My MS diagnosis
One morning, I woke up feeling numb on the right side of my body. It became very concerning to me, as a pianist, when I lost the use of my right hand and right leg. I went to the doctor when the symptoms didn’t go away.
It took a few months to rule out other potential reasons for my symptoms, but after some MRI scans and a spinal tap, I was diagnosed with MS. The doctor who diagnosed me was not taking on new patients, so I started searching for a new doctor.
On my flight out to the University of Texas to meet my new neurologist, the cabin door flew open as the pilot ordered everyone off the airplane. It was September 11, 2001.
“We’d just moved to a new home and were balancing life with a one-year-old and my new diagnosis. There was a lot of confusion in my life, I started to question whether I was on the right journey.”
I have been through anger, denial, depression, and fear. Life is unpredictable, and the shoe could drop tomorrow – knowing that, I manage that.
I have a support system. My family and husband have my back 100%, and I have built my own community throughout the years. I learned about my body, symptoms, and triggers, and they have changed over time. I make lifestyle changes according to my location, the season, my plans for the day, and my symptoms.
Now, I teach piano part-time, work on the farm, volunteer locally and internationally, and travel to Europe every year.
Switching to TASCENSO ODT® (fingolimod)
My doctor recommended that I switch to TASCENSO ODT following published research on generic fingolimod capsules and their potential inconsistencies. After doing my own reading, I felt confident that switching was the right choice.
TASCENSO ODT is a medication I can rely on, and it works well with my lifestyle. The packaging is convenient for travel, individually sealed and branded, and I can take the orally disintegrating tablets anywhere, with or without water!
“TASCENSO ODT is one less pill I have to force down, and one less tablet to lose.”
If you have been switched to generic fingolimod capsules make sure you know how to assess your medication.
Cycle Vita™ support*
“I have a daily routine to manage my MS, but I still have concerns about needing urgent help. The support that comes with TASCENSO ODT has removed these concerns. I know Cycle Vita will be there to help me when I need them.”
The biggest change for me is having Cycle Vita alongside my MS journey. I get support from a single point of contact whom I can really depend on, not from different people every time or a voicemail system, and I know they have my best interest as their priority.
“Cycle Vita has been very supportive and reassuring throughout the process.”
There were a lot of hoops to jump through to get coverage for my medication, and it simply would not have happened without the support from Cycle Vita’s Access Specialists, even my doctor says so. It’s December, and they have already followed up on my renewal!
I am regularly in touch with Darren, my Clinical Education Manager (CEM), and I sent him updates from London and Rome this year.
“Darren is now a part of my support system. I know if I can reach him, he can get my medication to me on time.”
My advice for someone with MS
You have to find the best medical team that responds to you. Everyone’s MS is variable, so you need to find the right healthcare providers who can walk alongside you, and give you good advice based on your individual experience.
I hope everyone living with MS gets to learn about their bodies, triggers, treatments, and symptoms. I’d like them to be smart about managing and influencing their own symptoms, so they can have a better quality of life every second, every hour, and every day.
*Some areas of support may not be accessible to all patients. Eligibility criteria may apply to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements, and benefits may be limited to commercially insured patients only. For more detailed information about eligibility, terms and conditions, please contact the Cycle Vita team at 888-360-8482.
At the time of writing, Diane was taking TASCENSO ODT and has been compensated for her time.