Spasticity

Most people with MS will experience Spasticity.  There are many medicines, and names for similar ones.  I was titrated up on Baclofen quite quickly to address my calves and muscles being stiff. 10 mg, eight times a day maxes the amount Drs. prescribe.

 Baclofen has a short life span, so this why you are always taking a pill so many hours a day

I found spasticity to turn up a few notches at night time, this keeping me awake.  legs stiff, if not Charlie horsed, or vibrating from the muscles. I would have four tablets to take at night, along with gabapentin and lyrica.

  I was offered a Baclofen pump to be installed, but knowing after reading George's blog, I was quite against a Baclofen pump.   This was refused seven years into my MS.  Judy  writes a memorial about George, The Geek From Detroit. He will be missed.

Yes, I will jump around in the years, as easiest way to explain things, and things I know now, but did not know by doing much research.

Botox, also known as onabotulism type A, was also started as treatment early on.   the damage being done by my brains myelin sheath was causing nerves that control the muscles to mis-fire.

Many muscles are used to control each movement in the body. The Botox was injected into both calf muscles, as I was Having to tell the right foot to walk step by step. This treatment was started at The beginning, to try to slow The MS down. Botox was also injected into the neck muscles, and is also used for migraines in the forehead.  It's life span worked 62-64 days on me, but our government only allows injection every 90 days.

The Right leg and foot had turned to a three o'clock position on me. I walk with a cane as of today.

But the position of the foot leg pointing to This awkward position  caused  spasms, Charlie horse on both legs, and toes to curl under or outwards.  there was no room to add more baclofen to help.

The Botox helped.

A New medicine, ACTHAR.   https://www.actharmsrelapse.com  https://www.actharmsrelapse.com

  was used to try and slow the MS down. Injected into the thigh muscle for five days.

"H.P. Acthar (repository corticotropin) Gel is an adrenocorticotropic hormone used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), infantile spasms, and nephrotic syndrome (a collection of symptoms that indicate kidney damage). "
Acthar

Achtar side effects

 My partner, Wil, had the fun of injection of the three inch needle.  I wish the insurance was not as stingy on this medicine, as I would ask to try it a few more times over the years, but prednisone would be used instead, as insurance companies like to play Dr. Giving you steroids instead.


The Next newest drug, made especially for walking was added to my concoction of daily meds shortly after, and one my next article talks about Ampyra, and the  Botulism (botox) being injected

Thanks for reading
JoeY