[hriffe]

Hello. I am new to this community...first time using an online forum. I have joined because I am in the process of being diagnosed with MS. I am a 38 year old female...and have led a very active live...working as a Park Ranger for 9 years...alternating with other outdoor, active-type jobs. This is the first winter I've not been able to ski since I was 6 years old...I started experiencing temporary paralysis in both legs, hips, and right lower abdomen about 5 months ago. I thought I had a slipped disc...and went to a chiropractor...who helped me in many ways...but the paralysis continued. I finally went to a neurologist...and found after MRI tests that I have lesions on my thorassic spine and brain. I was initially diagnosed with transverse myelitis...probable cause of MS...and will find out my spinal tap results next week. I am in the process of reaching out to learn as much as possible about this condition...so that I may find the best treatment possible...and feel somewhat confident about what to expect in the future. The bouts of paralysis are very scary...and leave me exhausted both physically and mentally.

[loisba]

hriffe, I'm so glad you found us. Have you checked out the MS forum yet? http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=17
It is a very active forum, with a lot of posters. They can give you a lot of advice, I'm sure.
I'm sorry that you are having so many problems. I know from experience (Myasthenia gravis, not MS), that it can be heart wrenching to have to give up favorite activities. But we do what we have to do, take one day at a time, and try to find the best in every situation.
Hugs,

[shiney sue]

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck,it's always scary to wait
for the test results of tests. But there are many here who are willing
To help you out..Welcome,try to read the posts. /many Blessings Sue

[Snoopy]

Hello hriffe and welcome to NeuroTalk.

I hope we see you over at the MS forum

[dahlek]

there isn't a person here who hasn't gone thru what you are experiencing right now. The 'waiting for the tests' part is the absolute worst! Scroll on down to the MS forum and read a bit about others who post, I'll bet you will find others asking many of the zillions of questions bouncing around in your head....and, find some answers as well.
Since I remember being 'new' at one time, I suggest you read the 'stickies' put at the top of each forum. Those are bits and pieces of info that other participants have found useful...and I'm sure you will too. If it's BLUE, click on to it and you'll get another web-site screen about something MS related. The more you learn the better YOU will be able to make decisions.
In the meantime, please take care of yourself.. and I hope you have a pain-free moment or two! - j