Grrrr! I've Got That Electric Shock Thing Going Today

[ProfessorGAC]

My right leg has that harsh tingling, electric shock thing going today. I'm used to the pain, and can block it out most of the time. But, when i get this, it's really annoying because it hurts, and it's rare enough for me that i'm not used to it. So, i can't take my mind off it and block it out.

It always goes away a day or two, but from the hip bone to the top of the toes, it feels like i'm being electrocuted. But, it's constant. Been that way since last night around 8pm.

Just wanted to complain!
The Professor

[Metatron]

1. I sure hope you're feeling better, Professor.

:hug:

[fudge stripe cookays]

2. So sorry, Professor.

My Lhermitte's in my neck was jumping pretty much all weekend, but I think mine is minor compared to what you're going through.

I'm starting my Betaseron this week. I've been feeling great all week, now I have to get used to the flu, chills, etc. Blegh.

I hope both of us feel a little better soon!
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[ProfessorGAC]

3. Hey. On The Betaseron Thing

Absolutely, positively take two tylenol a few minutes before the shot. Then, ALWAYS have some with you.

Taking it ahead of time REALLY moderates the flu-like feeling. Then, here's a watchout: If you start feeling the slightest bit flushed, or feel any discomfort in the upper back that feels like the flu, take two more tylenol. If you catch the side effects before they get full blown, they usually go away quickly, and won't reach their peak.

If you wait until they get near the peak, it can get really bad for the first couple of months, and it can take an hour or two for them to go away when you take the tylenol.

So, that recommendation from the instruction kit is an absolute must.

It will help you get through the first few months, and will help in the long run, even though those side-effects lessen over time.
The Professor

[fudge stripe cookays]

4. Thank you VERY MUCH!

I was planning on taking some ahead of time like they say, but I'll definitely take your recommendation to heart.

I'm going to try working here for the next few days and see how it goes. But I cautioned my boss what I'm going to be up against here the next few weeks until my body acclimates to this stuff, and told her I may be doing a fair amount of working from home or sick leave depending on how things go.

I started looking through the kit last night and after a few minutes it was.... :scared:

I'll just wait for the nurse. If I read too much I'll just freak out. The girl I got from the nurse place last time made it very easy with the IV. I'm sure this will be the same.

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[ProfessorGAC]

5. It's Really Easy

Once you understand the concept of the mixing syringe and how the thing attaches, the only trick is getting the fluid air bubble free before you shoot.

You'll see her do it once, and that will be that. It takes me a total of two minutes to open, organize, mix, draw, and shoot. Pretty easy!

G'luck.

Let me know if you need any help.
The Professor

[fudge stripe cookays]

6. Thanks!

It's the bubble that freaks me out.

My aunt had complications of bubble in her shunt back in December, and it's what killed her from complications of colon cancer.

I have this insane fear of those now. I'm beginning to wonder now if I should have gone for the Avonex. :dilemma:

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[ProfessorGAC]

7. No. Don't Do That

The data on Avonex v. Betaseron is abundantly clear. Betaseron has shown statistically significantly better efficacy over the last 10 years of study. Not that Avonex isn't effective, just that betaseron is moreso.

Also remember, that the air bubble that hurt your aunt was in the vascular system directly. We don't shoot the Betaseron into a vein or artery. We're just sticking it into fatty or muscle tissue. It takes its own sweet time and path into the bloodstream. So, the bubble just become part of the interstitial spaces and eventually work themselves out through the skin.

It's apples & oranges compared to your aunt. Don't worry. It'll be fine.
The Professor

[fudge stripe cookays]

8. You're a sweetie.

Thanks for holding my hand. :hug:

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[mopinko]

9. sorry to hear this, prof

i know what you mean about blocking the normal pain. i have been feeling better, but feeling worse about it, if that makes sense. a few days without pain, and every twitch becomes more like a slap in the face than a pebble in your shoe. something about things just outside your grasp, instead of off in the impossible distance.
feel better, friend.

[ProfessorGAC]

10. Thanks mo!

Yeah, you're right. The out of the ordinary just is tough to take, even when it's not really as bad as what we're used to. The burning sensation in my legs is WAY worse than this electric shock thing, but it's been there for almost 11 years now. So, that's becoming and inconvenience. Just background radation at this point. (It's worse than others some days, but mostly just a fact of life that can be put into cruise control mode.)

But, then something unusual comes along and boy, it's a distraction!

You hit the nail on the head.
The Professor

[SiouxJ]

11. Has it gotten any better Professor?

Ouch! That sounds horrible. Hope it has passed.

[ProfessorGAC]

12. Yes. Thanks

My legs are kind of mushy because of the hot humid weather, (but no rain!).

But, i'm past the point where it's distracting.
The Professor