saw neuro today, plan in place now

[michelleric]

Been a long day.  Saw neuro today. I was dx with RRMS in April 09. no DMD prescribed then.  Plan was to follow-up with her in 3 months, and see neuro-ophthalmologist in between for eye check.

Saw ophthalmologist last month, dx optic neuritis (again), vision is bad. It is almost 6 months later, so the vision loss is "probably" permanent at this point.

I am not well today. in fact, I haven't been well in probably 6 months. Things are worsening, bad cramps in foot, calves and hand. My hands are weak now and I don't write well these days. had UTI last month, The list goes on and on of symptoms which I wont go into at this point.

So had the whole neuro exam today:

Timed walking, heel/toe walking, foot in front of the other, reflexes, eyes, nose/finger touching, etc.  I am having a bad day, I knew I was and they saw it. I wasn't even speaking correctly, which is not new for me. The wrong word for the wrong things, etc.

So, here is the outcome:  I am overwhelmed with the changes, but I do believe they will be helpful (knock on wood) and am willing to try anything at this point.

1)Next week, IV steroids for 3 days then a taper

2) new med for bedtime for cramping and hopefully to sleep better

3) Get AFO. ( I was supposed to have this 2 months ago, neuro upset I didnt have it and referred me elsewhere. I am going Monday)

4) Start Copaxone.

So, that's the news from the day. Quite full.  To top it all off, my dog has kidney disease, and he tried to attack one of my kids today. (NEVER has done this, he is a very gentle dog, a wheaten terrier, but I knew he wasn't feeling well today, and I am pretty sure he is in pain). Taking him to the vet tomorrow and I don't have a good feeling about it.  The sadness and loss might continue in our lives...He is a WONDERFUL dog. Has been sick for about 2 years now. I am pretty sure he is getting worse. Actually I know he is getting worse. OK, the tears are coming, gotta go.

Thanks for reading and being here,
Michelle

[LLWB]

YOU MUST BE EXHAUSTED FROM SUCH A LONG STRESSFUL DAY. I'M HOPING YOUR SPASMS EASE AND YOU CAN GET SOME REST TONIGHT. I DON'T LIKE STEROIDS EITHER, BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU NEED THEM!!! MAYBE THEY WILL HELP GET YOUR SX'S UNDER BETTER CONTROL. I TOO AM SORRY TO HEAR YOUR FURKID IS UNWELL.

YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS. I WILL PRAY FOR GOOD NEWS AT THE VETS TOMORROW. IT'S SO HARD TO SEE OUR BELOVED PETS IN PAIN.


((((((hugs & prayers))))))

MAGGIE

[Eyesnlegs]

No more to add just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you.

((((hugs))))
Pat x

[PastorDan]

Michelle, I do indeed feel for you, with all you've been through, and now to have the dog not well.  Wheatens are such beautiful dogs, too.  You and he will be in our prayers tonight.  Thanks for the update, now get some rest.

[michelleric]

Thank you for all your supportive comments about my sweet doggie. He seems better, but I will still be taking him tomorrow and see what the vet says.

Terry,
I looked at your pics and your sweetie wheatie looks just like my dog. They are the best, aren't they? Maybe he has MS??? He does look good, just doesn't seem to be getting around quite as well, perhaps he needs more exercise and just "push himself". Also a positive attitude might help too?

I am laughing now. Gosh, my dog could almost be the poster child (dog) for ms, or some other invisible symptom disease. Funny.

Lulu,
The reason the IV is next week starting Thursday. It has to be 3 days in a row, and I am working Wednesday, The 1st day is done at the hospital and the next 2 are at my house. I still feel hesitant about it, I really really do not like steroids. I am on the fence about it at the moment. So , it is my doing.

Thanks again to all you wonderful people,
Michelle

[biowham]

I am glad you have a treatment plan but sorry that they waited so long to implement everything. And I'm really sorry about your dog; we lost our long-time dachshund a year-and-a-half ago. It's tough.

Bio

[saveone]

A plan is always good but it also makes us realize if we need a plan then there must be a problem.  In other words it brings with the good and a large dose of reality.  It is okay to cry...for a little while.  Everyone needs to grieve.

I also have a wheaton terrier.  His pic is on my profile.  I know what a wonderful breed they are and that their family is important to them.  I am not sure how far his kidney problems have gone but don't give up until you speak with the vet.  He too may have been having a bad day.  Just watch over him and keep your children safe.  Young ones don't have the capacity to fully understand their friend is ill and doesn't want to play.  After all he looks fine.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  Be good to yourself, rest and give yourself permission to grieve.

(((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))

terry

[rendean]

I'm glad you're finally on the right road to getting some relief from your symptoms.
Sending best wishes that the new drug for spasms works for you tonight so you can get some much needed rest.

Let us know how your dog is doing after the vet visit. He is part of your family and therefore falls under the umbrella of forum well wishes.  So sorry he is ill as well. Hopefully, the vet can get him back on track.

Big Hugs,
Ren

[supermum_ms]

Dear Michelle

Wow, what a year your having, hope it gets better for you soon!

Take care

JJ

[Lulu54]

Can we just hurry up and say goodbye to 2009?  This has been a horrible year for you, and it sounds like it is just continuing.

Frist let me say I'm sorry about your dog - I know they become a part of your family.  And he is lucky that you will take care of him and keep his best interests in mind.

Bravo for the CC neuro to finally take the right step and get you on a dmd.  It is about time - this has been really sloppy medical care for you since this spring.   I am in disbelief that they aren't starting you immediately on the solumedrol, but making you wait.  

We can chat whenever you want about the copaxone - there are lots of us here using it successfully.  But that conversation can wait.

Right now I hope you can get some sleep, take care of your dog tomorrow, rest over the weekend and get that IV going early next week.    

Take care of yourself - and check back in when you can.

love,
L

[Wobbly]

Hi there, sorry to hear your going through so much and to add on that your dog is not well too.  I hope the meds you receive next week help with all the symptoms you are having and my thoughts are with you..

I too have a older dog that is having problems, it's not a easy situation.  Be strong and I hope for the best for you and your dog.  Take care and let us know how thing are going.

Hugs
wobbly
dx

[goofysmom1]

I am so sorry to hear about your pain.  I am sad to hear about your dog - please let us know what the vet says tomorrow.  

Sounds like you have a good plan in place - I hope that you can get some relief with the meds that the doctor is going to put you on.

Hang in there & let us know if we can help!

Hugs,
Chrisy

[HVAC]

Sorry about your pain.

I am very sorry about your dog as well.

For me a good cry would be in order. So much in one day.

hang in there,
Alex

[Udkas]

Hi Michelle,
Gee when it rains it pours!  So many changes must be difficult, so soon.  Thinking of you and your dog, I do hope it works out at the vets.

I hope that the new meds bring you some relief.

Many forum goers are on copaxone so I am sure you will get some good advice.

I found IV steriods made me feel so much better, so I hope that they help you.

I am not sure what or if any advice to give other than I am sending cyber hugs your way.

I hope you have a good support network.

Take care, I hope you get some improvement. Thinking of you,
Udkas.