Hi my name is...or something like that...

[greenstar]

R.W. is a friend of mine, we have only chatted briefly on Facebook before this.

R.W. –
Good for you on doing the walk... how are you handling things...you have any questions? How did you get diagnosed?


ME –
I was relieved to finally know what was sucking the life out of me. After two years bouncing between doctors I had my first attack. I couldn't walk without a cane.

First my doctors believed it was the Lyrica I was taken, but long after the Lyrica was supposed to be gone I still had an abnormal gait and lost bladder control... that was the last straw for me. I couldn't go back to work.

After my husband made a few angry phone calls my neurologist finally ordered an MRI. They found two lesions on my brain, none on my spine.

After five days of Solu-Medrol my two year headache finally went away.

I had a spinal tap a couple weeks ago. I had to go back for the blood patch - sucked! I will get the results next Friday.

My speech and mobility have returned to near normal - as long as I don't try to do too much. I will be starting Copaxone soon, just figuring out the detail of how they are going to assist me with my $567.71 monthly co-pay. wow.

I would say, that for 6 weeks or so in, I am handling things well. I have laughed and cried a lot since I found out, but at least I am headed in the right direction now.

What’s your favorite candy to eat during a Solu-Medrol infusion?
What controller meds have you tried?
Is there anything you know now, that you wish you knew when you were first diagnosed?




… That was last month,

My Copaxone will get here tomorrow and my nurse is coming on Wednesday to in-service me on the auto ject thingie …hmm, and manual injections.

I freaked out for a moment after I got off the phone with her, and its NOT about the needles… I am afraid of doing it wrong – but that is pretty normal for me – to be honest.  It will hurt if I do THIS wrong. *Sigh* … Deep Breath.

   I have gone back to work, for the most part.  I thought I was enjoying some new MS symptoms when I realized –

Last Friday my gallbladder started acting up, so I had an ultrasound – it found a polyp on my gallbladder. Okay!? So, I stopped eating fat, and like magic I didn’t feel like throwing all the time.  However it is still causing me constant discomfort.  I am in line for a HIDA scan on June 3rd – there is a national shortage of the dye needed for the test.  I have good luck and good timing : )

I am BLESSED with a loving supportive husband and an extraordinary daughter – they are honest with me when I am not being honest with myself, they hold my hands, wipe my tears, kiss my boo-boos, and hold me until I feel better.  

I would consider that the condensed version of my introduction.  What else would you like to know?

xoxo
GreenStar

[Lulu54]

Welcome back - and also to the world of copax (my dmd of choice, too!),  I'kk rgo look for your other post, ut fortunately I don't have headaches very often.

- Lulu

[greenstar]

And I finally made it back!!  Thank you for the warm welcome ladies.  I got the hang of my Copaxone autoject!  AND... that pesky gallbladder is GONE. : )

@ tonyad

I am also taking:
Topamax - prevent chronic headache/migraine
Flexeril - helps keep me from kicking my legs, and thrashing around at night
Cymbalta - anti-depressant - p.s. gives me the worst dry mouth
Probiotic - for my tummy
Mobic - might have a bit of arthritis??

I am starting a new post Re: a headache I have had for a week and a half if you want to check it out.  Thanks again ladies.

[tonyad]

   Hello, and Welcome to the forum. i am glad that you found us as an oulet as well as a wealth of information. however, I am sorry for your diagnosis!

     Chin Up :)   you will do just fine with your injections. in fact, you will be a pro in No Time!  Good that you are able to return to work.  it is always a good thing if you are able to continue working as long as possible and to get you finances in order.

     As Lulu had said, It is aalways a plus when you have a good support system!  And, not unusual to have your ups and downs with your emotions.  Are you on any other meds as of now to treat symptoms?

Take Care,
~Tonya

[Lulu54]

Hi Greenstar - Welcome!  We always like to see new people come to our community.  RW was right in telling you this is a good place to be  - at least I assume that was said about us!  LOL

You are fortunate to have a good support system.  This is a lot to absorb and understand.  Taking copaxone (or any of the other disease modifying drugs) is absolutely the best thing you can be doing for yourself.

Please be kind to yourself - don't be surprised if you have some really blue times as this new reality sinks in for you. It takes a while to figure out that you can manage this MiSerable disease.

Anyway, we are glad you are here.  I hope you will stick around and find out all you can.  

be well,
Lulu

[jensequitur]

Welcome to the forum!  Sounds like you're doing all right - that gall bladder business is difficult, isn't it?  My pop had his removed after having problems with it for years.