Got my first Avonex injection!! Thumbs up!

As my "story" relates, I was diagnosed was MS in January of this year.  It was during a severe issue of numbness that began in early Nov. and included numbness in everything from my ribs to my toes, plus dizziness and fatigue.    After exams and MRIs of the brain, cervocal and thoracic spines, my new neurologist diagnosed me with RRMS.  He talked with me a little, gave me 3 manufacturers' DMD booklets and said I should read them over and decide on a DMD and go on it as soon as possible to slow down future exacerbations and deterioration.  I've been reading and learning about MS these past few months, looked into health ins. and finally set up an appointment with an Avonex nurse to come and show my husband how to give me the injection.  Z

I hate needles.  I hate feeling like I have the flu.  I've been dreading the shot and the flu-like symptoms, but I knew I needed to do it, no matter what.  So, yesterday was the big day and guess what?  The injection didn't even HURT.  I was stunned!  And as of this morning, I haven't been feeling any worse than I normally do (I always feel a little flu-ish, I guess!)  I took 2 ibuprofen about an hr. or two before the injection, and just took some this morning, but so far, so good.

I can't tell you how relieved and grateful I feel that it went well for me.  I know not everyone is as lucky.  I'm glad I did my homework, because after all the descripions of less than wonderful injections and symptoms, I feel like I've been given a gift with how easy it went!  I hope they all go the same way!!

Just wanted to share my positive experience for those other folks who need to get on the DMD bandwagon and have been dragging their tails!

[Fluffysmom]

All right!!!  I started Avonex 23 weeks ago; I inject on Sunday nights.  My first injection was really easy, too.  I did have some aching and extra fatigue for a couple days, but that has been getting better.  I just take it easy on Mondays, and have adjusted very well.  My stomach doesn't tolerate ibuprofen or other nsaids, so I do fine with tylenol.

Hope things continue to go smoothly for you!

Kathy

[Quixotic1]

I wish others who are just considering the DMDs would hear this.  The IM injection is surprisingly not painful.  The needle goes in like butter - thanks to a small and very good quality needle and the injection also goes smoothly.  Period.

I'm so glad it went well.  This probably also means that you will have little of the fluish side effects.  Mine were never bad and dropped to almost nothing by about the 4th month.

Quix

[Sparkysarah]

Thanks for update..it is encouraging to hear. I have not seen my new MS consultant to discuss DMD's but feel I am going round in circles about which one I should go for and I also hate needles so will have a think.

[essdipity]

Avonex is super easy to use, and it hurts at most a tiny bit. Usually not at all. Once a week and it's done. Very easy to get used to.

I've managed the flu-like stuff very well, and often don't even get it anymore.

For me, the total lack of site reactions is the best thing about it, after my disastrous experience with Copaxone. Which is not to say anything against Copax---it's great for most people, just not me. I have extremely sensitive skin, so probably no sub-q would be good for me.

Luckily there are choices out there. Take your best shot ;-) and give it a while. If that doesn't work out, try another. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

ess