official dx thanks to flare-up/questions..help!

[QTPieRN433]

looks like at least according to the diagnosis on my orders for IV steroids that I have officially joined the MS ranks. I have had virtually no symtpoms except one bout of optic neuritis about 5-6 years ago and now this bout started around thanksgiving..again initially with no symtpoms..but an MRI was ordered whoch now shows tons of lesions..lp and bloodwork negative for other things but...just last week I started having ridiculous trouble with my right legs/hips/knees and am walking with am limp and wanting to drag that leg..am STARTING DAY 3 of solumedrol and feeling slightly improved but the pain/difficulty walking has moved from hip to knee to ankle on the right side. my question is..will this go away or will it remain? does it sound like spacticity? Do I need to see an orthopedist? PT? meds? talk with the neuro?? any advice?? I am scared outta my mind but holding it together decently right now..but sooo many unanswered questions..any thoughts or advice appreciated..thanks..

[Wendella247]

I'm sort of in the same place as QTPieRN433 as to sudden diagnosis of MS and being put on SoluMedrol.  Just got a diagnosis on 1/5/10.  

Lulu54's comment is very encouraging: "Remember, please, that today's MS is nothing like it was 20 years ago.  With treatment, you stand a pretty good chance of living a long, relatively healthy life."  

Thanks everyone for sharing on this site.  It helps a lot!

[Lulu54]

Hi Cutie, I'm sorry you have joined our ranks.  If the doctor is doing IV solumedrol with the orders for MS, then it sounds pretty sure to me too.

At this point you need to go back to the neuro and sit down and discuss treatment options.  All of these symptoms you describe could be from the MS and the neuro is the right source for information.

It is hard not to panic when you get this dx.  Alex is so right .... breathing is essential.  There is so much going through your head at the time of dx that its hard to focus on any one thing.

Remember, please, that today's MS is nothing like it was 20 years ago.  With treatment, you stand a pretty good chance of living a long, relatively healthy life.  

Please let us know how we can be of help - we're here to do this with you!

wishing you the best,
Lulu

[HVAC]

You will probably feel like a roller coaster of emotions. Relief to have a diagnosis, anger, fear, sadness, even disbelief. These are all normal. Everyone with MS is different. They only sure thing about MS is there is no predictability.

Breathing is important. I forgot to breath in the beginning. Also taking it day by day. Trying not to get overwhelmed.

I called my local MS Society. They were a life line in the beginning. Lots of brochures.

Hang in there,

Alex