husband going on avonex soon

[lovingwife923]

Hello All-
My husband was recently diagnosed with probable MS after positive mri and a bout with optic neuritis. He is set to go on avonex in early june (we have just set up an appointment with the nurse).

He has been feeling really well since the optic neuritis and after some initial depression about everything that has happened has been doing great as of late. While I understnd the potential benefits of avonex, I am concerned that the side effects from avonex and once again facing everything will set him back again. He tends to get depressed at times so I am specifically concerned about that aspect. In addition, he works in a very high pressure job and I am concerned that this may leave him sidelined from work (in an environment that he does not want to open up to about the situation yet)....
I know many have had similar concerns but really just looking for some support. THANK YOU!

[lovingwife923]

Hi Shell,
Thanks for the quick reply! It is so nice to have a group to talk to this stuff about with.... I find my husband is still in a bit of denial/avoidance at this stage so the research, etc has fallen on me..I tend to be a worrier by nature too :)
I am glad to hear you are doing well on Rebif and hope that my husband will tolerate as well!

My husband has not been formally diagnosed with MS at this point but we have gone to two specialists after he was hospitalized for optic neuritis (treated with intravenous and then oral steroids). His initial mri showed one definite lesion and spinal tap results consistent with MS. Given all of this , both specialists recommended Avonex therapy.I didnt do much research on the other therapies but since both respected drs recommended avonex I ssume that is the right course of action-

Thanks again!

[sllowe]

Hi there!

Nice to meet you!  

I understand keeping it under his hat for work. When, or if it's time, he'll divulge. If he's doing well he may just take the add on of a DMD in stride and not notice a thing. While I can't speak to the side affects of Avonex, I am on Rebif and find them very tolerable. Went about my night to back to school night after the 1st shot and the rest is history. Flu-like is not severe like the flu at all  Like all meds, they do have to list all the potentials.

You definitely came to the right place for support and info, I'm glad you found us. How did he come to a diagnosis? If you are comfortable to share, please do so. Ask us anything, we are always game.

THANK YOU for joining us!
-Shell