This is a quick summary of my journey thus far:
2011- diagnosed with MS
2012-2014 Was on Tysabri
2014-2015 Medication break! My daughter was born. 🙂
2015-My MS flared up postpartum so I went back on Tysabri.
2015-2018 Continued Tysabri
August 2018- Seroconverted to JCV +
Oct 2018- Discontinued Tysabri due to risk of PML. Started Ocrevus infusions.
2018-present: Had 4 infusions of ocrevus
Despite being on the best MS medications out there, I have been worsening, My most recent MRI showed an enhancing lesion.
I spoke to my neurologist at univ of michigan, who explained to me my options:
1. Stay on ocrevus. Have monthly steroids to help me feel better and have energy to do physical therapy and get stronger.
2. Start Lemtrada (alemtuzamab). Works well, but has lots of side effects, which requires a lot of monitoring.
3. Stem Cell Transplant- to halt disease, but would have to get into BEAT-MS trial.
So after talking it over with my husband, we thought it would be best to pursue stem cells since I have a very small window before I would no longer qualify.