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| | Part 8October 28, 1997
SECOND TREATMENT:
I'm 3 days early with my second treatment. The studies were
every 28 days but 3 days won't make a difference.
I had mitoxantrone only, the steroid will be given with my next
treatment. I'm still arranging for the HMO to pay for it. They
should because we'll be using Solumedrol which is an approved
steroid for MS, commonly used it seems in the United States.
I asked Dr. Pomeroy if Solumedrol and methylprednisolone would
have the same results... he said: yes...I'll have a month to check
this for myself... the "Doubting Thomas" that I am!:-) I hope it is
because of cost.
Everything was quick as before, 20 minutes. The only difference
this time was I wanted to see if the anti nausea medication was
necessary... I can honestly say... YES IT IS!!
First treatment I got extremely sleepy for about 5 hours from the
anti nausea medication (I don't remember the name right now) by
not using it this time, nausea set in about 3 hours later. I'm still not
feeling completely right... it's been 9 hours now!.. Needless to say,
I'll be using it with my next treatment. I would rather be sleepy for 5
hours than nauseated for any length of time.
I've never gotten sick sitting in my wheelchair or laying in bed.
It would be a real drag because I can only move a very little bit.
I think you can imagine what that would be like... besides being a
complete mess, it would be completely depressing.
My exercises aren't where I want them yet, but that will come.
I'm having Allen pick up a ball about the size of a beachball, which
is at least 1 1/2 feet in diameter, lightweight, so I can start to try
kicking it... tapping it for starters, (hopefully!) I need something to
focus on...And to see the results.
My bowel improvement has stayed the same.I asked Dr. Pomeroy
if this is standard when using mitoxantrone, he said: no. Maybe
this will become standard with MS... constipation and/or sluggish
bowels are not healthy for MSers or anyone else for that matter.
And extremely uncomfortable and painful.
My next treatment will be close to 28 days from now. I'll definitely
let you know if I'm kicking the ball around! On to: |
