He Is One Reason Why I Fight MS

The other day is not the first time I had a horrific experience with medication I have taken to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis and I am sure it will not be the last. To see my grandson smile make me want to fight to be around as long as I can for him and my family.

There comes a time when I and I alone must make difficult decisions about my healthcare. Only people who live with this unpredictable illness can no what I am going through. Living with multiple sclerosis is not a cakewalk and it is a daily struggle to stay positive and navigate your life living with MS. I am not going to lie, it is a daily fight for me, but I am thankful that I have an inner strength that picks me back up to fight and not give in to MS.


My neurologist decided I should start Betaseron as soon as possible to slow the progression of MS. I understand as a doctor why she wants me to immediately continue a treatment. At the end of the day the decision has to be mine, therefore, I told my doctor, “After my terrifying experience the other day, I do not want to take anything right now. Yes, I know MS can cause serious problems if left untreated, but I have had serious problems treating it, so what is the difference".

I have decided to go without treatment to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis for now. I AM NOT QUITTING MY FIGHT WITH MS; I need to do this for me right now. In my heart, I know that my body cannot take another terrifying episode while on treatment.

There are risks in all of the DMD's available to slow the progression of MS. I plan to go without treatment until my MRI starts showing new activity of brain lesions or if I start having too many exacerbations. I hope that I can go a long while before any new changes. When the time come for me to go back on a treatment, I believe I will try Tysabri because it is a once a month infusion instead of weekly injections. I have had all I can take from injections.

Farewell Copaxone you have been kind to me; for the last several years you did stabilized my brain lesions, but my body can no longer tolerate you.