MS club is not really what we wanted to join, huh?
Avonex has terrible side effects and Copaxone on the other hand, side effects are not bad, other than like myself...itching and redness at the injection site along with lumps.
Why are these drugs not working you ask? They, being the experts, say it takes at least a year of constant medication to actually begin to slow the progression down. Like with Copaxone and the need to take it every day is because it is not in your system for a great amount of time. Unsure about Avonex, Beta, Rebif or other approved drugs. I do know that Copaxone is not toxic to your liver.
And it also depends on the form of MS you have. Is it RRMS, PPMS, SPMS or Benign? It could be that you were given a dx of RRMS and maybe it has now gone in to SPMS and if that would be the case then one drug that worked for RRMS may not slow it down for SPMS.
I injected each and every day with Copaxone for three (3) years and one day I decided, my own personal choice and not one that my nerologist liked what so ever, was no more needles and I haven't looked back. I also changed my diet, lowered stress, exerise as much as possible, which is not always consistent. Oh, and keeping a postive attitude always works.
As you both may know, MS does not treat us all the same, some better than others and some worse as others. Some may have more bad days and others good. Some may not be able to handle heat while others can. One day you can walk, the next day your leg is heavy and the following week you are able to run.
When I was younger I always loved the unpredictabilities in life, however this is not what I had intended.
Advice I can give is to do what you feel is best for you, keep a positive attitude and stay away from processed foods and cows dairy. And keep informed on all the latest information on MS. There are free magazines for the taking...I don't have their sites but you may be able to find them by googling their names: Focus & MSA Motivator. Up to date info on treatment, devices, etc.
~Zig
