Need to vent...having a hard time.

[sunshine8]

This forum has been very good to me, especially when I was smacked in the face with a “possible ms” diagnosis and then on my subsequent journey to officially being diagnosed with RRMS last year.  I just need to go on a mini-rant and vent a bit.

My husband and I were planning on trying for a baby sometime in the future, but the diagnosis sped things up.  My neurologist agreed at the time that I should wait to go on DMD’s and we agreed to fast track the babymaking. Well, we have spent the last 9 months since the diagnosis seeing fertility specialists and hoping that every month was the one. Well, we know he is fine, and we know think I am fine, but still no baby. That in itself has been so frustrating, especially knowing that in the meantime I am not on DMD’s.  Talk about pressure!  I also now find myself second-guessing not being on DMD’s.

Well, to make matters worse right now, I think I am finally experiencing some fatigue and other symptoms that I have never had before now that the crazy summer heat has wacked us. The MS was discovered by accident after I had a concussion, which led to a head CT, which led to an MRI, which led to a neurologist, which led to further testing, to optic neuritis and eventually to confirmed RRMS.  I had thought of myself as a normal, young, healthy person in the prime who was a bit clutzy.  Turns out it was probably the MS all along. I have symptoms, mostly ones that the neuro has pointed out, such as hand tremors leg weakness, numb feet, etc. But they are symptoms that I have dealt with. Well, I haven’t really had a flare that I can remember, but the last couple of weeks I have been having odd symptoms. The fatigue, weakness, tingles and overall feeling like I have a touch of the flu especially when I get hot are bugging me. I know it is the MS, but it is the first real stuff that have slowed me down.

I guess  I just need a pick me up.  The frustration and pressure of trying to conceive combined with knowing I am putting off DMD’s have really got me down.  Then add the heat intolerance symptoms to that and I am really having a hard time. It is even harder trying to explain to people who aren’t in the know about my MS why I have all of sudden slowed down and can’t keep up with all of my usual activities.  

Thanks for letting me rant.  It just helps to get it all out, especially to people I know will understand.  

-Amy

[sunshine8]

Thanks for all of the words of support! We have been working with a fertility doc since the 6 month mark. My docs have all been great in understanding the situation. We have completed enough testing to know that my husband and I are "working". Next month we can utilize a little intervention.

A friend has already suggested the accupuncture and I have an appointment next week. I don't mind needles, and I'll give anything a try.

I am feeling a bit less stressed today.  I have my ups and downs, but I have to tell you that the heat is kicking my butt! I have always been a little heat sensitive, but could handle it if I drank plenty of water and stayed in the shade. So far this summer I even have a hard time making it to my car and getting the air going. I get really tired and feel like I have weights on my legs. I just have to keep telling myself that it is manageable.

Thanks for rallying and giving me a little push back up. I really appreacate the comraderie!

-Amy

[Lulu54]

Amy,
Sally's suggestion on accupuncture is excellent - I have seen a lot of support of accupuncture for fertility problems.  I'm a big fan of accupuncture and have been getting treatments regularly - it really does not hurt like your would think.  Check it out.......

Lu

[michelleric]

You sure do have a double dose of stress right now. Trying to conceive in of itself can be really trying emotionally. Are u seeing a fertility specialist? 9 months isn't too long if you are under 35, but if u r older I would suggest seeing an expert to try to  get things moving along faster.

The heat is tough, I am finding that out myself. Try to stay cool...if possible.

My thoughts are with you and I wish you the best,

Michelle

[Super_sally888]

Hi Amy,

Wow! That's challenging. Can completely understand your rant and maybe this ranting is just what you need.

I am not diagnosed with anything yet.... but MS was suspected, and I've given up looking for a diagnosis for now.  I now have a 5 mo old baby.  She is the joy of my life and so worth it.

Good thing is that pregnancy seems to suppress symptoms.  And I had a very complicated pregnancy, but not by MS type symptoms.  Soem symptoms have come back now, but am managing ok. Some days good and some days just ok.  

From what I've read pregnancy does seem to slow down progression.  Also breastfeeding apparently reduces relapses and their intensity.  From this maybe you're not losing too much / or at least it will be compensated by having the baby and not being on DMD

Don't give up.  If you are both fine it is only a matter of time until your baby is on the way.  Treatment like accupuncture may also help the fertility stuff and symptoms because it helps balance your system.  Light exercise and anything else you can do to destress will also help.

Stay in touch.  As I said I'm not diagnosed, but I'm willing to share and listen and whatever else I can do to help.

Best wishes

Sally

[rendean]

Hi,
Sorry for your double load of stress!. Conception and stress  regarding MS are probably some of the toughest things to deal with singularly and yet you have to deal with it simultaneously.

Just know that this forum will and can provide the emotional support you are seeking. Several members, I have noticed , have given birth or recent have done so, successfully.
Hang in there and perhaps re post with a topic sentience relating to pregnancy and MS to draw out the new moms who can best offer advice and recent current experience.

Good luck with starting your family!  We're always open for rant/vent sessions 24/7.

Warmly,
Ren