Most of you are going to think less of me, but I can't help it. My name is Sarah, and I am addicted to crappy television. First, let me make this clear. I'm not laughing WITH these people, I'm laughing at them. Thursdays make me happy because I can watch Jersey Shore, and Friday mornings at work we talk about how awesome it was. I also have a thing for Teen Mom... I know.. just as bad. I can't help it! Do they have support groups for people like me?
Today dragged on, but I'm still feeling better. As tomorrow draws closer, I'm getting more anxious about starting my Rebif Injections. I'm not sure what I'm more worried about - the side effects, or the psychological effect.
Let's break it down:
Side Effects (as copied directly from http://ms.about.com/od/treatments/a/rebif.htm):
Flu-Like Symptoms: The most important side effect is the flu-like symptoms, which are experienced by about 69% of patients. These include: fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches and fatigue (but not nausea or stomach upset), and they last for 8 or more hours. This side effect is usually the worst after the first injection and progressively lessens with each injection, so that most people do experience it (or it is tolerable) after six months – it can also be reduced by starting with a low dose and increasing to a full dose gradually (over several weeks). Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen a couple hours before and after can help with some of these side effects.
Red Spots: Red spots usually occur at the site of injections (in 71% of patients), which may last several weeks. These can break down into sores (injection-site necrosis) in 5% of all cases.
Liver Damage: Hepatic injury including elevated serum hepatic enzyme levels and hepatitis has been reported. Regular monitoring is required to prevent such damage from occurring or progressing. If you notice that you begin bruising easily or that your skin or the whites of your eyes begins to look yellow, go see your doctor immediately.
Blood Counts: Rebif can cause a decrease in the numbers of red and white blood cells, as well as a reduction in the number of platelets in the blood.
Depression: Rebif should be used with caution in patients with depression.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people have experienced an allergic reaction to Rebif (which can happen after the first dose or after several doses), which has caused difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.
Thyroid Abnormalities: Rebif should be used with caution in people with thyroid dysfunction, who should be monitored for thyroid function every six months while on Rebif.
And Psychological Effects:
The constant reminder that I actually have MS: Typically I can forget about it unless I'm having a flare up. I feel relatively fine except for the fatigue and occasional grumpiness. Having to inject myself every three days is going to remind me, even when I feel fine, that I do have an incurable disease.
In order for me to be able to do this, I need to remember that this will keep me healthier. I'm sure once I get into a routine and things get back to normal it won't be nearly as bad. Until that time, I guess we'll see how I feel.
The nurse comes tomorrow evening when I'm done work. As I've mentioned in the past, I plan on recording my first injection and posting it so everybody can experience it with me! Lucky you! I'm not sure how the nurse will feel about this. If she's not down with it, I'll have to make sure my boyfriend doesn't have her face in the recording.
Tonight however will be full of "juiced up gorillas", "guidettes", and fist pumpin' from the couch!
~Sarah
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