My Tysabri Diary..., I just posted the following on a very popular MS board:

Congratulation Sean, I was sick every weekend from Avonex, and Copaxone did nothing for me, so I'm glad to be rid of the shots altogether.

I just completed my 49th Tysabri infusion yesterday, so I'm a little tired, and will probably just have a light dinner and turn in for the evening.

SaLe: I'm so sorry that this happened to you, but temps can sometimes do really stupid things such as what happened to you. Just let your husband complain to the infusion Center's administrator and then let it go, because you don't need any additional stress in your life, nor do you want to develop the "reputation of being a difficult patient" at the infusion center. Of course, this is only my opinion from being a certified paralegal for more than 26 years.

To Eagle:

You asked, "- What happens if after I begin the Tysabri, my body begins to produce antibodies to the Tysabri too? "..., if that should happen, your neurologist will probably take you off Tysabri, but to be honest with you, Copaxone is the least effective of the different DMDs (Avonex, Betaseron, Rebif, and Tysabri).

"- Does anyone else have a port to receive the medication through? I was told I might be a good canidate for a port because of all the steroids I have received in the past six months have messed up my veins and I am considered a "hard stick patient."..., I don't have a port, but some people do, and they love it

"- How in the world am I going to be able to afford it? I have just landed my first job. I will be starting in August! I will be a Second Grade Teacher. I will barly be able to pay for my medical bills and the general cost of living. So is Tysabri really as expensive as I am scared it will be?"..., first of all, Tysabri is not expensive-it's less than twice the cost of the different DMDs-it is the infusion which can be expensive-plus,Biogen has different programs to assist patients that cannot afford Tysabri. Once you enroll in the "Touch" program, you should discuss these different programs with your assigned Tysabri Case Manager. Also, if you have "Major Medical" on your insurance policy, the medication and the infusion should be covered 100% under that provision.

"- I am only 22 years old. Do I really want to risk taking a medication that may cause PML?"..., you will only be at risk for developing PML if your immune system drops too low and cannot fight off the "activated" JC virus [which is what causes PML], if you actually carry the dormant JC virus. There are various tests [the ELISA test] which can be run to check the status of your immune system, and there is also a test which can determine whether or not you carry the dormant JC virus, and a test through Eugene Majors' lab at the NIH to determine whether or not you carry the PML virus. There is also plasmapheresis exchange to rapidly remove Tysabri from your system should you carry the PML virus.

But it is always best to discuss these different options with your treating neurologist. I hope that some of this information helps calm your fears.

All my best to everyone here, Lauren

((((hugs to all))))

Love, Lauren :)