I went back to see the neurologist today and, generally, it went as expected. Yesterday's MRI (which was miserable, btw. YUCK.) showed lesions on my spine in two places. The doctor was not surprised at all to see these lesions and they basically confirmed his initial diagnosis. He did some strength and reflex testing and watched me walk again and things have improved since last week, which means the steroid treatments are working.

We talked for quite a while about options and MS in general. Then he wrote out a prescription for Avonex and explained the process. It's not the kind of drug that's typically kept on the shelves at pharmacies, so I'll have to wait for a little while to get it. Once I do, I'll go see the nurse and learn how to give myself the injection. What fun! My biggest concern with Avonex is side effects. I'm not terribly worried about the needle (though perhaps I should be?) but apparently the Interferon causes flu-like symptoms. So for the next month or so - and possibly longer - I'm going to be dealing with feeling crappy every darn weekend. Ugh. NOT my idea of a good time.

Still, though, according to the doctor, my disease is currently in the very early stages (as indicated by only one lesion on the brain) and has not done a lot of damage at this point. The "disease-modifying drugs" they use apparently slow the progression of the disease in addition to helping curb the number of relapses a patient experiences. So, starting the long-term treatment is supposed to help me continue to live well and normally for some time. This is reassuring, though only slightly. The fact is, they really don't know much about what causes the disease and what makes it progress; studies have shown that these drugs do help (or I wouldn't have agreed to take them) but in a lot of ways it feels kind of like a stab in the dark. I won't know if they're working and they won't necessarily make me feel better on a day-to-day basis. The idea that you're measuring success by something not happening seems a bit odd to me, but then again I think I prefer that to having another relapse as proof that something is not working..

The doctor also gave me samples and a prescription for Provigil, which is approved by the FDA for patients with narcolepsy, to help them stay awake during the day. As I've mentioned, I've been just completely wiped out the last few days and asked what was available to help with the fatigue. Apparently Provigil is pretty widely used in patients with MS and with a great deal of success. A lot of my fatigue is likely due to the steroid withdrawal and this specific relapse, so I don't know if I'll even need it, but I suppose it's nice to have for times when I absolutely have to get somewhere and just can't seem to move.

My doctor reassured me that it is not habit forming; I've done some digging around the internet and can't find a lot that would indicate it is either. Still, I'm going to be on my guard with this stuff anyway - the last thing I need is another addiction!