NOW MEDICATIONS TO TREAT OF NOT TO TREAT. THAT IS THE QUESTION NOW.

HAPPY VALENTINE DAY!!

OK, NOW I HAVE TO DEAL WITH ANOTHER FEAR.  I HAVE SO MUCH TROUBLE WITH THE FEAR OF TAKING MEDICATIONS. I WORRY ABOUT AN ALLERGIC REACTION. OR THAT THE MEDICATION WILL INCREASE MY HEART RATE.  

MY FEARS ARE NOT WITHOUT REASON.  I DO HAVE SOME ALLERGIES.  I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH TAYCHACARDIA.  I AM ON MEDICATION TO CONTROL IT.  BUT IT DOES NOT ALWAYS KEEP MY HEART IN CHECK.  A FEW YEARS AGO WHEN MY DOCTOR WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH ME HE PUT ME ON BEXTRA.  

BEING THE CHICKEN I AM I ONLY TOOK HALF OF THE DOES HE WANTED ME TO HAVE. MY HEART WENT NUTS.  I WAS SWEATING UP A STORM. I COULD NOT SLEEP BECAUSE MY HEART WAS THUMPING SO FAST AND HARD.  I WAS SCARED AND MISERABLE.  I SHOULD HAVE WENT TO THE E.R. BUT I KNEW IT WAS THE MEDICATION AND THAT IT WOULD WEAR OFF.

I FIGHT THESE MEDICATION FEARS ALL OF THE TIME.  I SUFFER IN PAIN BECAUSE I AM AFRAID OF PAIN MEDS.  I GO TOO LONG WITH OUT AN ANTIBIOTIC BECAUSE I AM AFRAID OF AN ALLERGIC REACTION.  I HAVE HAD MILD REACTIONS IN THE PAST.

ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS PROBLEM?  WHAT DO I DO?  I AM ABOUT TO START SOME PRETTY BIG MEDS AND AM WORRIED.  

THEN THERE IS THE ISSUE OF TO DO MEDS OR NOT...WHAT TO DO??!!

[willowwoman7]

I have a similar problem. I am listed as hypersensitive to meds. There are meds I should be on for symptoms of the MS but the docs don'dt even try because they have so many side effects. They think my hypersensitivity is from not only having MS, but also lupus, fms, and kidney desease. I am always very nervous if I have to try a new med and make sure I am not alone when I take the first dose. First, be honest with doctor about your fear, after all, it's not unfounded. Then ask the doc if there is something that makes you so sensitive to meds. For me, they think my kidneys don't process the meds right. I do OK on the copaxone because it goes through the liver. Just be really up front and honest.

[LATW]

I AM GLAD TO KNOW I AM NOT ALONE!  IT IS SUCH A HUGE STRUGGLE FOR ME.  I AM LIKE YOU, I MAKE SURE I HAVE SOMEONE AROUND BEFORE TRYING NEW MEDS.  

THAT IS NOT ALWAYS EASY TO DO!


LA

[Heather3418]

I also have sinus tac and mine has been kept under control with a Beta-Blocker.  You might want to find out from your doctor if one of the medications in that family would help you.  It sure has done a great job for me, for over 15 years.

As to your fears about medications and allergic reactions....of course you are fearful.  I think we all are.  When it comes to controlling or helping to control relapses, you have to be willing to take that first step, to find out which drug works the best for you.  I know that four of the MS drugs, do NOT have much of an effect on heartrate.  If any!

So be strong, put your fears aside for just a little while and take that first step.  If one doesn't work for you, there are always some others to try.  I know you are afraid....I sure was when I started Copaxone a few weeks ago.  But my fears were unfounded.  I am doing great.  And you will too, when you find the right one for you.

Discuss your fears with your doctor.  If they won't support you, you always know that you can come to this forum for support.

Having someone with you when you first inject, whichever drug you decide on; is an excellent idea.  I kept a Benadryl tablet by my side and took my first shot with my sweetheart standing by.  Good idea!

Keep that chin up and hang in there....remember sweetheart, you don't go through any of this alone.

Heather