Clinical Trial

Dennis signed up for a clinical trial for a drug being tested right at this moment. It seems this new drug has been used successfully in Japan for 18 years to control orthostatic hypotension. It is anticipated it will be available sometime next year, here in the US.

For those of you who did not practice your new vocabulary words, orthostatic hypotension is the extreme drop of blood pressure upon standing. This causes syncope, fainting, and is one of the more life-threatening symptoms that comes along with the diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy.

Dennis is currently taking the drug midodrine to control his blood pressure difficulties. While this drug has managed most of the fainting issues, it also keeps his blood pressure fairly high all of the time. This causes a new set of problems such as the possibility of a stroke or heart attack. Sorry, if you are a constant reader, you have heard all of this before. As a great teacher, however, I know that repetition is important.

This new drug, droxidopa, appears to be safer and more effective than midodrine. Maybe it will control the ups and downs of his blood pressure without adding any new symptoms. Maybe it will stabilize his blood pressure for just a little while.

We are still counting our blessings. Changes have slowed and we are happy. At the same time, we will continue to look for new drugs and treatments that will make his/our life as full as imaginable.

Fighting Back Against MSA/SDS

"I don't have any fight left in me," Dennis said to me last night before he went to bed.

He hadn't been able to eat dinner again on account of the drooling. He was beyond tired and frustrated with everything. I can't blame him, not one bit.

He went to see his general practitioner and had his meds changed, once again. His blood pressure has been too high, again, and he dropped one dose of his midodrine, the medication to raise his blood pressure. The doctor also upped his intake of Rubinol, the drooling drug, but that lowers his blood pressure, so that needs to be closely watched once again. The Rubinol has not decreased his drooling, as of yet, meaning this whole thing may be a moot point.

Does the above paragraph sound like it's going around in circles? Well, that is sort of what his life is like at this moment. I believe we would both like a straight life path for some time, even if it's only for a week, it would be a relief.

I am sure that you are wondering what my response to Dennis was after his proclamation that he just couldn't fight anymore. To be honest, first I played the tough lady routine and said "You damn well better fight," or something to that effect, but that type of talk doesn't work with Dennis. So I simply hugged him, kissed him and let him know that I needed him to fight, and could he please just do it for me.

And that type of talk always works with Dennis, bless his big old heart.