Hi All,
Why would YOU switch your DMD? I always thought a "treatment fail" or increase in progression (neurological tests, MRIs, etc.) would warrant switching. . .but?
I was dx in 1994 (no tx then---Betaseron lottery---I was in my early 20's---wait and see approach). Flare sent me back to neuro in 1997 when follow up MRI showed AGGRESSIVE MS by INCREASED lesion load on 3-year follow up MRI. I started Avonex soon after that.
Fast forward, today, 15 years later, still on Avonex. . .due to losing job three years ago, bad economy, bad experiences finding and keeping job that I could do, etc., I was forced to apply for SSDI. I got SSDI first try (that God!).
My neuro wants to switch me to TYSABRI. I'm scared of it. . .PML risk, etc. I'm single, live alone, have no real family close by (or supportive). I haven't felt well in several years, but I "am comfortable" as I have a roof over my head, etc.
I get a follow-up MRI this upcoming Monday. . .he wants me to switch. . .but I don't know. My MRIs have been stable. . .but I am on a slow downward spiral (nothing stops MS progression, right?). I'm in my mid 40's and 18 years since dx. . .I suspect SPMS stage threshold. . .but?
Anyone been on Avonex 15+ years who is still on treatment? I feel my Avonex is my "trusted companion" so to speak. My head is spinning with everything. . .is TYSABRI that much better than Avonex?
Baring a "treatment fail" would YOU switch? I'm looking for input from my fellow MSers. . .
Why would YOU switch your DMD? I always thought a "treatment fail" or increase in progression (neurological tests, MRIs, etc.) would warrant switching. . .but?
I was dx in 1994 (no tx then---Betaseron lottery---I was in my early 20's---wait and see approach). Flare sent me back to neuro in 1997 when follow up MRI showed AGGRESSIVE MS by INCREASED lesion load on 3-year follow up MRI. I started Avonex soon after that.
Fast forward, today, 15 years later, still on Avonex. . .due to losing job three years ago, bad economy, bad experiences finding and keeping job that I could do, etc., I was forced to apply for SSDI. I got SSDI first try (that God!).
My neuro wants to switch me to TYSABRI. I'm scared of it. . .PML risk, etc. I'm single, live alone, have no real family close by (or supportive). I haven't felt well in several years, but I "am comfortable" as I have a roof over my head, etc.
I get a follow-up MRI this upcoming Monday. . .he wants me to switch. . .but I don't know. My MRIs have been stable. . .but I am on a slow downward spiral (nothing stops MS progression, right?). I'm in my mid 40's and 18 years since dx. . .I suspect SPMS stage threshold. . .but?
Anyone been on Avonex 15+ years who is still on treatment? I feel my Avonex is my "trusted companion" so to speak. My head is spinning with everything. . .is TYSABRI that much better than Avonex?
Baring a "treatment fail" would YOU switch? I'm looking for input from my fellow MSers. . .
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