Just received my Rebif

Just wanted to give an update. It was just a week ago that I saw the neuro and he diagnosed me with probable MS. Now I have already received my auto injector and rebif in the mail. I have a nurse from MS Liifelines coming on friday to train me and start me on the injections.

I am not looking forward to it because I HATE needles. I turn my head anytime I am being stuck. But I guess I will have to get use to it.

I also have an appt on 5/4 with a local neuro that specializes in MS. He actually runs the MS clinic at the univerdity hospital. The other neuro I was seeing that diagnosed me, specializes in headaches so I thought it would be good to get in with a MS Specialist so I can reveive my care from him.I just hope changing doctors doesn't cause problems with my current diagnosis.

Oh, and I have also been put on amantadine for the fatigue and I feel so much better. I have only been taking 1 a day instead of 2, but it has made such a difference. I am still slow but I can actually get some things done now.

[Wobbly]

Hi there.. I'm Dx but do not take DMDs or needles as mine is progressive.. I'm sure other will join in and give you some advise on the procedure, and you can check our Health Pages on it to see if there is information there.

I too take Amantadine, I started with one for quite awhile, then found I needed to take the second one.  I think they wear off or something.. good luck and stay in touch

take care
wobbly
dx

[HVAC]

Sounds like all burners are firing. Try not to stress you will do fine with the Rebif. Everyone is scared at first. Injecting the first time is also hard because it makes the diagnosis real. There is a shock that makes it all seem like a weird dream at first.

Hang in there.

Alex

[Erin0313]

Mandy,

  It sounds like everything is finally coming together for you now. Now sit back and relax while these final stages happen pretty much without you (except your bod for the injection site), lol.

Do not stress because it won't do you any good and this really is the easy part. You will have lovely people training you, don't hesitate to take notes or ask questions. Even after they have left the give you a card with a 24 hr line to call if you have problems. No more waiting all night or weekend stressed and needing an answer!

I think most everyone hates needles but yours won't be the kind that they show in scary movies it's really a pretty small needle and you will do great!

Good luck and keep us posted
Hugs,
Erin :)

[Sparkysarah]

I hope that I am not far behind you..as I am going to see new MS Consultant tomorrow to discuss interferon treatment. Like you I hate needles and I have gone round and round which interferon will be best so hope he will give some advice.

Hope that things continue to go ok for you and keep us posted.

Love Sarah,

[sllowe]

Hi Mand,

Don't even look at that box until the nurse comes. Learning the proper technique will  ease up some of those fears.  Once you do it be proud!!!!! Sure you'll work yourself up again the next time you inject, but slowly it will get easier I pray.

Wishing you a great nurse tomorrow!!!!!!

(((hugs)))
shell

[Candace2370]

I have relapsing/remitting MS diagnosed in 1995.  When I was diagnosed Docs did not automatically prescribe meds; you had to wait for symptoms. For my fatigue I began with Amantadine then on to Provigal now on Ridilin.  Each of these helped with energy.  I also did injections.  First I injected Copaxine then moved to Rebif. The automatic injection isn't hard to take because you can't see the needle! . One of the greatest things to handle MS is resting.  In the beginning this is really difficult because there is so much to do!  But over the years I have found that adapting to a lifestyle that fits me has been very helpful. When I was diagnosed our daughters were 3 and 6 years old; they are now 18 and 20 graduating highschool and in college.  Our life has been great and over the years I find that my girls are more understanding and accepting.  Just remember, you are you! And MS is just something we handle.   Take good care of you!

[Mandy278]

Thank you all for your replies. It feels better knowing I'm not alone. I'm sure I will get use to the shots, I'm just nervous. I do like the idea of the auto injector so I don't have to see the needle. Also, my wonderful hubby has offered to give me the shots so I dont have to look.