From the article: Adherence Tips for People with Multiple Sclerosis
We all know what we are supposed to do – take our medicines as prescribed. Seems pretty simple, but I know that many doses get skipped. Maybe they are forgotten, maybe the idea of side effects or an injection is just too much at that time. Instead of asking what the reasons are that we may skip our meds at times, I am asking the opposite: what keeps you taking your meds? Help those of us that fall behind at times or just say “I don’t think so today.” Maybe you have a reminder tip, an injection technique or a deep thought about the medication and the hope that they give you. Share it here.
Share Your Tips
As important as eating
- I have taken Copaxone every day for 2 years - have only missed one day, even through neck surgery. It is on my checklist for my morning routine. I keep reminding myself that I am making my future brighter.
- —Guest Linda
Morning Routine
- My shot is part of my routine every morning just like brushing my teeth.
- —Guest PJ
Lesson Learned
- I quit taking my copaxone injections for about a month while my dad was fighting pancreatic cancer - he was in and out of the hospital and I was very depressed, stressed and tired. I had a relapse and had an MRI done. I had 3 new lesions on my brain. I had problems with my vision and cognitive functions. I was given steriods to help but the side effects were horrible. I have since learned that my well being is just as important and I need to take my Copaxone every day if I want to remian relapse free.
- —Guest wwright50
Taking my medication
- To put it simplly, I take my medication as I don't want to 'cheat against my own life,' because I know I have a better chance at a better life by taking my medication.
- —Guest Winston
Computer and PDA
- Outlook or most other calendars with alarms works and since I got a PDA that I can sync with the computer I get a double alert. The computer dings and throws up a box reminding me and then the PDA goes off and squawks every five min loudly till I get it done and clear the alarm. If you dont leave your computer on all the time, the PDA will still squawk. It works for me.
- —triara1
Afraid not to too!
- I've been on Avonex for a year now... I still have side effects, just not as bad. I always remember to do my shot, though I imagine it would actually be harder if it was a more frequent shot. I still don't want to do it, but i'm afraid to not do it. Avonex has kept the MS from progressing and only one new lesion within the first year and no relapse... During the first three months I was ready to quit, I was depressed, scared and didn't want to do it anymore. My Dr. prescribed a mild anti-depresant and a SMALLER NEEDLE. I was using the standard 1 1/4", 23 gage.. now I use a 1" 25 gage (same size as the flu shot needle) the difference is amazing, sometimes I don't even feel it. That alone helped me to continue with the injection and I remember that every week when I throw out that nasty big 'ole needle.
- —Guest Christa
Afraid not to
- I have been on Betaseron since 1996, and it has kept me relapse free since then, so I'm afraid to stop. I try to remember to take my shots.
- —seedee95758
