MY EXPERIENCE

Hey, I'm Matt. I'm a husband and father working in TV production in Maine.
I'm pretty new to RMS, having been diagnosed in 2021, and KESIMPTA® is my first RMS treatment. I love scootering with my son, working in the yard,
and I hope to participate in a National MS Society event someday!

Taking Advice
The best advice I received was to involve my son from the very start. My journey started one hot summer day when I lost feeling in my right leg while mowing my lawn. This incident eventually led to my RMS diagnosis in March 2021. When I got the diagnosis, I honestly just thought about my son. How was I going to tell him? How was he going to react? He was just 12 years old at the time, but having an open conversation with him was the best thing I could have done because I don't have to hide anything. After all that worrying, he's been able to easily adapt to this whole thing and feel prepared for the future.



Needle Fear
Before KESIMPTA, I was afraid of needles. When I talked to my doctor about treatments, he presented an infusion option and an injection option. I knew the infusion option was just not for me. But when he told me about KESIMPTA, I liked that it goes just under the skin and I can take it just once a month* at home.

Coordinator Connections
The Alongside™ KESIMPTA team has been a gift. It's something I didn't know I needed. They've communicated with me and guided me through any confusion or obstacle. Especially being a "newbie" to RMS, I've needed that extra support. No matter how many pamphlets you read, it's hard to know what questions I should be asking. Having the Alongside team reach out has been so great. I'm going to add my Coordinator, Lisa, to my speed dial!



Tips for "Newbies"
There are a couple things I'd recommend to "newbies" like me. First, don't stress about the online forums and support groups. I found they aren't really made for people who have recently been diagnosed. I like to say they're for the advanced class, and we're in the intro class. Second, get enough sleep. That goes for everyone, but I think it's especially important for people with chronic diseases. Getting enough sleep allows me and my body to be on our A game. Next, if heat is your archnemesis like it is mine, I suggest cool showers. Lastly, don't be afraid to lean on loved ones for support. They won't think you are overbearing—that's all in your head. Communicating with my family, friends, and coworkers has been so encouraging for me.

Focused and Motivated
My focus is to stay motivated.
That's all I can hope for at this time. The KESIMPTA data has really encouraged me to stay confident.
I have so many future plans, from participating in a National MS Society walk to maybe watching my son
become a father someday. I trust my body, my doctor, and my treatment to keep me going.


MS=multiple sclerosis.
*After 3 weekly starter doses.

As a working mom, Kristin struggled to find a treatment that worked with her busy lifestyle and her RMS.
Get the results of the head-to-head studies vs Aubagio® (teriflunomide).
SEE THE RESULTS
Take a look at commonly
asked questions.