Does a “symptom” occuring when you have MS mean the same thing as you experiencing an “exacerbation?”
I am new to M.S. (diagnosed March 07) and still learning more each day. This question seems VERY elementary and I apologize. I have messages into my Neuro, the MSSociety and have read dozens of books, which seem to delve much deeper than something as basic as this. I was diagnosed after an MRI following a drastic exarcebation that took me to the emergency room. After all that drama, and after being on Avonex since April, I am curious about something: this week I have been feeling a numb (lft side) and a bit fatigued. And of course these things are standard for MSers. But do the existence of these "symptoms" indicate new "exacerbations?" I ask this because, as an Avonex user, I am VERY, VERY enthusiastic about all the good press and results this med gets and I am watching VERY closely to make sure I do not progress – MANY others have similar success with Avonex. And I plan to be one. But…DO these symptoms mean the drug IS NOT WORKING?? This is my MAIN fear/concern right now. Anyone?
Symptoms with MS will come and go, even when on your meds.
I have been an Avonex user for more than 8 years now, with no or little side effects. Symptoms, such as your numbness do not mean that the Avonex is not working, or that you are having an exacerbation, it’s just the MS. I still have some numbness…and will always have the MS,but not to the extent as it was before the Avonex. Just remember to focus on the positive, and the needs of your body. My last MRI was in 04 (MSer since 1990) and things looked much better than before, meaning, no new lessons. Things are still going great, and am living a very normal life now.
My MS is slow progressive, thankfully, and I hope you will also be reporting that you are having no more problems. I know the devastation it can cause.
Be sure to stay on the Avonex every week, I feel that is of utmost importance.
Very best of luck!
Sincerely
It may be the first stage of the therapy in which the progress of disease is slowed/checked. Then comes the second stage when the changes are reversed. I think you should not lose hope, it is working.
Good luck!
Go to this site-
http://www.avonex.com/msavProject/avonex.portal/_baseurl/threeColLayout/SCSRepository/en_US/avonex/home/on-avonex/index.xml