difficult time with injection last night

[LATW]

I have been on Avonex for over a year and still have side effects.  

They are not as bad as they were but still miserable.  I have had it.

Last night when my husband gave me my injection my muscle had a spasm and tightened up.

It push the needle half way out and he has to push it back in again.

I am done with it.  I see my new doctor, my other ms doctor retired, in two weeks.

LA

[LATW]

Well a year of it is enough for me. I want to skip my next two injections and start new with my next doctor.  
I am considering it strongly.

LA

[opie74]

Once in a while I accidentally get the betaseron in a muscle,  ouch!  You would think tha tat 175lbs I would have enough fat on my thighs to never hit a muscle, but the opposite is actually true.  I could not immagine doing it in the muscle all of the time.......

[LATW]

Thank you Ann,
I will stay on something but these Im's have to go. I am not that tough. They HURT no matter what anyone tries to say.  And the side effects hang around all week.

[opie74]

I just wanted to share that I am on Betaseron. It is everyother day, but it is subcutanious. It took about 3 weeks after I gott on full dose, and I am side-effect free.  No flu like symptoms. My MS dr said that this is better on Betaseron over Avonex because it is injected more often. Your body does not have a week to start over. Just a thought. I would definately stay onSOMETHING!

Keep us posted,
Ann

[LATW]

Well since I am changing MS doctors, by force, they already sent my file to the next MS doctor and will not do anything for me.  I called the new Ms doctor and they said they can not do anything until they see me.

The nurse was very nice and said to let them know if it is impossible to wait the 2 weeks.  I think I might skip this next injection and take the one right before my appointment.

[LATW]

I made the phone call and hope they will call me back.  Since I have to see a new doctor in less than two weeks they may make me wait, but I hope not.

[LATW]

Hi Lu,
I acutally think my MS doctor is trying to get me to hold on until my new doctor takes over.  But I am going to call them right now and see what their responce is.  


I will get back with you!

[Lulu54]

Hi LA,
This is something you need to talk with your doctor about now!

As a copax user, I can tell you it is manageable and you get used to the temporary *bite* of the injection, if you even feel it at all.  That there are so few side effects with copaxone is a big plus for many of us.

Since you feel that Avonex is not working for you, it is time to consider something different. As I said in the beginning, this is an overdue chat with your doctor.

It is not at all unusual to try other drugs to find the right one for you and your MS.

keep us posted,
Lu

[LATW]

Thank you shell, Heather, and truelove,
What happens if I go to one of the sub q injections?  Does that mean Avonex if off my list forever?
I feel so awful.  Fluish all of the time and i am so tired of it.  It is really wearing me out and yes I am weary.
The MRI I was in was a t1.  It only showed one active lesion, one old lesion, and the ON.  But I have many symptoms.  
It is so confusing to me except for the progression I've had even while on Avonex.
I want to give something else a try.  I konw the copaxone is painful but I think I can deal with it better than the IM. :(

LA

[sllowe]

Hey LA,

It is so easy to get frustrated with the injections.  I've found it discouraging too at times especially when I get a bad spot. When I'm like this, seems all it takes is a bad one to say to myself - I'm so done with all of this!

Maybe it will be better next week - I'm sure that is not so encouraging to you right now, but want you to know you are not alone with your thoughts.

Hugs,
shell

[truelove47]

Hi,
I too am taking Avonex (10 years or more}  This spasm in my thigh muscle has

happened to me so many times I cannot count ,  It makes me crazy.

The side effects are still with me also.The only thing that helps is a few hours before my shot, i take a valium. It is difficult, I know, but you must be on one of the drugs

The only thing that keeps me taking it is faith and prayer that it is slowing things down.
It is so difficult to tell, when a med makes you fell so crappy.  be well       Linda

[Heather3418]

You are "needle weary."  I know it's tough.  Was on Avonex three years and now on Copaxone a year and a half.  Was on insulin for many years also, which meant a daily injection.  (Am not on the insulin anymore)

When I was on Avonex, my side effects never went away and only slightly diminished over time.  Three years of it, was enough for me.  I just couldn't take it anymore.  At the time, I only had 7 lesions in my brain.

I went off of all DMD's for five years and just before starting Copaxone in Feb. 08 my MRI showed 23 lesions.  So being without any DMD let the MS run wild.  That's why I am going to ask you to please reconsider taking a DMD.    Maybe you would do better with one that only injects under the skin and not into the muscle  I am worried about you taking nothing.

Please let us know what your doctor suggests at your next appointment in two weeks.

Big Hugs.  I am sorry you are having a tough time of it.  It's hard to deal with the injections, so I know how you are feeling.  Lean on my soft shoulder and all those on the Forum too.

Heather