Guest guest Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 In a message dated 3/11/03 12:19:13 PM US Eastern Standard Time, lv2sun2002@... writes: > that the Doc that did my sygmoidoscopy is on the Top Docs list. Here is my pet peeve. Sigmoidoscopies only catch 2/3 of all colon cancers. I lost my mom to colon cancer and she had a sigmoidoscopy. Unfortunately, her cancer was in the part of the colon you can't see with a sig and needed a full colonoscopy to see. Please get the whole thing scoped! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 Sounds like you do have a top doc! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 Hi Jill. Glad you dived in!! Can't believe we are hearing of ANOTHER doc who is hesitant to test someone's free T3!! Amazing. But it appears you are taking the bull by the horns---good for you. 15 mgs. is a pitiful dose to stick you with, for sure!! On such a little one, you may not notice a thing. And there is a good chance you are going to eventually start feeling worse if you do not up the dose soon. You will be underdosed...your pituitary gland will sense that your body is getting hormones, and it will signal the thyroid to reduce its production, and the hypo symptoms will come once again. You TSH has risen, I see, as well, to 3.03. Not optimal at all, no matter that AACE lowered the range to a top end of 3. Remember that the average TSH of non-diseased thyroid persons is 1.5!! My TSH hovers at 1, and some here have theirs less than that in order to get their free T3 where it needs to be!! YES, you are RIGHT to push for Armour. Reread my intro on the home page. Though symptoms can be quite different, there are thousands upon thousands who can testify to you the HUGE difference between being on Armour vs. synthetic T4 only. It's not just me. And Jill, if your NP will not test your free T3 anymore, you may need to find another one. You can check out the Top Doc lists in the LINKS sections, then call to specify what you are looking for. It's SO worth it to have a good doc. Yes, your numbers come into the range for " normal " . But that means NOTHING! NOTHING!! I had to get my free T3 to the upper part of the so-called normal range to get to the great place I am today, and with NO hyper as a result. Dommisse (see in FILES) even wants to see the free T3 range return to the higher one that his lab used to have!!!! Armour has been consistent for decades now. That was an OLD problem. It is strictly regulated by the US Pharmacopia and the FDA. And believe me, if it wasn't, the overbearing FDA would let us and them know it. It's SYNTHROID and LEVOXYL that have been challenged by the FDA the past few years for inconsistency, for heavens' sakes!! Hang in there. Fight for your health. Trust your own instincts about what you need. It's the only way to get there!! And keep us informed. And when you do, remind us of your situation. As this forum keeps growing, we will need reminders about each other's situation. Janie ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 > > I have to ask again--what is the difference between T3, T4 and free T3 and free T4 tests? > OK, total t3 and total t4 measure the TOTAL amounts in your body-whats attached to your cells and what is on " reserve " (free). Free tests measure the amount of Free hormone in your body, travelling around waiting to be used. It shows you what you have available to use as " storage " sort of. If its not high enough, you'll " go through it " too quickly (as T3 has a VERY short free life span) and there won't be enough available to your body. If your body senses that it doesn't have enough Free T3, it will slow your metabolism to compensate and lower your body temp, thus starting the things we all know and love as Thyroid Symptoms. Did I do good? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 Hi Jill, Nice to meet you. Glad you came out of the thyroid closet and said hello. In any case, I felt like someone hit me with a truck when my tsh was over 3, and still feel pretty crummy at a 2.2 the last time. IMO (thats in my opinion for the boobs out there *smile*) Your other numbers, your frees, are too low. Keep at them. And I am going to give you the anemia speech. So the rest of you who have heard the speech can skip over the next paragraph, but Jill.... I posted a medical reseach clip here last week, it should be in the archive here somewhere about anemia and Hypothyroid. In my case, I showed " A little anemic " on a CBC. With a regular multivitamin, I was not getting better. I had them run the FE, Ferrous, Folic, and B12, and you know what? I was a lot anemic. A LOT. And up to 60% of hypos are, and it shows a false high hemoglobin on your CBC because our blood plasma is not right. So, since you feel as bad as you do, have them run the FE Ferrous, B12 and Folic. bring the study with you if you must. I never knew how bad I was, until I started getting better. Now, if I could now get on good thyroid meds I'll be happy and getting well. Also, remember, if you take iron, the effects of the Armour will be lowered a bit, space out the doses and you may need a little extra. Sounds like you need a little extra anyway. I'll get off my anemia soap box now. But it made a huge difference in my life. Introduction > Good Morning, > > I've been lurking for a week now and need to introduce myself. My name is > Jill, soon-to-be 40 years old, and live in south-central MN with my dh and 2 > preteen daughters. > > I finally convinced my dr to treat me for hypothyroidism, after 2 years of > trying (3-4 years symptoms). My concern is that, with my numbers, she will > keep me at the starting dose of 15 mg armour and stick with " normal " numbers > and not symptoms. I've been on it 4 days and am not noticing a change in > symptoms yet (I'm trying to be patient <smile>). > > My TSH is 2.48 > FT4 .86 (.71 - 1.85) > FT3 308 (230 - 420) > > A bit of history. 2 years ago with similar TSH and FT4 she sent me to an endo, > at my insistence, (a top doc even) but he just went by the numbers and said I > was " normal " . I have all of the typical hypo symptoms and a very strong family > history. After the endo experience I was pretty discouraged. Eventually I did > a liver detox through my chiropractor who said I would feel like a new person > afterwards (no change) and my dr had me do a sleep study for sleep apnea in Dec > (nothing there either). I refused the antidepressants (had tried them twice > before my research on depression kept pointing to thyroid and that's when I > pushed for an endo appt). In Dec she did retest my TSH and it was 3.03. Last > month I saw an article on the new TSH suggested normal range and spent an > intense week on the internet researching. I put together a letter and some > supporting documents and gave it to my dr 4 days before my appt with her, > stating that I was going to do this, with her support or not and would be > willing to sign a medical release if she prescribed it. To her credit, she did > read over the materials and agreed to put me on a lose dose of armour, although > she spouted off the usual concerns about potency consistency, osteosperosis, > etc. She was not too happy about testing for Free T3 but finally relented, > telling me she wouldn't do it again because it wouldn't make a difference in > how she treated me and that managed care frowned on unnecessary tests. I go > back in 6 weeks for new blood tests. > > I guess I need some encouragement that I am right to be pushing for armour, or > any type of thyroid meds at all, because I am new to this and to be continually > hammered with " normal, normal, normal " wears down the defenses <sigh>. > > One interesting note, she did say she had heard about the narrowed tsh range a > few weeks ago from a Synthyroid rep. I never thought that the narrower range > would mean more consumers of, most likely, Synthyroid, and that they will be > pushing it with the drs. > > Thank you for listening, I'm still working my way through the archives and > appreciate all I've been learning from you. > > Jill > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 > you did fabulous!! thank you! You are welcome. Now remember, I can only tell you what I have gleaned but that seems to be it in simplistic terms. As for the Free T4, I should have mentioned, this is the stuff that is supposed to become free T3 in conversion. So, the cycle goes: Body to brain: Hey, we don't have enough free T3 down here. My joints don't have any in them and I'm feeling kinda sluggish.... Brain to Pituitary: Hey, will you tell that thyroid to get with the program? They need some Hormones down there. Pituitary sends TSH to Thyroid: Hey, you lazy lump, carry your weight! Thyroid says, I'm working as hard as I can with what I've got! Body says: Um, brain, did you hear me? We're getting a little chilly and I'm going to give you a mighty stress headache if you don't work with me here! Brain says: Pituitary, hello? Did you talk to thyroid? Remember, my tissues don't convert to T3 and I need some of that up here to tell the rest of you what to do....get thyroid moving! Pituitary sends MORE TSH to thyroid: Didn't you hear me? and so on and so on. So, TSH goes up, Free T4 and Free T3 go down, now nothing works properly. Hope this helps.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 Thank you, Janie, for looking at my numbers and for the suggestions. As I work through the brain fog, this is what I am coming away with as my next plan of action before my next " discussion " with my dr: Drop off another packet to her <grin> that has documentation of the problems of underdosage of armour (does anyone have a website at their fingertips that talks about this)? The comments about possibly feeling worse was very interesting. Hammer into her the need for free T3 to be in the upper range (that was in my original packet, but continued documentation won't hurt). Documentation of the Armour consistency (also in the original packet) and Synthyroid/Levoxyl recalls probably wouldn't hurt. In your collective experience if I begin to feel worse before my 6 week lab appt, should I try to convince the dr to up my dosage or is it best to wait for lab numbers? Also, my TSH in Dec was 3.03 but last week was 2.48 and it was a surprise to me that it dropped as I hadn't started any medication yet. Is it true that TSH fluctuates throughout the day? Or is it just another case of the irrevelancy of TSH numbers. Thank you, Jill TSH is 2.48 FT4 .86 (.71 - 1.85) FT3 308 (230 - 420) 15 mg armour >On Tuesday, March 11, 2003 10:29 AM, loboshe [sMTP:usns@...] wrote: > Hi Jill. Glad you dived in!! Can't believe we are hearing of ANOTHER > doc who is hesitant to test someone's free T3!! Amazing. But it > appears you are taking the bull by the horns---good for you. > > 15 mgs. is a pitiful dose to stick you with, for sure!! On such a > little one, you may not notice a thing. And there is a good chance > you are going to eventually start feeling worse if you do not up the > dose soon. You will be underdosed...your pituitary gland will sense > that your body is getting hormones, and it will signal the thyroid > to reduce its production, and the hypo symptoms will come once again. > > You TSH has risen, I see, as well, to 3.03. Not optimal at all, no > matter that AACE lowered the range to a top end of 3. Remember that > the average TSH of non-diseased thyroid persons is 1.5!! My TSH > hovers at 1, and some here have theirs less than that in order to > get their free T3 where it needs to be!! > > YES, you are RIGHT to push for Armour. Reread my intro on the home > page. Though symptoms can be quite different, there are thousands > upon thousands who can testify to you the HUGE difference between > being on Armour vs. synthetic T4 only. It's not just me. > > And Jill, if your NP will not test your free T3 anymore, you may > need to find another one. You can check out the Top Doc lists in the > LINKS sections, then call to specify what you are looking for. It's > SO worth it to have a good doc. > > Yes, your numbers come into the range for " normal " . But that means > NOTHING! NOTHING!! I had to get my free T3 to the upper part of the > so-called normal range to get to the great place I am today, and > with NO hyper as a result. Dommisse (see in FILES) even wants to see > the free T3 range return to the higher one that his lab used to > have!!!! > > Armour has been consistent for decades now. That was an OLD problem. > It is strictly regulated by the US Pharmacopia and the FDA. And > believe me, if it wasn't, the overbearing FDA would let us and them > know it. It's SYNTHROID and LEVOXYL that have been challenged by the > FDA the past few years for inconsistency, for heavens' sakes!! > > Hang in there. Fight for your health. Trust your own instincts about > what you need. It's the only way to get there!! And keep us > informed. And when you do, remind us of your situation. As this > forum keeps growing, we will need reminders about each other's > situation. > > Janie ) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 .. ....this is wonderful.. informative, adorable.. etc etc... could you post it at my group too? We need to get this explanation around it makes it soo simple to understand... Topper () http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Thyroid_Support_Group/ http://toppertwo.tripod.com On Tue, 11 Mar 2003 12:34:02 -0500 " Jobes " writes: > > you did fabulous!! thank you! > > You are welcome. Now remember, I can only tell you what I have > gleaned but > that seems to be it in simplistic terms. As for the Free T4, I > should have > mentioned, this is the stuff that is supposed to become free T3 in > conversion. So, the cycle goes: > Body to brain: Hey, we don't have enough free T3 down here. My > joints don't > have any in them and I'm feeling kinda sluggish.... > Brain to Pituitary: Hey, will you tell that thyroid to get with the > program? They need some Hormones down there. > Pituitary sends TSH to Thyroid: Hey, you lazy lump, carry your > weight! > Thyroid says, I'm working as hard as I can with what I've got! > Body says: Um, brain, did you hear me? We're getting a little chilly > and I'm > going to give you a mighty stress headache if you don't work with me > here! > Brain says: Pituitary, hello? Did you talk to thyroid? Remember, my > tissues > don't convert to T3 and I need some of that up here to tell the rest > of you what to do....get thyroid moving! > Pituitary sends MORE TSH to thyroid: Didn't you hear me? > and so on and so on. So, TSH goes up, Free T4 and Free T3 go down, > now nothing works properly. > > Hope this helps.. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 > In your collective experience if I begin to feel worse before my 6 week lab appt, should I try to convince the dr to up my dosage or is it best to wait for lab numbers? Hi Jill. I am about two pages behind and bet someone else has answered this. But did want to state that is ALWAYS better to go by your symptoms, NOT lab work. The problem is convincing a third-rate doc of this...... TSH can fluctuate, yes. Janie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 Hi Becky welcome to the group, my sister's name is also Becky. What kinds of trouble were you having to decide to be checked for MS? I was new to MS in July of 99 and I was going to a neurologist thinking my diabetes was causing me trouble. I told my doctor I was having trouble with my short term memory and that is when he had me do an MRI. Plus by the time I had seen him for the second time I had gone from using a cane to a walker in a month's time. Many with MS don't end up in a wheelchair or a walker like I use. If you are still able to get around well I would keep doing what you are doing. I had a plumber come to fix a pipe in my home and I found out he also has MS, he was also the owner of the business. I joked with him asking how he stays in such good shape. He told me he does a lot of exercizing to help out. You will find out heat is really hard on your MS. My legs feel like they are in concrete when I get too warm. I try to avoid staying out in the sun too long. I also have short term memory loss so I have learned to keep notes more often.I get my wife angry sometimes when someone calls and I forget to relay the message to her. Many with MS have fatigue trouble, I feel lucky because I have never had trouble with fatigue. Here is a web page that lists different famous people with MS. http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/famous.html I was surprise to see Neal Cavuto from FOX news has MS. He does well to not let his viewers know. After you get diagnosed it is a good idea to get registered with the MS Society they have some useful services to help you out. National MS Society You can find your states chapter from their web page and register with them. Not every state MS Society offer the same items so check with your state chapter. I met two in this group, Lynn and Shirley at a local MS support meeting and those are nice to make use of to meet others with MS. The one we go to is sponsered by the MS Society. If you are interested in your local MS group you should be able to find the location on the MS Society web page. Thanks for joining the group and I hope you make some new friends. My personal web page: MSdiabetes Bill Introduction Thanks to everyone for the welcome. I'll have to admit I'm not very good at this email group thing as I tend to lose track of who wrote what. Sorry!To introduce myself-- my name is Becky, and I am 23 years old. I was diagnosed with MS last Friday (18 February) and I'll have to admit it's a bit scary. Reading the messages here has made me feel much better, though. I had so many preconceived and false notions about what an MS diagnosis means.I'm in the field of special education-- will be starting graduate school in September. Right now I'm working at a university office that services students with learning disabilities. Today was a funny day, actually. I haven't told many people about the diagnosis yet, but today my legs just weren't working properly. I kept stumbling about and bumping into things. At first it was embarassing, but then I just made jokes about it and we all had a laugh. I'll eventually tell my bosses; any advice on that?So far my main problems have been with my legs. I'm thinking you guys are the only people who would understand this statement, but my legs have been numb and painful all at once for weeks now. Then there's the balance and coordination thing. I told my students I was writing an autobiography called Confessions of a Near-Constant Drunk. That's kinda how it feels right now!I guess my main question at the moment is how did you react right after you were diagnosed? On a practical and an emotional level, I'm feeling so many things at one time. I guess I'm just wanting to hear some of your experiences in hopes that some of this will make sense.Again, thanks for the welcomes. I look forward to reading and learning, and hopefully contributing something of my own. This sounds like a great group!Becky-- _______________________________________________Find what you are looking for with the Lycos Yellow Pageshttp://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/http://yellowpages.lycos.com/default.asp?SRC=lycos10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 Becky, Go to www.copingandprevailing.com If youcannot afford to pay for the book send me your mailing address and I will send it to you. Don't worry, there is a lot that you can do to help manage ms. Regards, Tom Introduction > > Thanks to everyone for the welcome. I'll have to admit I'm not very good > at this email group thing as I tend to lose track of who wrote what. > Sorry! > > To introduce myself-- my name is Becky, and I am 23 years old. I was > diagnosed with MS last Friday (18 February) and I'll have to admit it's a > bit scary. Reading the messages here has made me feel much better, > though. I had so many preconceived and false notions about what an MS > diagnosis means. > > I'm in the field of special education-- will be starting graduate school > in September. Right now I'm working at a university office that services > students with learning disabilities. Today was a funny day, actually. I > haven't told many people about the diagnosis yet, but today my legs just > weren't working properly. I kept stumbling about and bumping into things. > At first it was embarassing, but then I just made jokes about it and we > all had a laugh. I'll eventually tell my bosses; any advice on that? > > So far my main problems have been with my legs. I'm thinking you guys are > the only people who would understand this statement, but my legs have been > numb and painful all at once for weeks now. Then there's the balance and > coordination thing. I told my students I was writing an autobiography > called Confessions of a Near-Constant Drunk. That's kinda how it feels > right now! > > I guess my main question at the moment is how did you react right after > you were diagnosed? On a practical and an emotional level, I'm feeling so > many things at one time. I guess I'm just wanting to hear some of your > experiences in hopes that some of this will make sense. > > Again, thanks for the welcomes. I look forward to reading and learning, > and hopefully contributing something of my own. This sounds like a great > group! > > Becky > -- > _______________________________________________ > Find what you are looking for with the Lycos Yellow Pages > http://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/http://yellowpages.lycos.com/default.asp?SRC\ =lycos10 > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 > Hi Becky welcome to the group, my sister's name is also Becky. Thanks for the welcome! > What kinds of trouble were you having to decide to be checked for MS? The whole process started with severe pain in my legs and in my joints. I didn't tell the doctor at that time about the dizzy spells and walking in to walls, etc. that I had been having trouble with because I assumed it wasn't important. Anyway, the pain had been going on for a bit over a year before I saw the doctor about that; I am a survivor of childhood abuse and just assumed this was old injuries catching up with me. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis first and started treatment with NSAIDs. This helped the pain but didn't stop the odd symptoms. Most recently, the weakness in my legs has been causing me to fall frequently. I've also been having increased visual symptoms-- mostly blurry vision in my left eye. The last straw was numbness in my legs that lasted several weeks as well as numbness in my hands and face. My boss encouraged me to get tested for MS. Several lab tests, office tests, and imaging studies later, I have a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS. > having trouble with my short term memory and that is when he had me > do an MRI. Plus by the time I had seen him for the second time I > had gone from using a cane to a walker in a month's time. Thanks for sharing your story. You have been most helpful. > Many with MS don't end up in a wheelchair or a walker like I use. It does seem to be a highly individual disorder. > If you are still able to get around well I would keep doing what > you are doing. Today I haven't been able to walk without holding onto something. My legs are incredibly numb. I'm hoping that tomorrow I'll be able to go to work without falling everywhere. You will find out heat is really hard on your MS. My legs feel like > they are in concrete when I get too warm. Indeed! Falling in the shower taught me that lesson. > out in the sun too long. I also have short term memory loss so I > have learned to keep notes more often.I get my wife angry sometimes > when someone calls and I forget to relay the message to her. It's amazing what we can adapt to, don't you think? I see this in my students constantly. > Many with MS have fatigue trouble, I feel lucky because I have > never had trouble with fatigue. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a comprehensive and wonderful explanation. I really appreciate this. > Here is a web page that lists different famous people with MS. > http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/famous.html *Very* interesting!! > After you get diagnosed it is a good idea to get registered with > the MS Society they have some useful services to help you out. I will indeed check into this. Thanks again. > the same items so check with your state chapter. I met two in this > group, Lynn and Shirley at a local MS support meeting and those are > nice to make use of to meet others with MS. Sounds like a wonderful idea. It is truly nice to speak with others who understand MS. The randomness of MS can be frustrating, it seems, for both those of us who have it and people in our lives. > Thanks for joining the group and I hope you make some new friends. And again, I have to thank you for your message. You've been quite a help to me. Becky -- _______________________________________________ Find what you are looking for with the Lycos Yellow Pages http://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/http://yellowpages.lycos.com/default.asp?SRC\ =lycos10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 Tom, Thanks for your comforting words and your welcome. The book sounds fascinating-- well done! I look forward to reading it and to corresponding with you more. Take care, Becky -- _______________________________________________ Find what you are looking for with the Lycos Yellow Pages http://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/http://yellowpages.lycos.com/default.asp?SRC\ =lycos10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2005 Report Share Posted February 25, 2005 Hi Becky! Spec Ed! Wonderful. ) I don't have a dx myself, though am seeking one. My Mother has her dx and brought me to this loving list. ) The knowledge that I've had symptoms for years wasn't the easiest thing. When I made the decision to move forward and seek a confirmed dx, it was hard. It was an emotional time as I began sharing with more people just what life was doing with me. I couldn't fathom how I'd react if I did get a dx, and I worked hard not to anticipate anything. One lovely woman said "take tissue... no matter what happens, you're going to cry". lol I did. I didn't get my answers. But I cried. LOL Did you expect the dx to come? Hugs, Challis Thanks to everyone for the welcome. I'll have to admit I'm not very good at this email group thing as I tend to lose track of who wrote what. Sorry!To introduce myself-- my name is Becky, and I am 23 years old. I was diagnosed with MS last Friday (18 February) and I'll have to admit it's a bit scary. Reading the messages here has made me feel much better, though. I had so many preconceived and false notions about what an MS diagnosis means.I'm in the field of special education-- will be starting graduate school in September. Right now I'm working at a university office that services students with learning disabilities. Today was a funny day, actually. I haven't told many people about the diagnosis yet, but today my legs just weren't working properly. I kept stumbling about and bumping into things. At first it was embarassing, but then I just made jokes about it and we all had a laugh. I'll eventually tell my bosses; any advice on that?So far my main problems have been with my legs. I'm thinking you guys are the only people who would understand this statement, but my legs have been numb and painful all at once for weeks now. Then there's the balance and coordination thing. I told my students I was writing an autobiography called Confessions of a Near-Constant Drunk. That's kinda how it feels right now!I guess my main question at the moment is how did you react right after you were diagnosed? On a practical and an emotional level, I'm feeling so many things at one time. I guess I'm just wanting to hear some of your experiences in hopes that some of this will make sense.Again, thanks for the welcomes. I look forward to reading and learning, and hopefully contributing something of my own. This sounds like a great group!Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 Hi Welcome to the group. My neurologist told me MS is not a family sickness but since getting my MS are reading people's stories I am not sure about that. It does sound like you may have MS but their are other diseases that mimic MS. Lymes disease is one of them. I always wish I would have had that because it is treatable if it is gotten to soon enough. My neurologist said during my test he was checking for Lupus also. My MRI took about 10 day's to get back. I had no idea what MS was. I knew no one that had it. Bill Introduction Hello!My name is and I found this group while doing a search on the Yahoo Groups page. My neuro is positive I have MS but my MRIs are negative. Have had a few bad spells of not being able to see, walk, talk, dizziness, fatigue, muscle spasms etc. Neuro examinations and history seem to point consistently to MS. My neuro says I present as a textbook MS case. Also have MS in the family - a cousin has it. The neuro says that we can't start treatment until something shows in the MRIs. I have done some reading on MS and it certainly seems to fit with the problems I've been having. I guess I'm frustrated with not knowing for sure what is wrong. Has anyone else gone through this? Any help and support would be greatly appreciated!! On the flip side - I'm in my mid 30s and have two beautiful daughters, ages 1 and 3.5 - could be why I'm tired so much!! I'm a Vice Principal of a local high school. Currently on maturnity leave and will return to work in September. My husband is a Principal of an elementary school and is a wonderful support and very helpful with the girls!!Looking forward to reading future posts, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 Hi , ) You bet MSers have gone through what you are. ) Many of us here still are. lol I think it's great that your Neuro is listening and does see the MS symptoms for what they are. May I ask... what MRIs were done? Brain? Spine? Have you had a Lumbar Puncture, or would you consider it? My Mother has MS. I'm exploring the dx myself now. I believe symptoms began about 10 years ago now. Maybe 9. They picked up around 2000 and just keep making sure I know they're there. <g> I began looking for a dx this past Fall. My wonky vision is said to be 20/20, so I know when I'm not seeing things I don't have to worry (LOL). Yesterday, as I cooked dinner and did laundry (nice and warm), a white 'line' went up through my right eye and I couldn't see much. A few moments later it was gone. Back to the "20/20" that only leaves my right eye not seeing much. LOL I have had an MRI of my brain, and nothing showed. I'm numb all the time. Spasms, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, all the fun stuff. My Neuro told me it was in my head, I was depressed, and hoped to fault my breastfeeding. LOL I've said I'll see another Ophthalmologist and another Neuro and go for a spinal MRI. Still waiting for me to decide to actually do it though. <g> Some times it does take a while for the lesions to show on an MRI. For some, they never show in certain fields (an MRI of the brain, but will on the spine). A good friend of my Mom's was dx'd via Lumbar Puncture and sx presentation. Her MRI showed nothing. My husband and I have four children, with a fifth tossed in for fun. ) The last so-many years we've raised my ½-brother, who is now 18½... and we have two sons who are 18 and 14½, and two daughters who are 5 years and 20 months. Nice to meet you. ) Challis Hello!My name is and I found this group while doing a search on the Yahoo Groups page. My neuro is positive I have MS but my MRIs are negative. Have had a few bad spells of not being able to see, walk, talk, dizziness, fatigue, muscle spasms etc. Neuro examinations and history seem to point consistently to MS. My neuro says I present as a textbook MS case. Also have MS in the family - a cousin has it. The neuro says that we can't start treatment until something shows in the MRIs. I have done some reading on MS and it certainly seems to fit with the problems I've been having. I guess I'm frustrated with not knowing for sure what is wrong. Has anyone else gone through this? Any help and support would be greatly appreciated!! On the flip side - I'm in my mid 30s and have two beautiful daughters, ages 1 and 3.5 - could be why I'm tired so much!! I'm a Vice Principal of a local high school. Currently on maturnity leave and will return to work in September. My husband is a Principal of an elementary school and is a wonderful support and very helpful with the girls!!Looking forward to reading future posts, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2005 Report Share Posted April 9, 2005 Hi , welcome to the group. it took 4 years for lesions to pop out after my first MS symptoms. So don't give up. But call your neuro if your current symptoms get worse or you get new MS symptoms. Hang around. We know what you're going through. Good luck, Shirleyadrimeili wrote: Hello!My name is and I found this group while doing a search on the Yahoo Groups page. My neuro is positive I have MS but my MRIs are negative. Have had a few bad spells of not being able to see, walk, talk, dizziness, fatigue, muscle spasms etc. Neuro examinations and history seem to point consistently to MS. My neuro says I present as a textbook MS case. Also have MS in the family - a cousin has it. The neuro says that we can't start treatment until something shows in the MRIs. I have done some reading on MS and it certainly seems to fit with the problems I've been having. I guess I'm frustrated with not knowing for sure what is wrong. Has anyone else gone through this? Any help and support would be greatly appreciated!! On the flip side - I'm in my mid 30s and have two beautiful daughters, ages 1 and 3.5 - could be why I'm tired so much!! I'm a Vice Principal of a local high school. Currently on maturnity leave and will return to work in September. My husband is a Principal of an elementary school and is a wonderful support and very helpful with the girls!!Looking forward to reading future posts, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2005 Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 Hi Lori, Welcome! ) I'm sorry you have MS, though glad you have your answers, and look forward to getting to know you better. ) A nice chunk of my family hails from Georgia. They grow lovely people there. lol ) Your email address seems very familiar. Any chance we've met on another list somewhere?? Hugs, Challis ~~ Seeking my dx;Daughter of a wise MSer;Mother of four, Mothering a fifth;Married to a wonderful man. "The more I know the more I know I need to know"~~~~~~~~ Hi all. Just wanted to throw a quick introduction out there to you. My name is Lori and I am 34 years old and the mother of 2 children. I live in extreme NW GA and have just this week been clinically diagnosed. I have been in limbo for the past year, but thankfully (I think), changes on the MRI caused me to be sent for an LP which came back positive. I am waiting on insurance to approve the CRABs and I hope to get started fighting this MonSter within a week or so. I hope to gain a wealth of information here...can't wait to meet you all. Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2005 Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 Welcome Lori, I too am 34 with 2 kids so I know that boat you are in Good luck to you. Welcome to the site, there are great people here to help you out in any way and just to listen if you need that . Again, welcome, Kim in nebraska Introduction Hi all. Just wanted to throw a quick introduction out there to you. My name is Lori and I am 34 years old and the mother of 2 children. I live in extreme NW GA and have just this week been clinically diagnosed. I have been in limbo for the past year, but thankfully (I think), changes on the MRI caused me to be sent for an LP which came back positive. I am waiting on insurance to approve the CRABs and I hope to get started fighting this MonSter within a week or so. I hope to gain a wealth of information here...can't wait to meet you all. Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2005 Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 Hi Lori, my sister lives in Sharpsburg. I live in upstate NY. Which CRAB are you leaning toward? Welcome here, cheerchixmom@... wrote: Hi all. Just wanted to throw a quick introduction out there to you. My name is Lori and I am 34 years old and the mother of 2 children. I live in extreme NW GA and have just this week been clinically diagnosed. I have been in limbo for the past year, but thankfully (I think), changes on the MRI caused me to be sent for an LP which came back positive. I am waiting on insurance to approve the CRABs and I hope to get started fighting this MonSter within a week or so. I hope to gain a wealth of information here...can't wait to meet you all. Lori __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2005 Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 Hi Lori, Welcome, I am not a doctor. Check into "Ashton Emry's Best Bet Diet". Just my opinion but don't rush into anything. There is a lot that you can do to help yourself. Go to www.copingandprevailing.com If you cannot afford to pay for the book or books send me your mailing address. Regards, Tom Introduction Hi all. Just wanted to throw a quick introduction out there to you. My name is Lori and I am 34 years old and the mother of 2 children. I live in extreme NW GA and have just this week been clinically diagnosed. I have been in limbo for the past year, but thankfully (I think), changes on the MRI caused me to be sent for an LP which came back positive. I am waiting on insurance to approve the CRABs and I hope to get started fighting this MonSter within a week or so. I hope to gain a wealth of information here...can't wait to meet you all. Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 23, 2005 Report Share Posted April 23, 2005 Hi Lori welcome to MSersLife my name is Bill and I have had my MS now since Aug of 99, here is my personal web page about my MS and Diabetes. MSdiabetes I have been on Copaxone now for several year's and I do well with it. The MS meds seem to treat us all different just like the MS. I have great luck with Copaxone and other's have trouble with it and switch to one of the other CRAB meds. I have been on both Avonex and Copaxone. I like Copaxone because I get no side effects from taking it where as Avonex has several side effects. Most who take Avonex just learn to adjust to the side effects. I use a walker all the time because I have no balance with my MS and I also have bladder trouble. I have alway's felt lucky because I don't have the fatigue trouble like many do. I do have trouble with heat, short term memory, balance and bladder. I am also on disability because of my MS. What kind of health trouble do you have with your MS? Do you have any walking trouble? Do you work? Bill Introduction Hi all. Just wanted to throw a quick introduction out there to you. My name is Lori and I am 34 years old and the mother of 2 children. I live in extreme NW GA and have just this week been clinically diagnosed. I have been in limbo for the past year, but thankfully (I think), changes on the MRI caused me to be sent for an LP which came back positive. I am waiting on insurance to approve the CRABs and I hope to get started fighting this MonSter within a week or so. I hope to gain a wealth of information here...can't wait to meet you all. Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2005 Report Share Posted August 7, 2005 Hi, Anita! Glad to have you, and am looking forward to getting to know you better. My name is Bev, and I'm a SAHM, too. My kids are 8, 6, and 2. We live in Arkansas. Just jump right in! Bev. Introduction Hi! i just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Anita and I am from Central Illinois. I "supposedly" have secondary progressive MS, however I think that it acts more like R & R. Course, I guess it depends on the doctor too. I am a stay at home mom with four children (14,13, 12, and 8). I also run a daycare from my home. For the moment it is a job that I can do, even on my not so good days. I look forward to meeting you all, and getting to know you. Thanks for the welcome! Anita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 Hi Anita! ) I'm Challis and I live out in Arizona, where my husband, , and I raise/have-raised our four children with a bonus fifth. Ours are Josh (my ½-brother), who is nearing 19... , 18½... , a couple weeks from 15... Jenna, 5... and Maya, 2 years and two days. lol We Homeschool and run a business. Okay, it's my husband's work, but he credits me with the "office" end of that. lol I only do that stuff so the IRS doesn't haul us both off. LOL I used to provide childcare from my home, after leaving a job in Nutrition Services. Loved the kids! My longest held "clients" were my brother's and cousin's kids. It's been a few years now since I did any of that. ) I've no dx, but wouldn't mind getting one someday. My last attempt didn't go so well. So I'm raising the energy to try again? LOL My Mother has MS. She's here, too. ) It's nice to meet you. Challis Hi! i just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Anita and I am from Central Illinois. I "supposedly" have secondary progressive MS, however I think that it acts more like R & R. Course, I guess it depends on the doctor too. I am a stay at home mom with four children (14,13, 12, and 8). I also run a daycare from my home. For the moment it is a job that I can do, even on my not so good days. I look forward to meeting you all, and getting to know you. Thanks for the welcome! Anita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 10, 2005 Report Share Posted August 10, 2005 What a lovely intro! ) , it's nice to meet you! I've been to your little (lol) town before. When I lived up in Watertown and Fort Drum I got to visit the Buffalo area often. Mostly ville, Tonawanda, Amherst, etc. And, of course, "The Falls". LOL Had my first curly fries with vinegar in Lockport. lol I went to a Fourth of July fireworks display at a park up there... not sure of the name now. Oak something? Anyway, it was just awesome!! Loved how they did it. ) I hope everything goes great with the Rebif. I remember when my Mother was to start Avonex and was scheduled for someone to come out and "teach" her how to do it. She was not looking forward to it. I was supposed to be there when the appointment finally came, but Mom pulled out that old independent indignation and did herself... then told me about it later. She's a heck of a woman, ya know. ) Good *luck*!! Hope we get to see more of you around here. ) Challis Dear Groupies - After lurking and reading about all of you for over a month now, please allow me to introduce myself.It all started with double vision and some right-side numbness the last week of June, and ended with a definite diagnosis on July 26. Of course that was after a CAT scan, MRI, spinal tap, 2 courses of IV sterioids, etc. I have awesome doctors here in Buffalo (the hot-bed of MS, I am told.) I am to start on Rebif next Tuesday. I hate needles, but after all of the other procedures, I think I can handle it.My current 'condition' is some numbness in my lower legs, a very numb 'band' above my right knee, and some slighty blurred vision. Every morning is a new 'inventory' of feelings. Some days the legs feel pretty good, and the tops of my forearms are numb. Other days the back of my head feels numb. It's interesting to see what each new day will bring. :)This group has been a Godsend. When I was confused, your messages helped clear the fog. When I was scared, you calmed me down. When I was sad, you made me laugh (you are a funny bunch!) You are my sanity in this very insane process, and I thank you all for that.I'll go back to lurking now. I may ask a bunch of questions after I start the Rebif. For those that are newly diagnosed or pre-diagnosis, please feel free to ask the group about all of the crazy emotions you are feeling right now. They certainly helped to 'talk me down' from all of the anxiety I was having.Thanks again for having me be a part of your wonderful group.42 Buffalo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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