Hotfoot,

Glad to hear that you got the third infusion with no problems! My nurse today didn't even ask, she used Lidocaine before the stick and I didn't even feel it.

I am going to ask next time whether it's a new protocol that they automatically use it now or if they think I am a baby...LOL!

How are you feeling?

ROFLMAO !

I am going to wear my collar to the next infusion...just in case!

Thanks for the laugh...omg!

My body check went good, no suspicious anything so good for another year.

I have decided to keep going with the Copaxone and hope for the best.

Thanks again for all your help.

Hi All !!! I've noticed with my last 2 or 3 infusions (I had my 5th on Wednesday) that I am getting what I call a Ty hangover the day after my infusion . It is completely debilitating for one day.

Anybody else get this?

I actually feel better the day after my infusion. I think it's because I SLEEP!

I have a hard time figuring out what is me being tired and what is me having aftereffects and what is me having MS and what is me just being lazy!

I'm STILL learning living with MS.

Sorry you have the hangover without the fun of actually drinking to get it!!

Ditto to what RW said. I just enjoy the sleep that follows the infusion.

Sleep is good!

Hi all, So today I found out that my insurance company approved the Tysabri for 6 months. Wow. Looks like I am going on Ty. When I called the doc's office they scheduled me for July 8!! (which is almost 3 weeks away). I asked if I could get in earlier...I'm not sure I can sit around waiting and obsessing about it for that long. Any advice on the first infusion? Should I insist on Benadryl? I'm sensitive to meds and was on IV antibiotics for a month--they had to slow the infusion down to 1 hour instead of 30 minutes because my body couldn't take it that fast. Should I insist they slow the Ty. infusion to 90 mins. instead of 60 mins. just to be safe?

Natalie,

The entire process is a simplistic.

If Benadryl is needed, they will have it for you within moments, so don't be too concerned about that.

The RN will watch you closely to see if the IV needs to be slowed or if you need Benadryl. The RN will be there for you.

The infusion is actually a 120 minute process (60 min for Tysabri and then 60 minutes of Saline solution while they monitor you.

Let us know how it goes.

-Vic

Vic, I do not mean to disagree with you, but not every infusion center is as attentive as yours. My nurse only checked on me about every 15 minutes during the first hour. I was in an exam room by myself the rest of the time. They did not slow the infusion down until my last one, and I had to remind them to do it. I did not receive an iv of saline solution during the second hour. They just told me to wait in the waiting room, and I had to go and tell the receptionist I was having a reaction. During my last reaction, I had to push a panic button, as no one heard me call for help.

I did fill out a survey listing these concerns, but have never heard anything. In my opinion, the entire staff at my neurologist's office needs to retrained or they should not be doing the infusions.

Natalie, I hope your infusion goes well for you. Most people do not experience the problems I had. The only reason I posted is so that you would know that you may have to be proactive. If I were you, I would call (your neuro) and ask about pre medicating.

WOW, Barb !!!!

Those folks are idiots!

How could they treat you like that?

I know many people using Tysabri and we all discuss our infusions. None of us has ever had that kind of thing happen to us.

Maybe you should be at a different infusion center. I would have dumped them on the spot.

Their ineptitude could be why you have had such a reaction to Tysabri.

-Vic