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.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Learning to Let Go

How MS impacted my focus on the important things in life

Ok, so I’m a control freak. I can admit this, because I’m working everyday on becoming more of a reformed control freak. I used to have to have everything planned down to the hour for every day, every trip, and every assignment. The thing with relapsing MS is that sometimes you can’t really plan so much.

When I was diagnosed, I had to spend a few days in the hospital. Everything I had planned for those few days either went on without me or didn’t happen. And do you know what I realized? I realized that the world as I know it didn’t end because I didn’t get everything I planned, done. However, this is a lesson that I forgot as the years went by and I jumped right back into my over planning with two feet.

I continued to hectically plan my life every day, until about 3 years ago. I was talking to a friend that also has MS. She was telling me how she took an entire day off to spend in bed and recharge. I made a comment about feeling guilty and out of control if I didn’t get to everything I had planned out. She then told me that I shouldn’t over tax myself and I should never feel guilty if I can’t get to everything that I wanted to. She then told me I should just do what I can and be thankful that I could.

I realized that she was right. I had learned this lesson earlier but had forgotten it. I’m only letting myself down when I over plan and under deliver.

So now I still plan, but only the major things. I realize that small things are just that; small things. I shouldn’t overtax myself or stress so much when I don’t get done what I used to be able to do. The important things in life are my health and my family and friends. These people support me day in and day out. Everything else is just “stuff”. I realize that there are a lot of things that are beyond my control and you know what, that’s okay!

Posted by: WebMD Blogs, March 2, 2010
Return to Relapsing MS Treatment

Indication

  • 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.

Important Safety Information

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.
  • 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.
  • Before you take any new medicines.

Rebif is not recommended for women who are or plan to become pregnant.

Potential serious side effects of Rebif include:

  • Depression and risk of suicide
  • Liver problems
  • Risk to pregnancy
  • Injection-site problems
  • Severe allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare and may be associated with difficulty in breathing and loss of consciousness, which require immediate medical attention.

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
  • 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).

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

This information is not intended to replace discussions with your doctor. For additional information about Rebif, please consult the Prescribing Information and Medication Guide and talk to your doctor. You can also call toll-free 1-877-44-REBIF (1-877-447-3243). Rebif is available by prescription only.

MS LifeLines is an educational support service for people living with MS and their families. MS LifeLines and MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Speakers and MS LifeLines Ambassadors who participate in Talk MS or in live events are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Rebif, Rebiject II and MS LifeLines are registered trademarks and the Rebif logo is a trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

Brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc, the co-marketers of Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) in the US.
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Prescribing Information (PDF) - Medication Guide (PDF)

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