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[Jeremyhess1980]

Just found out today after months of testing that my neurologist is starting me on steroid infusions later this week. In roughly 2 weeks I’ll be started on copaxone injection. I always feel like crap. I’m 37 and having a hard time dealing with all this. Hope to learn a lot here

[Midgey_Midge06]

Welcome to this site! U will find a lot of supportive people here to help u thru the next few months of rollercoaster that is headed ur way.

When were u actually diagnosed? Have they told u what type of MS u have? What are ur symptoms?

Sorry if thats a lot if questions. Just trying to get to know u.

[Jeremyhess1980 in reply to Midgey_Midge06]

They haven’t told me what type as of now. It was only yesterday that I found out, but the doctors won’t say definitely till my next MRI which is in June. Since the criteria for confirmed diagnosis has changed recently. As far as symptoms

Dizzy weak tired numbness and tingling in my left side increased anxiety vision issues trouble walking for extended periods few others I can’t think of currently. I am hoping steroids are going to help but time will tell

[Diva1976]

Welcome Jeremyhess1980! Sorry it's on these terms...You will find great support here and learn a lot. When I was diagnosed in 2016. I had to do 5 days of steroids before getting started on Avonex at that time. Than I went to Aubagio and I'm on Ocrevus now.

[Raingrrl]

Hi Jeremyhess1980 ! Welcome! There is a broad spectrum of people dealing with MS here so you will always find understanding and support. We are a wide range of ages and experiences. MS affects everyone a little differently but we all understand the chaos it can cause.

Copaxone was my first DMT and it kept me stable for years. Hopefully it will do the same for you.

[greaterexp]

I’m sorry you’ve been feeling physically bad, but I hope the steroids will give you some relief.

Thus is a great place to ask questions and receive support. I learned a great deal from these knowledgeable people, and they’ve given me so much support.

Please let us know how you do with the steroids. I’m on Copaxone 40mg, and I rarely think about it now.

[janetb1968]

Hi Jeremyhess1980 lovely to meet u. I was diagnosed in December last year I am now on Tysabri every 4 weeks infusion. I also had 3 days of iv steroids which helped a bit. This is a great group of people all very knowledgeable and very good at listening to u 😊😊😊😊

[Morllyn]

Sorry about the diagnosis but glad you found us because this can be an informative and entertaining group. Try not to let the stress of your diagnosis get to you, it is one of the worst things for those with MS, and only look at reputable internet sites for information or you can get some bad information. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America are two of the best.

Ask us questions, if you like. There are a lot of symptoms, and variations on symptoms, with this disease/condition, and most of the time someone here has had them. We are not doctors so you should tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms but we may be able to give you some answers while you wait to talk to him/her.

Again sorry that you needed to find us but I am glad that you found us.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi Jeremyhess1980 1st thing 1st.

Breath. And tell yourself, it's going to be ok. And breath again.

Hi there ☺ and welcome. You have come to a place that comes together as a family, to help and support each other,

Every step. The highs and the lows!

So share away my friend! 😊

Btw, steroids make you really really hungry! So get a lot of fruit! 🤣

J🌠

[Doubled51]

Welcome Jeremy to the best chat room out there. Glad you found us if sorry for the reason.

I think you’ll find the steroids help tremendously for awhile. But good luck with the fatigue. I’m afraid it’s a big part of this disease that we all fight. Just take your days as they come. Enjoy the good and just take it easy I’m on the bass all you can do.

Best of luck and God bless

Donnie

[Laur3ncb1]

Welcome Jeremy! I've been on Copaxone for over 15 years. It is the one of the most well tolerated drugs from which we (ms patients) can choose. Today, the added bonus is a three-times -a-week subcutaneous injection--it used to be every day. An ms diagnosis forces you to look at your life differently. It is not terminal but it does require a lot of discipline to keep your body working FOR you (and not against you). I exercise every day (figure skate with a coach who holds my hand and dance with difficulty but I don't care anymore how I look). I avoid stress and heat like the plague. Be good to yourself and don't be afraid... angry yes.... really pissed off... but don't be afraid. We've ALL been where you are and in some ways are better people (more compassionate?) for it. Best of luck with your steroids and copaxone causes NO side affects (in my experience) ... keep optimistic and disciplined! you can do this...

[Jeremyhess1980 in reply to Laur3ncb1]

One thing that I am not happy about is that I love hiking and backpacking and fear those days maybe over. Summer is my favorite season so when I hear about all the intolerance to heat I find this whole thing that much more discouraging, there are not a lot of things I enjoy but summer and hiking are at the top. I am hoping it won’t be that bad but I suppose only time will tell

[Midgey_Midge06 in reply to Jeremyhess1980]

Now wud be the perfect time to go to the MSAA website and see if u qualify for a Cooling Vest. I got one last year and it really does help. I do horse back riding so i can tell u for sure it works in the heat!

[arealgijoe in reply to Jeremyhess1980]

GET a cooling vest! They work wonders, I KNOW from experience. They are available FREE, the org has already been mentioned here, somewhere.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Jeremyhess1980]

Jeremyhess1980 hey heat does not always affct everyone the same way. So keep positive!

Did it affect you last year? Can you hike in the mornings or evenings? When it's cooler?

Apply for the cooling best here! mymsaa.org/msaa-help/coolin...

I loveeee summer! It just hates me. So mornings and evenings it is for me!

Oh yeah, and get a neck wrap! They are life savers!

J🌠

[SWEETCAT]

Hi Jeremyhess1980, yes I myself have been on Copaxone for about 11 years. I just recently was switched to Aubagio 3months ago. I couldn't take the injections angling and the welts and bump with brusing.. The oral med is way easier. But have to say side effects stink for both. But Copaxone did a great job for a long time. And I had my first experience with IV steriods New Years. And felt wonderful afterwards. I wish all my best for U and if U can do the injections do it. Iwas doing the 3 times a week 40 mg... Hope I can help if U have any questions. Have A Great Day......😎😎

[arealgijoe]

I would not expect Copaxone to help you feel better. It is to slow MS progression. On the other hand I think the steroid, should help. The Copaxone injectinos were no big deal for me. I am a diabetic on 5 insulin shots a day, so what's one more?

When I first started Copaxone, it stung a bit. The sting gradually went away over a week or so. Other than that, no big deal. I did find it easier to just inject the Copaxone via the syringe directly, (keep in mind, I had decades of prior injection experience)

instead of using the contraption/injector they provided. You can do it either way. I got over my needle phobia quickly when I started insulin, decades earlier. The injector contraption is more for people that faint at the very sight of needles.