It's been a while

[Bandito]

I first discovered MSWorld shortly after being diagnosed in '09. I found a haven here in those early days. Life was fairly rough and this place was just about the only thing that kept me sane.

I haven't been on here in forever mostly because my free time is spent chasing around the most precious little three year old child. My daughter takes up my free time and I wouldn't have it any other way. She will only be three once. I am doing quite well, though.

I found that the right medicine (Gilenya) and the right doctors (MS Clinic at the Medical College of Georgia) were a magical combination. I managed to go from 244lbs to 195lbs and I really don't feel like I have the disease any more except that I have to take a pill daily. Heck, I just ran the Rock n Roll Half Marathon here in Savannah this past weekend and beat last year's time by 19 minutes. I say none of this to brag but rather to show that, if you can dream it, you can achieve it. I realize that not everyone can do these things but there's always a way to take back your health. You just have to be willing to not give up.

** Moderator's note - Post broken into paragraphs for easier reading. Many people with MS have visual difficulties that prevent them from reading large blocks of print. **

[msgijo]

hi bandito. your tread caught my eye (not sure why) but then it REALLY caught my attention. You said that

" ...the right medicine (Gilenya) and the right doctors (MS Clinic at the Medical College of Georgia) were a magical combination."

I live across the river on the SC side, near Augusta. Is this the MCG you are talking about? I really started thinking about changing my doctor and going there, and if this is where you are going then your recommendation would be a plus in favor of the drive.

I too am on gilenya, but am wondering if it is the best drug for me at this time. My current doctor is pleased with the fact that after a 20 year dx I am still somewhat mobile and can (usually) put together a sentence that makes sense. But he refuses to talk about any of the meds or treatments I keep seeing here as 'normal' for MS'ers to help manage symptoms. Do I need to explain further and say that he is NOT a MS specialist, but rather a neuro that treats MS patients?

And thanks for a great, positive post!

[malaholic]

I managed to go from 244lbs to 195lbs and I really don't feel like I have the disease any more except that I have to take a pill daily. Heck, I just ran the Rock n Roll Half Marathon here in Savannah this past weekend and beat last year's time by 19 minutes. I say none of this to brag but rather to show that, if you can dream it, you can achieve it. I realize that not everyone can do these things but there's always a way to take back your health. You just have to be willing to not give up.

Thank you for posting this Bandido - it's inspirational to me, as a newly dx'ed person, to see your story! Congrats on completing the half and beating your time! I am not sure yet what the future holds with this disease for me and I do get depressed about it fairly often. I know that there are limitations that may stretch beyond my control but this is a good reminder for me to keep on trying, to keep setting goals and go after them. Thanks!