Positive LP - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

dgibson70 · 12-01-2005, 04:35 AM

I just found out about two hours ago that I most likely have MS. My neuro told me that due the diagnostic criteria set forth he can not say definitively that I do, but nothing else explains the lesions in my brain and the elevated protein bands in my spinal fluid. My VEP was normal, all my bloodwork as were the MRI's on my neck and spine. The only two tests that came back abnormal were the brain MRI and LP. My neuro wants me to have another brain MRI in one month to see if my lesions have changed. Regardless of the results, I think he'll want to go ahead and start me on an interferon. For anyone that has already started this treatment, do you have any information as to side effects or a good website to check out?

lilc · 12-01-2005, 05:52 AM

You may want to check out all of the CRABs: Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex and Betaseron. Copaxone is the only non-interferon, and has virtually no side-effects. (This is what I chose.) The others tend to have the flu-like side-effects. Your neuro will probably have an opinion, but all the meds have web-sites.
Glad you got closer to a dx!

baddoey · 12-01-2005, 08:59 AM

I have been on copaxone for 6 months and have had no side effects except for site reactions, I find out next week if it is working for me. . good luck with everything.

jennypash · 12-01-2005, 11:34 AM

I was originally on copaxone (for two weeks) and when I went for my second opinion i was told that copaxone hasn't been proven to work for people who have RRMS - so I had to switch to avonex which has had research done and has proven to help. I will be going in a few months to see if it is working for me.

Good luck.
JP

baddoey · 12-01-2005, 02:52 PM

wowser - where did you hear that about copaxone? there was all this information recently about the 26 year data that shows it is effective in treating RRMS .. reducing relapse rates. .etc. . .