Sigh of Relief!

[saucygrl]

I met with the PA at the new neurologist yesterday.  I REALLY liked him!  I finally figured out that the Copaxone was causing me to have severe migraines so we had to change our plan of action.  They wanted me to decide which way to go, but sort of led the discussion towards Tysabri.  My original neurologist wanted to start with that as well, but after appealing to the insurance several times they wouldn't approve it.  This doctor actually took the time to talk and write down facts about my situation to back up the need.  I'm feeling a lot more positive about my medical care here!!

To top it all off, I walked out the back door at work this afternoon and there was a mama deer with her two babies laying peacefully in the grass.  They were so beautiful and so close!!  I'm very lucky to work in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains!

Chris

[saucygrl]

Both of the neuros I've seen felt I've had MS for quite some time judging by the scarring on my mri. My symptoms were more severe this time then they were in the past. After  being on the ivsm, i still have significant balance, numbness  and fatigue issues. They both suggested Tysabri would be the most beneficial for me, but my insurance felt otherwise being the specialists that they are LOL! Copaxone gave me nasty migraines so neuro two decided to try again. This time i am learning to look into other options if they won't approve it!

[SarahL2491]

I was placed om Tysabri as my first drug,
he was unwilling to consider anything else and my s/s were minimal which
i won't outline, I believe its the neuro's choice,
just my input

[Sidesteps]

Can I ask why you want to go with Tysabri right away? I am curious as my flares seem to be pretty frequent so I am wondering why did your doctor want to use this as a first line treatment? So far, my only significant disability is in my vision and a mild right foot drop.

[saucygrl]

I will definitely check into assistance programs.  Even if the insurance approves it this time around, our copay is still pretty high.  Thank you!

Chris

[Lulu54]

there are excellent patient assistance programs for all of the drugs.  Your insurance may have turned down the Tysabri request at first because they normally want you to try something different, first. It is seen as a second line therapy after the first ones don't work.  Now that you can't do copaxone, your insurance should revisit the request and hopefully approve it.  I went from copaxone to Tysabri without doing the interferons.  

good luck,
Lulu

[SarahL2491]

you might call Tysabri and speak to their financial department; depending on your finances, they have excellent discounts and sometimes free drugs.......
explain that your insurance won't cover it, they may have suggestions.
Tysabri is easy and I think a good choice but that's my opinion because I am on it!