Unnumbered post Look for alternatives 12 May 2021

[RoyceNewton]

Good day family. I have no idea when "YOU" read this so I think day is safest. For me, it is nearly eleven am, right and sunny and I am debating buying more instant coffee. I am Australian so instant coffee is normal for me. I know how to brew coffee, but sometimes I am just far too lazy, no other reason than being lazy. She who must be obeyed always shakes her head in disgust, but she does not drink it, and I can not tase it anyway, so who cares.

That is called an alternative. Life is full of them. "YOU" have many Disease-Modifying Therapies)DMT) today, which one do "YOU" choose. Back when I started Australia had two choices, Beta Interferon or nothing. My dear departed Grandmother and dear Mother saw that I had no choice, it was Interferon Beta with needles or it was Beta interferon. Life was easy, they were both strong-willed women and to do nothing was not an acceptable alternative. Today I am very glad for their assistance, at the time maybe not.

"YOU" have a lot to choose from today. Having Relapsing-remitting mc (RRms) today I would suggest that perhaps "YOU" only have one choice. Ocrevus is the strongest for us and why start out with a weaker medicine when a stronger version is available. Always take the stronger version, the fewer relapses the better. Our aim is always to take stronger medicine. Always look for your alternatives, protect yourself as much as "YOU" can against the incurable chronic disease.

Royce (your ms writer and Brother)

there are alternatives, make the best one for YOU.

[Sandydemop]

Dear Royce, i hate to disagree with you but i have to step in here. Hope you understand. Ocrevus is not right for everybody. For instance it can cause cancer. Someone who is prone to cancer is not a good candidate for Ocrevus. It also lowers the immune system severely so for instance, my neurologist does not want me to start it while covid is still a possibility. Other people may have other reasons not to try it. We are not doctors. We cannot prescribe medications for eachother, even with the best of intentions. Glad it's working for you though. Keep writing my friend.

[RoyceNewton in reply to Sandydemop]

I am sorry, I never intend to recommend anything I am not a doctor let alone anybodies doctor. My intention is to suggest the strongest medicine not to start on an older medicine that may not be as effective for you. As always DISCUSS this with your doctor, certainly not me. They should be familiar with your condition. I suggest do not start at the bottom of the Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT) list, go for the top or as close too it that YOU can.I am NOT a doctor let alone yours.

[Neworleanslady]

I am on Ocrevus. But i chose to start off with Copaxone because i like the thought of not being infused with 6 months worth of medicine and it doesn’t work for me. I liked that Copaxone must work for 2 days, then you put in more. I could get it outof my system if i wanted. Now I’m stuck here for 5 more months on this Ocrevus (got infused a month ago). Idk if it’s working because im suffering with a cold with a small cold sore which I haven’t had in AGES and i am stumbling all over the place.

[Jtara in reply to Neworleanslady]

Hi Neworleanslady, I see this is an old post but wanted to see if you continued with Ocrevus and how it’s going. I am at the point of making a first DMT decision and had some of the same thoughts.

[Neworleanslady in reply to Jtara]

I am still on Ocrevus. I have had three infusions so far. My fatigue is better in that I can stay awake longer. My walking seems to be pretty bad though. My balance. My vision, it’s hard to tell if it’s age related vision changes. I don’t notice too much MS vision problems. I’m doing pretty well with my urinary issues. But like I said, my walking balance has gotten worse and that’s pretty significant to me. I think I like the Ocrevus. I certainly like not having to worry about it all the time as far as the frequency with which I have to take it (every six months). I have an appointment next month to see my neurologist/MS specialist. My next MRI isn’t scheduled till September.

[Jtara in reply to Neworleanslady]

Thanks for the reply. I hope you continue to do well on Ocrevus. It sounds much more convenient than the injections. It’s such a hard decision. I thought I had come to terms with the diagnosis but this decision has got me emotional again. Appreciate everyone’s insights and experiences on here.

[Neworleanslady in reply to Jtara]

Good luck in your decision

[twooldcrows]

we do all have the choice and yes we can pick what we want ....i just hated the shots and the pill didn't work caused something to drop to low can't remember what it was but love being on Ocrevus ..all have a great day and hopefully filled with love and happiness...