My Neuro suggested the same, but it makes me nervous. I have been dx for 28 years and on the older meads I still had relapses. But I haven’t had a relapse on the newer meds especially on a B cell depleter. But before, as soon as I was off meds I would have flair ups. My dr said ok I could stay on, I have 8 years until I am 65 so I am medicated at least until then. Them we will reevaluate, I am immunocompromised some on the meds now (or just having more side effects) as they can make us more susceptible to infections.
August 23
... It's like making a bank investment: past performance does not reflect future performance...
August 22
What a milestone — 25 years managing MS is no small thing! It sounds like you and your doctor are having exactly the right conversation.
There is indeed research suggesting that as the immune system naturally slows with age, MS activity can decrease, and lesions can become inactive or dormant. Some guidelines suggest that Show Full Answer
What a milestone — 25 years managing MS is no small thing! It sounds like you and your doctor are having exactly the right conversation.
There is indeed research suggesting that as the immune system naturally slows with age, MS activity can decrease, and lesions can become inactive or dormant. Some guidelines suggest that people over 60 with a prolonged period of no relapses and no new lesions on MRI may be candidates for stopping a disease-modifying therapy (DMT). Here are some key factors that typically go into this decision:
- Your age — Older individuals tend to have less disease activity
- MS stability — No new lesions or relapses for several years is a positive sign
- Type of MS — Those with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) may have better outcomes after stopping than those with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
- Side effects — If side effects outweigh benefits, stopping becomes more reasonable
One important caution: even at an older age, a single relapse can significantly increase the risk of worsened disability, since the ability to recover from relapses declines with age. The key is staying closely monitored by your neurologist if you do stop — regular MRIs and check-ins are really important to catch any changes early. Never stop without that medical guidance, which it sounds like you're already doing right! 👍
August 22
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