I finally have my answer

[LATW]

I went to the MS clinic here in my state yesterday. After about 5 years of off and on problems I was diagnosed with MS yesterday.
I am not happy with the dx but am glad to know what is going on, and that I am not crazy.
Five years ago I started to have eye pain and visual changes. Numbness in my right foot. Had an MRI and it was clean. Had an EMG done. It showed Carpal Tunnel in my left hand. But, I do not have any sypmtoms of CT.
I went a couple of years with nothing then I was hit hard with Trigeminal Neuralgia. I thought maybe it was a tooth so I declined going on treatment. I had pretty constant facial and head pain during that time. Only it was tolerable. Then I had another flair of TN pain and decided to get my tooth looked at. I had a tooth pulled thinking that was the problem. Hoping pulling it would take care of my problem. It didn't, I still have mild TN pain. Then in May of this past year I developed Optic Neuritis. Went for all of the MS tests this time.
Brain MRI showed ON and area of demyelenation. Although the area was not in the "typical" MS area. I saw two different neurologists. One said the area was migrane or caused by high bp. The other said migraine stressed caused by my 7 children. Crazy woman!!
I gave up at that point. Went on. Had another test in September to see how my eye was doing. Things were improving. January 2008. Eye pain started again. Went to eye doctor have vision field test. It was now worse than with the first bout of ON. They claim to have seen pallar this time.
Went for MRI. Confirmed ON again. I finally got into the MS clinic yesterday. I took all of my tests. MRI's, BAER,SSER, VER, blood work, eye exams, letter from my PCP..
Two MS specialists went through all of my paper work before they saw me. They had their minds made up even before they did my exam. They said I am in the early stages of MS. They want me to start Avonex in the next couple of weeks. They started me on Trileptal for face pain. I have to go for a T-spine MRI in two weeks.
So, combined with all of my tests, history, and exam I did leave finally knowing what is going on. I am not happy, but at least I know now. Being in LImbo is very difficult. I feel bad for all of you who are still trying to get help.


LA

[MSJayhawk]

Seven children! I grew up with 3 sisters and 4 brothers. No, there is no need to be sad about the diagnosis- now you can start living without the limbo stress. I hope your children and family will rally behind you and lend you a hand as necessary. Life is not over- God has blessed you and your cup surely runs over. The Apostle Paul was not alleviated from his physical problem, and yet he performed exceptionally.

I welcome you to the "MS Family" and hope you have innumerable terrific days.

[LATW]

You are so right! My sister said to me today that is was not FAIR. My mind had not even gone to the fairness of any of this, I realize how blessed I am with my children and new grand daughter. The kids are what I wake up for each morning! There are a lot of things that are not fair in life. Or don't seem fair.

However, I know that God will not give me more than HE can help me through.
This is certainly one of those fires He puts us through to make us into what He wants us to be. Just like with Paul.
One thing I am already learning in these short 24 hours is that there are people ready and willing to help. I am happy to be out of limbo and am doing pretty good tonight.

Thanks!

LATW

Originally Posted by MSJayhawk

Seven children! I grew up with 3 sisters and 4 brothers. No, there is no need to be sad about the diagnosis- now you can start living without the limbo stress. I hope your children and family will rally behind you and lend you a hand as necessary. Life is not over- God has blessed you and your cup surely runs over. The Apostle Paul was not alleviated from his physical problem, and yet he performed exceptionally.

I welcome you to the "MS Family" and hope you have innumerable terrific days.

[glamour girl]

LATW Welcome to our boards..
Sven children... ooh what fun times with stories; you have around the dinner table.. Sounds wonderful. 5 years not knowing what was going on health wise, WOW that must have driven you crazy. At least they finally found a name for your pain.
I was dx 7 years ago. and i'm still learnig things all the time.
This board is filled with knowledge and support; i'm sure people here will answer any questions you come across.
Healthy days ahead..

[sassy8]

Welcome Latw I'm glad that you have finally gotten an answer. That relieves half the stress. It took a few years to find out about myself. I'm 1 of 5 children we always had someone to play with. God is good all the time. Ms is a journey that we don't have to go on alone. We have alot of support here and especially from God. Take care Sassy