One year anniversary of being officially diagnosed with MS

[Fluffysmom]

Today, October 19, marks a year of my having been diagnosed.  It was a 20 month battle to reach the point of diagnosis after that first MRI that had the report that stated "far and away most likely to be multiple sclerosis; my fourth neurologist diagnosed me, and two weeks later I started self-injecting with Avonex.  I wouldn't have made it to diagnosis without the help of Quix and so many others here on this forum.

What a year; being happy and relieved at having a name put on these odd malfunctions my body has, trying to learn to life with the reality of it, and wondering what the future brings.  Will I have another long remission like the one in which I lost over 100 pounds and got in really good shape despite my several knee surgeries?  Are the flares of intense nerve pain exacerbations?  

Then the grief of losing my Fluffy boy to cancer after having him with me for 16 years, since the day he was born. Grief, depression, side effects from research study medication, cognitive difficulties worsening; what causes what and when will it improve?

The grief slowly lifted, got off study med, started volunteering at a cat shelter, will see a therapist tomorrow afternoon for the first time since diagnosis.  Life is improving.  Questions remain.  Should I adopt a cat, though my roommate doesn't want one?  I'd have to move back to my small apartment with odd neighbors full time....

For a week now I've been experiencing a MS Hug, mostly on the left side.  My nerve pain on right side from below rib cage, around my lower back, and down to toes flared up.  Do I call my neurologist's office and let them know?  

I need to spend more time here on the forum so my knowledge of all things MS is more up-to-date in my forgetful mind.  Thanks for being here, everyone.

Kathy

[Sarahsmom46]

Has it already been a year?  So much has happened, yet it still passed very quickly.

I passed my one year anniversary in May (May 18th) while in the hospital for a bad relapse and infections.  I hoped and prayed at the time that this was not going to be a sign of things to come, and it hasn't.  

We get through so many anniversaries some good, not mot so good, and a few really bad ones, but there's nothing like that first anniversay of anything significant that has happened to us.  I hope you have a persepctive on all this, a positive one.  I do. I know that I wouldn;t be where I am right now had I not finally got that diagnosis.  Fortunately for the both of us that rollercoaster ride has slowed down enough so we can focus on moving forward.  

Happy Anniversay.  You know what I mean.

Hugs,

Julie

P.S.  And about the cat question...You both will figure out what is best.

[Sparkysarah]

I always think that first anniversaries are very significant and particularly where loss is applicable and the dx of MS is something that none of us really want to celebrate. However it is important to also look at how you have managed to face and overcome enormous challenges in the last year and especially losing your beloved Fluffy.
You deserve to be incredibly proud of all that you have achieved in the last twelve months and how you are chanelling your energy in a direction that gives meaning to you by volunteering with the cat centre.

Go enjoy your pedicure...and flash those toes at Yoga!

With love and hugs

Sarah

[Fluffysmom]

Well, I called and left message at my neuro's office regarding the pain issue; don't really want to just take extra Tegretol or something like that without the doctor's input.

I used to keep a detailed diary of symptoms before I was diagnosed, but have slacked off.  I suppose it would be useful; just need to find the energy to keep up with it!

I've encouraged my roommate to fall in a love with a new cat; she did love my Fluffy, but she's enjoying the lack of cat hair and responsibility; she has enough to take care of at work.  I just can't see choosing between a human and a cat; I've just had cats in my life for around 40 years and love them.  I'll hopefully get used to just loving the cats at my volunteer job without yearning to take one home with me.

JMO, I'd never bring a cat into a home where it's not welcome with open arms; you're so right, not fair to either the person or the cat.  I have my own apartment, but after management allowed an unexpected and willfully negligent application of pesticide in my apartment (while Fluffy was home!), my best friend invited Fluffy and I to move in with her.  We spent most of the next three years in her lovely home.

When Fluffy was going downhill quickly, I took him back to the apartment where caring for him was easier; he had no stairs to climb, and he had lived 10 + years of his life in that little one-bedroom apartment.  He was comfortable as could be until the end.

I did get out in this lovely day; drove down the back road (farmland) to Costco, where I bought stuff for baking and a chocolate covered caramel apple for dessert.

My roommate texted and asked if I'd like to go with her this evening to get pedicures.  She's going to Las Vegas with her daughter (to celebrate daughter's birtthday) this weekend and will be wearing open-toed shoes.  I guess I'm getting my toes done for the massage of the feet and calves as well as showing my toes once a week in my Gentle Yoga for People with MS class.  :o)

[michelleislay]

happy (?!>?) anniversary kathy.

it must feel huge to know that whole year has passed since diagnosis and it looks like you've come such a long way.

it is clear how important a cat has been and would be in your life, so i would weigh out the pros and cons of staying with current roomie w/o cat or moving back to apartment with one.
it's a tough choice to make!

as for the new symptoms, i'll just echo some advice i've just been given...do call your doc. or neuro to update them.  it is important that they have all of this documented in order that they can help you to the best of their ability.  however, having said that, i'm procrastinating calling my doc.  i don't seem to have the energy to dive into this all again just yet...

hope you are enjoying what seems to be a lovely day coast to coast!

xo michelle

[Sumanadevii]

It wouldn't be fair to your roommate or cat to adopt.  Sure wouldn't make for a happy household.

And yes, I would surely call my neuro and set an appointment.  JMO