Was diagnosed yesterday with RRMS

[raekay35]

After going to my Neuro and several tests later, I finally have a diagnosis, RRMS.  He was very thorough with the first visit and this follow up visit was to confirm his suspicions that I did indeed have RRMS.  Although I felt alot of relief to finally have a name for what is going on with me, I wasn't prepared for the flood of emotions that come with knowing that you have a lifelong, potentiall life altering disease.  He gave me all this information on 4 DMD's and asked me to call my insurance to find out which one had the best coverage and which one I would prefer to start with.  I've chosen Copaxone...Although I don't like the idea of having to inject daily, the side effects are less severe and being that I already suffer from Depression seemed like the best choice.  Called the insurance company and my out of pocket expense for Copaxone is $20 a month, what a relief!!!  Thank you all for your support and guidance during my limboland time.  

[Wobbly]

Sorry to hear you got this DX...but you now can go forward and get some treatment.. You have your answers and in time it will feel abit better to be out of Limbo..

Hang in there and know your not alone...

take care
wobbly
dx

[raekay35]

Thank you all for your comments and concerns.  I will get through this, one day at a time.  Today is a downer but will keep trudging through...I hope I don't have the site reactions that so many have complained about, I think that's the scariest thing for me right now.  Thank you all again!!!

[raekay35]

Hello Karen,  yes it was Dr. L that diagnosed me.  I told him that I really didn't want to go back to UCSF and if he was comfortable taking care of me than I would like that very much.  The hubby is going ok...He has stopped drinking which has helped more than anyone can imagine, and we've decided to move back to Florida once my son is done with school this year.  We have our entire families there and no one here and I just feel like I really need the support that I'm missing right now.  My husband still doesn't understand all the ups and down and really all the symptoms that I've hidden from him for so long and I do feel at times he thinks I'm faking but oh well...I will get through this and take one day at a time.  Today isn't such a great day for me, really down and not feeling up to par but I will get through this.  Thank you so much for your comments and I will stay in touch.

Rachel

[Erin0313]

  Welcome to the land of diagnosed and DMD's.

  Depression is really difficult. I hope that you are also on meds special for that. It may get worse with the new roller coaster so it is important to keep your doctors in the loop as well as having emotional support.

This is a great forum for that so feel free to reach out when you are down and someone will be able to share some of the same stories which usually can pick you up.

Good luck
Erin :)

[keely36]

I too was just diagnosed with MS and have chosen Copaxone. One of my biggest reason for choosing that medication is bc I already suffer from Major Depressive Disorder. Has anyone had any bad experiences with depression being on Copaxone?  Any help is greatly appreciated!  Now I sit and wait for my injections to arrive so we can get the show on the road!

[Karen99]

I have been wondering how you've been doing.  Sorry to hear about the diagnosis but getting on Copaxone will give you a great advantage to slow the progression down.  I choose Copaxone too because it does not cause flu-like symptoms.

Take really good care of yourself and cut yourself some slack during this time, okay?  I would like to suggest you get a copy of Richard Shapiro's book: Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis."  It is in it's 5th edition.  A copy was given to me during a MS Symposium, organized through the Reno Multiple Sclerosis Society.  When you are ready, get on their mailing list and attend any informational functions they have.  You will learn a lot. Knowledge makes MS less scary.  Understanding your symptoms and what you can do about them makes everything more manageable.    

Did Dr. L in CC diagnose you?  How is the hubby handling this?  

[supermum_ms]

I'm so sorry for your news, and i dont know what to say other than take care whilst you work through the roller coaster of emotions.

Hugs!!

JJ

[tonyad]

  I too, am sorry for your dx but glad (and I know that you are as well) that "YES" there is something wrong and by golly, it has a name!

I was also just dx a couple months ago and know oh to well how that emotional roller coaster feels. Even though we want a name and know what we have, it is still such a Shell-Shock when the doctor finally verbalizes it.

  Copaxone is the DMD I chose too. Only because of the (supposedly) decreased side affects such as having to have the liver monitored and so forth.
Relax, and give yourself time to take it all in.  It probably won't happen over night, but that is ok!  It is just so weird to "Finally" tell people..."I have MS" instead of....."Well the doctors are thinking this or thinking that"

   The dx Chapter is over and now the Dealing chapter begins. All will be ok though  :)
Take Care and I have you in my thoughts and prayers. Be kind to yourself and enjoy being off of Limbo Land.........BUT, Let's not forget all those who are still there.

~Tonya

[rendean]

Welcome to the land of the diagnosed. Sorry you have to be here but glad you finally got an answer. I've been diagnosed since 4/13/09

Everyone's warning about a roller coaster of emotions is true. Come here and we''ll help you sort it out.

I take Copaxone and have adjusted nicely to it. Great co-pay!

Hang in there and visit often!
Ren

[HVAC]

As Kathy said you will probably go through a roller coaster of emotions for awhile. Relief you know what it is, anger, disbelief. This is all normal.

Copaxone is not that bad. $20 is a bargain my copay is $100 until July when it goes to $200.

Hang in there,
Alex

[Fluffysmom]

Welcome to the other side of the mountain!  Wow, first time I've said that to someone else; I was diagnosed 10/19/09.

I've been on Avonex for 3 months, and I'm still getting used to the idea that I actually have MS.  It is getting better, though.  

Right after my diagnosis, even though I was expecting it, I went through a whole Disneyland of emotions; from being on the Matterhorn when it was broken down when I was at the halfway point, to the exhilaration after zooming down Splash Mountain, to the simple acceptance and enjoying a frozen chocolate covered banana.  OK, weird analogy, but it just came running out, lol!

Being here is such a great help, through each and every step of the journey.

Kathy

[Lulu54]

Hi Raekay,

We're glad you have a name to put to your problems, even though we are not happy that you join us in the MS pool.    

You are wise to look at all of the choices - I am on copaxone and will tell you it takes a while for your body to get used to it.  Fortunately most everyone settles into a routine with it, so don't get discouraged initially.

We're here when you want to chat more - it takes quite a while to process this news.  

be well,
Lulu

[essdipity]

We're with you in this new phase of your life. It's perfectly normal to have all kinds of emotions swirling through us at this point. For myself, I remember a 'what have I done' feeling when pushing on and on finally got this result. Just remember that these feelings will pass. It takes time to process such a huge alteration in our thinking of ourselves. Be easy on yourself as you go through this process.

Copaxone is a good choice. But if it doesn't work out, there are others out there. Meanwhile, check in here often for info, support, and sometimes fun.

ess

[LoveMyBostons]

Wow. Welcome to the club I guess :)

I'm glad you have a definite diagnosis. I know exactly how you feel. It's exciting to know what's going on but overwhelming also.

Good luck starting your meds! I'm glad you have good insurance so you don't have to wait to start Copaxone. I have had some of the unpleasant side effects from it (itching, weird skin pigmentation areas on my thighs) but they're starting to decrease over time.