A new year...

Welcome to 2017! I am now half way through Year 1 and all in all it's been quite a ride... My bloods are slowing coming back to normal, and those that have relapses during their first year, it's usually around now.. when their immune system is getting stronger, hence why round 2 is so important. My lymphocytes are at 0.5 (previous month they were 0.4, so they've come up a bit). I have enjoyed eating oysters and sashimi all throughout Christmas, which has been delicious and I'm determined to get my fill until I have to stop eating them again in June.

I have had a huge December, work has been crazy insane, I have organised several events, had many a late night and then Christmas and New Years threw it's challenges at me. But I made it through, sometimes I've surprised myself, other times I've been frustrated that I feel like I am reverting back to MS ruling my life. But one thing I have to remember is that this isn't a cure, it isn't meant to make my MS disappear, but it's meant to halt progression and that's all I can hope for.

I've noticed over the past week, I've become more and more tired, and today was no exception. I fell asleep watching a movie at home with Seb (which hasn't happened for some time) and my arms have been feeling rather heavy. They say it's normal to experience this around 6 months, and I just need to ride it out - I know I say this each month, but I've noticed I am able to do more and more each month... so even though I've been feeling tired at the end of each month, I've noticed a huge improvement compared to the last.

Here is a post I put on Facebook a while back which highlights how far I've come:

"Hi everyone! Just wanted to pass on a good news story.... I am 6 months post Round 1 and prior to Lemtrada I wasn't really able to stay out past 9pm before I started to get so exhausted I would feel nauseous. Well..... for the last two days I have worked all day and then ran an event until past mid night - two days straight!! I may or may not pay for it this weekend, but the fact that I've been able to do it in the first instance is a huge accomplishment! I feel like my life may very well be returning to me. Just wanted to let those people considering Lemtrada, but may be reading a lot of negative posts lately, it can work and it has worked for me, insofar that my quality of life is improving!"

I can't help but feel a bit emotional about this year... Not only do I turn 40, which is slightly scary in of itself, I will be completing round 2 in June.... I'm scared because I know what I'm in for, the pain, the exhaustion, the nausea. All things, which I know I need to go through... and yes, I know, I need to look at the big picture, but it certainly doesn't make it any easier and still just as scary.