My MRI results confirmed that as I suspected my MS is still active (first relapse since coming off Copaxone though so I’m not doing too bad!)
I saw the nurse today to discuss treatment options - I thought Tecfidera wouldn’t be an option due to me working shifts and not always being awake every 12 hours to take it - but the nurse has assured me that it doesn’t actually have to be 12 hours and so long as there’s a few hours between pills I’ll be fine, which I can manage - so am going to try it! I had a blood test after the appointment, and didn’t pass out which is good for me.
I’ve also been offered Gabapentin for my burning feet - I’m in two minds about it as it causes drowsiness and I’d rather not be any more drowsy than I feel at the moment - but then again it’s most painful in the evening when I’m about to go to bed anyway so might be worth a go. I DID mention to the nurse that rum seems to help with the pain, in the hope of being offered some sort of trial involving free rum, to no avail though…
But in case it helps anybody else - rum seems to help burning feet!
Very impressed about the rum. Does it have to be dark rum (as in “yo ho ho and a bottle of …”)? Or can it be white rum, as in a Mojito or a Cuba Libra?
I am assuming you drink it as opposed to rubbing it on your feet? Which by the way I’d be wondering how you came to do it the first time!!!
Amitriptyline is also very good for burning feet, just take it a couple of hours before bed, then the drowsiness factor is a bonus.
It has to be a nice spiced rum - I like Bacardi Oakheart! Although to make it a fair trial I should maybe try a few different ones!
I’m sure I read somewhere that it was 12 hours apart but maybe I was imagining it. 4 hours is much more do-able, especially with having to take it with food, as I’m not a big breakfast person.
12 hours apart is optimal and this is based mostly (if not entirely) on the simple fact that it is a twice daily tablet.
instructions state not closer than 4 hours. and experience suggests this is for good reason. the drug is ‘slow release’ and quite often i find the slight onset of side effects about 4 hours after dose #1.
for me, these side effects are a prickly skin sensation on the face and neck. i treat it as an excuse to go for lunch (or at least have a snack). eating something sends the prickles away. i certainly would not entertain the taking of even more tecfidera instead!
Taking the tec with food will resolve any and possibly all potential side effects. it is not likely that you will get away scott free, but it will not be as bad as you might fear. make sure the tec goes with a good sized meal (by your own standards) and take the drug just before you lick your plate!
and to start off, make sure you are provided with only the 120mg sized capsules, at least until you have happily been taking the full daily dose for a good few days / weeks.
Ah balls, looks like I’m going to have to knock the medicinal rum on the head - nurse called today, the neurologist has OKed me starting Tecfidera, but my liver levels are too high! (I suspect I probably had a couple the night before to damp the burning feet down a bit!) Normal levels are up to 35, and mine was 52.
Having another blood test next week so I’m having my last rum until then now and a total detox in the meantime! (Is Gabapentin easy on the liver? Feet have been burnier the last week so may need a plan B!)