[kkfk]

Let's talk about lives with M.S.

I have been living with this disease for many years. How many you ask? Well, I believe that my first episode occurred when I was 12 years old, which appeared as a bladder infection.

I now have migraines, vision problems, numbness in my feet, arms and hands, periodic speech problems, cognitive problems, depression (who doesn't, with this disease?), anxiety, unrelenting fatigue and have had some balance issues in which I used a cane.

How do this disease affect you?

How do you handle your symptoms?

Are you still working?

Whatever works "for you" may work for someone else.
So, please come and share "your story" which may help someone else in their quest for a cure!

[pegasus]

Welcome (((((((((( kkfk )))))))))))

I don't have MS myself but I work with people that do.

[(JD)]

I only have one lesion, and don't have MS (nor do I plan to.) I have all the symptoms of MS because of the vertebrae that is chewing into my spinal cord ... and maybe because of other elements of the disabling injury I suffered.

My numbness began in my big toe years ago, and has since begun in the other toe as well ... and has moved up nearly to my knees. Of course, I still feel some nerve pains (that aren't real, but you know how that goes.) I stumble on steps that aren't there. I use a service dog for mobility, and so when I stumble, I no longer fall.

The fatigue and brain fog overwhelms me often. I've learned to "allow" it and wait until I can do better. If I sense it coming on, I do planning ahead of time, getting must needs done and making myself written notes (or on my iphone -- another tool I use extensively to manage) so I can know what it is I'm to do (like EAT?)

I also have chronic myofascial pain with the neuropathy. I have many tools i use for that as well ... a program I made myself (like apower point) that helps me from the get-go of the day :what kind of day is it? And from that (whether I can function well, have to push or can do nothing) it tells me what to try or remember (like FEED and WATER THE DOG!)

I go to physical therapy a few times a week. It's tough. But I can't maintain on my own and if I don't get stretched out, I digress and my muscles begin to atrophy. I do my own sets of stretching each day but I'm not strong enough to do full like the PT.

I have an advantage of seeing a pain/stress management expert: clinical psychologist. What a God-send! Depression is "normal" for chronically ill, but with his help I am not bouncing off the bottom like I used to many years ago.

June 1st marked my 24 1/2 year anniversary of my accident. Wow. I'm sure if I knew I would still be suffering I would have made other decisions?

I am a member of both the NMSS and the SFMSS. They have loaned me a power chair many times in the past when I took trips. I now have my own power chair (and am seeking a vehicle from the insurance company.)

Tell how you are coping.