I wanted to post a quick follow-up to my last posting.
As I assumed, Casey was able to translate my lab results from all the blood drawn back in December. Everything is fine and in the 'optimal' range :)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
3/3/09
I had my second check up today with the same neurologist from December 2008, Dr. Alka Shah. The appointment was originally scheduled for 2/3/09 but for some reason it was moved to today.
Today's appointment went a lot better than the one in December. After that visit I was so temped to find a different neurologist; however, I said I was going to give Dr. Shah one more chance to redeem herself before I started looking for a different doctor.
I have to express that there was an aspect about the visit that was annoying. My appointment was at 12:15pm and I acknowledge that most of the time afternoon doctor visits are running late but.... I wasn't called into a room until 1:10pm where I remained for quite some time and wasn't acknowledged by the neurologist until 2:10pm. I was not actually seen until 2:35pm. I am, unfortunately, not exaggerating. The doctor had peaked her head in (at 1:10pm) and said she was running a bit late.... hmm, you think? Once it was my turn to be seen, I was with the doctor for 8 minutes maximum. I thought, "I should have kept the $15 copay instead of paying it." I had more than enough time to think of questions, if I had any, and then I completely forgot to to ask about the lab results from all the blood they took back in Dec. I usually try to write my questions down so I don't forget but I thought I would remember. I should have known better. Then again I shouldn't have had to ask about the results as I thought that was one of the reasons for my appointment. I was a bit irritated, but that isn't going to do me any good. I called this morning and requested a copy of the lab results - Casey can translate the medical jargon into English for me :)
When the lady making appointments asked what time I wanted on June 9th, I told her 'as early as possible so I didn't have to wait as long as I did today'.
Anyway, everything check out.. nothing new.
Today's appointment went a lot better than the one in December. After that visit I was so temped to find a different neurologist; however, I said I was going to give Dr. Shah one more chance to redeem herself before I started looking for a different doctor.
I have to express that there was an aspect about the visit that was annoying. My appointment was at 12:15pm and I acknowledge that most of the time afternoon doctor visits are running late but.... I wasn't called into a room until 1:10pm where I remained for quite some time and wasn't acknowledged by the neurologist until 2:10pm. I was not actually seen until 2:35pm. I am, unfortunately, not exaggerating. The doctor had peaked her head in (at 1:10pm) and said she was running a bit late.... hmm, you think? Once it was my turn to be seen, I was with the doctor for 8 minutes maximum. I thought, "I should have kept the $15 copay instead of paying it." I had more than enough time to think of questions, if I had any, and then I completely forgot to to ask about the lab results from all the blood they took back in Dec. I usually try to write my questions down so I don't forget but I thought I would remember. I should have known better. Then again I shouldn't have had to ask about the results as I thought that was one of the reasons for my appointment. I was a bit irritated, but that isn't going to do me any good. I called this morning and requested a copy of the lab results - Casey can translate the medical jargon into English for me :)
When the lady making appointments asked what time I wanted on June 9th, I told her 'as early as possible so I didn't have to wait as long as I did today'.
Anyway, everything check out.. nothing new.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
New Needle Gauge
As of 12/26/2008, Teva Neuroscience, the manufacturing company for Copaxone, launched a new, thinner, 29-gauge pre-filled syringe for Copaxone.
The company reported that a recent survey of 562 MS patients found the new thinner needle was significantly preferred by 77 percent of patients over the previous 27-gauge needle, and that approximately two out of three (66 percent) participants experienced less pain while using the thinner needle and almost half of the participants (49 percent) had a better experience dealing with injection-site reactions.
My most recent refill of Copaxone contained the new gauged syringes so I was happy about that. Today was the second time I used the 29-gauge syringes: yesterday's injection site was in the upper portion of my right arm and today's site was the upper right portion of my hip. It may be the fact of simply knowing that needle's gauge is smaller causes me to think the injection don't seem to hurt as much or what not (but they still, unfortunately, sting) but I am happy to know that the company is trying to improve the comfort factor to those administering medication via syringe.
For the purpose of this entry/post, I took a few side-by-side comparison pictures of the 27 and 29-gauge syringes this morning, however the images were too blurry. I assume my want to get closer than possible pictures to illustrate the difference is not feasible with my camera. Oh well, it's the thought that counts right?! :)
FYI-If you didn't already know, the higher the gauge, the thinner the needle.
Sources:
The company reported that a recent survey of 562 MS patients found the new thinner needle was significantly preferred by 77 percent of patients over the previous 27-gauge needle, and that approximately two out of three (66 percent) participants experienced less pain while using the thinner needle and almost half of the participants (49 percent) had a better experience dealing with injection-site reactions.
My most recent refill of Copaxone contained the new gauged syringes so I was happy about that. Today was the second time I used the 29-gauge syringes: yesterday's injection site was in the upper portion of my right arm and today's site was the upper right portion of my hip. It may be the fact of simply knowing that needle's gauge is smaller causes me to think the injection don't seem to hurt as much or what not (but they still, unfortunately, sting) but I am happy to know that the company is trying to improve the comfort factor to those administering medication via syringe.
For the purpose of this entry/post, I took a few side-by-side comparison pictures of the 27 and 29-gauge syringes this morning, however the images were too blurry. I assume my want to get closer than possible pictures to illustrate the difference is not feasible with my camera. Oh well, it's the thought that counts right?! :)
FYI-If you didn't already know, the higher the gauge, the thinner the needle.
Sources:
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Met the new neurologist.
Casey and I met the new neurologist today, and it went worse than I anticipated.
I know Dr. Shah didn't intend to make me upset but with the way she was talking to me just brought me to tears. Like I said, I know she didn't mean to but I did let the doctor know that I thought she was accusing me of lying about my symptoms and/or not telling her if I was having other issues. Casey explained that the awkward silences and the 'interview questions' (since this was my first appointment with this new doctor) are meant to be times for patients to share thoughts/feelings and whatnot.
I also explained that I felt like she was being very demanding by telling me to do things instead of asking me. A better tactic she should utilize would be to explain what she needs to do and let me know that I would need to take my socks and shoes off for the test.
After this visit I am mixed on my emotions as to whether or not I stay with Dr. Shah. I do have to take into account that there is a bit of a culture and language barrier since she has an East Indian background. It is also nice to know she has been in this occupation for quite a while (about 23 yrs) and knows she is doing. However, I believe that her experience in this field would have also brought some additional empathy and manners to the interactions with patients. (Or am I just too sensitive/emotional?) Maybe she learned a bit from our meeting today on how she speaks to others?! I would hope she did :) With that, I think I may give her one more try. If I still am uneasy, I may try and find a better fit. As of now, my next appointment is February 17th. I had A LOT of blood drawn today (a lot = 6 - 8 vials) so we will wait to see the results on that. I know I need to get another MRI on my brain since the last one was in May.
As always, I will keep you posted.
I know Dr. Shah didn't intend to make me upset but with the way she was talking to me just brought me to tears. Like I said, I know she didn't mean to but I did let the doctor know that I thought she was accusing me of lying about my symptoms and/or not telling her if I was having other issues. Casey explained that the awkward silences and the 'interview questions' (since this was my first appointment with this new doctor) are meant to be times for patients to share thoughts/feelings and whatnot.
I also explained that I felt like she was being very demanding by telling me to do things instead of asking me. A better tactic she should utilize would be to explain what she needs to do and let me know that I would need to take my socks and shoes off for the test.
After this visit I am mixed on my emotions as to whether or not I stay with Dr. Shah. I do have to take into account that there is a bit of a culture and language barrier since she has an East Indian background. It is also nice to know she has been in this occupation for quite a while (about 23 yrs) and knows she is doing. However, I believe that her experience in this field would have also brought some additional empathy and manners to the interactions with patients. (Or am I just too sensitive/emotional?) Maybe she learned a bit from our meeting today on how she speaks to others?! I would hope she did :) With that, I think I may give her one more try. If I still am uneasy, I may try and find a better fit. As of now, my next appointment is February 17th. I had A LOT of blood drawn today (a lot = 6 - 8 vials) so we will wait to see the results on that. I know I need to get another MRI on my brain since the last one was in May.
As always, I will keep you posted.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
New neurologist!
I can check off another item from my To-Do list since our move from NY -- I finally got around to getting a new neurologist. My first appointment is in the afternoon of 12/16 with Dr. Shah. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I chose a good doctor.
My thoughts
I am getting lower on my latest refill of Copaxone (69 syringes left) and I don't like knowing my old neurologist, Dr. Aziz, is still providing the prescription refills. Even though he said he would continue to refill my prescription until I found a doctor I was happy with, I don't want to abuse his offer.
My thoughts
I am getting lower on my latest refill of Copaxone (69 syringes left) and I don't like knowing my old neurologist, Dr. Aziz, is still providing the prescription refills. Even though he said he would continue to refill my prescription until I found a doctor I was happy with, I don't want to abuse his offer.
Monday, September 29, 2008
New MS Drug Shows Promise
MS Drug Clears Hurdle
Laquinimod Treatment Could One Day Offer Alternative to Injections
June 20, 2008 -- A new drug called laquinimod appears to be a promising treatment option for adults with the most common form of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Phase II study results published in this week's edition of The Lancet show that laquinimod tablets safely and effectively reduce disease activity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Current MS treatments must be given by injection.
MS is an autoimmune disease that damages the central nervous system. The body's immune (defense) system attacks myelin, the material that covers and protects nerve fibers. Nerve damage and inflammation gets worse over time, and leads to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, fatigue, loss of vision, and in severe cases, paralysis. People with the relapsing-remitting form of the disease have flare-ups followed by times of partial or complete recovery. According to the National MS Society, about 85% of people are first diagnosed with this form of MS.
The international study involved 306 adults aged 18 to 50. Patients could participate if they had one or more flare-ups in the previous year and at least one MS lesion visible on a special MRI test called a gadolinium-enhancing (GdE) scan. The study did not look at clinical disability.
Researchers randomly assigned patients to one of two doses of laquinimod (0.3 or 0.6 milligrams) or a placebo (fake pill).
The patients received brain MRI scans and clinical assessments before and several times during the study so researchers could monitor brain lesions, which would help them determine the drug's effectiveness. Scans were done every four weeks for nine months.
Giancarlo Comi of the Institute of Experimental Neurology at the University Vita-Salute in Milan, Italy, and colleagues found that, compared with placebo, patients who received the higher dose of laquinimod had more than a 40% reduction in the average number of GdE lesions over the last four scans compared with the one taken at the study's start. There were no statistically significant effects seen between patients who took the lower dose of laquinimod and the fake pill.
Treatment appeared well tolerated. Researchers reported no deaths. One patient had a pre-existing blood clotting disorder and developed a clot of a large vein that carries blood from the liver. The drug was stopped and the patient was treated with blood-thinning medication. Two patients had high levels of liver enzymes.
"Overall, the efficacy and safety profile emerging from this and from a previous phase II clinical trial, in combination with the oral route of administration, make laquinimod a promising therapeutic opportunity for patients with relapse remitting multiple sclerosis," the researchers concluded in the journal article.
A larger-scale phase III trial to examine the benefits and risks of laquinimod treatment is under way.
In an accompanying comment, Mayo Clinic researchers B. Mark Keegan and Brian G. Weinshenker said that further studies are needed to compare laquinimod "head-to-head" to existing MS treatments to see if the new drug is superior or just as effective.
Source: WebMd.com
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20080620/ms-drug-clears-hurdle?ecd=wnl_mls_092608
I am excited, who wouldn't want to take a pill instead of an injection?! *jumping up and down with my hand raised saying, "me, me, me"*
Laquinimod Treatment Could One Day Offer Alternative to Injections
June 20, 2008 -- A new drug called laquinimod appears to be a promising treatment option for adults with the most common form of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Phase II study results published in this week's edition of The Lancet show that laquinimod tablets safely and effectively reduce disease activity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Current MS treatments must be given by injection.
MS is an autoimmune disease that damages the central nervous system. The body's immune (defense) system attacks myelin, the material that covers and protects nerve fibers. Nerve damage and inflammation gets worse over time, and leads to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, fatigue, loss of vision, and in severe cases, paralysis. People with the relapsing-remitting form of the disease have flare-ups followed by times of partial or complete recovery. According to the National MS Society, about 85% of people are first diagnosed with this form of MS.
The international study involved 306 adults aged 18 to 50. Patients could participate if they had one or more flare-ups in the previous year and at least one MS lesion visible on a special MRI test called a gadolinium-enhancing (GdE) scan. The study did not look at clinical disability.
Researchers randomly assigned patients to one of two doses of laquinimod (0.3 or 0.6 milligrams) or a placebo (fake pill).
The patients received brain MRI scans and clinical assessments before and several times during the study so researchers could monitor brain lesions, which would help them determine the drug's effectiveness. Scans were done every four weeks for nine months.
Giancarlo Comi of the Institute of Experimental Neurology at the University Vita-Salute in Milan, Italy, and colleagues found that, compared with placebo, patients who received the higher dose of laquinimod had more than a 40% reduction in the average number of GdE lesions over the last four scans compared with the one taken at the study's start. There were no statistically significant effects seen between patients who took the lower dose of laquinimod and the fake pill.
Treatment appeared well tolerated. Researchers reported no deaths. One patient had a pre-existing blood clotting disorder and developed a clot of a large vein that carries blood from the liver. The drug was stopped and the patient was treated with blood-thinning medication. Two patients had high levels of liver enzymes.
"Overall, the efficacy and safety profile emerging from this and from a previous phase II clinical trial, in combination with the oral route of administration, make laquinimod a promising therapeutic opportunity for patients with relapse remitting multiple sclerosis," the researchers concluded in the journal article.
A larger-scale phase III trial to examine the benefits and risks of laquinimod treatment is under way.
In an accompanying comment, Mayo Clinic researchers B. Mark Keegan and Brian G. Weinshenker said that further studies are needed to compare laquinimod "head-to-head" to existing MS treatments to see if the new drug is superior or just as effective.
Source: WebMd.com
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20080620/ms-drug-clears-hurdle?ecd=wnl_mls_092608
I am excited, who wouldn't want to take a pill instead of an injection?! *jumping up and down with my hand raised saying, "me, me, me"*
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