"I learned to see life in a different way."

Dave, MS LifeLines Ambassador

Living with RRMS since 1998

Taking Rebif^® since 2003

Staying Strong For My Son

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Tim

June 26, 2008

By MS LifeLines Ambassador Tim

It's good to reassure a frightened young child, but I really didn't want to do so at the cost of becoming a liar. Now I had to set about making what I had told him a reality. The first step was getting on treatment, which was easier said than done because of my horrible fear of needles. But the only other choice was to do nothing at all (all recommended therapies are injectable) and I wasn't going to turn myself into a liar that quickly.

My neurologist and I chose Rebif^® (interferon beta-1a) and eventually I got over my fear of needles after a lot of patience on the part of my MS Lifelines^® Nurse and wife who encouraged me through that terrifying first, worst shot. I also had to deal with the side effects of course (flu-like symptoms and the occasional injection site reaction in my case), but the recommended strategies worked well for me. After a couple of months, taking my shot and the side effects weren't bothering me much at all. What was bothering me and jeopardizing the truthfulness of my promises was my state of mind. I was wallowing in self pity and not really capable of being there for my son or my wife. Fortunately, time and professional psychologists are great healers.

I think my biggest saving grace through all of this was the fact that a few months before my diagnosis I'd started taking Tae Kwon Do with my son. He'd started a couple of years earlier and was really losing interest. I said I'd join him and keep him company if he stuck with it. Sure, I missed a few classes during the first few months after diagnosis, but generally I stuck with it — I didn't want to be a hypocrite or a liar!

Apart from the wonders of medical science, I largely credit martial arts with my strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. But most importantly, it'll always be something that my son and I have in common. Imagine my pride last week when he became a Bo Dan (an apprentice black belt). And he was proud of me too — for getting my purple belt. I'm a long way behind him, but that's OK — these days I believe that I have time to get there and we'll get to be together every step of the way.

Brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc., the co-marketers of Rebif^® (interferon beta-1a) in the US

Prescribing Information - Medication Guide

This information is intended only for residents of the United States.

Rebif is used to treat relapsing forms of MS to decrease the frequency of relapses and delay the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. Efficacy has been established in controlled studies up to 2 years in duration. Rebif is not approved for the treatment of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. Rebif is available by prescription only in 22 mcg and 44 mcg pre-filled syringes and a titration pack.

Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their doctor the potential benefits and risks associated with Rebif. Let your doctor know if you have a history of depression, seizures, liver disease, thyroid problems, and blood count or bleeding problems or if you have had previous allergic reactions to medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Rebif and other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before you take any new medicines. Rebif is not recommended for women who are or plan to become pregnant.

Potential serious side effects of Rebif include depression, liver problems, risk to pregnancy, injection site problems and severe allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare and may be associated with difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness, which requires immediate medical attention.

The most common side effects with Rebif are injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness), depression, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, and blood cell count decreases. Let your doctor know immediately if you have any of these symptoms or feel sad, tired, hot or cold, experience hives, rashes, bruising, yellowing of the skin, or a change in body weight (gain or loss).

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

This information is not intended to replace discussions with your healthcare provider. For additional information about Rebif, please consult the Medication Guide or Prescribing Information and talk to your doctor. You can also call toll free 1-877-44-REBIF (1-877-447-3243). Rebif is available by prescription only.

MS LifeLines is an educational support service for people living with MS and their families. MS LifeLines and MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Rebif, Rebiject II and MS LifeLines are registered trademarks and the Rebif logo is a trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

MS in Balance is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

Copyright 2008 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.