Friday, March 14, 2008

Setback

Once a month, I go to an infusion center and receive a medicine intravenously that helps slow the progression of my MS. It is called Tysabri and so far has been working pretty well, as I haven’t had any relapses in almost a year.

One of the downsides, though, is that it lowers my immune system. And because of that, this week I came down with shingles. This is a very painful viral infection that is particularly concerning in a person who is immunosuppressed – someone like me.

So I am now on a cocktail of antiviral medication, high doses of neurontin and prednisone. My neurologist is calling this “aggressive” treatment. It’s a little scary to feel this sick.

The medicines I am on all cause weight gain. My doctor was sympathetic when I mentioned this, but he was very grave about how serious this illness can be for me.

On the plus side, I have no appetite.

While I am upset that this will affect my weight loss, I am trying to remember the fact that the purpose of this blog is to focus on taking care of ourselves. So I am going to do just that, take my medicine, rest and ignore the scale for the time being.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, that doesn't sound too good. I hope things look up.

Marie said...

Thanks Andrew. I am actually already feeling a little better.

I have to say, the comments that are being left are SO appreciated. Everyone is so sympathetic and thoughtful.

That encouragement is helping me look at this as a bump in the road rather than a catastrophe. I can remember that the habits I am changing are lifestyle ones that will see me through the rest of my hopefully healthy life. :)

Anonymous said...

*HUG*, glad you're feeling a little better.

Marie said...

Thaniks Jessica! I am feeling better each day. I am hoping to get to the gym tomorrow to do a little bit on the treadmill.

Anonymous said...

Everybody are doing the treadmill. I wish I could too, but I find it difficult and feel unnatural. I don't have any balance when I'm on the treadmill. Gosh, I sound like I'm 80 yrs old, lol.

Anonymous said...

Hi Marie,

I just found your blog through JohnIsFit.com's forums. My Mom has MS, so I was surprise to see the subject arise on what I expected to be a "regular" health and fitness site. I can't remember the name of her medication, but its a once a week shot that really wipes her out the following day.

At any rate, very good luck to you, and I hope you are one the mend.