Hi guys, I have just joined as I have been told I have MS by the neurologist. I have just been having steriods whilst having relapses but am seeing the neuro again on monday as I have had a relapse lasting nearly 4 weeks despite the steroids. My vision is bad in one eye, weakenss/spasams, co-ordination/concentration.
I think I need to go on some sort of medication to help balance me out, what questions should I be asking?? I haven’t been able to go to work for two months now, should I be claiming benefit??
Any advice from you guys in the know would be appreciated.
Vicki
Hi Vicki and welcome to the site 
This may not be welcome news, but 4 weeks isn’t very long for a relapse and, while steroids can shorten relapses, I’m afraid they don’t always work. Saying that, they do stay in our system for quite a long time so even though you haven’t seen a difference, you still might. Ultimately, time will do the trick whether or not the steroids work, so try and hang in there and hopefully things will start to improve soon.
As far as meds go, it’s probably best to talk to your neuro and/or MS nurse. There are loads of meds for symptoms as well as physio and occupational therapy which your nurse can advise about and refer you as appropriate. Meds for MS itself (called disease modifying drugs / treatment or DMDs / DMT) are limited by the NICE eligibility criteria and whatever extra rules the local PCT have added. The basic criteria are to be over 18, able to walk 100m without assistance and to have had at least two “clinically significant” (i.e. disabling, debilitating, serious) relapses in two years. If you meet these criteria then you should definitely be asking about DMDs. The injectable, “first line” DMDs reduce the number of relapses by about 30% on average, reduce the severity of remaining relapses, delay onset of disability, reduce progression and even extend life span. They do not improve existing symptoms unfortunately 
People with aggressive / “highly active” RRMS (relapsing remitting MS) are also eligible for the stronger, “second line” DMDs, Tysabri and Gilenya. These are more effective, but come with more severe potential side effects.
I’m not sure what the criteria are for being able to claim benefits, but I have a feeling that 2 months may not be long enough to get at least some of them. There is a benefits checker online that will tell you what you can claim though: https://www.gov.uk/benefits-adviser
I hope Monday’s appointment goes well. Make sure to use a list!
Karen x
Hi, just wanna add something re benefits…are you claiming DLA? You are allowed to have that, even when working.
It has 2 parts.
-
Mobility…if getting around is a problem and it sounds like it is, then this would help.
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This is for personal care.
You can claim either or both parts at once.
Hope you feel a bit better soon.
luv Pollx
Re benefits - DLA the form is quite lengthy but you should ensure that you complete it based on worst case scenario as this is the time you may not be able to get out of bed etc or move around with ease. It’s easy to complete on an average day but that doesn’t help when it comes to worse case scenario. Hope your relapse eases soon K x