Will I ever feel normal while being on Avonex?

[Rondi]

I just started on Avonex (had my 2nd injection a few days ago).  I'm wondering if I will ever feel like I did prior to it.
My side effects are not bad at all if I take Ibuprofen regularly.  I stopped taking it b/c my stomach started hurting on
& off everyday.  Since I stopped it, my stomach doesn't hurt anymore, but I have headaches all the time.  My head
feels kind of spacey also.  Will this go away?   I am so new to all of this.  I would love to hear from anyone who is
on Avonex or has been.  I like to hear the truth w/o sugar-coating.  Thanks very much.  

[twopack]

I never thought of that!  I don't have an iPhone (only a 1999 cell phone I barely use).  I had no idea the site looked so different on mobile devices.

[Aroma_1]

Yes, I found it , thank u so much

[Aroma_1]

Sry for the asking again n again, m using it from iPhone 3GS, I couldn't see it. Here is only orange for search mechelp!!  I went to full site but I couldn't see

[twopack]

Scroll up to the top of this page and look around for the big orange oval with the words inside that say "Post a Question".  It is to the right of center and close to the top but beneath the picture of the hands.

It's no problem that you didn't see the date.  I just want other people to answer and meet you besides me :)

[Aroma_1]

Where is place for post questions? I didn't see. Journal entries is the place for post question?

[Aroma_1]

Thanku so much, I m a new here. I hav medical assistance program card. I didn't see the date so i post here. Thanks again for suggest me.

[twopack]

Hi Aroma.  Welcome to the MS community of MedHelp.

You posted your question on a thread that is more than three years old and many people won't bother looking here.  You will get a better response if you start a new thread by clicking on the orange colored "Post a Question" icon at the top of the page.

I'm not sure what a map card is but I'm guessing it is a medical assistance plan.  Each plan is so different.  We usually have to call our individual providers to see what they cover.  There should be a number on your card.

I am also guessing about the test injection you were given.  It sounds like a TB skin test.  Avonex helps decrease flares of MS symptoms by modifying the way a person's immune system works.  There is a very small chance people taking it will be vulnerable to development of active tuberculosis.  Your doctor is probably being extra careful and checking for any past exposure to TB so he can be sure you aren't at risk once you start Avonex treatment.

Please don't hesitate to ask your doctor or his office nurse when you have questions.  YOU WILL DO FINE but MS is a very scary and overwhelming disease to live with at first.  They need to explain until you are satisfied you understand the answers.

We have an active and friendly group here.  Of course, we'll be glad to answer your questions as best as we can too.  I hope you will hang around, share a little about yourself and ask those questions as they come to mind.

[Aroma_1]

Does map card cover the cost of avonex??
How much does it take the cost if map card will cover it?? I diagnosed ms 2 days ago, doctor gave a injection on my hand to check the reaction... They called me Monday , they will check injected side, if it's ok then they will start my drug. But if injected side become red or allergic, they will sent to check TV...  Dont know anything... What's goin on... Any body took this injection to see reaction before start avonex?

[Quixotic1]

That is one of the reasons that a forum like this is so valuable to so many people.  Even if we don't think what we have to say is of any value, someone else may really benefit from it.  That's why I really encourage people to post their experiences.

We can all help each other even withut knowing that we do it!

Q

[Erin0313]

I have been on Avonex for almost 6 months. Just when I thought the side effects were getting better I feel awful again. I inject on Friday night and feel flu like for at least 24 hours again.

Thanks Quix for that tid bit. I am considering going off of it. I do seem very depressed like I just want to quit all of my meds my job my house chores etc. and throwing a big pity party for myself. The job is not an option cause we really need the $$$.

I see the doctor in 4 weeks so maybe I will wait and talk to her then about a change in DMD or a boost in the anti-depressant meds.

Good luck
Erin :)

[Quixotic1]

I was on Avonex for almost two years.  Initially I had stiffness and achiness for a couple days after the injection.  By about four months the side effects lasted just into the morning after taking the shot at about 7pm the night before.  I slept through them and they were just not a problem.  

Others have had similar experiences with shortening durations of the effects, some never got over them, like Heather3418.

The side effect that I didn't get over was depression.  Since I have been depressed to one level or another fopr more than 20 years, I didn't pay attention.  But, when I didn't have the money to continue the Avonex and had to go off of it, I had an amazing improvement in my mood.  It was as if I was depressed and then started a very effective anti-depressant.  My neuro recommended Copaxone, but I am VERY prone to welting up with small insults to my skin and I HATE itching.  I mean I really hate it!  I am considering going back on Avonex and upping the antidepressant.  Haven't decided yet.

It's a moot point.  No $$$.

Quix