For every drug there will be people that do well on it and others that do not. I failed miserably on a number of other disease modifying therapies. I had "those symptoms" that cause eye brows to raise and "that look" from a number of doctors (you know, those looks that get you referred to a psychiatrist?). My neurologist actually did a celebration dance and full 360 when she found out I was tolerating Tecfidera.
Four months into Tecfidera I still have side effects on most days. Today, I had 2+ hours of flushing and yesterday I was itching like a man on a fuzzy tree. Tecfidera was 100% responsible for both symptoms. I understand a lot of people are having a hard time with side effects. I also understand more people will take to the Internet to voice negatives than positives.
For me, it's pretty simple;
For self-administered medications, Tecfidera is statistically the best. For me, Tecfidera side effects are inconvenient, but still tolerable. The side effects experienced are many times more palatable then those on previously tried medications. Tecfidera also gives me the best chance to remain semi-ambulatory.
People don't look at me and say, "but you don't look sick" because I do. I am still "disabled" and not capable of working. I have chronic pain and fatigue. My legs would remind you of a wet noodle and you can't miss my struggle to walk even with mechanical assistance. This Saturday my friends are bringing over a power chair for me to use. I'm actually excited about it and I hope the power chair will bring me a new level of freedom.
I understand the arguments against "big pharma" therapies. I understand the thought "my MS" isn't that bad. I also understand that just one poorly placed lesion or one bad attack can have permanent & catastrophic impact.
I don't know what my future holds, but for today I will gladly take my Tecfidera and put up my very best fight against this disease.
Godspeed one and all!
Four months into Tecfidera I still have side effects on most days. Today, I had 2+ hours of flushing and yesterday I was itching like a man on a fuzzy tree. Tecfidera was 100% responsible for both symptoms. I understand a lot of people are having a hard time with side effects. I also understand more people will take to the Internet to voice negatives than positives.
For me, it's pretty simple;
For self-administered medications, Tecfidera is statistically the best. For me, Tecfidera side effects are inconvenient, but still tolerable. The side effects experienced are many times more palatable then those on previously tried medications. Tecfidera also gives me the best chance to remain semi-ambulatory.
People don't look at me and say, "but you don't look sick" because I do. I am still "disabled" and not capable of working. I have chronic pain and fatigue. My legs would remind you of a wet noodle and you can't miss my struggle to walk even with mechanical assistance. This Saturday my friends are bringing over a power chair for me to use. I'm actually excited about it and I hope the power chair will bring me a new level of freedom.
I understand the arguments against "big pharma" therapies. I understand the thought "my MS" isn't that bad. I also understand that just one poorly placed lesion or one bad attack can have permanent & catastrophic impact.
I don't know what my future holds, but for today I will gladly take my Tecfidera and put up my very best fight against this disease.
Godspeed one and all!
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