Driving, going back to work, and getting on with life!

[doublevision1]

I am very happy to report that I finally got behind the wheel last week, 364 days since I last drove!  

Although my license was renewed in June, I was still pretty anxious about driving and avoided it.  Then, between my trip to Boston and then being away for a few weeks on holidays, I had no need to drive.  But I was determined not to go past the one year mark without at least trying, so I finally took the plunge.  I am very pleased that all went well and my comfort level is back to 100%.  I still have see double on my left gaze, as well as straight ahead at a distance, but now all it tsakes is a very slight turn of my head to see normally.  I cannot drive when I'm fatigued, as this makes my double vision worse. I wouldn't want to drive long distances, but just to get around town I am fine.  

I am thrilled to have this aspect of my independence back.  My husband has been completely supportive through everything this past year, and I am so happy that I can start sharing more of the load at home, now that I can run errands, get myself to appointments, etc.

I am also starting back to work again this week, after a couple of unsuccessful attempts earlier this year, due to relapses and difficulties from residual symptoms.  I am still dealing with some symptoms - neuropathic pain in hand, fatigue, dizziness - but am feeling well enough to work part time. I really want to be working full-time again, as soon as possible.  My fingers are crossed that the Copaxone I started in June is doing me some good, and I'm hopeful that it will keep further relapses at bay.  

Anyway, I just thought I'd give you all an update, and perhaps provide some hope to those who may be feeling like their life is on hold, like I felt so many times this past year.  Sept 8, 2007 was the start of my current symptoms that led to my DX last October.  It has been a long and difficult year, and I am really grateful for the people in this forum and for all the support and information that I have received.  No matter what the question or concern, there was always someone here who could relate and/or help.  Because of the connections I've made here, I never felt isolated, despite being housebound for so long. For that, I will always be grateful.

db

[doublevision1]

Thanks so much for the very nice posts and messages.  Your encouragement and well wishes mean a lot.  I am a little nervous but mostly excited about re-entering the land of the living.  ;)


Santana, I'm so glad your vision continues to improve too.  I too wonder if it's been so slow because you didn't have steroids, then again it may not have made much difference.  Because of how long it is taking my vision to recover, my neuro figures the steroids I had back in Oct and again in April had little to no effect on my eye movement issues.  My other symptoms, mainly the paresthesias, responded well to steroids.  I guess the damage that was caused by the lesion in my brainstem (causing the double vision) was more extensive and not as responsive to steroids.  ???


To answer your questions, Shell re: my double vision, and Copaxone:

-the improvement in my double vision has been a gradual, very slow but steady process since my eye movement was first examined last October.  I would visit my orthoptist (eye movement technician) every 2 - 4 weeks and at most appts she noted a small amount of improvement.  A couple of times there had been no change, but at least it never worsened, even during subsequent relapses.

- I seem to be adjusting very well to Copaxone since beginning this drug three months ago.  The site reactions have settled down a lot.  The injections still sting a bit, but it's much more tolerable.  I don't even bother pre-warming the site or using a cold pack afterwards anymore.  I still get small lumps sometimes, but within days they are gone.  I haven't had the horrible itching that others here have endured.


Elaine, I just read your post about Craig going off Copaxone for now.  I'm so sorry it's causing him so much misery.  I didn't know it could have such harsh side effects of that nature.  I truly hope he can find something that he can tolerate and that may help, although I do understand the options aren't many.  I wonder if there are any clinical trials he might be eligible for?  I can't recall if you've ever mentioned whether this has been explored.  

[Super_sally888]

Wonderful wonderful news.  Am so happy that things are getting much better for you.  Every step forward is a big one and the independence thing is huge.

Sally

[santana8]

I was wondering about you this past week. So glad to hear that you are able to drive short distances. I too have started driving only on the back roads near my house but we have to start somewhere don't we. Seems you and I have been in kind of the same boat through out this.

I just reach my two and a half year mark since the onset. My vision is still improving but slowly still, guess that is because I never got any steriods, but still improvement is better than no improvement, right? I have been off the forum more lately because I have had a lot going on and a lot of stress! Trying to stay as strong as I can, but Two and a half years is a long time to be house bound, and I know you understand what I mean.

I hope you will stick around here with all of your friends who care about you and your progress! Talk to you soon!

Your Friend
~Santana~

[monotreme]

This is wonderful news!!  I am so happy for you that you are now able to drive and regain that independence!!

Have fun with your freedom!

Elaine

[sllowe]

Hey DB!

Nice to see you.  I'm happy for your new independance.  Wish you never lost it, but grateful you've gotten some back.

How are you handling the Copax? Most here do mention the lumps and itching and I can't remember if you had that too.  

Did the doublevision just start to get better for you? Or has it been gradual?  Know you've had that for quite some time now.

Bout time you updated, we'd have to hunt you down before long you know....

-Shell

[wonko]

You go, girl!  Sounds like you're doing great things, best of luck for continued successes!

Hope is always appreciated and in need, thanks for speading it around for the forum to share.