Managing Multiple Sclerosis

r j:

Hello,
I remember well those early days ! You have lots of emotions and probably feel pretty overwhelmed !
First thing to know is MS is NOT a death sentence ! In the last 20 years several meds have been developed that help make MS a very manageable disease.
First thing I think I would do is research all the disease modifying drugs and along with your Dr decide which is the best for you and your lifestyle.While Avonex is an effective drug, It may not be the best choice for someone with small children.Again it’s something that you need to speak with your Dr about..
Be sure to keep a note pad handy to jot down questions..It is so easy to get overwhelmed and forget them
Do your best to stay active, exercise ,eat right and watch your weight..basically just the things we should all be doing anyway
Stay Positive !! There are LOTS of diseases that are more devastating than MS .
Good luck and remember the majority of people with MS lead very normal lives !

pcheesewhiz:

Some people opt to take the medicine. Some don’t. Actually it is up to you. After all, it is your body. It is overwhelming to get a diagnosis of MS in and of itself. It is going to take time for you to research each of the medications and to decide what you want to do. Your doctor should have told you about the other medications, their benefits and drawbacks. The first neurologist I went to did that to me also. I fired him. He thought the world of himself. I didn’t. The best I can do is to tell you my story. I took Copaxone for about two and a half years. I had looked into Avonex and the other interferons and decided that I did not want to take them. Period. I was depressed enough over the dianosis of MS and did not want to take meds that had depression as a side effect. Not to mention that I did not care to take interferons due to the possibility of having the other side effects (flu like symptoms? no thanks) I took Copaxone for about two and a half years and to tell you the truth, I had no energy at all. My symptoms changed about every two or three months. I also got sick and tired of stabbing myself on a daily basis. I found myself a neurologist who listens to what I have to say. When I went to her office asking her to prescribe a medication I found out about on the internet(Low Dose Naltrexone) she read the info I brought to her and decided that it wouldn’t hurt to try it. So I have been on it for two years now. After I had taken the stuff for a week, my energy came back. I got up off that damn sofa and started to have a life again. I eat a balanced diet, work out at the gym, and maintain a social life. I also work a part time job. Everybody has a very different experience with MS. No two cases of MS are the same. What therapy works for one does not necessaily work for the next person. In the beginning, I spent hours and hours researching MS. You have to do that to be educated enough to be a good advocate for yourself. May I suggest that you get in touch with the National MS Society? Their literature is really up to date and informative. If you order it a little at a time and digest it, you will pretty much have the scoop on the disease and your options. I also joined a local peer led group that the Society sponsers. We meet just once a month and it helps. And the lady who answered above me….her group is great. I read just about every post. Good luck hon. If I can be of help, just email me. Bless you!