Hi Nancy,

Well, you've obviously gotten some good responses. I just wanted to say I am sorry about your diagnosis. I have had MS for probably about 30 years, but was only diagnosed not quite 7 years ago.

I was encouraged by my Doctor to start one of the meds right away and did just that. I was on Avonex for 1 year, and did alright, but I have now been on Rebif for about 5 years. It is strange but the Rebif given 3 times a week and being stronger does not give me the side effects that Avonex did. I think it is because it stays more evenly in the body. Having said that, I want to stress that Avonex did not give me that bad of a reaction. I usually felt kind of tired and bad the next day, especially in the morning, then it would be over.

Do not be afraid to start one of the medications if you and your Doctor feel you should. Many Neurologist are now recommending that even some people who are "probable MS" be on these drugs. Before I started Avonex I was scared to death because I kept hearing that I would be sick, etc. For me it has not been that bad.