Hi all, just looking for a bit of guidance on a few things before I see my neuro. So, I was diagnosed with MS back in 2016 and I’ve been on Ocrevus since then until October 2024. Had a pretty bad first attack, but haven’t actually had any relapses since then so thank you Ocrevus! I have however, had to come off of this DMT because my T-Cell levels were almost at 0, which was far below what’s considered to be a ‘comfortable’ level and at such levels risk of PML increases. My neuro moved me onto Kesimpta instead. Now it does work in the same sort of way but as Ocrevus has had a handful of cases of PML (someone actually in the hospital I go to), my neuro suggested Kesimpta. Now as far as I’m aware no one has gotten PML on Kesimpta yet but the risk is still there (may be wrong here)? Recently, in the last couple of weeks I’ve noticed that my short term memory recall has been pretty bad, worse than usual. For instance, I was trying to remember what a payslip was and I couldn’t for the life of me remember what it was called! I’ve also been struggling to think, with a bunch of brain fog I also don’t actually know if I am JC positive or not, I have a blood test coming up, but what are the chances of me getting this on Kesimpta really? Has anyone had any experience with this? I’m prone to terrible anxiety attacks and I’m having them regularly with the thought of contracting PML.
This leads me onto my next question: Are there any drugs that don’t come with the risk of PML or any other life-destroying side effects? I’ve been so lucky my MS hasn’t caused me huge issues in my life so far, I wonder if it’s worth being on such high risk drugs. And, I’m also looking into immigrating to Aus and my immigration agent has basically said that while I’m on Kesimpta there’s no chance of my visa being approved because it’s so expensive.
Any help would be great. Thank you!