Re: avonex and severity of relapse

Posted By Carolyn on July 05, 1998 at 09:41:50:

In Reply to: avonex and severity of relapse posted by genie on July 02, 1998 at 11:22:36:






I wrote in a few days ago about a phantom itch that turned out to be the start of a relapse. Yesterday I felt that "dead" feeling in legs and one arm,but today am no worse. Neuro gave me neurontin for the "itch" that is driving me to distraction. Has anyone noted less severe relapse since being on Avonex. This is my first relapse since being diagnosed 8 months ago and being on Avonex since diagnoses. Are you having relapses on Avonex..how often..less severe, I hope. I feel devastated by this relapse as have been in denial as symptom free since diagnoses.
I have also been on Avonex since dx in March '97.  I have had two relapses - both of which were ignored at onset by my neurologist.  I have since found new neurologists, including IU medicals resident MS specialist.  My neuro in Dec. was very upset that I was in relapse.  He sent off blood work to Avonex to be sure I was not developing a problem with the Avonex.  The findings were a bit high in antibodies, but no one really knows what that means.  The IU medical specialist just sent off the blood work on me again, following my June relapse.  He also stressed no one really knows what these findings mean.  He has suggested that I may be a candidate for an experimental doubling of the injection dosage.  I would be willing to try this.  This neuro feels the Avonex is the most user-friendly of the interferons.  I agree.  Have had no real problems with it.  I do feel I am coming back much faster from the June relapse than from the one in December.  Doctors can't say if it is the more timely use of IV steroids, or if it's the Avonex.  Everything to do with MS is very "iffy".  I do feel I am now with two neurologists who will treat me more aggressively - and this is what I have wanted since my dx.  I am 47 years old, it's not like I'm twenty and facing 60 years of IV steroids.  Hope this helps.  Good luck, keep the faith, the first year is indeed frightening.