[Momma's Kids]

When first dx in 2001 I shortly started taking Copaxone, for three plus years I took injections. I stopped for two reasons, cost and side effect from joint pain. The joint pain is still around and sx are getting worse which makes me consider I might need to go back on injections.

I will be seeing a new neuro in a few days which I always hate...long story short. A first visit to a new neuro, you don't have MS stop all medication. Twelve days later after seven of solumedrol drips, he says he could be wrong...so I'm not crazy about seeing a new neuro.

I could go see one that is a four hour drive round trip...not a good thing for me, I get too tired and can't always drive back.

I don't mind the shots, that's not the problem...tis the pain of joints that makes me wince. I would gladly take a shot, needles don't faze me...I give myself B12 twice a month if needed. Those needles are way longer than the Copaxone needles.

I just wonder if Copaxone is the best for me or should I try something different. I wish my first neuro was closer rather than in Tampa, Fl. He prescribed Copax because it has the least side effects for most people.

I think I have done really well for the past two or so years without taking any injections...

Opinions and ideas are welcomed...

[NurseNancy]

copaxone may be well tolerated by most people but some folks do have SE's. and that might be you. you know your body best and if you want to try something else your dr should be open to that.

know this is just my personal opinion. but, i believe strongly in taking an MS med. i've heard too many stories of folks who went yrs without problems on no meds and then all of a sudden had a terrible flare.

i believe the dr when they say that MS is a degenerative, non-curable neurological disease affecting the CNS. that's why i believe in taking a med that might prevent long term disability.

remember, this is just my opinion and that of the NMSS.

[lady_express_44]

I know as many people who have gone years ON meds . . . then went downhill, as those who've gone years NOT on meds . . . then went downhill. It's the nature of the beast, unfortunately.

If Copaxone has caused you problems to the point where you felt you had to quit . . . I agree that you might want to try another at this point. If whatever you try doesn't work out, you could always re-try Copaxone then.

Cherie

[Debbie D]

Joint pain as a side effect of Copaxone? Hmmm....how does it differentiate from arthritis pain?

[Momma's Kids]

Debbie... you'll know, painful always...but at times the major joints would be unbearable. I tried everything for the pain...I still have pain but not like then.

I've had arthritis for years, recently my doc told me he thinks I might have RA in my hands. If I type for any length of time my hand joints will become painful and are swollen most of the time.

I just hate the SE, but I guess I'm willing to give it another go if I need.

[SandyC]

Jim was on Beta when it first came out and was changed to Copax and then Avonex for various reasons. He is now back on Beta with no side effects at all.

I say follow your gut but do try if you can tolerate it. The LDN thread seems to be having good results if that becomes and option for you. Jim's neuro wont even go there with LDN but his spinal cord doctor is researching it.

[barb02]

It is a tough call. I have not been on any treatment for a year and have felt ok, but I have new lesions. So I am going to give copaxone another try even though I had problems with it too (IPIR's and injection site reactions the size of a baseball). You might try it again and see if joint pain gets worse or try one of the interferons if you can tolerate them. I have arthritis in my knees and they bother me alot, but I do not remember them being worse while I was on copaxone.

[sassy]

well, sister of mine, I hate to see you on no meds so my suggestion is maybe do what I have done. I am on my 3rd DMD because of side effects and hoping to just hang on until the perfect drug comes along.

Good luck with your decision and I, too, wish you lived closer to the neuro that you like.

Take care