Ok possibly a stupid question...

[figuerpa]

But I don't know the answer so I thought I would ask you all.

I am on IVSM as of now. I normally do my Avonex injections on Saturday evenings. Is it ok to do my injection while on the steroids or should I wait?

Thank you,
Paula

[figuerpa]

Ess,

I am staying on Avonex for a little while to see what happens. I have only been on for 6 months and they say it takes 6 months to start seeing a difference. I am giving it some time and the side effects have really lessened so that is a good sign.

I have been on Copaxone and Gilenya and both were not for me, side affects stopped me from taking them.

I am not so concerned with the PPMS, as my neuro says he is staying with the RRMS until we see what happens over the next 6 months or so. We will do more MRIs and see what happens now that my 6 months on Avonex is over.

Keeping my fingers crossed that it works out and I can keep my RRMS status, I don't want to progress but I have learned to deal with what I am dealt. Well most of the time anyway. I have my pitty parties from time to time but I am sure we all have our moments.

Thank you,
Paula

[essdipity]

I'm glad you got an answer on this, and that it was okay. One thing to keep in mind is that if really necessary, you can change your Avonex schedule a bit without any negative effects. You can do your shot up to 2 days early or 2 days late, then go back to your regular schedule. Not recommending that, of course, but on a one-time basis it won't hurt anything. Got this straight from Avonex.

If Avonex doesn't seem to be working for you, I wouldn't conclude right away that you're in a progressive stage of MS. It could be that a different DMD would work better. Are you considering that?

Feel better,
ess

[figuerpa]

I called the pharmasist and they said it was fine and there should be no reactions. I took my shot this evening so that I don't miss it. Even though I feel like total carp from the steroids. :/ I said I wouldn't do them again but it got bad this time and I couldn't see not doing what I could to help myself get over it sooner.

Neuro did tell me that I have been very progressive over the past year, doing more MRI's this coming week to see what has been going on. Keeping me as RRMS for now until we see what happens with MRI's then may go to PPMS, let''s hope not but if so then it will explain why I am always getting worse and having a hard time with it.

I am on Avonex, I called them also but the pharmacy called while I was on hold and I just clicked over to them.

Paula

[Ojibajo]

If you are on Avonex, don't you have a nurse assigned to you? Can you call her and ask?

[figuerpa]

Thank you ess,

I just put a call into the infusion center, waiting for the pharmacist to call me back with an answer, I just don't want to take it if they think its best I don't but then I don't want to miss if it they say its ok.

Paula

[essdipity]

Hi, Paula. I'm pretty sure you can go ahead with your injection, but this is something for which you need a better opinion than mine.

I think you should call the Avonex patient line right away, and ask them. If they hem and haw and don't give you a real answer, then call your neuro. You will get an answering service, so ask to speak to the neuro on call. Don't worry about bothering anyone--it's part of their jobs to respond to questions such as this.

Please don't take this as meaning I think this is a critical issue, cuz I don't. But you do deserve an answer, so go right ahead and ask.

ess