Update

[bettebelle]

Hey all,
Sorry for taking so long to give an update. Last Monday I went to my three month check up with my MS specialist. She is disappointed with the recovery of my left arm from the "spinal attack" that I had in the fall. She also thinks I am showing signs of drop foot and wants to send me to physical therapy. She also scheduled to have a follow up MRI to check for changes since I have been on avonex. The denial and relief of a diagnosis has definitely worn off and I have found myself struggling with some depression. I hope everyone else is doing well.
Take care,
Belle

[bettebelle]

Oh also as for the weird thumb tremor I have been experiencing she said that it is a manifestation of the already exsisting tremor in my left arm and hand, and that it could be progressing.

[bettebelle]

Thank you all for your kind words and support. I did mention the depression to her and we are trying to wait and see if it subsides as the Avonex settles into my system. She said the side effects hopefully will reduce and she think te depression is from the avonex.  As for the physical therapy, I am more than happy go be proactive about it. I am 25 so I have a long road a head and considering I'm limping and can't feel it I think it's best to try some PT. As for my arm, she said that she was expecting more of a recovery than what I have, and that I'm so young to have this much disability from one attack. The active lesion I had in the fall was at T4 so she thinks that it may get better in the next three months but after that I'm probably left with the remaining damage. I'm just thankful it isn't any worse than it is and it my left arm an hand and in right handed so I'm very thankful for what I have. Thank you all so much :) I hope you all have a good weekend!!
Belle

[Guitar_grrrl]

Thanks for the update, Belle.  Sounds like you've got a MSologist who is on top of things.  Do take good care of that depression- it's very real, and very treatable.

PT, I think, will be super helpful.

[sllowe]

Hi Belle,

I couldn't agree with the thoughts Lu sent more. Please do ask for something for the sinking depression - you will be glad you did.

Did the specialist also say these things can take time? The dx is so new, and attacks and residual issues can certainly last for months upon months. While disappointment may have been expressed, to hopefull resolve some of that PT was ordered - This is so important. And, it's nice to hear the doc has ordered this.

It's important for doctors to always include PT, especially where MS is concerned. I encourage you to hang in there, and grasp this help the doctor offered to you. And, be sure to call regarding the depression - you don't have to do this alone :)
-shell

[Lulu54]

Belle, depression is a very common byproduct of living with MS or any other chronic disease.  For us, the depression can come from an organic cause (lesions in the right place)  or stituational (living with MS is depressing!).

Your diagnosis is still so fresh, I hope you are just being kind to yourself, giving yourself permission to grieve, be angry and eat an extra helping of ice cream ocassionally.  All of those are essential therapy tools.  

If the depression continues, be sure to discuss this with your neurologist.  Talk therapy or anti-depressive drugs may be of use to you.  So many of us here are on something to help life the gray cloud this disease can bring.

PT can do wonders to help you learn to live  or even correct these physical deficiencies.  I hope you find it beneficial.

Take care,
Lulu