Newly Diagnosed: 6-29-20
Hi Everyone,
Monday, June 29, 2020. 3:00pm. Dr. Mark Skeen, Chief Clinical Neurologist of Duke Health in Durham, NC looks at me and said, "Yes, today's two MRI's confirm my suspicions. Now, let's focus on medicine over the next weeks, so that we can attack this!"
For nearly two years, I have been in and out of 3 different Neurologist offices from Lumberton to Charlotte to Durham. Test after test. Appointment after appointment. Opinion after opinion. Today, I thank God for what I heard, because this test shall be my next testimony. God has ordered my life for Him to get ALL THE GLORY!
I am 47 years old and blessed to have a supportive husband, daughter, parents, and in-laws, primary care physician, MS Neurologist, MS Nurse, family, and friends willing to go through this new journey with me! So, with that being said, I have been officially been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and I stand on God's Word!
After much investigation into the different drug therapies, I have decided to take Tecfidera. I am concerned about how to manage side effects, as well as how to keep a daily routine of good nutrition and health. I look forward to any and all replies. Thank you all in advance!
Hi Miranda, I started taking tecfidera the day before yesterday. I was warned/advised to take with food - something more than just a snack. After the very first capsule I didn't expect any side effects but a few hours after I took it my face felt incredibly hot and almost tingly. Not unbearable at all but just bizarre. I dismissed at the time because I was in a very warm room and I have never tolerated heat very well. A few hours after the first dose of yesterday I got the same sensation but slightly worse and my I could feel it in my scalp too. It's all bearable though. I've not had any stomach problems but I'm only three days in and on the starter dose atm. Good luck to you, I'm sure it'll be fine.
Hi @miranda_mcnair - I was diagnosed last Nov. Aged 52 & started on Tecfidera in Feb. So have almost done 5 months & have been lucky not to have too many side effects. I certainly know if I’ve not eaten enough & did get horrible stomach pains in weeks 2-3 which were relieved by a good antacid which I took each day for a week. I was never a breakfast person before so had to make some changes but now have a small yogurt and maybe cereal with bran and that works for me, I definitely need the yogurt. I’ve never flushed, but then I have never blushed either, but I do get really hot at times but not sure if that’s my hot flushes as opposed to Tec. I think it’s all about working out what works for you as one thing I’ve found from this great site, is everyone’s different and what works for some may not work for others. I do hope you get on ok with it.