Newby - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

MS for life · 07-11-2007, 07:20 AM

Well, yesterday my neurologist gave me the dreaded news I had a hunch was coming. Whereas I only have nine lesions on my MRI, two are quite large and they simply cannot be ignored. He took nine vials of blood, signed me up for another MRI of the neck/spine, an ultrasound for something, an EKG to rule out mini strokes and some test for my hand to be sure I don't have carpal tunnel on top of it. He, however, is leaning towards a diagnosis of MS.

He gave me literature, did quite a few tests in the office and asked me many questions. So we are trying to decide if anything else could be the problem for my symptoms (mainly my hands and feet continually fall asleep at night and during the day, fatigue, trouble concentrating). My Internal Medicine doctor already ran a slew of blood tests to rule out a number of other problems. His "homework" assignment was to find out as much as I could on MS so that I could be informed at our next visit and to discuss starting on medication to keep it from getting worse. I am an incredibly healthy person otherwise. My cholesterol for a 40-year-old is better than most 20-year-olds, my blood pressure, weight, etc. are great. I am hypothyroid, but have had it under control for years.

So, assuming the MS comes back as the main diagnosis, I need to have two questions answered.

1. I own my own business as a transcriptionist with employees under me that count on me for their jobs. I do not want to mislead them or my accounts. Can I continue to type if things start getting worse? And will my concentration/fatigue get better by starting on the drugs or will they just not get worse?

2. I am an avid runner. I don't run fast, but I am currently running three to five miles three to four times a week. I've always wanted to try running a marathon. I made it to a half marathon a few years back and was hoping to try to train for the big one soon. Is this out of the question? Will I have to switch sports soon or can I continue with my running. Those times alone, sweating, are what sometimes keep my hectic life in order.

I'm sure there will be many more, but the two questions in regards to my job and my favorite hobby seem like a good starting point.

duttin · 07-11-2007, 07:31 AM

Welcome,

To answer your questions,there's many here that work 40 plus hours a week and have successful jobs.For the typing if it becomes difficult ,there's programs available,Dragon naturally speaking is one.You speak into a micro phone and it types for you.

As for the runnimg,no it won't harm you,the more active the better for you.I wish I could run.My MS has targetted my legs ,PT has helped.

Most with MS don't have to change their life style,yes you'll have some bad days,but heck healthy people have them.

I was Dx'd at 40 also.Would offer more but better get to PT.

You'll find great support here.

TXChica70 · 07-11-2007, 07:46 AM

Don't let MS change your life until you have to. Keep working, keep running, keep doing what you do. The worst thing you can do is start to let a dx of MS change your life because that's when depression sets in and stress and nothing is worse for MS than stress.

As for the drugs, they won't help the symptoms you're already experiencing but there's a good chance your symptoms will go away on their own. If you have RRMS, then this is most likely the case. The drugs will help to slow down the progression of the disease and hopefully keep future attacks from happening sooner and maybe make the next attack not so bad. Can be years between attacks to so having MS isn't necessarily the worst thing. I would certainly rather have MS than a brain tumor.

Good luck and keep posting.

PghGuy00 · 07-11-2007, 10:25 AM

Just keep doing what you're doing?!!!! I was a bodybuilder when I was probable DXd 3 years ago, Fully Dxd, last year. I still am a bodybuilder. 5-6x week pumping iron!! I am a fully-employed professionsal (translation 45+ hrs per week the norm). I have great days and not-so great days. When I was on Avonex, feeling like crap, I still pushed myself. PUshing oneself is a great motivator in this MS world. Also, there is something to be said for denial. 95% of the time I am in denial about this MS crap and I'm very happy for that.

BTW, Provigil has done wonderful things for my fatigue. Definately check it out.

PghGuy00 · 07-11-2007, 12:27 PM

Oh BTW, I do some running at times for cardio, but last week I did 6 miles at one time!! Never did that before, ever!!