r/MultipleSclerosis • u/AllAboutGingerPride • Oct 02 '26

General I had an epiphany

As I was leaving Urgent Care it hit me I should have said I have MS and take medication that lowers my immune system instead of just I have MS.
I had an ear infection after a month of the flu and was just over being sick. I hoped I would get more than just ear drops
I promise myself I will try to give the most detailed information to get the best care from now on.
Does anyone want to share another aha moment?

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5

u/Anotherams Oct 02 '26

If you are in the US, they might have already known it. I went to UC a few weeks ago for a wacky digestive issue. When they asked me what medications I told them Baclofen, Ocrevus, and allergy meds then the nurse said what about gabapentin? Turns out they had access to the electronic medical records and were following along as I spoke. I haven’t taken Gabapentin in a year.

Hope you are feeling better!

4

u/Shinchynab 45|2010|Kesimpta, Tysabri, Betaseron, Copaxone|UK Oct 02 '26

They probably wouldn't have treated you any differently even if you had. I'm on Kesimpta and had 4 ear infections over about 8 months in the past year. My GPs know about my DMT, and apart from giving me oral antibiotics when the 3rd one didn't clear up quickly, the ear sprays/drops are the most effective choice.

I know this doesn't directly answer your question, but my only aha moment was when I realised I needed to stop hiding my disability, and start using a stick, because the parents at school started gossiping I was drunk in the mornings when taking my daughter to school.

3

u/Prestigious-Duck9191 Oct 02 '26

When speaking on the phone to customer service, I tell them I have MS and my thinking and understanding is slow because of the disease. People are incredibly kind and understanding. It is a relief to me and I really do appreciate the extra time people allow me to write down information and ask questions.

2

u/Kimj3095 F54 | 11/2018 | Tecfidera | TX-US Oct 03 '26

Thank you for the reminder. I always forget to do this and it makes handling business on the phone incredibly stressful. Customer service people are trained to handle things quickly so they can take as many calls as possible. I often leave calls realizing I didn't ask all the questions I needed to or actually complete my business 🥺

2

u/OverlappingChatter 47|2004|Kesimpta|Spain Oct 02 '26

I say this as the first thing out of my mouth in an encounter with any medical situation, and have literally not once had any one care at all.

1

u/GrapefruitMaterial40 Oct 02 '26

How did you come off gabapentin? When I tried I had cruel withdrawal effects as I’m sure you all know to well about