July 2026 marked the completion of the first year of my initial treatment cycle with Mavenclad. Prior to this, I had been treated with Fingolimod for several years, but last year I was hospitalised twice with severe UTIs. At the time, I was significantly immunocompromised. Initially, my dose was reduced to every other day, and I was then offered the option of switching treatments. Although my lymphocyte count is still below 1.0 × 10⁹/L (it was 0.48 last week), this is an improvement compared with the past few years, when it was consistently around 0.2–0.3. Since stopping Fingolimod, my counts appear to be recovering. Mavenclad can also have a significant impact on the immune system, so I'm hopeful that my numbers will continue to improve before my next treatment course in June 2027—fingers crossed! The best news for me is that I experienced no side effects at all. I didn't develop herpes on my face (cold-sores) or back (shingles); before starting Mavenclad, I had to undergo a shingles vaccination, and if it prevents complications, it will definitely have been worth it. I didn't even experience the "hangover" feeling that can come with some other DMTs (I'm looking at you Copaxone!). I'd booked a week of annual leave to prepare for any potential side effects after my first doses, but it turned out to be completely unnecessary. Instead, I simply enjoyed some well-deserved sleep 😎. Overall, my first year on Mavenclad has been a very positive experience. With no side effects, no further serious infections, and signs that my lymphocyte count is gradually recovering, I'm optimistic about what lies ahead. Hopefully the treatment continues to do its job in the background, keeping my MS stable while allowing my immune system time to recover. Here's to another quiet and uneventful year before the next round in June 2027! 🤞😊