Does secondary progressive multiple sclerosis mean disability ?

[FindingAnswersMaccy]

Do everyone with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis become disable & is there no way back from there ?

Can a individuals condition not improve at all once we enter SPMS

[Royjr]

That’s a great question to ask especially during these online seminars.

[FindingAnswersMaccy in reply to Royjr]

I shall try that as well.

[Kenu]

Have had RRMS for 25 years then graduated to SPMS over a year ago. Neurologist states common after so many years but stable with minor advancements. Have just seen slow progression as normal, but still upright and driving. Haven’t worked for 5 years due to cancer ♋️ or I would probably still be working. Oh well 😔, that’s life we just play our own hand we were felt. Have never improved just slowly 🙏decline. Take care 👍😉🤗🤗🤗 Ken 🐾🐾🐾🐾

[Elizt3 in reply to Kenu]

May I ask how your neurologist made the determination that you progressed to secondary?

[Kenu in reply to Elizt3]

Secondary is when you don’t have exacerbations but slowly get worse over time. Have been stable over 5 years no new lesions and old ones stable. He states normally over time a large majority of people with RRMS graduates to SPMS. 😉 Ken 🐾🐾

[Elizt3 in reply to Kenu]

Thank you. My doc(s) still haven’t indicated I’m there yet. Dx in 1996. I’m not sure how I should think about SPMS?

[Kenu in reply to Elizt3]

I really don’t notice any difference other than label? From what I have read and heard they all have gradual decline thru the years, but everyone is different? Have to remember practicing doctors 🥼 At least with proper meds and diet we can slow it down 👍🙏🤗 Ken 🐾🐾 😉

[twooldcrows]

haven't heard it that way ...i guess need to do some research about it or just ask more questions to others that have the answers good luck

[Frances_B]

Guess what Maccy - pretty much the same answers apply as were given to you in your post a couple of months ago. As is always noted in response to questions like yours - everyone's MS is a bit different and there is no crystal ball as to what will happen to any specific person. At least the meds available these days offer much better outcomes for the vast majority of people who are diagnosed with MS. Have you actually had a firm diagnosis yet?

healthunlocked.com/mymsaa/p...

Did you sign up for the Understanding MS online course that I'm sure was suggested to you?

[1575]

Secondary Progressive MS means you will get worse hopefully very slowly. I was diagnosed with SPMS in 1986 have only been in a wheelchair for the last three years, your lesions will "progress" but with all the new medications available there is a noteable delaying and hopefully soon a cure before you have any serious problems.

[JTZES]

Is your doctor telling you that your unable to work? If you work are you more susceptible to further injuries? If so you would qualify for disability. You can be on disability and still earn upto 3,500 a year.

It's a long process and you will probably need a lawyer.

They do pay back from the date that you filed to the date you're approved.

[jorrell]

It's been a decade since I was diagnosed with RRMS, but had a good 3 to 5 years of symptoms before being diagnosed with RRMS. Saw my Neuro on Monday, MRI showed no new lesions, but physical eval showed loss of answering questions correctly, and, of course physical strength loss. Let me throw in that the peripheral neuropathy is going through the roof. So now, at least temporarily, I am on the SPMS diagnosis. More tests to come! Please note, that for the most part, SPMS is slow to progress, and although it may limit your abilities over time, it will NOT shorten your life.

[leking1]

Hi Maccy, it's Linda, with MS for what seems like forever...39 years since diagnoses. MS Neurology Clinic says SPMS for approx. the past 12-14 years.

It isn't something that happens suddenly, or quickly, but over a long period of time,

months or years. If your body is in good shape, you may not notice any differences for a long time, but your Neurologist will in the tests he/she does at your checkups.

I don't think it is an automatic declaration that you will be disabled. It simply means that you will no longer have Relapses. You may never have a new lesion, but the ones already there may or may not cause your condition to change. We are each different, in how MS treats us, and how we react to it. You remind me so much of a dear friend of mine, Tammy. She always says " Inquiring minds want to know!" You can do this!

[FindingAnswersMaccy in reply to leking1]

You explained it !!!

I think I found the answer

[leking1 in reply to FindingAnswersMaccy]

I am so glad I was able to help. I was just thinking about you, as I was checking my e-mail, and saw that I had a notice from MS Focus about a teleconference they are having next week. I think you might find this informative, and enjoy the presentation. It is called MS Doesn't Have to Be So Scary, and it does require pre-registration. If you are interested in this, you can check it out at the MS Focus web site. Have a great evening!

[FindingAnswersMaccy in reply to leking1]

Will do

Thank you