Multiple Sclerosis and the busy Mom

Valorie

So, they have told me I have MS. What is it? I already know. For over ten years, I have been tested, prodded, poked and studied because the doctors have felt for some time this is what was wrong with me. It was the reason I would fall when my knee would buckle for no reason, the reason for the horrible headaches and the seizures and blackouts. It would explain my horrible walk and the need for assistance at times as well as why my brain kept jumbling up my words or why I couldn't think how to say something although in my brain I could hear it. It would explain why my muscles felt like fire at times and why my limbs and extremities would be numb or feel as if pins were pricking them. So, in 2003, following three pregnancies and dealing with the symptoms with no relief, and countless MRI's and tests, there all of a sudden they were. Scars, lesions as they called them on my brain. I went from having three in the first MRI to having 11 by the next one six months later. I know I have progressive MS. There is no cure. I take a weekly inter muscular injection called Avonex and the hope is that it will slow my disease down. So far, so good. It is hard being a stay home mom, home schooling my children and caring for the daily tasks admist the disabilities but it can be done. Sure, I have to ask for help and I do. There are some things I can't do and I have to shove pride aside and take the assistance needed. I post this in hopes that if there is anyone in our group with MS that wants someone to talk to or if you know someone who has it, perhaps I can be of help and someone of help to me. A road traveled with a friend is certainly less lonely and overwhelming.[/quote]

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Valorie

Giving up is something that I do not understand.
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Selious5 · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:37 am Post subject:

I am so sorry to hear that you have MS Valorie and albeit I don't have that myself I have a friend who has suffered from that for many years and understand some of the difficulties that you are experiencing and the strength of will and the courage that it takes to do things. She was a PE teacher and had this diagnosis years ago. She uses Beta Interferon which has slowed things down quite well. She has always said there is a time to rest and a time to fight and the wisdom to recognise those times.

I have been with this site for quite a wee while now and I know that everyone here is very caring and supportive so anytime you feel that you need to talk or even blow off steam please know that you are not alone
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Hannah

Serenity · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:41 am Post subject:

I've heard of MS but never really known what its symptoms are or indeed what it is. Thanks for explaining it Val and giving us some insight into how this affects people. I can imagine that having the right support emotionally and physically are big factors when trying to cope with an illness of this sort, and having young children that need you spurs you on. Is it something that can be hereditory? Or is it just something that unfortuantely some people get...suppose what I mean is, is there a reason people get this?
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redhead · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 6:46 pm Post subject:

Valerie I fully understand the frustration and various tests you went through , when I was in my early 30s I went through a 18mths of MRIs brain scans , e.c.gs the pin tests in your arms , feet , face etc , lumber punture , etc , the absolute exhaustion , dragging one leg behind the other , constanly feeling drunk, and slurred speach and ending up in a wheel chair , the very weird feeling of like you say your brain is telling you what to do but nothing happens , I was once told that I'd had a heart attack by one doc then dismisssed by another my head was all over the place finally I was diagnosed as going through a complete breakdown , basically as the months went on my body was slowly breaking down at last an answer , my daughter had to go into boarding school (she has Aspergers Syndrome) after many years of coping with her and her behaviour my body just quit .
I believe suffers of MS have good days even months of feeling ok then suddenly without warning the sypthoms appear , any time you you feel like chatting /letting of steam/ frustration go ahead everyone here will listen and be supportive ,

Valorie · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 10:13 pm Post subject: The support is appreciated.

Your support is valued and appreciated. I cope pretty well but of course, I have had years to work through a lot of emotions and time to learn new coping skills. If anyone needs me for anything, I will be there for them as well.

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Valorie

Giving up is something that I do not understand.
Save a life. Support Multiple Sclerosis research.