Aa
MS-alcohol-copaxone
Well I bit the bullet. I left yesterday w/ a Copaxone script. I'm waiting for Someone to call me and set me up w/ a nurse. I hope thid works. I'm scared. Scared of the panic attack type feeling that may wash over me. But I hope I can muster through it without adding my own anxieties.
Anyway.. Much is said with diet/ vitamins/ excersise and treatment. However.. What are , if any, are complications with drinking red wine? I say red wine because it is my drink of choice when we go out or gather with friends/ family, I'm not a lush by any means.. But I do enjoy wine on occasion.
Are there problems with alcohol and MS in general? Is itore individualized? And what about when taking a drug ? For me, copaxone at the moment. Just wondering for those of you that have been with MS for so long.
Thx again.. For all the support.
Ps. A quick question. I have people who want to help and throw things at me like montel Williams. All he does is diet and exercise, and I get told.. " why not do that?" . And I really don't have an answer other than.. I don't know. I don't know his story very well. Just curious.
Anyway.. Much is said with diet/ vitamins/ excersise and treatment. However.. What are , if any, are complications with drinking red wine? I say red wine because it is my drink of choice when we go out or gather with friends/ family, I'm not a lush by any means.. But I do enjoy wine on occasion.
Are there problems with alcohol and MS in general? Is itore individualized? And what about when taking a drug ? For me, copaxone at the moment. Just wondering for those of you that have been with MS for so long.
Thx again.. For all the support.
Ps. A quick question. I have people who want to help and throw things at me like montel Williams. All he does is diet and exercise, and I get told.. " why not do that?" . And I really don't have an answer other than.. I don't know. I don't know his story very well. Just curious.
That is classic MS fatigue. Think of it as money in the bank once the energy is gone it is gone. Or like running out of gas. Planning your day and rest help.
Alex
Alex
Ok.. Will you keep me posted? I'm really hoping this will work for me. Does anyone know what causes the fatigue? I'm just curious. Sometimes it's just lie energy, others it's a feeling like I can't get moving. Different " levels".
I haven't noticed any difference at all but from my research didn't really expect to. I'm hoping that the Copaxone is quietly doing it's job in the background so I go a long time without a relapse. I do suffer from fatigue and have not seen any improvement on that but it hasn't gotten worse either. I also suffer from numbness in both hands but that came from my transverse myelitis so I don't really anticipate that Copaxone making much difference there. I go for a new brain and C spine MRI in a week so after that I should have a little more of a clue how things are going.
Thank you so much !! All info is so helpful! I'm going to send inject too. Just seems to be the most tolerable from what I hear. Do you notice any changes in symptoms? For example.. Do you struggle with fatigue? Wondering if it helps...
I started 3xweek copaxone about six weeks ago and it has gone pretty well. I went straight to self injection because honestly I was just too busy get with the nurse and figured that since my husband is diabetic I would make him help. I don't like needles either but am used to them. I let my inner control freak loose and after staring at (and yes, talking to, lol) the shot for a while I gave myself the first shot. Honestly it's not too bad. I haven't had any bad reactions, just one bruise when I picked a bad spot. I am well padded so that probably helps, lol. I do have the hubby do the hip shots because of my numb hands and not being able to reach around the chest well. If you have a loved one willing to help spread the shots around, go for it. I'm still very new to all this, and so thankful for all the "old pro's" on this site, and hope this info helps a little.
I follow a healthy diet and exercise. Lots of fruits and veggies and water. I do spurge on chocalate or Duncan Donuts Bavarian cream. I am going to PT for my gait problems. I want to have stamina in Europe. I am walking with a 15 pound pack like I want to carry in Europe, lifting weights. Walking the dog for an hour. I used to ride horses for MS. After carrying the 15 pound pack I was thinking what extra weight does to me when I carry it so I am on a diet.
I just know I feel better in general when I exercise and eat well. My diet and not drinking or smoking did nothing to keep me from getting cancer. My doctors say you are really healthy other than the MS and Cancer.
If I could drink I would have three glasses a week it can't hurt.
There is no right or wrong way to deal with MS. As long as people are happy with their lives that is all that matters.
Alex
I just know I feel better in general when I exercise and eat well. My diet and not drinking or smoking did nothing to keep me from getting cancer. My doctors say you are really healthy other than the MS and Cancer.
If I could drink I would have three glasses a week it can't hurt.
There is no right or wrong way to deal with MS. As long as people are happy with their lives that is all that matters.
Alex
The generics are not out yet.
what jensequitur was trying to say is when generics do come out they will be much cheaper than the Copaxone brand name product.
what jensequitur was trying to say is when generics do come out they will be much cheaper than the Copaxone brand name product.
Hi.. Ok. Well I got the 3x a week one. Is that generic? I'd rather do that than daily.
Good advice on placement. I really don't have much fat which is the problem. Mostly but/ love handles.
Good advice on placement. I really don't have much fat which is the problem. Mostly but/ love handles.
Copaxone is one of those drugs that's supposed to make the immune system less active. You won't see an immediate change on your MRI - in fact, you won't see much of a change in the first three years. What the doctor wants is for you to have inactive lesions - lesions that show no inflammation. The body will heal itself in time.
Copaxone is going to have some generic equivalents very soon. Don't let them sell you on a fancier version that's Teva only - the generics will be much cheaper.
I self injected, and thought it was much better than the autoject. At first I used the autoject because I'm scared of needles, but then I had to take Lovenox for two weeks, and they don't come with an injector. I discovered that it wasn't that hard, and the autoject device goes way too quickly. The most painful part is inserting it into the skin - once you get past the nerve layer, it doesn't hurt. If it does, it'll hurt when you inject the drug.
I will say that I had a lot of lipoatrophy because I kept injecting in the areas that wouldn't give me an immediate post-injection reaction. After three years I had some dimpling in those areas. Massage the injection site and rotate your areas as much as possible. All areas that have subcutaneous fat in your abdominal area are okay - love handles, hips, thighs, lower stomach, upper stomach, side of your stomach, etc. I quickly eliminated the upper arm because I had an IPIR when I injected there.
Does your husband want you to lift weights because you're having weakness issues? Keep in mind that lifting weights won't help weakness - it's a neurological problem, not a problem with the muscles. Lifting weights will just wear you out. However, it will help the muscles that are around the weak muscles, so that they can compensate.
Copaxone is going to have some generic equivalents very soon. Don't let them sell you on a fancier version that's Teva only - the generics will be much cheaper.
I self injected, and thought it was much better than the autoject. At first I used the autoject because I'm scared of needles, but then I had to take Lovenox for two weeks, and they don't come with an injector. I discovered that it wasn't that hard, and the autoject device goes way too quickly. The most painful part is inserting it into the skin - once you get past the nerve layer, it doesn't hurt. If it does, it'll hurt when you inject the drug.
I will say that I had a lot of lipoatrophy because I kept injecting in the areas that wouldn't give me an immediate post-injection reaction. After three years I had some dimpling in those areas. Massage the injection site and rotate your areas as much as possible. All areas that have subcutaneous fat in your abdominal area are okay - love handles, hips, thighs, lower stomach, upper stomach, side of your stomach, etc. I quickly eliminated the upper arm because I had an IPIR when I injected there.
Does your husband want you to lift weights because you're having weakness issues? Keep in mind that lifting weights won't help weakness - it's a neurological problem, not a problem with the muscles. Lifting weights will just wear you out. However, it will help the muscles that are around the weak muscles, so that they can compensate.
Ah.. I see, with regards to montell. Downplaying the drugs. I'm sure helping. I don't know what canabis is. I'll try and keep to a clean diet and I really love yoga. Although I'm not sure if it's considered exercise. My husband thinks I should be using weights too. I'm small framed and I think he worries I'll loose strength. I have to work it all in somehow.
As far as an audio injector .. I've been reading more that I should self inject, I'm thin too.. So I'm thinking if I do it myself I may be able to controll the injection more. I'm scared I'll inject into a vein or something. I only have more "fat " in the buttocks! Lol. It may be difficult. Maybe a smaller needle?
And yes.. A snipper.
I know they'll want to scan , but I was thinking w/ copaxone it will take longer to " kick in".
As far as an audio injector .. I've been reading more that I should self inject, I'm thin too.. So I'm thinking if I do it myself I may be able to controll the injection more. I'm scared I'll inject into a vein or something. I only have more "fat " in the buttocks! Lol. It may be difficult. Maybe a smaller needle?
And yes.. A snipper.
I know they'll want to scan , but I was thinking w/ copaxone it will take longer to " kick in".
I'm a moderate drinker, drink of choice is usually red wine or prosecco. I go through spurts where I have a glass with dinner every day. Then I may go weeks without any alcohol at all. I was on Copaxone for six years and alcohol intake was never a problem, even on the rare occasion when I overdid it.
Montel is on Copaxone, or at least he was for many years. He also uses cannabis to treat his pain. He does appear to eat an extremely healthy diet. And clearly he stays very fit. I'm sure of all these factors explain why he appears to be doing so well. He has a financial interest in pushing those things that are making him money, and downplay the role of medication.
People will give you all sorts of uninformed, unsolicited advice. Just smile and nod and go about your business. You know everyone's MS is unique so comparisons are useless. And no one has all the facts about how well or poorly another person ie a celebrity is really doing.
Montel is on Copaxone, or at least he was for many years. He also uses cannabis to treat his pain. He does appear to eat an extremely healthy diet. And clearly he stays very fit. I'm sure of all these factors explain why he appears to be doing so well. He has a financial interest in pushing those things that are making him money, and downplay the role of medication.
People will give you all sorts of uninformed, unsolicited advice. Just smile and nod and go about your business. You know everyone's MS is unique so comparisons are useless. And no one has all the facts about how well or poorly another person ie a celebrity is really doing.
The copaxone nurse will call you up directly and make arraignments to visit your home and teach you how to make the injections and where to put them. She will also stock you up with literature and other things. You should get an auto injector a needle snipper to cut the sharps off the syringes and like a years worth of prep wipes and other goodies.
You can also go to their website and kind of prep your self by watching the videos they have on doing your injections.
As far as 6 months between scans, it's pretty common for them to scan 6 months after a new diagnosis and any time they change meds depending on progression.
You can also go to their website and kind of prep your self by watching the videos they have on doing your injections.
As far as 6 months between scans, it's pretty common for them to scan 6 months after a new diagnosis and any time they change meds depending on progression.
Thank you everyone. Successful stories are so helpful. I'm still waiting for the nurse? Maybe it takes awhile.
I forgot to mention.. My neuro said he'd re scan in 6 mo's and if there are new enhancing lesions he's not going to be happy. But doesn't it take up to a year to work??????
Andi
I forgot to mention.. My neuro said he'd re scan in 6 mo's and if there are new enhancing lesions he's not going to be happy. But doesn't it take up to a year to work??????
Andi
Hi,
You received great answers for the above posts. I would just like to add that an all-around healthy diet is concerned by many neuros as just as good or better that the fad diets.
I personally try not eat highly processed foods, eat all the food groups and eat organic when posible. I aim to eat a diet that ncluding the colors of the rainbow, i.e, all the high anti-oxidants.
As for the wine, I recently asked my neuro the same thing, and his answer was "in anything in moderation". Hope this helps!
Rendean
You received great answers for the above posts. I would just like to add that an all-around healthy diet is concerned by many neuros as just as good or better that the fad diets.
I personally try not eat highly processed foods, eat all the food groups and eat organic when posible. I aim to eat a diet that ncluding the colors of the rainbow, i.e, all the high anti-oxidants.
As for the wine, I recently asked my neuro the same thing, and his answer was "in anything in moderation". Hope this helps!
Rendean
So glad you were able to overcome your fear! Thanks for sharing your experience. I think a lot of people truly struggle with the choice to take DMDs if the ones they're offered happen to line up with an honest-to-goodness phobia! I have a lot of respect for those who find ways to help themselves persevere with treatment. And you're right. It does get easier.
Hi,
I'll touch base on the copaxone a little.
Growing up I was petrified of needles. I remember my DAD having to hold me down and burry my face while they strapped my arm to a chair just to take blood.
That stuck with me most of my adult life. While I no longer needed to be strapped down, I still was very gun shy about taking them.
I started taking copaxone around a year and a half ago, at first I only used the auto injector cause basicly you click a button and its done. after a month or so of doing that it was becoming routine. Then I started drifting away from the auto injector because I found it less painful and you could better control the speed of the injection.
Now I do all my injection spots by hand and its just part of my morning.
I know its scary at the start, but I found that helped to keep in mind that giving my self shots is to help improve the quality of life and it's important.
I'll touch base on the copaxone a little.
Growing up I was petrified of needles. I remember my DAD having to hold me down and burry my face while they strapped my arm to a chair just to take blood.
That stuck with me most of my adult life. While I no longer needed to be strapped down, I still was very gun shy about taking them.
I started taking copaxone around a year and a half ago, at first I only used the auto injector cause basicly you click a button and its done. after a month or so of doing that it was becoming routine. Then I started drifting away from the auto injector because I found it less painful and you could better control the speed of the injection.
Now I do all my injection spots by hand and its just part of my morning.
I know its scary at the start, but I found that helped to keep in mind that giving my self shots is to help improve the quality of life and it's important.
That's really funny!!!!!! I thought something was up with him. He makes it sound like he's beaten it without drugs. I have another friend who's working with a natural path and swears by it. Feels great. But I wonder.. Down the road.. Who knows. It's not worth it to me anymore. I think I've concluded its all a balance. Like everything in like.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Multiple Sclerosis Community
Top Neurology Answerers
Australia
ON
Queensland, Australia
Queen Creek, AZ
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
Alcohol should not be a problem with Copaxone.
You will have well meaning friends. Two of my friends wanted me to eat round worms, parasites. There was a thing going around about people with round worms not getting MS. I was like yuck. Oh and you do not have MS you really have Lyme disease. Lyme disease does have the same symptoms. But I have MS. Oh and the news paper clippings. I take them say thank you and take them with a grain of salt.
Montel takes the DMD shots. I saw him do it on TV.
Alex