The only good news I got last week... Ty is keeping the lesions at the same count. And My JC Virus testing was neg!
There was an issue with my last infusion (surprisingly not a blown vein this time.) but the medication was sent up a tube and not walked up from pharmacy.... 4 hours later they finally made me a new batch..... it was a royal pain. Took all day. That was Monday. Now here we are saturday, and I am still fighting the sinus infection. Getting better though.

The good news is GOOD NEWS
The medication mix-up doesn't sound like fun-extra four hours
Get well soon
Linda

I am new to Tysabri, and should be starting my infusions real soon. My question is....How do I know if I am a part of the stratify II study? Do you sign up or are you asked to join?

If you received a JC Virus antibody test, you are in strafiy II study as the test is only available in the study.

I just heard from the Tysabri assistance program, and I qualified for a $10.00 co-pay for the Tysabri. But they told me there is a second fee for the infusion site that Biogen does not/can not help with. According to my insurance company that is an additional $40.00 co-pay.

I should begin my infusions real soon now.

Just curious....what do you all pay for your infusions? I am sure I am getting a good deal, however, I am not sure where I will get an extra $50.00 a month from....yes, it is really that tight financially in our home. Still have three kids at home too.

The cost of my medication went up a year ago. Now I pay $125 for the medication plus a $35 co-pay for a doctor's visit to get the infusion. At $160 an infusion I still consider that a steal compared to some other stories I have heard about costs. And I have a major insurance company PPO plan with a company that has thousands of employees.

I'm no help with insurance costs. I have a full service plan from the old days that pays all my hospital costs, and my infusion is done in an oncology center at a local hospital. I have no copay.

I know you asked about this a while ago, but I just arrived at the boards and thought this might help: You may be able to get financial assistance for the infusion costs via the hospital or infusion center. My insurance didn't cover my Tysabri OR infusion (even after multiple horrible appeals) but the hospital approved full coverage for me after submitting a simple request form. Maybe that will work for you as well!

I hope all went well in your first infusion!!!!

Thanks....I did just that, sent a simple letter via fax, and my neurologist agreed to wave my co-pay portion of the infusion. I guess sometimes we just have to ask.

My first infusion took 4 sticks, and I ended up having the entire infusion through a small butterfly needle. I did get a head pain on the left front area of my head, I had a quick heart palpatation, and felt nausea....BUT all in all it was better than I thought. About 3-4 after the infusion, I had a very runny nose and congestion. Not sure if it had anything to do with the Tysabri or just a cold. Also, I am noticing small brusies on my arm and leg. Anyone know if this could be from the TY??

I'm finally home again after spending time in California with my grandchildren. I love the time I spend with them and hate the computer withdrawl I always have in California....LOL I may have over done it a bit this time. I arrived home 5 days ago with another sinus and double ear infection, completely exhausted, having difficulty walking and talking.....these are "normal" for me when I over do it

I canceled my infusion....don't remember which # it is.....for last Friday and have rescheduled for this coming Friday. An infusion and the side effects were just too much for me to handle I'm feeling much better today. The antibiotics have finally kicked in and I can walk and talk again because now that the infections are under control my m.s. isn't worse and I'm well rested. One day I'll learn to pace myself better.....yeah, right...LOL It's just that I only see my grandchildren every 6-8 weeks now. So, when I'm with them I try to spend as much quality time as I can and make it last as long as I can. I know I shouldn't have stayed so long but I needed my "extra special huggies" more than I needed anything else

I hate leaving California but, there is no way we could move there right now. The older grandchildren...ages 17, 19 and 22...don't really need me all of the time but the 2 little ones...ages 4 1/2 and just turned 6....need a grandma!!!!!!!! I wish their other grandmother was involved in their lives.

I can't believe I don't remember how many infusions I've had!!!!!!!!! It will come back to me later

It's raining here in the desert. I think I'll have some more tea

huge hugs to all,
Shayna