Rebif Woes

Last night, I skipped my Rebif injection. I didn't forget about it, and I wasn't intentionally giving my skin a break (although it is a benefit of skipping, and probably needed). No, I am protecting my liver. sigh.

The doctor has yet to review my most recent blood work, but the MS Clinic nurse was compelled to phone me and ask a few questions about my lifestyle when she discovered that my AST (one of the two measured liver enzymes) is the highest it has ever been. The troubling part for me is that it is the highest, despite me weighing more than ten pounds less than I did at my previous high. Outside forces that could change the enzymes are alcohol consumption and increased acetaminophen intake - neither of which apply to me. I tried to blame the increase on my less-than-stellar eating habits.

*the other measured liver enzyme is the ALT, which if I remember correctly, was actually the higher (and disconcerting) of the two numbers

So Dr. E. will review my blood work today: the options, as discussed by myself and the nurse, are to either terminate the Rebif therapy or cut back to 22mcg (which I can't do without a new prescription). I'm pretty sure that following my latst MRI, I expressed here in my blog that I feel the Rebif is working for me - terminating the therapy is the last thing that I want to do.

Emily

Another Swallowing Study

Once again, I don't have much time to prepare for an upcoming appointment. Thanks to a canceled appointment, I have a swallowing study with the speech-communication disorder clinic, on Monday. Instead of once again telling Dr E. that I have had the specialists evaluate me already, I accepted the referral (this will be by third visit with a speech therapist). I receive annual "check-in" surveys from the therapist, but when this past one came around, I didn't have the problem that I have now.

I gag when I brush my teeth.

If you have followed my blog from it's beginning, you would know that I take great care of teeth. And if you have ever been with me at bedtime, you would know that I take special care when brushing me teeth: no corner, surface, or cranny is missed.

But for the past month (or more) brushing my teeth has been an uncomfortable routine. I don't expect anyone to be able to help me with this situation, but I do want to know if it's related to my MS.

Emily

Annual Check-up

Life goes on. Things get better.

Earlier this week, I had my annual MS check-up with my neuro. I knew that the date was approaching, but I hadn't cemented it in my head, as I had in the past. I didn't spend a week worrying about what to say, how to explain my concerns, or what silly things the nurse might say to me to make me feel crazy. I left feeling good about things.

Well, as good as can be. I have another MRI coming up in February: it's nice to see that my neuro is showing an interest in my brain. I also got a prescription to help me with my bouncing legs at night. That's it for another year.

Life goes on. Things get better.

Emily