Hello
I'm from the UK so the protocol over here may differ somewhat but thought I'd summarise my experience.
I only finished yesterday and have to say I've came out feeling worse than I went in! To be expected though really.
The treatment itself was uneventful. Day 1,2,3 IV steroids were given for one hour followed by a break for another hour than 4 hours continual IV Lemtrada. Day 4 I went without the steroids but was put back on them yesterday as I got a rash. When on the Lemtrada your heart rate and blood pressure is measured every 15 minutes or so.
Side effects: Day one I really ached, not unlike the effects of Rebif. Day 4, unsightly rash and slight temp. Day 4 and 5 I've slept more.
Overall I’m tired but not totally debilitated. I've felt / feel woozy and my eye sight has deteriorated sightly which worries me. I'm hoping its not a relapse but rather caused from being tired and pumped with drugs. Time will tell. No other MS symptoms have reared.
So, no regrets. Being chained to the drip was what I found the hardest. Spending a few days on a neurological ward has only reinforced my reasons for having this treatment. The staff were pleasant but a life in and out of hospital, being dependant, vulnerable and at the mercy of others is not the life for me.
I'm from the UK so the protocol over here may differ somewhat but thought I'd summarise my experience.
I only finished yesterday and have to say I've came out feeling worse than I went in! To be expected though really.
The treatment itself was uneventful. Day 1,2,3 IV steroids were given for one hour followed by a break for another hour than 4 hours continual IV Lemtrada. Day 4 I went without the steroids but was put back on them yesterday as I got a rash. When on the Lemtrada your heart rate and blood pressure is measured every 15 minutes or so.
Side effects: Day one I really ached, not unlike the effects of Rebif. Day 4, unsightly rash and slight temp. Day 4 and 5 I've slept more.
Overall I’m tired but not totally debilitated. I've felt / feel woozy and my eye sight has deteriorated sightly which worries me. I'm hoping its not a relapse but rather caused from being tired and pumped with drugs. Time will tell. No other MS symptoms have reared.
So, no regrets. Being chained to the drip was what I found the hardest. Spending a few days on a neurological ward has only reinforced my reasons for having this treatment. The staff were pleasant but a life in and out of hospital, being dependant, vulnerable and at the mercy of others is not the life for me.
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