Finally Getting Somewhere!

After unsuccessfully trying to reach someone at my neurologist's office since Monday, I FINALLY got a hold of someone and got the ball rolling.  I think part of the problem with getting a call back was my multi-tiered messages I left.  I like to consider myself a multi-tasker, so instead of leaving a message only about one specific issue, I left one encompassing ALL my issues... last time I do that!

So as much as I absolutely hate Solu-Medrol, the doctor thinks it best.  I have been scheduled for a 2-day cycle of the steroid for Monday and Tuesday.  Which means that come Wednesday, my house should be pretty damned clean, my laundry will all be done, and I will probably be down on my hands and knees scrubbing the baseboards of my house with a toothbrush.  But of course, come Wednesday night, I will be zombified. Apparently, sleep is a necessary function. ;-)

I also talked to the doctor about what needed to be done to start my switch-over from Avonex to Tysabri.  Based on my most recent MRI's and the new lesions on my C-spine, the docs said that it appears I qualify for Tysabri, now. They actually told me that about a month ago, but I hadn't made my decision to go for it until just recently.  Tysabri is the new(er) "super drug" for MS.  But, as it goes, the more aggressive the drug, the more severe the side-effects.  Tysabri is no exception.  I hesitated about it for so long because of the HUGE caveat that goes with Tysabri:  "Tysabri increases the risk of a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death.  This risk is higher if you have a weak immune system or are receiving certain medicines." Anyone who knows me could tell you that I don't exactly have the best medical luck.  In fact, my luck is so spectacular medically, that I would be that 1 person in 1000 that contracts the infection.  I'd say my hesitation is justified.

However, every week I give myself my Avonex injection and then experience the awesome weekly side-effects from that, I decide that it's a risk I'm willing to take.  Besides, if I have only been diagnosed with MS for 2 years and already my lesions have doubled, then how long will it take if I continue at that rate until I am immobilized or incapacitated?  Me in any sort of wheel chair is a very scary thought-- for everyone around me, more than me!

So Monday I'll go in and get my initial labs drawn to start the ball rolling on Tysabri.  In order to receive Tysabri, you have to be meet a whole slue of requirements. Let's just hope I meet those requirements... or instead of getting to cut out the weekly injections and go in once a month for an infusion, I'll end up switching to another medication-- one that requires daily or every-other-day injections. Ugh. Yuck. 

Work is exhausting today. I think my body is impervious to amphetamines (Adderol). I'm still tired.  Only 45 more minutes of work, then I get to head home, hug and kiss the boyfriend, change my clothes, pack up my car, and head to Job #2-- a Slumber Party in Midvale. So much for any chance of resting-- that is a guaranteed 3-6 hours on my feet. My goal is to be done with her party, have orders done, and my car packed up and on the road heading home by 10:30.

Wish me luck.