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Anticipating Treatments
As I’m preparing for my 10th, or is it 11th, Spinraza injection tomorrow I can’t help but think back. I remember when I first learned about the treatment. For the next nine months I anticipated how it would change my life. Although I was excited I had to try to keep my expectations in check. After all not much info was available for adults. Still I knew I was doing something revolutionary.
Not everyone has the opportunity to have access to Spinraza. Fortunately there are other treatments in development like risdiplam. For those who are awaiting these new treatments I can imagine the anticipation they feel. I’ve been in their shoes. Kala writes about this topic in her most recent column. Although there are still a lot of unknowns, it’s certainly something to look forward to. Are you anticipating new treatments? How are you managing expectations?
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4 Replies
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Yes I remember those feelings of expectations as well. What a roller coaster of emotions it was!
I know this is far out in the future, but I’m anticipating a drug that will improve my muscle function. I believe it has to do with improving the myostatin in the body. While Spinraza is working, I’ve lost so much muscle strength over the years that Spinraza can’t correct. I have hope about these drugs though.
Several companies are working on it. In fact, my dad’s best friend from high school is the president of one of these companies. Maybe I’m wishful thinking but I’d LOVE to get in on a trial in the next few years.
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I can relate to this column so much! Like Kala, I couldn’t receive Spinraza, so I’m very excited about Risdiplam. I can also relate to what you said about keeping expectations in check. Before Spinraza I had never really thought about the strength I might regain one day. I didn’t think that day would come in my life time. But once news about Spinraza started going around, my mind went a little wild. I even contemplated the idea of someday gaining the ability to join the wheelchair basketball team. That was when I realized I should reign it in a bit. My new dreams temporarily crushed when I found out I couldn’t safely receive Spinraza, but some of them are starting to resurface now that Risdiplam is presenting itself as a possibility. Right now, my biggest hope is to regain the ability to swallow thin liquids like water and lemonade. I’ve heard that Risdiplam is proving to be especially good at strengthening the muscles used to swallow, so I think it might be realistic. Certainly more realistic than the basketball idea!
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I also heard that risdiplam is proving to be effective in swallowing. Fingers crossed for you Halsey!
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Thanks Alyssa!
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