There many, many people who would trade with you. As with any disease, if you look at the gloomy side, you'll be gloomy, but if you find the bright side, that's what you'll be. You get to make the choice, either way.

Thank you all for responding.I really appreciate you advice and time. Does anyone know if the Interferon meds really help curtail the progression? As much as I am anxious to start them,I am also afraid of them! Sending out well wishes to you all!!

No.

There is no guarantee the Disease Modifying Drugs (DMDs) will slow progression but that is what they are supposed to do. For some the DMDs seem to work, others keep progressing regardless.

This disease is a crapshoot.

Mild MS is only mild until it isn't.....Having said that I am still considered mild even as I am into my 21st year of diagnosis. But even if you are considered mild this disease can be very difficult and can leave residual symptoms.

Thanks Snoopy!! I think I'm leaning towards trying them,not sure which would be the one though.I still need to review them with my neuro. Thanks again. Nancy

Welcome Nancy nurse, this is Joycie nurse! I was dx probable MS when I was 47, was able to work for about 3 years and am now on SSD. I am glad for all the years I worked as a nurse in that it gave me a nice monthly SSD check and now my body can concentrate on being as healthy as possible. I am absolutley positive that I would not be as healthy, not that I am healthy, as I am right now if had tried to continue working.

I am on Avonex. I started it about 3 months after dx. 10 yrears later I still only have the one lesion. Is that because of the Avonex? Who knows! But I'n not willing to chance it. I like Avonex because it is once weekly shots and it's IM. I get routine blood work to make sure my liver is OK with all of this. Stay in good communication with your Neuro and PCP.

Good luck and I'm glad you found us!

Dear Doydie,thanks for your very encouraging words!! I can't tell you how much I needed to read what u wrote.I am afraid of the side effects of taking Avonex,was wondering if Copoxone would be better even though its a daily sc versus one IM shot. I am so pleased to hear how well u are doing! I too have been wondering how long I will be able to work.I currently work in a very busy OB unit- no stress there !!! L O L Hope to hear from you again! Nancy

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.

I am on Copaxone now and have been for about 4 years with time off during two pregnancies. I tried Avonex for a year and the side effects were too rough for me. I think C is the drug for me and I do believe it is working for me. I hate the shots every day but the needle is much smaller. The IM shots were really hard for me.

Starting a therapy was a big step for me. It was the only way I could do something to take control. I would recommend starting a therapy to do something positive for yourself. Give yourself a break for awhile. Being dx'ed is extremely traumatic. Take care and welcome to the board.
Jean

Nancy, hi am snowbunny here. I take avonex, it's once a week, & the side effects that I have had have been mild. I take advil 45 minutes prior to injecting. I have occassionally felt a little achy, but that's about it. You still need to talk to your neuro, To decide what's best for you. I like the once aweek. No fuss no muss. Take care & good luck with what ever you decide.

Welcome NancyNurse, I am on Avonex. I started it when I had my first episode. that was three years ago and I did pretty well. I am having a relapse right now however, I have to wonder if it would have been much sooner if I wasn't taking this medication. Only time will tell, but I have to say Avonex has served me pretty well.

Good luck and try and stay positive.