Was diagnosed on Monday

[Sicilian650]

Hi all... This is all new to me...Found out 4 days ago that I had MS.. 6 months ago I begged my primary doctor to send me to a neurologist... She kept telling me it was stress and anxiety... Finally after 3 MRIs and blood work and a spinal tap he figured out it was ms... He wants to start me on copaxone... He told me to read about it... He said a lot of the other drugs have bad side effects... I don't know if I like giving myself a shot every day... I get bad leg spasms, vertigo when it's super hot, numbing, and now I get burning skin like a sun burn I can't get rid of...it's driving me nuts.. If any of you have advice I would love to hear it... Thanks all!

[22cyclist]

Welcome Scicillian to MS World! We are happy you joined, but sad for the reason. I replied to your similar post in Limbo Landers so I will not bore you again with the same answers. Just know that this is a good place to come for questions and to answer others questions. Also please check out our chat rooms as well.

Take care and I hope things settle down soon!

Lisa
Moderation Team

[hunterd]

WELCOME TO MS WORLD SICILIAN!!!!!! we are very glad to have you. Since you were so new to MS, you probably have 1 million questions. So anything you want to know, ask away. Others here are very generous with their experiences and will relay their suggestions to help get you through. Good luck

[misslux]

Hi and welcome. I've only been here for a week, so I'm new here too.

I'm sorry about the diagnosis, but now you can move forward with treatment and education.

[Sicilian650]

Diagnosed on Monday

Awwww thank you so much for all of your kind words... Are any one you and special diets...I was reading a lot about how people have certain diets... Also I am a sommelier ( wine specialist)... Do you find that alcohol intensifies the pains?

[misslux]

I have been vegan for 12 years but that was before MS symptoms and diagnosis. I think keeping yourself as healthy as possible just makes things easier in the long run.

More info in these threads:

http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=119229

http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=127902

[Cat Mom]

Hi Sicilian! No special diet tips but wanted to respond to your post re COpaxone. I have been on it for 6 years and it's definitely doing what it's supposed to do as I haven't had a steroid-worthy flare since Jan/09, no new lesions either. There are still symptoms that act up, and that's normal, and some permanent damage prior to Copax, when I was on Rebif.

The daily shot isn't bad, you'll get used to it. The main side effect is injection site reactions/burning and/or itching but come back here and ask for tips on how to manage that.

I hope that whatever med you choose is successful, please keep us posted.

Jen

[Mable]

Hi Sicilian,
I was diagnosed about a year and a half ago and take the Copaxone too. My experience is pretty much the same as Cat Mom's--It stings. You get used to it. I had no new lesions on my last MRI, and I haven't had any attacks or disease progression. But, like Cat Mom says, there are still symptoms, and I guess that's normal. (This summer heat is making me feel light headed and I'm taking a lot of naps.)

And the good news is that if Copaxone doesn't work for you, there are now a bunch of other drugs you can try until you find one that will work.

Good luck!

[Fed Up]

Regarding the 'burning' sensations: I recently had the shingles and they gave me an OTC cream called:
Calmoseptine Ointment

That stuff works for numerous things. It felt so good on the shingles I started putting it on the 2 areas I have 'burning' sensations; It helps.

And for itching sensations: My allergist said to try OTC;
Sarna Lotion;

I have and it helps, as well.

Oh and Sorry you are here, but Welcome and hope you find the answers and support here, I have! Seems most here have a PhD in this disease and I am learning all the time!

Fed

[Sicilian650]

Thank you all for the advice... Fed up...I'm going to the store tomorrow to pick both of those up...thanks for the tips!!!

[Sicilian650]

Fed up... I picked up that lotion and ahhhhhh relief...I am picking up the ointment tomorrow.... Thanks so much

[jamesoeckMS]

I have had MS along time

Hi Sicilian,
Glad to meet you, I have had MS for over 30 yrs. I an not able take any of the new meds that are on the market because I'm in a wheelchair. But I will tell you get to know your doctors and be friends with them. Let them know How you feel about the meds they put you on. Get a neurologist that you like and he listens to you and gives you the opportunity to talk. I would be glad to chat with you any time. I live in Illinois in the north west corner. My e-mail:

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