Just diagnosed

[jen673]

I was just diagnosed by an MS neuro and getting a 2nd opinion to be 100% sure.  I still have to get a brain MRI and evoked potential.  Is there anything to worry about the evoked potential?  

The next step will be starting treatment.  Which one is best for beginners?  Here is what I've learned:
     Copaxone decreases relapses the least and has very painful sting to shot and welts.
     Avonex has the least side effects and largest needle (intramuscular).
     Rebif has the most side effects, more most effective.
     Betaseron has the worst flu-like symptoms and reduces relapses the most.
I didn't mention others because my case is mild at this point.  Right now I am dealing with Lhermittes syndrome which seems to be getting better and sensory issues with my right hand.   Other minor symptoms too.  

Any advice would be appreciated.  I know you guys know your stuff and value your opinions!  I have three young school age children that I need to be able to take care.  Kinda worried about starting a treatment right about the time they will be out for summer break.  

[Guitar_grrrl]

Sorry for your diagnosis, Jen :(

If it's any help, I've done Rebif, and am currently on Betaseron during my holiday from Tysabri.  Both the Rebif and the Betaseron are quite manageable for me.  I do the same thing as Mills (Ibuprofen before taking my shot), and if I'm still feeling a little creepy when I wake up in the morning, I take a little more Ibuprofen, and I'm good to go.  My liver function tests have all been normal.

Live as well as you can!  Stay strong and fit.  Enjoy your family.  I do all of this, and life just rolls.

[HVAC]

Sorry about the diagnosis. You at the perfect time to start a CRAB. Progression happens with or with out symptoms. If you start one now you may have success with stopping or slowing progression and living a life with little problems from MS. There are no guarantees but the research says if these drugs are started at the beginning of MS they work the best.

In your case Copaxone might work well. The interferons are effective. The idea of injection is scary to most people at first. Even I was scared and I had lots of experience with needles. Some how doing it to yourself and the fact it makes the MS real. I now am so okay with injection my Doctor is shocked when she has to do anything with needles on me. It just takes getting used to.

Nothing to worry about with the Evoked Potential it is not painful or anything.

Which drug you go on is between you and your doctor. A lot has to do with what you will be compliant with. Keeping the treatment going is most important. I know people who have been on one of these treatments for dozens of years and kept the MS at bay.

For some of us by the time we are diagnosed the MS has progressed  a lot. You are fortunate it was caught so early.

It will take a bit of getting used to.The first year is hard with your emotions going on a roller coaster.

I have been diagnosed 2 years, took 2 years for a diagnosis, and have had the disease for 46 years. I am pretty happy. I have a progressive form of MS and my disease is picking up steam but I roll with it and like my life.

If you need a reason to treat your disease think of your children. We wish to hear lots from you.

Alex

[Millsinc]

Hi Jen, sorry to hear about your diagnosis and joining the MS world but welcome and this forum will give alot of help and support. I can't say anything about the evoke potential but what I can comment on is the Betaferon. I've been on it for just over 1 year now and yes you get bad flu like symptoms but what works for me in avoiding that is taking one or two ibuprofen's or  panadol after the shot, and I'd take my shots at night so next day I am a-o-k! If I forget to take the tablets I'd be in mess with that flu like feeling. What I use for the itching is a moisture therapy cream by Avon :-) yea AVON! I keep it refrigerated at times and the coolness and the moisturizing effect of the cream really soothes the itching. Maybe u can try it Bob.

I hope that it all goes well and that you're able to enjoy life and your family to the greatest despite the MS. Stay strong and all the best! ;-)

Mills

[COBOB]

"Copaxone decreases relapses the least and has very painful sting to shot and welts. "
I'm not sure where that data came from.  All of the CRABs seem to have a similar effectiveness in the 30% range as far as reducing relapse.  In my case, as long as I inject manually, I don't really get a very painful sting or welt, just some minor itching for a half hour.  I don't have to worry about liver function tests, neutralizing antibodies or depression.  

Bob