[Keely]

I just want to say thank you all, from the bottom of my heart!

I just got my MS diagnoses yesterday--my results came back from the Mayo Clinic. Believe it or not, you guys helped me to finally get this diagnosis.

I've had Crohn's Disease and Systemic Lupus for years, but the central nervous system stuff really started kicking in back in the late 1990s.

Two years ago, I started reading the message board at MSW, and got to know all of you. I followed you here a couple of months ago, and I vowed that when I finally got a DX, I would finally come out of the "Lurker's Closet."
I write for several newspapers from home, and whenever I took breaks from my work , I would visit all of you regularly. You've made me laugh, and cry, and learn how to come to terms with my diseases.

By reading your posts, I learned so much. I learned which doctors to seek out, and which questions I needed to ask. I learned to pay attention to ALL my symptoms, even ones I'd had for years. While my symptoms were getting worse, my knowledge was increasing, thanks to you.

My neurologist and PCP both confirmed the diagnosis yesterday--and I fell on their necks and hugged them both! For me, a diagnosis means a new lease on life. Now, in additon to my Lupus and Crohn's treatments, I'll also be getting treatment for MS as well.

It's been a long, difficult road, but I have all of you to thank for this new detour into what I hope will be a better journey now. I've been lurking on this board for two years now, and as soon as I heard the news yesterday, I knew that I would come home and make my first post--one of gratitude.

You'll be hearing from me on a regular basis now--first thing is, I've gotta figure out how to make an avatar and all that fun stuff! In the meantime, group hug for all of you!

Cheers,
Keely

When life hands you lemons, make a scotch n' soda with a twist!