Even though I did change my eating habits, I wouldn't stop taking the meds (injections). The change on my eating habits helped my MS ecacerbations 85%. The book that I reccommend for everyone who has MS is titled "The Gold Coast Cure". It was written by a woman (who has MS) and her husband.

They were on the Montell Williams show years ago and that is how I heard of the book and what she did to reverse her MS. She stopped her medication. I amskeptical about discontinuing my medication but the change in my diet did work wonders for my MS.

Also, excercise if / when you can.

Hi Tammy, I switched from Copaxone to Avonex due to allergies. Yes, one shot is better than daily, but that one shot is a big one! In fact, Avonex has the biggest, longest needle of all the therapies out there. To help alleviate the anxiety of giving myself a shot, I would have my husband give it to me in my arm. It was totally bearable as "normal" shots in the arm do not bother me. However, what was a problem for me was the side affects.

I ended up taking the shot on Friday nights, because I was going to be sick for the next couple of days from the side affects. I would get a high fever, chills, nauseau, and body aches that would last 2 days or more. I am still working so I had to do this over the weekend so as not to take leave from work. REMEMBER, EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT, AND WHAT I EXPERIENCE MAY BE TOTALLY DIFFERENT THAT WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE. In fact, I know some DS members on Avonex that have no side affects and I hope they will write in about ther experience for you.

However, on an Easter weekend I wanted to participate in the family functions and postponed my shot thinking I would just take it Sunday night instead of my regular Friday - just this one weekend. Well, I had the best weekend, and I realized how much of my life I was giving up for my MS therapy and was miserable. I was miserable knowing that I would have to go back to getting shots on Friday night and thereby ruining my entire weekends to MS. I spoke with my doctors about this, and due to the horrible side affects, they offered me Tysabri.

Moving on and explaining my experience and decision to go with Ty is a whole other thread, so I won't go into it. Needless to say though is that I was looking for a quality of life that I wasn't getting on Avonex due to the side affects. Running the risks I do with Ty, I'm still glad I made the change. If I have to go back, I would select Avonex over the other therapies out there. Good luck with your decision, but I do believe that some MS therapy is important vs. none.

PM me if you want to talk. Hugz, Lynne

Thanks for the input.My Dr suggested I try the Avonex & see what happens. I too will take it on Friday night because I can't afford anymore sick time. This disease takes so much away & now our weekends:P

Hi ,I'm on avonex , at the beginning I use to be totally sick for 48 hours, now several months later its only 24 hours and not so sick. Its very important to pre medicate .one hour prior to shot I take 1 Ibuprofen and 1 acetaminophen and keep up the pills as suggested for 24 hours. Now I only get fever, chills and some weakness. Also my avonex come with a smaller and finer needle sent by the pharmacy,that also helps a lot,. My daughter always gives me my shot so I don't have a problem with that because I would never give it to myself. Wish you luck, alma

I think my husband will have to give me my shots. I can deal with copaxone & the autoject but I can't do a reg shot. How does it feel compared to Copaxone, better or worse. Sometime the Copaxone doesn't hurt at all other times it stings like a mother:(
Hugs
Tammy

Hi, I don't feel anything beyond the needle and no bruises, I use to ice it before now I just do it, my daugther is very good and fast at giving shots,,God bless her.

I am on Avonex and had a allergic reaction on Christmas morning. I have been on it since 2007. I had a very rough time but I am very sensitive to drugs and a whole list of allergies (grass, trees, weeds,dust..) chemical sensitive to other stuff even under certain arm deodorant make my face burn.

My doctor wants me to switch to Copaxone. I don't think so. I will try to stay on Avonex using Benadryl before shot and after shot. If another allergic reaction happens again, I will choose to go off all MS drugs. I'll continue organic diet, grow my indoor garden combine with mediation aligning thoughts, beliefs & heart in Love. I've read the comments of patients on Copaxone not what drug companies say. No way I put myself through that. It took 18 months to adjust to Avonex. But that is me and it not just MS but other stuff going on. Do what your heart tells you.

I don't mind the shot. My son gives it to me. He is very good. I don't even feel it most of the time.

I wish you the best.

I have been on Betaseron, Avonex, Copaxone, and Tysabri. The Avonex needle is long, but if you numb the area with ice before injecting, you should not feel much. I have never done the "jab" technique because my hand has a slight tremor, so I have always put the needles in slowly. Did not hurt. The auto-injector is great, but you find that the Avonex injection is different. Before starting, you should always be taught by a nurse how to give yourself the injections.

Great info, thanks for taking the time to respond. I see my Dr in Feb so i have time to think about this.
Hugs,
Tammy

I've been on Avonex almost a year. I've been very happy with it overall. I get tired and achey the day after but I've only had bad chills a couple of times. The needle looks really intimidating but it really doesn't hurt. I've always been kind of needle phobic and if I can do it anyone can. Lol. No two people seem to react exactly the same way, but there are a few things you can do to help improve your odds of having fewer side effects if you decide to try it. Keep us updated on your decision.

The Avonex shots never bothered me. No pain, the Copaxone cause stinging and whelps. But I had horrible side effects from Avonex. Flu like symptoms and a burning sensation all over my body. The last time i was on it I ended up in a great depression.

That being said, it really varies with different people. So, it may affect you very differently.

I started on Avonex. The first time was horrible. Fever, aches, chills,etc. The second time was a little better. Now I do not have many side effects. I take that back I am on pills for depression and doc said it is from the injections. I take two Aleves several hours before I take it; then I take one more Aleve after I take the shot. I sleep through the night with no problems. Sometimes I may have to take an Aleve the next day. I take my shots on Thursday night and work the next day. the needle are extremely long to me. I did request a shorter needle but to me it is not that much shorter. I do have a problem sticking myself with the needle so my husband gives it to me. Good luck!