M.S. & I: March 2011

Monday, March 7, 2011

Approved!!!

I was approved for Tysabri! I got the great news a few weeks ago, and why do you ask that I needed to get approved? Well of course insurance is a pain and they needed good proof that the other two medications didnt work on me because this medication is CRAZY $$$ and second reason being Tysabri increases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection that usually causes death or severe disability. I had some blood work done about a month ago to check for a certain JC antibody that helps them to see if I do have a better chance of contraction PML. I got the letter two weeks ago and the results came back negative! So even though this is good it still doesnt mean that I can't contract PML. So the overall good news is that I no longer have to take a daily shot, and I just get an infusion just once a month!!! YEAH!!! Oh and this is as good as it gets with MS medication so I am truley thankful that I have this opportunity :) Wish me luck!!

What is MS?

It is a disease in which the myelin sheaths around the axons of the rain and spinal cord are damged, leading to demyelination and scarring as well as a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms. disease onset usually occurs in young adults, and it is more common in females. MS affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other. Nerve cells communicate by sending signals called action potentials down long fibers called axons, which are wrapped in an insulating subtance called myelin. In MS, the body's own immune system attacks and damages the myelin. When myelin is lost, the axons can no longer effectively conduct signals. the name multiple sclerosis refers to scars in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord, which is mainly composed of myelin. Although much is known about the mechanisms involved in the disease process, the cause remains unknown. theories include genetics or infections. Different environmental risk factors have also been found. Almost any neurological symptoms can appear with the disease, and often progresses to physical and cognitive diasbility. MS takes several forms, with new syptoms occuring either in discrete attack or slowly accumulating over time. Between attacks, symptoms may go away completely, but permanent neurological problems often occur, especially as the disease advances. There is no cure for MS. Treatments attempt to return function after an attack, prevent new attacks, and prevent disability.

M.S. & I

MS & I

Monday, March 7, 2011

Approved!!!

My Guardian Angle

What is MS?

MS and I