This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

i posted a similar question elsewhere with no results. therefore, i am going to post this same question in the specific drug rooms.

was it your Dr's recommendations or was it due to your own personal preference. if it was your own preference, why this one?

thank you

When I was diagnosed, I got the usual little guidance from the docs (both the original neuro and the MS specialist I went to for a 2nd opinion). They both said all the first line injectables showed similar efficacy, so the choice really came down to me, based on how many times I wanted to inject, side effects, etc.

I split the difference and joined the much-maligned CombiRx study. However, if I had to choose one, it would probably be Copaxone. I didn't really want to deal with the flu-like side effects, though I can't say from personal experience how bad they are.

Also, Copaxone does cross the blood-barrier (its mechanism of action requires this), and I have seen some stuff that it may promote the release of neuroprotective factors.

Why did I chose Copaxone? Five years ago when I was dx talked it over with the doctor, did research on the internet, talked with my Sister. You see my Sister is a doctor and has MS and had been on Copaxone for six years when I was dx.

The big thing for me was of course my Sister was on it and it has very few side effects.

Second part of the story was I wanted to fight MS with the Best Bet Diet, Vitamin D and Fish oil. I knew my Wife would not be happy with me if I did not go on a drug.

So I did all three Copaxone, Diet, and Supplements. Got my Vitamin D checked in the beginning and it was very low. After much discussion with my Sister I got her to get it checked and it was very low.

So five years later, I have been healthy no MS symptoms, still on Copaxone only missed half a dozen shots in five years, still on the diet still taking 6,000 iu's of vitamin d a day.

My sister is doing very well, no MS problems, still on Copaxone for 11 years now, takes vitamin d but does not follow the Best Bet Diet.

thank you for the reply.

the information on this site is truly incredible and completely overwhelming at the same time. i am trying to piece it all together and make some sort of educated decision, but every answer leads to another question.

Family history of liver problems and for some fucked up reason it amuses me that they don't really understand why copaxone works.

My husband has been on copaxone 4 years. Doing well, no progression, no new disabilities or lesions. Also on Swank diet, lots of supplements, vitamin D. He exercises, watches stress. Has had angioplasty for malformed jugular veins.

His neuro recommended Copaxone, because men who presented like he did, did well on it. But she gave him all the pamphlets to read. She's been great. A bit dubious on CCSVI, but she's happy he's doing well.

Here's the research that's kept him on copaxone...."protective autoimmunity" from the Weizmann Institute in Israel--

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15949502
best to you!
cheer

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Husband dx RRMS 3/07
dx dual jugular vein stenosis (CCSVI) 4/09
dual stents placed 5/09
CCSVI in MS