Michael Montag suffers from multiple sclerosis.
But for two years he has been receiving the drug siponimod.
It slows down the course of the disease - and gives MS patients time.
Greiling - Michael Montag sits in Michaela Krause's practice.
The neurologist has just given him the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS): a shock.
The father of two thinks of his children, a thought immediately flashes through his head: Is the disease hereditary?
"The most important thing for me was that my children were not affected," emphasizes Montag.
That was ten years ago.
Today the 51-year-old can handle the nervous disease well.
Also thanks to the drug siponimod, which he has been taking since 2019.
Two years ago, his neurologist spoke about siponimod for the first time on Monday.
soe asked him if he could imagine taking part in a study to get the tablet approved.
Montag wanted to help, agreed.
The study with more than 1650 patients was successful: the preparation has been on the market since January last year.
It is especially suitable for patients who are in the secondary phase of MS.
The most common side effect mentioned is headache.
Multiple sclerosis tablet: symptoms no longer worsen
Monday was not affected.
The pill helped him, and his symptoms have not worsened since then.
Once a day he swallows the tablet, which is supposed to extend his life.
Even siponimod cannot cure the disease.
However, the tablet slows down the process.
In particular, the cognitive abilities are preserved longer.
That already helps many patients, explains Montag.
“With this disease, standing still means progress.” Multiple sclerosis takes place in phases.
Each time the symptoms get worse.
The last thrust on Monday was five years ago.
He's not afraid of the future.
He can't be driven crazy, he says, can't influence it anyway.
“The next batch will come.
Maybe in a month, but maybe in ten years. "
When I don't have to move, I rarely think about the disease.
This is the best time.
Michael Monday
Multiple sclerosis pill: It all started with a bicycle accident
MS is also known as "the disease with a thousand faces" because people may experience different symptoms on a case-by-case basis.
Montag, who is now also a proud grandfather, initially complained of numbness in his right leg after a bicycle accident.
That's why he let Krause examine him.
Over the years it became more and more difficult for him to move.
Montag gave up his job in a tile retailer and has been a pensioner since 2017.
Today nothing works without aids.
He needs crutches for short distances and a wheelchair for long distances.
The disease is always present.
Almost always.
“When I don't have to move, I rarely think about the disease.
It's the best time, ”says Montag.
He can forget the MS when talking on the phone with friends or playing cards.
Can forget that every step is difficult for him.
Fetching a glass of water or preparing your wife a coffee is hard work for the ice hockey fan.
Multiple sclerosis tablet: support from the wife, children and neighbors
Monday is dependent on help.
At first he often did not want to accept her, the pride was too great.
“It's just annoying to constantly ask someone for help about little things.” Even though he has many people who help him.
His wife, children and neighbors support him.
“It's great that they take care of me.” He even prefers when those around him are pampered, for example on vacation.
“The best thing about vacation is to see how my wife is being served.
At home she always has to do that for me. "
It is also his wife who drives Montag to do something for his body when he has problems motivating himself.
He does strength training.
Before the pandemic, at the gym, currently at home.
The leg muscles for locomotion must stay in shape.
Montag trains for his health.
And for his big dream after the pandemic.
He wants to be back on the motorcycle, as he used to do regularly.
To do this, he bought a machine tailored to his needs.
It's in the garage.
If he feels bad, he struggles on his crutches to the garage.
Then he sees the motorcycle.
And becomes combative again.
Giving up is not an option for him - it never has been.