There was a time, 3-5 years ago, when I would have heartily defended the stats and the drug companies. However, I've experienced the meds since then. Avonex was a total waste of money IMHO and I worsened with the low dose of interferon.

Rebif has reduced my relapses (or maybe age has) to the point where I have not been debilitated from a relapse in a little over three years (versus 3-4x/year). Sideffects are mostly localized (site reactions) and managable.

As I see and hear more...I become far more lenient in my valuation of various medicinal benefits. The human Spirit and determination has as much impact on MS (from what I've witnessed) as does a specific drug or dietary or supplement regimen.

Thanks for posting this link. Like you I have had some bad experiences with Avonex. My doctors keep telling me I need to get back on something but I have this deep gut feeling that keeps telling me NO. My experiences with my deep gut feelings during my life usually turns out to be right so I keep telling the doctors NO!

I can look back at the last 10 years and see 5 of decline and 2 of Avonex and monthly steroids and feeling pretty crappy and not getting much better, then 3 and a half years on Rebif and getting better and better and better. I'd never have believed it possible 5 years ago that i could have recovered as much lost ground as I have especially with that horrendous foot injury thrown in the mix.

My recommendation: If you've only tried one thing and it hasn't worked, give one of the others a go. There's a good chance you'll hit on something that works for you.