Yesterday's Three Hour Tour

At my last neurologist's visit, my neurologist suggested that I try to get into the study they are conducting about MS drugs. They are comparing medicines already on the market (and approved for human use) to each other. This study compares 2 different doses of an oral drug to an injectable. I haven't tried either one yet, so I'm hoping that the meds in this study help me.

There are several steps I need to complete before being accepted. Step one yesterday was a 3 hour appointment that included neurological exams, cognitive exams, vision tests, lots of gawk and walk (I walk, while the professionals gawk), lots and LOTS of questions (including questions about suicide- which if you were already predisposed, this call would definitely induce second thoughts), an EKG, and lab work. Yes, it was as much fun as it sounds like!

During one of the walk and gawk sessions, I had to walk heel to toe, much like what you see in a field sobriety test. Well, I will never drink and drive, because I failed that part sober. My balance is really, well, off-balance. I'm glad I found that out in a clinical setting. Not that I drink and drive, but if I'm ever suspected of it, I would certainly flunk.

I saw two different doctors, One knew I had MS, the other was a blind doctor, the research term for a doctor who doesn't know whether you have MS. When this was being explained to me, I likened my time with him to visiting a psychic...I would confirm or deny, but not volunteer any information. Considering he supposedly didn't know whether I had MS, he certainly asked questions like he already knew. Electric shock sensations that start from your neck and radiate outward? Yes. Paresthesia? Yes. Tingling? Yes. Fatigue? Oh, GOD yes.

After the three-hour tour of yesterday, I (only) have 5 different appointments before the ultimate goal of medication randomization. That's the appointment where they draw from a hat (figuratively) to see which medicine I will be on for the next year. I wouldn't be completely truthful if I didn't say I was a little nervous. More anticipatory than nervous, but there is that tiny bit of anxiety. My mind wants to play “what if”, but I am trying to suppress it best I can.

Onward and upward, right?