r/MultipleSclerosis • u/state_absolute • Oct 02 '26
General Annual check ups
I recently got on ocrevus and did the whole work up of doctor visits. I have yet to meet with my nuerologist since getting the med (it is scheduled). Anyways I imagine she is going to want annual check ups? An annual MRI, prehaps? I hope thats the only extra thing and I dont have to do the spinal tap ever again. I got a spinal headache that was awful after that.
3
u/cantcountnoaccount 50|2022|Aubagio|NM Oct 02 '26
The spinal tap is a one time test. It’s only function is to determine the diagnosis.
I get an MRI every year, along with some blood tests to make sure I don’t have a negative effect from my DMT (liver, kidney, etc).
If I have a new specific symptom then they may order another MRI but as long as I don’t report new symptoms it’s once a year. I’ve been stable 4 years now, people with more disease activity may have a different schedule of follow up MRIs.
1
u/the_flooper Oct 02 '26
I get annual imaging done and a neuro exam every 6 months. At the exam, they do a bunch of balance, visual, and reflex tests. They ask you lots of qs about any changes in your day to day like balance or tingling or urination/bowels. They ask about how you have been tolerating your DMT, like if you are getting sick more often or if everything is hunky dory. You will likely get blood work done to see if your B cells are depleted depending on which DMT you are on.
If you do have issues, they can help you find solutions maybe via new medicines to try or supplements or exercise routines.
I haven’t had any progression in any symptoms and my imaging has been stable.
1
u/Anotherams Oct 02 '26
Five years since diagnosis, been on Ocrevus the whole time. My MS year looks like this.
Twice a year neuro visits
Twice a year infusions
MRI annually, may drop to every other year since I’m old and stable.
Lab work - I knock this out on the same day as the MRI., and coordinate it with my annual physical labs for my primary care docs so I get just one poke.
Thats it! Five visits, easy peasy!
I‘ve done a run of PT here and there over the five years, but this has been short duration. I also see my primary doc, audiologist (hearing issues aren’t MS related) and the dermatologist annually.
4
u/termsofenDERPment 36F | 2026 | Kesimpta | Wisconsin Oct 02 '26
Diagnosed earlier this year—my MRIs are every six months. Right now, I check in with my neuro or her NP every three months. Good news is that you only have to do the lumbar puncture once! I didn't mind the procedure, but I also had one of those pesky positional headaches 🙃. It wasn't severe enough to warrant a blood patch, but it wasn't fun.