"Courage consists in equality to the problem be...

Tysabri 30: I have had 30 infusions over a 2 and 1/2 year period. My last relapse was January 2009. 3 stable years :)

Tysabri 19. I'm taking part in the Stratify Tysabri study. I had a JCV Antibody blood test and I tested positve for antibodies to the JC virus (I have the the virus). 70% of ppl have it. When the virus is activated, you get PML. The study is still recruiting participants. For now, I am staying on Tysabri bc I have been in remission for 1 year and 5 months on it. The other day, I walked 1 mile and a 1/2 (w/ a limp) and needed assitance only towards the end. Ampyra and Tysabri are working for me.

Tysabri 18. Rough day emotionally. I took the long way home and walked over 2,500 steps (in the dark) with a limp but with ease. Left leg is still significantly weaker. Tysabri and Ampyra are working together to help me walk farther. Ampyra helps with my foot drop and more! Can't wait to make a video on Ampyra!! I ran a little over 90 steps a couple weeks ago with a limp (thnx 2 Amypra)! Recent MRI showed no new activity since 1/26/2009. 1 year and 9 months!!! That is a huge accomplishment!

After Angela (angelusa73) got dxd with PML due to Tysabri, I realized how important it is for me to put a disclaimer on my experiences with the drug! Tysabri comes with a SERIOUS risk! To date, there are 70 confirmed cases of PML out of about 71,000 people on the drug. Your risk of PML increases with time. Please, always weigh your pros and cons when considering Tysabri! This a temporary treatment for my ms. That being said, I ran today (first time since 2008). 17 days on Ampyra.

Tysabri 17 today. Doing good :) Walked 2,600 steps (with a limp) and did not sit to rest. Realized that I can walk pretty far lately. The main problem now is my limp! On October 1st, my new insurance started. Guess what?? Ampyra was sent to my house overnight! This insurance gave me NO PROBLEMS! Now Ampyra is sitting on my table waiting to be taken. I am nervous and excited!

Today, I found out that I was denied Ampyra by my insurance company :( They said they don't think it's medically necessary. I think they just don't wanna pay an extra $1,000 per month.

While looking through my closet today, I came across a foldable cane I bought over 1 year and 1/2 ago. I had used it only once (beginning of 2009) mainly bc my pride wouldn't let me use it more often. That day, it was raining and I had covered my face with my umbrella. I couldn't believe I had gotten to that point. WOW! I haven't used that cane since! I had even forgotten I have it :) I still have my limitations (500 meters??), but I feel stronger and more independent.

Tysabri 16! Got it!!! After a bureaucratic nightmare, I finally got approved for state health insurance! I won't need it next month bc my new health insurance from my new job will kick in =) Did cardio on the elliptical (1.33 miles in 30 mins)! Piece of cake =)