22nd December 2007
HI there. Sorry you are having problems. I do know about Tysabri but I dont understand about why your doctor isnt suggesting it. First of all, Tysabri isnt approved for progressive MS, that might be the reason, but secondly, just because your balance isnt coming back, doesnt make your MS progressive...
It could mean you are having a serious relapse. Have you been on any steroids or IV steroids for this problem?
Im also on Rebif, and love it. I have absolutely no site injection issues. How long have you been on Rebif, what exactly are you experincing? Are you icing or heating the area prior to injections? Are you injecting with the auto-injector or just using the syringe? Are you massaging the area post injection for a few minutes? And, are you using anything to massage with? I suggest Arnica, an all natural gel, found in all health food stores- which actually takes the bruising out of the skin as well as giving you "slip" to massage the area gently...use it for two minutes after every injection. Its greasless, odorless and really helps.
Now, onto Tysabri...used mainly for relapsing/remitting MS, and done in Touch Centers, (usually in a hosptial), it is the most serious of all MS drugs. IT is usually used only when the CRABS (copaxone, rebif, avonex and Betaseron) stop working...although it can be used for a first line of defense with some more aggressive MS forms and by more knowledgable doctors...many Neuros are afraid of it, since it has had some problems in the past; however Tysabri is having excellent reviews and results these days. I will go on it, if the Rebif isnt working any longer. Ive already made up my mind that a once a month infusion sounds alot better than 3 times a week shots! But, there is no reason that balance would be a reason NOT to give you Tysabri. Im not entirely sure of what you take as a diabetic, and it is possible that whatever you take, might not be a good mix with Tsyabri, it is a drug that you should not be taking anything which might interfere with it at the same time...
You might consider getting another opinion at this point. Do you see a regular Neuro or an MS specialist? I would definately be seeing an MS specialist if you arent already...Good luck and keep us posted. ok? Happy holidays
Nikki
It could mean you are having a serious relapse. Have you been on any steroids or IV steroids for this problem?
Im also on Rebif, and love it. I have absolutely no site injection issues. How long have you been on Rebif, what exactly are you experincing? Are you icing or heating the area prior to injections? Are you injecting with the auto-injector or just using the syringe? Are you massaging the area post injection for a few minutes? And, are you using anything to massage with? I suggest Arnica, an all natural gel, found in all health food stores- which actually takes the bruising out of the skin as well as giving you "slip" to massage the area gently...use it for two minutes after every injection. Its greasless, odorless and really helps.
Now, onto Tysabri...used mainly for relapsing/remitting MS, and done in Touch Centers, (usually in a hosptial), it is the most serious of all MS drugs. IT is usually used only when the CRABS (copaxone, rebif, avonex and Betaseron) stop working...although it can be used for a first line of defense with some more aggressive MS forms and by more knowledgable doctors...many Neuros are afraid of it, since it has had some problems in the past; however Tysabri is having excellent reviews and results these days. I will go on it, if the Rebif isnt working any longer. Ive already made up my mind that a once a month infusion sounds alot better than 3 times a week shots! But, there is no reason that balance would be a reason NOT to give you Tysabri. Im not entirely sure of what you take as a diabetic, and it is possible that whatever you take, might not be a good mix with Tsyabri, it is a drug that you should not be taking anything which might interfere with it at the same time...
You might consider getting another opinion at this point. Do you see a regular Neuro or an MS specialist? I would definately be seeing an MS specialist if you arent already...Good luck and keep us posted. ok? Happy holidays
Nikki