Meet Gloria, aka Glo
(and her daughter, Christine)
"Glo" is the younger-looking one on the right! 
Hi, I'm Gloria "Glo" and live in Washburn, North Dakota, a small town 38 miles south of the capital city, Bismarck, which overlooks the Missouri River. My wonderful husband of 25+ years, John, is the General Manager of Hawkins Water Treatment Group, a large chemical company with it's home base in Minneapolis. We feel very blessed to have raised both of our children in a small town atmosphere and are now proud "empty-nesters" and loving every minute of it! (Well, of course, we miss the children. . .but we are doing just fine!)
Oh, I suppose you want to know a little about that thing we all have in common . . . or maybe you don't. Well, I'll be short and to the point, because you all know about the symptoms and presentation of this mysterious disease of ours. I had my first major attack in l990 and was misdiagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (aka French Polio). I slowly began to improve from what was actually my first MS attack and nine short months later . . . it was back full force! This time, I chose a different neurologist and after all of the appropriate tests left the hospital with a the diagnosis of Definite Multiple Sclerosis. They threw in the "bonus" that is was probably the Relapsing/Remitting type of MS, and to date I think that probably holds true, even though there is some very gradual worsening happening. I have had two other "major" attacks since diagnosis, and treated in the beginning with IV steroids, which left me with roller coaster emotions, 10 pounds to lose and blemishes to boot!!
When the FDA approved Betaseron, I began the shots and remained on that drug for 2½ years noting marked "stability" of my disease. When Avonex was approved I switched to that because it was a once a week shot and I had great problems with my skin on the Beta. I have remained on the Avonex for the past 22 months, and continue to notice that my disease seems to remain quite stable.
I left my job as an advocate for felony crime victims in l993 after making the very hard decision that the stress was definitely taking its toll.
I filed a successful disability claim and have found that there are many things life offers us that we don't even have time to notice when our lives are so fast-paced. It was the right decision for me and I am glad I made it (now that I have time to stop and smell the roses).
I enjoy decorating, reading, my computer, piano, flower arranging and many other interests. Our children are Jonathan and Christine. We have a 7 lb. black toy poodle named Deidra (Dee-dra) who adds to the joys of daily life. I look forward to hearing more about all of you.
My daughter wrote an essay on MS which I have submitted for the essay page. I think you will find it to be quite enlightening as to how our children and families cope with our disease.
Note from Editor:
To read Christine's essay, click HERE
Think spring, my friends, it is "just around the corner," like the cure for MS! |
