infusions or injections?

[Linzylee9]

I haven’t decided what my next steps are. I even had the option to start steroids. I am totally lost and don’t know what to do. Should I start treatment or wait and focus on diet and go the steroids route with that? I don’t know who to talk to about all this so any help will be greatly appreciated.

[NorasMom]

If you're in the midst of an MS exacerbation, you need the Solu-Medrol (steroids) ASAP. They'll help reduce your current issues and kind of stop the bad spell in its tracks, although that might still take a while.

Forget about your diet. Eat reasonably well, but there is no one diet that's better or worse for MS and certainly none that will cure it.

If your neurologist is not discussing Disease Modifying Treatments with you, find another one who can help you. I went through several before I found one who was willing to actually work with me. Research the DMT's that are covered by your insurance and check into their side effects before choosing the one you think will be best.

[Linzylee9 in reply to NorasMom]

Thank you everyone for the kind words and advice. My Neurologist first wanted to get me on Ocrevus but after some discussion with the office and research we had concerns over the breast cancer cases in my family. So the next option was kesimpta. I’m not sure how I feel about me injecting myself. I guess I am looking for any additional tips on making my selection of medicine. I’m lost and want to get this process going. I just want to be here for my four kids until I am old and grey. I want old age to be the reason I am less mobile and “slower”.

[CV97 in reply to Linzylee9]

Linzylee9 I have been taking Kesimpta since April 2021. It has worked well for me (obviously why I'm still taking it). The injections are an auto-injector and very easy to do. It is also very easy to remember since it's taken once a month (or every 28 days, depending on doctor preference).

Kesimpta was not available when I was first diagnosed, so I took Aubagio (pills) for a couple of years beforehand. Once Kesimpta was released, I asked my Dr to switch. I avoided Ocrevus due to familial cancer history and also for convenience. I didn't want an infusion treatment that required travel since I'm about an hour from a facility.

You may choose a DMT and find out it's not working well for your body & switch, or you may start with one now and later want to explore other options. Either is okay. Many neurologists now recommend starting with the newer, more effective DMTs. Your doctor should be able to help you find one that works with your lifestyle & preferences.

[CV97]

Hello Linzylee9 ! First, take a couple deep breaths. You've got this.

Steroids are usually given when someone is first diagnosed because they help stop the inflammation in your body, which is a key factor in MS. This is a short-term treatment. Steroids are usually given by infusion for 3-5 days, and pills are sometimes prescribed. The steroids will wear off after some time.

Along with steroids, your doctor will likely also recommend starting a disease modifying treatment (DMT) as soon as possible. These long-term medications will help your body regulate MS with the goal of preventing future damage. There are quite a few DMTs available, as newer medications have been released the past few years. DMT options include pills, injections, or infusions.

You will hear many times that MS is different for each person. While you may receive a lot of guidance here, only you and your doctor can decide what's best. Be sure to jot down some notes so you can discuss the things you learn here with your doctor.

Here are some resources that may help you navigate this new journey.

mymsaa.org/ms-information/n...

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

[kdali]

If steroids have been prescribed, they are more effective earlier in the relapse.

[BettysMom]

This may be a troll.

[Linzylee9 in reply to BettysMom]

Yeah BetsyMom… I am a troll. 👎

[sashaming1]

I had no trouble with infusions. I’m afraid of shots - especially if I have to do them.

[Linzylee9 in reply to sashaming1]

Did you have the ocrevus infusions sashaming1 ?

[sashaming1 in reply to Linzylee9]

No, it was monthly Tysabri infusions for years and a weeklong Lemtrada set of infusions and then half-a-week the next year.

[Tazmanian]

Talk to your neurologist If they aren't much help find another

Good luck

[MS_bless]

hi, can i tagging on the same question, i need to start my medication soon< May i chk which one is the best and easier? Oral, injection or infusion? How often do we need that?

[starlight5]

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