I have been on Tysabri for just over a year, after interferon-based drugs resulted in blood dyscrasias and
depression. Copaxone for 2 years, then flare so neuro took me off that for a few months. I was hospitalized in Jan 2012 for flare involving issues with my legs, and it was after that we started Ty.
Since then, I have had two possible, and one definite flare, all of which were treated with oral steroids as I was told that on Ty, you cannot take IV Steroids. The latest was a issue with one eye, where the pupil is larger than the other eye consistently after MAJOR headache. MRA showed no issues with blood vessels in brain. Then 6-8 weeks after that, I awoke and noticed that one eye had drifted to the outer aspect of my eye socket. Like there was something fascinating to look at off to the left. The right eye was normal position. Vision was ok. Met with ophthamologist and my neurologist for exam and they both agreed new lesion in MLF area of brainstem, where the nerves that control eye muscles all cross. Another course of oral steroids for a week.
So my question is: If I have been on Tysabri for over a year, and am still developing new lesions, should I consider stopping it? My concern is that when I have increase in symptoms, I cannot throw the heavy duty IV steroids at the flare, and seem to have more and more residual issues. My tests for JC virus have always been negative, however, the one done in February was 'indeterminate'. My neuro has ordered the more sensitive new test, along with a Tysabri antibody test, and they were done at my infusion this week.
Would love to hear from others who may have been in similar situation, or have other advice as well. And I have started high dose Vit D3!
EileenB
depression. Copaxone for 2 years, then flare so neuro took me off that for a few months. I was hospitalized in Jan 2012 for flare involving issues with my legs, and it was after that we started Ty.
Since then, I have had two possible, and one definite flare, all of which were treated with oral steroids as I was told that on Ty, you cannot take IV Steroids. The latest was a issue with one eye, where the pupil is larger than the other eye consistently after MAJOR headache. MRA showed no issues with blood vessels in brain. Then 6-8 weeks after that, I awoke and noticed that one eye had drifted to the outer aspect of my eye socket. Like there was something fascinating to look at off to the left. The right eye was normal position. Vision was ok. Met with ophthamologist and my neurologist for exam and they both agreed new lesion in MLF area of brainstem, where the nerves that control eye muscles all cross. Another course of oral steroids for a week.
So my question is: If I have been on Tysabri for over a year, and am still developing new lesions, should I consider stopping it? My concern is that when I have increase in symptoms, I cannot throw the heavy duty IV steroids at the flare, and seem to have more and more residual issues. My tests for JC virus have always been negative, however, the one done in February was 'indeterminate'. My neuro has ordered the more sensitive new test, along with a Tysabri antibody test, and they were done at my infusion this week.
Would love to hear from others who may have been in similar situation, or have other advice as well. And I have started high dose Vit D3!
EileenB
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