A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS

[student01]

I am newly dx and have a couple of questions I can't seemed to find a good answer to if anyone can help I would truly appreciate it.

1. What is optic neuritis? and does this come on all of a sudden, you just wake up one morning not being able to see?

2. How about walking? Also do you just wake up one morning not being able to walk and have to go into a wheel chair? If you do go into a wheelchair are you always going to be in a chair?

3. Has anyone ever fainted while out and about because of the dizziness and vertigo?

4. How do people die from MS? Is it from symptoms or complications?


Sorry to be so dreary but I am having a hard time trying to get some assistance with my copaxone, I have no insurance and have filled out some paperwork for some assistance but they say this will take from 4-6 weeks before I hear anything and I feel my sx are getting worse everyday that goes by. I am sure it has to do alot with the stress of being dx and trying to get together all this info they need for the assistance ( it's like applying for a mortgage) I would like to thank you in advance for any answers and feel I will have more questions to follow.


Thank You  Lynn

[Lulu54]

You are not being dreary so please don't apologize for asking questions that all of us have had at one time or another.

First and foremost I want to reassure you that for most of us, MS is not a life-ending disease.  The delay in getting treatment, while worrisome, is not in the same ballpark as say having a delay in getting cancer treatment.  Yes, it is important to start DMD's as soon as possible, but taking the time wading through the paperwork for assistance should not be a major problem.


I have not experienced Optic Neuritis, so can only speak about what I know from other's experiences.  It is an inflammation of the optic nerves, and is usually reversible with treatment of steroids.  Someone correct me if I'm wrong here - yes, it can come on very sudden with little warning.  It usually takes time and steroids to resolve, but it does get better  and is rarely permanent.

The patient in the wheelchair is the image we all remember from the past and is frequently the image associated with this MiSerable disease.  But it is now far removed from the reality of today's MS patient.  The DMD's have gone a long way in slowing this disease.  Although it is not curable yet, it is very manageable for many of us. I'm not trying to mislead you though - this is still a crippling disease for some of us and does make us dependent on adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.  

Keep plugging through the list of places that can help with the cost of treatment - there are many options out there, but they may not be obvious.

I hope this answers some of your thoughts- please let us know what else you are pondering and if we can help.

my best,
Lulu

[saveone]

Hi Lynn we haven't met...at least I don't think so.  Belated, but let me welcome you to the forum.

I think the questions you have are questions we have all had at the beginning of the journey, dx or not, the fears are the same.

MS is different with every person, from day to day or even minute to minute.  Most people live a normal life span with some adaptations.  From what I understand ppl do not die from MS but some do from complications...like pneumonia caused by food aspiration.  

As to using a wheelchair, that is also different.  Some may use one during a flare and then when the flare is over they regain enough of their abilities to walk again...maybe not as far or with assistance.  Some on here do use a wheelchair everyday to increase their mobility.

As to all of the health questions I would suggest you read our health pages.  You can access them at the top right corner by clicking the icon.

I would also suggest you visit the many sites from different org or societies.  They have lots of info.  Ongoing publications, videos etc.  They will also send info by mail for those who are newly dx with info and videos for both you and your family.  The one I really liked was Knowledge is Power.  Just google it and it will come up.  If you don't get it that way let me know and I will send you the address.  I have to go to town soon so I am running behind right now.

Feel free to PM me or send me a note if I can help in anyway.  I am one of those ppl who has been dx by several docs but not a neuro so I am waiting.

terry