[DizzyLizzy]

I recieved a call from the Neurologist at work yesterday afternoon to let me know that he had reviewed all of my history, labs, MRI's, spinal tap etc, and said that he would like to have me start on a treatment plan. He said that he would like to talk with me in person, and then asked if I could come in that afternoon! Of course I said I would, as his office is about 6 miles from my job, so my husband and I were in his office within 30 minutes.

We sat down with him and he went through the pro's and con's of the medications and said that the two he would want me to consider are Rebif and Copaxone. He was leaning to Copaxone, but wanted me to make the decision. I decided that Copaxone would be the one.

His nurse will be ordering my copaxone on Monday, and once delivered to my home I will go in to see the nurse so she can teach me how to inject myself.

Now, quite honestly......I am feeling unusually relaxed about all of this. Maybe because I can finally just "get on" with it and stop all the worrying and wondering about what the next steps were going to be.

Yes, I feel that having a diagnosis of MS sucks and yes, I wish I didn't have to hear those words, but I also feel that I am extremely blessed to be doing as well as I am, especially with all of the suffering that is going on in the world.

I feel like my life has just made a complete "flip" since yesterday....I can't explain it, but I have such a strong conviction that this diagnosis is going to open my life up to a world of new opprtunities.....how does that happen? It was as if the light was turned on and I can see more clearly. I don't think I am in denial, because I understand what is going on, but I feel like I have just had a major "pardigm" shift.

I'd love to hear if anyone else has had this type of epiphany dealing with the diagnosis of MS?

[PolarExpress]

I think I understand what you mean..I never went thru the denial phase, or anger, or hopelessness, or "poor me"..I'm not sure why, believe it or not I was a little concerned that I didn't have any of those reactions. It was definately a good feeling to start some kind of medication. Whether it worked for me or not, at least I felt as though I was "doing" something..It's a strange thing to try and describe. It was certainly a shock, and definately not something I wanted, but it is what it is..I hope the Copaxone works well for you!

[doydie]

I never went through that period because my symptoms and diagnosis was so sudden for me. But knowing what it is and knowing that you are going to injection yourself is just so empowering!

[Bearygood]

I think that even those of us who are lucky enough to be doing well come to realize that our life could change at any minute. But really, it's the same for people who aren't in our situation! Wrapping my head around that concept has been very meaningful to me. I'm sure there are other things but that's the first thing that comes to my mind. And I DO find that empowering because it motivates me to take control of the things I CAN control as long as I am able. (Well, on a good day -- I admit that I can still get pretty lazy! )

[DizzyLizzy]

Originally Posted by PolarExpress

I think I understand what you mean..I never went thru the denial phase, or anger, or hopelessness, or "poor me"..I'm not sure why, believe it or not I was a little concerned that I didn't have any of those reactions. It was definately a good feeling to start some kind of medication. Whether it worked for me or not, at least I felt as though I was "doing" something..It's a strange thing to try and describe. It was certainly a shock, and definately not something I wanted, but it is what it is..I hope the Copaxone works well for you!

I really like Dr. Parry and it was because of your recommendation that I had the fortune to meet him! I believe in Karma....and therefore believe that good things will come your way for your kindness!

[DizzyLizzy]

Originally Posted by doydie

I never went through that period because my symptoms and diagnosis was so sudden for me. But knowing what it is and knowing that you are going to injection yourself is just so empowering!

You know, the Dr. asked me if I thought I would have problems with the injections and I told him that I didn't think so. I am going to start coaching myself into believing that it is not going to be so bad...... I figure the more I tell myself that I believe this, the more likely I will be able to tolerate the injections.

[PolarExpress]

I'm just really glad you like him and that this all worked out for you!
The Copaxone shots aren't bad. I had them for awhile, and while the daily thing could get old at times, the shots themselves weren't particularly painfull..I used the autoject, which made it even easier (I didn't have to watch..LOL)..

[Dejibo]

sometimes its empowering just to have some answers. To finally stop chasing answers, and to be able to settle into a diagnosis, and roll up your sleeves poking MS in the eye, instead of chasing one medical test after another, and getting told to go home, and call if things get worse. I found just having the answers was enough to motivate me into action.

I started on Beta, and had to switch to Copaxone after Liver issues. Copaxone can have a bit of a bee sting bite to it during the early days, and I want you to know that it get better. MUCH MUCH MUCH better. I have found that after the injection (using injector or manual doesnt matter) take your cotton ball, and PUSH directly into the injected area. DONT RUB! copaxone is a sharp crystal style med, and rubbing will fracture the crystals. Just PUSH hold FIRM pressure for 15 to 30 seconds. This will push the med from the upper layer of fat, into the deeper layers of fat, where its more easily absorbed.

Many folks find that using a claritin or zyrtec product during the first six months, and maybe some benedryl/hydrocort cream will help with that itch that seems to land on it for for the first lil bit. After about six months, its magic time! its like your body just sort of gives up, and realizes that this stuff is here to stay. It also takes between six months, and a year to build up to a therapuedic level. I of course took longer than the rest.

Copaxone has been a decent drug for me. No flu side effects, no depression, no liver side effects. Its a combo of 4 amino acids, and a sugar based mannitol to keep it stable.

Please come back when you start and let us know how you do. Its so empowering to take charge of your health, and get poking! welcome to the copaxone club.

[AfterMyNap]

Absolutely, Amy. It took a few years of guesswork and mental health accusations before I finally landed with a physician who understood what I was experiencing.

I did shots for 13 years but they no longer work for me. It just becomes part of the routine like brushing your teeth or doing the laundry.

It was literally a relief to finally reach the end of the bizarre odyssey and learn that there is an answer. It was within 2 years that I halted my career, went to freelancing and dedicated my time and energy to full-time living.

After 7 years freelancing, I recognized how much the changes had begun effecting my every day living and I completely stopped working to pursue the things I had planned for retirement.

Man! I am SOOOOOO glad I did it when I did it! I have been progressing steadily for several years now and have come darned close to completing my bucket list. There is no time to lose!

While there are a few things I simply will never be able to do, like the 6-month European backpacking tour, I am very blessed to have been able to carpe my diems with full force.

[FinLady]

When I first got the DX, I was so relieved we had an answer. Especially since they were first looking for a tumor. Then the limbo merry-go-round. So first reaction was, finally!

Then the first year grief cycle started soon thereafter. I was a mess for a little while, but eventually got out of that.

Copax was my first choice. I was one of the rare ones who got IPIRs, which became too much for me. Otherwise I'd still be on it - been stable for about two years (even in the spinal leisons which was cool) and not much else in side effects. There are site reactions, but those go down over time. Whether it's the bod getting used to the med or finding the right combo of heat/cold that works for you is up in the air.

Best of luck!