Personal stories about treatment for multiple sclerosis
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
Victor, age 29: The MS episodes I've had were fairly mild, but I'm worried that next time the symptoms will be more severe. I don't think I'm being pessimistic by deciding to take interferon. I think I'm giving myself the best chance to live a long and healthy life.
Carmen, age 37: I have never been much of a risk-taker, and my health is definitely not something I want to risk. My doctor recommends that I take the medication. Even if it turns out that I might not have needed treatment for MS, I would rather err on the side of caution by starting therapy now. I know I would really regret not doing the treatment if I had a relapse a year from now, or even a few years from now.
Jamal, age 34: I generally try to avoid medication when I can. My doctor really thinks it would be a good idea for me to take the medicine, but I don't want to deal with the side effects, and I'm not sure I like the idea of giving myself shots on a regular basis. I don't want to take interferon “just in case” I have problems with MS later. Besides, I can always reconsider if and when I have another episode.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH | Last Updated: August 14, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology | |
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