Nuero called and wants me to participate in a study

[Mandy278]

I just got a call from my neuro's office. They are wanting me to participate in a study they are doing and I would love to know what you all think.

She said they are doing a study on patients taking copaxone,  rebif and betaseron. I would need to go to their office and sign a consent. The they send me to a dermatologist to have a biopsy done of the injection site (same day as injection). And that is all I have to do and they will pay me for it.

She said the yare doing the biopsies to see if the subQ injections are actually spreading throughout the body like they are suppose to or if they are staying at the place of injection.

I am a little concerned about doing this but at same time I am thinking that if it helps them see if the working properly I should do it. The biopsy thing just scares me a little. She told me that they have already had some patients do this and they said it was no big deal and they didn't even have to go for a follow up or anything. And the most I would have would be 1 stitch.

So what do you all think? I would love all of your opinions and advice on this. If I agree to do this, I will be doing it on monday.

[Mandy278]

Thank you all for the replies. I have decided to do it. I will be paid $100 for doing it which will definately be nice.

My biggest reason for deciding to do it though Is like meg321 said, I thought the rebif I'm on was wrking si nce I'm sticking myself 3 times a week with it. And the idea that they are doing this study to see if the medication is just staying in the area of the injection concerns me. So I really want to know the outcome of the study.

If the rebif is not doing what it's suppose to, I would like to know now while I am only about 4 months in. I will let you all know how it goes. And when the study is complete and I get the results of the study from the neuro (which he said he would do), I will let you all know.

[jensequitur]

Will you be reimbursed for the study?  Or is this a volunteer thing?  If you're getting money for it, definitely go for it.

[meg321]

I would do it too...but I am concerned that this is something they don't already know, I always assume my copaxone is working when i stick myself..

meg

[essdipity]

This is definitely an individual decision, but if I were asked I'd do it. A skin biopsy is quite minor.

Actually, I'm waiting to hear from my neuro about a study he's asked me to be in, where he'll take skin cells from me to try to grow neurons. That will not help me, but I think it's a fascinating idea that eventually may help a lot of people.

ess

[VictoriaDouglas83]

I would definitely do it.  I've had several biopsys done.  It isn't bad at all.  Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Victoria

[Inny2009]

I definitely think it would be a good oppurtunity for you! But just make sure that the doctor explains throughly if there are any side effects or anything to doing this study. A biopsy isnt too bad but like i said just make sure that everything done will place no harm to yourself.

If you end up feeling comfortable then go ahead and do it! Good luck and keep us posted!

Inny