TakingAuthorityOverMS.Com
My MS Story
My MS Story
10/17/07
My MS Story
In hindsight I believe MS entered my life before February 2004 at which time I had lazer eye
surgery due to one of my eyes having blurred vision and a white spot in that eye.
On March 3rd, 2007 I was preparing for a road trip alone to Minnesota to visit relatives.
When I awakened that day (approximately 8a.m.), I felt fine, no pain or any other feeling that was
noticeable. Later on that day around 10a.m. it seemed my right foot fell asleep, I shook it
expecting the numbness and tingling to go away but then the numbing and tingling sensations
extended to my right leg, thigh, buttocks, and the right side of my womanly area (watching out for
any children present(humor) .This all occurred within a 2 hour period , the progression of these
odd sensations at which time I became highly concerned. I called my Primary Care Physician
who told me to go immediately to an Urgent Care Center.
Before leaving my residence the intellectual side of me wanted some kind of information as to
what may be wrong with me,(I’ve noticed a difference in my cognitive abilities, such as memory
recall and the way I absorb information is a lot slower than what it was before the diagnosis)
(Now I use my cell phone as a reminder technique for appointments, shopping, addresses and
other things) (also remind your family of new organization techniques,like placing things in
certain areas)Give Ron/Gil example)
anyway back to before I left home heading to the Urgent Care Center so I logged onto a website
where you can list your symptoms and it will give possible illnesses. The two given at that time
were 1.) a pinched nerve or 2.)A Transient Ischemic Attack
(which is a mini stroke). So now I am thinking this is a pinched nerve blocking out the second
choice or any possibility of a debilitating disease or any other illness.
After being at the Urgent Care Center for about 20 minutes I was told I needed to be admitted to
the hospital, approx. eight weeks prior to this I resigned as a Correctional Officer due to feeling I
could no longer physically or mentally handle that type of work and was about to transition away
from the health insurance with the thought I am not sick and will get other health insurance soon
(big mistake).
While waiting for the Urgent Care nurse to return I was lead (I’d like to believe spiritually) to sign
up for Cobra insurance $659 per month (Thank God I did).
The hospital bill for an 11 day stay was $108,054.62, my total cost, by the grace of God was
$659.00.
After arriving at the hospital a battery of tests were performed including a number of MRI’s ,
evoked potentials and other tests all the while I am walking around the hospital with a flapping
foot, (ask the audience if anyone can identify with me on the flapping foot). I believe the symptom
is called Ataxia.
On March 6th the Doctor walked in the room and stated, “We have found the causes of your
numbness and tingling.” When he said causes I was definitely all ears and had that look of
come on Doc tell me specifically what’s going on at which time he told me I have Spinal
Stenosis and Multiple Sclerosis for which there is no cure. I cried.
Before this my self image was starting to evolve, I had just gone through a complete overhaul 6
years ago including a divorce within those 6 years.
I felt like I had been hit twice with a hammer in the face. I was shocked, full of dismay, and
uncertain as to what this all means.
All I could think of is wait a minute this Multiple Sclerosis stuff, Richard Pryor had it and Montel
Williams has it.
The Doctor explained for the Spinal Stenosis I would need surgery, the type that included being
opened surgically from the front and the back in order for him to shave the spurs on my spine
and insert two titanium rods in my neck.
After the Doctor left the room, I went immediately to the hospital’s library and researched MS as
much as possible when I left the library I probably had close to 100 pages printed from the
internet. One of the pages hit home as it had a picture of an MRI image which showed an MS
lesion and I was already shown the MRI of my brain which at that time only showed one lesion.
At this point I was convinced the medical professionals were right.
I begged the Doctor for an alternative treatment (other than the surgery for the Spinal Stenosis)
however, he said there was none available and w/o the surgery I could end up a quadriplegic.
So of course I chose the surgery which I have to say before that day of surgery I had no pain what
so ever only the numbness and tingling. Every since the surgery I’ve experienced excruciating
pain in my neck and back pain.
Once the surgery was complete, I no longer had the tingling, numbness or flapping foot.
As I told people close to me what was going on with me for the first time in my life and it
continues to this day I also have to explain what MS is and Spinal Stenosis involves, because I
have relatives that may want to run up behind me playfully hugging and may throw my neck and
or spine out with a whack.
As time went on I became more accepting and felt this was another challenge in my life.
I’ve done my best to compile a lot of information on MS, studying what is a myelin sheath,
lesions, plague, exacerbations, interferons, axons, other related conditions such as dysphagia
and more.
I’ve started to compile this information on a website entitled “Takingauthorityoverms.com.
In compiling information it helps me mentally, physically and spiritually to know I may help
someone else new to MS.
Today I also have hope and lot’s of faith in God that I’ll be continually healed day by day.
I attribute my strength to working with and having compassion for others and not harping on or
always thinking about the Monster as some call MS or Spinal Stenosis. I’ve gained confidence
back by becoming very informed regarding MS, especially choosing certain topics that are
relevant to my experiences and or symptoms.
I enjoy telling people if we exercise, eat the right foods, take our medications, get plenty of rest,
relax when we need to; do not allow ourselves to be stressed about anything and enjoy life most
of the time you will not think about MS nor it’s symptoms.
My first bout of fatigue was approx. two weeks before the diagnosis, I was at work, had slept 71/2
hours the night before and felt like I was going to pass out. Today if I feel my self getting very
tired, I take a nap or rest.
I thank God for my job and the fact thus far I can continue to work. My Employer is an Angel, He
offers me time off often and considers my work load frequently. I was a little apprehensive at first
to share the diagnosis with my employer but I am glad I did, at times there is a part of me that
wishes they didn’t know because I do not want anyone’s pity.
I started my Avonex injections approx. one month after my MS diagnosis and I have to tell you
when I was first told I needed these injections, my first thought was “you’ve got to be kidding, I
hate needles”, however when my nurse came to my home and explained think of it this way, With
the injections you slow down or possibly eliminate the need for a wheelchair; w/o the injections
you could possibly end up in a wheelchair. Well needless to say I stated, “Hand me the needle”.
Right after the Avonex training injection and a few times afterwards, I felt achy and had flu like
symptoms even after taking ibuprofen however after say a month or so the symptoms went
away. To this day I am still not totally comfortable with the injections but know I need them to
continue my mobility for as long as possible.
I am grateful the injections are available because at one time they were not, say approx 40 years
ago.
I also wanted to know what interferons were and learned basically they are proteins produced by
the cells of the immune system in response to challenges of viruses, bacteria or parasites.
Interferons assist our immune system by inhibiting a viral replication within other cells.
I’ve also learned it is best for us to help with the management of the disease, by seeking doctors
with knowledge regarding MS (I’ve met neurologists not familiar with MS ), find out what
treatment options and medications may be suitable for you and have a discussion with your
Doctor. Write a list of everything you’d like to discuss with your Doctor and keep a log of any and
everything pertaining to you and your experiences. You may need to see an eye doctor (explain
incident that happened over a 3week period)
I thank God he is giving me the wisdom and strength to stand before you not as a survivor but as
a conqueror believing together with the health care professionals, certain organizations, clinical
trials we will eventually have a cure.
Where there is hope, there is happiness, objectivity, peace, and endearment amongst us all.
I also find inspiration in hearing the stories of others and how they conquer MS, attending MS
presentations, and learning of clinical trials that may one day lead to a cure.
I believe we should not settle for coping with MS but do our best to conquer MS. Conquer in short
means to overcome and overcome means to get the better of.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:12
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated,but two can stand back- to- back and
conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.
Thank you for reading my story, I hope it will help someone newly diagnosed.
Thank you !
My MS Story
In hindsight I believe MS entered my life before February 2004 at which time I had lazer eye
surgery due to one of my eyes having blurred vision and a white spot in that eye.
On March 3rd, 2007 I was preparing for a road trip alone to Minnesota to visit relatives.
When I awakened that day (approximately 8a.m.), I felt fine, no pain or any other feeling that was
noticeable. Later on that day around 10a.m. it seemed my right foot fell asleep, I shook it
expecting the numbness and tingling to go away but then the numbing and tingling sensations
extended to my right leg, thigh, buttocks, and the right side of my womanly area (watching out for
any children present(humor) .This all occurred within a 2 hour period , the progression of these
odd sensations at which time I became highly concerned. I called my Primary Care Physician
who told me to go immediately to an Urgent Care Center.
Before leaving my residence the intellectual side of me wanted some kind of information as to
what may be wrong with me,(I’ve noticed a difference in my cognitive abilities, such as memory
recall and the way I absorb information is a lot slower than what it was before the diagnosis)
(Now I use my cell phone as a reminder technique for appointments, shopping, addresses and
other things) (also remind your family of new organization techniques,like placing things in
certain areas)Give Ron/Gil example)
anyway back to before I left home heading to the Urgent Care Center so I logged onto a website
where you can list your symptoms and it will give possible illnesses. The two given at that time
were 1.) a pinched nerve or 2.)A Transient Ischemic Attack
(which is a mini stroke). So now I am thinking this is a pinched nerve blocking out the second
choice or any possibility of a debilitating disease or any other illness.
After being at the Urgent Care Center for about 20 minutes I was told I needed to be admitted to
the hospital, approx. eight weeks prior to this I resigned as a Correctional Officer due to feeling I
could no longer physically or mentally handle that type of work and was about to transition away
from the health insurance with the thought I am not sick and will get other health insurance soon
(big mistake).
While waiting for the Urgent Care nurse to return I was lead (I’d like to believe spiritually) to sign
up for Cobra insurance $659 per month (Thank God I did).
The hospital bill for an 11 day stay was $108,054.62, my total cost, by the grace of God was
$659.00.
After arriving at the hospital a battery of tests were performed including a number of MRI’s ,
evoked potentials and other tests all the while I am walking around the hospital with a flapping
foot, (ask the audience if anyone can identify with me on the flapping foot). I believe the symptom
is called Ataxia.
On March 6th the Doctor walked in the room and stated, “We have found the causes of your
numbness and tingling.” When he said causes I was definitely all ears and had that look of
come on Doc tell me specifically what’s going on at which time he told me I have Spinal
Stenosis and Multiple Sclerosis for which there is no cure. I cried.
Before this my self image was starting to evolve, I had just gone through a complete overhaul 6
years ago including a divorce within those 6 years.
I felt like I had been hit twice with a hammer in the face. I was shocked, full of dismay, and
uncertain as to what this all means.
All I could think of is wait a minute this Multiple Sclerosis stuff, Richard Pryor had it and Montel
Williams has it.
The Doctor explained for the Spinal Stenosis I would need surgery, the type that included being
opened surgically from the front and the back in order for him to shave the spurs on my spine
and insert two titanium rods in my neck.
After the Doctor left the room, I went immediately to the hospital’s library and researched MS as
much as possible when I left the library I probably had close to 100 pages printed from the
internet. One of the pages hit home as it had a picture of an MRI image which showed an MS
lesion and I was already shown the MRI of my brain which at that time only showed one lesion.
At this point I was convinced the medical professionals were right.
I begged the Doctor for an alternative treatment (other than the surgery for the Spinal Stenosis)
however, he said there was none available and w/o the surgery I could end up a quadriplegic.
So of course I chose the surgery which I have to say before that day of surgery I had no pain what
so ever only the numbness and tingling. Every since the surgery I’ve experienced excruciating
pain in my neck and back pain.
Once the surgery was complete, I no longer had the tingling, numbness or flapping foot.
As I told people close to me what was going on with me for the first time in my life and it
continues to this day I also have to explain what MS is and Spinal Stenosis involves, because I
have relatives that may want to run up behind me playfully hugging and may throw my neck and
or spine out with a whack.
As time went on I became more accepting and felt this was another challenge in my life.
I’ve done my best to compile a lot of information on MS, studying what is a myelin sheath,
lesions, plague, exacerbations, interferons, axons, other related conditions such as dysphagia
and more.
I’ve started to compile this information on a website entitled “Takingauthorityoverms.com.
In compiling information it helps me mentally, physically and spiritually to know I may help
someone else new to MS.
Today I also have hope and lot’s of faith in God that I’ll be continually healed day by day.
I attribute my strength to working with and having compassion for others and not harping on or
always thinking about the Monster as some call MS or Spinal Stenosis. I’ve gained confidence
back by becoming very informed regarding MS, especially choosing certain topics that are
relevant to my experiences and or symptoms.
I enjoy telling people if we exercise, eat the right foods, take our medications, get plenty of rest,
relax when we need to; do not allow ourselves to be stressed about anything and enjoy life most
of the time you will not think about MS nor it’s symptoms.
My first bout of fatigue was approx. two weeks before the diagnosis, I was at work, had slept 71/2
hours the night before and felt like I was going to pass out. Today if I feel my self getting very
tired, I take a nap or rest.
I thank God for my job and the fact thus far I can continue to work. My Employer is an Angel, He
offers me time off often and considers my work load frequently. I was a little apprehensive at first
to share the diagnosis with my employer but I am glad I did, at times there is a part of me that
wishes they didn’t know because I do not want anyone’s pity.
I started my Avonex injections approx. one month after my MS diagnosis and I have to tell you
when I was first told I needed these injections, my first thought was “you’ve got to be kidding, I
hate needles”, however when my nurse came to my home and explained think of it this way, With
the injections you slow down or possibly eliminate the need for a wheelchair; w/o the injections
you could possibly end up in a wheelchair. Well needless to say I stated, “Hand me the needle”.
Right after the Avonex training injection and a few times afterwards, I felt achy and had flu like
symptoms even after taking ibuprofen however after say a month or so the symptoms went
away. To this day I am still not totally comfortable with the injections but know I need them to
continue my mobility for as long as possible.
I am grateful the injections are available because at one time they were not, say approx 40 years
ago.
I also wanted to know what interferons were and learned basically they are proteins produced by
the cells of the immune system in response to challenges of viruses, bacteria or parasites.
Interferons assist our immune system by inhibiting a viral replication within other cells.
I’ve also learned it is best for us to help with the management of the disease, by seeking doctors
with knowledge regarding MS (I’ve met neurologists not familiar with MS ), find out what
treatment options and medications may be suitable for you and have a discussion with your
Doctor. Write a list of everything you’d like to discuss with your Doctor and keep a log of any and
everything pertaining to you and your experiences. You may need to see an eye doctor (explain
incident that happened over a 3week period)
I thank God he is giving me the wisdom and strength to stand before you not as a survivor but as
a conqueror believing together with the health care professionals, certain organizations, clinical
trials we will eventually have a cure.
Where there is hope, there is happiness, objectivity, peace, and endearment amongst us all.
I also find inspiration in hearing the stories of others and how they conquer MS, attending MS
presentations, and learning of clinical trials that may one day lead to a cure.
I believe we should not settle for coping with MS but do our best to conquer MS. Conquer in short
means to overcome and overcome means to get the better of.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:12
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated,but two can stand back- to- back and
conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.
Thank you for reading my story, I hope it will help someone newly diagnosed.
Thank you !
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