Crap Time, But Could Be Worse!

[Herr-Berbunch]

So, for a while now the wife has complained of pins and needles, and numbness in her feet - weeks if not months. Got much worse on Friday so on Saturday I took her to the local GP unit at hospital, after a three hour wait she saw a GP and then went up to an admissions ward but still hopeful of coming home that day.

A neurologist came to see her and said she'd need an MRI, hopefully that day, or maybe the next. That came late on Sunday. Next she needed a Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap ) to confirm what they suspected.

Now at this point, trying to push a doctor to tell you without full and proper results is usually impossible, but two different doctors both said that the only thing they're looking for is MS.

She had the LP on Tuesday morning, and was out of hospital by that evening. The full MS diagnosis can't be made until the LP results in 'a few weeks', but that's what it is unless she's suddenly become a very old lady.

MS - Aargh! Initial thoughts go to my friend's wife who suffers really badly. Constant wheelchair use and a lot of pain involved. But I've a husband of a friend of a friend (double-checks that's right) who has a few injections a week and suffers little or no symptoms. Some basic reading reveals several types, of which the least-worst-case is a recurring type - symptoms come and go - this is what the wife thinks she's got and for quite good reason - a couple of years ago, for a month or two, she had numbness in one hand, then both. Doc put it down to poor circulation. About a year ago she got blurred vision, for a month or so. Now the numb legs/feet. This type unfortunately does progress onward.

Thinking it's the least-worst option is keeping her (and me) upbeat, and already we're joking about certain things but I know that it can't last forever.

So, anybody out there with experience, personal or otherwise, of the highs and lows of MS - I'd like it all.

No need for sympathy, I just want the experiences you've had.

And a final word for my Subsim/FB crossovers - nothing on FB please, we're waiting on the official, 100% diagnosis before telling anyone beyond closest of family/friends. (So you guys think yourself lucky )

[Armistead]

Just hang in there friend, those nerve diseases are complex and vary from person to person. I don't have MS, but have dealt with one for 8 years now.
However, my brothers wife does have MS. Another case that it probably showed it's head years before a dx. She goes through flare up a few times a year and over time it has progressed. As you know, each flare up leaves more lesions. However, she still works full time, cept when the flare ups get bad. She says her flares happen during very stressful times, so she tries to keep it under control. In one way, she says it probably saved her, smoker, overweight, terrible life habits....with changes she actually looks great now, moderate exercise, good diet now, think basic vegan.

My former boss also had MS, his never seemed to bother him and except for the fact he said he had it, don't think anyone would've known.

[Tchocky]

Terribly sorry to hear that HB. The only personal experience I can give is the mother of an old ex-girlfriend. She swore by the odd toke by way of relief

Grain of salt I imagine is necessary.

Best of luck to you both and be strong!

[fireftr18]

Sorry to hear the news. I'll hold the sympathy, and let you know you're added to my prayer list.

[Jimbuna]

Terrible news Tony, I've a few friends with the bugga ranging from the 'coming and going' type to the 'full blown' which gets worse by the month.

Hoping for the best result outcome....you know how to contact me

I hope the link is of some use:

http://www.msif.org/about-ms/day-to-day-living-with-ms/

[HunterICX]

Ouch that's indeed unpleasant to be facing, I'm hoping for the better outcome for the both of you

[Eichhörnchen]

Be sure and keep us up to date with news, pal; thinking of you...

[Schroeder]

Wow, sorry to hear that.
I wish the two of you all the best.

[Wolferz]

My wife's sister has MS. She controls it (for the most part) with diet and exercise.
Wishing you and yours all the best.

[BossMark]

Hope things turn out for the better Tony

[eddie]

Sorry to hear this, will keep a good thought for you both!

[u crank]

That's tough news HB. Keep a positive attitude. I know your mates here at SubSim will.

All the best.

[vienna]

I hope all goes as well as possible for her as you both move forward. A suggestion: see if the both of you can get into a support group; often the experiences of those who have been coping a condition for a longer period of time can be a great source of information and solutions. Sometimes they can even let you know something your physicians may have overlooked or missed...


<O>

[Herr-Berbunch]

Diagnosis confirmed.

Still seeing the lighter side at the moment - I phoned my car insurance company to inform them, they asked if it affected her driving, the only response I could give was 'No, she's still crap'.

Been in touch with an old colleague whose wife has it quite bad, turns out he's the secretary for a forces (and families) personnel with MS support group.

Chin-up, fingers crossed, and smile.

[nikimcbee]

That's awful news HB. All the best.