another shot at the moon

I think if I have a seizure, I'll definitely consider stopping taking these pills...

So here we are, then.

I received my delivery of a 4-week trial of Fampyra / Fampridine yesterday and this morning I took my first dose. Tablets have to be taken 12 hours apart and on an empty stomach.

Think about it - how often in the Decadent West, as a privelleged (sort-of) middle-class white guy, am I ever likely to have a truly empty stomach? But OK - I'll play along.

There's quite a bit riding on this - long-time visitors to this blog will know that my issues with walking are very definitely A THING. So if this can help me get my legs working a bit better, then eventually I might be able to exercise more and maybe build up some strength in order to forego this particular medical intervention. Who knows?

All I know is, something has got to start working soon. In the last 6-7 months I've changed my diet, left my job, started swimming more regularly, embraced mindful meditation. I've even started doing intermittent self-catheterisation, for goodness' sake!

I feel mentally clearer and stronger, at least - particularly since leaving my old job. I've started some freelance consultancy work, as well as doing some more (PAID) writing at MS.net. And the old pipe up the pee-pee is really freeing me up socially (it's still a bit weird, however).

Including Fampyra, I will be taking varying doses of eight different medications and supplements every day. And my mobility isn't getting any better.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying anything whingy and dramatic about this being a last throw of the dice or anything. I know how lucky I am to even have access to the drugs I am taking. Plus I am surrounded by people who want the very best for me.

Doesn't stop me wishing things were better though, does it?

According to everything I've read, people who respond to Fampyra know if it's working for them within 2 weeks.

At the very least, since taking my first dose I've been paying more attention to my mobility and posture - I'm not daft enough to be looking for any signs of improvement yet (although 14 DAYS). I just know that paying attention to the way I move around is something I really need to do more of.

But by the time I get through this very blister-pack of tablets, I'll know if it's working for me or not. Knowing that much is a good thing at least.