This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Hi All-

I am Kevin in Colorado and on Tuesday received the word that I have RRMS. Have had 2 bouts of optic neuritus and currently have left eye double vision with severe numbness on the entire right side for 4 weeks now. MRI showed 3 lesions.

While I am completely overwhelmed with information, and the decisions for therapy, I am eager to 'Have MS' and not let MS 'have me.'

Since I am not the healthiest man, I have begun a wheat/gluten free diet to begin to get in shape and feel better. I am looking forward to all of your great discussions. Thanks!

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

I'm a newbie on here and I myself was just diagnosed in Apr after taking a simple trip to the optometrist b/c I thought I needed glasses. My optic neuritus has made it pretty much impossible for me to drive at night. Have they started treatment for yours? I had a dose of IV steroids and then some 10 day pack. My right eye responded slightly but my left has yet to change.

I started Avonex in May. Did your neuro talk to you about started an interferon treatment? I am trying to take the same approach of not letting MS have me. I will say, being a pin cushion has not been fun and really discouraging but I'm trying. I am glad to hear that you are as well.

I wish you the best.

Kevin,

Your thinking is right on track about getting in shape. I ran about 3-5 miles per day for my first five years. I was already in shape but doing it for that long REALLY had me in good shape. It really makes symptoms and relapses easier to overcome if you are not smoking and are not overweight. I think about that alot since I can no longer run. I think about what it would have been like if I had put off losing 50 pounds or something. I don't think I could do it now. Get your body in killer order for, hopefully if and not when, this stuff strikes you hard. You will be thankful you did. Change the diet and get in shape would be on my list of recommendations for "stuff to do first after you get diagnosed with MS". Then hopefully you have a mild case, and then you will just be incredibly healthy! Good luck and don't hesitate to ask anything here. It's a different emotional ride, on some fronts, for men than it is for women. We ALL go through many, many similar things, but there are some things emotionally that are different for us; not better or worse, but different. Don't hesitate to ask or even shoot one of the guys on here a PM if you don't feel right. In short order you won't mind asking 'in front of everyone', but if you have anything personal to the male experience you need help with, give me a shout and I'll try and give you some good insight. Welcome to the board.

Lew

Inquiz wrote: My optic neuritus has made it pretty much impossible for me to drive at night. Have they started treatment for yours? I had a dose of IV steroids and then some 10 day pack. Did your neuro talk to you about started an interferon treatment?

Hi Inquiz,

Thanks for your reply. I too was on the same Steroids treatment. It helped the ON, double vision continues and the numbness on the right side too.

I am research the drug therapies that are out there, so many things to consider...

Thanks again, Kevin

Loobie wrote:Kevin,

Change the diet and get in shape would be on my list of recommendations for "stuff to do first after you get diagnosed with MS". Then hopefully you have a mild case, and then you will just be incredibly healthy! Good luck and don't hesitate to ask anything here.

It's a different emotional ride, on some fronts, for men than it is for women. We ALL go through many, many similar things, but there are some things emotionally that are different for us; not better or worse, but different. Don't hesitate to ask or even shoot one of the guys on here a PM if you don't feel right. In short order you won't mind asking 'in front of everyone', but if you have anything personal to the male experience you need help with, give me a shout and I'll try and give you some good insight. Welcome to the board.

Lew

Hey Lew,

Thanks for your support of the decision to get in shape. While I am not looking at any signigicant changes in exercise at this point (until I understand what is really happening to my boday) it is good to know that others are constantly striving to get in shape with MS too.

On the emotional front, thanks for offering help. Don't be surprised if you hear from me soon. As I learn more, I question more.

I am sure I will be in touch.

Kevin