Scenario 5
NOTE: this scenario is identical to the previous scenario, except for the underlined text.
A previously healthy 26-year-old woman was diagnosed with relapsing MS after presenting with acute optic neuritis. MRI of the brain and spinal cord revealed contrast enhancement of the right optic nerve, as well as 4 non-enhancing periventricular T2 hyperintense lesions. There were no spinal cord lesions.
After a course of high-dose corticosteroids, the vision in her right eye is improving. She is ready to begin treatment, but she is concerned that her disease and/or its treatment might interfere with her imminent plans to start a family. She is hoping to become pregnant within the next 1 to 2 years and is planning to breastfeed. In addition to valuing the health benefits of breastfeeding, she has limited finances and is hoping that avoiding the cost of infant formula would allow her to take a longer maternity leave from work.