Rebif effects - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Lisa_P · 03-02-2009, 11:57 AM

I'm still bruising pretty badly, but I finally got the "burned" look under control using aloe vera gel when rubbing the site afterward (I try to count to 180-200). Arnica gel just seems to exacerbate the shiny burned look (Sorry, Nik! I know you swear by the stuff). The spots aren't sore and lumpy like they were with Copaxone and never have been, so I'm happy about that. But will I EVER be without these "battle scars?"

Doctors, nurses, people here, and Lifelines reps all said it would go away after a few months, but it has been a long time now -- I went on full dose early last JUNE.

Someday I'd like to wear shorts in the summer. Sleeveless tops and all that...

MSNik · 03-02-2009, 03:41 PM

Lisa, Im so sorry you are going thru that; and also sorry that Arnica doesnt help you...but hey- if Aloe does, then theres nothing wrong with that. Are you terribly fair skinned? Im medium skinned, but of Italian ancestry- therefore I tan really easily. I do notice that in the summer, when I have some color, I get even less marks then in the winter...I also notice that when i get SOME sun (i avoid my face and too much sun exposure because of my heat sensitivity) then I feel better overall. Somehow vitamin D3, doesnt help me feel better!

But seriously, it may be that you are just really thin or light skinned and this is something that you have to choose to live with- are you rotating so that you arent hitting the same spot in less then 2 weeks? Giving yourself time to completely heal? Not sure what else to suggest- but there is a new formula of Rebif coming out in June of 09 (or so they say) maybe it will be gentler to you..its supposed to have less burn..
Hugs
Nikki

Carol72 · 03-02-2009, 04:03 PM

Ditto Nikki---Sorry you are going through all this

I have only been on Rebif for a short time, but I always rub the area after the injection and have only had one small bruise on my thigh once. I don't know if it has much to do with massaging the area, or just my type of skin or just pure luck...

Good luck, and I hope it gets better for you...

Lisa_P · 03-03-2009, 09:47 AM

Yes, I'm pretty fair-skinned...

Oh well! Battle scars ARE something to be proud of, yes?