Appointment (Aricept, etc.)

[Deb61]

I had my long awaited appointment finally today.  I posted to the forum a while back sharing my MRI results and expressed some concerns about new medicines. I've been on Copaxone since March 2008 and my last MRI showed several new lesions-- mostly around the ventricles.

The doctor says that Copaxone is failing me and a new drug should be considered.  He mentioned Rebif and even Tysabri.  He said that he's setting up a new infusion center close to where I live which open in January.  I mentioned being TB positive--which he did not comment on.  He was in the process of moving me to his office, but a failure in the computer system happened.  He was going to go over the MRI with me and discuss the other medicines afterwards.  He tried an hour later and it didn't work.  Since I have to go back in to see him next week for a steroid shot in the neck, he will go over the MRI then and discuss other medicines with me.

The appointment wasn't a total bust because I also talked about many other things from the possibility of disability retirement to symptoms.  He says I would be a candidate.  I just wanted to see what my options were.  For now, I will continue working as long as I possibly can stand it.

I also brought up the memory issues which are getting very, very bad.  I will be starting Aricept.  He thinks that it will really help me.  I am very encouraged about this.  He said that the studies don't show marked improvement for people with MS, but he has seen otherwise in his MS patients and has also heard otherwise.  I am very hopeful about this.  I know there's others on the forum that have tried it.  I would love to hear about that.

I also am going to start oral predinisone.  He thinks that this may help the neck pain calm down a little.  I may be having a bit of an MS flare (some arm weakness and muscle spasms).  

The bulging discs are not related to the MS, he says, BTW.  He says this is some other disease process--most likely arthritis.  I asked him if spasticity could have caused this, and he says no.  

Anyway, lots accomplished, but lots still up in the air.  Next week I'll be talking about the big question--Rebif or Tysabri.  

I'd love to hear from anyone that has been on Aricept, has heard anything about it, or is considering trying it.  Maybe I'm too hopeful . . . . . . .?????

Deb

[Deb61]

jifr-- Since I don't have anything to lose, it's worth a shot.  I also have tried the sticky note system.  I cannot remember names of people.  Right now, it's my students and it's embarrasing.  I'm also have trouble remember key things that I should know to do my job.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Lulu--Thanks!  Yes, I did get to spend quality time with him.  He was running an hour and half behind, yet he still spent tons of time with me.  I'll keep everyone posted on what happens if I live through the shot in the neck.  

Deb  

[Lulu54]

Deb,
that sounds like some appt you had today.  Maybe it was good that the computer broke and you could just talk with the doctor?  

I'm sorry the copaxone is no longer working for you - good luck in deciding on the next treatment.  If you have tysabri questions, cosmobirdy is happy to chat with you by PM. She has been on ty about 3 years now.

There's very little  I know about aricept- hopefully someone else around here will be able ot add to the conversation.  Good luck with the next appt - we'll be waiting to hear the update.

[Jifr]

Hi Deb:

I was on Aricept several years ago.  I can say, from my own experience, I didn't seem to get any benefit out of it.  :-/  

I happened to talk to an occupational therapist and we talked about things I could do to help myself in areas where I was having issues.  I used to have post it notes everywhere or else I would write on walls and doors in pencil to remind myself of things.   I remember having quite a difficult time for a while but I've trained myself to use other resources.

If you do try it - I sincerely hope it works for you!

.jifr.