New member saying thanks !

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am a new member and wanted to take the time to say thank you for

being so open, honest and willing to answer questions and fill in the

blanks. I am sure there are many of us who are scared and confused

about sypmtoms, treatments and our futures. Just checking in every

day and knowing there are others going through the same thing is so

comforting.

I am 39 years old and have been having symptoms for about 4-5 years.

Over the past 2 years or so I have been being treated for Lupus. They

have just lumped the other symptoms as an undefined connective tissue

disorder. Now they are finally trying to pin it down to MS. Not the

diagnosis anyone ever wants, but at least maybe I will have some

answers. Over the past month my symptoms have increased more than

usual. My children ( I have 4 daughters) have started noticing that I

garble a few words here and there and drop off a few words at the end

of a thought. At first they just kind of chuckled thinking I was

kidding or messing around but we have finally talked to them about

the upcoming tests and I can see that look in their eyes now when

they realize what is happening.

I do have a question that I hope someone can help me with....In the

midst of all the testing and diagnosing, my insurance got cancelled.

I had been self-employed for about 6 years. ( not really working now

for about a year ). My premiums were up-to-date and we had no prior

knowledge that they could just cancel it, but apparently they can. I

am now set up on every payment plan you can imagine with all of my

Duke physicians. I read that the MS foundation may have funding to

help cover MRI's....is this correct and what is the criteria for this?

I am set up to have an MRI Monday ( May 1) and to see a neurologist

Wednesday ( May 3). Thanks for any input. I am sorry I was so long

winded on my first post. I look forward to learning more about each

of you and thanks again for letting us know we are not alone .

(NC)