Big question to everyone. 70 on O ?

[Kenu]

For a lot of you that have followed me have heard me mention my best friends wife Toni with her MS. She has been trying to do a brain 🧠 mri and cervical and has not been able to due so because of pain when she lays down. She went back to her neurologist yesterday and was told no one over 70 has been prescribed O ? So that’s my question how many here are over 70 doing O.

[Allen5280]

I can't say that I meet that particular requirement. Even though my 1st Neuro after my 1st MRI described it "your brain looks as though a 70yr old man whom has had a sevear stroke, with no stroke" She then went on to tell me.... ok are you sitting down because this was the first and only time I've ever heard this from a doctor. If I may remind you, at one time I taught doctors how to fly... so I've heard alot. LoL she looked at me bewildered "I'm not quite sure what's going on here. (Partly do to the extent of the damage and I was standing in front of her, couldnt talk well at all. Balance had gone out the window but I was still there) so I would like to refer you to OU medical for a second opinion. My next step would be a lumbar puncture. Before such an invasive procedure I would like to have another neurologist look things over." Threw me for a loop, I thought she was just passing me along like all the previous doctors over the preceding 4 years. I'll be sending up a petition 🙏 for your friend.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

I have read that the medical community is/was not sure to prescribe Ocrevus to patients over 50 because no one in the trial was over 50. I mentioned that to my neuro, and she questioned, rather perplexed, as to where I ever got that idea. I am over 50, hence my concern. She said that wasn't something that she heard of, and she didn't know of any patient age limit while being on Ocrevus, or any other DMT. I am curious on what others in this forum have to say. As for your friend, I believe that there was a post on another member not being able to have a mri because of a similar issue. Are there mri machines that allow the patient to get a mri in a seated position, in her area? Could that help your friend? Keep Smiling, Kenu

[goatgal in reply to carolek572]

Beginning with my initial diagnosis at 70, ten years ago, I have been told by every neurologist I've seen that DMTs are routinely not prescribed for people in my age bracket (70 and older), There are apparently several reasons for this: drugs were not trialed on those who were 55 and older (so we don't know how they affect compromised, aging immune systems), older folks' bodies process drugs differently which changes their effectiveness, and insurance companies may be less willing to cover the costs. My own sense is also a cynical one: why bother/spend money to investigate/trial on those who are getting ready to exit stage left? We live in a culture which is filled with disposables, things used up and tossed aside. That attitude includes people.

[Kenu in reply to carolek572]

No other mri’s in Pocatello Idaho, it’s a town of 50,000. I think the only thing is to be put out. I didn’t realize that neurologist was not prescribing O over 50 ? Now I wonder how many over 50 are on it ? Ken 🐾🐾

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Kenu]

No, neuros are still prescribing Ocrevus to individuals over 50 as I am over 50. That was an article that I came across and I believe that I posted it. As for goatgal 's reply, I understand your cynicism as that train of thought is the bedrock of the Canadian healthcare system.

[Doubled51]

I have mri problems with pain and claustrophobia. I’m 68 but I have conscious sedation which has totally changed my life with MRIs. It requires only 10 to 15 mins of recovery time. I can lie still now honestly it’s the only time I’m totally pain free.

Donnie

[Fancy1959]

Sometimes rumors get started that are true. At first it was over 60 couldn't have ocrevus and that hit me but on on it. A lot of it can has to do with your neurologist. I can't honestly give you an answer since I'm only 60. Perhaps in 10 years I'll have an answer for you! Fancy.

[jackiesj]

Im wondering if it has something to do with poss alz and other belated diseases as a sidekick on the medication.Something to study.i had a friend with same mo about being able to lie flat etc.Horrid.There must be another way to do the exray.I am told with stents in the heart I shouldn't have MRI either because of magnets to the stents....who knew...they didn't ask ahead about MS and MRi before the stents.

[pamgarner]

I am 65 am on ocrevus,but I did hear that they(insurance) are hesitant because there is not enough trial evidence people over 70.this is so aggravating to me!It seems to me once you hit medicare,your life becomes less valuable,it is a fight for everything medical!It seems insurance says ,"oh well"urrrgghhh!

[bavery207]

Kenu I have been on O for for almost 3 years, I turn 70 in April, my neuro did talk about maybe stopping it after 5 years to give my body a break. I guess we will see.

[mrsmike9]

Someone recently has their spouse lay on their stomach for the MRI. Would that help her?

[Tazmanian]

I am 58 and I am on Ocrevus.

[CynthiaS]

My tech puts a triangle pillow of sorts so my knees are bent when I enter MRI. Have Tracey call Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health here Las Vegas Nevada for appt for second opinion. All she needs is a referral from her PCP; doesn't matter what insurance she has. They help us with any type of MS..transportation etc. They also have the strongest tesla 3 magnification MRI and trials of 'O' were done there. Blessings Cynthia