Columns Covid-19 Restarting Rituxan: One Down, and a Lifetime to Go Restarting Rituxan: One Down, and a Lifetime to Go by Jennifer (Jenn) Powell | September 24, 2020 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link Last week, I again started my twice-annual infusion of Rituxan (rituximab). After 384 days without my disease-modifying therapy, my team decided I could no longer wait. In its absence, my symptomology had worsened. Halting progression trumped a pandemic, and with personal protective equipment in place, I begin again. My temperature was taken, and I entered the vast atrium of the hospital. Ambient noise was replaced by an occasional swoosh of scrubs as medical staff hurried past. I retrieved my hospital band and made my way to the elevators. As I rode alone to the fourth floor, I caught my reflection in the door. My mask couldn’t hide the weariness in my eyes, the windows to my being, and to the pain, fatigue, incessant insomnia, and cog fog. And to the falls, bleeds, bumps, and bruises. The intensifying neuropathy. The long nights and the exhausting dawns. It was all there on full display. My eyes hid nothing, either, and in that moment, the reveal was too real. I averted my own gaze in an attempt to hide. But then, as I walked onto the fourth floor, I dared to glance, and my reflection was distorted by the water in my eyes. Infusions often are an emotional experience. Even prior to the massive dose of steroids that precede Rituxan, I find that I am weepy. My nerves reach a crescendo that triggers my pseudobulbar affect. Tears often morph into laughter or irritability. The volatility leaves me emotionally depleted, which along with the physical fallout of the infusion, leaves me leveled. This time was no different. Now, it is five days later, and I am still exhausted. After a false state of steroid-induced euphoria, I crashed, waking hours later to incessant headaches and nausea — my two constant companions. I have been trying to lose these two unwanted cohorts ever since, but they seem insistent on sticking around. Yet despite the ice packs on my neck and some unruly bed head, I still feel victorious. I made it through my infusion. The pounding in my head reassures me I am on the flip side. “You did it,” I quietly affirm to myself. And before I can negate the expression of grace I so rarely show myself, I follow it up with another, louder one: “Yes, I did.” *** 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, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis. Print This Page About the Author Jennifer (Jenn) Powell Jennifer is the Brand and Marketing Manager for BioNews, podcast host of the Multiple Sclerosis podcast, and a featured columnist. Jennifer is an active advocate in the MS community and imparts her hopeful optimism into real-life challenges facing the MS community. Now with secondary-progressive MS, Jennifer hopes to elevate the patient voice to better the lives of those living with the disease. Prior to writing her column, Jennifer freelanced for several online periodicals. When not writing, Jennifer enjoys volunteering with animal rescue, traveling, and spending time at home in Orange County, California, with her husband and golden retrievers. Tags Biogen, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), Genentech, Rituxan, rituximab Comments Leave a comment Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published. Your Name Your Email Your Comment Post Comment
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