I had to get an MRI this evening. This is probably my 7th one, if I recall correctly. At this point, I only have to have one done every two years, so it's hard to remember all the past ones. Luckily, my condition has remained unchanged since I was first diagnosed in 2000. (that's a good thing). I'm hoping for the same news again in a few weeks.
I was off my Copaxone for more than a year, but it's said that pregnancy acts to "halt" MS symptoms just like the therapy drugs do. It's not recommended during pregnancy or nursing, so while it would have been nice to have a needle break, I really didn't get one.
Because of my blood clotting disorder, I had to have two shots of blood thinner a day for my entire pregnancy and then one shot a day for 6 weeks post-partum. THEN, I got a needle break until July. So, three months of no shots!
I'm so used to doing it, though, that I don't really mind it. I put a bag of frozen peas on the unlucky site o' the day. Let that sit for 5 mins or so, then I'm numb enough I don't really feel it.
About a month ago, I hit a vein in my thigh and had a HUGE bruise for weeks afterwards. That sucked, but that happens sometimes.
My MRI today was just my brain, so it only took about 20 minutes - with contrast. The MRI section at the hospital had a full house when I went in. Usually, it's just me sitting there bored to tears. I got to meet a bunch of really nice people.
Nothing like sharing your ailments with complete strangers. LOL. The conversation really turns lively when we start to discuss health insurance. Believe me, I feel extremely lucky to have the coverage we do have (thru the Evil Twin's work), but even as much as we pay for coverage, it seems more and more these days, we have more co-pays, higher co-pays.
I can't imagine NOT having any insurance. That would truly suck. But, that's another post for another day, and frankly a subject I don't really feel like getting on. My brain can barely function to only have diarrhea of the mouth (or of the fingers, I suppose). LOL.
I had no idea.....I read back a bit in your blog...but no idea. I was a nurse for a long, long time...couldn't have given my kids or myself or even my cat an injection. You are quite an amazing woman.
ReplyDeleteYou surely are an amazing woman! Insurance is a subject that makes me burn with anger. Luckily, I am old enough to have medicare, and it was a life-saver for us.
ReplyDeleteTo think that I dread 2 shots per month!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how you do it, really. I have been taking shots for almost 2 years, and still haven't mastered the 'not bruising myself' aspect!