This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hi All,

It's been a while for me. I hope spring is bringing happiness to folks. Smiles in Oregon!!

Last week I had a brain scan and my first thoracic scan. These were the first scans since I began Avonex one year ago. The thoracic scan revealed one lesion and the brain scan revealed three new lesions and two of those were "active" as indicated by the contrast.

My doctor at OHSU said that this not "overly" worrisome but it may suggest that the Avonex is not completely effective. She indicated that I should return earlier (late April not late June) to discuss the potentially switching therapies. She mentioned Tysabari and BG 12.

My first thoughts are that it is to early to pass judgement on the Avonex. Also I could do better with diet and lifestyle choices. My vitamin, mineral, etc. levels all seem to be good as indicated by recent blood work.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks, John

hi j, would it be possible to share (or pm) vit and min results? might be something in there worth tweaking...

I was on Avonex for 2 years, and got new lesions. Neuro switched me to Tysabri; no new lesions in 2 years! You don't want to mess around with allowing new lesions to form, in my opinion. Each one is a spot of damage to your brain that is difficult, if not impossible, for your body to heal. Your brain is precisious real estate, don't surrender even one tiny bit.

@ Jimmy Legs:

Thanks for the input and offer. I can't locate my results right now. If I do I'll send them to you. I probably should get new blood work though. Suggestions on tests to have?


@ Lainie:

Thanks for the advice. I do have a question about switching. Are there other interferons that should be tried prior to Tysabri?

Thanks all

hi there if you get new bloodwork, there are some wise vit/min testing priorities for ms patients.

here's a link (the bloodwork section - you may need to scroll down) there's more there to read if you are interested.

http://www.thisisms.com/forum/regimens- ... tml#p15460

i will keep an eye out for those older teste results and any new ones you care to share

JSpeece wrote:I probably should get new blood work though. Suggestions on tests to have?

I know your question is directed to jimmylegs, but I can't resist my own chance to respond: I always suggest that people with MS request their doctors to order a "fasting blood insulin test" – NOT to be confused with the glucose test. The optimal result is 3 UU/ML or lower.

Hey jimmy. What kind of nutritional blood work do you recommend in MS?

What is your background in nutrition?

hello, as above,
http://www.thisisms.com/forum/general-d ... 8[quote]if you get new bloodwork, there are some wise vit/min testing priorities for ms patients.

here's a link (the bloodwork section - you may need to scroll down) there's more there to read if you are interested.

http://www.thisisms.com/forum/regimens- ... tml#p15460[/quote]

here is the link to recommendations I've come up with:
http://www.thisisms.com/forum/regimens- ... c2489.html

self taught re nutrition but undergrad training on assessing research.. 7 yrs of digging through research and counting publication pending

jimmylegs wrote:hello, as above,
http://www.thisisms.com/forum/general-d ... 8[quote]if you get new bloodwork, there are some wise vit/min testing priorities for ms patients.

here's a link (the bloodwork section - you may need to scroll down) there's more there to read if you are interested.

http://www.thisisms.com/forum/regimens- ... tml#p15460

here is the link to recommendations I've come up with:
http://www.thisisms.com/forum/regimens- ... c2489.html

self taught re nutrition but undergrad training on assessing research.. 7 yrs of digging through research and counting publication pending[/quote]

Thanks

Good stuff