new to this site, not to MS

[msgator]

Hello everyone,

I have really enjoyed the information on this site the last several weeks and just decided to join.

I first sought medical help with tingling and spasms in my right arm in 96 and was diagnosed with MS in 1999. If I have learned only one thing about MS by reading all these posts it is that no two experiences are exactly the same. Keeping this in mind, here are some topics that I would feel comfortable sharing information about

Avonex
Copaxone
Prednisone
Solu-medrol
Pregnancy (2 children)
Breastfeeding
Miscarriage (at 8 weeks and 16 weeks)
Parenting with MS
Lyme disease (and resulting Bell's Palsy)
Exercise (and heat sensitivity, I just recently realized I no longer sweat)


I am following the CCSVI threads avidly and hope to join those of you that have been liberated sometime this year. I have also inclined my bed (actually my husband did the hard work) and am keeping track of what that will do for me.

I look forward to learning more from everyone and will do my best to contribute useful information when I can.

Ann

"Always look on the bright side of life."

[mrsjitters]

Hi Ann,
What are your symptoms like? Did they get in the way of raising your babies? Did you have an epidural for labor/delivery? I remember reading that an epidural can make MS worse or trigger an attack or something like that? I'm not sure if that's true or not..

[msgator]

I am fortunate to never have had to deal with the MS fatigue, so i do manage to keep up with my kids. I have problems walking long distances, I can't run at all. I have fine motor issues some days. My baldder is a disaster. I just have had to learn my limits. i can't go on hikes with them, but I can go swimming. I only go to playgrounds that have bathrooms. etc.

I did not have an epidural, but I had fairly fast deliveries and have a high tolerance for pain. When I was first diagnosed I was told not have an epidural, by the time I had my kids they said it was fine. So it is really your choice. I personally think they are overused.

I don't know if this helps. Ask away if you want to know anything else.

[mrsjitters]

Thanks so much for your response. Its really helpful.
Is your bladder problem due to weakness? My bladder empties way slower than it used to because those muscles became weak. It started last summer & never returned to normal. Would this make it difficult to give birth? ( the pushing part?)

[msgator]

my bladder issues run the gamut: incomplete voiding, urgency, feeling like there is an elephant on my bladder but not being able to go. I have always blamed it on the messages from the brain to the bladder short curcuiting, don't know about the muscles.

I pushed for an hour and a half with my first and two or 3 times with my second (they threatened with forceps and I wanted to avoid those if possible, so I pushed hard), People who have had epidurals tell me you can't feel what you are doing anyway.




Ann