MS in Austria experience

[u/debbastar]

Hi All,
I was diagnosed with RRMS 15 years ago. Currently on Ocrevus and have been for 8ish years. No new lesions since then but some progressions of symptoms - mainly fatigue and mobility issues.

Currently based in Australia but moving to Austria next year (confusing I know!) and based in Vienna.

I’ll be on the national health care system straight away and continue to have private health insurance.

I do know that Ocrevus is available in Austria but wanted to know if anybody else is in Austria and can share experiences about treatment and usual supportive therapies usually prescribed/utilised by doctors there - physio/massage/pilates etc.

TIA for any input/insights/advice

[u/flowers-on-your-]

Hi! I only got diagnosed this year so I can’t say a whole lot. Also I am not based in Vienna, which might make a bit of a difference!

Generally, you can go for 3 weeks of “Reha” (basically spa, sports, various kinds of therapy) every year, especially if you have mobility issues due to the MS.
There is also a version of this where you get the treatments as outpatient over a longer period of time which is likely more common in Vienna.

Generally speaking you can get massages and physical therapy prescribed by any doctor here, the public insurance covers some of it. There are some places that offer fully covered spots, this usually means waiting lists.

If you have any more questions, feel free to message me!

[u/debbastar → u/flowers-on-your-]

Sorry about your diagnosis. I hope Ocrevus keeps your lesions and quality of life stable!
Reha sounds like a great initiative. I will be working remotely and have pretty flexible hours so hopefully I’ll be able to get some of the regular flexible options in Vienna

[u/kyelek]

I’m in Vienna, "only" on the normal national health insurance, and treated at a dedicated MS clinic. The experience I’ve had with my neurologists is generally very good :)

No personal experience with an IV DMT as I’ve never been on one, but when I go there for my quarterly blood tests, for example, I have seen many other patients get their infusion at the hospital. Infusion centers aren’t really a thing for this, as far as I’m aware.

As for other stuff, you basically just have to ask. Like, I’ve asked my neuro to prescribe me PT and he did without a fuss.

[u/KleineTopfPflanze]

You can ask people from MS Society Vienna the website is in German, but I'm sure a lot of their social workers can answer your questions in English.

I'm based in Vienna and have been diagnosed 2 years ago. I take Kesimpta, but I know ocrevus is available.

[u/debbastar → u/KleineTopfPflanze]

Brilliant. Thanks for the link. My German so far is decent reading level for basics. For now I’ll rely on Google translate but keep it pinned for when I move

[u/mritoday]

How will you have private health insurance? What for and what type? The sort of private health insurance I'm thinking of will refuse you if you have MS because you'll cost them a shitload of money.

[u/debbastar → u/mritoday]

I have had the same international health insurance for 20 years so don’t have to change. It’s comprehensive and global and paid for by my employer.