[mochagirl13]

Hi my name is Sheila,

I was diagnosed in Oct, 09 but had symptoms since early 08, at least symptoms that sent me to see my Dr. Does the balance and stumbling ever get better? I can't wear heels or run. When I attempt to take my dog for a walk, she actually walks me. I am on rebif even though I hate needles. I tried Nuvigil for fatigue but that didn't work. I can't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep. Does anyone belong to a NMSS support group? I have thought about trying one.

[Aarcyn]

Originally Posted by mochagirl13

Hi my name is Sheila,

I was diagnosed in Oct, 09 but had symptoms since early 08, at least symptoms that sent me to see my Dr. Does the balance and stumbling ever get better? I can't wear heels or run. When I attempt to take my dog for a walk, she actually walks me. I am on rebif even though I hate needles. I tried Nuvigil for fatigue but that didn't work. I can't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep. Does anyone belong to a NMSS support group? I have thought about trying one.

Hi MG. Sorry to hear about your dx. I wish I had positive feedback on your balance and stumbling. There is really no good answer.

as for rebif. I hate needles too. I no longer use a DMD but I had a diabetic friend so I asked her which body part did she use since she had to shoot med many times a day. She told me stomach. It was not easy to try my soft underbelly! But it has the most fat. It really was a good place and plenty of spots too.

I medicate my sleep! I am an old lady and truly, I love my sleep! There are plenty of things to try first before drugs though. Lots of people here to answer your questions.

[mochagirl13]

Originally Posted by Aarcyn

Hi MG. Sorry to hear about your dx. I wish I had positive feedback on your balance and stumbling. There is really no good answer.

as for rebif. I hate needles too. I no longer use a DMD but I had a diabetic friend so I asked her which body part did she use since she had to shoot med many times a day. She told me stomach. It was not easy to try my soft underbelly! But it has the most fat. It really was a good place and plenty of spots too.

I medicate my sleep! I am an old lady and truly, I love my sleep! There are plenty of things to try first before drugs though. Lots of people here to answer your questions.

Hi Aarcyn,

The stomach seems to be the least painful and doesn't leave any noticable marks. I mostly inject in the thighs cause that is where the majority of my body fat is located. Before the nuvigil, I tried Ambien CR but I stopped because I didn't want to have to take a pill to get up and take one to go to sleep. Now I use amantadine once a day to combat the fatigue. It seems to work a little. I was going to physical therapy but I stopped because it wiped me out. Age has nothing to do with sleep, I have loved my sleep since my college days. I would rather sleep than party.

[Aarcyn]

MG - you may want to introduce yourself in the newbie section.

[Debbie D]

Welcome to NT...sorry to hear you're dealing with the crummy symptoms...

Fatigue is one of my on again-off again symptoms...I don't take any meds currently for it. My neuro likes to make sure there is nothing exaserbating like a UTI or heat to ramp up the fatigue...so I just drink lots of caffeine and rest when I can't push through it.

I also have sleep issues. I let myself lie awake for an hour, then I get up and read something boring or watch the weather channel...that channel is a guarantee to put me to sleep...

I am loathe to take narcotics, so I never ask for any to help me sleep.

Hope you stick around...lots of info and support around here!!

[Snoopy]

Originally Posted by mochagirl13

Does the balance and stumbling ever get better? I can't wear heels or run.

Hello Sheila and welcome to NeuroTalk

My answer is based on my own personal experience with my MS.

I have had poor balance and stumbling/tripping since I was a child and no, it has never gotten better. Yes, I have had MS symptoms since I was a child.

I gave up on heels a very long time ago

[kicker]

MG,
Welcome.I am PPMS, in a chair, but was dizzy and stuff before I got here after 16 or so years. Everyone is way different from each other, so never judge yourself by other's voyage. I do Amantadine 2x a day - morning and after my nap (don't we have a member by that name? AMN?) but don't have sleep issues (10pm-4,5am) when I have to use bathroom. I take Oxybutin at bedtime to help me not have to. In AM take Vesicare, another help for Urine, having to pee syndrome. I take an Amantdine also. Tried Provigil, did not help at all.

[Dejibo]

Hello and welcome!

I was never big on high heels so I cant help you there, but as you adjust to this life, you will learn tips and tricks to help.

[Lady]

Hi Sheila,
Welcome to NT. I'm sorry you had to join us and have MS. We never know what life will give us. Everyone gets something sooner or later.

Since you are new to MS we are here to help you and you can help us too. We learn from each other. If you feel you need more support then join a NMSS meeting group. If you don't like it, then don't go back.

Some find it helpful and meet new friends or some just get more confused because like kicker said, we are all different.

On here you can say whatever you want, ask any question and not be embarrassed. We are here to help and listen too. We never judge anyone, even when some have female or male only problems. Even dating and spouse/partner issues are spoken on it.

I think you have come to the right place. About the high heels, I, too, miss them, and oh how I would love to be able to dance again.

I would look drunk and fall over on the dance fall so had to give it up, and that was in flat shoes. I understand. I held onto my high heels for ages. I couldn't bear to toss them. Now I live in sneakers, go figure.

Nice to meet you.

[EddieF]

Welcome Sheila. Use the autoinjector? I used ibuprofen or benadryl to sleep. As of now i'm after script sleep aid due to my current round of steroids.