plz Help me find a way (MS)?
Hi everyone, I and my sister moved to the United States 7 years ago. About 2 years ago a doctor told my sister that she has been diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). We still are not sure if it is true because she has NO Symptoms whatsoever. It is just the MRI that shows some Plaques (apparently causes MS). So she has been using Avenox for the past 2 years through Medical but because I turned 21 last week, they stopped her medications. We had another MRI right before I turned 21 and it showed its getting worse. Please help me find a good doctor just to make sure she has MS. Also how can we get the medications now that medical is gone and we can not afford the medications? Thank you so much
Hi Alex,
What were the symptoms that caused your sister to be diagnosed in the first place? I would suggest finding an MS specialist at a major university.
I am in Southern California and see one at UCI. There are good ones at UCLA and USC.
The consensus of opinion seems to be that even asymptomatic patients may do better with the various immune modulating medications since it may well stop the progression. There are various patient assistance programs to help pay for the meds.
Is your sister able to get insurance elsewhere, through school, work? If her income is very low, she may qualify for Medic aid (Medi cal) in California.
I hope she remains symptom free.
Here’s my on line support group;
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MSResources/
this may seem like a waste of time but it isnt. try looking for a natural cure. find a naturopath or any natural health specialist and ask them about it. if she has it it can be cured naturally.
Your sister needs to see a competent neurologist. A single MRI is not enough for a diagnoses of MS. Most of the drug companies that make the MS therapy drugs have programs for people without insurance. (I believe Avonex is made by Biogen and they have great programs) You don’t say where you live but if you are any where near Cleveland Ohio try to get an appointment at the Mellen Center for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. The doctors there are amazing, I see Dr Boissie and I don’t think any neurologist has made me feel so secure that they are going to do whatever is necessary to make me feel better. If she does have MS the reason she isn’t having symptoms is probably because she is on Avonex. Good luck, and talk to the staff at your doctors office, there is always some help for people without insurance.
I know a really good Neurologist. I’m not sure where you live but he is on Riverside Drive in Salisbury, MD. His name is Dr. James Morgan. His number is 410-546-5722. I hope this helps.