I don't know what normal is anymore!

[madbeach23]

I was diagnosed back in August of 2013. My left side is constantly numb, my hands are sometimes on fire, and my body is completely exhausted it almost hurts. I have been on Copaxone for 6 months now. I am afraid I will never know what it is like to feel normal again.

[22cyclist]

madbeach23: I am sorry you are having this trouble. I know what it is like to not go back to baseline after a bad exacerbation. Have you been to a physical therapist the knows MS? Have you been to an occupational therapist that knows MS? Did your neurologist tell you this was something you were just going to have to live with? I have learned to live with my disabilities but don't want you to have to if there is something they could possibly do about it...change medications, see an MS PT, etc.

I wish you the best. Let us know how it goes for you, OK?

Take care
Lisa

[Cat Mom]

Don't give up on COpaxone yet, I believe it takes around 6 months to start working. I was in your shoes in 2007 when I started C. Couldn't imagine feeling ok again, but alas, have had 6 years of near-normalcy.

I hope things improve for you, please keep us posted.

Jen

[madbeach23]

I have not been to any therapist as of yet. He told me that I probably will have this forever. My last MRI showed new lesions so I have to have another MRI in 3 months and if anything new shows he is referring me to an MS Specialist to discuss how aggressive to treat the MS. I am hoping that the Copaxone just hasn't totally kicked in yet and everything turns around. Thank you for your words. This daily battle of trying to convince myself this is no big deal and reassuring everyone around me that I am fine is wearing. I know I need a good cry but haven't been able to let myself go yet. I feel it shows my weakness and I need to be strong for my family.

[KeepsMYELIN]

You are already strong. You don't have to hold back for family. Maybe having a good cry will make you feel better?

Stay strong. MS is so variable and there are a lot of drugs out there to try.
Good luck!!

[ZSP]

I don't know what my normal is anymore either. What I do know is my life has changed tremendously over the last five years. There are so many things I can no longer do so I try to find new things of interest that are within my capabilities.

It's so hard...I know how you're feeling. I miss the "old me" a lot.