I can not edit here. The table should read ************** for MS
Here is what I am reading from a table "************** for MS":
Agent:
Interferon beta-1a and interferon beta-1b
Notes:
Immunomodulatory
Reduction in relapse rate and accural of neurologic disability
Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, injection site reactions, liver chemistry abnormalities, depression
Dosing depends on specific agent used
Pre-and postinjection acetamiminophen or NSAIDs may reduce flu-like symptoms
Monitoring ot CBC and liver chemistry is required every 6 months
FDA class C drug - should not be used during pregnancy or lactation
I hope you are getting better and it helps a little.
Sharon,
Were CBCs run on you during your workup for MS? I'll admit I'm not so versed in the blood lymphocytes and my knowledge runs only on more general stuff like low WBC counts, etc.
Rebif can cause blood cell count changes. My WBC were low once from it. I went off for a few weeks and returned and am now fine.
Otherwise what you describe does sound very much like a relapse especially the spasticity and difficulty urinating. Rebif would not have had much time to work on relapses for you yet since you just started the full dose. It takes time.
I had a hard time differentiating MS symptoms from meds early on because I started meds so early in my dx - I was confused. I wasn't feeling well either and thought to myself...is this what my MS is going to be like now? (I had started to recover a bit from some larger issues) Then I thought is this what the meds are going to be like now? So on and so on.....
Best thing you can do today is jot this down in that little book they give you - I know, it's a pain, but you dont' have to do it forever, just for little bit. I don't think it's anything to be worried about, but when do you go to Dr. for results? Or, will he call to discuss?
-shell