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    #16
    I guess I can chime in with my own "winning" story here. My first MS symptoms came on in 1999-2000, numbness from the waist down, it was a really weird sensation. Wearing shoes and jeans was very, very uncomfortable. I had an MRI that showed some "swelling" in my spinal cord or at least that is what I remember the Dr. telling me. I also remember the Dr. calling me into his office and opening a medical book to the section on MS. He closed the book and said that I could possibly have MS. I took the steroids as directed and slowly things returned to normal and as I didn't know anything about MS, I thought that the "swelling" in my spinal cord must have went down and I was back to normal.

    In 2001 I was feeling like my old self and applied for and was selected to go to Aviano, Italy to do some environmental work for the US military. I stayed for 5 1/2 years and my family and I had the time of our lives.

    Shortly after returning to the US, I started to once again have some weird symptoms. The left side of my body did not work right, I would double type letters with my left hand my left arm would not go where I wanted it to go and my left leg did not want to work right. A new MRI and a look at the 2000 MRI and the Neuro did not hesitate, I was officially diagnosed with MS.

    As I only had an Associates degree, most of the work I was doing was physical, out in the field working with equipment and I am a painter by trade, more physical work. After researching MS more, I knew that I needed to do something to prepare for a different type of work so I went back to school in 2007 in my late 40's and in 2009, I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology which would give me more opportunities to work with my brain instead of my body or so I hoped.

    As soon as I graduated, I applied for and was selected for a position overseeing cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater at a large military base. I love my job as it is very rewarding and is work that I believe I can do for many years to come. In 2010, I was even asked to speak to a large audience of environmental scientists to tell them about the changes I had instituted when I took over the program I was managing. Speaking to these professionals was the highlight of my career so far and to hear the moderator introduce me to the audience with my newly received Bachelor's degree tacked on to my name is something I'll never forget!

    Comment


      #17
      And, thank YOU, Jordan, for looking for positive posts. I am glad to hear that, although you have losses, you are able to both recognize them, and to find more blessings than losses.

      Best wishes as you continue to live with the challenge of MS, and, as you continue to enjoy your children and grandchildren (and, they continue to enjoy you!) Wishing you healthy choices and healthy outcomes, absolutely as much they are possible!

      ~ Faith

      Originally posted by Jordan Ross View Post
      Thank you Faith.
      I have gained more than I lost...and I have lost much.
      I will get through my challenge and enjoy my children and my grandchildren that I adore.
      Thank You for your time, and your thoughts.
      Enjoy your weekend.
      Jordan
      ~ Faith
      MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
      (now a Mimibug)

      Symptoms began in JAN02
      - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
      - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
      .

      - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
      - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

      Comment


        #18
        Originally posted by JerryD View Post
        Jordan,
        If you are looking to the posters on this site to relate their own positive winning stories, I respectfully doubt you will find them. I have been a poster on this board for a few years and I read many of the posts.
        There has been a lot of confusion and misinformation and inuendo spread throughout this site. Aside from the moderators and contributors, there has been very few visitors to this board that offer 'miraclulous' stories. I know that it is asking a lot, to expect people to relate their 'wins' to us 'losers'... human nature being what it is.
        Good luck
        Jerry, not sure what you're referring to, but "confusion and misinformation" is not what this site is about.

        But to Jordan I would say this. Some of the experiences posted on the board are people in desperate need of information. They come here for a helping hand. They may not have posted for months, but then a problem crops up and they want info, so they post. In that way, you are apt to see more people with issues posting on the board.

        As to positive stories, I would think I have a positive story, although the place I am in right now is not all that positive. But I've had MS for many years. In fact, my neuros believe I've had it since I was in college, yet went undiagnosed for years, simply because the symptoms were not bothersome enough to seek further opinion, once they would disappear after a month or two.

        Eventually though, my MS was diagnosed because symptoms came on and I couldn't ignore them, or pass them off as a something else.

        But by then I was middle aged, and even then I was able to carry on with very few people aware of my condition. Last couple of years have been more difficult, but I still walk (thanks to a baclofen pump), and I still work (albeit from home.)

        What I would propose though is that the term "winning" is a rather subjective term. Because someone's in a wheelchair doesn't mean they aren't winning. Or because someone needs assistance to do things, or can't do things, doesn't mean they aren't winning.

        Winning means we are able to carry on despite pain, despite disabilities, and haven't curled up in a corner and given up. In that way, there are lots of winners and winning stories on this site. They are taking what life (and the disease) have handed them and doing the best they can to live their lives.

        Somebody gave me a plague for Christmas, it said "Life's not about waiting for the storms to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain." And in that way, no matter what comes your way, I'm sure you'll be a "winner" just like the posters on this forum.

        Comment


          #19
          Originally posted by rdmc View Post
          What I would propose though is that the term "winning" is a rather subjective term. Because someone's in a wheelchair doesn't mean they aren't winning. Or because someone needs assistance to do things, or can't do things, doesn't mean they aren't winning.

          Winning means we are able to carry on despite pain, despite disabilities, and haven't curled up in a corner and given up. In that way, there are lots of winners and winning stories on this site. They are taking what life (and the disease) have handed them and doing the best they can to live their lives.

          Somebody gave me a plague for Christmas, it said "Life's not about waiting for the storms to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain." And in that way, no matter what comes your way, I'm sure you'll be a "winner" just like the posters on this forum.
          Right on, rdmc! Thank you for this. And thank you, Jordan, for starting this thread.

          My take on a personal "winning" situation is the fact that I can still garden. Having done so for 40 years, I wasn't going to give up on my passion - despite living with MS for 24 of those years. I have adapted my gardening style by using a rollator to get out there and crawling on my hands and knees once there. It's slow work, but so rewarding having fresh organic food in my fridge and freezer. That to me means being in a winning frame of mind.

          I think all of us here are survivors and winners. To face our challenges and still not give up despite being beaten down time after time is being a winner!

          Jordan, I wish you much happiness with your children and grandchildren. Stay well and keep positive!
          1st sx '89 Dx '99 w/RRMS - SP since 2010
          Administrator Message Boards/Moderator

          Comment


            #20
            More Uplifting Posts would be nice (& helpful to all)

            I was hoping that your web site would have MORE UPLIFTING DIALOG FOR ALL...DON'T GIVE UP. DON'T EVER GIVE UP.
            GET THROUGH YOUR CHALLENGE. (And WE are here for YOU)

            JORDAN

            Originally posted by rdmc View Post
            Jerry, not sure what you're referring to, but "confusion and misinformation" is not what this site is about.

            But to Jordan I would say this. Some of the experiences posted on the board are people in desperate need of information. They come here for a helping hand. They may not have posted for months, but then a problem crops up and they want info, so they post. In that way, you are apt to see more people with issues posting on the board.

            As to positive stories, I would think I have a positive story, although the place I am in right now is not all that positive. But I've had MS for many years. In fact, my neuros believe I've had it since I was in college, yet went undiagnosed for years, simply because the symptoms were not bothersome enough to seek further opinion, once they would disappear after a month or two.

            Eventually though, my MS was diagnosed because symptoms came on and I couldn't ignore them, or pass them off as a something else.

            But by then I was middle aged, and even then I was able to carry on with very few people aware of my condition. Last couple of years have been more difficult, but I still walk (thanks to a baclofen pump), and I still work (albeit from home.)

            What I would propose though is that the term "winning" is a rather subjective term. Because someone's in a wheelchair doesn't mean they aren't winning. Or because someone needs assistance to do things, or can't do things, doesn't mean they aren't winning.

            Winning means we are able to carry on despite pain, despite disabilities, and haven't curled up in a corner and given up. In that way, there are lots of winners and winning stories on this site. They are taking what life (and the disease) have handed them and doing the best they can to live their lives.

            Somebody gave me a plague for Christmas, it said "Life's not about waiting for the storms to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain." And in that way, no matter what comes your way, I'm sure you'll be a "winner" just like the posters on this forum.

            Comment


              #21
              Well, there's something else, Jordan. One reason I don't typically come here to celebrate my successes is that over time I learned that it was unkind to people who were farther in their disease process.

              I think that there are two types of people who come here. Some come to find hope and some come to find empathy. When you go through and don't see a lot of hopeful messages it's because, in my opinion, those who need empathy prevail.

              And that's okay. I still come around. I don't know why. But you might need to add a couple other forums to your reading to find more balanced perspective.

              Comment


                #22
                Religion and MS

                Jordan,

                I hope this fits into the "winning MS story".

                I grew up a very devout Christian. During my life, I became very involved with my career and probably was considered a "workaholic". Doing this, I seldom went to church and barely prayed. After my diagnosis with M.S., I "found my way" back to my Lord. It is only NOW, I review my life and am sad I pushed God to the "back ground" of my life. HOWEVER, I NOW am back/very close to his side. I pray to him quite often and I "feel" his love and mercy, even with all of the junk MS has burdened me with. I THANK him for the "little things" and ask for mercy on the scary stuff that MS tortures us with.
                [COLOR="DarkOrchid"]
                "I CAN do all things in Christ who strengtheneth me"[/COLOR]
                I now also, remember this vignette my Nana used to share with me when I was down on things life tossed at me
                "Life's not fair, but God is good"
                Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

                Comment


                  #23
                  Another factor that may skew postings here is that MSer's who are "doing well," or "winning," may be employed outside the home full time (as am I), thus have less time to spend on the internet. That is in addition to those mentioned who post because they have a problem. However, if you read the threads regularly you will find many posts about people who are "winning," though they may have various definitions.

                  I got a new (to me) neurologist several years ago, an MS specialist who has officially declared me "benign MS" meaning (I think these are the numbers) that I have had MS more than 15 years and have a disability score of less than 2. I know that things can change tomorrow - I am benign until I'm not - but for now, I rejoice in "benign."

                  I have had MS since 1975 and work full-time in a demanding public health professional position. My husband and I have raised 3 kids, all of whom were born while I had MS but before I was "officially" diagnosed. I love to travel, and do volunteer humanitarian aid missions overseas almost every year.

                  I have foot drop/weak right leg, severe fatigue, and frequent UTI's; I used to get optic neuritis relapses fairly often, though it seems my relapses have indeed "burned out" - they are very infrequent nowadays. My job does not require hiking (which I can't do, though I used to love it), and Provigil is very effective for my fatigue. My UTI's and bladder issues are treatable and my vision is correctable to 20/20. I'd rather not deal with all those things, I'd rather not have to take a DMD (I take Gilenya), I'd rather not have to go to the doctor so often.

                  But overall, I have everything I need and quite a bit of what I want, so for me that is a winning story. And I am far from the only one like that on this board!

                  Comment


                    #24
                    I am very grateful

                    Thank you for Your UPBEAT Posting.
                    I am new to MS... 14 Avonex Pen Shot so far.
                    No side effects of late. (Thank goodness)
                    I have 2 beautiful children in Pitts...who have given me 2 beautiful grandchildren...They are the reasons that I meet my Challenges and give me the impetus to move forward with my MS.

                    Maybe, Love will also return in my life.

                    Who knows.

                    I am verfy grateful.

                    Jordan

                    Originally posted by onlyairfare View Post
                    Another factor that may skew postings here is that MSer's who are "doing well," or "winning," may be employed outside the home full time (as am I), thus have less time to spend on the internet. That is in addition to those mentioned who post because they have a problem. However, if you read the threads regularly you will find many posts about people who are "winning," though they may have various definitions.

                    I got a new (to me) neurologist several years ago, an MS specialist who has officially declared me "benign MS" meaning (I think these are the numbers) that I have had MS more than 15 years and have a disability score of less than 2. I know that things can change tomorrow - I am benign until I'm not - but for now, I rejoice in "benign."

                    I have had MS since 1975 and work full-time in a demanding public health professional position. My husband and I have raised 3 kids, all of whom were born while I had MS but before I was "officially" diagnosed. I love to travel, and do volunteer humanitarian aid missions overseas almost every year.

                    I have foot drop/weak right leg, severe fatigue, and frequent UTI's; I used to get optic neuritis relapses fairly often, though it seems my relapses have indeed "burned out" - they are very infrequent nowadays. My job does not require hiking (which I can't do, though I used to love it), and Provigil is very effective for my fatigue. My UTI's and bladder issues are treatable and my vision is correctable to 20/20. I'd rather not deal with all those things, I'd rather not have to take a DMD (I take Gilenya), I'd rather not have to go to the doctor so often.

                    But overall, I have everything I need and quite a bit of what I want, so for me that is a winning story. And I am far from the only one like that on this board!

                    Comment


                      #25
                      RDMC Thank you.

                      I have had MS since 1966, though not dxed then. My sx then were very scary to a 16 year old. In hospital for 3 months, I couldn't see or walk. Big flare. It came about because of deep stress. My brother in law had raped me. It took me 6 months to finally say something. Things got better after speaking out. After that every once in awhile I would get strange sx but they did not last long. 9 years ago I finally got dxed. My dx came because of a huge flare. I was working in a place with no windows and no airconditioner. My eye specialist dxed me and spoke with my Neuro. My Dad had MS, I never put my sx to MS until 9 years ago. Right now I am in a big flare again. I will get through it, maybe not back to where I was last month, but I will get back. After neck surgery in Oct. I have been to heck and still am trying to get back. I will soon. I have learned to take the punches as they come. Do I have my pity parties Yes, When that happens I play my favorite CDs very loud. It pulls me up and out.
                      SgrammieD

                      Comment


                        #26
                        My two cents worth

                        My winning story is this. Im still breathing, my hearts still beating, I can see, I can hear and I can still think, in fact I'm alive. Just the other day a guy I knew, only one year older than me , in perfect health, died from a blood clot. He didn't drink, didn't smoke, wasn't overweight and had absolutly no health issues whatsoever. If I could've , I would've traded health with this guy in a second. Then I woulda been the one pushen daiseys!! No, I'm the clear winner here. Oh I got losen storys too but this is my winnen one .
                        It was one agains't 2.5million toughest one we ever fought.

                        Comment


                          #27
                          DX with MS over a year ago, off work for a month...ever since then I feel like nothing is wrong. Sometimes I wonder if I really have MS.

                          body builder with ms

                          http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/south116.htm

                          Comment


                            #28
                            Nice work, ffjosh. Keep it up. And if you're lucky enough not to have many symptoms, then good for you.

                            Comment


                              #29
                              Originally posted by BigA View Post
                              Nice work, ffjosh. Keep it up. And if you're lucky enough not to have many symptoms, then good for you.
                              I feel if you eat right, keep active you will be just fine.

                              After I got MS some thing people I never even knew had MS came out to talk to me. They do everything they used to do

                              Comment


                                #30
                                Originally posted by ffjosh View Post
                                I feel if you eat right, keep active you will be just fine.

                                After I got MS some thing people I never even knew had MS came out to talk to me. They do everything they used to do
                                I'm hoping for same - I am on the OMS diet and exercise 6 days a week. But I'm not prepared to say "Do that and you'll be fine". Also, some people are hit very hard and can't get back up, but I have also met some people who are hit not so hard, but then give up and stop moving. I was thinking about it this morning. If I had problems with balance and stopped exercising because of it, I would become weaker and stiffer, so I would have to find a way to keep exercising despite balance issues.

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