I had smooth sailing on my Ocrevus infusion day
How did my 6-hour treatment affect me? It gave me hope.
Where does the time go? Six months had passed since my last treatment, which meant it was time for another.
After my August 2022 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), I was given only one option for treatment: Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), which is a disease-modifying therapy that’s used to slow the progression of MS.
I recently had a blood test and an MRI scan. The bloodwork showed no significant issues, except that I have low vitamin D levels. I’ll need to take more supplements to correct them. The MRI results arenāt available yet, but Iām interested in seeing them because it’s the first scan I’ve had since starting treatment.
The day before my infusion appointment, Iād gone shopping for some snacks and drinks in preparation for what could be a long day. Treatment usually takes me about six hours.
Treatment day
My day starts early when I’m being treated: I’m up at 6:45 a.m. and ready to leave the house by 7:30. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the hospital before my scheduled start time of 8:30.
After I was taken into the infusion room, members of my care team listened to my chest to ensure everything was OK to start. That’s when things got a little tense. Iāve had a lump on my back since I was a teenager, but the MS nurse noticed that it seemed to have grown a bit since my last visit, so they decided to call a doctor to check it. Better safe than sorry!
A doctor looked at the lump and was happy to find it didn’t seem serious. He sent a referral to a dermatologist to double-check his impressions, but at this point the nurse was given the green light to begin my treatment. After my team checked my blood pressure and inserted my cannula, it was time to start.
Iām lucky with my hospital here in the U.K. During the day, it makes sure coffee, tea, and biscuits are always available. The company is always good, and I enjoy chatting with the members of my infusion team, as well as other MS warriors who are there.
A rash appearing on my head was apparently a slight reaction to the infusion. The nurse monitored it, and thankfully, the rash dissipated quickly. After six hours, the treatment was finished, and it was time to head home.
In the evening, I had the giggles. It didn’t matter what anyone said, I simply couldn’t stop laughing at everything. Perhaps it was because I was tired, or maybe it was because of the steroids I was administered. My chortles must have been quite entertaining for those around me.
Going in for treatment always leaves me feeling optimistic for several reasons, with the biggest being hope. As much as I know that MS treatment isnāt a cure, I believe that the possibility of slowing the disease’s progression is a chance to continue living my life in my own way, without ceding control to MS.
Note:Ā Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice,Ā diagnosis, orĀ 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 ofĀ Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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Comments
Patricia aka CHARLIE
Hi Mike ,so pleased you are finding this treatment ok , I start next month,you sound very positive which is great, you have the same Mantra as me yes we have it but it doesn't have us. Thank you for sharing š
Abert Benardete
Hi Mike, I enjoyed reading your article. I used Ocrevus medicine for the fifth time. I will be getting the sixth one soon. I did not experience any side effects while using this medicine and after using it.
Just like you said, I have MS, but MS doesn't have me. Thank you for sharing
I wish you healthy and happy days
Goli
Hi Mike, Thank you for sharing your experience with this treatment. I was diagnosed with aggressive RRMS in 2021 and have started Ocrevus immediately after. I have not had any MS symptoms after staring the treatment and I am very grateful and optimistic for this treatment. Ocrevus has empowered me to continue to my ambitious life and I couldn't ask for more :)