It was one I faced with trepidation but also filled with hope.
Having already tried Rebif and Avonex I was very aware that Copaxone was sort of my last throw of the dice, and felt as though I really was putting all of my eggs in one basket.
Having to inject every night was always something I worried about but 12 months later I can honestly say it doesn't bother me anywhere near as much as I expected.
Yes, I still avoid my legs (they bruise too easily and the pain isn't great either!) and while I use my arms because it helps with rotating my injection sites, I still wince every time the needle pierces my skin.
Generally each injection is over within ten seconds.
I've even been known to take it with me to a restaurant, nip to the toilets and inject quickly before anyone even notices I've gone.
After all this time I still have days were I forget to take it, despite my alarm buzzing at 7.30pm.
Sometimes it's the day after before the injection site annoys me, as they can get incredibly itchy. Which isn't a great look at work as I surreptitiously try to scratch my stomach.
Talking of my stomach, it's my favourite place to inject. I'm (un)lucky enough to still have some baby weight lingering on my middle and as a result I hardy feel the needle going in.
I desperately want to lose my 'mum tum' but when my diet gets side-tracked I always console myself with the knowledge that my injections will at least not hurt so much.
But on the whole I've got used to it.
I've probably only missed about 5 or 6 doses in a whole year so by my calculation that's 360 injections. Each one loaded with a medication I honestly believe is working for me.
I have no major side effects, especially compared to Rebif which left me groggy for half the week.
Crucially I have had no significant relapse in the last year.
Don't get me wrong, I've had some exacerbation of old symptoms, and the fatigue and pain are things I am unlikely to ever live without.
But NO relapses is a milestone to be celebrated. I'll take that.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteIt is great to see other families with young children whilst a parent suffers with m.s. My wife has had m.s since 2001 but we always knew we wanted children, we have Ellie 9 & Austin 4. My wife Sarah`s m.s is now secondary progressive we still lead a very full life and love to travel the world. My wife loves Parascending and the children love surfing, me I enjoy being a dad and a carer to my amazing family. I will look forward to more posts and if you ever need advise on great places to travel to I would happily help. Any kind of blog like this is great for the soul. Thank you Jason & Sarah Cornish & Family
Thanks Jason, it's always great to hear of other families and how they are coping. You seem to be going a great job! Keep in touch :)
DeleteI just wanted to say well done on your blog.I too am a young working mum of two and was diagnosed with ms only a year ago but am determined not to let this condition control me.Im based in Derry too so if you would like to chat give me a shout.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say well done on your blog. I too am a young working mum of two and was diagnosed woth ms a year ago but am determined not to let this condition control me.I am also based in Derry so if you ever want to chat just shout.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say well done on your blog.I too am a young working mum of two and was diagnosed with ms only a year ago but am determined not to let this condition control me.Im based in Derry too so if you would like to chat give me a shout.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late reply Arlene ... thanks for commenting. I'm actually organising a Derry support group for women, would you like to come? Email me on catherine.doran@hotmail.co.uk if you want more info :)
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