Back in the beginning of this past December, I was diagnosed with MS. It wasn’t a total shock; I used to work for the National MS Society so I knew a lot about the disease, and a part of me had a feeling I had MS. I had a lot of the classic signs, but my Dr. kept telling me it was something else. When I was in Vegas over Thanksgiving, I lost almost all my vision in my right eye. As soon as I got home I went to my eye Dr., and I was diagnosed with optic neuritis. My eye doctor sent me for CT scans and an MRI, and then to a neurologist. The MRI showed areas of MS activity, and my neurologist diagnosed it.
I have been doing OK with the disease (I start preventative medications this upcoming week and my vision is back to 100%), and since I already know a lot about it, I am not really panicking or freaking out. I’ve told my family, some extended family, and my friends. One woman at work knows; maybe more, for all I know.
Anyways, I wanted to share this with all of you even though it is not financial, because, in a way, you all are like an extended family to me. This actually will affect finances, with the meds being so expensive (between $10,000 and $15,000 a year!), more doctor visits and if, Goddess forbid, something serious happens, trips to the hospital, possible physical therapy, or even equipment to help with disability issues. But for right now, I just wanted to share with all of you, not only because I know you will give me massive amounts of moral support, but because when I do start to mention the financial aspects of it, I wanted you all to know what I was talking about, without having to explain it several times.
You all have been wonderful in terms of listening to (or reading) my rambling, sometimes mindless posts, cheering me up when I feel defeated, and encouraging me when I am doing well with finances. I just felt like this was something I wanted to share with all of you, not only as my financial buddies, but also as just my buddies.
Anywho, enough of this for now. Feel free to ask any question you may have, or feel free not to say anything. But whatever your reaction is, thank you for the support and the (hopefully) continuing support.
I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
January 18th, 2008 at 06:03 pm
January 18th, 2008 at 06:08 pm 1200679735
January 18th, 2008 at 06:12 pm 1200679926
Take good care of you!!
January 18th, 2008 at 06:12 pm 1200679955
January 18th, 2008 at 06:16 pm 1200680174
January 18th, 2008 at 06:17 pm 1200680252
January 18th, 2008 at 06:20 pm 1200680423
January 18th, 2008 at 06:23 pm 1200680588
Right now I am waiting to start preventative treatment and then I will see which vitamins my dr. recommends and which won't interfere with the meds I am on.
Nance, that is wonderful that your neighbor has been attack free for so long and is doing so well. Hopefully there will a cure one day so everyone can do that well.
Thanks to everyone for the kind words!!
January 18th, 2008 at 06:25 pm 1200680732
January 18th, 2008 at 07:08 pm 1200683281
My biggest complainted normally is having to go to the bathroom more often-between having MS and having had twins, I visit that room quite often!!
January 18th, 2008 at 07:11 pm 1200683493
Koppur, your post reflects courage and a positive attitude. With your knowledge and your strong character, I'm sure you will always be on the upside of this, come what may. I do wish you the very best prognosis possible.
January 18th, 2008 at 07:15 pm 1200683742
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January 18th, 2008 at 10:41 pm 1200696077
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January 18th, 2008 at 11:24 pm 1200698671
You are definately a blessing
January 18th, 2008 at 11:28 pm 1200698890
January 19th, 2008 at 12:26 am 1200702417
I know it must be frightening to be diagnosed with something like that. I respect your courage.
Thanks for sharing and good luck.
You do have health insurance don't you?
Sounds like a lot for medication for a year. Is that with your insurance?
January 19th, 2008 at 01:27 am 1200706062
January 19th, 2008 at 05:38 am 1200721137
Thanks for sharing something so personal with us too. I'm sure everyone's moral support and hopes and prayers are with you.
January 19th, 2008 at 07:05 am 1200726347
Good luck to you!
January 19th, 2008 at 11:03 am 1200740592
January 19th, 2008 at 02:58 pm 1200754726
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January 19th, 2008 at 08:53 pm 1200776037
January 19th, 2008 at 10:51 pm 1200783102
Take good care of yourself and I'll be sending happy thoughts your way!
January 20th, 2008 at 12:21 am 1200788482
I don't know if you realize, i've only mentioned it a few times in my blog, but i have MS too, the mild kind, forunately.
If there is anything i can do to help or if you'd just like to talk to someone who's been there (for over 22 years now), just say the word.
Everyone's situation is different when it comes to MS, but you CAN manage this and make it just a part of your life, not its central focus.
I was just a little younger than you when i had my 1st symptoms, but in those days, MRIs didn't exist, and i wasn't diagnosed until 5 years later when i had another relapse.
January 20th, 2008 at 02:54 am 1200797696
January 20th, 2008 at 06:35 am 1200810917
January 21st, 2008 at 07:59 pm 1200945577
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 pm 1201040495
God bless.
January 24th, 2008 at 07:10 pm 1201201814
January 29th, 2008 at 05:47 pm 1201628852
January 31st, 2008 at 02:49 am 1201747777
Lola
January 31st, 2008 at 05:06 am 1201756006
February 1st, 2008 at 01:03 am 1201827816
May 9th, 2008 at 02:33 am 1210296789
Your thoughts are quite positive, but not complete.
Wouldn't you be interested if I told you, how to stop MS without soooo expensive medications?
I am not joking, I am not trying to sell you snake oil.
I am on a permanent MS remission from 1997 - no drugs, no doctors.
More- on pages of my web site MS natural cures.
All best -
Dr. Czes Kulvis
PS nobody has a truth monopoly