Eighteen years ago, my husband learned that he had MS.  The doctor sent him to a neurologist.  That neurologist never provided him any medications or counseling.  He refused to deal with our health insurance company and charged $250.00 per visit. 

     What would Dr. Donothing do for that sort of money, you ask.  He’d give him a less than five-minute exam that’s what, and then he’d send Dear Hubby on his not-so- merry way.  After less than a year, DH quit going to him.

     Years later, I had trouble with my hands going numb.  Our family doctor sent me to a neurologist for testing.  DH came along.  During my tests, I told this new neurologist that DH had MS.  He asked DH what neurologist he was seeing.  I answered, “He isn’t.  I can’t get him to go to one.”  The neurologist, while running my tests, began to ask DH a ton of questions and he answered many we had.  His evident disgust at the lack of treatment DH had received at the hands of Dr. Donothing gave me hope that we’d found some help at last.  We had!

     This neurologist arranged for DH to go for an MRI and set up an appointment with his partner, who specialized in MS, before we left the office.  He’s been going there for 10 years now.  Four years ago, his relapsing remitting MS diagnosis changed to Secondary progressive.

     He’s on Avonex, had chemo treatments, and yearly MRIs to track the progression of his MS.  Then there are his weekly physical therapy and monthly pain management appointments.

     We’d like to hear from other MS patients who are Secondary Progressive, and who have lived with this disease for approximately the same length of time or longer.  Secondary Progressive MS is a subject we’ve rarely found discussed on any web site or in support groups.