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[limenal]

New lesion(s). In my brain. Less than three of them. They were there on my December MRI results, but I just found out about them today. I don't feel like doing all the exposition right now, but the bottom line is that the study protocol for the drug study I am in says that I have to be offered MS therapy now. So, I've been offered Avonex - self-

Comments

[twostepsfwd]

Fuckity fuck. This is not good news. I am sorry you are dealing with this. However, I think you're doing a very smart thing by going to Australia and letting yourself mull this over and discuss it with folks (maybe you can even get a second medical opinion?) before making a decision. My gut instinct is to encourage you going on these meds, to reduce the possibility of the Is-it-or-isn't-it-MS getting any worse. But I think that's something only you can decide after weighing everything carefully. (And hey, if you get the profound sadness can it be countered by a profound happy pill?) I do relate to being medicated for conditions doctors aren't sure you have. I've been going through that a lot lately, getting medical interventions because they think "maybe" I have something. It is a very frustrating and angering experience, when it feels like the medical world is either knowing something they're not telling you or SHOULD have all the answers and just doesn't. Wonder if you could get some feedback on the MS community on LJ or the

[milosh]

also sending you hugs, also glad you have some time to think about this before making a decision, also thinking you should get some other medical opinions, also thrilled by the Lucille Two reference.

loving you and wanting you to live (which sounds eerily earnest/morbid under these circumstances, but you know it's just GUFFMAN)

[logankiefer]

xoxo

[samofthesea]

Hey there stranger...I'm sorry to hear about the new lesions...I was the spouse of someone with new lesions once, and as scary as it was for me, I've still got no way to get how scary it must be for you.

Joy was on Avonex for several years, and she might be a good resource for you...

You're a smart cookie so I know you'll get all the info you need to make the right choice for you...I just wish it was a choice you didn't have to make...

:\

avonex....

[spunkvixen]

sorry to hear about what you are going through....the ambiguity really sucks. a good friend of mine is going through the same thing....has multiple lesions, lots of symptoms and is progressing, an mri that proves m.s. but a spinal tap that is inconclusive. so they won't even allow her to go on avonex and won't give a firm diagnosis.....she is seeking second and third opinions currently.

i was on avonex for over 3 years....was diagnosed jan of 04 with m.s. went off of it this past summer as i pulled a massive allergic reaction to it. i didn't mind being on it at all....you get used to the weekly injections and after about 6 months or so....the flu like symptoms dissipate....

let me know if you want to talk about it....i'm here for you!

Re: avonex....

[limenal]

Hey, thanks for this comment, it was really helpful. And thanks for the support! It is honestly such a relief to know actual people with actual experiences with this stuff, seriously. I am probably just going to do it, once I'm back in SF in a couple of weeks. Looking forward!