This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hello everyone I have been recently diagnosed and I found this wonderful board. I am a 29 years old, male and from Miami Florida.

I suspect I had my first attack 5 years ago. I was having balance and vertigo issues. Went to the doctor and had blood work done. I was told my bilirubin and hemoglobin was to high. I have always had/have high bilirubin and hemoglobin. I got scans of my liver and kidneys all came back fine. Was told to drink lots of water and after 2-3 months it passed. I suspect that as my first attack.

Two years later I started getting numbness on my lower back when I would move my chin down to my chest. Went to a neurologist and had a scan done of my neck. I had one lesion and my doctor automatically assumed MS. They did a scan of my brain it was clean. Since I had no other symptoms and by the time I went to my follow up visit I was better, he did not diagnose me but told me he could not rule MS out.

So now its three years and I started feeling numbness on the bottom of my feet few weeks ago while running. At the time I was running a lot because I had set a goal to get my 5k time to be under 20mins. I was at about 22 minute mark at the time. So I took a break from running and started noticing that the numbness on my feet was now persistent and both my calf muscles and inner thighs started feeling numb. I went to the neurologist where I got a full cervical and brain scan. I have 4 small lesions on my brain and 1 on the center on my spine which is likely causing the numbness.

The diagnoses wasn't a total surprise so I am taking it pretty well. I am hoping this attack wears off soon and hopefully I can get back to running. Tomorrow I have an appointment with my neurologist to decide what drugs to get on. I believe Avonex is going to be the choice.

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Lyon wrote:Welcome to the site Joey and to your benefit it sounds like you already know a bit about MS.
Bob

I had 3 years to think and I am even working on the CCSVI angle as well. I am lucky to have some friends in the medical field who are very concerned and they working hard to get me tested.

I had questions and some doubts about Avonex. I like to be active and I am still young and I work a lot. I put in easily 50-60 hours per week. I work in the IT field so its not hard labor and I do keep my stress levels down. I also happen to love what I do so its easy.

Based on that do you think Copaxone would be a better choice? My doctor was really pushing Avonex but the side effects scare me and from what I have been reading Copaxone has the same relapse short term but amazing potential in the long term. I am not afraid of needles and a little pain is not a big deal to me

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Lyon wrote:

joeymia wrote: Based on that do you think Copaxone would be a better choice? My doctor was really pushing Avonex but the side effects scare me and from what I have been reading Copaxone has the same relapse short term but amazing potential in the long term. I am not afraid of needles and a little pain is not a big deal to me

My wife is the one with MS and she was only on Rebif for a month or two so I'm certainly no expert but if you're in it for the long haul (sadly, you are and don't have a choice) I'd go with the Copaxone.

I've just heard to many (comparatively) good things about it through the years.
Bob

Thanks for the advice I think I will veto his suggestion for Avonex and chose the Copaxone. At the rate I have been relapsing this is going to be a very long haul. I am already feeling better and eager to get back to normal. Hopefully I didn't get an nerve damage, I am ready getting sensitivity back. This weekend I walked easily 5 miles so I am in good spirits

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LOL - you do not!! just read the signature links, that's a good start