Hope is in the air.

October 27, 2015October 27, 2015 Tracy4 Comments

I’m finally back to seeing my neurologist on a regular basis. Last month we decided to have me re-fitted for AFO braces to stabilize my ankles. [foot drop]

I was fitted for both ankles yesterday. While I am unable to walk, we are hoping these braces will help me to stand up using my sit-to-stand. I have not been able to stand due to my foot drop[s] and weakness in my knees and hips. I am hoping for a good outcome. I know it will take some time and a lot of pain, but even the pain will be worth it to me. It was tough fitting me for the braces as my feet literally just hang down. It took some serious stretching and pain to get my feet casted. But, WE DID IT!!

This month my neuro and I decided I will start Tysabri infusions again.

I started Tysabri back in 2011. My blog mentioning it is here. After some time on it I contracted hepA [medicinal] from the medication[s] I was taking. This time I am going to be very careful of the other meds I take while on Tysabri. I will be staying away from acetaminophen and any other med that may cause organ damage. I am being tested for the John Cunningham Virus (JCV) first, as JCV could lead to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)—that usually leads to death or severe disability. I had no issues with this 4 years ago and am hoping I have none this time around. After my AFO fittings were finished, I went by my neuro’s office and I signed all the paperwork to get the process moving along. I will try anything to help myself as I truly have nothing to lose.

Last time I ended up having a power port inserted in my chest for easier infusions, as my veins are shot. I am so glad I did not have it removed when they stopped the infusions. Maybe, somewhere inside of me I knew that one day I’d give it a go again.

I’m trying to keep a positive attitude about all of this. I know I will still have my nightly cry, but I have to get it out somehow. Thankfully, my caregiver and BFF Steph, never lets me wallow for too long.

I GOT THIS!!

Multiple Sclerosis · PAIN · Ramblings · RANDOM

OMG, he’s cuttin’ my neck open…

April 10, 2012April 10, 2018 Tracy16 Comments

That was my reaction when my port was put in a few months back.

Let me backtrack a bit. In February I had a port put in my chest. With the monthly 2 hour Tysabri infusions it was the best option. Me ole veins are gone and sticking me each time was getting painful and harder to do. So cool, a port, a lil contraption with a tube under my skin in my chest going in to a vein. Easy peasy, right?

First problem when we get there is no ‘twilight’ sleep or meds, as, well, no veins for an I.V. Hence the need for the port. But it’s all good! The area will be numbed up and I’ll get a shot of Ativan [not that it would work on me]. I finally get wheeled in and the doctor comes in. He looks at the area for the port, then lifts the cover from my face. He says from his charts he assumed I’d be older but when he saw my skin and how ‘young’ it looked he had to see me. ummm hmmm smooth talker! lol Meanwhile Ativan not kickin’ in… they proceed to give me some injections in my chest to numb it up! OUCH! But then he injects my neck!! Um, WTF why are you injecting my neck. **shivers. Meanwhile Ativan not kickin’ in… He starts the incision into my chest, no real pain just pressure. Then I feel my neck getting cut. Okay, I speak up. “Why are you cutting my neck?” He asks me if I understood the procedure. I told him that I was told it was a a lil contraption with a tube under my skin in my chest going in to a vein. He explains it in a bit more detail. He tells me how the lil contraption [the port] goes under the skin in my chest, then a tube is brought up through my neck, around and down towards the heart into a vein. Okay then!! I guess it’s too late to turn back now! 😉 Meanwhile Ativan not kickin’ in…

All in all, it wasn’t too bad. I hung out in recovery for a bit and then we headed home. On the ride home… the Ativan finally kicked in!! Go figure. lol

neck2 — BAD reaction to the tape and bandages. owie

I figure, dudes dig chicks with scars right! 😛 I tensed my neck a bit so you can see the tube going up through my neck! Cool right. When I do this it freaks out my kids!! lol

Peace out all!

Hope · Medical · Multiple Sclerosis · PAIN · Ramblings

I don’t wanna die, I just don’t wanna be sick anymore!

August 26, 2011 Tracy23 Comments

As I started my new treatment this issue came in to play. On August 23, 2011 I had my first infusion of Tysabri.

One major side effect is Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which may cause death. This medication suppresses my over active immune system due to my progressive MS, which can lead to this viral infection. I will be monitored for medicinal hepatitis [liver damage] and UTI’s. Now that my system will be suppressed I am more prone to getting other issues.

When getting ready for my appointment we [hubby and I] discussed the possibility of PML. When Roger looked at me and said that this way I can get my wish, to die, I sat open mouthed. I have stated, when in depression, that death is freedom and sometimes I do not want to wake up in the morning, I guess he took it literally. With tears welling up in my eyes I explained that I do NOT WANT to die, I just want the pain to go away. I want to walk again, to be able to hold my bladder, to be able to go out in to the sun, to be able to drive, to not have mental and physical pain… I want to play with my kids!! I will be honest… there are days I do not want to be here anymore. Unless you suffer from a serious chronic illness it is hard to grasp. But, in all actuality, I do not want to die. I just want my life back, a quality of life back.

I’m not even asking for much from this medication. I just want to be able to drive again and hold that bitch of a bladder! 😛 I’m not expecting much, as when I do my hopes are always dashed, so I am just waiting. It’s all I can do. I’ll keep fighting until my strength is gone. I need to be here to annoy my kids for a long time to come. It’s what I live for! lol

I will now go once a month for the two hour infusion. They [who the hell are they] say it can take 6 months to a year to see a difference. I’ve waited this long, so what’s another year or so. My problem is when I want something, I want it now. MS has certainly taught me patience… for the most part! [I try, really I do]

A new adventure is happening, and as always, I will go in head first! Wish me luck!

Love and Light!