I went for my checkup on December 1st. Just the usual blood draw, EDSS test, BP, HR, and one other thing I've never done before...
I filled out an application to a special drug program offered by Novartis for clinical trial participants. I had to provide my shipping address and my insurance information. Since I have no insurance that part was filled in with "None".
The rest of the form asked for my doctor to provide prescribing info and I was told the lead investigator would be the one to fill that out.
This form was supposedly faxed off to Novartis the same day and I should be receiving a call on my cell phone within a week or so gathering more info or instructing me on what happens next.
When the details have been all ironed out and I am guaranteed to be on a Rx and know how I'm going to get my Gilenya, then I'll be scheduled to have my Exit Exam.
The exit exam will include a skin exam, eye exam, PFT, MRI, EDSS, EKG, CT, BP, HR and probably a lot more ABCs I can't think of off the top of my head. Basically every test I had to take to get into the trial, I will be taking to get out of it too.
My clinical trial nurse said to expect this final exam (I have no idea how to cram for that) after the first of the year. I have more anxiety about leaving the trial that I had about getting INTO it. I know that sounds crazy, but things have gone so well for me and I have not relapsed in so long that the idea of leaving my comfy cage and exercise wheel behind to just be on my own with a new neuro is scary to me.
I'll be sure to document what happens with the application process as well as the Exit Exam for those of you in the trial who are curious about what happens next.
I'll keep blogging if you keep reading this drivel.
