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Print ArticleJoni'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.
My sister, Angie, is my rock. With a five year age difference, we weren’t very close growing up. When I was diagnosed, I was a scared 21-year-old but she was a 16-year-old that showed maturity beyond her years. The day I was diagnosed, my parents didn’t know what to say to her, so they went with nothing.
I had to stay in the hospital for a few days for the steroid treatment, and no one wanted to tell her why. Later she revealed that she just heard aunts and uncles whispering, and assumed the worst. When she did visit me in the hospital and found out it was multiple sclerosis, she was relieved. Even though she didn’t know much about MS, she figured it was better than all of the horrible things she was imagining for those first few days.
When I was out of the hospital and staying with my parents for a few days, my sister and I talked more than we ever did before. We had both changed since I’d moved out of the house for a few years, so it was a good time to connect and become the friends we are today.
She noticed how uncomfortable I became when my parents would fuss over me. To me, I was the same person as I was before, just with a diagnosis. So she decided to make it her mission to make me laugh about what I was going through.
We had pamphlets about MS that my neurologist had given to me. My sister would read a possible symptom of MS aloud to me and then find a way to make fun of how I would be with that symptom. I was experiencing
numbness in my limbs, so she got these outrageously high, uncomfortable stilettos out and said that since I couldn’t feel how painful they would be I should wear fabulous shoes. She pointed out not being able to sleep wasn’t a curse, but a wonderful opportunity to get as much studying done as possible. She then flippantly stated, “Hey you have a leg up on your competition at school; this MS is going to make you smart.” As far as forgetfulness she said I could get out of things my parents wanted me to do and blame it on the MS.
One day, months later, I was eating dinner at my parents. My mom wanted me to stop on my way to her house to pick up a specific candle from a specialty store that was located in my neighborhood. I was running late and decided to forgo picking up her candle. During dinner, my mom asked me if I got her candle. I didn’t want to admit that I slept in and was running late, so I hesitated and looked at my sister. Angie in a very serious voice said, “Damn MS…makes her forget everything.” I was so shocked I couldn’t even laugh at first, but once I started laughing, I couldn’t stop. Despite cursing being a big “no-no” in my family, that soon became a catchphrase.
I learned from my sister that it’s okay to laugh about my MS. I just need to find the best part of everyday and if I’m having a hard time with that, I think back to dinner that day and it always makes me smile.
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.
Prescribing Information (PDF) - Medication Guide (PDF)
This information is intended only for residents of the United States.
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