Making a choice, which Disease Modifying Therapy?

[RoyceNewton]

Okay, that is a fair enough question. Back in the day, there was only the A B C's to choose from. Actually where I lived there was only the B so it was pretty easy to decide. Doing nothing has never been an option. Really it has never occurred to me to do nothing. Besides my two biggest influences made it very clear that no matter how skinny I was, or how much I "HATED" injections I was going to take the medicine. I must say that I am glad for their forcefulness now.

"YOU" of course have many options available to "YOU" in 2018. With these options available this is how I would make a decision today.

Firstly, needles or tablets,

Tablets how often, then of course safety.

Efficacy, how much are relapses reduced.

Lastly, can I get it and how much for? The cost has to be your last question because there is usually some way around cost if "YOU" really want the drug.

Needles, much more fun here.

Infusion or self-inject

Self-inject. or infusion. To me, infusions seem easier. Just one needle every few months versus every other day.

But if "YOU decide self-inject there is a number of factors to take into account. Subcutaneous or intramuscular ( forgive my spelling) Subcutaneous is actually rather easy it just helps to have some fat to inject into. Usually, somebody else gave me the needle which made it a lot easier, though having my Uncle inject me in the butt once was not my idea of fun. Having females do it was a lot easier, my mother had once wiped my butt as a baby, and she who must be obeyed, well you know how that works. Intramuscular, "YOU" would be a great deal braver than me, but most are. I am a scaredy-cat so I ignored that option.

I guess once "YOU" have decided your potential drug looking at the reduction in relapse rate is your last move before safety. Why take a medicine that is not 100% effective but might kill "YOU" when there are other drugs available. This is always your decision, so "YOU" want what is best for "YOU" and what "YOU" will stick to long term. Having said that, I spent a month getting used to Rebif, I did not, it still hurt so I went back to my every other day injection until a tablet became available. So give any medicine a chance and do not expect to be cured in a month. I think that should help "YOU a little with your decision process. Cost always has to be last as there are services that will look into how poor "YOU" are and assist "YOU" in getting the help "YOU" need.

Royce

Good luck and stick to it. You will not be cured but at least "YOU" will go downhill slower.

[Kenu]

Right on! Good Post 🙏🐾Ken

[RoyceNewton in reply to Kenu]

Thanks

[Smartcloud1981]

Great post. My neuro made me look up all the treatments so I could be informed whrn I saw him to discuss treatment. I did my research picked what I wanted and hoped the insurance would cover pills. Would have done injections if I had to.

[RoyceNewton in reply to Smartcloud1981]

same here back in the day then the rules changed the wife became the x and choice was taken away. I only had beta, which sucked as it involved needles but really worked out well

[Juliew19673]

Excellent advice Royce. Reads like a honest MS Primer that should be given to All when DXED - especially the part of giving everything a chance and to not expect results within 30 days, that hit home. I was that way after just 1 month into Ocrevus and was worried it hadn't worked as I didn't notice any improvement. Some nice person on here told me results would be seen, most likely after the 3rd or 4th dose; seemed like a lifetime away at the time. Now that I'm a few weeks away from the 2nd full dose of Ocrevus, I now see/feel the improvement. Patience is needed w/MS and that is not something I am good at, but learning.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

If I may, Add this on RoyceNewton a list of your options are available on mymsaa.org

mymsaa.org/ms-information/t...

There is also a chart you can d/l!

🤗💕

J🌠

[RoyceNewton in reply to Jesmcd2]

looks like a great tool