Moose has been on Avonex for close to 3 years now. I like it. Was on Rebif before... I like the Avonex much better. The needle is even thinner, so you barely feel it.

Premedicate a half hour or so before the shot. I do 800mg of ibuprofen. But find the right one for you, as some of these pills can mess your stomach up.

My first Avonex definitely gave me the flu like symptons. Shakes, achy all over and spiked a pretty good fever. Only lasted about a day. These tapered off over time and it's no longer an issue. I also take the shot just as I'm going to bed at night, so I sleep through anything that may creep up.

Can you or have you been instructions to work your way up to the full dose? Maybe just half today. 3/4 next week. Full dose the next week?

Now... telling your date... I've always found subliminal messages a key in this regard.

"Wow. You look really nice".
"Thanks. You can't tell I have MS can you?"
So what did you have in mind for dinner. I was thinking "Greek"...
"Greek's OK. It's OK that I have MS, too.
"Great. I know a really good place."
"Then it's settled... Greek it is!" No, MS isn't contagious. So you can kiss me goodnight later.

Then throw 'em a curve with "I love this song!" And then you turn up the radio.

But that's just me.