Know Multiple Sclerosis

Upon being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I was given three pamphlets for each of the ABC drugs (there was no R (Rebif) yet). The National MS Society has a lot of information about each treatment. Here is a little information about them:

A - Avonex, a once-a-week injection of interferon beta-1a.
B - Betaseron, an injection of interferon beta-1b. This is administered between three and four times per week.
C - Copaxone, a daily injection of glatiramer acetate.
R - Rebif, an injection of interferon beta-1a given three times a week.

After speaking with my neurologist, we chose Avonex. It seemed to make sense to try the one with the least number of injections. Initially, my wife gave me the injections in my shoulder. After some time, I started giving the injections to myself in the legs. I remember clearly the first time - I must have sat there for ten minutes trying to bring myself to do the shot. After I finally did it, I wondered why it took me so long. Now, I don't think twice about it.

I have had MRIs done every two years since starting treatment in 1999. They have shown no progression. That doesn't necessarily mean the disease is not active since MRIs may not show all damage. However, those results combined with no new symptoms seem to indicate the Avonex is working for me. It's important to remember that each person responds differently to each medication.

I'm sharing my experience with Avonex so that readers know there are options when being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I encourage people to find out more about those options by talking to their neurologist.