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 The diagnosis of Meniere's Disease was retracted and I was then referred to a neurologist.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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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