This past Thursday I finally saw the physician assistant and many of you were right! I liked her better than my old neuro who retired!!! She's younger, easier to speak with and REALLY listened. She's also the first female neuro I've dealt with, so perhaps it made a difference too.

I've asked for an MRI being I haven't had one since 2003. Why bother? For my own peace of mind, I'd like to see if the LDN seems to be making a difference in the number of lesions, etc. Haven't scheduled it as yet. Even if it's not a great outcome, I'll continue with the LDN until something better comes along. No more "poison" when it's not necessary.

My right arm and hand are definitely weaker, which I'd all ready figured out. Everything I touch seems to end up on the floor. If it's food, I have to be quick....well, as quick as possible....to pick it up before Tasha, my little dog, gets it. All of the tasks requiring manual dexterity are becoming more of a challenge.

She prescribed the "extended release" version of oxybutinyn. So far so good. Added another half of a tizanidine tablet for spasticity and bloodwork hasn't been done in awhile, except to check the coumadin level.

However, the thing she was really concerned about the most was my eye. It was one week ago that the blood vessels burst and it still looks awful. She was surprised I hadn't seen a doctor or called anyone. Told her I'm "tough" and one of "those" people who don't go to doctors unless absolutely necssary. It's so difficult between not being able to get into vehicles without a struggle and arranging transportation since I no longer drive. Anyway, she gave me the options of seeing my eye doctor (whom I haven't seen in years) or going to the ER. Certainly didn't want to sit in an ER with all sorts of germs flying around, so they found a branch of the Eye Group I use in a town we had to pass through to get home. Fortunately they said the doctor would wait -- so to satisfy all those well-meaning people who said I should see a doctor -- I DID! And just as I thought, it is a "conjunctival hemorrhage" which looks worse than it is, probably caused by my blood being too thin, and there's nothing you can do about it. It does finally look better today with my eye opening more. Have enough regular eyelid to put make-up on, so that's always a good sign!!

My DIL is such a sweetheart to be my transportation. They live over an hour away. She did some grocery shopping for me also.

The physician assistant wants to see me in six months unless something comes up sooner.......we'll see!!!!!

I'm so glad you had a "good" doctor visit. I wish I could find a female neurologist. I think that makes all the difference in the world sometimes. There was a PA in my regular doctor's office and I'd much rather have seen her! I just feel more relaxed and comfortable talking to them.

Your DIL sounds like a sweet person. I hope I'm as fortunate when I (finally) get one, too!

I'm so happy that you like your new neuro! I will be meeting my new female neuro in 2 weeks. Hope your eyes continues to improve.

((((JUDY))))) I'm so glad you had a fruitful visit with your Neuro. Those kind are few and far between. Happy your eye was not serious and is healing.

I hear you on how it's getting harder to do things that take strength and agility. I wonder if it's the MS getting worse or age getting worse. I try to keep my muscles in tune (HA!), so that I can keep doing the little things thay keep me out of a nursing home.

Let us know how the MRI turns out...I've not had one since I started LDN, either, so it will be interesting to see if it's helped you.

I have a female neurologist. I picked her because I knew what kind of a doctor she was in a hospital setting. she demanded excellence. She is an all business, she thinks out loud. One time amny years ago when she was doing my EMG nerve conduction study she actually opened up and we found out we have daughters the same age and going through some of the same kind of things. Othere than that she is all business. It's funny, she has such a business attitude to her walking! She wears low hight heels and you can hear her coming all the way down the hall.

hi judy, another judy here,

i'm glad you've found a professional who listens and will act in your best interests.

when i lived in denver i once went to our MS society's workshop on...can't remember the title. but, they gave us many info and support referral #'s.
and info on how to get gadgets to help depending on our disability.

bathroom tools, kitchen tools etc. i wonder if that might help you in some way.
hang in there.

Thanks for the encouragement, Judy. Yes, I once had an occupational therapist come to the house and she gave me quite a few tips on making life easier. Also I get tons of catalogs in the mail and there are three or so with medical equipment and those gadgets to help with everyday living. I've been noticing my right arm getting weaker -- pick up my coffee mug with my left hand and hang on TIGHT! I have one set of flatware with thicker hendles which makes it easier to use.

Guess the "difficult" things are mostly related to my legs and feet. Every time I have to get my feet off the footrest of my powerchair to stand up, it's a major operation. The spasms start soon as I move "something" so have to wait 'til they simmer down. Then upon every move, the nerve pain shoots through the roof again. Ouchers!! It's so frustrating doing all those little things we used to take for granted!

Aren't you the one who moved to St. Augustine, FL? How are you liking it? I was there decades ago! Must be around 55 years ago! Must really be HOT there now, but then the past couple days have been in the upper 80's here in Northeast PA. Thank heaven for central A/C!!

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate it! Hope you're doing as well as possible!

I agree......NO NURSING HOME if at all possible!! Having this miserable disease does make it more difficult to distinguish which problem is coming from it or just getting older. I'm only four years behind you -- still wonder how that happened!?!? My right arm and hand tend to be cool to the touch compared to the left. It also has that nerve pain like most everywhere else. Think it's telling me it's from the MS and not age. NUTS!!!

Thanks for the encouragement -- as you know, sometimes it all just seems like too much to handle. But we're "tough", have to be to get through this thing alone! Take care!

Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement!! It's always great to know we have a place to vent and share with others who really know what we're talking about. I think those who don't have "it", tend to trivialize our symptoms, struggles, etc., just because we keep looking pretty much the same! "Cry baby cry, stick your finger in your eye..etc." That's how I feel Normals see us. Just once, I wish they could experience life in our shoes.

Oh well........thanks again!!