New.. Introl.. Been Lurking

[Guest guest]

Hi my name is Tammy. I have been lurking for a few weeks and thought that I'd take a few minutes to say hello and introduce myself, since I'm having a good day YEAH! Seems the good days are few and far between lately.

So here goes....

I am a 33 year old mother of six wonderful children who range in age from 17 to 2. My fiancé is phenomenal so I am so very lucky to have lots of support and help. I had been working as a Home Health Aid till recently when the neuro gave me some very needed time off.

I am currently in the process of being diagnosed. My symptoms became impossible to ignore in October of 2003. Extreme fatigue, difficulty brushing and washing hair or using arms at all. Difficulty walking up steps. I began a series of going to the doctor and being tested for mono etc. Told by the doc that I must have a virus. In February I had the first extreme "episode" where I could barely get off the couch. It hurt to touch my skin, fatigue was extreme, difficulty breathing, pain in across lower ribs. It lasted for about a week. The doc ran some blood tests, all of which were normal except for a slightly elevated sedrate, did an upper GI and a chest xray to test for lupus, types of arthritis and possible lymphomas. Diagnosis, doc decided to prescribe anti inflammatory and thought I should discontinue my adderal (have taken since 2002 for adult ADHD) and repeat the sedrate in a month. Well to make a long story a little shorter it didn't help. I did get a little better but still had a terrible time with tasks such as washing hair, walking up steps etc. I would however have good days where the symptoms would almost disappear. Seen the doc numerous times and was told they didn't know because I didn't have classic symptoms of anything. Discouraged and tired of being treated like I was crazy I decided to try to ignore it and just live. However that became nearly impossible this summer. With the advice of one of my patients I contacted a doctor she recommended to be a very good diagnostician. I went to see him and he actually listened! He then looked at me and said well one thing comes to mind and I'm sure you've thought of it (which I had but quickly dismissed it!) and that's MS. Funny how it is such a shock to hear it from a doctor. I had thought I was prepared for anything. So off to the neurologist. He asked what the doctor thought I had and I told him MS and he said that's what he had thought also. He did some basic things in the office, walk on tip toes etc. Then scheduled me for an MRI and additional blood work. Then back to see him September 20th.

Sorry this is so long, I have lots of questions but will post them later. I wanted to introduce myself before I started asking.

Thanks for reading,

Tammy

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the welcome Sharon. May I ask why the move to Alaska? I keep thinking how ironic it is that the heat affects me so negatively and I hate the cold

Tammy

Re: New.. Introl.. Been Lurking

Welcome to our group Tammy. I look forward to getting to know you here on the group. My name is Sharon and I created this group several years ago when I was searching for good group of caring people to share with and learn from. I couldn't find what I wanted so I created this group and the caring people have appeared! I'm not around here on the group much lately and Lynn has stepped up to fill my shoes. I am preparing to move from our farm in the Arizona mountains to our new homestead in Alaska!

I'm glad you found a doctor who was willing to say "MS". So many of them aren't or just don't have the knowledge to consider it.

Glad to meet you!

Sharon (MSersLife creator/owner)

"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life." -Burton Hills

JN wrote:

Hi my name is Tammy. I have been lurking for a few weeks and thought that I'd take a few minutes to say hello and introduce myself, since I'm having a good day YEAH! Seems the good days are few and far between lately.

So here goes....

I am a 33 year old mother of six wonderful children who range in age from 17 to 2. My fiancé is phenomenal so I am so very lucky to have lots of support and help. I had been working as a Home Health Aid till recently when the neuro gave me some very needed time off.

I am currently in the process of being diagnosed. My symptoms became impossible to ignore in October of 2003. Extreme fatigue, difficulty brushing and washing hair or using arms at all. Difficulty walking up steps. I began a series of going to the doctor and being tested for mono etc. Told by the doc that I must have a virus. In February I had the first extreme "episode" where I could barely get off the couch. It hurt to touch my skin, fatigue was extreme, difficulty breathing, pain in across lower ribs. It lasted for about a week. The doc ran some blood tests, all of which were normal except for a slightly elevated sedrate, did an upper GI and a chest xray to test for lupus, types of arthritis and possible lymphomas. Diagnosis, doc decided to prescribe anti inflammatory and thought I should discontinue my adderal (have taken since 2002 for adult ADHD) and repeat the sedrate in a month. Well to make a long story a little shorter it didn't help. I did get a little better but still had a terrible time with tasks such as washing hair, walking up steps etc. I would however have good days where the symptoms would almost disappear. Seen the doc numerous times and was told they didn't know because I didn't have classic symptoms of anything. Discouraged and tired of being treated like I was crazy I decided to try to ignore it and just live. However that became nearly impossible this summer. With the advice of one of my patients I contacted a doctor she recommended to be a very good diagnostician. I went to see him and he actually listened! He then looked at me and said well one thing comes to mind and I'm sure you've thought of it (which I had but quickly dismissed it!) and that's MS. Funny how it is such a shock to hear it from a doctor. I had thought I was prepared for anything. So off to the neurologist. He asked what the doctor thought I had and I told him MS and he said that's what he had thought also. He did some basic things in the office, walk on tip toes etc. Then scheduled me for an MRI and additional blood work. Then back to see him September 20th.

Sorry this is so long, I have lots of questions but will post them later. I wanted to introduce myself before I started asking.

Thanks for reading,

Tammy

Sharon (MSersLife creator/owner)

"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life." -Burton Hills

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Bill, and thanks for the welcome It seems the heat intensifies my symptoms dramatically. The funny thing is that I have a difficult time getting warm. My hands and feet are freezing most of the time. But this summer I have noticed that the heat and humidity seem to intensify the episodes. Almost instantly. Stress also intensifys it.

I know what you mean about the memory! I have a big problem with the memory as well as just finding the correct words in conversation. I have a 3 inch binder/notebook that I have put together which has all information I may need on a daily basis which goes with me almost anywhere. It has a calendar, sections for every family member, to do lists, grocery lists, medication lists etc. It's a big help but with the difficulty I have been experiencing with writing I think I may need to try to eventually invest in something electronic instead.

Hand controls.. awesome! I have a lot of difficulty with my hands and arms however so not sure something like that would work for me. Turning the steering wheel is almost impossible some days.

It was great meeting you Bill and thanks again.

Tammy

New.. Introl.. Been Lurking

Hi my name is Tammy. I have been lurking for a few weeks and thought that I'd take a few minutes to say hello and introduce myself, since I'm having a good day YEAH! Seems the good days are few and far between lately.

So here goes....

I am a 33 year old mother of six wonderful children who range in age from 17 to 2. My fiancé is phenomenal so I am so very lucky to have lots of support and help. I had been working as a Home Health Aid till recently when the neuro gave me some very needed time off.

I am currently in the process of being diagnosed. My symptoms became impossible to ignore in October of 2003. Extreme fatigue, difficulty brushing and washing hair or using arms at all. Difficulty walking up steps. I began a series of going to the doctor and being tested for mono etc. Told by the doc that I must have a virus. In February I had the first extreme "episode" where I could barely get off the couch. It hurt to touch my skin, fatigue was extreme, difficulty breathing, pain in across lower ribs. It lasted for about a week. The doc ran some blood tests, all of which were normal except for a slightly elevated sedrate, did an upper GI and a chest xray to test for lupus, types of arthritis and possible lymphomas. Diagnosis, doc decided to prescribe anti inflammatory and thought I should discontinue my adderal (have taken since 2002 for adult ADHD) and repeat the sedrate in a month. Well to make a long story a little shorter it didn't help. I did get a little better but still had a terrible time with tasks such as washing hair, walking up steps etc. I would however have good days where the symptoms would almost disappear. Seen the doc numerous times and was told they didn't know because I didn't have classic symptoms of anything. Discouraged and tired of being treated like I was crazy I decided to try to ignore it and just live. However that became nearly impossible this summer. With the advice of one of my patients I contacted a doctor she recommended to be a very good diagnostician. I went to see him and he actually listened! He then looked at me and said well one thing comes to mind and I'm sure you've thought of it (which I had but quickly dismissed it!) and that's MS. Funny how it is such a shock to hear it from a doctor. I had thought I was prepared for anything. So off to the neurologist. He asked what the doctor thought I had and I told him MS and he said that's what he had thought also. He did some basic things in the office, walk on tip toes etc. Then scheduled me for an MRI and additional blood work. Then back to see him September 20th.

Sorry this is so long, I have lots of questions but will post them later. I wanted to introduce myself before I started asking.

Thanks for reading,

Tammy

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for the welcome Lynn. I do feel very lucky to have found a doctor who will finally listen. I had actually seen numerous specialists during the last year. My old family doctor had sent me to them to deal with the individual symptoms. It seemed she wouldn't slow down enough to hear and see the whole picture I was trying to explain to her. What a frustrating process to feel like it's all "in your head".

Yesterday was a bad day! Intense pain and fatigue. Poor Joe (my fiancee`) tries so hard to help but it's very difficult for me to admit that I cannot do certain normal everyday things for myself like wash & brush my hair. I'm considering getting it cut but I just hate to do it

Thanks Again.. I look forward to getting to know everyone here.

Tammy

New.. Introl.. Been Lurking

Hi my name is Tammy. I have been lurking for a few weeks and thought that I'd take a few minutes to say hello and introduce myself, since I'm having a good day YEAH! Seems the good days are few and far between lately.

So here goes....

I am a 33 year old mother of six wonderful children who range in age from 17 to 2. My fiancé is phenomenal so I am so very lucky to have lots of support and help. I had been working as a Home Health Aid till recently when the neuro gave me some very needed time off.

I am currently in the process of being diagnosed. My symptoms became impossible to ignore in October of 2003. Extreme fatigue, difficulty brushing and washing hair or using arms at all. Difficulty walking up steps. I began a series of going to the doctor and being tested for mono etc. Told by the doc that I must have a virus. In February I had the first extreme "episode" where I could barely get off the couch. It hurt to touch my skin, fatigue was extreme, difficulty breathing, pain in across lower ribs. It lasted for about a week. The doc ran some blood tests, all of which were normal except for a slightly elevated sedrate, did an upper GI and a chest xray to test for lupus, types of arthritis and possible lymphomas. Diagnosis, doc decided to prescribe anti inflammatory and thought I should discontinue my adderal (have taken since 2002 for adult ADHD) and repeat the sedrate in a month. Well to make a long story a little shorter it didn't help. I did get a little better but still had a terrible time with tasks such as washing hair, walking up steps etc. I would however have good days where the symptoms would almost disappear. Seen the doc numerous times and was told they didn't know because I didn't have classic symptoms of anything. Discouraged and tired of being treated like I was crazy I decided to try to ignore it and just live. However that became nearly impossible this summer. With the advice of one of my patients I contacted a doctor she recommended to be a very good diagnostician. I went to see him and he actually listened! He then looked at me and said well one thing comes to mind and I'm sure you've thought of it (which I had but quickly dismissed it!) and that's MS. Funny how it is such a shock to hear it from a doctor. I had thought I was prepared for anything. So off to the neurologist. He asked what the doctor thought I had and I told him MS and he said that's what he had thought also. He did some basic things in the office, walk on tip toes etc. Then scheduled me for an MRI and additional blood work. Then back to see him September 20th.

Sorry this is so long, I have lots of questions but will post them later. I wanted to introduce myself before I started asking.

Thanks for reading,

Tammy

[Guest guest]

Hi Tammy

We had a fellow that joined the group a long time ago that gave new people wanting new info about MS some really bad info. He made getting MS to be the worse thing that could happen to you. He was wrong MS can make big changes in your life but it isn't a deadly disease and most people learn to deal with there condition and get on with life. MS is not usually suppose to shorten your life span. What was funny about the guy is he took some medical classes and was diagnosing him self thinking he had MS. I kept in touch with him for a while afterhe left the group and he finally got a diagnosis of having Fibromyalgia.

http://home.insightbb.com/~msdiabetes/msgrouphelp.htm

When I see new info about MS I add it to my collection.

Bill

New.. Introl.. Been Lurking

Hi my name is Tammy. I have been lurking for a few weeks and thought that I'd take a few minutes to say hello and introduce myself, since I'm having a good day YEAH! Seems the good days are few and far between lately.

So here goes....

I am a 33 year old mother of six wonderful children who range in age from 17 to 2. My fiancé is phenomenal so I am so very lucky to have lots of support and help. I had been working as a Home Health Aid till recently when the neuro gave me some very needed time off.

I am currently in the process of being diagnosed. My symptoms became impossible to ignore in October of 2003. Extreme fatigue, difficulty brushing and washing hair or using arms at all. Difficulty walking up steps. I began a series of going to the doctor and being tested for mono etc. Told by the doc that I must have a virus. In February I had the first extreme "episode" where I could barely get off the couch. It hurt to touch my skin, fatigue was extreme, difficulty breathing, pain in across lower ribs. It lasted for about a week. The doc ran some blood tests, all of which were normal except for a slightly elevated sedrate, did an upper GI and a chest xray to test for lupus, types of arthritis and possible lymphomas. Diagnosis, doc decided to prescribe anti inflammatory and thought I should discontinue my adderal (have taken since 2002 for adult ADHD) and repeat the sedrate in a month. Well to make a long story a little shorter it didn't help. I did get a little better but still had a terrible time with tasks such as washing hair, walking up steps etc. I would however have good days where the symptoms would almost disappear. Seen the doc numerous times and was told they didn't know because I didn't have classic symptoms of anything. Discouraged and tired of being treated like I was crazy I decided to try to ignore it and just live. However that became nearly impossible this summer. With the advice of one of my patients I contacted a doctor she recommended to be a very good diagnostician. I went to see him and he actually listened! He then looked at me and said well one thing comes to mind and I'm sure you've thought of it (which I had but quickly dismissed it!) and that's MS. Funny how it is such a shock to hear it from a doctor. I had thought I was prepared for anything. So off to the neurologist. He asked what the doctor thought I had and I told him MS and he said that's what he had thought also. He did some basic things in the office, walk on tip toes etc. Then scheduled me for an MRI and additional blood work. Then back to see him September 20th.

Sorry this is so long, I have lots of questions but will post them later. I wanted to introduce myself before I started asking.

Thanks for reading,

Tammy

[Guest guest]

Hi Tammy, Welcome to our group. Hang in there!

This is a great group of people that are here to help each other. So if you have any questions just need to talk....go for it!

My name is Kim, I'm 34 and have had MS since '01. I'm married with 2 kids (6 and 4).

What state do you live in?

Take care,

God Bless,

Kim in Nebraska

Re: New.. Introl.. Been Lurking

Welcome to our group Tammy. I look forward to getting to know you here on the group. My name is Sharon and I created this group several years ago when I was searching for good group of caring people to share with and learn from. I couldn't find what I wanted so I created this group and the caring people have appeared! I'm not around here on the group much lately and Lynn has stepped up to fill my shoes. I am preparing to move from our farm in the Arizona mountains to our new homestead in Alaska!

I'm glad you found a doctor who was willing to say "MS". So many of them aren't or just don't have the knowledge to consider it.

Glad to meet you!

Sharon (MSersLife creator/owner)

"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life." -Burton Hills

JN wrote:

Hi my name is Tammy. I have been lurking for a few weeks and thought that I'd take a few minutes to say hello and introduce myself, since I'm having a good day YEAH! Seems the good days are few and far between lately.

So here goes....

I am a 33 year old mother of six wonderful children who range in age from 17 to 2. My fiancé is phenomenal so I am so very lucky to have lots of support and help. I had been working as a Home Health Aid till recently when the neuro gave me some very needed time off.

I am currently in the process of being diagnosed. My symptoms became impossible to ignore in October of 2003. Extreme fatigue, difficulty brushing and washing hair or using arms at all. Difficulty walking up steps. I began a series of going to the doctor and being tested for mono etc. Told by the doc that I must have a virus. In February I had the first extreme "episode" where I could barely get off the couch. It hurt to touch my skin, fatigue was extreme, difficulty breathing, pain in across lower ribs. It lasted for about a week. The doc ran some blood tests, all of which were normal except for a slightly elevated sedrate, did an upper GI and a chest xray to test for lupus, types of arthritis and possible lymphomas. Diagnosis, doc decided to prescribe anti inflammatory and thought I should discontinue my adderal (have taken since 2002 for adult ADHD) and repeat the sedrate in a month. Well to make a long story a little shorter it didn't help. I did get a little better but still had a terrible time with tasks such as washing hair, walking up steps etc. I would however have good days where the symptoms would almost disappear. Seen the doc numerous times and was told they didn't know because I didn't have classic symptoms of anything. Discouraged and tired of being treated like I was crazy I decided to try to ignore it and just live. However that became nearly impossible this summer. With the advice of one of my patients I contacted a doctor she recommended to be a very good diagnostician. I went to see him and he actually listened! He then looked at me and said well one thing comes to mind and I'm sure you've thought of it (which I had but quickly dismissed it!) and that's MS. Funny how it is such a shock to hear it from a doctor. I had thought I was prepared for anything. So off to the neurologist. He asked what the doctor thought I had and I told him MS and he said that's what he had thought also. He did some basic things in the office, walk on tip toes etc. Then scheduled me for an MRI and additional blood work. Then back to see him September 20th.

Sorry this is so long, I have lots of questions but will post them later. I wanted to introduce myself before I started asking.

Thanks for reading,

Tammy

Sharon (MSersLife creator/owner)

"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life." -Burton Hills

__________________________________________________