Coping with multiple sclerosis symptoms, attacks, and treatments
It’s that time again- time to find a new neurologist.
I’m not a picky person. Really, I’m not. Normally I will tolerate any kind of abuse from a doctor as long as they give me accurate information about my health and write the necessary prescriptions. However, I’m now on my third neurologist. What happened?
[Read more…] about Switching Neurologists – Dumping Doctors And How To Find A New Neurologist
I’ve written much about Gilenya, but it was not my first treatment. At the time of my diagnosis, Rebif (Interferon Beta 1-A) was really the top drug. Tysabri was the latest thing, but it had only just returned to the market after being yanked so my neurologist avoided prescribing it. In my post-diagnosis panic I felt adrift – unable to make a choice I let current trends determine my direction. If you are trying to choose a drug for MS, take a look at our guide to MS.
With 2 aunts successfully using Beta Seron, one might think that I would do well on interferon. However, my father was taken off Avonex and switched to Copaxone when his liver enzymes were too high to be safe. Rebif was a gamble, but my options were limited. The ease of pre-filled syringes and an auto-injector appealed to me over the possibility of mixing the medicine myself or using a larger needle.
“The drug is really quite a remarkably safe one for humans, although it is really quite a dangerous one for mice and they should not use it.” – J.W.D Henderson Director of the Bureau of Human Drugs, Health and Welfare, Canada. If you or a loved on has MS, then by now you have seen their pain and symptoms and have wondered about marijuana and Multiple Sclerosis.
Depending on who you ask, marijuana is either a cure-all for Multiple Sclerosis symptoms or a deadly drug that creates homeless crack addicts. Compassionate Care, Medicinal Cannabis, whatever you’d like to call it, is a hot-button issue that drives many otherwise sane people to extremes when discussed.
Surveys have shown that as many as 50% or as few as 16% of individuals diagnosed with MS already smoke cannabis even with its inherent legal risks. What does Marijuana do exactly that benefits a person with Multiple Sclerosis? And with a prescription THC pill and mouth spray out there, why choose to smoke it instead?
Happy New Year! For most of 2011 I have focused solely on my own journey to obtain Gilenya and continue using it. I threw away the needles and felt great about it. And what’s been going on in the meantime? Montel got CCSVI! A new stem cell trial without chemotherapy is almost underway! New medications (*ahem* BG-12) are winding their way through the pipeline! And also in that time, much has been discovered. Multiple Sclerosis Research has recently revealed more about the nature of the Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that needs ever more illumination.
These are the discoveries I find most exciting of all right now.
[Read more…] about Those Poor Mice: New Developments In Multiple Sclerosis Research
YES! At my Gilenya followup today I learned that blood tests confirm I can continue Gilenya!
Although my current neurologist isn’t a fan of letting his patients view any of their test results I stole my paperwork for a quick read during the 3 hour wait to see him.
What I read initially sent me into a panic.
Several months have passed since I began taking Gilenya on May 5. Today I’m focusing on the drug’s possible side effects and how I have personally been affected. The good news is that I seem to be mostly fine so far. In spite of this year’s gloomy start with 2 separate attacks within it’s first few months, I have had no attacks since beginning this treatment. In hindsight I really do feel that Rebif, and probably interferons in general, are just not right for my body. Now that I have begun the drug I have started to focus on Gilenya side effects.
With my Gilenya followup appointment looming in a couple of weeks, I’ll soon find out if Gilenya suits me in the long run. As you can see, I do have my fingers crossed!
[Read more…] about Diary Of A Gilenya Pioneer: Fingers Crossed As I Experience Gilenya Side Effects
My first month on Gilenya has passed.
As a treatment, everything with Gilenya has been going well. Downsides are that I’m a bit drowsy sometimes and a bit cold (both seem so random). Sleep is very difficult. My skin is definitely more sensitive than usual, especially to sunlight which I didn’t think was possible.
Gilenya is rumored to possibly heal previous damage from MS attacks. For my part, I have no idea if Gilenya is healing any damage considering how badly I react to heat and this summer has been brutal.
[Read more…] about Diary Of A Gilenya Pioneer: First Month On Gilenya
Will and I spent most of last night in a smoky club in Charlotte. Getting to bed at about 4:30 am not the best way to spend the evening before my first dose of Gilenya.
It has been a bumpy road to get to the first dose. I completed a variety of tests to qualify, endured a prolonged and painful exacerbation brought on by the stress, and fought my insurance company for coverage.
I spent today in my neurologist’s office hooked up to heart monitors and trying to stay awake. I read, slept, and exercised to bring up my heart rate. For the most part, it went alright.
[Read more…] about Diary Of A Gilenya Pioneer: First Dose Of Gilenya