Another question about MS??

Question

Is there anyone on here that has MS? I have been diagnosed since 2002 and I have a question about a change that I have noticed with the disease. For about 4 or 5 months now I get up in the morning and I have the dry heaves. I take the betaseron injections and was wondering if anyone else has been experiencing the same kind of problem? My doctor doesn't seem to concerned about it. At first I thought that I was pregnant but found out I'm not. So, my question is this.... Is this normal with MS and betaseron? Also, how can I stop the dry heaves?? I would greatly appreciate any help and advice you may have to offer.

Answer 1

i think there is no relation between MS and dry heaves
about betaseron this is its side effect and if you mean nausea by 'dry heaves' then yes betaseron cause nausea
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using interferon beta-1b and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· redness, pain, swelling, drainage, or discoloration at the injection site; or
· depression or suicidal thoughts.
• Your liver function may be affected. Symptoms of changes in your liver include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes and easy bruising. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
• You may have a drop in the levels of infection-fighting white blood cells, red blood cells, or cells that help you form blood clots. If drops in levels are severe, they can lessen your ability to fight infections, make you feel tired or sluggish or cause you to bruise or bleed easily. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Your thyroid function may change. Symptoms of changes in the function of your thyroid include feeling cold or hot much of the time or change in your weight (gain or loss) without a change in your diet or amount of exercise you are getting. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Some patients taking interferons have become very depressed and/ or anxious. There have been patients taking interferons who have had thoughts about killing themselves. If you feel sad or hopeless you should tell a friend or family member right away and call your doctor immediately.
• Flulike symptoms are likely to occur. They are most common at the start of therapy and may decrease with continued use. Over-the-counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), and naproxen (Aleve), plenty of fluid, and taking the medication at bedtime may help to alleviate these symptoms. Continue to use interferon beta-1b and notify your doctor if you experience
· fever or chills;
· headache;
· muscle aches;
· NAUSEA, vomiting, or loss of appetite; or
· dizziness or drowsiness.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Answer 2

My husband has Ms he was diagnosed in 2001. He was on Avonex until his last MRI what showed the lesions in his brain had gotten significantly worst. He is now taking Rebif and instead of 1 injection a week now has to take 3 a week. It causes him to feel nauseated but he doesn't get dry heaves. Nausea is a common side effect with Interferon's, I would think that the dry heaves you are experiencing are from the nausea. Try keeping some saltine's handy I know they help with me alot when I was pregnant and had dry heaves. I hope you feel better soon. I would keep telling your doctor and not let him brush you off, there are medications that are given to stop the nausea feeling that's causing your dry heaves.

Answer 3

Look up Prokarin on the Yahoo search engine. It is an interesting alternative for MS sufferers.
Also check out monavie.com. I know several persons with MS who have felt much better when taking this amazing juice supplement.

Answer 4

Sounds like you may be going through and exacerbation phase. Has your doctor mentioned going on a course of corticosteroids for a short time?

In the mean time, go to the store and get a bottle of coca-cola syrup. You just have to ask for it at the pharmacy-no prescription. It's natural and won't interfere with your medications and it should settle your stomach.

Answer 5

Usually the pharmaceutical companies for MS has phone line to answer and address patient question, or a nurse dedicated to that. I suggest you contact them, because they collect those information

Answer 6

Try going to Braintalk.org
http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/index.php

There is a forum there for people with MS and they are wonderful and supportive group of ppl.