Joni's Journal

Vibrant and motivated, Joni isn't going to let relapsing MS get in the way of her goals. Follow her story as she balances her life with her relapsing MS.

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This journal reflects the personal experience of one person and others can be different. It is best to contact your physician to discus what's best for you. Joni is an MS LifeLines Ambassador and has chosen to share her story with others living with MS. MS LifeLines and MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono and Pfizer.
Monday, August 31, 2009

Taking "Me" Time

I really like to help others and it's very hard for me to say "no" to anyone. I often overbook myself, trying to spend time with everyone and accomplish all that I want to.

But even with all that I try to do for others; I have learned the importance of taking time for myself. Sometimes I have to travel a lot for work. One time, I had a day in between business trips in which I didn't have to work and most of my friends did. I seized this opportunity to take some "me" time. My "me" time was a trip to the salon to have a pedicure. The best part of the day was being able to leave my cell phone at home and just relax. It was good to have a day to recharge my batteries, so to speak, before I was off traveling again.

Another "me" time activity that I enjoy is going to the movies alone. I know most of you are thinking "I could never go to the movies alone!", but I'm telling you it is one of my favorite things to do. Again, it's great because you have to turn off your cell phone, allowing for a two-hour escape.

Whenever I do get some "me" time, I'm so passionate about it that I do whatever I can to protect it. If it's been a while since I've had some "me" time, I make sure to actually schedule it in my planner. That way I know that it will happen and I can tell people that I'm busy at that time and mean it.
Posted by: Joni, Monday, August 31, 2009
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Important Safety Information

Rebif is used to treat relapsing forms of MS to decrease the frequency of relapses and delay the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. Rebif is not approved for treatment of chronic progressive MS. Rebif is available in 22 mcg and 44 mcg prefilled, preassembled syringes and a titration pack by prescription only.

Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their doctor the potential benefits and risks associated with Rebif. Let your doctor know if you have a history of depression, seizures, liver disease, thyroid problems, or blood cell count or bleeding problems, or if you have had previous allergic reactions to medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Rebif and other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before you take any new medicines. Rebif is not recommended for women who are or plan to become pregnant.

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The most common side effects with Rebif are injection-site reactions, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness), depression, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, and blood cell count decreases. Let your doctor know if you have any of these symptoms or feel sad, tired, hot or cold, or experience hives, rashes, bruising, yellowing of the skin, or a change in body weight (gain or loss).

Compared with Avonex in a clinical trial, side effects were generally similar despite the higher, more frequent dosing of Rebif. Differences included people taking Avonex had more flu-like symptoms than those taking Rebif. People taking Rebif had a greater number of injection-site reactions, elevated liver enzymes, and decreased white blood cell counts. Events that occurred more frequently with Rebif posttransition versus prior use of Avonex included injection-site disorders, hepatic function disorders, and white blood cell disorders.

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