They are gone! Not that I had sexy legs in the first place but now, they are splotchy. I know a woman who does the Challenge Walk-MS every year so that she doesn't have to get the shots anymore. I haven't written directly about the Rebif in a while and thought I'd write about the effects and see if anyone had any other suggestions beyond the ones I have already heard.
So far, I have only had one instance where I was embarrassed by the splotches on my legs, and thank goodness a kid pooped in the pool and everyone had to get out before I got my suit on. But as summer approaches, I am wondering what to do.
I am not a vain person, anyone who knows me would agree. But as I look at my legs, with those red splotches the size of ½ dollars and every once in awhile bruised as well, I wonder what people will think. I think this will be a great chance to educate someone about MS, but for those who don't ask, what will they think.
One friend who has MS said she bought a swim suit with a skirt and that hid part of her marks (she takes Copaxone, so the spots are slightly different). Another friend said don't do my arms or legs for the whole summer. One suggested I wear long skirts and don't get in a bathing suit all summer (with two kids, like that is going to happen.) Another said that although the spots look very obvious to me, they won't be to others.
I have a feeling a lot more people are going to find out about my MS this summer. Not that I hide it, but I don't start off my conversations with "I have MS" either. I think what I will do is if I notice someone looking at my legs, I'll tell them that the spots are a reaction to a drug I give myself for my MS. That will probably spark one of two responses. Both will probably have a surprise remark and one will have a personal experience - my sister, my brother-in-law, my friend has MS. So in the end, my not-too-sexy legs might be good.


Not taking shots I don't know how you will feel about what I have to say .. but I am going to say it anyway ...
I would trust the friend that said "while they are noticible to you, others won't notice" .. and why I chose this friends answer is because even if someone does notice and asks or says something , you shouldn't care ...
You are a strong woman who has two small children, and a life that is full .. hopefully with love .. and a life to live , don't mess your head up with this ...
If people blantantly stare , ignore them dearheart, if they ask about do tell .. but enjoy the summer festivities .. buy yourself a lacy sexy wrap around your bottom cover up .. and again enjoy !
Do you have a public pool ? or private ? If public, the majority of people won't even care , if it is private , then the people you are with should not stare but ask or , like me, I would give you a hug for being open and doing all you can to fight this beast ...
You can also try "spray tan" , and sorta cover your legs , it sorta makes them blend in .. but why worry what people you don't know will think ?
If they think anything, it should be how brave you are for taking the shots, maybe they will think you are diabetic ? I mean this is really not about vain , it is just like me , what will people , both who I know and don't think whne they saw me walking wit a cane , or tipping over to one side ?
I was scared, but then was told , why should you worry what others will think ? and used it and those who I knew either asked or ignored me, and those I did not know who stared , I smiled a big grin back atcha' ...
I am not sure I am making sense, but I would go for it, and just enjoy your life and who cares what anyone thinks anymore ....
Hope you find your answer , but remember sometimes there are no answers ... Adrian