Will I ever feel normal while being on Avonex?

I just started on Avonex (had my 2nd injection a few days ago).  I'm wondering if I will ever feel like I did prior to it.
My side effects are not bad at all if I take Ibuprofen regularly.  I stopped taking it b/c my stomach started hurting on
& off everyday.  Since I stopped it, my stomach doesn't hurt anymore, but I have headaches all the time.  My head
feels kind of spacey also.  Will this go away?   I am so new to all of this.  I would love to hear from anyone who is
on Avonex or has been.  I like to hear the truth w/o sugar-coating.  Thanks very much.  

[Quixotic1]

I was on Avonex for almost two years.  Initially I had stiffness and achiness for a couple days after the injection.  By about four months the side effects lasted just into the morning after taking the shot at about 7pm the night before.  I slept through them and they were just not a problem.  

Others have had similar experiences with shortening durations of the effects, some never got over them, like Heather3418.

The side effect that I didn't get over was depression.  Since I have been depressed to one level or another fopr more than 20 years, I didn't pay attention.  But, when I didn't have the money to continue the Avonex and had to go off of it, I had an amazing improvement in my mood.  It was as if I was depressed and then started a very effective anti-depressant.  My neuro recommended Copaxone, but I am VERY prone to welting up with small insults to my skin and I HATE itching.  I mean I really hate it!  I am considering going back on Avonex and upping the antidepressant.  Haven't decided yet.

It's a moot point.  No $$$.

Quix

[Erin0313]

I have been on Avonex for almost 6 months. Just when I thought the side effects were getting better I feel awful again. I inject on Friday night and feel flu like for at least 24 hours again.

Thanks Quix for that tid bit. I am considering going off of it. I do seem very depressed like I just want to quit all of my meds my job my house chores etc. and throwing a big pity party for myself. The job is not an option cause we really need the $$$.

I see the doctor in 4 weeks so maybe I will wait and talk to her then about a change in DMD or a boost in the anti-depressant meds.

Good luck
Erin :)

[Quixotic1]

That is one of the reasons that a forum like this is so valuable to so many people.  Even if we don't think what we have to say is of any value, someone else may really benefit from it.  That's why I really encourage people to post their experiences.

We can all help each other even withut knowing that we do it!

Q