Hello all, I cannot believe what I have just read... Destiny??? I just this moment sent a pm to mrsD about my brain lesions and brain shrinkage... Lordy.

Firstly, yes, I do smoke.

Secondly, I do not have MS although it was suspected during the "what the heck is wrong with this gal period" ...

Finally diagnosed with extreme case of pernicious anemia (lack of intrinsic factor to process b12 causing deficiency). Actually I was, as I like to say for dramatic purposes, 'the walking dead' ... pernicious means death. I was as close to depletion as I believe is possible. Have possible permanent damage to nerves in legs, arms and neck....

Anyway, my point is that the last neurologist I saw to diagnose MS, said the good news is that you do not have MS. The bad news is that your lesions are more of the old age type and you have the brain of an 80+ year old (I'm a young 59). AND your brain is atrophied. Lots of space between brain and skull.

It seems I fit the bill for that study! Whether or not I quit, the damage is done. The exhaustion imposed by the PA has been life altering... unable to work for over 6 years. real couch potato..etc... Depression and lack of energy are two of many many symptoms of PA ... most of which I had, but no one noticed. Hard to believe that something as simple as a vitamin deficiency can almost kill you and be soooo difficult to diagnose.

Anyway, I'm babbling. I just could not believe my eyes that I just wrote a post about the very thing you are discussing here... Is this a sign I should stop -- or is it too late and I'll enjoy my life on the porch with my cigs & coffee. Any thoughts from anyone.... I really enjoyed reading all your comments!