Update

[opie74]

Ok, so I went to the doctor today.  I will start 3days of Solumedrol in the morning.  This is my third relaps since Frbruary.  I was officially Dx in October and it was confermed in December.  I started Betaseron in January.  So, my Dr. feels the Betaseron isnot working effeciantly.  He wanted to change my beds.  My husband (who was with me and the boys) and I told him that we wanted to concieve in January. I was planning to come off the meds in December anyway.  So the Dr. wants me to start mthotrexate (sp?) until then.  He also gave me an ADHD medacine to help with fatigue.  

Any advice?  Is this normal?  Maybe we should try to conceive sooner, and avoid the metho....

Ann

[Lulu54]

good for you to be in charge of your treatment and not let them push the iv too fast or use that huge tube.  Here's hoping that you get some sleep tonight and feel better soon.
be well,
L

[opie74]

Day two:  They insisted in leaving the IVin.  The bags always come form the pharmacy wth the instructions to infuse at 200 speed.  NEVERLET THEM DO THIS! She started it and left and I never looked.  At the 4 minute mark I wanted to rip the skin and vein right out of my arm.  Hadthe slow it down and remove the IV.  I insisted that tomorrow thy would find a standard size iv and not use the surgery kind, and thae they would infuse ar 125 or slower.  

Blessings to all.  The buzz is wearing off and I am going to take another Lunesta and go to be while I can.

Ann

[opie74]

I taught class last night.  It was difficult to teach calculus.  Doing the math was not so bad, but getting my left brain to put the info into concise notes was not good.

The stupid hospital insisted on leaving the iv in the sideof my wrist. I had to wrap at ip and lie; as my job has no clue about my MS. I am going to make them take it out today and do a fresh one tomorrow. The other hospital took it out everyday.  They also used standard IV needles. this hospital used surgary sized ones without numbing it. Needless to say I wond't be doing it there again.

I am off for day two. I slept 1 hour last night.  Lunesta did not help at all......My Heart rate was aroung 100.

[suzymsgirl]

Keep me posted, Ann, on this, for I am concerned, and I care.

Sending you the BEST hopes/thoughts/prayers ever.

SuzyMSGirl

[suzymsgirl]

Hi Ann

I was on Methotrexate for quite some time, and, honestly, I did not experience any effects therefrom.  But in terms of the ability to procreate, I do believe there are effects, and they may affect this, so care should be used.

I do know, however, that this is a powerful Chemo drug, and I was on it for several months, but I also have Crohn's Disease, and I believe for ME, it was an attempt to manage both diseases at the same time, as they were both being problematic at the same time.

Do you also have Crohn's Disease?

Either way GOOD LUCK, and keep up the good fight.  I wish you well today, tomorrow, and every day thereafter.  You have friends here.  We UNDERSTAND and CARE!

SuzyMSGirl

[opie74]

I have not had an mmri since december.  I am not going to start any kind of crazy drug without proof of increasing leasion load.  That is the decision for now.  I did not sleep all night last night, and my night class is tonight.  I am going to crash tonight.

[Karen99]

Hi.  Become familiar with the possible side effects before you consider the methotrexate, okay?  As with all medications the benefits must be weighed against the risks. It is a powerful drug that has it's place.  The question is, is this the right circumstances and time to consider that medication?

Only you can decide that.  Please make sure you are making a fully informed decision.

I hope the Solumedrol quiets this flare for you.  Get to feeling better soon.

Many folks have incorrect notions about the cause of MS and that somehow we bring it upon ourselves in some fashion.  Some of these ideas can be really wild.  I don't know where these ideas came from - there must have been a stigma or erroneous information attached to MS at one time because some of these are still believed by many.

Does anyone know about the history of multiple sclerosis as far as early ideas on it's cause?  How thinking has evolved over time?  I've been wondering about this lately.  

[Lulu54]

can you get your dad in front of a computer to watch this program abuot MS?  It is one of the best hour long programs I know of that give others insight into what MS is and what we face with this disease.  It might help him......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvaJ9py-vOc

[opie74]

I don't want to take it at all.  I think he was using it as a stop-gap.  I would only be on meds of anny kind for 3-4months before we get off them to "make a baby."  I think that status quoe is fine for now.  Chances are I will have one more relaps by then if I stay on the current course.  

I usually don't get depressed, but I spent all afternoon in the bed crying, trying not to let the boys know mommy was upset.  There are days when I wish that I still had my mother.  Someone to take care of me and not the other way around.  I know that is selfish.  I have a good husband, but OMG am I tired!!!  My dad know about the solumedrol, he is going to watch the boys.  he has called me twice this evening just worried.  He wants to know "is ther anything you are doing to cause these relapses?"  I am taking care of him emotionally now too.  We are actually trying to sell our house and bguild one with an in-law suite for him.  

[Lulu54]

Methotrexate?  Wow ... I just rechecked that and Shell is right, it certainly is a big gun to use.  There are warnings about conceiving while on it, because it is a drug used to abort early pregnancies when there is a problem, such as an etopic pregnancy.  There is a period of time you absolutely must wait before even attempting to conceive if you use this drug.

There is an awful lot unknown about most of these drugs and pregnancies ... your doctor should discuss all of these with you before proceeding.

my best,
L

[sllowe]

Hey Ann,

Dr. said methotrexate? My, my - big guns.  Please do remind us what's going on w/your MRIs if you have the energy....

Are you aware it's a chemo drug?

I know there is info out there on the DMDs, and conception and how long to be off of them, etc.

ttys,
shell

[opie74]

Thanks.  It is difficult to make big decisions with a bad case of brain fog.

[Wobbly]

sorry, I can't help with an answer, but wanted to send my best to you for this situation..
take care
wobbly
dx