This is Lemtrada thw brand name for the medication alemtuzumab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It works by targeting and reducing the immune cells that attack the myelin sheath around nerves.
I was given it for 5 days a year ago and again recently for 4 days. It costs £7,045.00 ($10,653.50) per vial.
Five years ago I could run 10k in under an hour, I was fit. Hiking up Stickle Tarn in the Lake District was my favourite. I was like a mountain goat, fast, agile and nimble with massive amount of reserve energy, the ability to keep going when others flagged. Being brought up in north Derbyshire these are the landscapes where I find my calm, strength and solace. Now I’m weak as a kitten. MS is a bastard it really is, but rather than feel sorry for myself I decided to do what I love and photograph and film others with MS, to capture their strength, their resilience and their stories, highlighting what can be a very hidden disease.
Probably aside from not being able to walk properly, the most annoying and upsetting symptom is when I think about needing a pee I need to go instantly as soon as the urge or thought arrives, I have no time. Its a bloody nightmare especially when in public places (this is why I now alway recce the nearest toilet). I have a hack which only works for men and talking yo women with MS it’s even more of a nightmare we’re talking adult nappy nighmare. I put a hand down my jeans grip my penis at the base, until I am at the toilet otherwise I will simply wet myself which I have many times. I live on a barge in London and have a ‘wee jug’ always to hand meaning this problem never occurs.