MultipleSclerosis.net

The ConfidentPatient:A Doctor Discussion Guideon Relapsing MS Treatment

The relapse push-and-pull

Living with a relapsing form of multiple sclerosis (MS) means dealing with a lot of unpredictability – symptoms that come and go, treatment that stops working, flares that may build in intensity over time. It may start to feel like an exhausting game of push-and-pull, with lasting relief seeming more and more out of reach as time goes on.

When long-term management of MS starts to feel challenging, or your go-to treatments don’t work as well or last as long as they used to, it may be time to talk to your doctor about your options.

Treatment that fits your life

Treatment for relapsing forms of MS – such as relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) – can be hard to blend into your day-to-day life. Injections may leave you feeling more vulnerable to certain types of infections. You may have trouble staying consistent with giving yourself the injection, too.

If you’re searching for treatment options that meet your unique needs and fit your lifestyle, discussing your experience with your healthcare team is crucial. The more you share, the better you can work together to explore your options and come up with a plan.

Questions for your neurologist

Have an upcoming appointment with your neurologist to discuss treatment options? This is a great time to check in with yourself about your MS symptom patterns and get your questions ready for your doctor. Having an honest discussion about your treatment needs can help you determine your next steps.

Not sure where to start? These questions can help guide a conversation.

    Tracking symptoms and severity
  • What symptoms should I be tracking, and what’s the best way to record them?
  • How do I know when I’m experiencing a relapse? What should I do if I am?
  • How would you describe my MS type and severity? How will that inform your treatment approach?
  • How will I know when it’s time to seek a change in my treatment?

    Exploring treatment options
  • What treatment options are available for MS besides injectable medications, and how do they compare?
  • What oral treatment options are currently available for relapsing forms of MS, and how do they work?
  • Based on my profile, which treatments am I a good candidate for?

    Meeting your unique needs
  • How will you evaluate whether my treatment is working or not? How will we measure and track this?
  • If we decide it’s time to make a treatment change, what does that process look like?
  • How can I keep doing the things that matter to me while managing treatment?

Coming prepared with questions like these can help you get the most out of your doctor’s appointments and ensure your care is keeping up with you and your lifestyle.

Symptom Check-in

What’s changed recently?

Relapsing MS doesn’t look the same for everyone, but a sudden worsening of symptoms could be a sign of something serious. Let’s check in and see how you’ve been feeling lately.

In the last month, have you experienced a sudden worsening of any of the following?

☐ New or increased fatigue
☐ Trouble with walking, balancing, or falling
☐ Changes in speech
☐ Muscle tightness or spasms
☐ Vision changes
☐ Numbness, tingling, or pain
☐ Trouble focusing or remembering things
☐ Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
☐ Bladder or bowel changes

The Check-up

What to say at your next appointment

Describing the severity of MS flares can sometimes be challenging. Here are some ways to talk about them with your doctor:

  • “Even with treatment, my symptoms feel like they’re getting worse, and I’m having flares more frequently. Is it time to think about finding a new treatment option?”
  • “My current treatment plan doesn’t feel like it fits me. Can we talk about that?”
  • “Staying active and keeping up with my hobbies is really important to me. How can I get more reliable long-term relief from my symptoms so I can keep doing the things I enjoy?”

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