Clouds part, the sun shines and angels sing- Not!

[Salamander2]

Finally! My new Neuro actually said she is convinced that I have MS.  She says my legs are spastic on exam, my gait is completely out of whack and combined with the MRI and my complaints, it all fits.  She thinks I may have had RRMS for 20 years.  In the mid 80's I had a sudden vision change (from 20/75 to 20/400) in a matter of a couple of years,  thought I just had crappy vision :).  Anyway,  I have had odd "episodes"  off and on since then.  I always had a rational  explaination for whatever was happening.  Until the numbness and weakness recently which sent me off to the doctor.  

So.......lab work tomorrow, an MRI of the spine on Thursday and an appointment in 4 weeks with the Neuro to discuss Copaxone vs Tysabri.

In regards to the title of my post, I have come to realize that the diagnosis is not the end of the battle.  Now I have decisions to make and treatments to face.  In all honesty, I felt better when I was fighting for a diagnosis.  It gave me something to focus on without the hard truth.  

I have so much admiration for those of you who have lived with this for years.  This is scary, and thank goodness you all are here to help.  Thanks for that.

Sally

[Lulu54]

Hi Sally,
You are absolutely right - getting this DX is a real rude awakening to a whole different truth - you are now going to be faced with redefining who you are and where your life is heading.  If you read my bio stuff you will see I faced the same thing and probably have had MS lurking in my body for 20 years too.  

Tysabri is a very extreme treatment - I would question strongly why that is one of the two recommended choices.  As I understand it from CosmoBirdy (Rita) the Tysabri is used as the last course of treatment available and not the first.  

Keep asking lots of questions and don't just assume anything.......

Welcome to the other side of the mountain!
Lulu

DX'd RRMS Sept. 08
Copaxone

[doni54]

Hi Sally, being out of Limboland has got to have it's perks, though.

Now you have validation and a dr who is going to get you treatment and slow all the progression down.  That's just great news!!!!

Take care, Sally, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs
doni

[LLWB]

While it isn't all roses, at leats now you can make plans, and get treatment to hopefully combat further deterioration. I know others will be on who know more about how to handle the diagnosis aftermath.    I don't know much about the disease, as I have a mimic, but I'm great at hugs and prayers. Take care, once you absorb all of the info, I'm sure you will do great.

Maggie