After seventeen years of suffering extensive neurological damage from relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), I ditched my FDA approved therapy and took a chance with an off-label drug called daclizumab. In seven years of treatment, I’ve gotten only one new lesion. Daclizumab is currently being tested for safety and efficacy by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
I am one of the lucky few being treated with the drug, which now goes by the name of DAC HYP. I am hopeful that in a few years, DAC HYP will become an approved therapy, and more people will have the chance to see the progress of their disease dramatically stalled. DAC HYP is not a cure. I still have to deal with all the symptoms caused by the neurological damage I’ve accrued. I also have to deal with the one side effect of skin rashes. This blog charts the course of my trials during the clinical trial.
For the official story on the drug trial, try http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01143441?term=10-n-0125&rank=1
Lisa, love all your posts so much.
The latest one (the IQ test) made me laugh.
I appreciate the keen insights in your blog, which are intensely personal, yet often touch on universal truths. I agree with Maria–courage, indeed!
I learn something from each of my students. From you, I’ve learned many things, not the least of which is courage. Let’s finish up La Mala and get that book out there.
Lisa, it takes courage to talk about ourselves. You have inspired many (including me) to do just that through memoir writing and now it is your turn. I hope you find it as liberating an experience as I did.
And, if as you said, my words were seeds, I’m glad they had a chance to germinate after all these years.
Lisa, I really appreciate your blog. It is such a great way to keep up with what is going on with you, especially when I feel so far away.
Plus, you are such an engaging writer. I can visualize so clearly from your descriptions that it is like I am right there with you. (And sometimes I wish I was, so I could give some sass to the idiots you come across!)
Awareness is living life fully.
I have sent some aware folks your blog address.