VICTORY!! (of sorts)

[jenandherboys]

I just saw my neuro this morning and he agreed that, with the recent changes in my brain MRI (2 more lesions since April), it's time to start a DMD.  The official diagnosis as far as the insurance is concerned is MS, but when I asked him, my neuro said I'm in the "probable MS" category (in the spectrum from not MS to Clinically Definate MS).  In either case, I'll be starting on Rebif as soon as I get the assistance I need from the MS Lifelines support center-they are supposed to be calling me tomorrow.

If anyone can share their experiences with using Rebif, I would be interested in hearing your stories.  I'm not sure what to expect and am a little wary about how the process will fit into my daily routine, especially with my courious 5-year-old twins around constantly.  As soon as I get the Rebif in hand, I will schedule an appt with the nurse at my neuro's office to learn how to give myself the injections, etc.

Thank GOD I asked to get my follow-up MRI in before the end of the year!  My neuro agreed that it was a good thing that we got it in so soon and are able to start meds because of the results; I still have my T-Spine imaging tomorrow(no appts long enough to image all 3 areas before my office visit today).  We'll see what shows up there soon.

Thanks for any information you may have and for taking the time to read my post.

Be well!

Jen

[jenandherboys]

Hi Shell!

Yes, Dr ordered baseline liver panel and CBC, just had thyroid done in the last few months as I am currently taking a low dose thyroid supplement.

Thanks for the info, I'm sure I'll be more at ease once I get started!

Be well!

Jen

[sllowe]

Hi Jen,

We've not met. I'm Shelly and I'm on Rebif.  You'll be contacted to receive your Rebif script, and a nurse covering your area will contact you to find a time to come visit (will also make sure you received the meds - which you'll keep in the fridge). He or she will teach you and whoever else you want to learn the injection techniques. The nurse will also talk to you about your MS, the meds and possible side affects, etc.

When my nurse came out I had back-to-school night an hour or so later. All was fine. The dosing is titrated so I did not experience anything immediate. I took advil just incase but I felt fine. The needle is very thin and the nurse will do your 1st injection right by your side while you inject. I chose my stomach for my 1st.

There really are some great tips provided by these nurses. Hope you get a good one. I used the STAR (stomach, thigh, arm, rear) schedule until I got use to it. I also used the planner they gave me to track various MS symptoms that I jotted down and brought up to my neuro during visits.

I'm glad you are on your way toward treating your MS. No matter what they are calling it, probably, CIS, almost, or anything else they come up w/these day, just glad your doc is doing you right by prescribing a DMD.

Ask anything - here to help.  
-shell

p.s. Has your neuro ordered some baseline labs? Specifically, liver enzymes and CBCs and thyroid.  All the interferons can cause changes, so if not ordered yet, you have plenty of time to ask for the order of these before starting the DMD.