Betwixt and Between

Usually, I have an idea of what I’m going to write. Today, all I feel is a bit meeeeugh … Which is more a sound of ennui than a recognizable word. In these days of multimedia, I suppose I should record it and insert the clip into the text, but as a 61-year-old, I really can’t be bothered with learning any more technology!

Slowly the fillip of last week’s Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) infusion seems to be slowly leaching from my body. On the eighth day, my much-improved hand began to revert to being a clumsy appendage. It’s still slightly better than it was, but enough only to remind of the way “we” were.

Ho-bleeding-hum.

It might be the Ocrevus lowering my immune system (or not), but I’ve again joined my constant battle with the urinary tract infection (UTI) bacterial monster. This one stopped me completely and needed nearly all of the cefalexin antibiotic doses I had to wrestle it into submission.

I worry, as my next Ocrevus infusion is next week and I won’t get it if the teeny-weenie, clawed beast is present. Fortunately, my imploring email to my general practitioner worked and I just got a new supply of cefalexin.

Dealing with multiple sclerosis is tough enough, but it is all the ancillary side effects and symptoms that sap my strength. A quick recap: trigeminal neuralgia, lymphedema, and self-catheterization. The last increases the risk of UTIs. I also have erectile dysfunction. (I’ve done little to tackle this last problem. Indeed, I have no clear idea if anything is really possible, but I did start the process of at least having a go at it last week!) There probably are a few other side effects and symptoms, but it will only depress me to delve deeper into my complex medical history.

Then there’s the life stuff many of us face: maintaining family relationships, doing what little is possible to help with household chores (by necessity, becoming the expert on net shopping!), and somehow maintaining aspects of a professional career.

It feels as if I’m some sort of expert Las Vegas juggler who can maintain a full dinner service replete with teacups spinning away on sticks! Yes, but without the ability to rush around giving energy to the pieces slowing down.

Well, as two nuns were caught this week embezzling funds to go and gamble in Las Vegas, anything is possible.

A couple of true holy rollers!

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Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.