MS Update

As I type this I am feeling so exhausted!  It is 1:39 a.m. and I should be asleep.  These MS medications have my system so off.

I spent most of the past eight weeks in and out of hospitals.  I have really good doctors with whom I feel very comfortable.  I trust them.  I'm just tired of seeing them!  It would be nice to go a few weeks without having blood taking out of me, medications being pumped into me through an IV or being put in the casket (a.k.a. the MRI machine).  Having said all of that, I gladly go through it if it means that it gives the doctors more insight into how to treat my MS in the most effective way.

People tend to lump everyone who has MS into one box.  MS does not attack everyone the same way.  We share some symptoms, of course, but I have yet to meet another person with MS who has been affected by it exactly as I have.  Many have had worse things happen.  Many have had barely any complications at all.  I find that I fall somewhere in the middle.

Now I'm going to rant for just a minute about something, so readers beware.  If I get the email again claiming that artificial sweeteners and diet sodas cause MS or cause your body to mimic MS I'm going to scream!  I have gotten that email forwarded to me by at least 40 people (some I didn't even know).  First of all, we don't use artificial sweeteners.  Secondly, I don't drink diet sodas.  I don't even drink soda except for on very rare occasions.  At first I thought, "They are just trying to help me."  Now, I just get so annoyed by it.  I mean, seriously — sending that email to me is like they are saying, "Hey, you brought this MS on yourself.  It's YOUR fault you have this disease."  I know that's not what they mean, but after receiving that email so many times...that's exactly how it comes across.  Okay, rant over.

My last flare began in February.  It was brought on by a sinus infection.  I'm just now getting back on my feet.  I'm so glad that this one is over!!!  It took several rounds of IV treatments, but I'm able to walk & talk again.  PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to have another blood test in a few weeks to determine if I still have antibodies to the Tysabri.  I'm hoping that I don't, but I also don't want to continue on a medication if it is going to harm me instead of help me.

So, that's the MS update.  Thanks for all the prayers!

Stacey

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5:01 AM, May. 3, 2008 .. Posted by denisebp

It's always good to know that I can find you here during the wee hours! ;)

I'm so sorry about the flare, and I'm praising God that it's behind you.

My jaw dropped about the artificial sweeteners email! I've never seen that one (and I was sure I'd seen them all!). I don't know what to say except that it's sad that people don't think before they act, and realize how that would affect you.

Praying...

Love,
Denise

Edited by denisebp on May. 3, 2008 at 4:02 AM

Guilty as charged!

7:44 AM, May. 3, 2008 .. Posted by deedeeuk

*GULP* Sorry for sending you that one a few months ago! Just feel so far away and unable to do anything (other than pray obviously) so just wanted to help! I wasn't saying you had done it to yourself, just wanted to make sure that if there was anything that might make it worse, you knew about it! I know you know more about this than I do, but I'm trying to learn. :o) I'm glad this flare up is over and that you can walk again! Praise the Lord is right!!!! We are thanking Him with you! (((HUGS)))

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8:47 AM, May. 3, 2008 .. Posted by MiryClay

Oh dear! Praying for you Stacey. I've been away for quite a while & didn't realize you were suffering. I will keep checking in on you. Saying a prayer for you now. Oh, & I loved the outburst. LOL. You go girl. Like anyone would bring this pain on themselves. Duh!

Love ya,
Lori

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11:00 AM, May. 3, 2008 .. Posted by psalms16vs2

It's good to hear you are doing better. Sorry about the emails, that would have to be so hard. I hope you have a blessed weekend. :)
JoAnn

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