[EricP]

How long before you needed help walking?

I mean when you got your DX were you still walking ok? How far after your DX did you start having walking difficulty? and how old were you? How long was it till you needed to use any walking devices, canes, walkers, leg braces etc etc..
I'm still ok in walking, no assistance, but I notice I get feeling leg heavy if I try in sprint a short distance....(run) but not as fast) Now I'm worried that par tof me is going away.

I know MS is a very wide spectrum and have seen 24 year olds in power chairs and then people my age still walking fine. Very random it seems and weird.

So hello people....I just got over a horrible case of the flu.... on top of my other BS....what a mess that was, but now all good.....

Now the weather just has to warm up....geez.

[SallyC]

Hi Eric, trouble walking is what sent me to the Doc's for
a DX. The walking problem got better and then after I
was DXed at 35, went into a 17 year total (almost) remission.

I didn't start having to use a cane, then walker-then
scooter, until I was 53 and here I am 73, in a scooter,
most of the time. But that's me and I'm Unique!!

I'm glad you are feeling better, now stay that way.

[KittyLady]

Hi Eric. I was dx at age 22. I had eye problems and cog fog. Thats what sent me in. I didnt have to use any walking aides until Oct. 2011. Thats about 20yrs later. I use a walker on bad days, a cane around the house and those motor scooters in the store. But, Im still on my feet.

[Blessings2You]

Walking "funny" was one of the symptoms that sent me on a diagnosis chase, but I didn't start using a cane until a couple of years later, maybe a year or so after diagnosis. I still don't use one inside the house (over 10 years after first clinical symptoms). My dad, on the other hand, was diagnosed at 35 and didn't start using a cane until he was about 77--and then it was for issues unrelated to MS.

[kicker]

Somewhere I read where a famous doctor (?) said "If you've seen one case of MS, you've seen ONE case."

[Kitty]

I didn't have walking problems to begin with. Visual issues are what sent me in and I got the dx of MS. That was 8 years ago but I'd had symptoms for years off and on before that. Those were mostly numbness in my legs, balance problems.

I've been using a cane when I go somewhere especially if I don't have a shopping cart to hold onto. If I don't have that folks will think I'm drunk because I sway and stumble all over the pace.

I've just ordered a walker/rollator and it should be here soon. I had one and it was much too big. I had to find one that would fold and fit into a car. I plan on using it around the house and when I go out.

I think it will help the pain I currently have in my hips and lower back. Walking with such unsteadiness really gives my legs a workout. And they already feel heavy.

I'm hoping and praying that the walker is all I'll need for assistance. I'm 52 now......45 when I was diagnosed.

[tkrik]

Like others, difficulty walking and with balance is what sent me back to the neurologist and ultimately is what gave me a confirmed dx of MS. It took me a year to walk somewhat normal again. I don't think I will ever have a normal gait, although I try to walk normal.

[Snoopy]

Hi Eric,

Difficulty walking and balance problems started in childhood. I was diagnosed at the age of 24 when I had my first severe exacerbation which, among other things, affected my ability to walk.

I bought my first cane when I was in my late thirties and it sat in the trunk of my car for 10 years getting used only when out walking a lot. My late forties I invested in Trekking poles and again they are only used when out doing a lot of walking. I am almost 52.

By the way --- Running was something I always had a problem doing...even as a kid.

[EricP]

I don't know, but reading these responses made me a little misty eyed lol.

Guess it's because most of you are still walking and it seems I won't be getting my independence taken away anytime soon an have a lot of "foot time" left.

I was 35 almost 36 when I got the DX and that was after years of symptoms that I ignored. Not until I had a major spell of head spinning, some dribbling problems did I decide to get checked out...I knew jack nothing of MS then and when he mentioned it, it sounded scary like "cancer" lol. Right away he said to not get worked up about it and we'll get going on what has to be done.

I can't believe how MS is so random....some of you DXed at 22, 35, 45...... Some 22 year olds are in wheelchairs already while others(like me) at 35 are still able to ride bicycles....with no training wheels, heh.

I know it's weird, but I feel kind of privileged, even though my recent sickness was horrendously painful. Right now I feel good....not as fast on my feet, but pain free and I have my energy back. Currently eating all the greens I can pack in, doing my daily regime of meds and exercising.

Thanks all!...

[karousel]

My first symptoms that sent me to a doctor were 26 years ago were ON and numbness in my legs. I've never had a problem walking (knocking on wood) but have had a heavy right leg for about 10 years that on some days I have to make more of an effort to pick it up higher so I don't trip.