18 year old starting REBIF

[mollyrae93]

Just wanted to know everyones POSITIVE rebilf treatment out comes. Just am really scared and really need some positive feedback about Starting Rebif

[DiannaKw]

Hi Molly

I just began Rebif mid-April of this year, about 1.5 - 2 years after initial onset of symptoms. So far, so good. My first injection was a much anticipated non-event! I actually posted about it here:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Thats-it/show/1719670#post_7874789

This is probably due in large part to the low starting dose and gradual increase over a month Multiple Support recommends. In other words, you're eased into it, to allow your body to adjust.  

As to your question concerning depression, I had the same apprehension considering depression is a documented potential side effect of the drug and I have a history.  Have you started [Rebif] yet? I imagine that feeling this way after being diagnosed with a life-altering illness like ours is normal, dare I say common.  Even so, if this feeling persists, I think it's something you should address with your doctor.

[mollyrae93]

Thank you. My neuro actually hasn't asked me once about moods haha. I have a hard time speaking sometimes and mix words up which is also totally new for me. Totally have days I feel dumb and cant remember how to spell stuff ha I also have an intense burning 24/7 on my right side. Ive had so much trouble getting on DMDs because i KEEP getting sick. at least every two weeks. So have had quite the set back getting on medicine. And have been told im really getting worse which is never good news. How long can flare ups last? I was diagnosed March 24 and figured id be done by now?

[Lulu54]

Shoot yes, that is normal.  Depression is a regular for almost eveyrone with MS. There are two type of depression at play here - the first is a true chemical depression that can come from the problems in our brain. the other depression is situational - and the situation we find ourselves in with MS is a big cause of depression.

There are lots of way to deal with both of these depressions - talk therapy with a psychological counselor or a peer counselor through NMSS is always a good option.   chemical depression and situation depression can both be helped with medicines and that is a talk you absolutely should have with your neurologist.  

In fact, your neuro should be regularly asking you about your moods.  But we can talk later about what your doctor should be doing for you.

There is so much new and unknown facing you right now and living with all those questions can be difficult.  Please trust me when I say it gets easier with time, but what you are feeling right now is very normal.  

I hope you will come back often and tell us more about your symptoms and situation.    

hugs,
L

[mollyrae93]

how about depression? I've never ever ever in my life been depressed im always happy and positive and have a lot of friends but lately i feel life id be doing everyone a favor by not waking up in the morning... normal depression stuff for recently being diagnosed with ms?

[sllowe]

HI MollyRae,

Thanks for joining us. I'm on Rebif, as are a handful of others here, and I'm doing very well on it. I was quite the mess back in 2007, and any side affects of the med, are well worth the protection, and ceasefire of increasing symptoms and limitations I experienced back then.

I do have chronic problems from MS, however, I can live my life with them.
I would not have been able to do that if I were in the same boat as 5 years ago.

Like Diggie, I have no new lesions! I say go for it, and I'm glad you are able to treat your MS early.

-shell

[Lulu54]

Hi and welcome, I know we haven't met, yet.  What you are feeling is perfectly normal - fear and anxiety about both having MS and starting treatment is to be expected.

I don't use REBIF but we have many folks here who do, and they are more than happy to share their positive responses to this drug.

The weekends get slow around here and I'm sure others will join in with Diggie's words of support.  In the meantime, how about you tell us a bit more about yourself and your path to the MS diagnosis?

wishing you well,
L

[diggiesmallz]

Hi Molly!  I was diagnosed with RRMS last yr in May.  I started taking ribif at that time.  I have no complaints!  I have been doing so well and have had no new lesions.  The leasions that I did have that were active are no longer active.  I feel good on a daily basis.  So much better than I ever thought I would.  I'm so glad I chose this dmd with the help of my Neuro!  So glad!  Good luck with evertyhing!

God Bless
Diggie