Wow. WOW!! I'm SO SO glad to be on this evening and to read this. I can't say how much it relieves me and pleases me, even if the news isn't 'good.' How could it be? Craig clearly is quite disabled and has been through so much, but now at least is the beginning of treatment. A new phase and a much more hopeful one!
Elaine, words seldom fail old wordy me, but I don't have any to express how I feel reading your post. It's wonderful indeed.
When next I can think logically, I'd like to ask how come this doc is hopeful about Craig and Copaxone. Are there studies just out on this? Meanwhile, thank God for this new neuro and for final, FINAL, validation.
Many hugs,
ess
Your story has been heartbreaking to read and it's wonderful that you finally found a doctor willing to pay attention and think things through with an open mind. I'm so glad you have a dx and some possible treatment and I hope that the Copaxone proves to be helpful.
sho
Oh thank goodness, someone finally listened!!!! What a relief for Craig and yourself. I'm so happy that Craig finally got the diagnosis and that he will be starting treatment. This has been such a long haul for you both. I'm just so glad you never gave up. It does give a limbo lander such as myself hope that answers may still come.
My thoughts and prayers are still with you both and I hope that Craig gets some relief after he starts his treatment.
Hugs
Moki
Elaine,
From your writing tonight I can tell Craig is sure lucky to have you in his life and you are so fortunate to have him in yours as well. I am really new to this site but have already found the support and wisdom that I will need to wander through limboland and come out on the other side intact, just as you have spelled out here. Your story tells me a lot, teaches me a lot, and touches me even more.
Thank you for sharing it here.
My heartfelt best to you and Craig,
Laura
It feels good, doesn't it, when you finally feel listened to--validated, reassured, and most importantly hopeful again. I am so happy for you guys!!!!!
The Copaxone will be a snap---especially with you and your nursing background. The pain is a little worse early on in treatment, but it gets way better as time goes on . For me, the after shot discomfort has turned out to not be any problem at all and doesn't cause any side effects, either. Plus, who knows, the oral medication may be out really soon . . .
Congratulations on having your hope restored.
Deb
Wow! What a relief for both of you to get the searching over and be able to move onto the the next steps. I suspect, knowing Craig, that he is not taking this well. I understand. No matter how much you want to stop the doubting and how much you hate the dismissiveness, once you hear the words you can't help but, be angry and grieved. I also bet that this places into sharp contrast the neuros that blamed Craig for his own problems.
I will be looking for some of the studies on Copaxone, men, and PPMS. I wasn't aware of this. I feel for the first time there is some hope. Not only that, apparently the docs in Delaware will now be more willing to treat him symptomatically. That is great progress, too.
Tell us, how are you feeling now that someone (other than me and a couple other docs) have said the words and you can move forward? You two have a lot of decompressing to do. The next while may be simultaneously sweet and very hard. I hope you let us help!
And thanks for your nice words about the information we give out and some of our strong opinions here. I'm sure that it helps the new people accept our advice. You are sweet.
Tell Craig he is in my constant thoughts.
Quix :))
I've never posted to you before, but am familiar with your story. Praise God for your answer, I am sorry you had to wait so long, and I am glad you will get a DMD.
Love to you both,
Amy
I had to take a minute to go get a Kleenex. Once again, that strange feeling of feeling joy to know that someone important to me has heard bad news....but, oh, the validation, finally.
There is also the joy of hearing that the Copaxone might stop the progression in Craig. Am I correct in assuming that with treating his symptoms he can actually experience some improvement?
After all this time, fighting, holding fast, sharing your story and your strength, everything changes with one man that listens. Yes, you give hope and inspiration to us limbolanders.
You have always given us the benefit of you knowledge and experiences, and now you share with us the best story ever. I'll be waiting to hear more, and also be here as part of your forum family support net should things become rough. You have helped me personally with your advice, and I don't think I've told you how much I've appreciated that, and how much I've hoped for the best for you and Craig. Come to think of it, you passed on some advice from him, as I recall.
Many hugs and hopes for a brighter future,
Kathy
Dear Craig and Elaine,
I am so happy to hear you finally have a diagnosis and can not get on the road to treatment!
Sorry you had to have a dx of MS but at least now you know what it is. I felt a sense of relief with my dx because I finally knew what was wrong.
LA
Well, thank you so much for all of your kind comments and well wishes. They are very much appreciated.
Craig is not taking the news well. He has heard PPMS before (from the one NIH doctor that was brave enough to say something) and from dear Quix, but it never hit home to him. In his mind, he was undiagnosed and could be in denial of his disease. That all changed today.
He is a bit upset with me for making the appt at NYU. He didn't want to go to more neurologists. But when he went to a PT evaluation as I was trying to get him some therapy, I was so saddened by the neurological deterioration that I had to do something.
So he is kind of blaming me for setting up this whole day. But as of now, he is starting to soften a bit. He is worried about how to raise a family and support them with a disease like PPMS. I am hoping the Delaware doctors will be more supportive. Craig has gone to therapists and physiatrists who are on the Delaware "MS Board", whatever that is, and they give me a blank look when I try and teach them about PPMS and why Craig has so many signs os spinal cord damage. Even the MS Board members of our state don't know what PPMS is. I made sure a report is being sent to the family doctor.
As with many other members I have seen post, our families are not very supportive. In fact, mine have not called to see how the appt went, and Craig's brother told me to move on without Craig and leave him to go on trips with our children. So the emotional abandonment has been very difficult. It isn't easy to have MS.
By the way, our 27th wedding anniversary is Friday. Bittersweet to say the least.
Thanks again everyone,
Elaine
I am so happy for the both of you that someone finally listened. Words can not express what I feel right now but know that I'm so glad that you guys never gave up the fight. I always never understood why Craig wasn't DX. It must be wonderful having some validation. You guys are a wonderful example to us all. You give us hope that as long as we all keep fighting we will eventually find someone that will listen.
Love you Both
Dearest Craig and Elaine,
What bittersweet news. And hard now to be faced with the actual diagnosis. But it also gives you a label, which in your case will be good as it opens the door to treatment, and support. And hopefully people close to you (or at least enough of these) can be educated and will come round too.
Am so happy that you took this step to see this doctor. Validation that this is real and no more defective neuros to face. This will in the long run help.
I am so glad you have eachother. Craig is blessed to have you, and I'm sure that is mutual as you have surely got a strong marriage to be surviving all that has been thrown at you in the past year. He will deal with this better as it sinks in...... and of course having this diagnosis you will both go through your grieving process.
Thinking of and praying for you both. Keep us informed.
Sally
For the first time...I think I am speechless. I have a lump the size of a chocolate cake in my throat and I am not sure what I am feeling. I am so happy that you finally have an "official" answer to your long arduous search! Yet I am feeling sad that for Craig, it's now real and tangible and a slap in the face that he was somewhat expecting but he waited so long it was no longer real... until today.
I am relieved that this horrible war you have been forced to wage is now over and it's time to get on with getting Craig to feel better and look into some options that weren't there yesterday. Yesterday may not have been so bad after all but hindsight is 20/20 and I hate hindsight don't you?
I wish that there was something more that I could do to show you how happy I am for you that there was a light at the tunnel and finally someone could reach it and there is no one that deserves it more than Elaine and Craig. The road has definitely been a rough one and I hope that Craig knows how valuable you have been Elaine because without you, would he have been able to keep on fighting? Elaine, take a bow...you deserve all the kudos that everyone here offers. You know that Craig feels the same way but he has some figuring to do right now and as always I am sure you will be by his side as you have for 27 years.
I hope that the two of you are able to go and celebrate your Anniversary without the cloud of MS hanging over you if only a few hours. Take the time to talk to each other about each other and the kids and anything else that puts a smile on your faces. You need to celebrate the ending of a hard journey and the beginning of a new one..still together, still in love.
Still Elaine and Craig...27 years later...Happy Anniversary!
Lots of Hugs,
Rena
Thank the Lord for this wonderful man. Isn't it awsome what God does in our lives? I too had to reach for the hanky halfway thru reading this wonderful news. At least now drugs can be given, treatment started, and the endless search for answers is over. Now Craig, and you can concentrate on doing the very best that you can do to maximize what healing can be gained from the medications, and a major reduction of stress. Just your tireless search for answers has to have worn you both out. Take time together to just talk and love each other. It's so important.
God Bless you both and your family. Love,
Maggie
Elaine and Craig
I am so happy that someone finally listened and help is coming. You both have just kept on pushing thru all the brick walls and disappointments. I know this is a double edge sword....hang in there. Your story has and will continue to inspire others not to give up! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Rebeccah
Oh Sweetie, I don't know what to say. I am happy and so sad at the same time. I am happy you you guys to finally have an answer that makes sense but I am oh so sorry that its MS. But now, he can finally start getting some treatment. My heart goes out to you two.
I am so glad you two have each other and with that HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!! You two are special, meant to be, like two pieces of the puzzle, locked together, in loving marriage for all of eternity!!!!
Love Ya Both,
Ada
Amen and amen...I'm afraid that all I can muster to write right now, is that I am filled with tears. Sad and happy tears. Rena, I too, feel that lump in my throat.
All my thoughts and prayers,
Heather
Elaine and Craig
What GREAT news . You have been put through the wringer and now have some answers.. BRAVO to the doc at NYU .
Now you can devote your precious energies to fighting MS instead of searching for someone to listen and validate . I'm so happy for the both of you.
Craig is very lucky to have such a strong wife . What a wonderful and courageous woman you are.
The Copaxone gives hope ( HOPE ) , which is just about all we could dream of asking for . Now I need a tissue .. :) I started mine a month ago . I don't feel better yet , but I'm doing something , I'm able to fight the disease . This all takes time to sink in . I had been going though some of the stages of grief before the dx. .. now I'm numb . I imagine Craig will be going though some emotional stuff . He just need time to process.
Let us know if you need any help , advise with the Copaxone
Congratulations an the anniversary !
Big hugs to you and Craig
Jo
Happy Anniversary to you both. Thank the dear Lord that Elaine pushed and pushed until there were answers. Craig will soon see, that he literally owes his life to his precious wife. I really believe that. Elaine, you are nothing short of an angel in disguise...
Heather
First, Happy Anniversary!! To have a love like you and Craig is a gift from God. What we all wouldn't give to have someone love us as much as you love Craig, and to stand up and fight for us when we need it.
I had to wait awhile to respond to your post cause I was crying so hard I couldn't see the screen!!! God bless you, both. Now you can move forward and start the treatment Craig has needed for way too long. I don't post much, but you, Craig and your family have always been in my prayers, everyday.
My heart is with you both.
Hugs
doni
Thank goodness. Now your efforts can be placed elsewhere, TREATMENT, rather than searching for answers.
Nothing but good wishes to you two, and keep us posted on Craig's progress.
Hugs to you both,
Wanna :o)
All I want to say is that I admire the both you and Craig greatly for not giving up. Thanks for setting such a wonderful example for us all.
Happy Anniversary!!!!!
Many prayers will be going up for you from me in the coming days, may you have peace in your hearts as you continue on this journey.
(((((hugs))))))
~Sunnytoday~
I'm sorry our call was interrupted~I drove past one of Michigan's little lakes and our call was dropped. Can you hear me now?
I am filled with all kinds of mixed emotions at your news. Of course, it's a relief of sorts to FINALLY get the big D. The Diagnosis. MS. We can look the MonSter int he face at last. And Primary Progressive is what we've suspected for a long while now. I'm sorry about that, but it does make the most sense for Craig. So, there's that sorrow, too.
And just plain sadness about the whole journey you guys have had and how long it's taken, and what you've gone through with your families and what the kids have had to endure.
I've long thought that even when Craig got his diagnosis, eventually, it would be such a disappointment, because with PPMS the treatment options are so dismal. But I am SO hopeful! I am quite eager to know more about what they have found out in their trials with Copaxone and dudes with PPMS. Dude! I wasn't prepared to hear that! Excellent! Very promising and hopeful! Eee Haaw!
And, I know that it will take time for all this to sink in with Craig. I can't imagine, with all he's been through, with all you've been through, how we can expect him to just sail through all this without a glitch. He needs time. You need time. The kids need time. Your brother-in-law needs to have an anvil dropped on his head. I'll help.
Happy Anniversary. Tell Craig he's loved -- even though I know he knows that already. Tell him WE love him.
Love you, too.
Zilla*
This is great news. Congrats.
I am so excited for you both.
Bob