Re: med question

[Guest guest]

Hi Isela:

I was diagnosed on November 22, 2002 and have been on Betaseron since Decembrer 16, 2002. It has worked great for me. Had some flu symptoms in the beginning, and some headaches, but now I am fine. Take shots every other day. Working good for me. Hope this helps.

winnie

[Guest guest]

I take Betaseron ( betaseron.com ) it is a once every other day shot. With a subcutanious needle (small needle). It isn't that big of a deal really...but you can learn more about it at that website. Hope that helps!!!

Hugs,http://andcoverageforall.info Owner/Founder And Coverage For All 2 Yahoo Grouphttp://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACFA2/

[Guest guest]

Hello

I am on Copaxone, it is a daily shot but the needle is short and is not that much to worry with. I already take 2 insulin shots a day so 1 more shot has became no big deal.

I tried Avonex for a few months and did not care for the side effects but it is a once a week shot.

With the Copaxone I have never had any side effects from the first day I started taking it. I have been on it for several years now.

Bill

http://home.insightbb.com/~msdiabetes/

Disclaimer : MSersLife web page is linked into different Multiple Sclerosis sources for information about MS and do not claim responsibly for the information on the different MS web pages. MSersLife can give information as to what it is like to live with MS on a daily basis.

med question

First off, thank you soo much for all of the prompt replies. It's definitely helped. To answer some of your questions: I don't even know my doctor. Because of my plan, my GP was required to take a crack at diagnosis before I could even see a neuro, so I've only just had my first appt. with him. Next up is the spinal tap, again with the freaking out, but I'm told being slender will help it go faster and easier, I hope. Unfortuneately, my plan doesn't allow too much doctor switching. Now for the so-so money news: it WILL cover up to 80% of the drugs, but none of the cost of needles. Sigh. (My sweetie is career military and has offered to bump up the wedding to give me coverage.) So now to the questions: how are the various interferon therapies? Is the quality of life as before? Has anyone tried copaxone, and is it better/worse than the interferons? I guess my main concern is quality of life. Please fill me in on everyones' experiences with the medications, so I can make a better informed decision.Thanks!Isela

[Guest guest]

Hi there -- I take Copaxone -- and have for a year now. I have had no side effects with it at all, so I have nothing bad to say about it. I am seeing my Neuro for a one year checkup on Tuesday, and I am going to ask for another MRI so we can see that it is doing its job. One nice thing, is that the copaxone comes in prefilled syringes, so you don't have to buy needles -- that is just how it comes. However, if you fiance is career military, I would highly advise that marriage happening sooner rather than later. My husband is a retired Air Force officer and we order our meds through the military mail order pharmacy. 3 months of Copaxone cost me $9 out of pocket -- that's all!

As to quality of life, I don't know how much the copaxone has helped me. I really have never gotten back to where I was before. And I have new symptoms now.... It seem sto me like it has been more of a steady progression -- slow, not acute, but still I have a lot more problems walking, functioning, etc. than I did. At any rate these are things I will be discussing my my doctor on Tuesday.

Portia

http://www.frayedwire.com/forum/

A forum if you're just curious about MS or where you can just let it all hang out!

"I'm not a complete idiot; some parts are missing"

"Consciousness: That annoying time between naps."

"Ever stop to think and forget to start again?"

-- med question

First off, thank you soo much for all of the prompt replies. It's

definitely helped. To answer some of your questions: I don't even

know my doctor. Because of my plan, my GP was required to take a

crack at diagnosis before I could even see a neuro, so I've only just

had my first appt. with him. Next up is the spinal tap, again with

the freaking out, but I'm told being slender will help it go faster

and easier, I hope. Unfortuneately, my plan doesn't allow too much

doctor switching. Now for the so-so money news: it WILL cover up to

80% of the drugs, but none of the cost of needles. Sigh. (My

sweetie is career military and has offered to bump up the wedding to

give me coverage.) So now to the questions: how are the various

interferon therapies? Is the quality of life as before? Has anyone

tried copaxone, and is it better/worse than the interferons? I guess

my main concern is quality of life. Please fill me in on everyones'

experiences with the medications, so I can make a better informed

decision.

Thanks!

Isela

[Guest guest]

Hi Isela,

I'm also new to the list and was diagnosed a year ago. Choosing

medication is a big decision and you don't have to make it in a day or

even a week. You take control. If you don't feel you can trust your

neuro, I recommend taking the time and effort to get one you " click "

with. A good doctor is a good thing and a bad doctor can do a lot of

damage, even with throw away lines that hurt our psyche or our spirit. A

good doctor can give you hope and options and honors that it's your life.

It's so time to be over the doctor as god thing.

I'll share with you my process for choosing my med. I'm on

copaxone. I chose it because the most common side effect with the

interferons is that you can feel sick for a whole day afterwards. With

Copaxone, you take a shot a day--discomfort for 10-15 minutes, seven days

a week. I also read that suicide ideation is more likely on the

interferon. I wanted to avoid that challenge.

Do you need to be on meds? Personal decision. I've spoken with

people who are doing alternative things, take no medication, and have

wonderful results. I know one woman who swears by homeopathy. Some

people swear by bee stings and others by diet. There is no one right

thing for everyone. I personally am pursuing diet and vitamins in

addition to the medication. There are many choices and I'm finding that

it takes hours of research and experimenting to find what will be right

for you. And if you start one thing, it's not set in stone, you can

change. Take your time, this can be an overwhelming process.

You can find lots of info on the internet but you have to be

careful, there can be a lot of " snake oil " too. I read about the " swank

diet " through an on-line book by Pageler. I do think diet makes a

difference. As do our thoughts and beliefs. It's a process. Hang in

there, take your time, and trust your instincts!! Here's a little

tidbit for you. I don't know what your email address comes from, but the

word " chachama " in Hebrew is the feminine form of smart or wise. (the

" ch " has a gutteral sound that is not found in English, like in the word

chutzpah if you ever watch Jewish comedians).

As for spinal taps, they are not so fun but you'll get through

it. A friend of mine describes it as the same as donating blood. I

didn't think it was that easy but it could give you information that's

helpful. We'll all be " virtually " holding your hand because we've been

through it too.

hugs and blessings, Laya

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