should I have a new MRI before starting Rebif?

[doublevision1]

Hi All,

as I mentioned in previous posts I will soon be starting on Rebif.  By the time I start treatment, it will have been 5 - 6 months since my last MRI, the one that showed two lesions (brainstem and C-spine) that helped get me my MS diagnosis.  

I was wondering whether any of you know if it is advisable to have an updated MRI done just prior to starting treatment.  I know if I was doing a clinical trial, this would be done, as a baseline in order to chart progress of the disease since starting treatment.  So it makes sense to me that even though I'm not doing a trial, it would be valuable to have an updated picture of my brain and spine to know whether any further lesions showed up prior to or after starting treatment.  I would think this would help in understanding whether the treatment is making a difference.

An MRI won't cost me anything...but I may have to push to get it done, if my dr thinks it's unnecessary.  I'm looking for any feedback you might have on this.

Thanks!

db1

[young at heart]

I WOULD PUSH FOR A NEW MRI,I KNOW BEFORE I STARTED REBIF THAT MY NEURO DONE A MRI.

IT DOESN'T HURT THAT WAY YOU KNOW.ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE UPDATED MRI'S YOU'LL KNOW IF ITS WORKING OR NOT.

T-LYNN

[Quixotic1]

I think it makes sense to know exactly what lesions you have as you start the med.  Then if there are relapses you have a true baseline.  I do know that many docs do not use frequent MRIs to monitor.  It doesn't hurt to point out the long time from MRI to beginning of the Rebif and to ask your neuro to order one.

Quix

[Amyloo]

I would get it.  What you said makes perfect sense; tell your doctor just that.  Amy