Hi all
So pleased to have this website to turn to - I feel really fortunate to have access to everyone’s knowledge! I’m still relatively new to MS - diagnosed 4 years ago and not too much activity during that time, so I’d sort of thought that it was ‘silent’ when a relapse crept up on me two weeks ago and my left side went numb! I’ve been trying to convince myself it wasn’t a big shock, but it was a big shock. I think it’s difficult for me to accept that. Fortuantely my symptoms have quickly improved and now I’ve just got a stiff left leg and that huge rubber band sensation - what is that all about?? So weird! It’s like MS hug around the knee.
I’ve been having relapses while taking Avonex - not bad ones until the one two weeks ago. Cooincidentally I’d missed two weeks of treatment before this relapse, for various reasons, and I can’t help thinking it’s linked although the neuro says unlikely - I think it wouldn’t have been as bad if I hadn’t missed treatment though.
The neuro wants me to think about changing to Fingolimod as she thinks Avonex isn’t helping me enough. She says I am taking a risk by not changing to the stronger drug. I’ve only just started looking into it and the side effects of heart complications, skin cancer and increased risk of infections hasn’t gone down too well, also the fact it’s an immunomodulator - is that the same as an immunosuppressant?
Arrrgh - am I supposed to be weighing up my chances of having a bad relapse against my chances of getting skin cancer?? How can I do that??
Anyone who’s taking Fingolimod and could maybe talk me through their decision making process and how they’ve been getting on would be hugely appreciated!!
Thank you!
Fizz