introduction

[kelly2145]

Hi all,
First thing you'll notice is I talk a lot. (you've been warned!)

I got a probable MS diagnosis in fall of 1997 (at 36 years old). Got the "yup, it's MS" dx spring of 2009 (48 years old). Up until lately, only symptoms were really the numbness and tingling - arms and legs. Occasionally in my face. Testing showed lesions in my head.....spine clear and vision tests totally unreliable. As I have "bad" eyes to begin with, including nystagmus (congential).

So no treatment - just the diagnosis. And an annual or every 2 year MRI to check "any progress".

Last 3 months or so....not been feeling so hot. Nothing HORRIBLE - nothing I can totally pinpoint....but thinking it's MS related. VERY fatigued (not terribly unusual for me)....achy...just almost lethargic. We have had HORRIBLE heat here this summer --- lots and lots of 100+ degree days. I've never done heat "well", but think this is really taking a toll on my body. Can anyone else relate?

And because we don't "look" sick -- NO ONE understands. I actually have a female boss my same age who has MS (does treatment and mostly non-symptomatic with meds).....when I DO try to ask a question about MS, or a "have you ever felt this" kind of thing -- she always blows me away with, "that's NOT MS". Now......my understanding is that MS can be MANY symptoms and none of us will have the exact same symptoms. True? There is no protocol / procedure we HAVE to follow, right?

Just have been hurt when I have tried to talk with her and get her defensive stance......because she has not felt what I'm feeling.

Anyway - I digress.

Think that gives you my intro -- oh, I live in the St. Louis, MO area.

Just hoping to find some "friends" who understand and can share their experiences with this 'way of life'.

Have a great day,
Kelly

[hunterd]

WELCOME KELLY!!!!!! Good to have you, sorry why. As you probably know, ms treats everyone differently. Most of us will probably have experienced or will experience whatever you are going thru. Gooluck.

[Bob698]

Hey Kelly, some of our time lines sound familiar. Glaj7d to hear your MS is "low impact" and I hope it stays that way.

Its important to understand what MS really is and why it hits all of us differently. Likewise, we can all react differently to the diagnosis and symtoms.

I'm guessing your boss doesn't post here. That's cool and its her right to deal with things the way she wants. It might be she's tired of answering questions from (a lot of) other people about her disease or just doesn't want to look into that room. Whatever works for her is valid.

With the heat stuff, I'm a bit of a contrerian. Heat doesn't bug me any more than normal folks but cold is where I can have problems in terms of MS. That said, I'm a little more north than you but this summer has been a whizzer. The triple digit stuff has worn out a LOT of normal folks.

[Cat Mom]

Hi Kelly! Talk all you want, no apologies necessary. Glad your MS hasn't been too bad since your dx, have you considered a DMD? None of my business really, just curious as so many of us (myself included) who have greatly benefitted from them.

Re your boss... I would HATE the fact that she has the same illness, for her sake and mine. You must suffer the "I'm well enough to do that, why can't you?" syndrome. Grrrr!!

Stay cool, the heat has been unbearable this summer but the first week of Aug is already gone so shortly it will be fall and then (aaaaaaahhhhhhh!) winter!
Jen

[kellywayne]

hiiiii

hiii, everyone, this is another Kelly from Montreal. I am here to get general ideas of people on many things. My favorite topic is skin care and beauty.