[Niko]

Labor Day weekend 1999.

10 years ago, I decided to take a walk in the neighborhood and enjoy the nice weather.

As I was walking down the sidewalk, I noticed I seemed to veer to the right. I would stop and start again with the same results.

I decided that I would visually aim for a rear break light of one of the cars along side. I kept veering to the right.

I made my way back home in a curious state. Not too long after that, my husband came home from work and I told him of my experiences.

We didn't know what to make of it. Other than the veering, I felt fine.

Not too long after that, perhaps that night; I don't remember... then I became very ill.

I couldn't walk, read a book, watch tv, look at a ceiling fan in motion...

My stomach refused food...

I thought I was dying; I was so scared....

A trip to the doctor was frightening. I had to keep my eyes shut during the trip.

At the time of the doctor's visit: I was just dizzy and nauseous. I was told that it was most likely an inner-ear problem and was given Meclizine to help quell the dizzies.

I was in bed for a month.

I was sent to an ENT for further exams... the doc. pronounced that my problem was Meniere's Disease. I had all of the symptoms, save one -- my hearing was still intact.

FYI: Meniere's Disease is a rare inner-ear disease that progresses to the potential point of deafness.

After I had regained my stability, to a point, I returned back to work with a cane for added stability.

By January of 2000, I noticed something else: my hands felt "glovey" as if I were wearing thick winter gloves. It's very hard to write, or do much else like that.

Back to the ENT. The diagnosis of Meniere's Disease was retracted and I was then referred to a neurologist. Several months-wait for an appointment.

March and April were months filled with tests... and discussions with the Neuro.

I handed in my resignation from my job in April, citing health issues that needed to be addressed.

In July of 2000 - I was officially diagnosed with RRMS. But by then I knew what it was -- conversations with the doctor and research on my own.
It made sense and I wasn't scared, because I had information.

Okay, just looking at what I just wrote... that was quite a bit! I didn't even stop for any icons.


So back to my original point. Ten years ago -- "severe vertigo". Not one of the "regular" presenting symptoms of MS.

That's how *my* MS has been.... very slow in progression ... hindsight is used to diagnose the issue.

If all that makes any bit of sense to the reader, great! If not, ask a question


Niko

[kicker]

For 12 years I had dizziness - DXed myself with Benign Positional Vertigo - another Vestibular (inner ear disorder). I walked, as one person told me admiringly, "like you are going to kick butt". I was just putting my feet down hard so I walked ok!!!!
I was taking an afternoon nap, but I worked PT, came home to twins and was getting old, so who thought twice? In 2002 was DXed with PPMS, now have a power chair I need all the time. Vestibuler diseases often mis-diagnosed before MS. Even went to an ENT who found nothing. I think dizziness is 2nd most reason people seek medical help.
Not so happy anniversary.

[SallyC]

Congrats on surviving 10 years of MS and being none the worse for wear..

I hope you have 10 more, not so bad years.

[Niko]

Thanks to you both. It's an odd anniversary.

Severe Vertigo for the first "attack".
Then settling in with partial numbness, fatigue (now classified as severe), memory problems...
Next major attack:
Post Partum flare: a month of fatigue after my son was born

Last major attack:
fatigue increased, numbness increased (couldn't write with my writing hand, or anything else...) and loss of balance.
With that attack, I fell and broke an ankle -- went on the major meds. (can't think of the names right now)

When I was set up with the IV for that, nurses and doctors kept reminding me of the side-effects (increased energy, appetite...)

I kept asking them if the meds. were actually working because I didn't get any of the side-effects. But they did slowly and quietly work ... about nearly 2 months later.

Since each major attack has been different; makes me wonder what form will it take next time.

I won't lose any sleep over it. No point. Just keep going

Niko

[Kitty]

Originally Posted by Niko

Since each major attack has been different; makes me wonder what form will it take next time.

I won't lose any sleep over it. No point. Just keep going

Niko

Me, too, Niko. But, like you, I don't lose sleep over it or even worry about it anymore. It is what it is. I'm doing my best to do what I can to stop or at least slow down progression. Worrying and fretting over what "might" happen on down the road is just a waste of time IMHO.

I think everyone is different in the way they approach their disease. I also think that past life experiences plays a major role in the way each of us deal with our disease.

Keep on keepin' on!

[Niko]

So very true Kitty!

Everyone is different. Different symptoms and different levels ... just different.

I just go with the flow of things... I adapt as needed.

Keep at it!


Niko