liver

Diary Of A Gilenya Pioneer: Latest Gilenya Test Results

July 28, 2012 by Sara

My one year anniversary of taking Gilenya occurred in May, but my first MRI results and latest blood test since beginning treatment occurred only recently. Multiple Sclerosis can be a very unpredictable disease, but prior to treatment with Gilenya I averaged 2 – 3 relapses per year. My neurologists have told met hat the average gap between relapses is 18 months which I have never achieved. However, I am getting closer every day as this is the longest relapse-free period I have ever had since diagnosis. My Gilenya test results during my last office visit were overwhelmingly positive.

Diary Of A Gilenya Pioneer: Gilenya Results After One Year On Gilenya

May 5, 2012 by Sara

Happy anniversary to me! One year ago today I took my first dose of Gilenya. My heart rate waxed and waned that day, but in the 12 months since my life has steadily improved. I don’t expect roses today, but I am ecstatic that the drug is working for me. Until this time last year, I was in a pattern of a relapse every few months. I have now been relapse-free for one year and counting! So far, Gilenya results have been fantastic.

I began the journey secretly hopeful that I might be one of those few people who miraculously have so many of their lesions shrink and heal on Gilenya, but I was also reasonable. Most of my damage is well over a year old, and most neurologists will tell you to stop expecting any improvement after one year. May 5 2011, deep down I believed that I was stuck with what I had in spite of any contradictory fantasies.

My Years On Rebif

April 14, 2012 by Sara

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.

[Read more…] about My Years On Rebif

Diary Of A Gilenya Pioneer: Gilenya Followup – YES! I Can Continue Taking Gilenya!

September 6, 2011 by Sara

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.

Page 1: My immune system has been decimated. I am one germ away from sudden death.
Pages Everything Else: Greek.

Diary Of A Gilenya Pioneer: Fingers Crossed As I Experience Gilenya Side Effects

August 28, 2011 by Sara

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!

Diary Of A Gilenya Pioneer: First Dose Of Gilenya

May 5, 2011 by Sara

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.

Diary Of A Gilenya Pioneer: The Gilenya Approval Tests Begin!

March 9, 2011 by Sara

Some good news in my quest to start Gilenya – which is really starting to feel like a quest for the holy grail. I’ve written previously about my hopes for Gilenya and of my frustrations with the slow process. On the day I ceased Rebif I also saw a gastroenterologist for my elevated liver enzymes. The tally so far is $800 for the consult, $600 for the results, and forthcoming bills for some blood tests and an abdomenal ultrasound. Results are that I am clear of all liver diseases – he seemed disappointed. With the liver investigation closed, I am set to begin the Gilenya approval tests required by my neurologist, by my insurance provider, and by Novartis.

Diary Of A Gilenya Pioneer: Gilenya Process Speedbumps

February 19, 2011 by Sara

Almost two weeks ago I posted that I was in the process of switching to Gilenya. Not so fast, I suppose. My neurologist’s office staff was eager for me to let Gilenya set up all of my doctor appointments for me to undergo the necessary tests. By their accounts they faxed in my information the morning I was in their office, and then a few days later when they hadn’t heard anything back. And then again when I called them after a very unproductive phone call with Gilenya. With such a new drug, I should have expected Gilenya process problems.

Several months ago I switched positions within the company to work in a 24/7 network surveillance group. We rotate weekends, leaving me with a “weekend” during the week for a month here and there. I had hoped that I could use these days to get through all of my doctor appointments this month. But the opportunity to accomplish that is rapidly vanishing.