Hey there everyone!

After dealing with MS for 17 years, thought I "knew it all".....then WHAM, something new comes along. I don't know if anyone here has dealt with these two issues, but thought I'd try since you guys are the greatest when it comes to trying to help a fellow MSer!!!!

Today I was supposed to start my two day, bi-monthly steroid pulse, but the visiting nurse wasn't able to get anything started with my problem veins. Have three bandages on at present! They always have to use the butterfly (baby) needles, but when she tried to thread it, get the plastic part in, it would close up. There's a call in to my neuro, but he may not call back for awhile, but she had mentioned putting in a "pic-line" which doesn't sound too good to me. Isn't that where it stays in the chest or somewhere to make IV's easier to give? Being it's just for steroids, I'm wondering if it's worthwhile since sometimes the steroids don't seem to help much anyway at this point???? I was hoping they would "loosen" up my legs a little since they're so stiff all the time. What do you think?

The next question is for those with advanced MS who don't have anyone around to help.....or who may have a suggestion! Being my legs are so stiff, it's a BIG problem getting into bed. Sometimes I can sit on the edge, lie back as fast as possible to swing my right leg up onto the bed. With my "foot grabber" I lasso my left foot and hoist it up with the knee bent, try to hold it while I "lasso" my right again to bend it up enough to get under the blankets. But.....sometimes that doesn't work because my legs are sooooo stiff and heavy due to fluid build-up. I can't pull them up no matter how hard I try and the more I try, the stiffer they get. Of course I get upset too and that doesn't help. Have to wait until they relax which can take as long as 45 minutes. Exhausting!!

If anyone has any suggestions, I'm "all ears"!! Did I mention I HATE THIS DISEASE?!?! Grrrrrrrr.......

Think I'm feeling a tiny bit better about the loss of Susan, my little dog. I see her everywhere but I continue talking to her. Can't keep her ashes in view yet, maybe in time. Suppose the stress doesn't help the stiff leg thing any.

Hope you're having an okay day. Brrrr.....frost this morning here! Take care.........