Treatment for MS

I am sure this question has been asked and I have been doing a lot of research on it, but I want to hear from those here who know first hand.  

Which treatments are more effective?  What is the risk of no treatment at all? What are the side effects?

I am just doing the research now as I have plenty of time to decide, but my work just went to a CDHP/HSP with about a $10,000 dollar deductible.  Needless to say I really don't have that type of money, so my husband and I will be going on his insurance and I will no longer be double covered.  So financially I am kind of in trouble.  I would like to know if these treatments are worth it.  

Thanks,
  Tahiri

[sllowe]

Hi Tahiri,

I'm sure the research has your head spinning. And if you've read through trial results from the main CRABs (copax, rebif, avonex, betaseron) your probably burnt out from data and stats.

To put your mind at ease, in the long-term they are equally effective and all DMDs aim to reduce relapses and progression by one mechanism or another.  Short term they have shown to reduce relapses by 30% (on average).

Many Drs ask that you consider dosing schedules, which is very important. Each are different in that regard and vary with Copax 1-a day, Beta every other, Avonex 1-week (intermuscular) and rebif 3 days a week.

I didn't realize the significance because I was so focused in on "what is going to work" that I didn't care about dosing schedule. I do now, and know that if you don't like the schedule - you won't stick to it. So, passing along that to keep in the back of your mind....Sticking to it is not always easy.

Side affects vary. The interferons (I'm on Rebif) come with mild flu like symptoms that typically pass and they are mild for most. And, labs will be run to make sure there are no changes in WBC, liver and thyroid levels.  I'll let the other Copax users comment on their experiences w/it.

Site reactions are minimal w/rebif. The needles are small, thin, etc.

So glad you will be on hubby's ins. So, hopefully you won't (hopefully) have to weigh significant cost as a factor to treat or not treat.

I'm sorry I can't give you a solid - pick one because it will work, or do it because you will definitely see improvement. It's so individual, and the options are not cures by any means. But I believe the studies and recommendations that we can slow down this disease.

Nice to see you,
-shell