* T o g e t h e r . . . W e   C a n *

My family and husband continue to go about their lives, as they should, leaving me sitting here, 60 miles from a town, with no thought that after 5 years in a chair, I might want to go somewhere too.

I haven't been out to a movie, a museum, or any social function in over 5 years. I would love to get a van, I would drive, if I could go; but at over $40,000.00 that's NOT going to happen. I have lost use of my left hand, and my right eye is going now.

I would love to hear how some of the other victems, handle these stressful situations without becoming drastic.
Cathy

Now I still get Numbness and Tiredness but the Pain and Spasticity and Forgetfulness have really taken over.

I made straps of velcro that I could grab to move my legs around - first into the bed or car, and now just to change positions. I cut leg holes in a couch cushion and sleep with my legs in the holes. There is a small pillow under each knee to prevent induction.

I can't move in bed anymore, but with my legs in the cushion I don't get bed sores on my legs - caused by spasms or Clonus... and my legs are not able to bounce out of bed and dangle over the side, because they are cradled in the cushion.

Over the years, I've tried many of the supposed cures ... Macrobiotics, Hypocraties Health Institute, Hyberbaric Oxygen, Rocker Shoes, Special Diets, Interferon, Bee Stings, and about an hour ago, I just gave myself my Avonex shot.

I think that I am a good example that, just because you have MS, your world doesn't have to stop. My two kids are in college now. MS is a terrible strain on the family, but, I think I would have gotten divorced anyways. I'm rambling...

I don't think that I'll be able to find this site again so please contact me some time. Nancy

I could no longer, in good conscience, pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine (how would I tell my patients I can't really stand today, so you'll have to come back another time), but over the past few years, I've come to terms with it.

I was diagnosed 1/15/92. I quit school for several years, but returned 3 years ago. I am about to complete my Bachelor's Degree in Zoology, and though it still stings to know I cannot be a DVM, I am happy that despite the hardships like the times I cannot see because I'm so dizzy, or the days I cannot walk, I did not give up.

I would say, I MADE IT and that laughter has been the best medicine. I found that MS support groups were far too depressing so I have found other support, from family and friends. I highly recommend getting a cat (I got 4) and they helped as much as any medication ever has.

She won't give up or stop for anything and I think that's what helped keep her going.

MRI showed Lipoma in my Transverse Sinus, unsignificant findings. Visual Evoked Response - negative, BrainStem Response - negative.

I am waiting for results of Spinal Tap. Cognitive testing shows weakness in right hemisphere of Brain. Dr. suspects MS and is looking for positive diagnosis to "open the door for further treatment."

I also changed my diet,and I have noticed increased energy, I still try to rest a lot which is very important, and sometimes hard to do when you feel like you have the energy to keep going. I am new to the internet and am enjoying learning more,and reading messages from other people who have MS.

I don't take walking for granted, I am much less angry than I used to be, and I appreciate things more. I look forward to living my life as best I can from here on out.

Thanks for reading this!!
Alison