[SallyC]

Hello Michelle, welcome to NeuroTalk.
I'm so sorry for your DX of MS, but glad you found us. I have had MS
for 48 years, DXed for 37 years. So, it is not a death sentence or the
end of your life, as you know it. I'm still here and going strong,
most of the time.

Tysabri is a favorite of a lot of Neuros, because it is effective in many
cases, but not all cases and it does have a danger of contracting PML
(an evil and sometimes deadly disease). Your Neuro should have you
tested to make sure you are not a possible candidate for PML.

No Med we have out there for MS, is a cure, and some have debilitating
side effects, so the decision to take one is yours. Educate yourself about
all of these meds and then, if you wish, you and your Neuro choose the
one that is best for you.

Thanks for joining us and I wish you the best.

[Erika]

Hello Michelle,

Welcome to our community, but sorry that it is under such circumstances. An Ms diagnosis is not the end of the world or the end of your life. Many people have flares and periods of remission, with and without medications.

Please know that we truly welcome you here for support, a source of information and a listening ear.
Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

With love, Erika
Diagnosed 1978

[Debbie D]

Welcome to NT…part of knowing what is causing your symptoms empowers you as a patient-at least you know what to look for, and what treatments will lessen the symptoms. Some people wait years for a dx…

Tysabri is a very strong drug…and there are many new drugs for MS approved that might not have the threat of PML that Tysabri does. You might want to do some research on treatment options to see if this is the best fit for you.

Depression is a symptom of MS, but the limitations it places on our lives can make us feel depressed as well. Have you tried antidepressants to help you?

I look at life as a load of lemons we're given; some are given enough to make a glass of lemonade; others are given enough lemons to provide lemonade for a professional baseball game. Sometimes I sit amongst the lemons and sob; other times I grab my sugar and water and get to work making lemonade out of all those lemons.

I hope tat as you travel the road that MS has brought you on, you learn that there are moments that aren't all bad. We are a group that has lots of info. experience, laughs and hugs.

Keep us up to date on how you're doing, and how your treatment plans come along

[DaytonOH]

Hi, I'm Alex. My Prime Care Physician is about to start running test to see whats going on with me. I have pretty much all of the MS symptoms, some of which started when I had a left thalamic stroke 8 years ago, then got worse after suffering a concussion 18 months ago. The total exhaustion, the trembling, the stumbling and tripping over air is so frustration. I can't seem to focus at work or home anymore, feels as though I'm getting dumber by the month. Its like my body and mind are going downhill. I wonder if the stroke and the concussion could have kick started something?!?!?

[SallyC]

Hi ,Dayton, nice to meet you. I'm Kettering, Oh here. Are you North,
South, East or West? A bunch of peeps in the Dayton area, have MS.

You'll most likely have to see a Neuro to be diagnosed. Your PCP can
get you an appointment with one. So sorry about the stroke, (if it was
one?). My DD also has MS and they thought she had a stroke, but
it turned out to be MS.

Sounds like you have had some trauma in your life and yes, that can
trigger MS to come alive, if it's there. Stay as calm as you can and
go with the flow. Stress only makes things worse.

Welcome and Stay with us and let us know how it goes for you..

[DaytonOH]

Originally Posted by kemokimo

I am 69 and have had a burning peripheral neuropathy in my feet since 2007.
I live on the Texas coast and I used to be an avid fisheman with a 23' center console outboard boat. I love the outdoors and there are many places I have yet to visit and scenery I have yet to enjoy. The last was the Grand Canyon. I had to bring a wheel chair. Not exactly how I invisioned my trip before this crippling malady.

A year ago I was also diagnosed with spinal neuropathy. That is arthritis of the lower spine. I swim for exercise and to reduce the pain in my back. Walking would also reduce the pain if I could go far enough. Between the back and the feet I spend too much time on my back. Not good.

The only relief I have gotten from the feet is from Lyrica. Unfortuneately I cannot tolerate the side effects. Ditto for anti-depressants. I am now searching for vitamins, supplements, etc. that might help. Two I recently stumbled across are alpha lipoic acid and benfotiamine. What do you think? Any more suggestions?

Alpha Lipoic Acid has helped me over the years. I've tried neurotin, gabepatin, and cymbalta, the side effects of all were awful, at least if you wanted to function at work awake. I take it daily and it does lessen the pain as opposed to total pain.

[DaytonOH]

Thanks Sally. I actually live in the Oregon District. A lot changed after what the hospital called a left thalamic stroke...spent week in hospital. Apparently they saw a history of little ones. It just seems like everything that was going on with my body, right side numbness in face/body, pain, stumbling all over, trembling, etc kicked up a gear after the concussion 18 months ago. Plus I was caretaking for my parents, father passed last year...lots of stress at work and personally. I've just noticed that my body in the past few months seems to be in "rebellion". Doc knows something is wrong, just trying to figure it out. Its affected my digestion, vision, etc. I just want to curl up somewhere and sleep all the time...which I can't. lol

Originally Posted by SallyC

Hi ,Dayton, nice to meet you. I'm Kettering, Oh here. Are you North,
South, East or West? A bunch of peeps in the Dayton area, have MS.

You'll most likely have to see a Neuro to be diagnosed. Your PCP can
get you an appointment with one. So sorry about the stroke, (if it was
one?). My DD also has MS and they thought she had a stroke, but
it turned out to be MS.

Sounds like you have had some trauma in your life and yes, that can
trigger MS to come alive, if it's there. Stay as calm as you can and
go with the flow. Stress only makes things worse.

Welcome and Stay with us and let us know how it goes for you..

[Erika]

Hi Dayton,

Welcome to NT.

Wow, it sure sounds like you've been going through some sort of a rough patch physically, as well as having some major stresses along with it to deal with.
Sure hope that you get some answers and that you feel better soon .

With love, Erika

[DaytonOH]

Thanks Sally. Ur opinion got me to thinking. Things have been slowly going down hill since the stroke 8 years ago. It's been a struggle, especially care taking for my parents. Dad passed last year. I've ignored my body for a while being so busy. But I knew things were getting worse with memory and concentration. Error rate shot up at work...started forgetting real import ants things. Exhausted by time I was dressed for work, wiped out by 2pm. This started out with pcp wanted to check pancreas. Scheduled for sleep apnea test also. Glad I found this site...don't feel as confused about what my body is going through.

Originally Posted by SallyC

Hi ,Dayton, nice to meet you. I'm Kettering, Oh




here. Are you North,
South, East or West? A bunch of peeps in the Dayton area, have MS.

You'll most likely have to see a Neuro to be diagnosed. Your PCP can
get you an appointment with one. So sorry about the stroke, (if it was
one?). My DD also has MS and they thought she had a stroke, but
it turned out to be MS.

Sounds like you have had some trauma in your life and yes, that can
trigger MS to come alive, if it's there. Stay as calm as you can and
go with the flow. Stress only makes things worse.

Welcome and Stay with us and let us know how it goes for you..

[sham0968]

My name is Shirley. I am waiting for a diagnosis. They are trying to figure out if I have MS or MG.