Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

I was recently dx MS and
informed by my neuro doc that Copaxone is a first line defense drug. It would not hurt to get a 2nd, 3rd or 4th opinion and then make a decision. You might want to talk to your MD and see why he suggests TYSABRI right off the bat? Take care. MKent

My neuro mentioned it for my first treatment, but I was nervous about it. I asked to try Rebif first. I was on that for 3 months, and it didn't work for me. I have now had three infusions of Tysabri. I did get a second opinion before I started it though. I have an MRI in a few weeks, so I'm not sure if it's working yet or not. The side effects aren't near as bad as the Rebif. I felt terrible when I was on it. I hope the Tysabri is working. I'm here if you have any more questions.

I am not on any treatment yet, LDN is not an option with my neuro and I think copax would be better than the Avonex or beta. I guess what is appealing about Tysabri is its got a pretty high success rate, once a month treatment is handy and limited side effects sounds good too.

Hi Adam - Tysbri is usually prescribed if the other CRAB drugs have not worked. That was the case for me as I learned I had neutralizing antibodies for everything but Copaxone, and my Doc thought Compaxone isn't that good. I have been on Tysabri for two years and have had no exacerbations!! But I do hate the monthly infusions that take an hour and then you stay for an hour in case there are immediate side effects. Medicare pays for Tysabri because it's done in a hospital!

My doc said Rebif was the strongest until they put Tysabri back on the market. Rebif wasn't working for me so he put me on Tysabri because he feels it's the best defense so far. I have taken 6 so far and it's much much better than Rebif!! I will take the once a month infusion (it usually takes half the day for me because we live 30 min. away and I am usually at the doc for 2.5 to 3 hours) instead of self injecting any day!! Good luck with your decisions.

Adam
Tysabri is usually used as a last resort when nothing else works. The thing is none of the current treatments work!!!
They appear at first to have some effect but later the side effects usually over come any benefit. All MS treatments are immune suppressents to slow the progression. Tysabri works differently in that it attaches to the T-cells to block them from crossing the Bood Brain Barrier. T-cells are the killer cells that are attacking the mylen. What most doctors aren't aware of is that Tysabri also lowers you immune system and opens you up to many infections. One of which is PML and that will kill you.
The Medication Guide for Tysabri states: The immune system effects of Tysabri may increase the risk for infections. In Study 1, certain types of infections, including pneummonias and urinary tract infections (including serious cases), gastroenteritis, vaginal infections, tooth infections, tonsillitis, and herpes infections occured more often in Tysabri treated patients.
My wife has been fighting MS for 15 years and losing to the point her Neurologist has declared her end-stage 5 years and I can see it comming. She had no mobility from the chest down and couldn't even hold a glass. I took Jan in to see her GP for a low grade bladder infection and gave her some documentation on LDN and expressed our desire getting off Tysabri and starting LDN. The next day the doctor called to let us know the her script for LDN was at the pharmacy. After one week on LDN her bladder was no longer spastic..she was more alert..not sleeping thru the day..sitting up in wheelchair without having to strapped in and talking in complete sentences. Now if LDN can do that for her and the only possible side effect LDN can cause is vivid dreams..proven safe..cost about $40 a month the way the hell would any doctor not be willing to prescribe it. If you need some ammo go to ldninfo.org/conf2007.htm download the videos and hear what the doctors from around the world are saying about their results with LDN. Then you can decide for yourself.
You can also hear what we are reporting on LDN at Larry's LDN group.
Let God guide your path.
Buddy

what are crab drugs. what do they do.

Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex, and Betaseron. Thanks all for your responses. If it were up to me I would start on LDN and see where that takes me, but unfortunatly the trials on it arn't complete yet so my Doctors are being stubborn.