Aa
What is up the week of August 15th?
Grady my Service Dog in training was bitten by a copperhead and has been in the Hospital all week end. I am waiting to find out if I can take him home today. Polly will not eat.
Thursday I have my first visit with my Neurologist since August 2010. Hope to discuss these spasms I think of the diaphragm which started in November, my gut shutting down, my left leg not working, and all the pain I live with on a daily basis. Oh and my daily headaches which I do not expect any help with. I am not expecting much that way I will not be disappointed.
Saturday I am going to our annual Women's conference for our chapter of the NMSS.
Alex
Thursday I have my first visit with my Neurologist since August 2010. Hope to discuss these spasms I think of the diaphragm which started in November, my gut shutting down, my left leg not working, and all the pain I live with on a daily basis. Oh and my daily headaches which I do not expect any help with. I am not expecting much that way I will not be disappointed.
Saturday I am going to our annual Women's conference for our chapter of the NMSS.
Alex
Wow! We sure have a lot going on around our forum home this week.
Alex, glad to hear that cutie Grady is better. Sorry he had to find out the hard way that copperheads are not your friends. My boss's dog had a similar encounter with a raccoon last night. She's still a pup like Grady. They'll learn soon enough.
Mary, I am so sorry to hear how much you have been going through. It is enough to make our hearts just melt for you. I hope and pray you are on the upswing of this attack you body is putting you through. I also hope they find out quickly what the other possible AI disease might be trying to sneek its way in so they can head it off before it wreaks more havoc on your body. I'll be thinking of you.
As for me, my mantra these days is to stay away from doctor's because they keep finding new stuff I have to deal with. Been in daily contact with my neuro about a relapse I am now confirmed to be in. Had surgery a few weeks ago and the ensuing infection brought this on. I am opting out of taking IVSM. My immune system has already taken a beating and we don't want to make things worse. It isn't the worst relapse I've had either - no hospitalization is expected.
Thursday I will go through with getting the skin cancer removed. I keep postponing this and finally my derm and neuro said enough is enough - get it taken care of. Other than that, have an ultrasound f/u on Friday to make sure no blood clots in my legs.
Hope you all stay as well as you can, enjoy your vacations, first day of school, etc.
Julie
Alex, glad to hear that cutie Grady is better. Sorry he had to find out the hard way that copperheads are not your friends. My boss's dog had a similar encounter with a raccoon last night. She's still a pup like Grady. They'll learn soon enough.
Mary, I am so sorry to hear how much you have been going through. It is enough to make our hearts just melt for you. I hope and pray you are on the upswing of this attack you body is putting you through. I also hope they find out quickly what the other possible AI disease might be trying to sneek its way in so they can head it off before it wreaks more havoc on your body. I'll be thinking of you.
As for me, my mantra these days is to stay away from doctor's because they keep finding new stuff I have to deal with. Been in daily contact with my neuro about a relapse I am now confirmed to be in. Had surgery a few weeks ago and the ensuing infection brought this on. I am opting out of taking IVSM. My immune system has already taken a beating and we don't want to make things worse. It isn't the worst relapse I've had either - no hospitalization is expected.
Thursday I will go through with getting the skin cancer removed. I keep postponing this and finally my derm and neuro said enough is enough - get it taken care of. Other than that, have an ultrasound f/u on Friday to make sure no blood clots in my legs.
Hope you all stay as well as you can, enjoy your vacations, first day of school, etc.
Julie
Just took the last Prednisone of a 12 day script. I've been out of commission (from life, work and the forum) with widespread spasms, burning numbness and a new migratory element of hell with all the hallmark signs of an inflammatory process (swelling, redness, heat, limited motion and pain). The doc who finally examines me says it looks like an additional autoimmune attack is piggybacking on the MS.
My sed rate and ANA are now positive for the first time ever and the white blood cell differential shows signs of autoimmune and inflammatory problems as well. We’re waiting on the results of specific testing that might pin down a specific cause. It’s the usual slow process we all know and despise. Anyone see a rheumatologist in my future? In the meantime I’ve seen yet another vacation turn on me. This one has morphed into a medical LOA from work.
Here's numero uno priority on my personal wish list:
Aging female (presently walking through s*hit but hanging onto a desire to come out smelling like roses) interested in a therapeutic physician/patient relationship with a practitioner capable of coordinating and treating multiple diagnostic concerns. PwMS seeks PCP able to offer quality medical care in a timely manner and willing to direct a fruitful journey through a growing maze of medical specialists and appointment conflicts. Female with DO education preparation preferred. Listening skills essential. Any lack of desire for MUTUAL respect in such relationships is a deal-breaker (so don’t even apply). All others who accept my insurance carrier will be considered as candidates to try on the shoes of my PCP hero who moved out of state with her family in June. I currently have one promising appointment scheduled.
Other than that, I’m getting neuromuscular massage therapy through a physiatrist's office twice a week when I can tolerate the touch and get to the office. I’ve added flexeril at night and take a few more acetaminophen and Ativan than usual but can’t get anyone to try me on gabapentin. Nothing else is effective against this type of pain (as many of you know all too well). I stretch, ice, meditate, splint, moan, cry, clock-watch and cuss like a fiend to get through. When the spasms stop and leave tender muscles behind I am a master at turning a half hour activity into an all day project.
I’ve started to resume a few activities as symptoms ease off or restrict their miseries to fewer than three limbs at a time. I'm supposed to report on what happens when the Prednisone course is finished. Bet I can guess as the symptoms escalated again as soon as the steroid dose tapered down. I'm still going to put my money against the odds and hope for a big pay out on the long shot. Here's to the old mediocre normal returning!
The ONE promise I have been determined NOT to break was one I made to my granddaughter to attend a special Tai kwon do event last Saturday. Our pixie size dynamo had decided to study this martial art in 2008 when she was barely six years old. You never know what three years of commitment will bring. Sometimes change is so subtle it’s hard to notice even in a child. Its three summers later now and the bathroom scale finally tips to the 60 pound mark when she steps on. It seems our pixie may soon be bumped out of the ‘Girls’ 4-6X department sizing (and styling) rut.
So on Saturday I was privileged to be invited to witness a demonstration of the skills my Dearheart has been quietly cultivating these last three years. I’ve been watching and have seen glimpses of her progress. Saturday, I found out she has taken the strides of a giant.
I saw a focused yet calm determination. She waited for and followed the master teacher's instruction. She demonstrated endurance, flexibility and versatility with (almost) no distraction. She was thoughtful and considerate of those who faced the day of challenge with her (one other minor and three adults). She was confident and controlled entering a 2-on-1 sparring match when she was the lone defender. She split a solid wooden board in two with her heel and then split another using a hammer hand technique. She accepted the fractured pieces of wood with humble gratitude and respected her personal best attempt at a third board that refused to yield.
A senior mentor had held the board Ms G broke with her kick. He bowed and held his hand out to direct her to the next station. He expected her to return the bow and move on. In her excitement, she high fived his outstretched palm, giggled and moved on. It was perfect.
Don’t mess with me. My granddaughter was awarded her Tae kwon do black belt Saturday afternoon. I’ll post a picture on my profile page as soon as I get one.
I’m afraid this posting effort has exhausted my spoon allotment for today. I suspect I’ve even borrowed a few from tomorrow’s unknown bounty. My fingers are debating if they will curl up with spasms or stiffen into lightening rods ready to attract painful stimuli. So what else was I going to do for six hours? I needed to put steroid depleted activity to the test and I’ve wanted to touch base with everyone here for weeks.
It sure felt good to brag a little too. Thanks for listening.
Take care of each other here. I hope to be around on a regular basis again soon. It may mean I have to give in and set up a trial of the free voice recognition program on my computer. Oh how I resist change.
Mary
My sed rate and ANA are now positive for the first time ever and the white blood cell differential shows signs of autoimmune and inflammatory problems as well. We’re waiting on the results of specific testing that might pin down a specific cause. It’s the usual slow process we all know and despise. Anyone see a rheumatologist in my future? In the meantime I’ve seen yet another vacation turn on me. This one has morphed into a medical LOA from work.
Here's numero uno priority on my personal wish list:
Aging female (presently walking through s*hit but hanging onto a desire to come out smelling like roses) interested in a therapeutic physician/patient relationship with a practitioner capable of coordinating and treating multiple diagnostic concerns. PwMS seeks PCP able to offer quality medical care in a timely manner and willing to direct a fruitful journey through a growing maze of medical specialists and appointment conflicts. Female with DO education preparation preferred. Listening skills essential. Any lack of desire for MUTUAL respect in such relationships is a deal-breaker (so don’t even apply). All others who accept my insurance carrier will be considered as candidates to try on the shoes of my PCP hero who moved out of state with her family in June. I currently have one promising appointment scheduled.
Other than that, I’m getting neuromuscular massage therapy through a physiatrist's office twice a week when I can tolerate the touch and get to the office. I’ve added flexeril at night and take a few more acetaminophen and Ativan than usual but can’t get anyone to try me on gabapentin. Nothing else is effective against this type of pain (as many of you know all too well). I stretch, ice, meditate, splint, moan, cry, clock-watch and cuss like a fiend to get through. When the spasms stop and leave tender muscles behind I am a master at turning a half hour activity into an all day project.
I’ve started to resume a few activities as symptoms ease off or restrict their miseries to fewer than three limbs at a time. I'm supposed to report on what happens when the Prednisone course is finished. Bet I can guess as the symptoms escalated again as soon as the steroid dose tapered down. I'm still going to put my money against the odds and hope for a big pay out on the long shot. Here's to the old mediocre normal returning!
The ONE promise I have been determined NOT to break was one I made to my granddaughter to attend a special Tai kwon do event last Saturday. Our pixie size dynamo had decided to study this martial art in 2008 when she was barely six years old. You never know what three years of commitment will bring. Sometimes change is so subtle it’s hard to notice even in a child. Its three summers later now and the bathroom scale finally tips to the 60 pound mark when she steps on. It seems our pixie may soon be bumped out of the ‘Girls’ 4-6X department sizing (and styling) rut.
So on Saturday I was privileged to be invited to witness a demonstration of the skills my Dearheart has been quietly cultivating these last three years. I’ve been watching and have seen glimpses of her progress. Saturday, I found out she has taken the strides of a giant.
I saw a focused yet calm determination. She waited for and followed the master teacher's instruction. She demonstrated endurance, flexibility and versatility with (almost) no distraction. She was thoughtful and considerate of those who faced the day of challenge with her (one other minor and three adults). She was confident and controlled entering a 2-on-1 sparring match when she was the lone defender. She split a solid wooden board in two with her heel and then split another using a hammer hand technique. She accepted the fractured pieces of wood with humble gratitude and respected her personal best attempt at a third board that refused to yield.
A senior mentor had held the board Ms G broke with her kick. He bowed and held his hand out to direct her to the next station. He expected her to return the bow and move on. In her excitement, she high fived his outstretched palm, giggled and moved on. It was perfect.
Don’t mess with me. My granddaughter was awarded her Tae kwon do black belt Saturday afternoon. I’ll post a picture on my profile page as soon as I get one.
I’m afraid this posting effort has exhausted my spoon allotment for today. I suspect I’ve even borrowed a few from tomorrow’s unknown bounty. My fingers are debating if they will curl up with spasms or stiffen into lightening rods ready to attract painful stimuli. So what else was I going to do for six hours? I needed to put steroid depleted activity to the test and I’ve wanted to touch base with everyone here for weeks.
It sure felt good to brag a little too. Thanks for listening.
Take care of each other here. I hope to be around on a regular basis again soon. It may mean I have to give in and set up a trial of the free voice recognition program on my computer. Oh how I resist change.
Mary
Alex - Sorry to hear about Grady's escapade, but glad he is back to normal and back to his normal tricks.
(I can't imagine bringing a live rattler or copperhead into the vets with me to identify the serpent - I don't mind snakes but at the same time don't want to be in the car with one of those!)
(I can't imagine bringing a live rattler or copperhead into the vets with me to identify the serpent - I don't mind snakes but at the same time don't want to be in the car with one of those!)
COMMUNITY LEADER
Wow Alex i'm sorry that happened to both Grady and you, no wonder you were worried. The only experience i've ever had with a snake was with a red belly black, deadly lol slithered right next to me, inches away but i did the brave thing. Yes hmmm brave lol i screamed 'snake' at the top of my lungs and jumped ontop of the glass table and didn't come down until it was caught.
Not much is happening here, family dramatics lol actually not funny but nothing i can do but hope for the best!
In a bit of pain, not sure if the UTI i thought i got rid off has now hit my kidneys or not, i suspect i've hurt my self with new exercises, my left side arm and leg, plus my lower back is kicking the sh!t out of my zen, ooooooooooom nope not working lol i'll give it a couple of days. DH bought me a new wakeboard and i'm trying to get enough strength in my legs to use it lol might have to go back to slow and steady, though i hate it.
Other wise its all family stuff, one day at a time.
Cheers........JJ
Not much is happening here, family dramatics lol actually not funny but nothing i can do but hope for the best!
In a bit of pain, not sure if the UTI i thought i got rid off has now hit my kidneys or not, i suspect i've hurt my self with new exercises, my left side arm and leg, plus my lower back is kicking the sh!t out of my zen, ooooooooooom nope not working lol i'll give it a couple of days. DH bought me a new wakeboard and i'm trying to get enough strength in my legs to use it lol might have to go back to slow and steady, though i hate it.
Other wise its all family stuff, one day at a time.
Cheers........JJ
Alex - so glad to hear Grady is home, well and causing all kinds of mischief. All is as it should be. :)
Good luck at the docs on Thursday. I'll be at my neuro's office on Thursday, too.
MonkeyMom - my baby started kindy this morning. I was a nervous wreck for him and for me! We both did extremely well and had good days. Still, the house was soooo quiet. 7 year old went to 2nd grade and 11 year old went to middle school. That was a bit nervy for me, too, but, again, good days all around. :) Good luck tomorrow. Don't forget to take pics.
Raz - traveling mercies on your journey and I hope all goes well and uneventfully. Enjoy!
Doublevision - jealous of the vacay! I need one! :)
Lu - sorry you have to go back to work but I'm glad it's a happy place for you. There aren't many things worse than having to go to work every day to somewhere you hate to be. BTDT.
As for me, most of my stuff got mentioned above. Neuro's appt on Thursday. I think he's going to order a repeat MRI (it's been 6 months - whereTH did the time go???) and, based on that, talk about an LP. I'm sure we'll talk sx and he'll do his usual exam as well.
Baby boy started kindy this morning as I said. For all my worry and concern, he did GREAT! Yay! One more thing to strike off of the worry list. Second oldest started middle school and had a great day as well. Strike that, too. Whew! 2nd grader just goes with the flow. She's my "easy" child (if there is such a thing...)
I'm looking for a little extremely part time job just to keep me out of trouble now that everyone is in school. I don't want much. Just a few hours a week while they are in school.
I think that covers me.
Good luck at the docs on Thursday. I'll be at my neuro's office on Thursday, too.
MonkeyMom - my baby started kindy this morning. I was a nervous wreck for him and for me! We both did extremely well and had good days. Still, the house was soooo quiet. 7 year old went to 2nd grade and 11 year old went to middle school. That was a bit nervy for me, too, but, again, good days all around. :) Good luck tomorrow. Don't forget to take pics.
Raz - traveling mercies on your journey and I hope all goes well and uneventfully. Enjoy!
Doublevision - jealous of the vacay! I need one! :)
Lu - sorry you have to go back to work but I'm glad it's a happy place for you. There aren't many things worse than having to go to work every day to somewhere you hate to be. BTDT.
As for me, most of my stuff got mentioned above. Neuro's appt on Thursday. I think he's going to order a repeat MRI (it's been 6 months - whereTH did the time go???) and, based on that, talk about an LP. I'm sure we'll talk sx and he'll do his usual exam as well.
Baby boy started kindy this morning as I said. For all my worry and concern, he did GREAT! Yay! One more thing to strike off of the worry list. Second oldest started middle school and had a great day as well. Strike that, too. Whew! 2nd grader just goes with the flow. She's my "easy" child (if there is such a thing...)
I'm looking for a little extremely part time job just to keep me out of trouble now that everyone is in school. I don't want much. Just a few hours a week while they are in school.
I think that covers me.
So glad to hear your Grady is okay. I know how you feel, our dog is our child; losing her older brother very suddenly 2 years ago was so devastating, I actually took a whole week off work as I couldn't stop crying! It sounds like those vets are wonderful, it must be reassuring knowing Grady's in good hands when a visit is necessary. Kind of funny, in a dark way, that your pets get better medical care than you. I've heard other friends in the USA say the same thing due to the whole under-insured problem.
Lulu- yes back to work, who ever gets projects done? That is no fun.
Yes we have copperheads. Luckily copperhead bites are not as poisonous to dogs, more infectious. He had an allergic reaction and was having trouble breathing, that is what scared me. He was bitten right under the eye. When I worked at the emergency vet I used to take the live copperheads back to the woods to set them free. When people brought them in with the bitten pet for identification. That was before cellphones with cameras. There is nothing like driving with a live copperhead on the seat next to you hoping it does not get lose while you are driving. Oh I have lead an exciting life.
Alex
Yes we have copperheads. Luckily copperhead bites are not as poisonous to dogs, more infectious. He had an allergic reaction and was having trouble breathing, that is what scared me. He was bitten right under the eye. When I worked at the emergency vet I used to take the live copperheads back to the woods to set them free. When people brought them in with the bitten pet for identification. That was before cellphones with cameras. There is nothing like driving with a live copperhead on the seat next to you hoping it does not get lose while you are driving. Oh I have lead an exciting life.
Alex
After the Vet holding him all day and keeping on pins and needles waiting for a consult from the other Vet,Grady is home! The Vet charged me so little I did a double take. I was dreading the bill. He is already into mischief. I love him getting into trouble.
I wish I could go to my vet for my health care. The vets all came in to ask how I am doing these days. I worked there in the 90's before most of them worked there.
Again I made myself nuts over nothing. I think it was hard because I did not see him or talk to the vet for 48 hours. I worry more about my pets than I do myself.
Monkey-M wow a big adventure for the children
Raz my problems are small in comparison. I am thinking of you. Yeah I have made my own family over the years since my family of origin were such sick individuals. It is amazing how you can get love from people who are not blood. I would not have survived if it had not been for so many great people.
Double- the massage and vacate sound lovely.
Beema- I hope you have a good week as well.
Shell- I am glad your week is better.
Mary- I am wishing you a better week and hope you feel better.
I wish I could go to my vet for my health care. The vets all came in to ask how I am doing these days. I worked there in the 90's before most of them worked there.
Again I made myself nuts over nothing. I think it was hard because I did not see him or talk to the vet for 48 hours. I worry more about my pets than I do myself.
Monkey-M wow a big adventure for the children
Raz my problems are small in comparison. I am thinking of you. Yeah I have made my own family over the years since my family of origin were such sick individuals. It is amazing how you can get love from people who are not blood. I would not have survived if it had not been for so many great people.
Double- the massage and vacate sound lovely.
Beema- I hope you have a good week as well.
Shell- I am glad your week is better.
Mary- I am wishing you a better week and hope you feel better.
Gosh, Alex, that is awful about Grady. Do you encounter poisonous snakes often in your area? I hope he's home soon.
For me this week I transition back to work after my sumer break. In one way I hate to go back, but I do like where I work and the people I work with, so it really is ok. So much for all those projects I didn't get done (or even started!). There is always next year.
hugs to all,
Lu
For me this week I transition back to work after my sumer break. In one way I hate to go back, but I do like where I work and the people I work with, so it really is ok. So much for all those projects I didn't get done (or even started!). There is always next year.
hugs to all,
Lu
OOh, Alex - hope Grady is on the mend asap.
DB - do tell us more one day about the massage for deconditioned muscles - does it work?
Hope you and your manied toes enjoy those waters.
Raz safe travel, and hope the visit is refreshing.
Beema - wishing you a good week.
As for me, I'm much better this week, than last. Keeping my spirits in check w/a little help from my friends, much thanks to all.
-Shell
DB - do tell us more one day about the massage for deconditioned muscles - does it work?
Hope you and your manied toes enjoy those waters.
Raz safe travel, and hope the visit is refreshing.
Beema - wishing you a good week.
As for me, I'm much better this week, than last. Keeping my spirits in check w/a little help from my friends, much thanks to all.
-Shell
I am so sorry that Grady got bit. I hope he's home soon with you and Polly.
Good luck with your Dr appt. Hopefully it will be productive and beneficial to you.
Beema
Good luck with your Dr appt. Hopefully it will be productive and beneficial to you.
Beema
Alex - so sorry about your pup! I hope he recovers with no lasting damage, poor thing.
This week I see my new GP's vacation-coverage doc. Given this office's scr ew up of what was supposed to be my first appt a couple of weeks ago, I hope all goes smoothly. Also need to have some routine bloodwork completed.
I am having a little beauty maintenance done (root touch up, pedi) and some therapeutic massage for my deconditioned muscles that are aching.
Leaving for the Maritimes on Friday night red-eye. Only one aircraft change in Toronto which isn't so bad. Hoping I'll be able to get some sleep as we arrive in Halifax in the morning and then drive 4 hours to my in-laws in PEI. Though I'm still far from back to normal (my post MS dx 'normal,' that is), I'm looking forward to the change of scenery and so happy to be seeing some of closest friends for the first time in 3 years. And really looking forward to dipping my toes in the Atlantic!
Hope everyone has a good week. :)
This week I see my new GP's vacation-coverage doc. Given this office's scr ew up of what was supposed to be my first appt a couple of weeks ago, I hope all goes smoothly. Also need to have some routine bloodwork completed.
I am having a little beauty maintenance done (root touch up, pedi) and some therapeutic massage for my deconditioned muscles that are aching.
Leaving for the Maritimes on Friday night red-eye. Only one aircraft change in Toronto which isn't so bad. Hoping I'll be able to get some sleep as we arrive in Halifax in the morning and then drive 4 hours to my in-laws in PEI. Though I'm still far from back to normal (my post MS dx 'normal,' that is), I'm looking forward to the change of scenery and so happy to be seeing some of closest friends for the first time in 3 years. And really looking forward to dipping my toes in the Atlantic!
Hope everyone has a good week. :)
Oh poor Grady and Poly. my little bit got a trim last week and he feels much better, lest for 16 yrs he mostly sleeps. eats only when he wants. can be so frustrating and he is my heart. hope Grady gets to come home and Polly eats when she gets her buddy back.
going to visit with a dear friend this afternoon. kind of adopted parents. most accepting and non judgmental people I know. only about 45 mins away - ok it takes me about 1.5 hours but that's because I have trouble pushing the gas to get up hills and can't consistently hold the pedal down. last time they had to drive down there driveway to get me. oh well i'll get there anyway.
rest of week is the same old stuff. packing, throwing out and job hunting.
Raz
going to visit with a dear friend this afternoon. kind of adopted parents. most accepting and non judgmental people I know. only about 45 mins away - ok it takes me about 1.5 hours but that's because I have trouble pushing the gas to get up hills and can't consistently hold the pedal down. last time they had to drive down there driveway to get me. oh well i'll get there anyway.
rest of week is the same old stuff. packing, throwing out and job hunting.
Raz
Alex, so sorry to hear that your Grady got bit. I hope you get to bring him home soon.
My oldest kid, Jackson will be starting 1st grade tomorrow & Victoria (2nd oldest) will be starting kindergarten!!!
Good luck at the neurologist Alex!
Have a great week everyone!
My oldest kid, Jackson will be starting 1st grade tomorrow & Victoria (2nd oldest) will be starting kindergarten!!!
Good luck at the neurologist Alex!
Have a great week everyone!
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