I have been posting a few days, asking lots of questions, and already tried to kill a member (Sorry, again, B2Y)

So, this is me in a nutshell.

My name is Connie. I am a 32 yo wife, mom to a 10 year old, 4 dogs, 4 cats, 3 ferrets, and a snake, nurse who works in drug addiction (and in a nursing home on the side). I am currently taking online classes to advance my nursing degree and also pick up 3 AA degrees in business, human services, and human resources. I am also working on 1 book full time (about the RNY weight loss surgery that I had) and will begin another one very soon (on addiction). My DH and I are in the midst of adopting our 10 year old daughter. We have had her for a year. I am planning on going home to visit (in PA) soon, and taking a cruise in November. All this is why I am p!$$ed that I was diagnosed NOW of all times!

I had Gastric Bypass in October of '06. Have lost almost 150 pounds and am almost at goal. The best thing I have ever done for myself, especially in light of the situation I find myself in.

I was diagnosed April 3rd, but have known of the possibility since 2000. In 4/2000 I was hospitalized with TIA like symptoms. When they ruled out TIAs, they wanted me to follow up to diagnose MS. I said, NO!! I didn't want the label then (and don't really want it now ) So, I guess I have spent 8years in semi-denial, knowing the possibility, but blaming everything on being lazy, stressed overly tired, so on and so forth! I do feel vindicated in a way knowing that I am really NOT as lazy as I thought I was.

I am a very positive person, and will not allow this to get "me" down. I don't have room in my life to be "down." I am sure I will go through all the things everyone else goes through, and I know I will have my pity me moments. Right now I find I am in denial, and it is warm and cozy and allows me to continue about my business.

I am not sure the course of action I am going to take. To DMD or not to DMD is the biggest question right now. I keep saying let me get through the next 9 months and I will re-evaluate my life.

I guess I am pretty lucky, 2 flares in 8 years, and 4 lesions (all brain). The biggest day to day symptom is fatigue. I am doing more to manage that.

My last flare was in February, following a bout with the flu. I had a temp of 103, and 2 days later was almost paralyzed on my left side.

I have an LP on the 21rst, and will follow up with a second opinion in May with an MS specialist, whom I am traveling 2.5 hours to see.

Welp, that is my life. Boring, I know. Sounds like just about any other life at this stage in the game. I look forward to being active on the boards, and getting to know many people.