*Waves* Update and Hello~

[Sidesteps]

Hi everyone, I thought I would pop in and say "Hi!" Let you all know I am thinking of you and wishing you a very joyful New Year.  

On my end, it has been a busy year.  We moved to Portland in the late Fall of 2012. We love it here! We managed to move to a beautiful suburb that is just nearly perfect. It feels like a small community and great for our children. After they adjusted to being uprooted from all they knew, they are now starting to enjoy it. :)

I had been to the doctor so much in the years prior I sort of neglected setting up new primary care and MS specialty care down here until.... this month.  I was a little afraid, after hearing some stories on here, they may question my diagnosis. I am not sure why but I was.

After a thorough examination and history, he confirmed my dx and we went through all the possibilities for treatment for maintenance and in case of a severe enough flare.  We agreed across the board.  Since, I responded ideally to Avonex, he isn't comfortable putting me on anything other than that or Rebif for now. I really like him. He interestingly said several times how consistent I am with my history. He did give more indication where it attacked than other doctors based on my history. That was quite interesting.

For those of you that don't know me. My MS flare attacked me aggressively from the onset. I essentially was in one flare after another for about two years. We counted a total of about 10 flares in a 2 1/2 year period. It also attacked several different areas at once which is unusual but, nearly 4 years after my first symptom, I am currently doing very well.

Physically, I am exactly where the doctor's want to see me and, since starting Avonex in March of 2012, I am stable. I have residual damage in my vision and those stupid muscle twitches that let me know I am not 100%. LOL I hate them but they are a good warning system I might be over doing it. Everything else has done a pretty good job at healing. :)

Due to heat intolerance, in January 2013, I began running and finished my first half marathon the first of November. I couldn't believe I did it!!!!  I am not fast but I will run as long as my body lets me. I am currently running about 15 to 20 miles a week and have a goal to run more half marathons this year and my first full marathon in July. We will see, I think I will be fine as long as I do not flare. Let's hope.

How is everyone? I mostly wanted to let you all know I was thinking of you. I am hoping around and trying to read to get caught up. Happy Holidays and many Hugs, ~Barb

[sllowe]

Helloooo SS,

It's been about 2 weeks since your post, and I've been off for a long while, so I really hope you get back on I'm so glad to see your post here. I too would be apprehensive from all the horror stories we've heard about moving and doctors - sooooo so glad you got a keeper.

You going to stay on the Avonex? Or switch to the Rebif?

I am absolutely thrilled to hear you are stable. I have been stable also. I'm working out, and physically doing really really well. I do have to get my butt to the neuro to get some scans, but I know I'll pass my tests. I'm kind of excited to go actually to show them how much strength I've gained in the 9 months.

You keep up your run girl! Proud of you and it feels good to get some things back, albeit it slow. I too am enjoying this.

Hello to you too Jacksmom!

[Jacksmom516]

Hi Barb

Good to hear from you.  Sounds like you are doing well and the MS monster is behaving.  That is good.  Happy to hear it.  the marathon running sounds great - run some for me!  Have a wonderful new year

Hugs

Tracy