I am a new one...

daisyhope · Newbie Joined: Sep 24, 2004 Posts: 2

Hello all!

I have been dx with MS in June 2004. I have been back and forth and all over the place about which med to take. I do not want to be sick for 24 hrs so I was not going to go with Avonex. Any suggestions would be great. I am going to start something in the next few weeks.

Take care,
Daisyhope

oreo · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 3:28 pm Post subject: What to take

You should discuss this carefully with your neuro AND your family doctor. What drug is likely to be the best for you - what will be of greatest potential benefit. Worry about the side efects later - when you know what they actually are.

The drug litterature can scare the crap out of you.

I started on Rebif on 12 July of this year. One or two unexpected headaches with mild nausea. And a whole bunch of red spots on my butt and stomach. (Injection sites). Good thing I didn't let the litterature scare me.

What I have NOT had since I started the drug are any more relapses. This may or may not be because of the drug, there is no real way to tell BUT I sure as hell am not going to take chances.
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Carpe Diem

Niko · Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 5:06 am Post subject:

Hello

I'll echo what Oreo has posted with a difference.

I take Betaseron. I've been taking it since 2002. I'm content with the treatment and have absolutely no thoughts to even considering anything else.

But, you have to choose something that will work for *you*. Don't worry about what *could* happen. You'll only know if you try it.

Take a deep breath, talk to your doctors, discuss your thoughts and concerns. You can do it! Smile

Let us know how you make out.

Cheers,

Niko Cool

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"Avoid making irrevocable decisions when tired or hungry." -- Robert Heinlein

treez · Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 7:57 am Post subject:

Daisyhope,

I too echo Oreo and Niko. I was Dx'ed in March 2004. My wife is a pharmacist, have you ever heard Pharmacists many times know the drugs better than the doctors? After much review of available literature(not the advertisements!), we decided Betaseron was my drug of choice. I have had very minimal side effects, after finally reaching full dose. Just remember, advertising claims are supposed to influence your choice. He who spends the most on advertising gets the biggest market share. That's not your concern.

I personally am not satisfied with any of the available treatment options. Unfortunately, what WOULD satisfy me isn't available(guaranteed control). I've chosen what I feel is the next best thing. You and your doctor(s) have to make your decision because it could affect the rest of your life.

Any questions about Betaseron? Feel free to ask

Treez

Gonzo · Getting to Know You... Joined: Sep 29, 2004 Posts: 23

Hi,

Wlcome on-board! I am also new to this forum. I have been diagnosed with RRMS for over 10 years and my nuero suggested Interferon. I'm afraid I let the possible side-effects put me off as I didn't fancy having the flu year in year out and my relapses have been, thankfully, few and far between.

I have taken prednisolone to aid recovery from my last relapse and, while my GP would only prescribe it after consulting my neuro, it worked extremely well.

think happy thought, don't let the MS win. Wink

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My Site http://www.mymultiplesclerosis.co.uk
Multiple Sclerosis - A Personal Account

Standingfall · Newbie Joined: Sep 29, 2004 Posts: 1

Hello everyone........I'm new to this forum, I think I was told about it maybe a year ago but my memory....
Anyway I was dxed RRMS in1997 and started Copaxone right away did have site reactions (redness and a bump for an hour or so). now it's 2004 it's SPMS and have switched to rebif I had the flu like symtoms initially but 7 months later only pain from the needle and MS seems to be a little better at times.

Nice web site I must say

Arron · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 5:20 pm Post subject:

Welcome Standingfall-- and thank you for the compliment! We hope we continue to be perceived as the best MS community site, and are always looking for feedback on how we can improve.

LarryLDN · Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:01 am Post subject: Re: I am a new one...

Have you checked out or heard of LDN? http://www.ldninfo.org

I was DX in July and heard about it in October 2002, been taking it since April 03.

Welcome to the club you didn't ask to be a member of Smile

Arron · Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 4:37 pm Post subject:

LOL Larry, I like that line! Smile

2gentle · Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 1:25 am Post subject: WELCOME! :))

Hi and welcome to all the new members! Very Happy

I echo the ones who say to educate yourself about the meds, and ask your neuro what he/she thinks is best.

I also believe in a pharmacist too, for the exact reason stated here! They ALWAYS know the "pitfalls" of the meds, and will tell you if you ask. I feell very fortunate to have a close relationship with mine.

I also would add that I've been on Copaxone for over 4 yrs, and have never felt better!
Educate yourself about MS and the available meds, then go for it!!

Again, WELCOME, and hope to see you again real soon!
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Every journey begins with a single step...Diane

Stoli · Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 6:49 pm Post subject:

Hi DaisyH

I've been on copaxone for 2 years. Tolerate it OK. Some side effects, such as lipoatrophy, injection site hardness, but nothing too drastic.
I also try and follow the Swank diet, which really seems to help...when I am good at following it !

Stoli