New Frame of Mind

Hello Everyone, I saw Dr. Beall Last week and I wanted to update you. I did send the letter about my concerns of the office staff. I have heard nothing about it. So we shall see. As far as my MRI goes, Dr Beall said they see 2 lesions on it. I asked if these were the same ones as before or new ones. He suggested that he could look at it more closely with the specialist from Saginaw again. He said that he only gets the report from the technician and didn't personally see it. I asked him to arrange to view the films with the specialist. He cautioned me that this will NOT change his treatment of me, but will only give me the answer of whether or not I am progressing more towards a definitive MS diagnosis or not. He said some patients want to know asap and others assume they will find out soon enough. I guess you know where I fall. I want to know. So, he has to have the films transferred to a DVD and then take them to Saginaw. This may take a few months, but because there is no urgency, I need to be patient. I said let's get the ball rolling and I will know when I know.

Also, he is switching my injectable medication from Avonex to Betaseran. This is the original medicine he wanted me to take, but the insurance denied. It is an every other day shot, but is injected under the skin and not into the muscle like Avonex. He told me to continue Avonex until I actually get the Betaseran. He knows how long it took to work that out last time. So I agree. Been tired lately. Shaky on & off. Stumbling a bit. And the extreme numbness in my right leg and foot has returned. Oh, how fun!! Still staying optimistic. Looking forward to the holidays and seeing family & friends. Looking forward to a new medicine that may bring me a new frame of mind...

MS is a Pain in the Brain...

So, I started the new powder form of Avonex last night. Basically it is the same medicine, I just have to mix it myself. Dr. Beall is hoping this will be tolerated by my body better. If today is any indication, then I am not hopeful. I have been in pain all day long. I still am and it isn't stopping, which is worse than before. I don't know. Maybe the medicine triggers my Fibromyalgia? It is different from that pain or that pain times 10! Who knows? Guessing as always. I see him November 10th, and if there is no improvement than he wants to switch to Betaseron. I just want something that works. ANYTHING that works. So far, I feel that I haven't had much improvement. Dave insists I have had better days. Maybe he is right. It is hard to remember those moments during these painful ones. I still feel I'm in the middle of a relapse and I know this isn't a cure so...

The nurse who came to train me on this shot was very nice and very understanding. She actually listened when I spoke and acknowledged the symptoms I told her about. Novel idea, I know. Anyway, this week with my neurologist office was another episode of the keystone cops. They say they will accomplish something and when they don't, they blame me. I almost didn't get my prescription or a nurse to come out to see me due to their apathetic attitude. Well, I have had enough. I have decided to write a letter to the head of the neurology office and tell him about all that is happening. I also will be asking for a phone call or a face-to-face with him at my next appointment. Patients shouldn't be made to feel this way and my patience is certainly been tested. So we shall see what happens there. Hopefully, they don't start tripping me at my appointments, if they find out I complained. Oh, well. I can take care of myself. MS may be a pain in the brain, but Dr. Beall's staff is a pain in the butt!