u/Mart_Mart_Valv6

Has anybody here ever "stepped down" from Tysabri to Copaxone?

My MS Specialist neurologist at Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center wants to switch me to it for several reasons.

I've had several infections while on Tysabri, and I won't need to go the 1 1/2 hour trip-one way, to Cleveland monthly, as I can do Copaxone myself at home, as the needles and injection sites are essentially the same as insulin (I'm type 2 prediabetic).

First off, he's the primary reason they fired Oscar Marin.

Second, he supposedly changed his mechanics himself.

Third, Bill Murphy was hired (by Cherington and Kelly), and almost every returning pitcher from last year's team has regressed, between starters and relievers. Ashcraft and Chandler are the exceptions, and Mlodzinski when he's in the pen.

I'm a Pirates fan, and genuinely curious. Has Oscar Marin improved the Reds pitching?

I'm asking, because Pirates fans are debating who is responsible for Buccos pitching has regressed so much.

It's definitely on the players themselves, but some of us blame pitching coach Bill Murphy. Some blame manager Don Kelly. Some blame general manager Ben Cherington, and all of us blame the cheap bastard owner Bob Nutting.

If you suspect you might have MS, I STRONGLY suggest you go to a MS Specialist Neurologist, to be examined, and not a general neurologist.

I had to switch from a general neurologist to an MS Specialist, in order to get on a disease modifying therapy (DMT) infusion.

It took a literal year after diagnosis (September 7, 2024) before I was approved for Tysabri (September 2025).

My general neurologist couldn't get it approved between two different insurance companies in that time frame.

My MS Specialist Neurologist that I switched to was able to get it approved in literally 4 days.

If you have any federal student loans, you can contact your current loan servicer or Nelnet, and tell them that you want to apply for Total and Permanent Disability.

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You'll fill out the TPD form, and a doctor will have to fill out part of it. Your primary care doctor or your neurologist are the best to use.

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Your federal loans will then be transferred to Nelnet (which can take a few months, and you may have to continue payments during this time, but I recommend simultaneously applying for a deferment or forbearance to stop payments during this time).

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As long as the form is filled out correctly by you and your doctor, you should receive a letter in the mail indicating that your loans have been discharged.

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Private loans may or may not have TPD. You'll have to ask your current servicer.

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EDIT: Before I was diagnosed, I worked for one of the largest federal loan servicers in the U. S.

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My loans were discharged automatically, because I receive SSDI.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: IF you have federal student loans, and are receiving social security disability insurance benefits, IF they weren't automatically forgiven, you can apply for forgiveness through NELNET. They're the federal government's dedicated loan servicer for forgiveness.

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I know this, two-fold, as before I was diagnosed, I worked for one of the largest federal loan servicers in the country, ECSI.

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Mine were forgiven automatically after I was approved for SSDI.

Has anybody else's MS made them more emotional?

I was already "emotional" for a "middle Millennial," but it's gotten worse since my diagnosis. Especially sad stuff.

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Now I'm more apt to cry at things, that I didn't cry to when I was younger (I'm 38). Especially things that kinda remind me of sad things in my life.

Can/do any of the MS help resources assist with vehicles that have lifts and possibly hand-only driving controls?

I can no longer drive with my feet, but I also don't have the financial ability to buy a lift (for conversion)/lift vehicle on my own.

The only way I will be able to get around is through Medicaid Provide a Ride (they'll only take me to medical appointments) and the local buses, which won't take me out of the city.

Does anybody else have hypersensitivity to touch in their arms and legs?

I just have it in my legs and feet, but, even if my socks are pulled off, the sensation against the bottom of my feet causes my legs to jerk severely. My legs are less sensitive the closer to my waist you get, but spasm the same way to deeper pressure.

I'm curious if yinz take anything for it, and if it's effective? I was on 300 MG of Gabapentin a day, but I asked my neurologist to ween me off of it, and I'm not planning on going back on it.

For regular spasms, I already take the maximum of Baclofen 20 mg 4x a day, Tizanidine 4 mg 3x a day, and 8 shots of Botox (2 in each thigh and 2 in each hamstring) every 3 months.

Does anybody know of any good, reliable companies that offer work from home?

My PPMS progressed fast in 6 months (walking and working 40+ hours a week at the 2024 Super Bowl to needing inpatient therapy to learn how to walk in September 2024).

I don't have a vehicle with a lift and have to rely on Medicaid Provide a [stretcher] Ride to get to and from appointments right now, because of medical malpractice and setbacks that have me currently bedridden.

I have a large surgical sacral wound that will be closed up in the next month, and then, hopefully, some inpatient therapy, to get me walking with assistance and able to have the stamina to be in my wheelchair for hours at a time.

I'm putting feelers out now, but may be looking for part-time work by the end of summer.

It has to be part-time as well, so that I don't lose my Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.