Hello,

I am new to this forum but not new to MS. I was dxd in 1998 and started Avonex in 1999. I am a high school teacher hoping to retire from teaching in 2009. I am married and we don't have any children. I am fortunate to have a retired husband who stays home and takes care of the house. This allows me to continue teaching. I couldn't do both,not enough energy. My symptoms are mainly spasticity. I just started taking Baclofen after using zanaflex which worked great but caused extreme dry mouth. That pretty much sums me up.

I am hoping someone can give me some insight.

The last 3 times that I injected the Avonex I was left with a bruise. I have bruised before on & off over the years but having it occur 3 times in a row made me question myself. I haven't done anything different and my husband concurs (he stays with me every time for moral support). I use the powder type with the standard needle. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions or advice?

Thanks, Debi

Weekends are kind of slow around here, but I'm sure someone with experience will come along soon to answer your question!

Good to have you!

Hi Debi, and welcome.

A friend of mine was going through that with Betaseron about a month ago, but it became more then bruising (open lesions on the skin). They decided he had become allergic, after about 4 yrs. Prior to that though, they also realized he had suddenly started to put the needle in at a different angle, but for some reason didn't notice he made the change. Just something to consider.

Also, there was some talk on another board recently about some side-effects with a batch of Avonex, lot P32034. It may have just been coincidence that two people had the same bad reaction, but I thought I'd put it out there for you to check.

Cherie

hi debi,
welcome to the borad...this place is great!!!
so many thing to offer.


aly

One big, warm, tight, hug, handshake and howdy, moose-size type welcome to the site. This place has everything!

I love teachers! I'm hoping to be one one day. Anyhowitzer, are you 'shooting up' in the same place over and over? I'm on the prefilled Avonex and haven't had the trouble you're explaining... just spit balling here. I would definitely get in touch with your PCP or neuro... or both. Just keep in mind:

You are not alone.
You are one of us.
And we are here to help.

When you mentioned Avonex and difference in your reaction to it, I knew I had recently read a thread on a MS board where some folks where questioning if anybody else was having problems with a specific lot number of Avonex.

I found the thread, but the reaction they were talking about was increased flu like symptoms, but the poster said they hadn't had a reaction for years, but was now experiencing it.

I copied the lot number, the thread was on the braintalk board, just for info sake, it was lot P32034.

Welcome from a fellow teacher... elementary for me. Trying to make it til 2010 to retire.

Sorry can't help out with the quetion. But wanted to say HI!

I'm on Betaseron, and when I have med-related questions, I contact my patient information people, MSPathways.

I'd call your Avonex people:

Quote:

Avonex® MS Active Source 800-456-2255

I expect they'd be able to give you more info about Avonex and its side effects than your physicians would.

~ Faith

BTW -- welcome!

Call MD. Have them check to make sure platelets are okay. Probably hit a tiny blood vessel.
Thankfully you have a good husband to give you the support that he is.

Check with the doc...make sure your blood counts have been taken recently...

More than likely you hit a little vein! I usually bruise when I pull the needle out and blood comes with it! nasty ugly little bruises!!! no biggy...just ugly!

I have quit icing before hand - that may be affecting mine somewhat? I don't know!

Good luck - tell us what the doc tells you...

(Avonex user)