I haven't posted in quite a while, but want to share some encouraging information.
Here's the background - too long but as I haven't been on Msworld for a while some may find it interesting.
I had my first MS event on Jan 1, 2000 and have been on DMDs since April 2000 - Copaxone, interfereons, Novantrone, Tysabri, Gilenya, Tysabri, and now it has been a year since my first Ocrevus infusion - in less than a week I'll get the third
I have left foot drop, a weak left leg, a lousy sense of balance, use forearm crutches, and when I have to urinate have to get to the bathroom in a hurry or ...
I'm male, well educated, employed constantly since 1971 until 2010 when my employer decided to gut the group I was working in. When I remember being laid off I thank the then CEO who caused it. I had enough symptoms, detailed medical records, and was able to receive both Long Term Disability insurance I bought through my employer, and was approved for SSDI on my first try.
Perhaps because of the meds, or because I'm fortunate, my progression has been minimal.
About two years ago I posted my desire to walk better, I've been using forearm canes at times, a scooter for longer trips, and far too often a scooter indoors. I exercise lightly, trying for three weekly 40 minute periods on an indoor recumbent bicycle.
At the direction of a bright PT I've been doing a variety of exercises for lower back muscular pain, neck stiffness, and getting up from a chair.
Both my wife and I have been saving since childhood, both well educated and I was somehow able to convince employers to hire me - in my case I continue to wonder why my managers didn't fire me after a my first years. We met online in 2011 and have been together ever since.
Here's the encouraging part
My wife loves to travel and we can afford it, having decided "we aren't graduate students" - the children are doing well - we just returned from ten days in SW France. The apartment we rented had a few steps from the street, the apartment was small so I had to use my crutches indoors.
By the halfway point of our stay my walking had improved, my left leg stronger, when I'm rested I can compensate for the foot drop by lifting the leg from my hip. I use a Walkaide but find it works well most of the time, but sometimes is useless.
Coming home this couch potato was so excited about getting stronger I'm using the forearm canes more and more indoors and around the house and its terrace, and when going to lunch.
My wife (very very smart, very caring, sometimes very observant) tells me I am walking better than when I met her seven years ago. She adds that my spirit is better since starting Ocrevus.
Summary
Between Ocrevus, exercise, and being well loved I'm doing better than I could have imagined.
I hope some readers will find some encouragement.
Here's the background - too long but as I haven't been on Msworld for a while some may find it interesting.
I had my first MS event on Jan 1, 2000 and have been on DMDs since April 2000 - Copaxone, interfereons, Novantrone, Tysabri, Gilenya, Tysabri, and now it has been a year since my first Ocrevus infusion - in less than a week I'll get the third
I have left foot drop, a weak left leg, a lousy sense of balance, use forearm crutches, and when I have to urinate have to get to the bathroom in a hurry or ...
I'm male, well educated, employed constantly since 1971 until 2010 when my employer decided to gut the group I was working in. When I remember being laid off I thank the then CEO who caused it. I had enough symptoms, detailed medical records, and was able to receive both Long Term Disability insurance I bought through my employer, and was approved for SSDI on my first try.
Perhaps because of the meds, or because I'm fortunate, my progression has been minimal.
About two years ago I posted my desire to walk better, I've been using forearm canes at times, a scooter for longer trips, and far too often a scooter indoors. I exercise lightly, trying for three weekly 40 minute periods on an indoor recumbent bicycle.
At the direction of a bright PT I've been doing a variety of exercises for lower back muscular pain, neck stiffness, and getting up from a chair.
Both my wife and I have been saving since childhood, both well educated and I was somehow able to convince employers to hire me - in my case I continue to wonder why my managers didn't fire me after a my first years. We met online in 2011 and have been together ever since.
Here's the encouraging part
My wife loves to travel and we can afford it, having decided "we aren't graduate students" - the children are doing well - we just returned from ten days in SW France. The apartment we rented had a few steps from the street, the apartment was small so I had to use my crutches indoors.
By the halfway point of our stay my walking had improved, my left leg stronger, when I'm rested I can compensate for the foot drop by lifting the leg from my hip. I use a Walkaide but find it works well most of the time, but sometimes is useless.
Coming home this couch potato was so excited about getting stronger I'm using the forearm canes more and more indoors and around the house and its terrace, and when going to lunch.
My wife (very very smart, very caring, sometimes very observant) tells me I am walking better than when I met her seven years ago. She adds that my spirit is better since starting Ocrevus.
Summary
Between Ocrevus, exercise, and being well loved I'm doing better than I could have imagined.
I hope some readers will find some encouragement.
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