Well, it's my turn

[68Charger]

My thoughts and prayers are with you, brother...

[970TJ]

Every once in a while a member makes a post describing a problem they're going through and requests prayers and good vibes to help.

After procrastinating a couple of days now it's my turn.

I have MS.

Around the end of March I started feeling dizzy. Eventually it got so bad I landed in the hospital. unable to stand, had to crawl. sitting stationary in a chair felt like I was on a carnival ride. Made studying for school impossible.

While I was in the hospital I told my folks that I'd rather lose a leg than feel like that all the time. Well, God heard me.

Around last week the dizziness and vertigo abated, but my left leg went numb, followed by my right. The right is not as bad, just good enough to walk, very slowly and arduously, with a cane. My left foot wants to point down all the time. I know the calf muscle is cramping but I can't feel it. So, when I walk I have to rotate the left leg to the side with each step, because the toe is pointed down and I don't have the strength to lift it up far enough to take a forward step I'm pretty close to needing a wheelchair.

At this point my body from chest down is numb, as are my arms from elbow to hand. I can study for school, but I can barely write. Getting to class is a real chore.

The nearest appointment I could get with a neurologist was the end of July, and everything will be out of pocket as I do not have health insurance. (that is a whole other, long story that I'll get into later) Being a single, middle aged male I don't qualify for squat from the government, thought I was able to get a handicapped parking tag.

On top of that, the treatment for MS flare ups is usually IV steroids like solumedrol, that for some reason with me inflame my pancreas. This causes excruciating pancreatitis and usually lands me in the hospital as pancreatitis can be life threatening.

I'm a man of faith, and I've had prayers answered before so if you can spare a moment please say one for me, I sure could use it. I'm in a bad way and I have a long haul ahead, and it's been hard the last couple of days to keep my spirits up. My biggest fear is a bad fall.

I'm not alone. My parents have been a great help to me. They are covering my bills. But they are getting up there in years and being a burden (they wouldn't call me that, but I feel like it) on them breaks my heart.

If you can stand up and walk across the room, count your blessings. I've been counting mine as well, even though I have hardship I'm not in terrible pain and for that I'm thankful.

I know others here are having tough times, financial problems, divorces, etc. I'll be praying for you, please do likewise for me. All you atheists just think a happy thought and put out some positive vibes for me.

When I finally get to see the doc, maybe treatments will help me improve, maybe they won't. I just had to post this because today was a low point for me.

Tomorrow will be better, I've already decided.

I was diagnosed in Feb 2010, and it was a shock that floored me and put me into a VERY bad place mentally. Just so you know, you're not alone. There are the various steps of accepting it. Denial is probably the biggest hurdle. I was brought up as "don't be a pussy, walk it off". I have worked with my hands all of my life, and have topped out in three different trades (construction). I love to work hard, and I'am/was a workaholic, so I had the mentality, that if I worked harder, it would go away. Instead it had a very bad effect, and I have since learned to settle down. I'm not going to go into my sypmtoms, as everyone's are different, but if you want to talk to someone who knows exactly what you're going through, PLEASE pm me. I didn't check where you're at before starting this reply, but I assume the front range. I'm on the west slope, and the nuero I'm seeing for it is very aggressive and well trained, and he has an office in Vail.

You will adapt, and it WILL be okay. I have a few forums I'm on that helped me answer questions, and give support. Again, pm me if you need anything.
Matt

[970TJ]

Just reread and noticed you don't have health insurance. There are TONS of help out there for this. From the drug companies, to foundations, etc. And if you're out of pocket, the nuero I see will work with you on the money end of it, as well as get you in touch with other help with the meds and whatnot. MS is one of the most expensive diseases to treat....even more than AIDS. Just my meds out of pocket would clear 5k a month. But with my insurance, and the assistance from the drug company, its basically free. I make 90k a year and still qualify for help through the drug companies and the various foundations. To hell with the gubment! They don't help until you have lost everything, and then it's questionable.

Keep your head up man....it will get better!

[sniper7]

prayers are sent. sorry to hear about this. stay strong and I hope things get better and easier soon

[Elhuero]

Thanks a million everyone.

[Mazin]

Just Prayed and will continue doing so...Keep the faith man and if you need anything feel free to pm me!

[UberTong]

I will go light a candle for you at church and say a prayer for you and yours. God bless.

[970TJ]

email sent.

[Elhuero]

Well folks here's an update.

Last week I barely made it to my car after school and ended up in a wheelchair for a few days.

But over the weekend my movement has improved and now I'm walking again, better than I was when I first posted.

Still have problems and I use a cane just in case but things are better and I'm a lot more mobile and functional than I was.

So, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your prayers.

They have really helped, truly.

[970TJ]

Glad to hear you're doing better! I hope the links I sent you were helpful. I'll work on getting you some more info.

Well folks here's an update.

Last week I barely made it to my car after school and ended up in a wheelchair for a few days.

But over the weekend my movement has improved and now I'm walking again, better than I was when I first posted.

Still have problems and I use a cane just in case but things are better and I'm a lot more mobile and functional than I was.

So, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your prayers.

They have really helped, truly.