Hi from Cali
Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 8:57 pm
Hello - I just found this site and thought I would check it out.
I've been dx'd w/RRMS since July of 03; according to my Neuro - he believes I had episodes dating back to 1994.
I spent a few years with 'mysterious' symptoms that would appear and disappear and the docs could never figure it out. Some of the possible dx were Petite Mal Seizures, Tendonitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, sore muscles, stress and I'm sure quietly in their minds - hypochondria!!
The day I rec'd my dx I was somewhat relieved to know I was not crazy and there really was something really wrong but also extremely scared and for some reason - embarrassed to have to tell my family, boyfriend and friends. I actually didn't know what MS was - the first thing I thought was Jerry's kids - but that's Muscular Distrophy.
I was scared because my Neuro said to me within the first 5 minutes of my dx in a very 'cheery' manor that I wouldn't have to worry about needing a wheelchair for another 20-30 years. What??? A wheelchair?? I quickly calculated 30 years on my age and realized I'd be younger than my dad was - and he's still dancing away a couple times a week - and I would be in a wheelchair?? He said it with such finality but I could tell he thought this was 'good' news!
Well, there's been a lot of ups and downs since then!
But I'm still full able to do most things - I do have limitations due to weakness on my left side, extreme fatigue, and heat sensitivity. Although I can't do things like skiing, rollerblading, etc - I can still live a pretty full life. I have my better days and then some when I can't even get out of bed.
I work from home full time now; have a young daughter and am single in a complicated relationship. Ah...such is life.
Right now - I'm on a good track - feeling better, having more energy, better mental frame (depression is another issue) and that's why I'm exploring the web - I've got the energy to do it!
Anyway - glad to find this site. Looking forward to getting to know it better.
=)