HIV Drug may help with PML

[ru4cats]

I just scanned this article from MedPage and thought others on Tysabri might find it interesting.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurolog...30&utm_content

[regi girl]

Thanks Cats, very interesting.

[22cyclist]

Yes, thank you.

Lisa

[misslux]

Thank you for posting!

I sent it to a friend who does not have MS but is HIV+ and had (has?) PML that has left him permanent damage. He is going to talk to his doctor about the drug, etc. as he is at high risk if his immune system is compromised further.

[regi girl]

Misslux, If you don't mind me asking, can you give us some detail on his exact disability, the challenges he has overcome and little bit of his story about how he was diagnosed and what treatment he received.

Thank you

[misslux]

Sure:

- hemiparesis (right side)
- fatigue
- spasticity
- foot drop
- balance issues
- pain
- cognitive issues
- swallow and speech issues (he could not speak)

He overcame the swallow and speech issues through intensive speech therapy and regained use of his arm/hand/legs but still has issues with writing, grasping, fine motor skills on the right. Cane and AFO for walking but can't go very far and uses paratransit.

If he thinks back, his first symptom was probably hemiparesis and foot drop but he collapsed at one point and was hospitalized where they did several LPs and MRIs. Not sure what treatment they gave him though.

[misslux]

Forgot to add, he did not know he was HIV+ until he was hospitalized and underwent extensive testing. So double whammy -- HIV and PML diagnosis at the same time (this was about 2 years ago).

All in all, he is doing really well now considering that he almost died.

[lindaincolorado]

Thanks ru4cats and misslux !