Oh boy - here it comes.
By "IT" I am referring to the little green monster that comes to visit the day after the injection. Green, as in, the "yucky" green, not the "envy" green. The unwelcome monster sneaks into my body while I'm asleep, the next day leaving me achy and exhausted. The mess this monster makes seems to be getting bigger each day.
Thursday, I was a bit achy. I phoned the Multiple Support program to ask if maybe I was imagining it. Nobody had told me, nor did I read anywhere, that the side effects would carry on into the next day. I thought that the whole point of having the needle before bed was that you would sleep through any nasties! Sure enough, this is all normal...and an "anonymous report has been made to Health Canada regarding the side effects that (I) have reported". I wonder if that particular batch of hamsters will get fired?
What I recognized today, is that my experience so far has been pretty tame when compared to what I have read. I need to find the physical strength to go about my business despite the body ache that stretches from my neck to the tips of my toes. But that wasn't going to happen yesterday.
In the morning, after having 10 straight hours of good sleep, I was fatigued after being up for one hour. That fatigue scares me: it is an exhaustion of my whole being. At that moment, I don't want to be alone, but I'm not good to anyone who is here either. I run through a list in my head of who I can call when Jason is back to work, and decide that if I feel the same way when I wake up, I'll make the call. But, after a nap, the sensation of complete exhaustion has been replaced: the mind is alert and refreshed, just not the body.
I'm off to stare at the television now...
Emily
moving
Posted in on Thursday, March 06, 2008 by Emms
Jason and I decided last night that we are moving to Newfoundland - Labrador. We want Danny "Warbucks" Williams as our Premier.
What are 'ya at,
Emily
*kidding, really...just kidding. But we both did make the joke at the same time last night.
What are 'ya at,
Emily
*kidding, really...just kidding. But we both did make the joke at the same time last night.
two biggies
Posted in on Tuesday, March 04, 2008 by Emms
As of today, I am two "full dose" injections down. Not that this is a countdown...or that there is any reason to count, period. The experience has been night and day compared with the previous daily injections!
For the most part, these needles are practically a "shoot-and-go"! At 8 pm, I take two Tylenol Arthritis pills (since they are long release, and should get me through the night), and at 9 pm Jason "shoots me". By 10 pm, my legs are a bit achy, I'm tired, and my stomach is a bit out of sorts So I go to bed, and sleep it off...if there is anything to sleep off. I felt a bit "yucky" this morning, and remembered that I did on Saturday morning as well...so I am associating this discomfort with the medication.
Last night, when Jason removed the needle cap, some of the liquid dripped onto his hand...and it irritated his skin! He said that it was a bit itchy, and the red mark was still there this morning (although a bit lighter in colour). And I'm putting this stuff UNDER my skin?
*Time for a side note...Rebif is a genetically-engineered beta interferon that uses Chinese hamster ovary cells. The use of mammalian cells allows for greater human tolerance...or, ideally the body won't reject it.
At this point, these injections are far less of a production when compared to the Copaxone. I don't ice the site prior to and/or following the needle...I can cover the spot immediately with clothing, and even lean on it (arm or butt cheek)! Granted, I'm not a bundle of smiles and energy; I get tired quickly. But that sure beats crying from pain! And having the week-end off is fantastic!
I had physio yesterday...and I was awesome! Things are feeling really good right now on the "wobbly" front. As I was waiting for my turn with the therapist, I over heard the woman before me describing her "not-real sensations". Her experience is that of feeling like "being in a hammock". I wanted to poke my head around the corner and share in her situation...because I know that there is nothing relaxing or comforting about being in a hammock when there isn't an actual hammock .
Cheerio,
Emily
For the most part, these needles are practically a "shoot-and-go"! At 8 pm, I take two Tylenol Arthritis pills (since they are long release, and should get me through the night), and at 9 pm Jason "shoots me". By 10 pm, my legs are a bit achy, I'm tired, and my stomach is a bit out of sorts So I go to bed, and sleep it off...if there is anything to sleep off. I felt a bit "yucky" this morning, and remembered that I did on Saturday morning as well...so I am associating this discomfort with the medication.
Last night, when Jason removed the needle cap, some of the liquid dripped onto his hand...and it irritated his skin! He said that it was a bit itchy, and the red mark was still there this morning (although a bit lighter in colour). And I'm putting this stuff UNDER my skin?
*Time for a side note...Rebif is a genetically-engineered beta interferon that uses Chinese hamster ovary cells. The use of mammalian cells allows for greater human tolerance...or, ideally the body won't reject it.
At this point, these injections are far less of a production when compared to the Copaxone. I don't ice the site prior to and/or following the needle...I can cover the spot immediately with clothing, and even lean on it (arm or butt cheek)! Granted, I'm not a bundle of smiles and energy; I get tired quickly. But that sure beats crying from pain! And having the week-end off is fantastic!
I had physio yesterday...and I was awesome! Things are feeling really good right now on the "wobbly" front. As I was waiting for my turn with the therapist, I over heard the woman before me describing her "not-real sensations". Her experience is that of feeling like "being in a hammock". I wanted to poke my head around the corner and share in her situation...because I know that there is nothing relaxing or comforting about being in a hammock when there isn't an actual hammock .
Cheerio,
Emily
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Little bits about my life with MS
