I am 55 years old. I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2011 on Valentine's Day. I went to see a neurologist because I thought I was having seizures at night. I would feel fine, go to bed, wake up the next morning feeling like a had been run over by a freight train.
She ran a bunch of tests. I came back to her office and she had a very stern look on her face. She went over the details of my tests. We talked about when my 1st symptoms started. We determined I was 24. I was concerned about going for almost 30 years without treatment. My life was full of pain, disability that came and went and unexplained weird symptoms. I felt relieved when she told me I had MS. Finally, I was vindicated. I was not "imagining" I was sick. I was and still am fighting for my life.
She immediately had me on steroid infusions for 5 days. I was going to college, almost done with a bachelors degree in Psychology. No one told me everyone who does these infusions checks into the hospital for these. I was driving 1 hour both ways, attending classes (4) and getting the IV's. by Friday, I was exhausted.
My neurologist suggested Copaxone. Injection site reactions seemed to be the norm. After 7 months, I just couldn't take the hives anymore and was running out real estate that didn't have any hives. I took another 6 months off with no medications. We started me on Avonex. About 6 months ago, a fog started lifting.
I began to realize I do not remember much of 2011 and only the 2nd half of 2012. I feel stronger than I have in the last 2 decades. I can walk again!Now, I have to watch over doing, but I am able to do for myself. I try to educate myself as much as I can about treatments, assisted devices and supplements. In the 18 months I do not remember, my family kept me busy, as I was the idiot on the couch by purchasing yarn. I crochet. I made 11 hoodie sweaters, a king size afghan of patterns of stitches and different yarns, 2 baby afghans, and I can;t remember how many doily thread and beaded coin purses and handbags.
I have not worked since 2003. I have been denied disability for the 3rd time. I was told at my hearing that there is not any medical proof I have MS. I am currently attempting to get a second opinion from a MS Specialist. I have been on Avonex for 16 monnths.
She ran a bunch of tests. I came back to her office and she had a very stern look on her face. She went over the details of my tests. We talked about when my 1st symptoms started. We determined I was 24. I was concerned about going for almost 30 years without treatment. My life was full of pain, disability that came and went and unexplained weird symptoms. I felt relieved when she told me I had MS. Finally, I was vindicated. I was not "imagining" I was sick. I was and still am fighting for my life.
She immediately had me on steroid infusions for 5 days. I was going to college, almost done with a bachelors degree in Psychology. No one told me everyone who does these infusions checks into the hospital for these. I was driving 1 hour both ways, attending classes (4) and getting the IV's. by Friday, I was exhausted.
My neurologist suggested Copaxone. Injection site reactions seemed to be the norm. After 7 months, I just couldn't take the hives anymore and was running out real estate that didn't have any hives. I took another 6 months off with no medications. We started me on Avonex. About 6 months ago, a fog started lifting.
I began to realize I do not remember much of 2011 and only the 2nd half of 2012. I feel stronger than I have in the last 2 decades. I can walk again!Now, I have to watch over doing, but I am able to do for myself. I try to educate myself as much as I can about treatments, assisted devices and supplements. In the 18 months I do not remember, my family kept me busy, as I was the idiot on the couch by purchasing yarn. I crochet. I made 11 hoodie sweaters, a king size afghan of patterns of stitches and different yarns, 2 baby afghans, and I can;t remember how many doily thread and beaded coin purses and handbags.
I have not worked since 2003. I have been denied disability for the 3rd time. I was told at my hearing that there is not any medical proof I have MS. I am currently attempting to get a second opinion from a MS Specialist. I have been on Avonex for 16 monnths.
Comment