* T o g e t h e r . . . W e   C a n *

I write to some MSers, by e-mail, would like more, also when travelling, questions are, do they have accessibility, disabled loos, etc.

I don't feel much to ask, living by sea in Spain, BUT they have a lot to catch up on. Well enough moaning, it's how I feel at this moment in time.

Regards, Sue

If you have the time and the inclination, I would love for you to visit and offer me your thoughts. Great Page!

I am stressed about not being stressed! Recently, I stopped in the Neurologists office to check in, so they don't forget me. I left so disturbed, because I fully expected them to say, "Go home, take care, and we'll see you in another 2 years."

They didn't, instead they started talking to me, about the three drug treatments that are available now. I went home stunned and numb. I guess what I need to know, if someone can help me, is there anyone out there taking drug treatments, but have not had any episodes or relapses?

Is anyone out there taking the drugs as a preventative measure? I am so afraid of making my body feel bad, when I don't normally feel bad. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
K Fitz

All of my doctors are shocked; I have active Rheumatoid Arthritis and have been told, it is very rare to have both RA and MS. But the MRI doesn't lie. Or does it? hope hope

Dr Greenstein is Head of Neurology and MS at Temple Univhospital, Parkinson Pavilion Phil, PA.. He confirmed the diagnosis on 7/28/98. I was working at the time, as a truck leasing salesman for Lily Transportation and I fully expected that I would be able to continue working.

I based this idea on a fellow salesman's story about his mother, who is 57 years old and except for a few bad days, you would never know she had MS. She was 27 years old, when she was first diagnosed.

I had to leave work in November 1998. I had gone from a singlepointed cane, to a fourpointed cane, to a walker by December 1998. I had an exacerbation in March of 1999, which was treated by a company named Corum Medical and prescribed by Dr. Greenstein.

That was my worst moment. I beleive it was partially caused by myself, because I went from taking a smaller dose of Avonex, to none at all; because, I felt it was making my legs stiff, the night I took it. Corum came and administered Intravenious Prednisone and I became mobile again.

I have since taken my Avonex in the proper dose and started in earnest on thrarpy for balance, which has improved somewhat. The main benefit was in the exercise program, setup for me by my therapy company (Novacare), which has increased the musculature of my left leg, so it now is the same size as my right leg.

In November of 1999 I took an MRI, the first since November of 1998, which was read by Dr. Greenstein and showed no increase in the disease. I continue to take therapy for balance and strength.

I feel if you look around, you find there are many people much worse than you are. I feel fortunate and have a wife who put up with me for thirty seven years and a family, who have supported me in all my endeavors.

That Orphan Drug Act is a bad thing, I wish it could be overturned. I truely believe that every MS'er and their doctor, should be able to choose from all available therapies.

I think we MS'ers are capable of deciding, with our doctors, the best course of action and that should be allowed.

I have never seen any FDA people in any MS clinic. I guess it comes down to money and politics.

Your Canadian Cousin, displaced in America.
Peter

I do not know the full story yet (but who does) but had my clinical diagnosis six months ago, some times have been hard, but just knowing that there are possibilities for my future (treatment) and that I am not a complete neurotic has helped.

This webpage is by far the most accessible and comprehensive I have seen, and I am glad I came across it. Good luck.

I gradually developed Tingling, Loss of Sensation, Urinary Frequency and Urgency and Numbness. Developed non-stop Muscle Twitches in legs in August of 1999 and was referred to a Neurologist.

Went through all the tests - Somatosensory Evoked Potential was the only test that was definetly abnormal for the lower extremities. There was a tiny lesion on the left Frontal Lobe that the dr feels is insignificant. Everything ruled out - MS's all that's left!

So I have a probable MS diagnosis and I am being treated for symptoms. My neuro will repeat MRI's this year. He will change my diagnosis to definite MS, when I have any significant new symptoms or when additional tests show new lesions.

I am looking for all the info and support I can get!!!

Thanks for this website so I don't feel alone.

Working with computers and massive paperwork is becoming more and more frustrating. Eyes ache all the time, just want to close them and rest.

MRI's and Lumbar Punctures still clear so far, but based on other criteria, there is little doubt of an MS diagnosis. Has been 8 years since Onset.

I love this website, and have been recommending it to other MS'ers, especially those at MS Central (another great MS site). Have found the glossary especially useful.