Restarted Avonex :( - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

TXChica70 · 02-27-2008, 03:57 PM

If you read my last post you know that I was off my meds for the past 6 months. Because I hadn't had any new symptoms since Aug '05, I wishfully hoped that I was just one of the fortunate ones who has a mild case of ms and figure the shot wasn't all that helpful anyway. Well, I'm having a new flareup, weakness in my leg and difficulty keeping my ankle straight I think due to weakness. Anyway, this has made me a firm believer in taking the shot even though I absolutely HATE it!! I restarted the Avonex yesterday and was in bed for most of the day with the most horrible headache along with aches all through out my legs. I took Ibuprofen which did no good. Anyway, I don't really have any real point to this post other than it was mentioned to me that I might make a good example to others how important the meds are so I thought I'd write to tell you my story in case you're still on the fence.

I have a 3 year old son and the thought that I might not be able to hold him or play with him as he gets older because of how this stupid shot makes me feel is crazy. One day of feeling lousy is so worth it if it means that I might possibly be able to delay the affects of this disease.

april1848 · 02-27-2008, 04:21 PM

I hear you! I'm on Avonex too and still getting sick, but I think it's worth it. I guess I'm willing to try anything that will delay this disease. Even if it just helps a little, it's worth it for me.

Ibuprofen doesn't help me either. I might as well eat a tic tac. Believe me, I've tried everything. I guess we just have to be patient!

I do my shot on Friday nights, and I try to have friends over that night, just to bolster my spirits a bit. It works too! I still haven't given the shot to myself though, my husband does it. That is a goal for me.

The other nice thing about having friends over is that they see how easy the shot is for the husband and me. I know people complain about how long the needle is, but it really doesn't hurt me. IVs and simple bloodwork hurt a lot more. My doctor prescribed the shorter needle for me, and as you know, the Avonex comes with the long needle. Last week my husband accidentally used the long needle, and neither of us realized it until after it was done. I swear it hurt even less! How is that?

I know this sounds odd, but sometimes the injection actually feels good, like a deep massage. I don't understand that either, but I'm not complaining!

Good for you for jumping back on that train!

TXChica70 · 02-27-2008, 05:12 PM

I have a nurse at my doctor's office give the shot. I gave it to myself for several months but developed a phobia of the needle. I have the nurse use a thinner gauge needle but is actually longer than the one that comes with it. She just doesn't insert it all the way. I also have her give me the shot higher up on my butt instead of the real meaty part. I didn't even feel the shot going in it was just all the aches and pains a few hours later.

There's no way I could have anyone around though. All I wanted to do is put my head down and squeeze it as hard as I could with my hands.

My husband giving me my shots is out because he's one of those passes out at the sight of a needle - wimp

MSNik · 02-27-2008, 06:41 PM

Hey guys, just so you know, I really think Aleve, or Naprosen (chemical name) is the way to go with Avonex and Rebif....
A long time ago a nurse told me to try ONE ALEVE 1/2 hour before the shot, it lasts 12 hours and you only have to take one, but you can take a second one if you are still feeling lousy 2 hours later...anyway, being on the same drug as you guys, I honestly felt a huge difference between taking 2 tylenol, or even 3 motrin and ONE ALEVE. Its the best thing for interferon reactions! Ive recommended it to several people who will all tell you they are glad they tried it.
I just wanted to pass that info along, in case you havent heard me say it a million times before

Hugs,
Nikki

glamour girl · 02-28-2008, 04:44 AM

Hi there guys...

Good on you for stating meds again. I definetly second Nikki's post. Nikki it was yr post that i took that advice on . I also take one naprosyn half hour before meds. By the time those chills start, i'm in my best sleep and good next day. I tried panadol, ibrofuren and anything else i could find. Nothing helped till naprosyn .. I can take Avonex without the hassel of worrying bout pain as much.

P.s I also use the smaller needles.