Well my journey began in January. I travel for work, and I was halfway through 2 stressful weeks of an 8-city tour. I woke up at home on a Sunday and my right arm was completely numb from elbow down with severe weakness. It was a deep numbness. I had previously been diagnosed with thoracic outlet and was status post surgery on the left (my most severe side) so I just chalked it up to my right side now acting up and becoming severe, but this was a totally different presentation.
Fast forward, and after a neck x-ray, EMG and cervical spine MRI, I was called early June by the orthopedist's receptionist and told "we can't help you." After I had her read me the results, I started my Google search. I was in disbelief as everything I was reading about MS, was me! I have had brain fog for YEARS (thought it was just cuz I was blonde :O), various numb places that would come and go, and now this severe right arm numbness/weakness that was not getting any better.
I found an MS specialist (through the advice of a great friend) and he ordered multiple blood tests and a brain and thoracic MRI. A few days later, this past Tuesday, 7/25/2017 (I feel like I will never forget this date), I received a phone call from the MS doc which confirmed MS. He said there was no doubt with multiple brain lesions in areas that are typical for MS. I was/am currently out of the country on business so I'm feeling very alone in this (hence my visit here to this page).
I start IV Solu-Medrol infusion x3 days next week as I am experiencing dizziness and vertigo and my right arm is still pretty numb, though I doubt there is any help for that at this point. Then follow up in 3 or so weeks to pick a drug.
On one hand I'm relieved. On the other hand I'm mad as hell. And scared. I have been pouring over these forums to try and get answers that I know aren't there. My biggest fear, now that I have this diagnosis, this dark cloud, can I continue my travels? I am going to be on DMTs so should I travel? I don't want to pick up every illness out there! And you know planes are not known for cleanliness. I don't want to travel as I'm afraid now that I will have an attack while in a strange city with no one to help me. If I take a different job, it will be a pay cut which means if I need LTD, I won't get as much $$. My husband is currently not working (and not trying very hard) so it all falls on me. I am the one obviously who carries the insurance as well. My current employer pays for my STD and LTD so if I changed jobs, i'm not sure I will be able to get it with this diagnosis.
I'm just scared. My family are really no help. My kids don't know what to say to me. No one does. And my anxiety is through the roof. Has been for a couple of months now and I have never had issues with anxiety before. This unknown is killing me, but I'm sure I'm no different than everyone else on here. I'm also glad and consider myself one of the lucky ones, someone who had a diagnosis rather fast. My prayers go out to the ones still in limbo. My heart aches for you.
Sorry if this is rambling, but this is how my brain has been working this week! Prayers for all of my new MS brothers and sisters!!!
Fast forward, and after a neck x-ray, EMG and cervical spine MRI, I was called early June by the orthopedist's receptionist and told "we can't help you." After I had her read me the results, I started my Google search. I was in disbelief as everything I was reading about MS, was me! I have had brain fog for YEARS (thought it was just cuz I was blonde :O), various numb places that would come and go, and now this severe right arm numbness/weakness that was not getting any better.
I found an MS specialist (through the advice of a great friend) and he ordered multiple blood tests and a brain and thoracic MRI. A few days later, this past Tuesday, 7/25/2017 (I feel like I will never forget this date), I received a phone call from the MS doc which confirmed MS. He said there was no doubt with multiple brain lesions in areas that are typical for MS. I was/am currently out of the country on business so I'm feeling very alone in this (hence my visit here to this page).
I start IV Solu-Medrol infusion x3 days next week as I am experiencing dizziness and vertigo and my right arm is still pretty numb, though I doubt there is any help for that at this point. Then follow up in 3 or so weeks to pick a drug.
On one hand I'm relieved. On the other hand I'm mad as hell. And scared. I have been pouring over these forums to try and get answers that I know aren't there. My biggest fear, now that I have this diagnosis, this dark cloud, can I continue my travels? I am going to be on DMTs so should I travel? I don't want to pick up every illness out there! And you know planes are not known for cleanliness. I don't want to travel as I'm afraid now that I will have an attack while in a strange city with no one to help me. If I take a different job, it will be a pay cut which means if I need LTD, I won't get as much $$. My husband is currently not working (and not trying very hard) so it all falls on me. I am the one obviously who carries the insurance as well. My current employer pays for my STD and LTD so if I changed jobs, i'm not sure I will be able to get it with this diagnosis.
I'm just scared. My family are really no help. My kids don't know what to say to me. No one does. And my anxiety is through the roof. Has been for a couple of months now and I have never had issues with anxiety before. This unknown is killing me, but I'm sure I'm no different than everyone else on here. I'm also glad and consider myself one of the lucky ones, someone who had a diagnosis rather fast. My prayers go out to the ones still in limbo. My heart aches for you.
Sorry if this is rambling, but this is how my brain has been working this week! Prayers for all of my new MS brothers and sisters!!!
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