I'm so sorry you had to witness your uncle's suffering, and then receive your own diagnosis in the same year. My thoughts go out to you. I was unaware of the full impact of MS until my husband's dx in March of this year. He is also on Copaxone, has radically altered his previous red meat and dairy diet, and is active every day. He is 44, and like you, we believe that all of these measures may very well slow the progression of this dreadful disease.
You're right, people do die from this disease...not just "complications" of MS. Keep on fighting, in honor of your uncle and the next generation of patients.