glutamate will have VERY neuroprotective effects.

Anywho...I am so sorry Dave. Obviously you know you have many friends out here. So just send a message and we can chat online.

Best wishes,
EP

Dave, you know you can always contact me--cell phone even OK...although bad reception where I'm at now as you know. Anytime...I'm here for you. Big HUGS to you. I have mild secondary progression & have only had symptoms for 9 months, so I'm with you, friend...