RRMS going Secondary progressive

Q	I was diagnosed in 1996, had the second relapse one year and a half after the debut, then the third one after another year and a half. But after that, since 2000, I had one relapse per year (the last one lasted several months -about 8). Does the increased frequency and the increased duration mean my RRMS is becoming progressive? After the previous relapses I had almost full recovery, but the last one left me with sequelle (loss of balance, muscle stiffness, weakness). Considering all this, I´m just afraid my diagnosis is changing... What criteria should be considered in deciding if the disease is changing?
A	Your description of your changing pattern is of some concern, but it does not necessarily mean that you are entering a secondary progressive stage of the illness. We use the term progressive when there is gradual worsening taking place without any acute attacks, and this progression has gone on for a number of months (usually at least 6). The fact that attacks have lasted longer and have not resolved as completely does not mean that the disease is progressive, but just that the remissions have not been complete. Occasionally this pattern is seen as the disease is about to enter a progressive phase, but that is not always the end result. At any rate, your illness has been more active lately and if you are not already on an interferon or Copaxone, then you should discuss this option with your physician. Dr. J. E. Paulseth