My question abt medicine

[mo0427]

So.....................I went to see the neurologist and I didn't get upset I asked as many ????? as I could abt my blood wrk. They told me based on lab wk it was MS but they told me my blood wk showed me being borderline for another disease WTF. But anyhoo she gave me two medicine to read on betaseron and rebif. Both are injections I was told they have a new pill out that is very expensive and medcaid isn't paying at this time. I'm very uneasy abt the injections. Can anyone tell me if they've taken either one and their experience with it. I want another child in a few yrs and don't want this to stop me.

[sllowe]

HI there,

MS being a clinical diagnosis, there would have to be much supporting evidence in addition to the labs run to rule out other possibilities and then support the dx. Having said that if the doctor is talking about DMDs, that evidence must be there.

I'm on Rebif, and the injections are not bad. Needle is super thin, etc. Betaseron has been around the longest where DMDs are concerned and it's a good solid med for MS and that's been proven.

I'm dx'd RRMS and was offered Gilenya as were a handful of our members. I've decided I'm not ready to try it and feel my current med is serving me well. It's not designated specifically for progressive MS, but in my opinion from reviewing the data it appears to be a strong med that is working to slow progression and attacks.

Does your doctor know your timeline where children are concerned? This would dictate your start date.

Please keep asking questions - we hope to help!
-Shell
          See below some links to past Gilenya discussions:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Gilenya-fingolimod/show/1374357

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Gilenya-Users-Past-and-Present/show/1469412

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Gilenya-tidbits/show/1422642

[twopack]

Here is a link to a very recent discussion on the forum about using DMDs (disease modifying drugs) for MS.  Several people shared their experiences with the various injectable drugs we can use to fight MS.  
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Just-diagnosed--Questions-about-what-DMD-to-take/show/1485800

These drugs can be well worth trying Mo.  You are in the process of finding out what a strong woman you are.  You will soon be doing things you never imagined you could!

Do you remember what "the other disease" is?  Is it something similar to MS?  Just wondering what the doc has planned for that.  These first visits can be overwhelming.  You are in near shock and there is so much new information to take in.  We will help whenever we can.

Mary

[Sumanadevii]

I agree with Alex.  Unless you have a very aggressive form stay with the injections.  I take Rebif.  It is taken three times per week.  Some people get flu like symptoms when taking it.  I have no reactions to it.

Most people that take Rebif take two Advil's about an hour before injecting.  Many take it before bed so they can sleepl through the flu symptoms.  I take it early in the day because it keeps me awake.  

They will start you on a low dose working up to the highest.  Most have no problem until the higher dose...even then chances of having the flu symptoms are slight.  Many are like me and have no problem if they take the Advil.

As far as the injections go...After injecting use an ice pack. Some have reactions and get welts.  I did for the first six months or so.  Now my body is used to it and you can hardly tell where I last injected.

It all sounds so scary but honestly, it just becomes part of your schedule.  The Rebif needle is very small.  Truly, I would ask to begin with it.

[mo0427]

Have you taken either medicine. I don't know which to choose.

[HVAC]

Hello,
  The deal with the pill Gileyna is it is for more aggressive forms of MS and it has more risks involved. It has only been on the market a short while and no one knows the long term adverse risks. There may be few but at this point Neurologists are only giving it to those who the injectables do not work for. Injection sounds scary but once you get used to it it is not so bad. If you do not want progression the drugs are very important.

Alex