I'm so sorry for your diagnosis, but as you know, from this side of the mountain, we now have plans of attack.
I used Rebif for a while, and I found self injection to be really very easy, from the very beginning. I started in my thigh, kind of off to the side. It may be different for guys. I thought I'd choose my "chubbiest" area to start. Guys are usually a little chubbier in the midsection. The needle is dinky. You hardly feel it. DO let the alcohol dry, or it stings!
Good luck with the Gabapentin, and do exercise as much as you can. For me, exercise improves my general outlook on life tremendously! I'm also in kind of a "use it or loose it" mode FWIW.
Hugs,
Guitar_grrrl
that is good news and not so good news. you probably suspected it anyway. at least that part of journey is over -- getting a diagnosis -- so now you can move on to a new phase. which is way better than the neuro merry-go-round.
glad you're on a new track. hope you feel better soon
well you finally have a Dx.. not glad you have MS, but now you know what is happening to you.. I remember when I got Dx... I wasn't sure how I felt..it took over 4 years to get a Dx.. At first I didn't believe it.. then it sunk in and know my family and friends are learning to deal with the issues that come up with this Dx.
hang in there and hope the meds help..
let us know how things go
wobbly
Mike, Welcome to our side of the mountain - 14 months is a lot of climbing uphill to get answers!
I'm sorry you have MS but knowing the name of your enemy for sure is the best advantage to beating it in the long run.
Just be prepared to deal with this news on different emotional and intellectual levels - when you most think you have come to grips with it, you will get whacked up the side ofthe head with reality. We've all been there and done that.
Take care and you know where to find us when you have questions or just need to vent.
wishing you well, Lulu
I never know if i should say congrats or not, when some one falls out of the limbo land tree, i'll say congrats on getting a name for what ales you.
Give your self a bit of time to adjust to the reality, i know people have spoken before about their expectations of relief on finaly getting their dx but the moment was fleeting and they hit feeling funky soon afterwards. I recommend howling at the moon, preferably not over your back fence or the neubours will think you've lost your marbles or strangling the dog.lol I'm all for humour but realise i might be a tad nutty about loving a good laugh, heck it makes me feel good and I always recommend laughing your self silly.
Please give your self time, its a new journey your on, it will take some adjusting, so be kind to your self!!
Cheers.......JJ
Mike,
Welcome to the club. You may still go through a range of emotions this is normal.
I am still not quite back to work but I am not beating myself up over it either. Do waht you can.
Alex
Congratulation I guess? I'm glad you have a diagnosis finally so you can start your Rebif and fight back!
I was almost happy when I was diagnosed. That lasted a day or so and then it started hitting me that I will spend the rest of my life fighting this disease.
I wish you good luck and more good days than bad!!
Thanks to all for the supportive comments!
I'm feeling quite possitive now that a couple of days have passed.
This is exactly what I wanted, a dx so I can fight it (well...maybe tame it a bit..)
It's good to know I've got a great support group here to help me through whatever might come up in the future, and I'm going to take advantage of it!
Best health to all
Mike
Hey Mike,
Sorry for the dx, but glad it came quickly. That's how I got mine. Hope too the Rebif can ward off further progress. I'm on it too and do fairly well w/it. Would be more than happy to elaborate on it if you wanted.
Don't you be a stranger - ya hear! We have MOB rules around here!
-Shell
Hi Mike,
I just got diagnosed a month ago. I've been off my nursing job since then. I go back this weekend & I'm not really sure I can make it through my 12 hour shifts.
I went through a good week of being a real nut. I was angry, then sad, then just pitiful. Then I just got it together & I am moving on with it.
I just started Copaxone last night. It burns, but it's not so bad. I kind of got a good feeling doing it. Like "take that! Now let's see if you can make my legs go numb!" I also started Lyrica for the electric shock pain & bladder burning. Unfortunately it helps my pain, but I feel too stoned for work. I think I will try the gabepentin like you. Better for work I bet.
Please hang in there. That Rebif is going to kick butt & no more relapses for you!
Sarah
Another welcome, albeit late, to join the "other side of the mountain." sorry for the dx but as many have said , at least you feel some control with a plan of attack. Hang tight , it can get a little rough on the emotional roller-coaster initially.
Stay and share your experiences, thoughts and questions with us. That's what we're here for.
Ren