MS infusion treatment: Hey guys ! Has... - My MSAA Community

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MS infusion treatment

Haku949 profile image
Haku949
β€’78 Replies

Hey guys ! Has anyone here taken the 2 times per year Ocrevus? Or the monthly Tysabri?

Which one did you find most effective? The Safety Consideration sheet sounds scary.

I would love to hear the cons/pros to your reactions. Thank you all !!

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Haku949 profile image
Haku949
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I have been on Ocrevus since 2018, I have been very pleased with the treatment and the way I feel on it. The only thing I don't like is the crazy high cost.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply to

That is good to hear - reading the side effects just scared me so we want to make a informed decision. I am leaning towards Ocrevus because he test positive for JCL - the doc said very low .2. How the heck do people get that? Dr. Google just augments my anxieties for my son.

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCars

Hello, I've been on Ocrevus for two years and I'm happy with it. The only side effect I've noticed is a faster heartbeat that only lasts a little while, and comes and goes for a week or two. I barely notice it anymore. The last time, I got body aches in my legs and a stiff neck, which resolved within 24 hours or so. People can have bad reactions to it, so that's why they give you steroids and Benedryl ahead of time, to mitigate that danger. It seems that a lot of doctors start new patients put on Ocrevus or Kesimpta (similar, but you have to inject at home once a month) these days. Some people on Ocrevus don't feel as well the last month before their infusion, which is called the crap gap. I have not experienced this myself. Some people manage to get it every five months to avoid this, but I think insurance companies would make that difficult. Overall, neurologists consider Ocrevus to be a really effective drug.

I have not been on Tysabri, but I can tell you a little bit about it. Tysabri is an older drug that came out in the mid-2000s. It was only like the fifth DMT in existence at that point, and it was so much more effective at suppressing the immune system (its job) that a few people developed PML. PML is a very serious, but extremely rare, brain infection stemming from the JC virus. Most people have this virus in their bodies and have no problems unless their immune system is weakened, like from taking meds for that purpose. So it was withdrawn from the market while they figured out how to make it safer for patients. Now patients have labs to try to reduce the danger of developing this. So, very effective drug, but a lot of monitoring. The doctors I've seen lately don't use Tysabri much anymore, but I don't know why. Maybe you could ask your doctor why it's not prescribed as much. (Others may have a totally different experience from mine, though.)

Ocrevus has had a few cases of PML, too. And separately, sometimes after a patient has been on it awhile, especially patients who are a little older (or especially petite), start to see too much immune suppression in the form of lower immunoglobulins. So doctors monitor for that, too, and will usually take you off of it if that happens. With either drug, you should tell your doctor if you (by that I mean your son) has more infections than usual. People often tend to take a drug for years, then sometimes their labs won't look good, and they will have to change meds and go through the decision process again.

I feel for anyone just diagnosed, reading about the side effects for these drugs. Even old-timers look at those lists and think, "Holy crap!" 😊 Then we do what you're doing and ask around. Then we pick what to us seems like the less scary option. (Some people decide not to take meds at all, but that's a whole separate conversation.)

Thankfully, the most serious side effects are pretty darn rare. They happen to someone, and you just have to hope that it won't be you. I personally try not to think about once I've made a decision.

So, to sum up as an Ocrevus patient, I like it, have no real side effects beyond the day or so after the infusion, and the three neurologists I've seen this year have all agreed that I should stay on it. I have had some problems with my MS recently, but I've had MS for over twenty years, so that's not entirely unexpected. If my adult child got MS, I would be reasonably comfortable with them being on it.

Best of luck to you and your son.

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCarsβ€’ in reply toCatsandCars

In addition to my really long post, I would like to add that if I were you, I would be comforted by the fact that your doctor isn't pussyfooting around, and has recommended two really effective drugs. In addition, an MS diagnosis is always a big blow, but there has never been a better time to have MS. There are so many new drug therapies coming out that it's getting hard to keep track of them, and more are in the pipeline. So take heart knowing that a tremendous amount of research is being done today.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toCatsandCars

I agree with you 100% - he said he wants to take an agressive approach because he is still young. My son actually told my husband and I he wont take drugs he rather die. I honestly felt crushed. We both spoke to him individually and reminded him another flare could potentially do worst things this is not the time to be stubborn. He is 22 so if he doesn't want to take drugs - then there is nothing I can do. I do believe there has been advancements to this disease and better drugs than before. Perhaps the med risks outwaves the long term disabilities. At this point I just support him until he comes back to reality.

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCarsβ€’ in reply toHaku949

I'm sorry your son feels that way, it must be really hard. I wonder what's influencing that decision, whether it's the grim list of side effects or some other personal feelings. It might be a way of denying or resisting the diagnosis, or I could be way off base. I think you're wise to give him some space and time to come to grips with the diagnosis, especially since young people (I remember this clearly!) love nothing more than either ignoring their parents' wishes - or simply doing the opposite.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toCatsandCars

I really enjoyed your post and thank you for your time. Trying to educate myself as much as possible. The insurance companies are a joke - we are paying almost a mortgage payment through my husband's company and I find myself on the phone with them for hours to get approvals.

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCarsβ€’ in reply toHaku949

Yes, insurance companies make it very hard to get the care we need. I think they make it hard on purpose in hopes that we'll give up and go away. It totally sucks!

NorasMom profile image
NorasMom

I'm one of the rare ones who had some mild complications with the first half-dose of Ocrevus, and after the second one I decided to stop taking it entirely. That said, I'd already been dealing with MS for nearly 40 years, and my neuro felt that it was a longshot for me anyway.

I'm perfectly happy not taking any DMT's, but if I was new to all this and your son's age, I'd definitely try the Ocrevus. Drugs weren't an option way back when, and there are times when I wonder where I'd be today if there had been. There are risks to all the drugs, and risks to not taking any at all. I'd take the chance on the drugs.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toNorasMom

Hi NorasMom ! My son is thinking good exercise, vitamins will help him. We are sort of suspend from helping him make any decisions. Based on what I am hearing Ocrevus seems like a good choice. I do appreciate you sharing this stuff and again you are doing well.

Elizt3 profile image
Elizt3

I have been on Ocrevus since 2019. My yearly MRIs have shown no new lesions and I have not had any relapses.

I think if one reads the side effect list of most drugs, they would be nervous. I bet most DMTs for MS have the potential of strange or ominous side effects.

I encourage you to give full consideration to O. This is my sixth DMT and I would say that I am happiest with it compared to others because my MRIs have not progressed and I’ve had virtually no side effects.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toElizt3

My anxiety is starting to go down based on what you shared. That is wonderful news for you and I hope you continue a very healthy path.

Elizt3 profile image
Elizt3β€’ in reply toHaku949

the way I look at it is: I feel fortunate to have so many med options available. In 1970 when my mother was diagnosed with MS, there were no treatments (except for high dose steroids). And, when I was diagnosed in 1996, there were only a few options. I know that it might be preferable to avoid possible side effects of meds, but it's a process of weighing risks and benefits. So far, I believe the potential benefits are meaningful.

sashaming1 profile image
sashaming1

Tysabri (which I had take about ten years) worked for me. No new brain lesions but the old ones remained. My final med was Lemtrada after I tested positive for a JCV. It has also prevented any new leisions.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply tosashaming1

Thank you for sharing your experience with Tysabri- I was leaning towards it until he tested positive for JCV. It just doesn't end. The doctor did say Tysabri shields from incoming lesions but again ready the fine print it states not to take it if you are JCV positive.

Texandyroe profile image
Texandyroe

I was on Tysabri for over 12 years, and loved every bit of it. Because I had no new lesions, no growth in the current lesions, and because of my β€œadvanced age”, my neurologist, who specializes in MS, took me off this year. He would have kept me on until I died a natural death (he said), but I had become JCV positive, so Tysabri was not an option. I’ve no experience with Ocrevus, so can’t compare the two, but I can tell you Tysabri was a breeze for me….NEVER had any side effects. May God bless you and guide you in this decision.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toTexandyroe

Howdy Texandyroe- I am from Dallas ! I appreciate your kind words.

Corran731 profile image
Corran731

Although my neurologist wanted me to take Tysabri I could not take it because it turns out I am also JCV+. But I was on Ocrevus for two years and was generally happy with it. I switched to Kesimpta when my insurance stopped letting me choose my own infusion center. Although they work in the same way I am happier on Kesempta tbh and am glad I switched. Around month 5 on Ocrevus I would notice a worsening of symptoms until I had my next infusion (colloquially known in the MS community as the β€œcrap gap.”) The good thing is that there has been enough anecdotal evidence that Genentech is starting to take it seriously so perhaps they might recommend some dosing changes in the future for some people. I know some neurologists put their patients on the 5 month regimen if their insurance will cover it. I hope you find something that works for you!

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toCorran731

Hi Corran, the health insurance companies are really preventing folks from getting better. The generic drugs are not as good at the brand name ones even my doctor told me that. That said I am getting prepared to battle with them to get it approved- I am relentless and will make a case out of it if needed. But my son I think it is still going through processing he has MS and is being super stubborn. I am hoping by the grace of some god out there in this universe he decided to take the prevantive approach. I will take that crap gap into consideration. It does say it lower your immuno so did you get sick more than often? Or amyone here noticed that?

NorasMom profile image
NorasMomβ€’ in reply toHaku949

Being sick all the time was one of my issues with Ocrevus. I wasn't seriously ill, but walking around with constant colds and sinus infections was a PIA. I just couldn't seem to shake any of them until I'd been off it for a full year. Most people don't seem to have that problem.

Corran731 profile image
Corran731β€’ in reply toHaku949

Oddly enough I did not get sick more often. I don’t remember getting sick at all the two years I was on Ocrevus although part of that time was during COVID and we were all doing the social distancing thing. The T cells still do their job even with the depleted B cells. That said, I do have more side effects from vaccines now.

SnowWhite1 profile image
SnowWhite1

hello Haku! I wish I could tell you more, but I only took Tysabri once. This was during the time that they had to pull it from the shelf. May God help you on your journey.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toSnowWhite1

Thank you for your wishes and likewise

Sunnyds profile image
Sunnyds

Hi Haku,

In hindsight, I wish I would have started a DMT sooner than I did. They are designed to prevent new lesions and new lesions can lead to new symptoms.

Along the way, I continued to work, exercised, cut out gluten and dairy, and took supplements, especially vitamin D, magnesium, fish oil, I do believe this lifestyle, in addition to DMT’s has helped me maintain a low level of disability for a long time.

In an earlier post you had mentioned feeling alone though all of this. Might I recommend a relative or friend to accompany you and/or your husband/son to appointments or on calls? I have found having an impartial third-party can help with notes and also bring up questions you may not have thought of.

Finding a MS support group in your area could help you feel less alone. In my local Support group, there’s a mother and father of a patient who attends primarily because her daughter rarely can, because she has a young family to take care of.

I can understand his reticence to medication as I felt the same in my twenties. Also, uncertainty and grief following this diagnosis has to be difficult and it would be great if he could meet other young people in the same situation. I have found my MS Medical Center to be helpful with resources, and support groups or patients that would be willing to talk to him.

The MS Society is worth a call to lay out the situation including your son’s feelings, and they may be able to connect you with resources, too.

Wishing you all the best!

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toSunnyds

Thank you for your thoughts- I will look into local places

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toSunnyds

Sunnyds we are looking into the support group in Dallas so far nothing showing up. I will call the MS society

Tazmanian profile image
Tazmanian

I used tysabri for two years and had no problems with it then I tested positive for jcv several dmts later I went on ocrevus and it is working well I have no side effects and I just started home infusions

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toTazmanian

Good and glad it is working !

DIsneyQueen profile image
DIsneyQueen

I was on both . Each for about 2 years. No problems with side effects and no increase in lesions on MRI. Neurologist switched to Mayzent then Mavenclad to see if either would stop progression of symptoms. At 65-68. I was limited in new drugs I could try.

Good Luck

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toDIsneyQueen

Thank you for sharing !

Mollyabigail profile image
Mollyabigail

I had my 7th Ocrevus infusion about 3 days ago. The only side effect I have is a rapid heart beat for about 12 hours. No new lesions on my MRI's since my diagnosis 3 years ago. 'Course, everyone is different. Good luck to ya'll. Pray about it!

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toMollyabigail

Thank you for sharing your side effect- I welcome these prayers and good to hear you are here proving guidance.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toMollyabigail

Quick question- the rapid heart beat is that something within the area of not introducing more risks? His neuro did nto mention this side effect and my hubby does come from heart issues however my son is 23 so he is still young. I just want to be prepared for whatever at this point. Thank your time and stay well

Mollyabigail profile image
Mollyabigailβ€’ in reply toHaku949

You might check Ocrevus.com. Rapid heart rate is listed as a possible side effect. There is a number to call, if you have questions. My home infusion nurse never seems concerned about my heart rate, but I am 63 & not a spring chicken.A new diagnosis is heavy. Life changing. (but not life ending). Take time to mourn. We have all been there. I was diagnosed in December, & was pretty sure I would be dead by Easter that spring. Instead, I ended up working full time 3 more years. (I just retired). Check out Dr. Aaron Boster 's numerous videos on YouTube. He is great at educating newbies (and oldies too) on living with M. S.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toMollyabigail

I am so glad you are staying strong and agree this is all hard. Dr. Aaron makes good points about MS.

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCarsβ€’ in reply toHaku949

My transient rapid heartbeat did not impress my primary care doctor at all. It was only between 85-100 per minute. So for me the answer is no, but that's a good question for your neurologist.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toCatsandCars

CatsandCars sorry to ask this personal question. Do you have any other conditions like diabetes, obese or heart issues? My son is just in his 20s but I will check on this. His father had a triple bypass once he turned 50 - you read that right. On his bday. So the boys have been keeping busy with all of the doctors and hospital bills. Thank you for reading my reply

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCarsβ€’ in reply toHaku949

Nope, none of those things, thankfully. Nothing serious other than MS. I'm sorry to hear about your son's dad! If you're concerned about the rapid heartbeat/your son's family history and Ocrevus, you can always ask the neurologist. I will keep an eye out for any mention of it in my reading of websites/viewing of YouTube videos, etc., and let you know if I come across anything about how often it happens, etc., and let you know.

By the way, I recently discovered a great tool for comparing DMT's that you might want to download and keep just for your reference. It gives way more information than your doctor or internet searches will give you. I posted this just the other day.

healthunlocked.com/mymsaa/p...

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toCatsandCars

CatsandCars thank you !!

jkdavid99 profile image
jkdavid99

HelloI have had MS for 20 years. I am a huge chicken and HATE taking even aspirins. I did try Tysabri and was pulled off due to a side effect. Heaviness in my chest. I tried tysabri twice. Before that i was on Rebif for 10 years. Shots 2 days a week. That was awful. I also tried Aubagio. Terrible side effects on that one.

I have been on Ocrevus for about 4 years and so far so good. No new lesions and if your neurologist gives you pre meds of solumedrol, your heart will be a little fast only for 18 hours.

About 5.5 months i can tell I need it again. But being the chicken scardy cat that I am I will stay on this as long as I can. It works for me and I dont want to think about taking something else.

Good luck. MS is not fun but very doable. Your son can do this but I understand his hesitation.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply tojkdavid99

I am dealing with a person who believes the body will resolved itself. He felt better after the steroids. Basically the numbness on his right side of the body is now a non issue. That said the neuro did clarify an important part of the diagnosis before there was no positive sign on the lumbar but he failed to share he was still waiting for the rest of the results which came positive for the protein in the lumbar. Today was a different day for him- and when I looked at him our eyes locked in I could see his disappoinment that the fact is that he has MS. I am scared he wont follow through with the infusion. If he decides not to then when another flare come up - it could be worst than what he just had. Sorry to dump this. I am scared for him and I truly believe my kid is in denial. This is alot to take in- I could only imagine what it feels like when you get diagnosed. Honestly if this could be re-done I would happy for me to have MS and let him go on with his life. Thank you

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCarsβ€’ in reply toHaku949

It's a hard reality, there's no doubt. There is nothing wrong with venting/dumping here! I agree with whoever said he really needs to meet some other people with MS. And as bad as it would be to scare him, he really needs to know that however good he might feel, there's all this inflammation and disease activity going on under the surface that can lead to some real disability. There is a new blood test that can detect disease activity; I don't know if that would help him to understand it's not gone now. Steroid infusions are like a very good band aid. They can get rid of symptoms faster than they would naturally go away, but on the NMSS website they said that steroids don't change the course of the disease.I really feel for you, your husband, and your son. I pray that he comes around to treatment, and that it's very effective fir him. πŸ™

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toCatsandCars

CatsandCars you are so kind and thank you for the encouragement and the on-going dialogue. It has been helpful.

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCarsβ€’ in reply toHaku949

You are very welcome. We are all in this together! How is your son doing lately?

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toCatsandCars

CatsandCars We are trying to schedule the first infusion. The medical insurance has been quite the maze per usual. Scary part CVS is calling us 24/7 like they are selling MaryKay asking me questions about billing. I would not know hence I am not a medical biller. Luckily the PA nurse lady has been so helpful. This is still work in progress- internally I know he is scared and he is probably at the second stage of his own analysis. I am just wondering why the doctor is pushing for the infusion now- why can't we wait? Is it like the Russian roulette to wait? The flu season is still in session and all of the readings I am doing I see alot of people get sick easily. Anyways- sorry alot of blah blah :)

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCarsβ€’ in reply toHaku949

So has he agreed to do the Ocrevus? That's amazing. It's true, it's still flu season. Get your son his flu shot and Covid booster, give him the two weeks (? Have to check that time frame) for the vaccines to work, and have him stay away from crowded places. If he gets a fever or anything, have a Covid test kit handy. If it's negative, have him go to the doctor for a flu test. Both Covid and the flu have treatments to make them less severe if he starts taking them shortly after he gets the first symptoms. He's young, and he should have a good immune response to the vaccinations if he gets them and gives them time to work before the infusion. I guess the system is geared towards not messing around, which is generally a good thing. I know it's scary to get that first infusion. I always liken that first dose to the feeling I get when they strap you into a roller coaster and it starts moving. You feel panicky, because it's too late to back out! But remember, the first infusion is only a half dose; it takes another two weeks to get the second one, so you're looking at a minimum of a month before he's got a full dose on board. So I get that you feel rushed, and it sucks to feel like people are pushing you. But just doing it ends the anxiety, and there's really nothing to be gained by waiting. I've lived through two half doses and five full doses, and I will do it again in July. I'm completely comfortable with that. It's only scary when it's new. πŸ˜€

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCarsβ€’ in reply toCatsandCars

(I meant a month if you count the time for the vaccinations to work.)

jkdavid99 profile image
jkdavid99

When i was first diagnosed i read everything on the internet and decided alright now am going to die. Then for years i was taking shots and if i missed a couple no big deal. Now with getting an infusion every 6 months i can do that. I even struggle talking pills so ocrevus is a game changer for me. I wish I could tell your son that MS is very doable. And I am the biggest negative person out there. Sometimes it sucks and people will never know what you feel like. Parents, yes but friends, spouses they think they know, but they dont. It will be hard but you never know his MS could be easier than others. Your son will be great

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply tojkdavid99

I really appreciate your reply - stay well

anaishunter profile image
anaishunter

I've also been on Ocrevus since 2018. No new lesion and no relapse. I like that you only deal with it once or twice a year. No side effect whatsoever.

Evaluate what's most convenient for you based on where you can get the treatment, what you're ready to deal with timewise.

If you get Ocrevus, you should absolutely ask your neuro to do a blood test prior to infusion to make sure your immune system has bounced back enough. In my case I only get a 1/2 dose every 9-10 months instead of 6.

But I'm not ready to change because I know Ocrevus works for me and I don't have side effects (other than destroying my immune system a bit too much). That's the price i'm currently willing to pay to stop MS from destroying my brain.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toanaishunter

anaishunter may I ask what it is costing you? Why do you get the shot 9-10 months - I think my son would prefer this but the doctor said 2x per yr...I want to understand the math. I am also will pay whatever it takes for his brain not to get further damage. I hope he meets a gal that is just as smart or smarter than him to motivate him. These guys in their20s are not social but mostly digital. No wonder he is low on vitamin D. I am also low on the vitamin D but this made mme wake up to where I am now spending at least 30 minutes outside to get some sun.

Cwright170994 profile image
Cwright170994

I was tried on tysabri in 2020, but I could only take the 1 dose because the bloods they took before putting the drug up has shown I'm JCV positive πŸ˜• so, back on copaxone I went for ~6 months. That was fine, until I had a night, in April 2021, where I had a status epilepticus event which got me ambulanced to hospital. Because everything was under covid lockdown, my husband wasn't there when I woke up. After getting husband to drop off copaxone (hospital nurses couldn't administer it because they have no knowledge of the drug), student drs and nurses watching me as I did my injections, steroids infused, and a phonecall from my MS nurse, I was able to go on ocrevus! My nurse told me that my neuro had found enough evidence to get me started on it, and that he believes my MS is aggressive. So, got on ocrevus! I went from having to use a wheelchair near enough all the time, to being able to walk properly practically immediately 😁 so, 2021-2023. I got sent a letter saying I'm able to start kesimpta, which is like a monthly self-inject version of ocrevus, so I tried it for a few months, and decided I want to go back on ocrevus. I'll be starting it at the end of May πŸ™ŒπŸ˜

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toCwright170994

This was certaintly a journey for you and these sort of stories bring some sun rays to my thoughts. Glad you are off the wheelchair. Covid caused alot of issues for all - Thank you for your posting and stay well

Cwright170994 profile image
Cwright170994β€’ in reply toHaku949

I'm glad too! My physio, who've I've only recently started seeing after my new neuro referred me to her, has made it a MILLION times better for me πŸ˜† she's getting me some lycra stuff, and a weighted belt thing, just to help improve my mobility! Got fitted for the stuff today, and I tested the weighted belt, and I feel so much more secure with it on! I'd add a video of me walking without, then with, it on, but unfortunately I can only upload photos 🫣

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCarsβ€’ in reply toCwright170994

Photos would be better than nothing. I'm curious about your new gear.

Cwright170994 profile image
Cwright170994β€’ in reply toCatsandCars

I'll put some on when I get the gear 😁 they're being specially made for me. I had a guy measuring me last week, and he's ordered me a top, a pair of ΒΎ leggings, zip-up socks, and the belt. They'll be with my physio in 8ish weeks 😁 cannot wait πŸ™Œ

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador

Hi Haku949 have you had time to adjust to this a bit yet? If not, then take a minute and breathe. From what I was reading your son hasn't adjusted yet. I get it. It's ALOT to deal with, and he has a right to feel the way he does. He was just DXD, let him be mad, and sad. This is a big deal for anyone to handle. πŸ€— You can tell him that Jack Osborne has MS also. PS don't use dr goggle! πŸ€—πŸ’•πŸŒ 

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toJesmcd2

He is not adjusting. I believe he is going through the stages and the first one is denail. I'm scared for him if he doesn't follow through the infusion meds. If he was under 18 then I would of had more pull but now that he is in his 20s it is just different.

Tobylovesmom profile image
Tobylovesmom

Hello, I am low JCV positive (later indeterminate and then negative), I have been on Tysabri for 10 years. My symptoms greatly improved on the drug after failing on two other drugs. Best to you.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toTobylovesmom

Hello ! He also has a low JCV. For now we are going w/Ocrevus. Waiting for the insurance...

kycmary profile image
kycmary

I did Tysabri off & on for 11 yrs. I was great until my jc numbers got so high. I switched to Ocrevus 6 & 1/2 years ago . Still doing good. I had UTI's quite often while on Tysabri, only 1 since I'm on O. They have to list every possible side effect that was reported during the trails & that is scary but if that has not be a problem in your family it is better for you.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply tokycmary

Are you feeling okay w/Ocrevus? The unknowns are scary. Stay well

kycmary profile image
kycmary

Yes I am doing good, the scariest for me was that first 6mos. wait. I always got tired by week the middle of week 3 on Tysabri & worried about Ocrevus but I am half way through 6th year. I do get tired some toward the end of the last month so I try to watch what I am doing & rest more then. As for some of the side effects I just watch out when I am around anyone who is sick, wash my hands more I don't like crowds of people I get nervous so I steer clear of them. I do not have any breast cancer in either side of my family so I feel pretty safe there. I have never had an injection site reaction & have been dealing with MS for more than 30 years now. Be diligent watching things around you & you should be fine too.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply tokycmary

kycmary I am happy to hear you are doing well. Hearing from all of you guys has put my anxieties down and honestly this is helping me cope. I am glad you are you are still functioning. Stay well !

kycmary profile image
kycmary

That is my goal now to stay ahead of things the best I can, do whatever I need to help when & where I can. This is a most amazing site with lots of amazing people. You are one of us now an amazing person!

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply tokycmary

Thank you so much for these kinds words. I am honestly humbled and scared. Everyday we wake up is just a gift- life is a gift. We all take it for granted. Glad to be part of this tribe. Please be well and sending you tons of virtual hugs + others

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCars

Hi, I just saw that MSAA is doing a webinar on young adults and MS. I don't know if you would be interested or not, but I thought I would include a link here.

healthunlocked.com/mymsaa/p...

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toCatsandCars

CatsandCars that is great ! I had the Ocrecus advocate contact us- very professional gal. I wanted my son to speak to a 3rd party because mom and dad don't know much :\ I will certainly look into this avenue as well. I feel that the more educated I become then I am able to cast a good sail rather than having rough waters. I wish I could manage his negativism towards meds so at this point I feel I will just need to take one day at a time or else I will break down. Most important, it is not about me but him. He deals with things very secretly. I need to be strong for him and make sure he knows he has a mom + dad behind him. He is the most polite person and introverted so it has been a challenge to get him to engage. Please wish me luck - I know there is no magic but 1% of me wishes for something outhere. Be well and thank you for your reply

PeaceCow profile image
PeaceCow

I Was on Ocrevus for 2 years. I took it without the steroids, because of my psychotic reaction. The result was 7 weeks of severe fatigue after each infusion. I mentioned to my doctor each time. I finally realized it was an exacerbation., because the steroids weren’t taken to prevent it. So I went of it with doctor agreeing.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toPeaceCow

PeaceCow so this made you super sleepy? Can you hold job? Did the doctor tell you this side effect because of not taking the steroid prior to? Also what are you currently on? What is your age category? When did you discover you had this? I often wonder if I ignored his complaints about this right arm tingling. He loved working out with heavy weights and now as I replay my memories about him bringing up something was not right. I think we might of missed the intial episodes which were very light- a total glib. I know we cannot change the past but I am just upset at myself. Typically I am on hyper mode with any type of reaction but due to my hubby telling me I think to the extreme of things now it is really breaking me down. I hope you are doing well PeaceCow stay moo moo mooo

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCarsβ€’ in reply toHaku949

I wouldn't blame yourself since doctors have a hard time sorting these symptoms out! Unless you have psychic powers and ignored what the spirits were telling you, I think you're off the hook! 😊

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toCatsandCars

lol

Haku949 profile image
Haku949

Today I spoke with the CVS Specialty Pharmacy. She told me the deductible would of been 11k? We have full insurance - luckily he is a college student so he applied for another program to help cover the upcoming bill. How are you all coping with these high expenses? This was a sticker shock - I ponder what others do? The health insurance is just so very dissappointing. I can only imagine people already have to deal with MS and now an expensive treatment. Look forward to your replies. Thank you

Espeon profile image
Espeon

hi sounds like you have already decided but just wanted you to know have had great results and still on Tysabri since 2008. They monitor my jcv levels and as long as the levels are low I’m willing to continue staying on the drug as it has kept me working Monday to Friday and no noticeable side effects except for some tiredness after the infusion. The doctors here r in favour of keeping people on Tysabri even with jcv as it is so effective. You can also reduce risk by getting infusion every five or six weeks instead of four. To me, it is a miracle and I will stay on it forever if I can. Good luck.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949β€’ in reply toEspeon

Espeon oh that is great news ! My son also had a very low JVC and actually I was leaning towards it but he wouldn't committ at a monthly treatment therefore the agreement to do it every 6 months. I have heard good stuff on both meds. I am glad you are doing well Espeon and thank you for sharing your journety- it helps us alot. Stay well

Espeon profile image
Espeon

thanks for sharing let me know how it goes.

Haku949 profile image
Haku949

He start his Ocrevus infusion - how exactly did you all feel from the first dosage?I bought a hospital grade air filter and cleaning his bedroom. Oh what a mess ! He should be back in 2 hours...I hope the meds are better than the disease. Screwing with the immune systems just scares me. I can only imagine my son's inner thoughts. Thanks guys

CatsandCars profile image
CatsandCars

Headache sometimes, tired from the Benedryl, maybe a little jittery from the steroids, and sometimes a rapid heartbeat that goes away. After being on it for a couple of years I noticed neck pain and leg pain that went away in a couple of days.

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