Upon hearing the diagnosis of MS, confirmed by an MRI, spinal tap, and my symptoms, I was faced with deciding which treatment route to take.

Initially, I did NOT want to take medication. I researched online all the information I could get my hands on regarding treatment options for MS. That research lead to information about a diet shared by Terry Wahls, MD, that she created specifically for MS. (Called Wahls Protocol Diet WebMD.) She was diagnosed with MS, was in a wheelchair, changed her diet, and started cycling. If she could improve that much by changing her diet, then why would I not want to follow her protocol?

The other option I had was to start on a medication that could help slow the progression of MS symptoms. Medications were starting to improve back in 2011. I did have options. I was not excited about the options, but at least I had them.

So, when I weighed my decision, I decided I would eat better, but I would go on medication as recommended by my doctor. Several factors played a roll in my decisions. First was my family and our lifestyle. I knew I would not be able to change my diet drastically and expect my family to make that drastic change with me. Second, I knew if I were to choose this change of diet as my only treatment plan for MS, I would have to stick to it faithfully. Knowing myself, our family situation and lifestyle, I believed I would not be able to stick to it.

I chose to go on medication. These are the four I tried, in sequence:

1. Copaxone (glatiramer acetate): Copaxone is a synthetic protein that is thought to work by blocking the immune system’s attack on myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibers. It is given by injection under the skin once a day or three times a week.
2. Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate): Tecfidera is an oral medication that works by reducing the inflammation that contributes to MS symptoms. It is taken twice a day with food.
3. Gilenya (fingolimod): Gilenya is an oral medication that works by trapping immune cells in the lymph nodes, reducing their ability to attack myelin. It is taken once a day.
4. Zeposia (ozanimod): Zeposia is an oral medication that works by reducing the number of immune cells that enter the central nervous system, which can help prevent damage to nerve fibers. It is taken once a day.

The first three options failed, as I continued to have increased lesions on my brain and spine, as well symptoms of increased numbness in my face, neck, shoulder arm, leg and foot, as well left-sided weakness and cognitive diminishment.

Zeposia was the best option for me. I have been on it for 3+ years and have done well with it. My annual MRI’s have come back clean while on this medication.

MS is a personal disease. It affects everyone differently and the medications that work for some people, don’t work for others. It is extremely important to work with a neurologist, particularly one that specializes in MS, if possible.