Official dx

Went to the neuro today for my LP results. Although the O band test wasn't back yet the rest were, and the were abnormal. He just said they showed the Igg antibodies. So the dx is official. I have relapse-remitting MS. Apart of me was hoping the LP came back normal so that there was still a slim chance that I didn't have MS, but that wasn't in the cards for me.

I'm ok with the dx. I'm going to start with Copaxone in 4-6 weeks. The neuro is going to send me the LP results when the O band part comes back. Oh, and the blood patch is still in place and I'm still headache free!  Yay!

Thanks to all of you who've been so supportive over the last 2 weeks. I really appreciate it!

Laura

[grannyhotwheels]

So sorry to hear the Laura but I know it's a relief finally knowing what's wrong... The waiting is the hardest part... Now you can get started on the DMD and get your life going again...

Please keep us updated and as you know we are always here for you...

I'll be praying,
Carol

[HVAC]

Sorry for the diagnosis. Welcome to this side of the mountain. You will have lots of mixed emotions. The National MS has a free book for the Newly Diagnosed as well as other information. They helped me a lot.

Alex

[jujuminx]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Laura}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I am sorry for the dx. It's a double edged sword...getting the dx allows you to move forward with treatment but, well, it means you have MS.  It's going to feel like it isn't your life for a while.

Watching you go through your tests and hearing your questions really brought back memories from last summer when I was dx.  You have a wonderful attitude that will take you a long way. This forum has been a lifesaver for me and I hope to see a lot more of you as you go through your journey.

Keep looking for the good in everything that comes your way even if it's not what you would have chosen.  Thank you for sharing  your journey so far with us.  You will have lots more as you start your dmd.

Take a deep breath and sit with it a while and know that in spite of the dx, there are things that medicine can do now for it that is very encouraging.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Julie

[supermum_ms]

Dear Laura

I'm sorry for your dx of MS but i am glad you didn't sit in limbo land for long, you have a treatment plan, a way to move forward and that has to be a good thing. The dx can be one of the biggest emotional hurdles to get over, please give your self time to process this news. It can take a lot out of you, so gather your support people around you, we will be here for you if you need us, no matter what the roller coaster, I am sure you can do this!

HUGS............JJ

[Needhelp16]

Thanks everyone. And Alex, I'm definitely going to look into getting that book.

Do any of you know if there's a patient advocate in the ms field who writes book, has a website, is up to date on the latest research and meds?  I know of one in the thyroid field who I find support and knowledge from regarding my thyroid issues  so I'm hoping there's one in the MS field. I actually emailed her and asked if she knew of anyone but she didn't.

Once again thanks for the continued support and I'm sure I'll be continuing to share my journey with all of you!

[Lulu54]

Laura,
Well that climb to the top sure didn't take you long .... welcome to the other side of the mountain.  You are still the same person as before you heard those words uttered by the neurologist, so don't let the MS define who you are.

This is a club that no one wants to belong to but at least you have the answer to your problems.  Please allow yourself time, and plenty of it, to process this news and be prepared for the emotional roller coaster that we all ride.  

We're here for you as you step through the next phases - be sure to lean on us as you need.

hugs, L

[rendean]

Dear Laura,
I'm sorry to hear you have MS but as JJ said you didn't have to wait in limbo for too long. The roller-coaster of emotions comes with this diagnosis. You're relieved to have an answer but living with answer can bring on a range of emotions, even months from now.

You can find lots of support here and the Health Pages found up on the upper right hand corner of this page, next to the yellow icon. Sorry I do not know of a patient advocate in the MS field that answers questions directly. There is a world of information from the NMMS website and you can find the latest updates there.

With many hugs,
Ren

[Lulu54]

AS for a site that has all that - we don't have any MS authors here but we do have all the experts on everything else with MS.  I'll look around and see if I can find a site similar to what you describe.  

Most of the authors of books that contain accurate information have been written by doctors who are also in active practice.  I don't believe they have the extra time to also manage a website, but I might be surprised.

Some of the best ways to stay up on current research is to attend those free lunches and ddinners sponsored by the pharmaceutical companies.

[tingletingle]

I am very sorry to hear about your diagnosis, especially with such young children and hubby being a long way away.

My thoughts and prayers for you.

Blessings
Alex

[cheesymum]

Congrats and condolences.  I'm still in the limboland so I don't know how you are feeling right now but I can imagine.  It seems as tho it would be bittersweet in so many ways.  It's a relief to have a diagnosis (hence the congrats) but the diagnosis is not one anyone wants (hence the condolences).

I wish you all the best as you begin this new leg of the journey.  This is a great group.  Lean on them and take all the support you can get.