Dr. appointment today

I'm sorry to hear that it is likely that you have MS.  Getting such a diagnosis is always scary, and MS can be very uncertain.

Have you done any reading over at the National MS Society website? You can find it at www.nmss.org

As for starting Avonex...there is lots of evidence that suggests that the earlier you start any of the disease-modifying drugs, the better your chances of reducing the disability that MS can bring. They all are designed to at least slow the progression of the disease, and reduce the number and intensity of exacerbations.

Note, though, that they won't stop ALL disease progression, nor stop all exacerbations...but, speaking from personal experience, here, if you can reduce even by one, the number and intensity of flares you experience, you'll be much better off than those of us who didn't have such medicines when we were first diagnosed...

Bottom line: if he's willing to prescribe it, I'd certainly start Avonex, and continue to explore the other drugs, in case there is some reason in the future that you want or need to switch.

Don't hesitate to ask questions about the lp, if you have them.  Good luck with it next Friday.

Thank you for the advice. I did look at the mss website in fact I called them and found a chapter somewhat in my area and they sent me some info. I'm going to call the avonex number on Monday. I'm still confused on what to do. I know i need to start it, but for some reason I'm hestitant to. I think one reason is that I dont want to add any more financial obligations to my household, also, as good as my family has been through all this, I don't want them to see me sick (with the side affects). . Plus I have hundred more thoughts on it. But I know that if I don't take it, chances are that I may become so disabled that I won't be able to work (it's very hard to get through the shift now) and that would be a huge financial burden and the kids will see me sick most of the time instead of just a day or two from the injection side affects. so, I THINk that i will start them after the holidays.

I agree, if your doctor is willing to prescribe one of the injection therapies for you then I would start it. Research shows that the sooner treatment is started the better the outcome over the long term. Not everyone with MS will become disabled but the progression of the illness varies so much in the individual the injections are the best way, right now, to slow the process.

It is expensive. Do you have prescription coverage at your work? Most likely with a definate dx and prescription coverage the copay is what you are looking at costwise in most cases. If for any reason it is not covered, there is an organization called NORD that can help with the cost.

You need to talk with both your doctor and your insurance company. It would be unusual for a nurse to come regularly (weekly) to give you a shot. One will come when you first start it, to teach you *how to inject yourself*, and be available (by phone) thereafter, but I don't think anyone has a nurse coming regularly to do it.

The by-mail thing: again, check with your insurance company. It would be impossible for us to tell you how it will work with your individual plan. Some plans have mail order services, which mean you only have to pay one co-pay for a three month prescription, thus aving you money (not having to pay a monthly co-pay.

Most of us order this drug -- it either comes by mail, or we pick it up at our local pharmacy, just lilke any other prescription, then either inject ourselves, or have a spouse or willing companion do it. It's not that big a deal, once you get used to how it all comes together.