Copaxone

Hello there my dearest of family and friends! About 4 weeks ago, I began the process of starting my new MS medication. It is Copaxone 40 mg. I had to have another MRI completed to have a baseline for when I need to have another. It showed that I had some new lesions and some inflamed current lesions. However, I am not or was not having any side effects or problems. I just wasn't on any medication. So...here's to beginning another medication! :) What is Copaxone? Copaxone (glatiramer) is a combination of four amino acids (proteins) that affect the immune system. I have to start giving myself a shot 3 times a week. It is a subcutaneous needle, so nothing too scary. :) I use an injecting pen so it doesn't even seem like I am giving myself an injection, which is nice. I rotate between my arms, legs, hips/bottom, and stomach. I don't get to do my stomach very often because of my stretch marks. I can't inject into one of those so I have only a few options to choose from on my stomach. The injection does not hurt, but the 20 seconds to 30 minutes afterwards are the bear. It's not too bad when I do it in my stomach, but everywhere else it burns, turns hot and red, aches, and all that sort of jazz. However, I think I will take the 30 minutes of pain instead of 1/2-1 day of flu like symptoms associated with Avonex, when I was on that. The other day, K started asking questions...like "Why do you have to give yourself a shot?". I panicked a little and looked at my husband. I know I need to tell her at some point what is wrong with Mommy, but I still am not sure what to say to her. My husband, being good with words, said kindly and gently "You know how sometimes people need to take medicine to keep them healthy and strong? Well, Mommy needs to give her these shots to keep her healthy and strong." I wouldn't have been able to say it like that. K took that with acceptance and went on her merry way. I was getting emotional because I don't ever want anyone to think I am sick and can't do anything. I want to be strong and "normal". I am so grateful for a supportive husband who knows exactly what to say when I can't say them. That is the point of this blog. One day I can give this to my daughter and she maybe will be able to understand what my challenge is in life.