1.18.2010

Tysabri Infusion #2!

On Wednesday I received my second infusion of Tysabri but I was holding off on writing about it because I wanted to see how I felt. I am always hesitant to write when I am feeling well because I don't wanna jinx anything. I know it's completely irrational but seeing as how Tysabri is pretty much my last hope at getting back some normalcy, you can understand my hesitance.

The infusion itself went smoothly and I was in and out in about three hours. Unlike when I was on Remicade, I'm not subject to a Benadryl coma beforehand so I find I am not as bogged down afterwards. It's a much easier infusion for me to handle and it's faster, so I'm happy.

Despite treating my body like absolute garbage the past week, I am feeling great. My doctor and I discussed which symptoms were still acceptable to have and I feel comfortable trying to taper off steroids again. This will be the real test of Tysabri. If I can get below 20 MG of Prednisone and still feel like I do right now, then I will be comfortable in saying that Tysabri is providing me the relief I am experiencing, and not the evil stuff.

In short, the verdict so far is that I do think Tysabri is having an affect on my Crohn's. I have definitely noticed a sharp decrease in my symptoms in the past couple of days. And like I said before, I haven't been exactly getting enough rest or eating the right things so I can only imagine what a couple days of good shut eye and proper nourishment will do.

I also had my eight year Crohn's anniversary on Friday. Typically I don't even stop to think about that day although it's always in the back of my mind, but considering how I spent all of last year, I couldn't help but reflect on the roller coaster ride that has been my struggle with this illness. EIGHT freaking years. I can't believe it sometimes. I really wonder where all the time has gone. Hopefully the way I feel right now is a sign of things to come and next year I'll be too busy being happy and healthy and January 15th will just be another day on the calender.

2 comments:

JoAnna said...

Yay Ellen! I am so glad this seems to be working.

Ellen said...

Thanks JoAnna!