My name is Jenny and I've been reading posts here for a couple of months. I finally got around to posting my first post today and thought I should probably introduce myself. 
I just turned 40, and live in the far-northern Chicago suburbs with my DH and 2 sons. I was diagnosed with RRMS in late December. My story is all-too-similar to many others that I've read...
In hindsight, I think I experienced my first symptom in the early '90s, when I was in college. I was experiencing joint pain in my hands that appeared similar to arthritis pain. My rheumatologist wouldn't diagnose arthritis, but treated me with meds and after a few months the symptoms were gone.
Fast forward to 1999, shortly after my older son was born. I had tingling in both hands, arms, and feet. Went to my doc, who diagnosed a pinched nerve. Since then, I also had ON, but of course, no one thought any of my weird history merited further testing.
About 3 years ago, I had my first bout of foot drop; it terrified me! My PCP again diagnosed a pinched nerve and sent me for physical therapy. At the time, I asked her about the likelihood of MS; having done research since the ON, I knew that the combination of the two sx was an indicator. She actually laughed at me and told me not to go jumping to conclusions! I was perfectly happy to be told not to worry, so I dropped it.
Then I had another walking episode last summer. I was finding that I couldn't walk without dragging my leg when I was fatigued. Back I went to my PCP (this time a new doctor at the practice), and I laid out my whole sordid history, including the awful lack of balance I had discovered while at the gym. He asked if anyone had ever suggested MS to me, and I nearly hugged him! It was so nice to finally be taken seriously! He sent me to a neuro, who sent me for an MRI, and the rest is history.
I am so glad to actually have an answer for all of my weird symptoms. My family and friends are all shocked at how well I'm taking the news -- I've signed up for the MS Walk next month, I'm fundraising, and I've recruited 15 people so far to walk with me. My feeling is that I'm extremely lucky to be doing as well as I am, and the best thing I can do for myself is to raise awareness (and money!) to help fight this disease.
I just turned 40, and live in the far-northern Chicago suburbs with my DH and 2 sons. I was diagnosed with RRMS in late December. My story is all-too-similar to many others that I've read...
In hindsight, I think I experienced my first symptom in the early '90s, when I was in college. I was experiencing joint pain in my hands that appeared similar to arthritis pain. My rheumatologist wouldn't diagnose arthritis, but treated me with meds and after a few months the symptoms were gone.
Fast forward to 1999, shortly after my older son was born. I had tingling in both hands, arms, and feet. Went to my doc, who diagnosed a pinched nerve. Since then, I also had ON, but of course, no one thought any of my weird history merited further testing.
About 3 years ago, I had my first bout of foot drop; it terrified me! My PCP again diagnosed a pinched nerve and sent me for physical therapy. At the time, I asked her about the likelihood of MS; having done research since the ON, I knew that the combination of the two sx was an indicator. She actually laughed at me and told me not to go jumping to conclusions! I was perfectly happy to be told not to worry, so I dropped it.Then I had another walking episode last summer. I was finding that I couldn't walk without dragging my leg when I was fatigued. Back I went to my PCP (this time a new doctor at the practice), and I laid out my whole sordid history, including the awful lack of balance I had discovered while at the gym. He asked if anyone had ever suggested MS to me, and I nearly hugged him! It was so nice to finally be taken seriously! He sent me to a neuro, who sent me for an MRI, and the rest is history.
I am so glad to actually have an answer for all of my weird symptoms. My family and friends are all shocked at how well I'm taking the news -- I've signed up for the MS Walk next month, I'm fundraising, and I've recruited 15 people so far to walk with me. My feeling is that I'm extremely lucky to be doing as well as I am, and the best thing I can do for myself is to raise awareness (and money!) to help fight this disease.
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