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Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 5:13 am Post subject: avonex and antibiotics
I haven't had my beta interferon 1a (avonex) for nearly a month now and my partner who administers this weekly injection is getting rather agitated about this. He wants me to go back on it unless I can get some professional medical advice about trying the antibiotics alone. I'm quite keen to remain off the beta interferon for at least 6 months but don't think I have a very good medical case other than experimentation. Does anyone know how I might persuade him?
Joined: Jul 12, 2005 Posts: 256 Location: North Carolina USA
Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 8:04 am Post subject: Avonex
Hi Gibble,
You and I are almost parallel on this. I am certain there are very few in the history of MS who have improved symptomatically enough to the level that Avonex no longer gives a weekly boost. I am PPMS and never improved. It has now been close to 5 weeks for me since I had a shot (Dec 8, 2005. I realized early in Nov. that I was not getting much from Avonex and having my liver functions always rising into a level of concern the day after my shot and going back to normal a day or so later even when I was on all 4 abx was another reason to give stopping it serious consideration. Dr. R, who gave me the shot, also expressed concern repeating over and over "Do you want your Avonex?" Every day that goes by makes me more certain that I have done the right thing. Unfortunately, those "experts" into whose hands we so gratefully handed our fate, don't know as much as we do about living with this. I, for one, am NOW, not in the past, better off without it. Best luck.
Rica _________________ 2010 5 years 4 months Now on Amoxicillin, Doxy, Rifampin, Azith, and caffeine in addition to flagyl. 90% normal good days-50% normal bad days. That is a good thing.
You need to work as a team. I'm not sure how to get that point across. My husband went off his Turmeric and diet for Christmas. He was planning taking the whole 2 weeks but as soon as we noted his coloring was off and he needed a nap I put him right back on. I also bumped up his glucosamine for a few days which seemed to work. I don't totally agree with John's use of Copaxone due to some reports saying it might cause certain cancers but the bottom line was it is his body and his decision in the end. You need to stick together on what ever plan you decide on. Negativity in the end will just stress you out and you must get that point across. Good luck _________________ John was diagnosed Jan 2005. On lipitor 20mg .On Copaxone since July 4,2005. Vitamin D3 2000iu-4000iu (depending on sunshine months)June 10 2005(RX:r. O'Connor) Omega 3 as well Turmeric since April 2005. Q10 60mg. 1500mg liquid Glucosamine Nov 2005.
Joined: Jun 18, 2004 Posts: 1707 Location: Bedfordshire UK
Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 8:25 am Post subject:
Both Rica and Melody are right here, in their different ways. Both you and Rica feel that you no longer gain benefit from taking Avonex, your boyfriend wants you to continue without solid medical advice to the contrary and you need to make him unworried about your stopping. Whose medical advice would he accept? If he will accept someone other than a neurologist, David can't come right out and say "Yes, stop," but he could give an opinion as to why it isn't really necessary. At the end of the day it is going to be up to you both to decide.
Sarah _________________ An Itinerary in Light and Shadow Completed Stratton/Wheldon antibiotic regime for aggressive secondary progressive MS in June 2007, after four years. Still improving with no relapses since starting. EDSS was 7, now I could pass for perfect most days.
Joined: Jul 12, 2005 Posts: 256 Location: North Carolina USA
Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 8:39 am Post subject:
BTW, Dr R, (husband) whose credentials include being chief resident at Mt. Sanai hospital in NYC, is now fully in my court, delighted that my progress is still continuing on a steady upward slope with expected and real TEMPORARY regressions during Flagyl and its aftermath. I have to get used to the fact that these are the fabled "herxs"! For a couple of weeks I have heard nothing about my shot.
Rica _________________ 2010 5 years 4 months Now on Amoxicillin, Doxy, Rifampin, Azith, and caffeine in addition to flagyl. 90% normal good days-50% normal bad days. That is a good thing.
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r. O'Connor) Omega 3 as well Turmeric since April 2005. Q10 60mg. 1500mg liquid Glucosamine Nov 2005.
