Just diagnosed with MS need some help - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Rem4 · 09-30-2007, 10:49 PM

Hello everyone,

I was just diagnosed with MS, and I am overwhelmed with all the information. I had so many symptoms but never suspected MS. I was in complete denial.

My doctor gave me the choice to choose a treatment between Avonex and Copaxone, I wanted Avonex but my insurance denied it and instead approved Rebif or Copaxone. I was wondering if anyone in this forum is on Copaxone as I am leaning more towards Copaxone, (no flu symptoms, no liver or blood cell warning etc) I travel a lot and thought that the once a week will be perfect but as my insurance does not approve it, I need some help with the decision.
Thanks in advance

parisiancat · 10-01-2007, 02:11 AM

Hi Rem,

I too had a lot of symptoms but never believed it could be MS so my dx was a shock.

Seven months on and I think it's still sinking in.

I'm not on any medication, so I can't give you advice on that, but if you do a search on this board for each of the drugs you'll find tons of information.

What I can tell you is to relax and take it slow. You sound like you're panicing. Don't feel pressured into picking one. Read all the info and choose one when you're comfortable.

And welcome to the board! Post any questions - you'll get lots of advice and support here.

Cat

kimpossible67 · 10-01-2007, 03:58 AM

I had site reactions with Copaxone and had to stop it after only 5 weeks. Months later, the lumps and bruises are still there. A friend with MS also had to stop Copaxone for the same reasons except on her skin, they became like divets.
I was on Avonex for 2 months, the flu wasn't that bad but the depression was.

Good luck with your decision, I've heard good things about Rebif.

MSNik · 10-01-2007, 06:20 AM

Hi just to let you know, Im on Rebif..and LOVE IT. its only 3 days a week, and because the injections are subcutaneous (beneathe the skin, not into the muscle) the needle is SO small and I hardly feel it. Also, you should know that Rebif and Avonex are the same drug.....the difference is, REbif is given 3 times a week, instead of once a week and the benefit of that is that the medicine stays in your bloodstream at a more consistent rate, never really dropping, never giving your body that "I need a shot" feeling. I also will report to you that the flu like symtoms only lasted 3 months, only last 4-6 hours the day of the shot, then disappear entirely....
After one year on Rebif (last month) I had my yearly MRIs and can report that no new lesions have appeared, and my MS is stable at this time...Rebif is doing what its supposed to do.
SOrry to hear you joined the MS club...but you will be fine. We are all struggling with some setbacks and getting used to the disease, however its not the end of the world.
Let us know if we can help you in other ways.
MSNik

MSJayhawk · 10-01-2007, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rem4

Hello everyone,

I was just diagnosed with MS, and I am overwhelmed with all the information. I had so many symptoms but never suspected MS. I was in complete denial.

My doctor gave me the choice to choose a treatment between Avonex and Copaxone, I wanted Avonex but my insurance denied it and instead approved Rebif or Copaxone. I was wondering if anyone in this forum is on Copaxone as I am leaning more towards Copaxone, (no flu symptoms, no liver or blood cell warning etc) I travel a lot and thought that the once a week will be perfect but as my insurance does not approve it, I need some help with the decision.
Thanks in advance

I do not take any meds, but if you travel a lot, please make sure you have all your documentation in place- prescriptions, etc. I wear a medical bracelet to indicate my condition and the fact that no meds are taken. If your travel takes you overseas, please note that some countries will limit what you can bring with you. If you are carrying prescriptions, this makes you a bigger target for thieves. If you travel a lot, you might need to slow your life down a bit for your body to recover and stay healthy.

If your doctor insists on Avonex and you want to take meds, the doctor can get the insurance to cover it if your doctor explains the reasoning for it.