Today I saw an MS specialist and was officially diagnosed with the disease. Despite holding out hope that something else was going on, I had the feeling that it was probably the correct diagnosis. The doctor was excellent and I wish I lived closer to where he is so that he could follow my treatment and progress. I am planning on following up with him 1-2x's per year to make sure I am on the right path. I also told him that I would be interested in participating in research studies in the future. As a clinical psychology major, I know how hard it is to get research subjects when you need them!
I will be starting treatment soon, like the interferon drug called Rebif which is an injection that I will give myself three times a week. I can only imagine how expensive it will be, but worth it in the long run. My prognosis looks very good given my age, gender, and general lack of severe symptoms. I am hopeful that I can live a relatively normal life.
The doctor encouraged me to be taking at least 2000 I.U. of Vitamin D every day as it has shown to have good effects in MS. He also encouraged me to get some exercise, like walking every day. I had been really good about walking until it got so cold that I couldn't tolerate it anymore. So my plan is to walk at the local mall or at my church as they are both warm, safe, and well-lit. Hopefully that will continue to keep my muscles active and help me continue losing weight.
2 comments:
Mrs. Jen, my daughter who is in the weight watchers community brought your blog to my attention, and I wanted to comment on your diagnosis. I'd be absolutely seeing another neurologist before i committed to the interferon.... I was diagnosed with MS in 1997 when I was 41 after an episode of numbness from toes to midchest along one half of my body, followed by a period of double vision. MRI showed some lesions in my brain. And the neurologist wanted to immediately put me on the drug protocol. Instead, I have managed symptoms (mostly of fatigue) through an oral antiviral called Amantadine and taking really good physical care of myself. I know that every MS case is different, and your dr. may feel that you have a more aggressive, progressive form rather than relapsing-remitting, but be sure to gather all the info you can before you go down the injections road. I don't think that interferon is even the most up to the minute protocol.... As I'm sure you know, MS is an elusive and slippery disease, every case is different, but be sure you have all your options spelled out befor eyou make choices. Bet of luck!
Mrs. Jen, my daughter who is in the weight watchers community brought your blog to my attention, and I wanted to comment on your diagnosis. I'd be absolutely seeing another neurologist before i committed to the interferon.... I was diagnosed with MS in 1997 when I was 41 after an episode of numbness from toes to midchest along one half of my body, followed by a period of double vision. MRI showed some lesions in my brain. And the neurologist wanted to immediately put me on the drug protocol. Instead, I have managed symptoms (mostly of fatigue) through an oral antiviral called Amantadine and taking really good physical care of myself. I know that every MS case is different, and your dr. may feel that you have a more aggressive, progressive form rather than relapsing-remitting, but be sure to gather all the info you can before you go down the injections road. I don't think that interferon is even the most up to the minute protocol.... As I'm sure you know, MS is an elusive and slippery disease, every case is different, but be sure you have all your options spelled out befor eyou make choices. Bet of luck!
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