Just joined....

[Sara2000]

New to the site and I look forward to reaching out to others with MS.

Have a great Friday!!

[jimeka]

Hi, it's nice to see a smiling face, keep it up, does wonders for us all. God bless Jimeka

[Featherhead]

Thank you for the welcome Sara, L am new here diagnosed this year started with slurred speech hoping the copaxone will keep it at bay. How are you ?

[Sara2000 in reply to Featherhead]

Hi! I started off by having optical neuritis - first in my left eye, then it went away, then it started in my right eye. I was diagnosed in 2000 and started off by using Copaxone. I was on Copaxone for about 13 years, then switched to Tecfidera. Just happy to not to have to give myself a nightly shot!

[itasara in reply to Sara2000]

Hi Sara2000, just curious what the reason is you switched meds. Was it a specific change in your symptoms or MRI? I have been on Copaxone for 10 years I believe. I was diagnosed a couple months before that so technically I've had MS for 11 years just about. I've been taking the three times a week variety for about a year or so. So far I haven't seen a reason to switch nor has my neurologist. I have not had an MRI since diagnosis 11 years ago this could be the year.

[Sara2000 in reply to itasara]

I switched because I was "needle-injection-burned out". I was tired of the daily injections and I basically stopped doing them. Thirteen years of daily injections was enough. I've also found that the Tecfidera helps out better with my migraines as I don't get them as often now. I'm not quite sure how that works, but it has and I'm not complaining!

[itasara in reply to Sara2000]

I also am very tired of injections. I have lines down my thighs of skin atrophy which isn't terrible but I didn't realize after all these years until one day I saw them in the shade looking in my mirror.I was glad when the three time a week Copaxone came out; but I and others did have to fight for it because insurance put up a stink but they have since changed their minds. I'm also tired of all such politics involved. I would like to take a pill or some other medication less often but I do worry about the possible side effects And the monitoring it must be done periodically which doesn't need to be done with Copaxone. I probably might not ever have a problem with other medications but not willing to take a risk at this point unless something changes for me. Hoping you continue to do well.

[Sara2000 in reply to itasara]

Exactly! I'm a bit on the "round" side, so I used my tummy for most of my injections - they hurt my legs waaaay too much. I chose the Tecfidera over the Gilenya because the side effects from Gilenya were a lot worse than the Tecfidera - and I only need the occasional blood test drawn. I just basically asked my neurologist about switching and they were fine with it - no hassles.

[Ashirva]

Welcome Sara! I hope you feel at home here - this boat that we're all in!

Love the photo... where is it? I LOVE the water - ocean, lake, river, pool...

Take care,

Anne

[Sara2000 in reply to Ashirva]

We were on the coast - I think it was either near Fort Bragg or Gualala area. Simply love that area!!