MS Update - Changes abreast

Every year I go in for blood work once or twice.  My regular doc checks things like my thyroid and cholesterol (both doing just fine) and my neurologist checks my blood - white blood counts (what fights off illness) and my red blood counts.  My most recent major work up was at the end of June.  My blood numbers were off so we made a plan to test again in a month. I've had issues with my White Blood Count (WBC) in the past but the numbers have also recovered in the past. 

At the beginning of August they ran them again and they were even worse.  My WBC kept dropping.  It had been low in the past but had always rebounded.  This time it got worse and a bunch of other results went with them.  My neurologist was concerned and asked me to run them again later in August.  

I had two weeks off my MS meds to allow me to go backpacking in Isle Royale (see my nature girl post) and not have to mess with them.  My meds are a refrigerated injection that I do three days a week. I got back from the wild and had lab tests a third time... AND my labs are still in the toilet.  Certainly explains why I've felt tired.  It appears my meds are causing a bit of anemia in my bone marrow on top of depressing my immune system.  :(

So things I don't miss about being off my meds... No med muddle the day after, no ever weighty depression, no migraines, and when I've been cold and damp no Raynauds just to name a few.  My seasonal allergies and inflammation are still flared up but I am guessing it is because my immune system is a bit depressed.

So what now??  I wasn't real excited about doing another injectable med, so we decided to transition me to Tecfidera which is an oral capsule that I will take twice a day with meals.  I have to stay off my meds 2-3 more weeks to see if my blood work rebounds.  It if doesn't then I will have to see a blood specialist to see why.  I can't start my new MS meds until my blood work stabilizes and I have been off my current meds for a month.  I'll have to find a way to manage my stress during this time and rest to give my body time to recover.  Time will tell as I go through these adjustments over the next couple of months.

On another note I was accepted to be part of a clinical research study looking at two specific diets aimed at reducing fatigue in people with Relapsing Remitting MS like mine.  I start the study in mid September and will be assigned a a specific food plan between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The science is important, but I know it will be hard work to stick to the plan assigned to me so keeping my family and I in your positive thoughts over the next 6-8 months would be greatly appreciated.