Take a deep breath

A month has gone by since I was diagnosed.Here is the latest and greatest: I have spent many hours on the phone with the insurance and drug companies, doctor's office and the pharmacy. We had to apply to all four drug companies to see what benefits they had to offer since our copayment would be $600+ each month.
As is turns out there has only been one company that will give us assistance (we pay $50/month) for as long as we are on the drug (Betaseron). Well, that makes the choice simple. Simple but not easy because we are forced to make a decision based on financial reasons and not what works best for me. We still need to get final approval for this drug from the insurance company, order the drug and then have a nurse come do a training with us on how to inject it. I will give myself the injection every other day and I may experience "flu-like symptoms" afterwards. I will take Aleve before I do the injection at night and then again in the morning to help if I have those symptoms. They slowly increase your dosage to help avoid these symptoms if possible. I may also get blood draws every now and then to monitor any problems with my liver, another possible side effect.
This is the part where I need to take a deep breath.
Even though I am not looking forward to giving myself frequent injections, I am ready to move on with the reality of my treatment.
Another deep breath.
We did get an appointment today with Dr. Goodin who is the medical director of the MS Clinic at UCSF. On March 10th Lucas and I will be in San Francisco, health records in hand, to learn more about this disease impacting our lives.
Aside from the roller coaster of emotion we have been on in trying to figure out my treatment options, I feel good. The last spasm I have had in my left arm and leg was Christmas Eve. I do get waves of fatigue from time to time but everything else is pretty normal. I am getting back into my exercise routine this week which is so important for people with MS. I could really use everyone's support in getting me out and moving! I love doing my Stroller Strides 3-4 times a week but it is on the off days that I would love to go on walks, ski or do anything active. Don't hesitate to give me a call!