Think about the long term
Before starting treatment, it’s important to understand just what your multiple sclerosis therapy can
(and cannot) do for you. It helps to have a positive attitude and to think in terms of a long-term goal instead of a quick fix. Keep in mind that even with regular MS therapy, you may feel exactly the same. But that doesn’t mean the therapy isn’t working.
The goal of MS therapy is to reduce the frequency of relapses to help reduce new damage to your nervous system over time. Unfortunately, old damage may not be repaired by therapy. And while therapy isn’t a cure, it may help you stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. It may also allow you to add more predictability to your life by helping control the multiple sclerosis relapses that can deprive you of your independence.
Remember that the available multiple sclerosis therapies do not treat symptoms of MS such as bladder or fatigue problems. You and your doctor can work together on a strategy to deal with those multiple sclerosis symptoms. You can also find out more about managing your symptoms by visiting About MS.
Below are some key ways to see if your multiple sclerosis therapy is working for you:
- Long-term effectiveness:
- Reduces MS relapses and future damage
- Long-term safety
- Is safe—now and over time
- Long-term tolerability
- Is well tolerated and fits your lifestyle so you can stay committed to your multiple sclerosis therapy over the long term
One way to determine the effectiveness of your therapy is to compare the number of relapses you had before starting MS therapy with the number of relapses you have after being on therapy for a while. You can do this by comparing the number of relapses you had 6 to 12 months before starting MS therapy with the number you have in the same amount of months after starting therapy. You should also track any side effects or reactions you may have while taking your MS therapy so you can discuss them with your doctor.
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