Julie,

I'm happy you're not looking at MS (we think?). And that the problems can be managed. I agree, a second opinion with a medical doctor is warranted, although it might be determined that the chiropractor can manage the problem.

Take some time to get used to the idea of the new diagnosis.

Any dx is a slap and takes time to adjust to. Don't be so hard on yourself.

This was a complete surprise, and of course it threw you off.

I was freaked too when I was dx'd -

C spine -Reversed curve, degenerative disc disease, bulged discs, spinal cord compression, osteophite (bone spur), osteo arthritis, etc.

T spine - cyrinx, T 5-T8

Within a week.

I didn't know how I was supposed to live with the pain. how I was supposed to live with not doing so much with my hands. How to deal with the progression (sm is progressive). I was p****** off.

None of my docs even knew what the heck sm was.

The thing is, don't rush into anything you can't back out of (no pun intended, seriously). You can take a med, and stop if it doesn't work. You can drop out of PT. Or quit getting massages. Surgery you cannot undo. Do that only as a last resrot, because no matter how bad you think you feel, it could be worse. I know that now.

I'm lucky I had people talk like that to me when I first got dx'd.

Do vent as needed. DO ask for help - 7 kids? You should be getting help regardless. Do see every doc you can - PT, pain clinic, they all have ways to help.

Good luck, woman. Anything you think I can help with, you ask, I'll see what I can do, okay?

First of all, I want to say "Hi Julie"! I haven't been around for some time so never had the opportunity before. And I'm REALLY glad you don't seem to have MS, at least for the present time. I too have fibromyalgia, along with the MS, and have to give you lots of credit for dealing with seven little ones at the same time!!!! God Bless You!

You've received some good advice here and I agree a second opinion is in order. Your spine is nothing to fool around with. Even though lots of people have had great success with a chiro, when I was first diagnosed with MS 18 years ago, I was advised NEVER to use chiros as they can do more damage than good. To each his own of course. Are you sure the fibro isn't causing some of your pain and numbness? It can be as debilitating as the MS. Anyway, I hope you're feeling somewhat better and will keep going until you feel satisfied with your diagnosis.
Take care......