Hi there! I'm new to this group but not so new to MS. I am 39, and my 7yr MS anniversary is on April 13th. My diagnosis of RRMS was pretty swift, having symptoms of numbness ascending quickly as well as causing me to limp. Was put on the urgent list to see a neurologist and got my diagnosis in only a few weeks. My MRI showed over 20 lesions on both my brain and spinal cord.
Looking back there were little things here and there that started in my teens, but nothing as dramatic as when I ended up being diagnosed- beginning with a numb foot and within a week my whole right leg, stomach and breasts were so numb it felt like my body was novacained (like when you go to the dentist).
I have a supportive hubby who has been with me from the beginning, and two teens (14yr old son, 17yr old daughter). It has been a challenge at times for me and my family, but we have all adapted as best we could. Even so it has caused all of the family to have disappointments and frustration.
I am still able to walk, though I use a scooter if I am going to go a shopping at a mall since my legs won't carry me that far and the fatigue is just too overwhelming. I also have cognitive issues with memory, brain fog, etc. Currently have numness over 50% of my body- haven't had normal feeling in the palms of my hands for maybe 2 or 3 yrs. Currently also limp when I walk/hobble due to weakness and spasticity on my left side, and am unable to run- can't actually remember the last time I was able to run. Also have balance issues- and get occasional looks in public where people think I am drunk. Bowel and bladder too(although this is improving).
I have been on Rebif from the start, but have just joined a drug trial for Ocrelizumab. In this trial one is either on Rebif or Ocrelizumab- you just don't know which one. Got my first IV infusion on Friday- had minor reactions (mild rash that disappeared quickly). Not positive but think I may be on the new drug. I feel fine so far, but am hoping that I will see improvement while in this two year trial. This last year has been my worst year so far on my MS journey. On the whole I have stayed positive, but as I told my research nurse when I decided to join the trial- "I am sick and tired of being sick and tired."
Looking back there were little things here and there that started in my teens, but nothing as dramatic as when I ended up being diagnosed- beginning with a numb foot and within a week my whole right leg, stomach and breasts were so numb it felt like my body was novacained (like when you go to the dentist).
I have a supportive hubby who has been with me from the beginning, and two teens (14yr old son, 17yr old daughter). It has been a challenge at times for me and my family, but we have all adapted as best we could. Even so it has caused all of the family to have disappointments and frustration.
I am still able to walk, though I use a scooter if I am going to go a shopping at a mall since my legs won't carry me that far and the fatigue is just too overwhelming. I also have cognitive issues with memory, brain fog, etc. Currently have numness over 50% of my body- haven't had normal feeling in the palms of my hands for maybe 2 or 3 yrs. Currently also limp when I walk/hobble due to weakness and spasticity on my left side, and am unable to run- can't actually remember the last time I was able to run. Also have balance issues- and get occasional looks in public where people think I am drunk. Bowel and bladder too(although this is improving).
I have been on Rebif from the start, but have just joined a drug trial for Ocrelizumab. In this trial one is either on Rebif or Ocrelizumab- you just don't know which one. Got my first IV infusion on Friday- had minor reactions (mild rash that disappeared quickly). Not positive but think I may be on the new drug. I feel fine so far, but am hoping that I will see improvement while in this two year trial. This last year has been my worst year so far on my MS journey. On the whole I have stayed positive, but as I told my research nurse when I decided to join the trial- "I am sick and tired of being sick and tired."
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