I'm 73 and not taking a disease modifying therapy (DMT) for 2 years. 1st symptoms in my 30's, but not diagnosed till 64. Had the usual dumb diagnoses from multiple docs, fibromyalgia, stress, obesity, list goes on and on. I was on Copaxone for 7 years and did great with it, until I didn't. Balance, fatigue, etc. So previous neuro had me going to PT, Ampyra, etc. Current neurologist, we think he needs his own neuro! tells me 2 years ago I'm moved on to Secondary Progressive. Next visit with him, tells me he's not sure I even have MS. I produced reports from spinal and he then says, 'you absolutey have MS'. In the interim, having MRI's. For last 2 years, no new lesions, but continuing decline. Can't even make it through Costco. Now that's panic if there ever was. Couple of falls, 2 broken elbows, cracked skull. Doc says use a walker. Eh, he has little credibility with my husband and I.
I've asked him about various DMT's and he says "if my patient is doing well, you don't need to be on a DMT. Um, did I mention he had me tested for some awful disease with a life expectancy of 1 year..... Each time I see him he brings it up and I remind him I had the test and it was negative. Each time, he apologizes, he'd forgotten.
Has anyone heard that DMT's aren't needed for someone who is 'stable'?