Thursday, April 17, 2008

Now for some good news!

My husband had his first neurologist appointment yesterday since starting the Tysabri. His last visit was in November when the Doc took him off Betaserone and prescribed the Tysabri. The good news - he has improved! After a pretty thorough physical exam that checks strength as well as standard reflexes we sat down to talk with the doctor. He told us that hubby's reflexes had improved since November and were basically normal where in November they were sluggish. His gait has not improved however and this is hubby's largest area of concern. Doc said after watching him walk down the hall and back that his opinion is that hubby's balance is off and so he is compensating for that with a wider stance that gives him more stability but that this type of gait keeps the muscles constantly contracted and will tire him out in no time at all. So - he is continuing the Tysabri and we are going to get him an appointment with a Physiologist that works at the MS Clinic at the Rehabilitation Hospital where his doctor also works. He said that he can "retrain" hubby to walk with a more normal gait and help alleviate some of his problems.

So that is the MS update - it's good news - after only 3 doses of Tysabri he is showing improvement and it can only get better from here! Today I feel hopeful, I believe he will get better, I am happy.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, Tricia, I'm so happy for you and your husband! I've been including you guys in my "prayers" if that's what you want to call my thought ramble every night. I hope he continues to improve!

Anonymous said...

WAHOO! Here's to hoping that he continues to improve on the new medication. :) All your hard work and misery to set the treatment up is paying off now!

Lauren said...

Woooooooohooooooooo! That is so wonderful to hear Tricia.

I had my 20th Tysabri infusion yesterday, and it went as smooth as silk again.

There is exciting Tysabri news which is being released throughout the week and which was presented at the American Academy of Neurology in Chicago. The various links to same are listed in my blog http://lauren-livingwithms-aolcomlglbgl2003.blogspot.com/.

Again Tricia, I am so happy for you and your hubby... much continued success and I'm sending you all my very best,

Lauren :)