Medication?

[phrog]

Hi everyone,
  I'm going on 4 months now of symptoms including ataxia (pretty severe), numbness on whole right side, double vision,  nausea.  I got a second opinion last week and was told again that it's "most likely MS".  I had "hyperintensity" on my last MRI (may) and just had another today.  This was something I insisted on as my neurologist thought it wasn't important.  I had blood work done which came back fine and a spinal tap that also looked fine.  My doctor is pretty batty at times and seems a little too busy for me.  I don't have a lot of confidence in him.  That being said, I've been given info on copaxone, avonex, and betaseron.  The info is all from their respective manufacturers and seems pretty bias.  I'm having trouble deciding which course to take.  So my question is...  which do I take?  What's the best?  Thanks guys!

Lisa

[phrog]

Thanks!  I did go to the 2nd doc who agreed with my regular neurologist.  My concern is simply that neither doctor has seen the actual image of my brain, they only have seen the report.  This would be OK except that the differential DX in that report suggests a small stroke as well. Now, I'm a petite, 26 yr old with no other risk factors except that i'm on the nuvaring for contraception. One of the side effects for that is stroke.  Also, I had a blood test done that tested positive for blood clots.  No one is looking into that because I'm too young, but I think they should.  I guess that's what denial looks like, huh?! Hahaha.  My doc here is pretty scatter-brained and that gives me little confidence.  He suggested I do another 5 days of steroids despite the fact that I had no relief of symptoms.  Then he changed his tune and said it isn't worth it.  I'm feeling the same.  I'm under a good deal of stress as my husband who is active duty is preparing for another deployment next month and one of my daughter's has a special need that requires a lot of doctor's visits (she was in  the hospital for about 10 days just last month).  All of this is making my symptoms all the more inconvenient.  I'm frustrated by the fact that 6 months ago I was doing great, feeling great, and now I'm discussing walkers and wheelchairs with my doctor.  As most of you are feeling, this MS thing was NOT in my plans!  I just did another MRI yesterday so hopefully that will shed some more light on things.  Thanks for the support and for the advice on meds.  I dont even like taking tylenol, so this is a big deal for me!  
Feel well,
Lisa

[sllowe]

Lisa - where you been?  Your 1st Doc give you the info a bit ago? Or, is my brain getting folks jumbled...lol

My personal experience is w/Rebif.  I don't have the experience to comparision between each, but can speak to Rebif.

I had all the typical flu-like symptoms they speak about.  After a few months they did lessen greatly. My liver enzymes remained good throughout, though some on the board have had to go off due to elevated levels.

I was only on for 5 months and developed an allergic reaction to some of my meds.  Not knowing which one, in the near future, I am going to challenge the Rebif.  I'm doing this because if I have to totally know if I am allergic to interferon's, because if so, I don't have but 1 or 2 other options to manage the MS.

I feel for you because I did not know what to do after dx also.  My doctor basically left the decision up to me, and I have found here w/our group that they experienced this too.  I started a thread somewhere that might have some good comments in there from people.  I'll look for it and bump it.  

I think I was looking for the difference between the Rebif or Avonex (which is the same med, different pharm Co. and different dosing and injection type) which are interferons and Copax. which is a peptide, basically.

So, did you like your 2nd opinion Dr?  How you feeling?  Haven't seen you in a bit, and would love an update.

ttys,
Shelly

[wonko]

bump
(I know RAY911 would like some advice on this as well)

[kimstvr]

Sorry for the time you have been having. Sounds like a pretty rough ride. I dont know much about MS treatments as I was just dx in January, so hopefully the powers of this forum will check in with you... (Im sure they will cuz they are very helpful). I personally take Avonex. I am just starting my 5th month. Its pretty tolerable for me know. The first month was a bit rough.(chills, aches and fatigue. which ibuprofen helped a bit) But it could be that way with all meds that u have listed. I like the once a week injection versus daily (works better with my schedule) . Im not sure if any of this will help you because I guess they affect ppl differently. One thing I do know is when I met my Avonex nurse I thought she was off her rocker. She told me that intramuscular shots do not have the increased pain that you would think. I thought she was nuts. But I medicated, like I was told and iced for 3-4 mins and seriously I cant even feel it. Hope my rambling helped a bit with my lack of knowledge but Im sure you will hear from others soon,. Take care & be well! Kim