My Copaxone Experience

I was actually reluctant to post about my experience in fear of persuading anyone not to try Copaxone as a treatment to slow the progression of Multiple Sclerosis.

Since this blog is about my life with MS, I will share my personal experience. This is not the first time that I’ve been on Copaxone, in fact throughout the years, I have taken all 4 of the disease modifying injectable meds for MS with unfavorable results. My body tends to react unfavorably to certain medications.  I am still confident that a cure will be found for MS, or at least a medication that will work for me.

I was on Copaxone (daily injections) for only two days this time around; it all began March 8th when I took the first injection around 2pm.  Within an hour of taking the medication, I began to get a headache and then pain spread throughout the rest of my body. If you can only imagine, I was in total body pain, I hurt all over and just wanted to lie in bed and cry.

By the next morning, I was starting to feel a little better, so I went ahead and took the injection later in the day.  And, the same thing happened.  About an hour after taking the Copaxone injection, the overwhelming pain was back with a vengeance.

After two days of dealing with these "completely unheard of before" side effects, I had had it and immediately stopped giving myself shots.  After contacting my Neurologist’s office, they also agreed to stop the shot. I didn’t care if they agreed or not, I had no intentions of ever taking this medication again.

Along with MS, I have also been blessed with Fibromyalgia, which makes it difficult finding medications for one condition that doesn’t increase symptoms or cause a flare with the other.  I am still dealing with the pain and fatigue of Fibromyalgia & MS together, although it isn't quite as severe as the last two weeks have been.

Disclaimer: Copaxone is a disease modifying drug used to treat Multiple Sclerosis by slowing the progression of the disease.  Many MS patients have great results while using Copaxone.  My experience is not typical.

Optic Neuritis

Just as things are going well with my Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I get socked with another bout of Optic Neuritis (ON). Even though I've had ON a few times in my 13 years of being diagnosed with MS, I didn't suspect it right away. In the past, I've had moderate to extreme pain along with the blurry, distorted and sometimes double vision. Thankfully, I'm just experiencing the blurry vision in one eye with an odd feeling of eye strain, without the dreaded pain.

Definition from the Mayo Clinic, "Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers in your eye that transmits visual information to your brain. Pain and temporary vision loss are common symptoms of optic neuritis."

According to my Neuro-Opthamologist, if this current exacerbation of optic neuritis follows the same course as previous ones, it should be gone in a few weeks without too much permanent nerve damage.

Copaxone and Me

After a recent visit to the Neurologist, it's been recommended that I start back up on one of the DMD's (disease modifying drugs) approved to fight MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Let me just say that I am not looking forward injecting myself once again on a daily basis with a host of foreign chemicals. DMD's are known to slow the progression and severity of the MS exacerbations; unfortunately for me, I have a history of not being able to tolerate the side affects of these medications. So as you can imagine, I am not thrilled about starting the medication again, although I know it's for the best. Follow along and see how Copaxone and I get along this time around.

My Story

In my early thirties, I was a busy wife and mom working full-time while raising three young sons. Out of the clear blue sky, came along some unusual symptoms and a diagnose of Multiple Sclerosis. Then as if MS wasn't enough, after a few years of unexplained pain, I was blessed with a Fibromyalgia diagnose. Needless to say, over the years I experienced shock, denial and just about every other emotion possible.

Fast forward to thirteen years later... My children are grown, I no longer work outside the home and I'm still here. I may have MS, but it doesn't have me! I work at home, at my own pace as a Spagirl Gourmet Independent Consultant. I help women reduce stress in their lives with natural skincare products and private Spa Re-Treats.