i started coming in here about a month ago. Someone mentioned that I should come in here and put a few words about myself so here goes...
My name is Christine Rutherford and I live in Spruce Grove Canada. I was diagnosed with MS 13 years ago at the age of 25. I really didn't think too much about it at the time. My neuro told me I should started taking Copaxone, so I did. I was a very busy and motivated person just entering my career as a teacher so I didnt think this would effect me other than the inconvenience of having to take a needle every day. I decided a few months after receiving the news to move to Asia to teach English. That started a three year adventure that I would not change for the world as I met some wonderful friends that I keep in touch with to this day. I then moved back to Canada and began working as a special needs teacher. Eventually I moved in to counseling and became an Assistant Principal.
All of that changed three years ago when I began having very atypical reactions to the Copaxone and was put on Rebif. Since that time, I had my first and then two more relapses that were very difficult to get through. I have considerable weekness and constant numbness in my right foot and leg and considerable cognitive issues. I continued to work until two months ago when my neuro said that I had eight new active lesions on my MRI. He switched me back to Copaxone to see if being off it for three years will allow me to tolerate it again. He also told me to take a year off work to try to stabilize and get this under control. Then started the grieving process.
I had never thought of myself as disabled and refused to allow even my husband and family to help me with things I felt I should be able to do on my own. Now I accept help and appreciate it. I ride an adult tricycle due to balance issues and use a cane to walk long distances. I am careful of heat and try to limit stress as much as I can. I had a very dark time for a couple of weeks trying to wrap my head around all of this, but now I am at peace with it and at times really appreciate having MS as it as allowed me to take a break and realize what is truly important in my life; my amazingly supportive husband and my fabulous family and friends who have helped me through everything so graciously and without me having to ask.
Overall, I am a content person who at times does feel the "why me?" feelings pop up, but I just look at it as another adventure to overcome in my life.
Thanks so much for reading.
Krystine
My name is Christine Rutherford and I live in Spruce Grove Canada. I was diagnosed with MS 13 years ago at the age of 25. I really didn't think too much about it at the time. My neuro told me I should started taking Copaxone, so I did. I was a very busy and motivated person just entering my career as a teacher so I didnt think this would effect me other than the inconvenience of having to take a needle every day. I decided a few months after receiving the news to move to Asia to teach English. That started a three year adventure that I would not change for the world as I met some wonderful friends that I keep in touch with to this day. I then moved back to Canada and began working as a special needs teacher. Eventually I moved in to counseling and became an Assistant Principal.
All of that changed three years ago when I began having very atypical reactions to the Copaxone and was put on Rebif. Since that time, I had my first and then two more relapses that were very difficult to get through. I have considerable weekness and constant numbness in my right foot and leg and considerable cognitive issues. I continued to work until two months ago when my neuro said that I had eight new active lesions on my MRI. He switched me back to Copaxone to see if being off it for three years will allow me to tolerate it again. He also told me to take a year off work to try to stabilize and get this under control. Then started the grieving process.
I had never thought of myself as disabled and refused to allow even my husband and family to help me with things I felt I should be able to do on my own. Now I accept help and appreciate it. I ride an adult tricycle due to balance issues and use a cane to walk long distances. I am careful of heat and try to limit stress as much as I can. I had a very dark time for a couple of weeks trying to wrap my head around all of this, but now I am at peace with it and at times really appreciate having MS as it as allowed me to take a break and realize what is truly important in my life; my amazingly supportive husband and my fabulous family and friends who have helped me through everything so graciously and without me having to ask.
Overall, I am a content person who at times does feel the "why me?" feelings pop up, but I just look at it as another adventure to overcome in my life.
Thanks so much for reading.
Krystine
Comment