Hello to everyone! I made the jump from another forum and really like what I have seen here so far.....

I received my final diagnosis in December, 2007. I am not really sure whether to be glad or sad but I am hanging in there!! I have started Rebif - had 2 doses from the titration pack - and I have some questions!!!

First is fairly straightfoward I think - will have this headache forever? It isn't real severe and it kind've comes and goes, so it isn't something I can't deal with but I would rather not have to!!!

I have waves of crumminess during the day after my injection. Just a kind've washed out feeling - but like I said - that comes in waves. So I guess as far as side effects go it could be worse. But that is my next question.....as I increase the dose - will the crummies get worse?

Thanks everyone, in advance, for your help!

I think I'll stick around!

ive tried rebif and betaseron both made me feel worse than the ms.
stiffness,fatigue,so I gave it up,feel better without the meds.
each person reacts differently im sure.
wish you the best

I've never been on Rebif but was on Beta. Kinda similar side effects. I did also have the waves of crumminess and yes as I was increasing my dose they would get a little worse.

But, once I was on the full dose for awhile my body adjusted. I also had headaches. I have always had problems with those. I get them all the time.

Last weekend had one so bad that would not go away. Told my fiancee to either get me a pill or a bullet one or the other didn't matter. Luckily he came back with a pill.

I was on Rebif for a year or so after I was dx. (Hated it).
I remember the 'crummies' but I think that was part of my exacerbation. Not sure if it was the shots or not.

Either way, I hope you feel better soon.

Hey Carolyn,

With Rebif, make sure you stay really hydrated. I still get a headache if I'm not great with the water, both day of and day after shot. I actually try to get an extra 16 oz. in. most days for that reason.

I did feel a difference after bumping up from 22 to 44. While some people don't need it, I still need to take Alleve before the shot, and then the following morning. If not, I run a slight fever. So I've found if I get the Alleve in ahead of it, the fever doesn't appear.

Hope your adjustment goes quick. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

Kathy

Thanks for the advice! I thought I had heard something about drinking extra water but wasn't really sure..... that could be an easy solution - today I will drink!

Carolyn...........I have been on Rebif for 4 going on 5 years. The headaches are the number 1 side effects. The home nurse from Serono/Pfizer that comes to see me, told me to take aleve about 30 min. before my shot and about 4 hours later try excedrin migraine. Keep well hydrated and take the shot early enough in the evening so I am sleeping through the worst of it. Rebif peaks at 8 hours, keep that in mind.
Even after all this time, I understand the crummies......and there are times I really have to convince myself that, "this is better than the alternative!"
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions........Barb

Right now I am thinking that the crummies aren't as crummy as I thought they were going to be - I am just hoping I'm not fooling myself!
I definately agree - I feel like I am finally trying to fight instead of just waiting for the next symptom to appear and hoping that it isn't too bad.
Even after 3 treatments - I am feeling more positive and not so defeated....

Hey Carolyn

Glad to hear you are feeling more positive. It really helps when dealing with the diagnosis. A while ago, in another world, someone had said that when they inject, they picture themselves attacking the MS. I go back to that on days when I just don't want to inject. It puts me back into a feeling of control (not that I'm a control freak or anything)

Hope things keep going well for you.