I often find myself frustrated with the choice between staying on Avonex and stopping treatment completely. I am looking for advice/opinions on alternatives.
I have been taking Avonex for 3 1/2 years, and have experienced all of the common side effects - flu symptoms, night chills, night sweats, hair thinning, muscle pain .... I have been taking my shot every week since it was prescribed and have only missed 4 shots during that time. I have progressively been developing migraines, eye pain, vision trouble, and what seems to be a slight sense of depression. I am starting to wonder if all of this is due to the Avonex. Of course, my specialist attributes these issues to the MS itself, but I am not convinced.
Most recently, I started to experience blurred/double vision while I exercise and any other time my heart rate goes up. I do not take this issue lightly, and do not feel that the answer, "It's your MS" is good enough. I am currently working with my family doctor to rule out vascular disease. However, all of this has got me really thinking about what is going on with my body and what may be causing this.
I am wondering if anyone out there has had a similiar experience? Has anyone had success with an alternative to Avonex?
I have been taking Avonex for 3 1/2 years, and have experienced all of the common side effects - flu symptoms, night chills, night sweats, hair thinning, muscle pain .... I have been taking my shot every week since it was prescribed and have only missed 4 shots during that time. I have progressively been developing migraines, eye pain, vision trouble, and what seems to be a slight sense of depression. I am starting to wonder if all of this is due to the Avonex. Of course, my specialist attributes these issues to the MS itself, but I am not convinced.
Most recently, I started to experience blurred/double vision while I exercise and any other time my heart rate goes up. I do not take this issue lightly, and do not feel that the answer, "It's your MS" is good enough. I am currently working with my family doctor to rule out vascular disease. However, all of this has got me really thinking about what is going on with my body and what may be causing this.
I am wondering if anyone out there has had a similiar experience? Has anyone had success with an alternative to Avonex?
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