DMD Decisions/Neuro Visit

[MSChrise]

I had a followup Neuro appt today since I have been going thru a flare for about 3 weeks now.  I tried Copaxone on and off for about 6-12 months but it wasnt for me due to the huge welts, itching and bruising.  Of course seeing me today and after telling me I look like I got beat up or hit by a mack truck, she asked me "what are we going to do now"  Pretty much said I wouldnt be sitting there looking like this if I had been on meds (not sure that that is entirley true  only a 30% chance in my opinion)  She gave me the option of another med covered by my health insurance which is Betaseron.  Gave me the CD to watch and sent RX to pharmacy.   Of course I come home and read all teh possible side effects and its making me want to do nothing now.  I am so med paranoid (and Im a Nurse for Pete's sake!)   But at the same time I am very worried about the progression / relapses of my MS.  I am extremly frustrated and not sure what to do.   I guess Im looking for others out there who are using Betaseron and what your thoughts/opinions/reactions are?   Im tired of being tired and tired of the unpredictibility of this flippin disease.  Oh and she tells me your "probably looking at a 3 month recovery time from this relapse"  great, how the hell am I supposed to take care of myself working full time...which is causing me stress which in turn worsens the symptoms that have never went away to begin with!   Sorry for venting, its hot, Im tired, frustrated and Pissed at MS and myself.!

[MSChrise]

Hi Shell,

I too am a nurse :)  apparently betaseron is the smallest needle available , even smaller than the copaxone .

I cant seem to catch a break here right now.  I ended up in teh ER last night,  and am having another bout of diverticulitis.  My second one in a Month.  The pain is horrible.

I think I need to become more active in these forums for support and commadarie, but will wirte more later, waiting for some pain meds to get picked up.

Thanks again

[sllowe]

Hi there,

I'm on Rebif and I get the silver dollar size red marks, and if there is any raised skin after injection it's super rare. Those spots can stay a little warm, but they do not hurt, nor do they typically bruise. I have no itching or welts.

I'm not sure the size of the needle of betaseron, but it's the earliest of the interferons. Like Mand, I'm not flu-like either. I do give spots a rest too. Being a nurse, technique is key w/injecting. If done right, I dont' have problems.

I too am sorry for the relapse. Listening to side affects can be maddening. But you know how this goes - benefits outweigh the risks, etc., etc. ( how many times you've probably said that to patients ?).

Now don't you be p issed for venting, OR at yourself! You didn't do this to yourself! Nor do you deserve to beat yourself up! Ok? We're here by your side while you recover from this relapse, and to help you make your decision a bit easier.

Nice to meet you!
Shell

[Mand125]

Hi there
I have been on Betaseron for 21 months now. For the first couple of weeks I got a very slight flu like feeling after the shots. Since then I have had no side effects at all. I do get left with red marks where I have injected, particularly on my arms, about the size of a quarter and cometimes slightly raised.

For the last couple of months I have given my arms a rest and just rotated the other sites.

I have only had one relapse since starting the Betaseron. For me there is no choice, any chance to reduce the severity and number of relapses has to be taken.

I am sorry that you are going through a relapse and hope you feel better soon.

Mand

[Ginosmommy]

I am on Extavia (Same as Beta only a different name) and I get the welts also - not too huge and now that I am going on my third month they are getting tolerable and not as huge as when I started. Ice packs help and sticking with it is the only thing that is going to get rid of those relapses.

The side effects are not that bad - don't have time now to go thru everything will be back later to talk more and hopefully someone else will be thru later!