Any firefighters or former firefighters on here?

[panthers123]

I did a search but did not find much or those users are no longer active. Im looking to talk with any fire fighters or former fire fighters that are living with ms. I would really appreciate it. PM me if you prefer.

Thanks

[msfire]

Yes one, here presently Toronto for 20 now

[Flashover81]

I'm a firefighter, I dont have MS but have a 15 almost 16 year old son that was diagnosed with MS. If I can help dont hesitate to ask. Or if you want to just talk. Take care. Jimmy.

[girlffmedic]

Good Morning,
Just registered and yes, I was a firefighter/paramedic in Orange County, Florida for 18 years and Lake County, Florida for 2 years. Had to retire last August with my diagnosis of severe, aggressive RRMS.
Angie Robertson

[DaveBobFFMS]

Just registered! FF/PM in Oswego IL. I am working on establishing a website for ALL Firefighters/EMT's to gather at to share our stories and help our fellow brothers and sisters living with MS. Watch for it, FirefighterswithMS.com. Could use some help if any of you are out there. db.sackett@yahoo.com "It is what it is, keep pushin on!"

[108Photographer]

Hello Everyone-

I know this post is on the older side... and I don't know if anyone is even following it anymore..but I am also a firefighter with MS. I am also currently looking for any firefighters who are active on their department. I am wondering how their department treated their DX.

I am still "in the closet" about mine for now because I don't know how they'd handle it.. whether with open arms or if the only see the "stigma" attached to it.

[Smokeeater374]

Career firefighter/medic here. On the job 15 years. Found out last August that I have MS. the city I work for has so far been very helpful and welcomes me back with open arms. I was off for 2 months when they found out exactly what it was. The officers have been very helpful. The guys on shift with me have even just like they were before. It's been a great experience SO FAR. If I can be of any help please let me know.
Josh

[Jj12010]

Firefighter for 17 years. Full time female age 45. I don't know what to do. Close to retirement people want me to fight and people want me out. My condition is not as severe as most but we do not have any light duty. I'm lost

[Smokeeater374]

Welcome to the club!!! Lol all joking aside, I am a career firefighter/medic with 16 years on the job. Was diagnosed in August of 2013. Have been able to continue so far. Have seen a large increase in sick time use since. It's rough, the fatigue of doing 24 hour shifts sucks. But I look at it this way, I'll rest as soon as I get off shift. I may be flawed in my thinking but what else can I do? My dept has recently started light duty, I have plans of trying that when I get my next flare. I am a 40 year old male, have just under 8 years left till I can get out and I am gunning for that. I am very optimistic and I keep my coworkers appraised of my health. I am very open with them about it. They all keep an eye on me and I wouldn't want it any other way. Please ask me anything and I am here for you. It's a very scary time in your life and if I can help you, I would be honored.

[fireguy]

Alright, I'll talk. I am a current career 17 year firefighter(Lieutenant) in Texas. Have had MS for 13 years now. When its time to quit-I will. I help victims and am not one. I don't feel sorry for myself. I don't give credit to MS for how I feel. Yes I get tired, yes I recover a lot slower from all day grass fires or structure fires(Especially when I go through more than one SCBA bottle). I am 51 and exercise, take vitamins and creatine(I swear by it) and also a monthly Tysabri infusion. I don't get on these sites much, but felt the need to give the Brotherhood/Sisterhood a boost. Quiting is easy, fighting the good fight where only you know how great the challenge is with MS is the reward. Bless all of you out there. Recurring/remitting MS can be handled with proper diet and exercise. Educate yourself!!! When you are a liability instead of an asset-its time to go. I'm not quite there yet. I'll pray for you, please pray for me. Thanks, God Bless!

[Ladder32]

I am a firefighter/paramedic and have been for a little over 6 years. I have been diagnosed with MS for about 8 years now. My symptoms have been kept in check with treatment and haven't played a role in my career. I deal with fatigue some times, but I have been able to manage so far. The dept doesn't know, but if I ever notice my symptoms progressing than I would not hesitate to bring it out in the open and more than likely find a new role or job. Until then, I exercise and eat relatively clean, follow my treatment and have faith.

[ms615]

Wow, it's really good to see other FF's out there. I was diagnosed in June, after leaving work with what I thought was an eye infection. Turns out it was optic neuritis and the docs did a good job getting on it quickly. I have been with my Dept for 13 years. I am a Capt. and I haven't told anyone in the Department yet. I sought out the best dr.s in California, and just had my second round of tysabri. My eye is still getting better, but it's not 100% yet. I have been thinking about moving to a slower company, but I can't bring myself to do it yet. I still love running calls, and the doctor says slowing down won't lower my chances of a relapse.
Now that I have dialed in the dr. and the medication, my next step is to focus on my diet. I eat healthy already, but after reading Dr. Wahls book, I am thinking about going that route. Fireguy, you mentioned a proper diet in your post. What has worked for you guys/girls out there. Wahls diet is strict and there isn't a lot a measurement to see if it is actually helping. Feels good to vent, let me know what diets you all have tried. Also, has anyone gone to or considered going to the Carrick brain institute in Texas?