Starting a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) is one of the toughest decisions we face after being diagnosed with MS. Let's be real—it's not like we knew what MS was before getting the diagnosis, let alone had a clue about the drug options! And yet, here we are, trying to figure out which treatment might slow down this dumpster fire of a disease.
When I was first diagnosed, my neurologist—who clearly didn't specialize in MS beyond diagnosing it—handed me a stack of drug flyers and said, "Go home and pick one if you'd like." That's it. Zero explanation of what any of them did, how they worked, or what I should even consider. I was completely lost.
I ended up having to do a lot of homework. Seriously, if I read through another clinical trial, I might spontaneously combust (or start a side career as a research librarian).
Every neurologist is built different. Some specialize in MS and are incredible resources, but many only understand the basics they were taught, often decades ago. Unfortunately, I've seen far too many people stuck with a neurologist like my first one—left confused, with no real answers. Worse, some are even gaslit into thinking their symptoms aren't a big deal and never learn that it is possible to slow down or potentially stop progression.
How are you supposed to make an informed decision about DMTs—or anything else—when you're handed no guidance, no explanation of how these drugs work, or even what side effects or lifestyle incompatibilities to consider?
I want to hear your stories—because we need real, relatable insights, not just pages of jargon-filled studies and glossy pharma brochures. Even going directly to a drug company's website doesn't help much either—of course, they'll tell you their drug is the best. So let's share our real experiences, not muddled in the details of clinical trial outcomes that you need a degree to understand.
What This Post Is About
Share your experience in the comments! You don't need to write a novel—just a few key details about your journey:
- Why did you choose your DMT?
- What's your experience been like?
- Any side effects you've had to deal with?
- If you've switched DMTs, what made you decide to move on?
The idea is simple: By sharing real-world experiences, we can give people new to navigating the chaotic MS maze a better understanding of what these treatments do, what challenges they might face, and how to approach their own decisions. I think it it can help one person, it's worth the effort.
You can post your story as a guest or create an account. If you create an account, you'll be able to opt in for notifications about new posts & comments and track orders if you buy a crass shirt. Don't worry—there's absolutely no spam here. I'm typically too tired to fuss with newsletters anyway.
A Quick Reminder
This post isn't about recommending any specific DMT. Everyone's MS journey is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Choosing a treatment is a personal decision you'll need to make with your neurologist, based on your health and lifestyle.
Why It Matters
Whether your DMT has been life-changing, barely noticeable, or downright challenging, your voice matters. You never know who might read your story and feel a little less alone—or finally get that missing piece of the puzzle they've been looking for.
Let's make this conversation as helpful and supportive as possible.
So… what's your DMT story?
"It rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again."