Hi Briannaleigj,   Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease which has different types or form of the disease, but not really different stages.  The most common form of MS is Relapsing-Remitting MS which has distinct attacks followed by partial or full remission of symptoms.  There is also Primary Progressive MS, Secondary Progressive MS, and Progressive-Relapsing MS.   People might talk about MS in terms of before their diagnosis, during the diagnosis process (which can take a long time for some) and dealing with MS after diagnosis.    Does this help answer your question?  If not, please come back and give more information so that we can try to help point you in the right direction.   Lisa