The BS of my MS

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis April 11, 2006. It was a fairly quick diagnosis and there are days/weeks I can mostly ignore it. For those days I can't, this blog documents my journey.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

I am starting to wonder the extent that my anxiety is linked to MS. I know that people with MS are three times more likely to be depressed, even before diagnosis. Before my first flare up that lead to my diagnosis, I went through a bout of anxiety. Maybe it was coincidental, maybe it's how my MS manifests itself.

For the last few days, I have been feeling quite anxious, which has only been intensified by feeling lonely. It's kind of a vicious cycle. I have also had some slight numbness in my face--nothing deep or major. But especially after crying, my face feels slightly numb.

I got Imitrex for my migraines. I have a call into my psychiatrist to see if it is a good idea for me to take Imitrex and Effexor, since both contain serotonin. I have read about potential risks, though they are unlikely. Though, it does make me wonder if my spike in anxiety is due to the mix of Imitrex and Effexor.

The Rebif nurse stopped by yesterday to check on me. While it was completely unnecessary--things with my meds are going fine--it was nice to feel checked up on. It's an individual approach that you don't get with doctors, which is totally understandable. Still, it's nice.

Well, this has been rather random, but I figured I would check in. To those who are on my blog roll, sorry I have been out of the loop. I will check on you all soon--don't give up on me! :)

Friday, August 11, 2006

It's been a while since I have updated. Sorry, to those who might care.

I had my 3-month neuro check up. I'm doing much better since I saw him the first time, considering I was then mid-flare up. He did the blood work to check my liver, and in terms of MS, told me not to think about it. He said, "Take the Rebif, and don't think about it." Um...if I am poking myself 3 times a week, I tend to think about it.

He then prescribed me something for migraines--Butalbital. Upon reading about it, I discover it is a barbituate with sedative properties. It can be addictive. It can do a number on your liver (just what I need with Rebif) and can possibly affect the efficacy of birth control.

From what I hear, this is a rather old medicine, and there are newer ones on the market. Upon prescribing it, he said something about we would try this one, and how it is safer. But I didn't know about all of the other things at the time.

I left a message with his nurse this morning, and she never returned my phone call. Nice.

I'm just really frustrated.