In September 2018, I received a completely unexpected diagnosis. MS. Multiple Sclerosis. Totally unexpected. I had gone in for a CT to check on the degradation of my cervical vertebrae. I also have degenerative disk disease. My doctor told me that there were white spots on my spinal cord. My PCP wasted no time and had an appointment for me with a neurologist the very next day. I underwent more CT scans and a spinal tap before the diagnosis was given to me with certainty.
My first medication was the brand name Tecfidera. Once the generic dimethyl fumarate became available, the insurance company wanted me to take it. This year, my neurologist wanted me to try new medication. Kesimpta is a once monthly shot that I can give myself at home. The injection is a new alternative to taking pills multiple times a day or going once a week or every other week for infusions. To begin on Kesimpta, an MS patient will take one shot weekly for 3 weeks. On the fourth week, they will take the last injection of the starter series and then there will be no more medication necessary until the next month. I have had two shots from the starter series. So far, I have not had any side effects. I didn’t have side effects from Tecfidera either. I did have some flushing and abdominal issues with dimethyl fumarate. Yuck.
Hopefully, this will control my MS and the symptoms as well or better than the dimethyl fumarate has. I will keep everyone up to date on this adventure and if anyone has any questions or any good advice, I would love to hear them. 🙂